Folio 24. Main Recess, i.e. final resolution, or decree, of the convention of the...

Folio 24. Main Recess, i.e. final resolution, or decree, of the convention of the six 'upper' circles formed into a defence 'association' (see ff.16 and 21) 'sub auspiciis caesareis' as shown by [14] enclosures marked A-O, and particularly those marked F-M. Consisting of seventeen articles making the following provisions: - 1. Dispensing with ceremonial; resolutions not to prejudice the prerogatives of the principals represented. 2. Association, or alliance, thus the 'miles perpetuus', to remain operative also in peace 'contra quosvis turbatores et contraventores', the [existence of the] defence force to be mentioned in any forthcoming peace treaty. 3. Repartition of circle contingents, approved of by imperial resolution at Ratisbon, Aug 20, 1681, to be retained with reservation, i.e. trebling of contingent rates, so that, during war, of a circle force of 60,000 men two thirds be infantry and one third cavalry, during peace, however, the force to number at least 40,000 if not 60,000, as 'conjuncture' may require. 4. Commander-in-chief to be the same as that of imperial army, in the present case margrave Louis William of Baden-Baden, lieutenant-general; if he be unable to continue in command, the circles to agree among themselves upon a successor. 5. The association being based upon empire constitution and procedure ('Reichs-Executions-ordnung'), the 'succouring' circle(s) are to employ their contingent(s) without charge to the circles needing aid, adequate provisions for men and horses as well as sufficient soldiers' pay to be the responsibility of the respective commissariat(s), troops not to be given any cause for foraging or other excesses. 6. Since foraging is forbidden, circles are to provide suitable store depôts for flour, oats and hay, within reach of the centre of operations; circles are also to apply, orderly and formally, through their local authorities to officers and commissariats for necessary transport vehicles [for provisions]. 7. Transport of victuals and fodder from and to depôts within and between circles to be duty-free, princes and other sovereign estates to issue forms of certificate to field-commanders. 8. After a summer campaign, circle troops to be led back in order, to take up their winter quarters allocated to them in preference to any extraneous troops; circles, however, to give reciprocal assistance. 9. Conformity of supply and pay regulations not to be enforced. 10. Maintenance of liaison and contact between circles with particular regard to mutual assistance in the first place between 'corresponding', i.e. directly adjoining circles, (a) Franconia, Bavaria and Swabia, and (b) Electoral Lower Rhine, Upper Rhine and Westphalia, depending on threat or attack; thereafter by all six circles, following decisions by the high command. 11. Circles to be responsible for replacement of manpower of depleted units and replenishing equipment, through the appropriate commissariat. 12. Circles to be responsible for recruiting sufficient craftsmen for maintenance and repair of ordnance and small fire-arms. 13. Setting up of a joint 'operational' money chest, as had already been established between Franconia and Swabia, to pay for means of communication such as couriers, expresses, special congresses and other meetings, each circle to have a cashier or teller at high command headquarters. 14. Keeping 'sharp discipline' throughout all ranks. 15. Regulating of passage of [circle] troops with particular regard to accommodation and victualling; circles to notify each other of impending marches. 16. 'Formula associationis' existing between Franconia and Swabia to be more or less applicable to the association as a whole. 17. Co-operation between circle directorates and writ-offices, to gain the active mutual assistance recommended by Mayence. - Enclosing summons, agenda and other papers marked A-H and K-O, A-M for information of the Emperor whose observer was his resident at Mayence, Louis Gustavus count Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst. Signed by delegates, except those of the circle of Bavaria [?not copied - Lower margin cut off]. Marked 'J'.

Date and Place: 1697 Jan 13/23 Frankfurt