Folio 188. Recess of the convention of the circles of Swabia and Franconia. Refer...

Folio 188. Recess of the convention of the circles of Swabia and Franconia. Refer to the recess representing a mutual defence 'tractat' for the duration of one year, agreed upon at the joint convention at Ulm in May/June, 1691 which was then prorogued. The present assembly [at Nuremberg] was convened to explain and consolidate the provisions of that 'tractat' and the new recess consists of twelve articles. 1. Whilst the intention of the previous agreement remains unaltered, certain differences had arison from it which have now been settled. 2. Each of the circles to furnish 12,000 men horse and foot for the next campaign, the combined forces of 24,000 and all materiel to be maintained and regularly replenished as long as the association lasts, even if the troops be used by the allied and/or the imperial commands taking the offensive; musters to be held under mutual supervision; whenever possible, only men indigenous to the circles to be posted on active service and liable to recall from allied or imperial commands in the event of the circles being threatened by internal strife ('periculum intrinsecum'); there follow exact stipulations on discipline, adequate pay and rations to obviate all foraging. 3. Procurement of magazines, which is the task of commissaries, should be free of charge, but should, after finding suitable accommodation, give no further burden or labour to resident burghers and other subjects. 4. The ruinous effects of irregular and disorderly passages of troops to be brought to the notice of the Emperor and the relevant existing guide-lines agreed upon in the imperial diet(s) should be revised in accordance with the empire constitutions, failing which both circles either jointly or separately to look after their interests particularly with regard to the passages and re-passages of troops of extraneous armed estates who are obliged to notify [the two circles] and pay 'base-wise' for the using-up of 'consumptibles'. 5. General officers of the circle troops to be, in general, under orders of the supreme allied or imperial commander or his deputy, but to have, where practicable, seat and voice in the supreme councils of war and are, in any case, to be notified of decisions. 6. Since the maintenance of their army of 24,000 is the limit of their capacity, they will refuse to bear any [additional] burdens such as further contributions, subsidies or winter quarters; they will petition the Emperor to impose prests of 'proportional equality' throughout the empire. 7. Stationing of troops of the line to be left to the judgment of either circle as far as it is not prejudicial to general defence and the decisions of the supreme command. 8. Neither of the two circles to enter into association with other circles without notifying the original associate, but after due notification the respective partner to have free hand; new agreements not to be in any way detrimental to the existing association. 9. To prevent damage to, and shortage of, 'consumptibles' caused by baggage-trains, appropriate measures are to be considered. 10. Regarding the 'concurrence' of knights of the empire ('Reichsritterschaft'), they are deemed to be 'incorporated' [in the two circles]. 11. General officers of the [combined] circle militia to be notified of the provisions of the recess well before the beginning of the campaign to induce them to stricter observance. 12. The recess is to come into force on May 1 next following and to remain effective for the duration of the present 'conjuncturen' or until the conclusion of a 'reputable' peace. It is to be ratified by both circles. Appended: Memorandum recording invitation by the circle directorates to the circle of Upper Rhine to accede, the estates of that circle, however, being [at present] in no position to do so; but ascession at a later date being anticipated, fair copies for exchange prepared. [Inscribed cover page].

Date and Place: 1692 Feb 29/Mar 10 Nuremberg