Chapter 28: Louis The Worried
Recently, Louis had begun wondering if his desire to secure his frontiers had been misguided. Lovouis had died a few months ago, and Louis’ doubts which had started festering around the turn of the year had continued to grow. Money was disappearing for this war, and the intake of money to pay for the war was slowing down. He knew that either he’d have to raise taxes, or go for broke somewhere, and that worried him more than he cared to admit.
“Report.” He demanded.
Lovouis’ son who he had named as his new Secretary of State for War replied. “Sire, there has been a troubling development on the Spanish Frontier.” For a brief moment Louis thought the boy meant in Catalonia, and then the boy continued. “There was a battle between the Marshal du Vauban and the English under Lord Churchill at Mons. Vauban was tricked and defeated, being forced to retreat. He was badly injured, and the artillery which he had taken with him was seized by the English.”
Louis waited for a moment, allowing this news to sink in. He had not thought that Vauban would be defeated, the man was too smart by half, but this, this seemed possible. “How many casualties, did we sustain?” He asked.
The boy looked down at his notes and replied. “Some three thousand, according to the Marshal’s estimates. The English sent a forward party that engaged as if they were more than their actual number, the Marshal felt he could engage them and then circle and take the town.”
So, he was arrogant. Louis thought to himself. That was not like the Marshal, but he supposed it was bound to happen sooner or later. “And what does the Marshal say of the English, did they follow him?” If the English had decided to follow the Marshal then they were in danger of having a full invasion on their hands. For if the English invaded, then the Dutch and Spanish would.
“The Marshal writes that he could not see them on his tail, but that they would be foolish not to.” The boy replied.
Louis nodded, that meant there would be an invasion sometime soon, an invasion that would definitely bring that fool William of Orange and his men with them. “Boufflers,” he said looking at the Marshal. “How many men do we have prepared to leave for the north east at a moment’s notice?” He tried to remain calm, but his nervousness was growing.
“Vendome’s Brigade, my own brigade and the brigade of Catinet, Sire.” Boufflers replied. “Vendome’s and mine own brigade are the more combat ready though.”
Louis suspected there was an element of competition there, but he did not care, competition was good. “Very well, we want your brigade and Vendome’s brigade to march north,” he looked at the boy and asked. “Where did Vauban say he was camped?”
“Denain, Sire.” The boy replied.
“Very well, take your brigade with Vendome and head to Denain, and fortify the town. Should the English, we want you to engage them in battle and finish them.” Louis said, knock the only host the English had in this war, and that was one less enemy he had to worry about. He turned his attention to another part of the map. “What of the Spanish, how are they doing?”
“Bellver, Rosas and Camprodon have all fallen before the Duke of Noailles, Sire.” The boy said. “He writes that he believes the Spanish will have to sign a peace treaty before long.”
“Good.” Louis said. “We shall wish to hear news of Barcelona’s fall before the year’s end.” He knew that was asking a lot, but he knew that Noailles could achieve it especially with the rate of decline within Spain.
Boufflers spoke then. “Sire, if I may?” Louis gestured for the man to continue. “With the threat of the English invading, and with the Duke of Savoy mobilising his forces, would it perhaps not be best to force the Spanish to sue for peace now, with the issuing of terms, including the succession, rather than trying to keep going?”
Louis looked at Boufflers, and then at Colbert, his Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the man quickly took direction. “Sire, I believe that the taking of one or two more towns and the fear that Barcelona could fall would encourage King Carlos to move toward a peace, which would greatly free the men under Noailles and allow them to engage the Savoyards. Furthermore, the threat of Barcelona’s fall could therefore encourage him to settle the succession toward Monsieur Le Dauphin and his children.”
Louis nodded, that was his preferred course of action, if he could get a Pope who was favourable to him as well, perhaps he could ensure that the other claimant’s daughter was married to his grandson Philippe. He looked at the boy and said. “Inform the Duke of Noailles, that we wish for him to continue exerting pressure until Barcelona falls, or the King of Spain seeks peace.” The boy nodded.
Colbert spoke then. “Sire, there is also the issue of peace between the Ottomans and the Austrians. Sultan Mehmed believes he is under strain financially and cannot risk keeping the fighting going. However, my friends in Constantinople inform me that his son Prince Mustafa is more than willing to keep fighting for glory and pride.”
“Do we have the resources to ensure the man takes the throne?” Louis asked, it was important that the Emperor was kept fighting on two fronts, for Louis knew that if he joined with his full force of men that they were finished.
“Yes, Sire.” Colbert replied.
“Then ensure that it is done. And send an emissary to Savoy and ask if he is willing to discuss a marriage.” Louis stated.
Colbert smiled. “Of course, Your Most Christian Majesty.”