Chapter 20: March To War
April, 1690
“Our cousin Louis continues to refuse any sort of negotiation or compromise regarding Spain and the inheritance.” Leopold said reading the letter that his sister Marianna had sent him. “He demands the Spanish Netherlands in return for recognising the claim of our daughter to the throne of Spain, and in recompense for the non-payment of the dowry for his wife.” Leopold had to admit Louis was bold and daring, if not the brightest spark, he knew what he was doing. “Naturally, our sister the Queen Dowager and regent has refused, saying that the Spanish Empire will go to our daughter and nothing less. However, this has led to Louis mobilising troops.” He finished there, placing the letter to one side.
The Prince of Salm spoke then. “The answer is a simple one, Sire. We must fight France in the field of battle and we must beat them completely.”
“We are aware, the question is where.” Leopold responded. “Our sister writes that they are marshalling forces to invade Spanish Navarre, that they are trying to instigate rebellion in Catalonia. We know they are trying to send ships into Naples and Sicily, and are moving into Philipsburg once more to strengthen their position. That is three fronts we need to be concerned about.”
Salm said something Leopold had not expected then. “Naples and Sicily should not be our concern, Sire. Milan protects the integrity of the Empire, therefore that must be our primary concern in Italy. As must the Rhine. If necessary then we can try to send aid to the Spanish Netherlands, though with the recent striking of alliances with the Dutch Republic and England, I do not think that will be necessary.”
“And there is the fact that the French King has won the Duke of Savoy over to his cause through arranging the marriage of his grandson with Savoy’s daughter.” Charles Henri said. “Which means that Savoy will have French support in their attempts to gain Milan.”
Leopold wanted to sigh, but instead he forced that down. “Very well. We shall direct Eugene to marshal his forces and ride with haste toward Milan. We cannot afford it falling into French or Savoyard hands.”
Salm nodded and made a note of that. “Perhaps the Margrave of Baden can push forward from his position in Cologne, Sire?”
“Yes. We want Philipsburg in our hands and then we shall march from there onto Luxembourg.” Leopold said. “Tell Lorraine that we want him aiding Baden as much as possible.” Leopold personally thought that Lorraine was the superior commander, but he was also wary of giving the man too much power.
“Of course, Sire.” Salm said. The man made another note and then he asked. “What of the Spanish Netherlands? Will we leave it to the English and the Dutch to take control of the fighting in that area?”
Leopold shook his head. “No, we all know that the English will try and propose their ridiculous plan again if they get the chance. Instead we shall allow them some early chances to engage there, then when the chance comes we shall divert Lorraine to that field of combat.”
Salm made a note of that, and Ferdinand his finance minister said. “We will need to raise taxes then Sire. And we will need to get the Imperial Princes to agree as well.”
Leopold hesitated then, he knew that this matter might be regarded as a simple Austria against France matter, but he also knew that if France succeeded here, then the Empire’s integrity was in danger and that was something that nobody could stomach. “That man Swift still here?” A young man from England named Jonathan Swift had found his way to Vienna, talking about how he was great at writing things that would make people believe anything. Leopold had been intrigued by him.
“He is, Sire.” Ferdinand said.
“Pay him a fee and tell him he is to write a pamphlet that can be distributed easily, that will convince the people of the need for this war.” Leopold said.
“The people? Not the Electors, Sire?” Ferdinand asked.
“The Electors and the Princes will get their act together if the people are demanding action.” Leopold replied.
“Very well, Sire.” Ferdinand responded.
Leopold then turned to another matter that had been pressing at him. “Now with this war escalating, we shall need to sort out our daughter’s marriage.” He knew that technically as Queen of Spain his daughter could arrange her own marriage, but she was under his roof and his protection, therefore he would do it.
“Sobieski must be the one considered, Sire. He has French leanings, but if his son is married to Her Royal Highness then he will be more inclined to siding with you.” Salm said.
“Even if his grandchildren are not directly in line to the throne?” Leopold asked, unsure. He did not want to give Sobieski that much power.
“I believe so.” Salm said. “He will do whatever it takes to secure that inheritance, and with the issue of Bavaria still pressing well, who knows what you might be able to dangle in front of him.”
“Salm is right, Sire.” Charles Henri said. “Sobieski is not foolish, if his son is married to Her Royal Highness, he will have royal grandchildren, something he has long craved. Furthermore, Bavaria remains an issue.”
Leopold thought on that, he did not want to deny his grandson Leopold anything, but at the same time he knew that it was a possibility. Therefore, with great reluctance he said. “Very well, send word to Sobieski, tell him we shall confirm this marriage.” He would deal with his daughter himself.
I reckon as well that the marriage of his daughter to Louis' grandson will be something he'll look forward to.