Chapter 87: A Peace Discussion
December, 1706
“Word has come from the Elector Palatine, Sire.” Leopold Auersperg, his foreign minister said. “It seems that a small battle took place at the border between the domains of the Elector and the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel. The Elector won and forced the Landgrave to flee the field. However, per your orders he did not pursue.”
“Excellent.” Joseph replied. “The Landgrave will now no doubt be writing to Versailles demanding aid.”
“Indeed, Sire.” Leopold replied. “And I do not think that aid will be forthcoming. The King of France has only allowed a further two brigades to join those that were stationed in French territory on the Rhine. Completely contradicting the order of war, he issued.”
Joseph frowned at that. “How interesting, why might he be doing that?”
Eugen Franz, Prince of Thurn and Taxis and Postmaster General spoke then. “Because he does not want a long war, Sire. I think that the King of France is far more interested in taking the Spanish Netherlands than anything else. Notice how his commitment to the League of the Rhine has fluctuated depending on the manoeuvres of the Dutch and the English. I think we have a chance here.”
Joseph looked at the man and then asked. “You are referring to the offer he has sent?”
“I am, Sire.” Eugen replied. “I think it is a sensible offer, and makes far more sense than giving Archduke Karl the prize.”
Joseph took a breath, then said. “It does make sense. A marriage between our son Leopold Joseph and the King’s daughter, a large dowry and then the ability to clear up the mess his league has made. However, we still have reservations. This is France we are speaking about. How do we know that this King Louis is not like the old King Louis?”
“For one thing it seems his wife is the one who is shepherding him toward this policy, Sire.” Eugen said. “The Queen of France has been seen meeting with the Spanish Ambassador and with various other members of the King’s inner circle, and policy seems to have been shaped that way. Plus, there is the letter we were able to get from the Landgrave himself, which suggests he is fully aware of this.”
“But then, if the Landgrave is aware of this, why would he join the League?” Rudolf Waldburg asked.
“A chance to show that he has some power.” Joseph answered. “He wants to compete with his cousin and with the Elector Palatine. This was his chance to show that he could. But of course, he has ruined that chance.”
“So, then, the choice is clear is it not?” Leopold asked. “Either we accept this offer of peace and the marriage, or we continue fighting a war that neither side actually wants.”
“I would recommend going for peace, Sire.” Eugen said. “We know that the League doesn’t have the capability to fight without France, and we know that France doesn’t want to extend its border beyond what it is now, at least on the Rhine.”
“And if the French invade the Spanish Netherlands?” Joseph asked. “What then?”
“Then that would be a problem for the Dutch and the English, and no concern of ours, Sire.” Eugen said. “They did not aid us the last time we fought the French.”
Joseph thought on this for a moment. If he agreed, the French would pull out of the League, leaving its members helpless, and thus he could use their attempt to rebel as a reason to crack down on them, whilst at the same time pointing out France’s treachery to lure them back into the fold. Either way he had an option to increase Imperial power. He would be a fool not to take it. He took a breath and then said. “Send word to the French ambassador, we shall accept his King’s proposal.”