PARIS, Friday, December 29, 1673.
M. de Luxembourg is a little pressed near Maestricht, by the army of
M. de Monterei[88] and the Prince of Orange; he dares not venture to
remove his camp, and he must perish where he is, unless they send him
speedy and effectual succor. The prince is to set out four days hence
with the duke and M. de Turenne; the latter is to serve under the two
princes, and there is a perfectly good understanding between the three.
They have twenty thousand foot, and ten thousand horse; the volunteers
and those companies which are not to march, do not go, but all the rest
do. La Trousse and my son, who arrived here yesterday, are to be of
the number; they have scarcely had time to pull off their boots before
they are in the mud again. The rendezvous is appointed at Charleroi,
on the 16th of January. D’Hacqueville has written you word of this,
but you will read it more distinctly in my letter.[89] It is certainly
very important news, and has occasioned a great bustle every where.
We know not what to do for money. It is certain M. de Turenne is not
on terms with M. de Louvois, but it is not generally known; and while
he continues to keep in with M. Colbert, there will be nothing said
about it. This afternoon I had some great folks with me, who desired
their compliments to M. de Grignan, and to _Grignan’s wife_. They were
the grand-master, and the _charmer_.[90] I had besides, Brancas, the
Archbishop of Rheims, Charôt, La Trousse, etc., who all in like manner
desired to be remembered to you. They talk of nothing but war. The
_charmer_ knows all our affairs, and enters admirably into our little
perplexities. He is governor of a province, which is sufficient to give
him an idea of our feelings on those subjects. Adieu, my dearest child.
I participate in all the joys of your conquests.
[88] Governor of the Spanish Low Countries.
[89] M. d’Hacqueville wrote a hand very difficult to be read.
[90] The Count de Lude and the Duke de Villeroi.