LETTER CXLIV. To Mareschal Schomberg.
SIR,
I Have seen your Letter, which is very easie to answer. There's a great deal of difference between Surprizing a Place, and Besieging it. If Aupaux were a Pass of great impor∣tance, and from which we might expect great advantages, the best way were to besiege it; but, on the contrary, being on∣ly a useless Castle, founded upon a Rock, which opens no en∣trance into the Country, as perhaps it might be worth while to surprize it; so a Fortnight's Siege, would not be a little prejudicial, by reason it would not only alarm the Enemies, but spend a great deal of time, that might be otherwise bet∣ter employ'd, as about those Designs we projected before you went from hence.
I am very glad to hear you assure me, that every thing relating to Provisions and Artillery, shall be ready by the Fif∣teenth of April: So I am likewise, that you prepare your Men with great and vigorous Resolutions, and promise to see 'em executed. I conjure you this with a great deal of ear∣nestness, and desire you to believe that I am, &c.