was to be divided between the two powers; while the Dukes of Savoy,
Parma, and Mantua agreed to undertake, in alliance with France,
the invasion of Milan, and to receive in return a portion of the
territory won from Spain. At the same time France declared war
against Spain. It was to the army commanded by Cardinal de la
Valette, which was to act with that of Saxe-Weimar against the
Imperialists, that Turenne was attached.

The campaign began unfavourably. The impetuosity of Saxe-Weimar,
who hoped to recover his own principality, induced Valette to cross
the Rhine; but he was forced to retire in all haste, and the army
suffered terribly in the retreat. Turenne was in command of the
advanced guard, and his courage and activity alone saved the army
from complete destruction -- seizing upon defiles, overthrowing the
enemy who barred the passages, and enabling the army to recross
the Rhine with numbers diminished only by sickness, fatigue, and
hunger. At the siege of Saverne, Turenne led the French troops to
the attack after three repulses, and succeeded in gaining a footing
in the town, but received himself a very severe wound in the arm
with a musket ball. During the following year several towns were
captured but no decisive operations took place.

In 1638, the Duke of Saxe-Weimar gained some great successes,
defeated the Imperialists with heavy loss at Rheinfelden, and
besieged Breisach, the key of southern Germany. The Imperialist
army marched to relieve the place, but reinforcements were sent
from France under the command of Turenne and Longueville. Three
battles were fought and the Austrians driven off. After an assault
by Turenne, Breisach capitulated, and all Alsace had now fallen
into the hands of Saxe-Weimar. Having been promised Alsace he