Unfortunately Turin is in the enemy's hands, but as the duchess's
troops still hold the citadel, an advance could not very well be
made until that has fallen. Chivasso and Carignano are safe from any
sudden attack. There are other minor roads, but so long as these
towns are in our hands and held by strong garrisons, an enemy
advancing by any of these roads towards Susa would be liable to have
their communications cut, and their convoys captured by parties
from these fortresses. It has long been a fixed idea in military
operations that an army cannot advance as long as a town near the
line of route is held by the enemy. That idea is an erroneous
one, and several times upon the Rhine we have gained successes by
neglecting this rule and disregarding the towns, contenting ourselves
with leaving a force sufficient to keep the garrison in check.

"The Spaniards, however, are slow to change their tactics, good
soldiers as they are. The consequence is that, although greatly
superior in force, last year they made no offensive movement against
us. We have had several regiments join us since we arrived here,
and although I believe the enemy's force to be twice as strong as
our own, I have no doubt that the Count d'Harcourt will as soon as
he arrives decide upon taking the offensive. You see our position
here, guarded as it is on both flanks by the line of mountains, is
as favourable for offence as defence, for we can advance either
through Carignano on our right or Chivasso on our left; and however
the enemy may dispose themselves they are vulnerable on one side
or the other."

This anticipation was justified. D'Harcourt arrived three days
later. A council of war was held, and it was decided that an
advance should at once be made against the enemy. The main body of