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 the Spanish troops were posted in a fortified camp at Villanova, halfway between Asti and Turin.
Leaving only a small body of troops to guard the lower valley of Susa from an attack by the Spaniards at Turin, the army advanced to Carignano, and thence towards Villanova.