A French army under the command of Marshal Duras had invaded the Palatinate and some of the neighbouring principalities.

But this expedition, though it had been completely successful, and though the skill and vigour with which it had been conducted had excited general admiration, could not perceptibly affect the event of the tremendous struggle which was approaching.
France would soon be attacked on every side.

It would be impossible for Duras long to retain possession of the provinces which he had surprised and overrun.

An atrocious thought rose in the mind of Louvois, who, in military affairs, had the chief sway at Versailles.

He was a man distinguished by zeal for what he thought the public interests, by capacity, and by knowledge of all that related to the administration of war, but of a savage and obdurate nature.