I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 1205 Unexpected
Domestic warfare only requires soldiers and weapons; logistical supplies can be mobilized by nearby local governments. However, when waging war overseas, a large number of draft horses and wagons are mandatory, in addition to a large number of accompanying artisans.

Russia had previously lost tens of thousands of horses and almost all of its accompanying vehicles during its expedition to India, so at this time it could only send about 6 troops to Europe.

Troops can only be increased once wagons and supplies from Moscow, Novgorod, and other places are transferred to the west.

Suvorov did not stay with his main army the whole time. After entering Little Poland, he set off alone with his guards to Vienna.

He needed to first obtain detailed information about the Allied forces' operational deployment from the Austrian General Staff, and then determine in which direction the Russian forces would achieve the best results.

As one of Europe's most outstanding strategists and tacticians, he knew that the French were not so easy to deal with—generals such as Masséna and Moreau had fully demonstrated their excellent command abilities in previous wars, and coupled with the French army's superior weaponry, the Allied forces could suffer a devastating blow if they were not careful.

However, when he arrived in Vienna and saw the Allied forces' battle plan, he finally felt relieved.

“This plan is flawless.” He put away the map covered in markings and asked the Austrian staff officer in front of him in fluent French, “Did you devise this plan?”

"No, General, I don't have that ability. This is a plan proposed by Archduke Karl."

Suvorov blurted out, "That young prince who led the Austrian army to successfully escape the French pursuit? Oh, sorry, I shouldn't have brought that up..."

He added to himself, "Austria has finally produced a military strategist. It seems victory in this war is only a matter of time."

……

La Chaux-de-Fonds, a small border town in western Switzerland.

Massena tugged at his collar and stamped his cold feet. Although it was only late September, the temperature here at dusk had already dropped to five or six degrees Celsius.

Although the area was sparsely populated, it was still Swiss territory, and to avoid attracting attention, he did not allow his soldiers to light campfires for warmth. He himself also endured the cold.

"Why hasn't the enemy made a move yet?" Artillery Commander Marmon muttered, shrinking his neck. "Could the intelligence be wrong?"

Udino shook his head: "Last week's battle report said that Austrian troops had appeared in the Alberg Pass area. They're probably just marching too slowly."

The Arberg Pass is an important pass connecting Innsbruck, Austria, to Zurich.

Marmont continued to complain, "In that case, we should head to Zurich immediately..."

Major Gazen, standing nearby, immediately nodded. In fact, many officers believed that an ambush should be set up in the vicinity before the Allied forces arrived in Zurich.

Massena turned his head to look at the sunset: "Looks like today should be..."

He was about to turn back to his tent when he caught sight of the messenger rushing towards him out of the corner of his eye, and immediately stopped in his tracks: "There must be news."

Sure enough, the messenger came before him, reined in his horse, and announced loudly, "General, the Prussian-Austrian allied forces captured Zurich yesterday afternoon. Their total strength should exceed 6."

Marmont immediately exclaimed excitedly, "Let's set off immediately, General!"

Massena shook his head: "We still have to wait for the Swiss."

"Huh?" The officers were all taken aback. "What are we waiting for them for?"

They didn't have to wait long; about an hour later, French diplomat Rocard and two Swiss officials arrived at the military camp by car.

Rocard gestured to the two men: "General, they are representatives of the Fribourg and Bern cantonal councils. They are formally requesting that our country send troops to uphold Switzerland's neutrality."

Yes, Joseph had instructed French diplomats in Switzerland to establish diplomatic relations with the Swiss Parliament immediately after the Allied invasion. However, the fall of the Swiss capital was too swift this time, so they could only obtain authorization from the cantonal parliament.

Fortunately, the cantons of Switzerland are highly independent and can even declare war on their own. Therefore, when the Federal Parliament loses its power, this essentially represents the will of the Swiss state.

With Switzerland's request for troops, the French army would gain home-field advantage here.

The two Swiss officials looked around at the French camp with some surprise, and it took them a while to come to their senses before stepping forward to salute Massena.

Massena smiled and returned the greeting: "Mr. Rocard sent his attendant on horseback to inform me; we have only just crossed the Dou River ourselves."

Although the Swiss knew he was talking nonsense—such a large force would take several days to assemble—there was no time to dwell on that. He simply bowed again and said, "Thank you for your assistance. We hope you can defeat the invaders as soon as possible."

The diplomat's carriage continued toward Paris. Marmont glanced at his pocket watch and said to the messenger, "It's still a while before nightfall. Order the entire army to proceed to Zurich immediately."

"Yes, General!"

Soon, 23,000 soldiers, including the French Royal Third and Sixth Infantry Divisions and the Royal Second Artillery Battalion, began a forced march along the southern foothills of the Jura Mountains.

Their objective was not to defeat the Allied forces that had entered Switzerland, but to use the dense network of waterways and mountains in central Switzerland to tie down the enemy.

The following morning, Davouté led two infantry regiments and an artillery company, totaling more than 3800 men, from France to the heart of Switzerland to the east.

Massena kept urging the soldiers to keep up their pace.

La Chaux-de-Fonds is 130 kilometers from Zurich. He was unsure when the Allied forces would set off south, so he wanted to secure advantageous terrain as early as possible to better intercept them.

However, at noon the very next day, the hussar who had gone out to scout returned and reported: "General, Austrian troops have been spotted 9 kilometers to the northeast. They are estimated to number around 20,000."

The staff officer immediately unfolded a map, and the hussar pointed to the north side of Lake Biel: "It's around here."

Udino frowned upon hearing this and said, "They should be going to Lausanne, but there seems to be too few of them."

“It seems the Prussians have other things to do.” Massena pondered and gestured to his staff, “Munster, report this to the General Staff immediately.”

Then he looked at the map: "We have to stop this Austrian army first."

……

Southern Netherlands.

Nijmegen.

A group of British cavalry returned along the pontoon bridge over the Waal River and reported to Sir Moore: "General, no Flemish were found."

Moore smiled and nodded: "As expected. They'll most likely stay in Antwerp. The French might send reinforcements, but that won't change anything."

He signaled to the messenger: "Let the soldiers cross the river. We will rest in Herusbeck today."

Although the Netherlands is not the main battlefield, a breakthrough there could still deal a heavy blow to France.

(End of this chapter)