Madrid Advices on Crown Controversy and Portuguese Front
Packet reports King of Spain favors Spanish monarchy over French claims and seeks peacetime assurances to avoid a united Bourbon crown. Army in Estramadura quarters, a 5,000 to 6,000 man detachment marches toward the frontier of Portugal. French actions include Catalonia council of war and significant troop movements near the Scarpe front with sieges and counterattacks.