Vaudemont at once began to plot to overthrow Catinat, in conjunction with Tesse, who had expected the command, and who was irritated because it had not been given to him.  They were in communication with Chamillart, Minister of War, who aided them, as did other friends at Court, to be hereafter named, in carrying out their object.  It was all the more easy because they had to do with a man who depended for support solely upon his own talent, and whose virtue and simplicity raised him above all intrigue and scheming; and who, with much ability and intelligence, was severe in command, very laconic, disinterested, and of exceeding pure life.

Prince Eugene commanded the army of the Emperor in Italy.  The first two generals under him, in order of rank, were allied with Vaudemont:  one, in fact, was his only son; the other was the son of a friend of his.  The least reflection ought to have opened all eyes to the conduct of Vaudemont, and to have discerned it to be more than suspicious.  Catinat soon found it out.  He could plan nothing against the enemy that they did not learn immediately; and he never attempted any movement without finding himself opposed by a force more than double his own; so gross was this treachery.

Catinat often complained of this:  he sent word of it to the Court, but without daring to draw any conclusion from what happened.  Nobody sustained him at Court, for Vaudemont had everybody in his favour.  He captured our general officers by his politeness, his magnificence, and, above all, by presenting them with abundant supplies.  All the useful, and the agreeable, came from his side; all the dryness, all the exactitude, came from Catinat.  It need not be asked which of the two had all hearts.  In fine, Tesse and Vaudemont carried out their schemes so well that Catinat could do nothing.

While these schemes were going on, the Imperialists were enabled to gain time, to strengthen themselves, to cross the rivers without obstacle, to, approach us; and, acquainted with everything as they were, to attack a portion of our army on the 9th July, at Capri, with five regiments of cavalry and dragoons.  Prince Eugene led this attack without his coming being in the least degree suspected, and fell suddenly upon our troops.  Tesse, who was in the immediate neighbourhood with some dragoons, advanced rapidly upon hearing this, but only with a few dragoons.  A long resistance was made, but at last retreat became necessary.  It was accomplished in excellent order, and without disturbance from the enemy; but our loss was very great, many officers of rank being among the dead.