text:  The French army in their front was rarely inferior to theirs often superior; and how was it possible in these circumstances to adventure on the perilous course of pushing on into the heart of the enemy's territory leaving the frontier fortresses yet unsubdued in their rear? The disastrous issue of the Blenheim campaign to the French arms even when supported by the friendly arms and all the fortresses of Bavaria in the preceding year had shown what was the danger of such a course