In response to requests from James II and his viceroy Tyrconnell, Louis sent Saint-Ruhe to replace James's illegitimate son Berwick as commander of the Irish Army. The decision was made in January although the Irish were not informed until April. Saint-Ruhe had secret instructions to assess the situation and help Louis make a decision on whether to send further military aid. With a temporary general's commission and accompanied by lieutenant-generals de Tessé and d'Usson, Saint-Ruhe arrived at Limerick on 9 May 1691, bringing sufficient arms, corn and meal to sustain the army until the autumn.