On October 15th, news finally came from the north: General Bouyé began his march towards Paris.
Anning was delighted upon receiving this news, believing that Leopold II would soon declare war.
However, after waiting for several days, there was no action from Leopold II.
Anning had already ordered the troops to prepare for an advance to Italy, just waiting for the declaration of war to confront Austria's Marshal Boliue.
But even as Bouyé advanced to Verdun, the Holy Roman Emperor had not yet declared war, and Anning paced back and forth in front of the map daily, thinking, "What are you doing, Leopold II? Hurry up with the God's War, how much longer must we wait?"
Every day from Paris came several letters, urging Anning to quickly head north to defend Paris.
Anning was in a difficult position. Without a declaration of war from the Holy Roman Empire, marching into Italy would be tantamount to an undeclared war, dishonorable.
