Mazarin at this point draws upon Plessis-Praslin's army for reinforcements to be sent to subdue the rebellion in the south, forcing the royal general to retire.

Archduke Leopold Wilhelm now decides that he has spent enough of the king of Spain's money and men in the French quarrel.

His regular army withdraws into winter quarters, and leaves Turenne to deliver the princes with a motley host of Frondeurs and Lorrainers.

Plessis-Praslin by force and bribery on December 13, 1650, secures the surrender of Rethel, and Turenne, who has advanced to relieve the place, falls back hurriedly, but he is a terrible opponent, and Plessis-Praslin and Mazarin himself, who accompanies the army, have many misgivings as to the result of a lost battle.

The marshal chooses nevertheless to force Turenne to a decision, and the Battle of Blanc-Champ (near Somme-Py) or Rethel is the consequence.

Both sides are at a standstill in strong positions, Plessis-Praslin doubtful of the trustworthiness of his cavalry, Turenne too weak to attack, when a dispute for precedence arises between the Gardes Françaises and the Picardie regiment.

The royal infantry has to be rearranged in order of regimental seniority, and Turenne, seeing and desiring to profit by the attendant disorder, comes out of his stronghold and attacked with the greatest vigor.

The battle waged on December 15, 1650, is severe and for a time doubtful, but Turenne's Frondeurs give way in the end, and his army, as an army, ceases to exist.