The political testament of M. Jean Baptist Colbert, minister and Secretary of State wherein is contain'd all that hath pass'd under the reign of Lewis the XIV unto the year 1684 : with remarks upon the government of the kingdom of France / translated out of French.

CHAP. V. Containing that which past from the War of Holland, to the Treaty of Nimmeguen.

THese Reflexions I have last made, having interrupted the Course of the Relation I was giving your Majesty of your great Actions, I now begin again where I left off. After you had, as I have already said, declar'd War against the Dutch, you quickly invaded their Country. They had recalled their Troops from Collen, in∣to which, in their Room, enter'd Three Thou∣sand Men of the Circle of Westphalia. Your Army was in all Respects very Formidable; so Brave and Numerous a one had not been seen a long time; and to shew your Power, the Prince of Condé was at the Head of another almost as great, besides a flying Camp which was commanded by the Count Chamilly.

The Duke of Lorrain had no mind to stay for you in Collen, he went out of it the last Year, for you had sent some Troops to Winter in that Country, into whose Hands he was afraid to fall. He retir'd to Francfort, where he be∣gun to make new Levies, believing that this War made so near the Empire, would create you so many Enemies, that he should quickly meet with an Opportunity to shew his ill Will to your Majesty. But nothing could stand be∣fore you; in less than a Month, yout took For∣ty fortify'd Towns, one of which could here∣tofore

have held out a whole Year, against a considerable Army. But your Conquests, I say, rais'd you new Enemies; the Emperour sent an Army against you, to which the Marquess Bran∣denburg joyn'd his Troops. They pretended to make the Princes of the Empire repent their so far taking your part, as to let you have Winter Quarters in their Country, but all they could do, was but to augment your Majesty's Glory, since instead of repulsing you, Viscount Turenne drove them into the Country of Mark, where he quarter'd all the Winter.

A little before this great Action, your Troops past the Rhine by Swimming, which caus'd such a Consternation among your Enemies, that you were within a little of being Master of Amsterdam. But a Burgh-Master of the Town, by giving Counsel to open the Sluces, and let in the Sea, rather than submit to any other Sove∣raign, saved the City. Nevertheless, being re∣duc'd to extremity, they sent your Majesty Pro∣positions of Peace, which the Prince of Conde, who had been Wounded in passing the Rhine, advis'd you to accept. All your Generals were of the same Opinion, and their reason for it was; because the Emperour and the Elector of Brandenburgh having already declar'd themselves against you, there was no doubt, but the whole Empire, allarm'd by your Conquests, would like∣wise follow their Example. But Marquess Louvoy, who pretended that he alone knew more than all these great Men put together, perswad∣ed your Majesty that the Dutch were brought so low, that they could never rise again; and

therefore you should accept of no other Com∣position, than their acknowledging themselves to be your Subjects: To which they must cer∣tainly yield, because they were not able to bear the payment of what the Princes (who declared for them) demanded for the Succours they lent them. He perswaded your Majesty to strike while the Iron was hot, and not to take other measures by making Peace; and if your Majesty did let slip this Opportunity, you could never while you liv'd expect the like.

To make good what he said, he pretended he had Intelligence from several Persons in the Country: And your Majesty confiding in him, because all the secret Dispatches went through his Hands, sent back the Dutch Embassadours, who were come into your Camp to offer you very good Conditions. And tho' they came again a few Days after with much better. Terms, yet your Minister, who was not for Peace, because his private Gain was so great by continuing the War, kept things from coming to any Conclusion. The Inhabitants of the Hague in the mean time Massacred John de Witt, who had sent those Embassadours to you, but they were recal'd soon after his Death.

This should teach Men never to refuse good Terms in hopes of better; and that it is not prudence to make an Enemy desperate. Beside, Affairs sometimes change their face in an in∣stant, and therefore we ought not to let things cool, but come to a Conclusion while they are warm. Which should have been done in this case, because your Majesty had declared you be∣gun

this War only to humble the Hollanders. You sufficiently humbled them, in forcing them to offer you so much as they did; and in not pretending to more, you had made it appear, that Correction, not Conquest, was your design. But proceeding so far as you did, procured you new Enemies, so that you see how much you were obliged to Monsieur Louvoy. I am confi∣dent that the great Hatred he bore me, was one reason why he gave your Majesty such ill Counsel. He foreseeing the continuance of the War would be prodigiously Expensive, and con∣sequently that in a little time I should not be able to find Money enough, to defray the vast Charge your Majesty would be put to, to maintain it; I should then be disgraced, and lose the Ho∣nour of your Favour.

But this was not the only fault Monsieur Lou∣voy committed this Campaign, it was he that was the cause why the City of Amsterdam did not open its Gates to your Majesty. For after you had put a Garrison into Ʋtrecht, the Marquess of Rochefort was sent to Command there. This General of a new impression, was guilty of so great a fault in not seizing upon Mayden, that your Majesty's goodness is to be admir'd, you did not punish him with the loss of his Head. You know the reasons why Monsieur Louvoy protect∣ed this General; they were the same with those that made him so bold, as to desire your Majesty to make Madam Fresnoy a Lady of the Bed-Chamber, to the Queen. She was Wife to one of the Marquess's Deputies, and he the Son of an Apo∣thecary, by the Daughter of a little Deputy in the

Post-Office. When all the World knows, that Per∣sons of the greatest Quality, even Dutchesses, would have thought it a great Honour to have had the place. I wonder he was not asham'd to recommend a Woman of no better Reputation to a place so near a Wise and Virtuous Princess, such things are never to be pardon'd, but give me an occasion to admire your Majesty's goodness.

Your Majesty's refusing, by Monsieur Louvoy's perswasion, to accept of a Peace; put all Europe into Combustion. The Spaniards, who were more concerned than the Emperour or the Electour of Brandenbourgh, to keep you from Conquering Holland; took the Field to favour the Prince of Orange's Designs. They joyn'd with him, and had you not been so cautious as to gain Count Marsin, who Commanded the Spaniards, they had defeated the Duke of Duras, who Com∣manded your Flying Camp after Monsieur Cha∣milli's Death. But Marsin purposely kept the Spaniards so long from passing the River Roer, that he gave the Duke time enough to save him∣self.

A Naval Combat accompanied these great Events, to your Majesty's Glory; for your Ships which joyn'd the English Fleet came so seasona∣bly in to their Assistance, that otherwise the English had been beaten. The Dutch who did not think your Majesty was so much to be fear'd at Sea as by Land, were surpriz'd with this Action, which gave them another Idea of your Power, and was one of the reasons why they made such Applications to your Majesty for a Peace. They saw they were like to speed no

better with you at Sea than at Land, and there∣fore desir'd an Accommodation, rather than expect uncertainties that might deceive them.

The end of this Campaign prov'd more suc∣cessful to your Majesty, than the beginning. The Enemy besieg'd Charleroy, when Montall the Governour of it was gone to Tongres, which he thought they design'd to attaque: But he got again into Charleroy with a Squadron of Horse, and made the Enemy raise the Siege.

All these happy Successes made some envy your Majesty, whom you had no design to molest. Many took part with the Enemy against you, but the Duke of Bavaria resolv'd to stand Neuter, and would not declare against you; but employ'd the Money which your Majesty gave him, to Levy new Troops. The Duke of Hanover promis'd you to do the same, but as I shall presently shew, he was (much against his will) kept from making good his word.

Your Majesty having thus order'd your Affairs in that Country; as soon as the Spring came on, you laid Siege to Mastricht, which you took in thirteen Days after opening the Trenches; tho' the Enemy look'd upon it as a Rock that would break all your Designs. From thence you went into Lorrain, to hinder the Duke of that Name, who joyn'd with your Enemies, from drawing that Country into his Party. You caus'd the Capital City to be fortify'd, which was not then Tenable, and after you your self had seen the Works begun, you went into Alsatia to give such Orders, as in the present juncture you

thought necessary. Your Majesty took in some places there, which properly belong'd to the Inhabitants themselves, according to certain Pri∣viledges obtain'd from their Emperours; and tho' after the Treaty of Munster, you did not think fit to meddle with them; yet your safety now obliging you to take another Course, you presently caused them to be demolish'd.

It concern'd your Majesty to do it; for the Emperour had a second time sent an Army into the Field, to oppose your Designs. Viscount Turenne fac'd 'em, and twice offer'd 'em Battel; but Montecuculi, who Commanded the Empe∣rour's Army, declined Fighting, and Encamp'd so strongly, that Turenne could not force him to an Engagement. They lay observing one a∣nother, both endeavouring to gain the Bishop of Wirtsburg, who had not yet declar'd him∣self. The Bridge which he had upon the Mein was not to be surpris'd, because it was so near the Capital City, and was of considerable ad∣vantage to both Parties. Monsieur Turenne think∣ing himself sure of the Bishop, because he had promis'd him to let no body pass, which was all that Monsieur Turenne desir'd; he provided Ma∣gazines at Waxtheim, in case he should be oblig'd to stay there any time; but when he thought himself safe, relying on the Promise which had been made him, the Bishop treated with Montecuculi, who pass'd the Bridge, took Waxtheim and all your Provisions.

It requir'd extraordinary Conduct and Pru∣dence in General Turenne, to get out of the Straits, whereinto this breach of Faith had

brought him. Nevertheless, like a great Cap∣tain, long experienc'd in the Trade of War, he Posted himself very advantageously, and made a new collection of Provisions, hoping to break Montecuculi's Measures. But the five Villages, wherein were his new Magazins, being all at a time set on fire, and burnt, he was now in a worse condition than before, by the Bishop of Wirtsburg's Treachery.

I cannot conceal from your Majesty, what was said in your Army upon this strange Acci∣dent. I dare not say, I believe what I have to tell you; it is so terrible and surprising, that you your self cannot but tremble with indigna∣tion to hear it. But tho' perhaps I should do well not to speak of it, yet how can I keep from your Majesty, that which you are so much con∣cern'd to know? All your Army believ'd, those Villains, who burnt your Magazins in the five Villages, were employ'd by Monsieur Louvoy, because his hatred to Turenne encreas'd daily. That which caus'd the suspicion, was this Great Man's saying at that very time; the Enemies which your Majesty had out of your Kingdom were not so much to be feared, as those you had in it.

Your Majesty seized upon the City of Treves, whose Elector had boldly enough declared a∣gainst you, by delivering up to your Enemies Coblents and Hermestein. Montcouculi past the Rhine at the first of those places, and having joyn'd the Prince of Orange, they laid Siege to Bonne: A place, tho' not very considerable, yet they were three weeks before they could make

themselves Masters of it. Your Majesty knows the Reason, why you suffered the Place to be taken, without striking a blow to relieve it; and if credit may be given to the Officers of your Army, and to some others, who have the Honour to be near your Majesty; this was ano∣ther trick of Monsieur Louvoy's, to keep Viscount Turenne's Reputation from growing too great.

The Campagn ended with making the Bishop of Wirtsburg repent his breach of Faith, Turenne ruining a very fine Castle of his, having first burnt all the Moveables and Furniture, without suffering the Souldiers to plunder or take any thing, that the Bishop might not under-hand buy his Goods again of them; who gene∣rally sell what they get, for the tenth part of its value, and then the Bishop would have been no great loser; for in truth he could not be punished enough, because when such Men as he break their words, they deserve to be very severely dealt with. But it must likewise be confest, that Monsieur Turenne on his part was too credulous, to believe a Person that in respect of his Birth was not to be trusted, and who might be presumed to be rather your Ma∣jesties Enemy, than your Friend.

Not long after this, the Elector Palatin turn'd his back upon you, under pretence that he suf∣fered as much by your Troops, as if he had been your declared Enemy: Which was not in your Majesties Power to redress, because the Imperialists were privately trucking to have Phillipsburg deliver'd to them. So that there

was a necessity of drawing your Forces near to cover it. The taking of Bonne, and the Prince of Orange's taking of Narden, through the Cowardise of the Governour, for which he was exemplarily punish'd; were two Misfortunes that contributed very much to the Elector Palatine's deserting you: For you were forced to abandon Ʋtrecht, and the Duke of Luxemburg, who Commanded on that side, in the place of Mar∣quess Rochefort, whose incapacity obliged you to quit that Frontier, had much ado to save him∣self and his Army. But having done it, con∣trary to the Opinion of many, who concluded he must needs suffer very much, in so long a March as he had to make, he took care to guard that which is called French-Flanders, upon which the Spaniards seemed to have a design.

While this past, the King of Sweden's Media∣tion was accepted by all Parties, to end this great difference. There was a Congress at Collen, where they met from all parts; but the Preliminaries, as is usual in such Cases, being very long; there was no appearance things would be soon Accommodated. In the mean time, your Fleet still joyn'd with the English, beat the Dutch three several times this Campagn, and was so far from losing the Reputation you had got the Year before, that your Fleet very much increas'd it, by the Courage and Resolution it shew'd in those three Naval Combats: There was nothing decisive on either side, and be∣cause your Conquests gave cause of jealousie to your Allies, the English begun to think of leaving you.

But your Majesty did all that was Humanly possible to be done, to preserve their Allyance. You provided a Wife for the Duke of York, pre∣sumptive Heir to the Crown of England. This Prince had so many Mistresses in five or six Months time, that one would have thought he would have Marry'd all the World. The first he had, was Mademoiselle d'Elboeuff, upon which account, he sent my Lord Peterborough to Paris, who conferr'd with me about it. According to the Orders I receiv'd from your Majesty; I was very desirous that the business should take ef∣fect; because I had a great value for that Prin∣cess: But my Lord Sunderland, the then English Embassador, and my Lord Peterborough, falling out, the mis-understanding between them, broke off the Match.

After Madam d'Elboeuf, the Princess Mary Anne of Wirtemberg came upon the Stage; and the Business was carry'd on so far, that your Ma∣jesty Signed a Contract with Commissioners, de∣puted by the Duke of York for that purpose. I had Orders to write to Madam the Dutchess of Wirtemberg, to come and be present at her Daughter's Marriage; but when every body thought the business sure, it quite broke off, upon some Ill Things reported of the Lady; her Enemies pretended she had certain defects which I never perceiv'd. Whatever it were that was said of the Princess, a mean Person whom she had disobliged, was thought to be the Author of it. So true is it, that a very little Enemy may sometimes do a great deal of Mischief, against which the best fence and remedy, is

never prepensly and with set purpose, to do to any body the least harm. A Rule seldom ob∣served by Princes and Great Men, who take such a liberty of saying what they please, that many times they let fall words, which they would give a great deal to recall. But when an Injury is once done, it can never be undone, and wounds given by the Tongue are incurable. 'Tis an Offence which Brave Men will resent the longest day of their Life, and will certainly be revenged, unless God turn their Hearts. But thanks be to God, this is a Vice whereof your Majesty is not guilty; for as you say little, so you always speak to the purpose, and without ever reflecting upon your Neighbour. To your Honour be it spoken, I can also say, that you know not what 'tis to be Angry. I have lived at Court full Forty Years, and Five and Twenty of them, I have had the Honour to be near your Majesty, in which time I can safely Swear, I never saw you but once a little mov'd. It was when Monsieur Werthamont, who, tho' a severe Sentence had past upon him for several Crimes, was yet so bold, as to come into your Presence. I observed your Majesty grew Red with Anger, and the Tone of your Voice when you told him he should come no more to Court, was not like that wherewith you used to give your Com∣mands at other times.

The Marriage of the Princess Mary Anne fail∣ing, for the Reason I have hinted. That of Mademoiselle Crequi, who hath since married the Duke of Tremouille, came next to be talk'd of. It was said her Father was very Rich, and

had made his Fortune while he was Embassadour at Rome; where others use to undo themselves. But the Duke and Dutchess of Crequi being re∣solv'd not to give so much, as a Match of such advantage for their Daughter requir'd, they lost by their Covetousness, that which others would have bought with their Blood.

The Duke of York at last pitch'd upon the Princess of Modena; to whom Monsieur the Cardinal her Uncle had left a Hundred Thou∣sand Franks, which I had in my Hands. This Marriage was without any difficulty concluded, to the Satisfaction of both Parties.

From what I have said, the Lesson which a Prince ought to learn, is, that he should still so well manage his Affairs, as never through weak∣ness to do any thing unworthy of his Birth. For tho' Mademoiselle Crequi were a Woman of Quality, yet she was not a Person suitable and considerable enough for a Prince, who was so near stepping into the Throne of England. But yet I know, without looking very far back into the History of that Nation, Henry the 8th. Mar∣ry'd two Wives, who were not of a better Fa∣mily, perhaps of not so good: But there is a great deal of difference between what Love doth, and that which is done with design, and after mature deliberation. The two Cases are quite different, and tho' there may be faults in both, yet whoever doth an imprudent thing de∣liberately and wilfully, is more to be blam'd, than he, who in what he doth is not Master of himself.

Seeing I am now discoursing of Marriage; I will not leave the Subject, till I have given your Majesty an account of somewhat whereof I lately boasted. I told your Majesty that I did refuse a considerable Match offer'd me for my Son. It was Mademoiselle Bournonville, now the Dutchess of Noailles. The Proposition was made to me by her Father, who sent me word it should be upon such advantageous Terms for my Son, as should likewise satisfie me. Civility ob∣lig'd me not absolutely to refuse what he pro∣pos'd, and therefore I thank'd him for the Ho∣nour he did me; but when we came to treat further concerning it, he requir'd that I should endeavour to prevail with your Majesty, to re∣store him to the Government of Paris, which your Majesty had taken from him, because he was so great a Friend to Monsieur Fouquet, and had also behav'd himself so ill, that tho' he had for several Months liv'd in a House near the very Gates of Paris, without ever coming to pay his Respects to your Majesty, when he was in very good Health, and daily made Merry with his Friends that came to visit him; yet he made your Majesty believe he was troubled with Vapours, which would not suffer him to go any where out of his House. But the Feasts he made, and the pleasant Life he led, giving his pretence the Lye, and your Majesty being inform'd of it, thought fit to use him as you did. I thank'd him for the Honour he intended my Son, but I thought it better to lose the ad∣vantage of such an Allyance, rather than to run the hazard of Your Majesty's Displeasure.

Tho' your Majesty had to do with so many E∣nemies, yet you took care to secure the Peace of Italy, which was upon the point of being di∣sturb'd, by the difference which happen'd be∣tween the Duke of Savoy, and the Republick of Genoa. But by interposing your Authority, your Majesty prevail'd with both Parties, to accept of your Mediation, and you brought both to an Agreement.

You had the same work to do over again in Poland, upon the Death of the new King there without Children, who had Marry'd the Empe∣perour's Sister; before she was Marry'd, the Prince of Lorrain was in Love with her, and it was said if she might have had her will, she would have preferr'd him (tho' he had lost his Country) before the King and Crown of Poland. Whatever was the matter, she made so great a Party for him in the Kingdom, that every body thought he would have been chosen King. The Poles were so little satisfy'd with the Deceas'd King, that they were inclin'd to revive the Law which was against chusing a King of their own Nation. Your Majesty seem'd to approve the reviving of this Law, by your endeavours to have the Eldest Son of the Duke of Newburg preferr'd, before the Prince of Lorrain. In the last Election you were for the Old Duke of New∣burg the Father, with whom then stood Compe∣titors, the Prince of Lorrain, and the Prince of Condé. But because the Poles then objected a∣gainst the Duke, as being too Old, and his Age now being greater than it was then, your Majesty to please them, now propos'd the Son in stead

of the Father, and spent a great deal of Money to get him Elected; which, if not, might at that time have been prejudicial to your Affairs. But tho' the Prince of Newburg was not chosen; yet by the Address of your Embassadour, the Prince of Lorrain was likewise put by, and a Native of Poland preferr'd before all the Princes propos'd. For John Sobiescki, great Marshal of Poland, was made King, which very much dis∣pleas'd your Enemies, they imagining he would be a Friend to your Majesty, because he had Marry'd a French-Woman, who was the Daugh∣ter of Marquess d'Arquyen, Captain of the Hun∣dred Swisses, of your Brother's Guard.

You had need of this Aid, against the Designs of the House of Austria, who fancy'd you would never come off with Honour, in the War you had begun. The Emperour possess'd with this Opinion, did two things which were mightily cry'd down by all People, not transported with Passion against you. One was the seizing upon Prince William of Furstenburg in Collen, who was Abbé of Stravelo, and the Elector of Collen's Plenipotentiary; under which Character he could not be seized, without violating the Law of Na∣tions. The other was the taking away by force, Fifty Thousand Crowns wich your Majesty had in the City, and which for the same reason ought to have been Sacred. But because the House of Austria had a mind to obstruct the Peace, and could find no better Obstacle; it past over all other Considerations.

Prince William was first carry'd to Bonne, where he had Ten Hours Conference with Mar∣quess

de Grana, Governour of the Town. Who reproach'd him with being born a German, yet had in several Occasions, which he particularly named, betray'd his Country. Which Prince William deny'd, but own'd he had serv'd your Majesty, after he had many times endeavour'd to deserve the Emperour's Favour, but could never obtain it. From Bonne he was Conducted to Newstat, where the Emperour resolv'd to have him put to Death in Prison, after a private Sentence past against him, where only a few Persons were present, who Condemn'd him to be Beheaded. But your Majesty, who beside all your other good Qualities, hath that of diving into the most secret Councils of your Enemies, found a way to ingage the Pope's Nuncio, to re∣present to the Emperour, that he ought not in such a manner to put a Church-Man to Death. The scruple being easily put into the Emperour's Head, he stopp'd the Execution, and caus'd him to be remov'd to another Prison.

Your Majesty complain'd to the Court of Vi∣enna, of the Violence offer'd to the Person of Prince William; and at the same time demanded Restistution of the Fifty Thousand Crowns that had been taken from you. But receiving no sa∣tisfactory Answer to either, you recall'd your Embassadours who were still at Collen: The other Princes did the like, seeing after what had been done, there was no more safety for them, than for Prince William. But since they that are strongest, are still thought to have most rea∣son on their side; your Enemies listed so many Troops, that few were of Opinion, your Ma∣jesty

would ever be able to make Head against 'em. The Bishop of Munster was of that mind, and therefore quitted your Party. The Elector of Collen would have done the like, if the Bishop of Strasburg had not disswaded him. But when People thought you could not but sink under the weight of so many Enemies, you attack'd Franch-Conté, to which you had offer'd a Neutrality. The Swiss who had concern'd themselves in the Negotiation, were angry with the Spaniards for refusing what you offer'd; and therefore guard∣ed their Frontiers, to keep the Spaniards from being assisted by their Allies. Your Majesty went into Franche-Conté in Person, and there did that which was never before known to be done at the taking of any place. You caused Canons to be hoisted up, and planted upon Mountains so very high and steep, that a Man could hardly clamber up; by which you became Master of Besanson, that your Enemies thought impreg∣nable.

The Conquest of this Province, gave your Majesty new strength, of which you had need enough in the condition you were in. For the King of England was in a manner forced to a Peace with the Dutch, by his own Subjects, who were more jealous of your Conquests than others. But the King of England still left his Troops in your Majesty's Service. They were some Regiments, of which the most considerable, was called the Royal Regiment, Commanded by the Duke of Monmouth. Some of the Offi∣cers were very insolent, so that one of them gave ill Language to one of Monsieur Louvoy's

Grooms, who to go the nearer way crost their Camp. Your Minister, who expected Respect should be paid to his very Liveries, put this Officer under a Guard, whereupon the others Mutiny'd. But seeing the Marquess had not the same Power over the English, that he had over your Troops, he was obliged to release the Of∣ficer; this was some Mortification to Monsieur Louvoy's excessive Pride. A Minister, or any Person, of greater or less Quality, might well be ashamed to take a Servant's part against a Gentleman, unless the ill usage of the Servant; were intended for an Affront to the Master. One of your Majesty's Captains was of a more phlegmatick Temper, who seeing his Coachman that used to drive him, lustily cudgel'd; when next day the Person that beat him came to ex∣cuse himself, by saying he knew not whose Man he was, the Captain told him he was obliged to him, and should be more, if all the Men he kept, had but so good a hand as he, for then People would be more afraid of his Men than they were.

The Franche-Counté being thus reduced, your Majesty resolved to have it better Fortified. Marquess Louvoy pitched upon an Engineer cal∣led Combes, a Man of good Skill and Experience, having given Proofs of his Ability in Holland, where he had been imploy'd in Fortifying seve∣ral places. But the Marquess reserved Besanson to be Fortified by Monsieur Vauban, which so dissatisfied Combes, that he took the liberty to tell Monsieur Louvoy, he had been a chief En∣gineer in Holland, and therefore 'twas an Af∣front

to him, to have another put over his Head. But the Marquess, whose Temper is to be o∣bey'd without reply, sent him to the Bastile; where he was so cruelly treated, that he was shut up in a Chamber three days without a Bed. The Man, who thought he had not deserved such ill usage, took it so to Heart, that he fell Sick, and Monsieur Louvoy about eleven days after, going to see him, ask'd whether he would be wiser for the future? Combes said he had some∣thing else to think of now, which was, to give God an Account of his Actions, being in a little time to leave the World. Tho' your Minister presently gave him his Liberty, yet in three days after he dyed. Which ought to Teach Men never to make too severe an use of their Authority, especially to Men of Courage; who seldom refuse to obey, but where they think their Honour concern'd. And in such Cases, if they be faulty, they ought in a friendly man∣ner to be advis'd, and not Corrected with too much Rigour.

Your Majesty's great Success, made your Mi∣nister so very bold, that he every day begg'd new Favours of you. He obtain'd an Order from your Majesty, that I should yearly furnish him with Forty Millions, to defray the Charge of the War, and to Account for it to none but your self. The Account was given in a single sheet of Paper, which one would think, not big enough to contain the several Items of such a Summ. I do not believe 'tis by this alone, he hath got that prodigious Estate, which some say, is greater than many Soveraigns have. All the

Regulations he hath made during this War, which under specious pretences have render'd your Officers poor; were I believe intended more for his own Profit, than your Majesty's, you gratified him so many ways out of your Officer's Pay, that in perfect distast, many of them quitted your Service.

Yet this did no more satisfie his Avarice, than did your Majesty's granting him the Foreign Posts, which amounted to a vast Summ by his Exorbitant Taxing of Letters, whereof the least paid as much again as it used to do in Monsieur Noveau's Time. He begg'd a Patent to have the sole power of Licensing People to keep Hackney, Stage, and Hired Horses, upon which he laid an Imposition. Not content with this, he obtain'd a Priviledge for those that kept such Horses, to be free from Quartering of Souldiers, for which Exemption, some gave him a Hundred Crowns; not that they got so much by their Horses, but because Quartering of Souldiers was so great a burthen to them, that whatever they paid to be freed from it, yet they thought they had a good Bargain.

The Marquess became at last so great a Favou∣rite, that he did whatever he pleas'd, without any body's daring to contradict him: Every one strove to shew him Respect, and all Favours passing through his Hands, it was a shame to see what base and servile Bows and Cringes were made to him by the greatest Persons in your Kingdom. For my own part, I was too Stiff to worship him. Finding the Forty Millions

which your Majesty order'd me to pay him, such an infinite Charge to your People, and that a greater Burden was yet to be laid upon 'em to answer other Expences, I began to examine how so vast a Summ could be laid out. As soon as I cast my Eye upon the Accompt, I disco∣ver'd a considerable Cheat, of no less than Fif∣teen or Sixteen Hundred Thousand Crowns a Year. I must speak likewise of the Abuses practis'd in the Years 1673. and 1674. concern∣ing the Routes oppointed for the marching of Souldiers from Place to Place. To be but one of your Minister's Lacquies, was Merit enough to have had Five or Six of them. Several Of∣ficers were likewise setled in Paris, to dispatch, as 'twas pretended, your Majesty's own Affairs; where nothing could be done without ready Mo∣ney; so that if these Abuses had continued any long time, Forty Millions would not have been sufficient to answer the Charge of these Disor∣ders. Your Majesty heard what I had to say concerning these Abuses, and thought fit to name Commissioners to inquire into 'em. They who were the greatest Criminals saved them∣selves, and those that were seiz'd, not being able to speak so pertinently as others, were, upon payment of their Fines, let out of Prison.

This was a Business bad enough, to have stopt the Carier of your Ministers good Fortune; but your Majesty drawing from it Supplies to support the War, which was so much his care; he had Opportunities to be heard in his own Justificati∣on, and saved himself, by laying the Blame of all that had been done upon your Officers:

So that there are lucky Conjunctures, when things shall be forgotten, which at another time would be punisht with severity. It is also obser∣vable, that Men in great favour shall pass for innocent, when others who are less culpable shall be ruin'd and undone. But this is an Evil that hath long reign'd in the World, and looks as if it would continue much longer, before any Remedy be provided against it.

The Elector Palatin and the Bishop of Munster forsaking your Party, oblig'd your Majesty to quit all your Conquests in Holland, excepting Graves and Maestricht. You drew out all your Garrisons, and made up a good Body of an Army, which was what the Prince of Condé had some time before advis'd your Majesty to do; but Monsieur Louvoy continually oppos'd it. In the mean time, Viscount Turenne, when he had shut up all the Passes of the County of Montbelliard, by which the Duke of Lorrain design'd to suc∣cour the County of Burgundy; having no more to do on that side, marched back again into Ger∣many, where he took Germesseim, and caus'd it to be demolish'd; thereby taking away the hope which the Elector Palatine had, that this Place should streighten and keep the Garrison of Phillipsbourg from desolating his Country. He then went towards the Rhine and past it, to fight the Imperial Army, to which were now joyn'd the Duke of Lorrain's and the Bishop of Mun∣ster's Troops: He found them so advantageously posted, that he must run a great Risque in endea∣vouring to force them; but considering it would be an affront to him, to come so far and then

retreat, and also if he staid longer, the Enemy would be stronger than he, by the Duke of Bour∣nonvill's coming up to them: Considering, I say, what Resolution soever he took, he had a great many Difficulties to grapple with, he re∣solv'd to do that wherein there was most Ho∣nour, which was to fight. However, it must be confest, we have a great deal of reason to say, that in Battels God only is the Giver of Vi∣ctory, seeing without him, it was impossible, in this Action, for your General to have come off with Honour. He was in the first place oblig'd to force the little Village of St. Seim, into which the Enemy had put their Infantry: There was no coming to it, but through Defiles guarded by their Dragoons; but he overcame all those Difficulties with so much ease, that had his Troops been the best that ever were in Europe, yet they could never have done what they did, unless God had fought for him. They routed the Dragoons and took the Village; they after∣ward advanc'd against the Horse thro' narrow Lanes, beat 'em, and put 'em into so great a Fright, that they never thought themselves safe, till they had past the Necker.

This Victory cost your Majesty dear; for you lost in the Fight a great many good Officers, that might have done you great Service: You had so much to do, and in so many Places at once, that to direct and order what was fit to be done, requi∣red such a Head as yours. Count Souches, who com∣manded the greatest part of the Imperial Forces, enter'd into Flanders, and joyn'd with the Prince of Orange, whose Army consisted of Threescore

Thousand Men, and that part which remain'd in Germany grew strong in a little time, by the For∣ces which came to it from all sides; so that they were scarce sensible of their late loss. Your Majesty was oblig'd to provide for the Safety of Rousillon, where the Spaniards made a shew of underta∣king somewhat. But that which most troubled you, was, that the Hollanders, who being now Masters at Sea, by the King of England's de∣serting you, threaten'd the Coasts of Normandy and Britany; where the Alarm was so great, that one would have thought all had been lost: But after roaming to and fro they attempted to surprize Belle Isle, where they receiv'd a Re∣pulse; which oblig'd them to retire, and then landing upon the Island of Noirmoustier, they pil∣lag'd it, and exacted a Summ of Money from some of the best Houses, which they threatn'd to burn if it were not pay'd them. This Inva∣sion, which look'd as if it would have swallow'd up your whole Kingdom, ending thus in doing so little, they went to seek for better Fortune in America, imagining that when you had so much to do at home, you could take care of nothing there. But they having besieg'd St. Thomas, met with so great resistance, that it holding out till the Season was too far spent to keep the Sea, they were forc'd to raise the Siege.

In the mean time, Viscount Turenne, after the Battel of St. Seim, came back on this side of the Rhine to joyn a part of his Army he had left there to make the more haste: but under∣standing the Enemy was to be re-inforc'd, he re-pass'd the River to fight them a Second time,

before they should grow too strong for him: But they retreated over the Mein, under the Canon of Francfort, the General following them so close, that he charged their Rear in passing the River, and cut off near Eight Hundred of their Men: But not being able to force them out of that Place, he return'd back to destroy the E∣lector Palatin's Country, which very much pro∣vok'd the Elector; especially the burning some Villages, tho' without the General's Order; it being in truth done by the Souldiers, that re∣solv'd to be reveng'd upon the Country, for barbarously murdering some of their Com∣rades.

The Elector, in his Passion, sent by a Trum∣pet a formal Challenge to Viscount Turenne; but he was too prudent a Man to accept it; but made him this answer, That having the Ho∣nour to command your Majesty's Army, he could do nothing without your Orders; as to the Elector's complaints against him, they were without ground, for had the Elector's Subjects not dealt so cruelly with your Majesty's Souldiers, they had never thought of burning their Houses. That he did not refuse the Honour the Elector did him, in offering to sight with him, provided each of them were at the Head of an Army, and then he hop'd he might do your Majesty some Service.

The Imperialists having staid long enough un∣der the Canon of Francfort, to reinforce them∣selves with the Recruits which were sent them from several Princes of the Empire: Viscount Turenne found their Army stronger than his own,

so that he entrench'd himself between Landau and Weissemberg. When the Imperialists saw him retreat, they took their turn to follow him, and came to Mentz where they pretended to pass the Rhine: but the Elestor of that Name, with whom your Majesty had taken measures, would not do as the Bishop of Wirtsburg did, but pray'd 'em to seek a Passage somewhere else.

The Prince of Orange's Army remain'd all this while encamp'd, and your Majesty wonder'd at it, not being able to guess why he attempted nothing, with so considerable a Force. The Prince of Condé observ'd him, but being much the weaker, he thought fit to entrench himself, and not to fight, but when he saw an opportu∣nity. The Prince of Orange seeing all your Troops imploy'd, either to make Head against him, or to observe the Imperialists, whose Ar∣my would in a little time be Sixty Thousand Men, by the joyning of Marquess Brandenburg, who was already on his March; gave Order for the besieging of Graves, by Rabenhaut an Officer who had gotten some Reputation against the Bishop of Munster, when that Prelate was of your Party. Count Chamilli, younger Bro∣ther to him of whom I have made mention, commanded in the place, and defended it so well, that Rabenhaut had time enough to catch cold before it. The Garrison made frequent Sallies, so that at three Months end, he was not much farther advanc'd, than he was the first Day; tho' he had promis'd to give a good ac∣count of the Town in three Weeks.

In the mean time the Prince of Orange seem'd

to design entring into France, which he thought easier to do, than to begin a Siege in sight of your Army, which would not have suf∣fer'd it without coming to Blows. The Prince of Orange in order to his Design began to march, and the Prince of Condé follow'd him, and fell on his Rear so rudely, that he kill'd a∣bove Three Thousand Men, made as many Prisoners, and took his Baggage and some of his Canon, before he could recover himself, or well know what was to be done: The Country which was full of Hedges and broken Ground, made by Torrents of Rain, offer'd the Prince of Orange an advantage, which he could not have met with in an open Plain: He threw his Infantry into these Posts, which hindred your Majesty from advancing: But the Prince of Con∣dé was so eager in pressing still forward, that he did things, which another would have thought impossible. He had a great many Men kill'd, and had himself Three Horses shot under him; so much did he hazard his Person, by his Ex∣ample to give warmth to the Action: But by the great resistance made by the Enemy he was still repuls'd, till night came on, and parted the Combatants, both attributing to themselves the Victory. But there was no colour for the Enemy to pretend to it, because that which makes a Victory, is to remain Master of the Field, to have the pillaging of the Enemy, ta∣king Prisoners, and several other things not ne∣cessary to be specified. All this fell out on your Majesty's side, but nothing of it on theirs; un∣less perhaps the Enemy might boast, that the

Prince of Condé lost as many Men as they, and it may be a greater number of Officers.

But it must be confest, that the end of this Battel did not answer the beginning, which could not be more to any General's Glory: But the desire he had to get all, made him lose more than he imagin'd, and till that very Day, it could not be decided, which of the Two, the Prince of Condé, or Viscount Turenne, knew most, in the Trade of War. Many were pre∣possest in the Prince's Favour, and thought the Prize due to him, but others now began to be of another Mind, and gave it to his Rival.

This Battel however spoiled the Prince of O∣range's Design; who now thought no more of entring into France. Monsieur Louvoy, who did not love the Prince of Condé, was very much pleas'd with what had happen'd; because it gave him an Opportunity, of doing the Prince ill offices to your Majesty: So that since this Campaign, he hath not been any more imploy'd, and I believe never would have been again at the Head of an Army, if Viscount Turenne had not been kill'd the following Campaign; there being then a kind of necessity, that a General of Reputation should succeed in his Place.

As Monsieur Louvoy knew how to do a great deal of Mischief to his Enemies, so he was able to deliver his Friends out of Danger, and those that were so happy to have his Protection; as appears by what he did for Monsieur Bret, Lieu∣nant General of your Army in Catalonia, where his Vanity and Imprudence made him commit a Fault, which deserv'd exemplary Punishment.

Your Majesty, some time ago sent him into that Country, and left him there some prece∣ding Years, with the chief command of your Army, because then there appear'd no conside∣rable Enemy. But the Spaniards having sent thither the Duke of St. Germain, a General of Reputation, with a part of their old Troops; your Majesty thought fit to send against him Count Schomberg, not inferior to him, and who had often engag'd him, when they were both in Portugal. This was some mortification to a Man so Vain as Monsieur Bret, who was now but a Lieutenant General; which not being a∣ble to bear, he did so rash a thing of his own Head, that none but Marquess Louvoy could have sav'd him. The Enemy, after having taken Bellegard, which gave them entrance into Rou∣sillon, came and encamp'd within Canon shot of your Army, which so displeas'd Monsieur Bret, that he gave them Battel while his General was yet in Bed, and without expecting any Orders from him: But he was beaten to the purpose, and if Count Schomberg, who wonder'd at his Boldness, had not by his good Conduct repair'd his Fault, your Majesty's Army had been totally defeated. Your Cavalry, which without view∣ing the Ground, he had engaged among Pits and Places broken with currents of Water, were many of them cut off, and Rabliere, who com∣manded them, was taken Prisoner, with other Officers of note: Those that came off, were in no condition to have made any considerable re∣sistance all that Campaign, if that which hap∣pen'd

elsewhere had not oblig'd the Enemy to return again into Catalonia.

Messina, the Capital City of the Kingdom of Sicily, having a long time complain'd of the Ex∣tortion and Tyranny of their Viceroys, and ha∣ving often inform'd the Council of Spain thereof, without receiving any redress; they resolv'd one day to try, whether they could shake of their Yoke, and after having made themselves Masters of the Haven, and one of the prin∣cipal Forts of the Town, they all cryed Liberty. That Word tickl'd the Ears of the Multitude, who, against reason, often think they shall bet∣ter their Condition by changing their Master; and made above Sixty thousand Men take Arms. The better sort of Citizens, considering it was impossible to resist their Soveraign any long time, unless they were supported by a Power able to assist them; consulted what was best for them to do; whether to address themselves to your Majesty, or to have recourse to the Turk. They were not long deliberating on the choice they were to make, those that had a little care of their Religion, declar'd, that in all respects, their best and most justifiable way would be, to implore your Majesty's help, and send Depu∣ties to request your Protection.

The Offers their Deputies made you, were, that they would deliver themselves up to your Majesty, upon Condition you would treat them better than the Spaniards had done: Whereupon you assembled your Council, who finding it would be of great advantage to you, to lay hold of this opportunity to cut out work for the Spa∣niards

on that side; the Deputies had assurance given them, that your Majesty would assist them with all your Forces: But it was not thought fit you should accept of the Soveraignty which they offer'd you, but that it would be better to endeavour to turn their Government into a Common-Wealth.

You sent back the Deputies with fair promi∣ses, which at the same time you effectually per∣form'd, by giving order to the Marquess Vala∣voir to take some of your Men of War, and Convoy to Messina some Vessels loaden with Provisions, of which they had great need, and which came very seasonably to them; for they began to be in extream want. The rebelling of Subjects against their Soveraign, is a business which should be well considered before it be at∣tempted, 'tis always attended with such ill con∣sequences, that were they not bound by their birth and allegiance to be faithful to him, yet their own interest should oblige them to it.

But as Subjects owe their Soveraign perfect obedience, so the Soveraign on his part, ought not to use his Subjects like Slaves, nor lay heavi∣er burdens on them than necessity of State re∣quires. Otherwise they will quite sink under their load, or else like a resty Horse will kick against the Spur, as it happens when we endea∣vour to break and tame a young Horse, all at once, without using him by degrees to insensible correction.

The revolt of Messina, render'd the Enemy's Victory in Rousillon of little or no advantage to them; for being obliged to leave that Province,

and go where there was most danger, their ab∣sence gave Your Majesty an opportunity to drive them next year quite out of the Country, by re∣taking the Castle of Bellegard.

The disgrace which your Troops receiv'd in Catalonia, was so largely recompenced by the prosperous success of your Arms, the next Cam∣paign in Germany and Flanders; that your Maje∣sty had all the reason in the world to be well pleas'd. Your Army had twice triumph'd un∣der Viscount Turenne, and tho in the Battel of Seneff the Prince of Condé lost many brave men, yet it produc'd a very good effect. One thing I forgot to speak of till now, which was of great advantage to you, the Baggage of Count Monteri, Governour of the Spanish Flan∣ders, was taken in that Battel, and some Papers found which discover'd a Conspiracy that was hatching in your Kingdom, to deliver up certain places upon the Coast of Normandy; they at least made mention of some such thing, but for my own part, I cannot believe there was really any such Conspiracy, the person suppos'd to be chief in it, and all his Accomplices, were people of so little credit, that I rather think it was a trick to get Money from the Spaniards by one not worth a Groat, and who was up to the ears in debt.

The principal Conspirator was the Chevalier de Rhoan, who was a very handsom well made man, but so extreamly debauch'd, that he lost the good opinion your Majesty once had of him; he us'd all his Relations, and his own Mother so ill, that she not long ago complain'd to your Ma∣jesty

that he had robbed her, and many times after that so abused her, that she was about to pray your Majesty to do her the favour, to send him to the Bastille. To compleat his imprudence, he parted with his place of chief Huntsman of France, by which he subsisted; so that not know∣ing how to live, he did that of which I am now speaking.

The business concern'd your Majesty too much to be neglected; for had he design'd nothing but the getting a little Money, yet he deserv'd to be punish'd, that it might not be an ill exam∣ple to your Subjects. Whatever it was he inten∣ded, your Majesty order'd he should be seis'd, and sent to the Bastille; and the Major of your Guards went to Rouan to take one of his Con∣federates called Lautremont. The Major surpriz'd him in his Bed, and though he should have im∣mediately brought him away bound Hand and Foot, yet because he had some acquaintance with him, he gave him leave to go into his Clo∣set, where he had two Pistols ready Charged, one he fired upon the Major, but miss'd him; one of your Guards that went with him, shot Lautremont with a Musquetoon through the Bo∣dy; which displeas'd Your Majesty, because he being kill'd, you could not come to the know∣ledge of several things, which you hoped he might have confest; for it was he that was tru∣sted with the management of the whole Intrigue, and who had sent into Flanders a School-master that was a Stranger, and had a Lodging in the Suburbs of St. Antoine; this Fellow would have run away, but you gave Order that he, the

Marchioness de Villars, and the Chevalier de Preaux, should all three be seised.

If the Chevalier de Rhoan had known what pass'd, he certainly would not have confest any thing; for no body but he that was kill'd at Rouen, knew that he was in the Conspiracy. When the School-master was examin'd, he said, what he had done was by Lautremont's directi∣on. The Marchioness de Villars, and the Cheva∣lier de Preaux likewise said, they knew nothing. But he that Interrogated the Chevalier de Rhoan, by promising him Your Majesties Pardon, made him confess that none but he knew any thing of the business; which promise being made with∣out any order from Your Majesty, you did not think your self oblig'd by it; so that the Cheva∣lier de Rhoan was condemn'd to have his Head cut off. He beginning to think matters did not go well with him, because for some days he was not suffer'd to have a Knife at Table, which was formerly allow'd him, he pray'd that Fa∣ther Bourdalouë the Jesuit might come and con∣fess him.

In two and twenty years he never received the Sacrament, but now on the sudden became so alter'd, that no body would have thought him the same man. He was very penitent, hum∣ble, and with great resignation submitted him∣self to God's will; so that when the Executio∣ner came to bind him, and ask'd whether he should take off a Ribband from his Coat to do it? he said no, take a Rope, for so great a sin∣ner as he was, could not be too rigorously used. He shew'd so many signs of Humiliation, that he

drew tears from the eyes of divers Spectators. Being come out of the Bastille to the place of Execution just before it, he stood still, and shew'd so much courage, that many pitied his sad con∣dition. Before he mounted the Scaffold, he ask∣ed Father Bourdaloué, whether any body had taken care to comfort his Mother; he beg'd her pardon in a very passionate Letter he had writ∣ten to her; he spoke a few words to the Mar∣chioness de Villars, and to the Chevalier de Preaux, who were to suffer with him. Then stretching out his neck to the Executioner, he cut off his head at one blow.

His body was carry'd in a mourning Coach to St. Paul's, where it remain'd till it was remov'd from thence to the Abby of Souars, where he desired to be buried. The Marchioness de Vil∣lars, and the Chevalier de Preaux, were likewise executed; and after them the Schoolmaster, who was hanged; a warning to all that waste and spend their Estates, never thinking what shall become of them; and when God hath forsaken them, make no scruple of committing any kind of Wickedness. Let Libertines also learn, who live as if there were no God, that there will come a time when he will suffer them to fall in∣to the Hands of Justice, and they shall then know, tho' too late, how much mistaken they have been, in not serving him, whose Grace given to them as it was to this Person of whom I have now spoken, can only make them Happy.

I now return again to tell your Majesty what pass'd in Flanders, where the Prince of Orange having besieg'd Oudenard, the Prince of Condé

march'd to relieve it: But the Imperialists not coming to assist the Prince of Orange, as they were to have done, he was forc'd to raise the Siege, and leave Count Souches, with whom he was so much displeas'd, that he complain'd of him to the Emperour; charging him with be∣ing the Cause, that the Affairs of the Campaign had no better Success. The Emperour, to con∣tent the Prince of Orange, would not for some time see General Souches; but he, after a while, finding an Opportunity to justifie himself, was again restor'd to the Emperour's Favour.

The Siege of Graves lasted till now, and there was no likelyhood that it should end, having still some Out-Works which were not taken. Beside, the ill Weather was now coming on; so that there was little hope of reducing a Garrison, which without receiving any Relief, had been the Death of so many Men: For Rabenhaut had the ill luck still to be beaten, in all the Salleys made by Count Chamilli. But for a greater Mortifi∣cation to him, one of your Majesty's Colonels of Seventy Years of Age, came purposely from Maestricht, and carry'd away the best part of the Fruit he hop'd to reap by taking the Town. When your Majesty withdrew your Forces from Holland, you demanded a great Summ of Money of them, and the Towns which could pay down but part of what you requir'd, gave you Hosta∣ges to be security for the rest. These Hostages were in Graves as in a Place of Safety, and Ra∣benhaut who had besieg'd it, made account, that by taking it, he should save Holland a very con∣siderable Summ for which they were still account∣able:

He had good ground to believe he should not be deceiv'd in his Expectation, because Ru∣remond and Venlo which belong'd to the Spani∣ards, hinder'd your Majesty from relieving the Place. But Melin Mestre de Camp of the Ca∣valry, came, as I have already said, with a par∣ty from Maestricht, past through Rabenhaut's Guards, enter'd the Town, took away the Ho∣stages, and went back to his own Garrison, by the same way he came.

General Rabenhaut hereby lost so much of his Reputation, that the Prince of Orange had not that esteem for him he had before; and he con∣cluded he must not rely upon him for the taking the Town. The Prince therefore, with some Troops he had drawn together out of Flanders, went to Graves himself, and became Master of the Place.

Graves being fallen into the Hands of the Prince of Orange, the Campaign ended on that Side; but continued still with a great deal of Heat in Germany. The great Force which the Enemy power'd into Alsatia, did a little asto∣nish your Minister Monsieur Louvoy, who be∣ing afraid the Province could not be sav'd, ad∣vis'd your Majesty to give Viscount Turenne Or∣der to leave it, and go to some other Place, where his Presence was more necessary. This was a Pill which your Majesty could not well swallow; and to lose a whole Country at once, which had cost you so much Blood to conquer, was very hard to be digested. But Marquess Louvoy representing to you the neces∣sity of it, and that otherwise you would lose

Lorrain, whither the Duke of that Name was marching, with great hopes to enter again into it; you consented that General Turenne should be recall'd; but he knowing things were not in so ill a Condition as they were thought to be, sent Monsieur Louvoy word, that some body must have given your Majesty ill Counsel, in ad∣vising you to take such a Resolution. That he be∣ing on the Place, saw better than others, how things were, and therefore prayed him to de∣liver a Letter to you, which he had done him∣self the Honour to write, wherein he had given your Majesty such Reasons for changing your Resolution, that he hop'd you would do it as soon as you had read his Letter.

Marquess Louvoy thought it great vanity in this General, to believe he knew more than he, and without shewing his Letter to your Majesty, sent him new Orders, expresly the same with the first. This great Man suspecting that your Majesty was not privy to these repeated Orders, and that if his Letter had been deliver'd, you would have done him the Honour to have an∣swer'd it; he resolv'd, before he would do what was commanded him by the second Or∣ders, to write again to your Majesty; and sent the Letter to Cardinal Bouillon his Nephew, to be by him safely deliver'd. The Confidence which your Majesty had in the Wisdom and Prudence of this General, as soon as you had cast your Eyes on his Letter, made you conclude that Monsieur Louvoy had not given you good Counsel, and that you were best to follow your General's Advice, and not your Minister's:

You therefore wrote a Letter with your own Hand to Viscount Turenne, wherein you told him, that you referr'd your self wholly to his Judgment, and that he should use his own Discretion, to do what he thought best.

This was Vexation enough to your Minister, whose Custom it was to be Absolute; but be∣lieving he knew more than any Man, concluded if things fell out ill, as he had predicted, Viscount Turenne must then lose the good Opinion your Majesty had of him, and consequently you would for the future confide wholy in the Mar∣quess: But he reckon'd without his Host, and found that the General preserved both Savern and Hagenau, which the Enemy besieged one after another. He likewise broke the Design they had upon Brisac, which they had begun to shut up so close, that it being in great want, they hoped they should quickly have it without blows. Tho' these Actions were very conside∣rable, yet they were the least wherewith the General ended this prosperous Campaigne; for feigning to go and take Winter Quarters in Lorrain, he Marched through by-ways, and fell unexpectedly upon the Enemy, who had sepa∣rated, the better to subsist; and went on beat∣ing them one after another, till they made a stand at Turquem; but he likewise drove them from thence, and forced them to pass the Rhine. He took from the Inhabitants of Stras∣bourg what Effects they had abroad, because they let the Enemy pass over their Bridge, con∣trary to the Promise they made him.

Your Majesty who doth not use to let any Ser∣vice of this Nature remain unrewarded, sent the General the very next day after he came to Paris, a Hundred Thousand Crowns in Louys∣d'ors, and gave him many other marks of your Favour. You sent Marquess Louvoy to him, to ask his Pardon for many things, for which the General had just cause of Complaint against him. Monsieur Turenne upon this occasion Treated him, as we see a great Mastiff uses to do a little Cur; he heard his Complement, with∣out shewing him any respect, or sign of Anger, and sent him away with an Answer, which 'tis supposed did not please him. The Prince of Condé came to see Monsieur Turenne, and to know of him what past at this Enterview.

Viscount Turenne having given an Account of it to the Prince of Condé, who had no reason to love your Minister; the Prince pray'd Monsieur Turenne, that they might go both together to undeceive your Majesty, in many things which possest you with so good an Opinion of him. Viscount Tu∣renne promis'd the Prince he would, but Mon∣sieur Tellier▪ having notice of it, came to the Prince of Condé and beseech'd him to pardon his Son, who should for the future pay him all the Respect he could desire; so that pacifying the Prince by fair Promises, he prevented his Son's Ruine; which had been inevitable, if these two Great Men had resolved it. For it was an easie thing to have demonstrated to your Majesty, that many things wherein Mon∣sieur Louvoy made you believe he had done you

great Service, would upon Examination have appear'd, to deserve quite another Name.

As for Example, I may put into that number, the change Monsieur Louvoy perswaded your Majesty to make, in the Hospitals which were Erected for such as had the Leprosie; and to convert the Revenue which belonged to those Houses, into Rewards for such as Served you in your Wars. I presume to tell your Majesty, when you have seriously consider'd it, you must be convinced, your Power doth not extend so far in things of this Nature: These Foundations are Works of Piety which you are oblig'd to maintain: I know very well it hath been pre∣tended, these Hospitals are of no use, because 'tis now said the Leprosie, for which these Houses were intended, is the effect of meer Debauche∣ry, and not an incurable Disease, as People here∣tofore believed. But be it, or be it not so, yet your Majesty is not Authorized to seize the Re∣venue, and give it to whom you please. If you can dispose of it, the most you can do is, to Assign it to some other Hospitals, or so to convert it, that it may answer the Founder's Intention; for to give it to People, who make use of it to gratifie their Passions, is what Casu∣ists do not allow.

I doubt, whether you can legally unite it, to the Hotel Royal des Invalides, which you have caused to be built so Magnificently, and have laid out so much Cost and Charge upon it, that it seems to be intended rather for a Palace, than an Hospital for Maimed Souldiers. Your Maje∣sty is oblig'd to provide Maintenance for them

out of your own Revenue, and not out of what properly belongs to others; it would be in some sort a shame to do it, seeing you would lose the Glory of such a Noble Establishment, could it be said you had built it at another's Cost, and not at your own.

The Year 1675, was no sooner begun, but your Majesty thought of securing a Communi∣cation with Maestricht, which the Enemy had cut off towards the end of the last Campaign, by taking Huy and Dinant: Which was done by the Imperialists, when they separated from the Prince of Orange's Army; and which made him desire to re-take Maestricht. To this end he prevail'd with the Emperour, to send Cardi∣nal Baden to Leige, a Canon of that Church, who under pretence of Residence, endeavour'd to make the Town declare for the Emperour; which would have very much favour'd the in∣tended Siege of Maestricht. His Eminence found the Town very well disposed to do what he de∣sired, and I must tell your Majesty, that Mar∣quess Louvoy was the cause of it: He had upon several occasions discontented the Citizens of Leige, who were formerly well enough affected to him, he had often caused the Houses which they had out of the Town to be pillag'd, which was done in spite, because one day passing by the Town, one of the Canons railed at him, and spoke so loud that Mounsieur Louvoy heard him.

But the Count d'Estrades, who took care of your Majesty's Affairs, prevented the Cardinal of Baden, by Treating with the Governor of

the Citadel, who deliver'd it up into his Hands. The good Success of this Negotiation, having put it out of the Leigeois Power, to do the Mischief they intended; Cardinal Raden, who had nothing more to do in the Town, desired a Passport from the Count d'Estrades, for his safe return into Germany; but making use of it to carry away Arms with him, the Governour made that a pretence to stop the Cardinal and his Train. All Europe accus'd your Majesty of breach of Faith, in making your self Master in this manner of the Citadel of Leige; but how easily can you clear your self, and shew what reason you had to do it: For his Eminence had done the same thing, if you had not pre∣vented him, as appear'd by his Papers that were seiz'd, of which some were kept, that made mention of all the Cardinal had been brewing. This so silenc'd all those that en∣deavour'd to blast your Majesty's Reputation, that there was not a word more said of the matter.

This great Affair being ended in the manner I have mention'd; Your Majesty besieged Di∣nant; when you had taken it, you cleared all the Meuse from that Town to Maestricht, by taking the Town and Castle of Huy. From thence you went and besieged Limbourg; the Prince of Orange made a shew as if he would Relieve it, but not doing it, you became Master of it, and Viscount Turenne return'd again into Germany, to make Head against Montecuculi, who the Em∣perour had sent into that Country.

Viscount Turenne had not now so great Forces to deal with, as he had the Year before, for you had contrived a diversion in the North, by the King of Sweden's declaring War against the Marquess of Brandenbourg. The Duke of Ha∣nover was to second the Swede with an Army of Fifteen Thousand Men, to keep those in awe who had a mind to assist the Elector: But Con∣stable Wrangell, who Commanded the Swedish Army, being gain'd by his Master's Enemies, did not Execute the Orders which were given him; so that the Duke of Hanover durst not declare himself. Nevertheless, this made the Elector of Brandenbourg recal his Troops from the Imperial Army, whereupon, the Marquess de Vaubrun, one of your Lieutenant Generals, took Dachsteim in the absence of Viscount Turenne.

Monsieur Louvoy believing, that by the King of Sweden's declaring War, he had made amends for the Fault he committed, in disswading your Majesty from making a Peace, so much to your Advantage; thought of nothing but continuing the War now kindled in so many different places. The Messineses being in very great distress, and beginning to cry Miserere, you sent Vallavoir, with a second Convoy of Corn, which he had the good luck to conduct safely to 'em, tho' the Spanyards way-laid him in his passage, with Forces much superiour to his.

I know not what made your Majesty change your Modest Resolution concerning the Messi∣neses: You accepted the Soveraignty which at first you refus'd, and sent thither, in the Quality

of your Vice-roy, the Duke de Vivonne, Gene∣ral of your Gallies, Brother to Madam Mon∣tespan: Who because he was her Brother, Mon∣sieur Louvoy prevail'd to have him preferr'd to that Command, tho' there were many other Competitors much sitter for it. He was indeed very successful at his first coming to Messina; for he enter'd the Haven in spite of the Span∣yards, and took from them a Vessel of fifty Guns. He reduced some Forts which the Spanyards still kept, and taking the Field, he drove 'em out of all the Posts they had within four Leagues round the Town. That done, he went abroad again, made a Descent upon Cala∣bria, and brought thence a considerable Booty. But when there was most need of his doing somewhat to the purpose, he slept upon his good Fortune, which occasion'd many Plots and Conspiracies against him; however, 'twas his good Luck, to be deliver'd from 'em all.

Viscount Turenne being come to his Army, found it in a very good Condition, by what Marquess Vaubrun had done, for since the taking of Dachsteim, they had plenty of all Provisions; and being eager to Signalize themselves, he pass'd the Rhine, and offer'd Montecueuli Battel, which he refused. He could not force him to fight, because he was so Advantageously Posted, but having tryed all ways, he at last reduced him to so great a scarcity of Victuals and Fo∣rage, that Montecuculi must have certainly been forced to decamp first, and then Turenne would have fall'n upon him; but advancing to the top of a Hill, to take a view of the Imperial

Army, he was unfortunately kill'd with a Canon Bullet.

This sad Accident chang'd all things in an instant; so true it is, that an Army without a General, is like a Body without a Soul. Mon∣tecuculi, who was making the best of his way, when he knew in what a Consternation your Forces were by the Death of Monsieur Turenne, returns again to charge 'em. The Lieutenant Generals who Commanded, thought of nothing but repassing the Rhine. While they were con∣sulting what course to take; a Souldier said a very pleasant thing. General Turenne, crys the Fellow aloud, us'd to Ride upon a Pied Horse, take the Bridle, and but lay it on his neck, he will know better than our Commanders where we should go. But Count de Lorge conducted the Army safe over the Rhine, after having given the Enemy Battel; who thought to have made a much better hand of it.

The Merit of this great Man, made your Majesty very sensible of his loss, which will every day appear greater, by the want you will find of him. But it was otherwise with Moun∣sieur Louvoy, who when all France mourn'd for his Death, he and his rejoyc'd. I certainly know what I tell your Majesty is true, and if he could have hinder'd his being so Honourably Buried, he would have done it. His Funeral Pomp was very great, and I know no body but your Minister that spoke against it. The Me∣mory of those Great Things he had done, is so deeply Ingraved in the Hearts of your Subjects, that it is hard to say, whether he was most

Esteem'd or Beloved. He did not only deserve to be commended for those his Military Accom∣plishments, which are the Glory of a Hero; but for all other Moral and Christian Vertues so, rarely to be found in one Person.

The Duke of Lorrain was upon the Moselle, with his own Troops, and those of Lunenbourg, Munster, and some of the other Confederates, and having heard of this Accident, laid Siege to Treves; where Vignori an old Souldier Com∣manded. Of whose Experience the Prince of Condé (under whom he had Served all his Life) assured your Majesty. He was not at all dis∣courag'd at the Siege, knowing Mareschal Crequi was marching to his Relief; but while he was giving Orders on Horseback, his Horse fright∣ed with a clap of Thunder, threw him head∣long from a Bastion, of which he dyed in a few days. This fatal Accident made the Mareschal hasten his March; fearing that Vignori's Death might so dishearten his Souldiers, as to deliver up the Town. But the Duke of Lorrain sav'd Monsieur Crequi the labour of advancing fur∣ther, and met him at Consarbrik, where the Sarre and Moselle join. The Duke past the River, where the Mareschal, if he pleas'd, might have taken the advantage of charging part of his Army, before the rest could have got over: But neglecting it, I know not for what Reason, nor perhaps he himself, he was so soundly beat∣en, that all his Troops, ran some one way, and some another, and he narrowly escaping, with four more, got into Treves; where, in perfect despair, he resolv'd to bury himself in defence

of the Place, tho' it was of no great importance. Indeed, the resistance he made, was so much greater than the Enemy expected, that they of∣fer'd him very good Terms; but resolving not so much as to talk of yielding, a Captain of Foot called Boisjourdan, told the Garrison they had nothing to do with the Mareschal's despera∣tion; that tho' he had a mind to perish, yet they were not bound to follow his Example. Some were of his Opinion, and told the Mares∣chal, the Place was not in a Condition to hold out any longer; but his Passion not permitting them to say any more. Boisjourdan Treated with the Enemy, and let 'em into the Town. Ma∣reschal Crequi saved himself in the Church, where he resolved with some Officers, who did not approve of what Boisjourdan had done, to stand it out; but seeing the Enemy preparing to force 'em, they told the Mareschal, your Majesty and all France, would blame his desperate Reso∣lution, and at last perswaded him to yield at discretion.

Your Majesty in truth was not pleas'd with what he had done, and would have been less satisfy'd if his desperation had carry'd him fur∣ther: But knowing what was done by Bois∣jourdan, was an ill Example not to be endur'd, you caused him to be seized, and he and some of his Companions were Condemn'd by a Council of War to be Beheaded. The Sen∣tence was Executed at Metz in the presence of the Garrison: No body pitying him, because no Souldier can be a Man of Honour, who is guilty of Disobedience.

Your Majesty after these ill Successes, had reason to fear the Enemy would enter into France; but your Prudence prevented it, by raising a Jealousie between the Princes of the House of Brunswick and the Duke of Lorrain; the Princes, maugre all the Duke could say, re∣solv'd to return to their Country. 'Tis the Fate of Confederates never to agree, what one will, the other will not, and it would be a Miracle to see them hold together, while they have dif∣ferent Interests; which is the Reason their De∣signs so seldom prosper.

After the Death of Monsieur Turenne, your Majesty fearing the Enemy would prevail in Alsatia, you sent thither the Duke de Duras, whom three days after his Uncle's Death, you had made a Mareschal of France. You con∣ferr'd the same Honour on some other Officers, and Monsieur Louvoy so far prevail'd with you, as to let Marquess Rochefort be one of that number, tho' he had done nothing more than he had before to deserve it. The others were the Count d' Estrades, the Duke of Navailles, whom you had recalled from his Banishment, Count de Schomberg, the Duke de Vivonne, the Duke de la Feuillade, and the Duke of Luxembourg. But because the Duke de Duras had not so much Experience as his Uncle, you gave the Com∣mand to the Prince of Condé, whose Reputation only was of great advantage to your Majesty, in the present conjuncture.

The Enemy having past the Rhine at the Bridge of Strasbourg, (the second time this Town had falsify'd their Promise to you) be∣lieved

they should presently take Hagenau; but the Prince of Condé having oblig'd them to raise the Siege, they attacqued Saverne, which they thought to carry with more ease. But their Success there was the same they had at Hagenau, so that this Campaign, which at first threatned your Majesty with a turn of Fortune, ended so little to your disadvantage, that your Majesty had no cause to fear on that side.

The Sweeds came not off so well. They were at last advanc'd into the Elector of Branden∣bourg's Country, where they took some Posts of no great consequence; but they went on so slowly, that they seem'd to act in concert with the Elector; he taking as little care to oppose them. But the Elector knowing that the King of Sweden being press'd by your Majesty, would at last act more vigorously against him, made haste out of Holland, where he then was, to de∣fend his own Country; and had the good For∣tune as soon as he arriv'd, to rout the Swedes at a Pass called Felbeling. They lost there the greatest part of their Cannon and Baggage, a blow they could not recover, during that Cam∣paigne. The King of Denmark, who with the Princes of the Family of Brunswick, took part with the Elector, had now an opportunity to do his own business. They all at one time fell upon the Swede, in the Dutchy of Bremen, in the Isle of Rugen, and some other of his Frontiers. And finding little resistance any where, the King of Denmark besieged and took Wismar, a conside∣rable Port upon the Baltick Sea.

Your Majesty having now more Reason than ever, to be sensible of the ill Service Monsieur Louvoy had done you, in perswading you not to make Peace; accepted of the King of England's Mediation, which he offer'd to all the Princes engaged in the War, in order to make an end of it. They all consented as you did, and sent their Plenepotentiaries to Nimeghen, where yours arriv'd first. The Spanyard till now ap∣pear'd most averse to the Peace; but the Busi∣ness of Messina had brought down his Pride, and he fear'd that you would become Master of the whole Kingdom of Sicily, as you already were of the Capital City, and of Augusta, where the Duke of Vivonne had plac'd a Garrison. This last Town was not considerable for its strength, but being a Retreat for your Shipping, was of great advantage to your Majesty.

The Dutch on the other side were grown weary of the War, which was a very great Charge to 'em, by the Subsidies they had paid to those Princes who came to their assistance. Beside, they began to think they were not so much concern'd in the War, your Majesty having quitted their Country, and there was now no more to be consider'd, but the Interests of the Emperour, with those of the Princes of the Empire. But those being so different, pro∣moted the Peace; since it is certain they had less reason to distrust your Majesty, than their own Party. For as the Emperour's Power which he insensibly increas'd, gave great cause of Jealousie to all the Princes; so the Emperour on his part, could not be well pleas'd, to see

them maintain a good Correspondence one with another, and often confer together concerning their Interests, without calling him to their Councils.

Things being in this condition at the begin∣ning of the Year 1676, Monsieur Louvoy, who had still a Spleen against me, about the business of the Routes, endeavour'd to be even with me in an Affair relating to the Finances, wherein he suspected I had been tampering. But I made it appear to your Majesty as clear as the day, that I was no way concern'd in it, and that if any thing had been done which could not be justi∣fied, Damarets my Nephew was to be called to an Account for it; who had had the ordering of the whole business. I told your Majesty at the same time, I would not be answerable for him, knowing him to be a dangerous Person where there was any thing to be got. I never trusted him he was so Covetous, yet I was one of the first he endeavour'd to deceive. Your Majesty was much more kind to him than he deserved; you gave him a Hundred Thousand Crowns, in the first business he undertook for you; but there are some People so insatiable, that should your Majesty give 'em half your Kingdom, they would not be contented. However, you were so gracious to him, as to pass all by for my sake, which is not the only thing for which I am in∣debted to your Majesty. Tho' I can say with∣out boasting, I never had recourse to your Fa∣vour to be pardon'd for defrauding or rob∣bing your Majesty. I have always endeavour'd

to walk uprightly, and I desie any Person to accuse me of the contrary.

The Heir of one Named Friois, by Nation a Swiss, who had got a very considerable Estate in your Kingdom, could testifie what I say, were he call'd to it. Friois dyed very Old, and was never Married. The Person of whom I speak, as Heir to him, claimed what he left; but was oppos'd by one that Farmed your Majesty's De∣mesnes, who pretended a Title to it in your Ma∣jesty's Right, because Friois was a Bastard: So that according to the Law of your Kingdom, all he had got belong'd to him that had got the King's Title. This Contest, put them upon making Friends. He pretended Heir to the Swisse, thinking he could find no body that could do him more Service than my self, offer'd me Two Hundred Thousand Francks, if I would stand by him. I told him, no Sum, were it never so great, could tempt me to do any thing that was unjust; so that seeing he could do nothing with me, he address'd himself to some very near Monsieur Louvoy, who for that Summ (divided among 'em,) did his business. Villacerf and Pouange had Twenty Thousand Crowns apiece; Stouppa, and a certain Man whose Name I have forgot had the rest. The Farmer of your Ma∣jesty's Demesnes made his Complaint to me, and pray'd me to inform your Majesty what wrong had been done him; but I found your Majesty so prepossest, that it was impossible for me to do any thing for him.

I know many other Cases, wherein there hath been the like prevarication; and your Ma∣jesty

may be assur'd, that during the War, there hath been a base unworthy Trade of Sel∣ling vacant Places, even so low as Ensigns. This hath made one Alexander the Son of a pittiful Scrivener so Rich, that he thinks himself a Com∣panion for Persons of the best Quality. 'Tis by the like abuse, Charpentier and Bynot his Brother-in-Law, are become so wealthy; tho' one but the Son of a little Townsman of Compeigne, and the other the Son of a Sergeant of Tonnere. Your Majesty may make bold with these Mens Purses when you have occasion for Mony, and need not fear any body will find fault with it. The one will throw up whole Companies he hath sold, and the others will disgorge the Blood of entire Corporations, wherewith they have fatted themselves. The poor Village of Courtisoux in Champaign, whose Wealth con∣sists only in Cheeses, hath for several Years given Charpentier three thousand Livers, per an. to free them from Quartering Souldiers: But when they could no longer pay him so great a Summ, and desired an Abatement; he forgot their Presents, and order'd Souldiers in their passage, to Quarter upon 'em.

I might fill this Paper with the like Abuses, yet should never have done. Your Majesty knows it was not long since I shew'd how you were cheated, in what was appointed to defray the extraordinary Expence of the War. Where you were made to pay one Regiment twice, by a secret Compact between the Commissary and the Treasurer. I know very well this cannot be directly charg'd upon Monsieur Louvoy; but

as he is bound to Answer for those that are em∣ploy'd by him, so 'tis he, and not I, that is to supervise them. My place finds me work e∣nough, and I desire no new Imployment. 'Tis your Majesty is concern'd, and your People, upon whom the burden of all these disorders falls; because 'tis from them you expect Mony, when your Exchequer is empty. I do not pre∣tend to give you a particular Account of these Frauds, 'tis impossible for me to do it, without depriving my self every Night of four or five Hours sleep, which are absolutely necessary for my Repose, after I am quite wearied with more Business than I am able to bear. Your Majesty I hope will reflect on what I have said when you think fit, in the mean time, I return again to the prosecution of your History.

The Spoil which the Garrison of Phillipsbourg made in the Elector Palatin's Country, oblig'd the Emperour (to be rid of his continual impor∣tunities,) to keep that place block'd up all the Winter; and promis'd him to take the Thorn quite out of his Foot, by besieging it in the Spring, which no body durst undertake while Monsieur Turenne was alive. The Count de Lorges importun'd your Majesty to bestow the same favour on him, that you had upon his Brother, and so many others whom you have Honoured as I have already said, with a Ma∣reschal's Staff of France. He brought to your Account the Service he did your Majesty, in conducting your Army over the Rhine after his Uncle's Death, and the long time he had serv'd your Majesty. You had no great mind to grant

his Request, not but that you thought him a Man Brave enough, and that he very well un∣derstood his Trade: But having a small Estate, you thought he would be unable to support the Dignity of his Title. Monsieur Louvoy who look'd upon him as the Nephew of a Man he never lov'd, did him ill Offices, believing he would never be his Friend. When I perceiv'd it, and that your unwillingness to grant Count de Lorge's Request, was only for the Reason I have now mention'd; I told your Majesty, if the Count would make Love to Fremont's Daughter, and had but her Father's good Word, I would undertake he should certainly get her. Now to do him effectual Service, I threatned Fremont under-hand, to have him question'd concerning some Affairs, and how he came to be counted the Richest Man in all Paris. This frighted him, and knowing he had need of Pro∣tection, he hearken'd to the Proposition made by Count de Lorge; upon condition he was first made a Mareschal of France. I acquainted your Majesty with what was like to happen in Count Lorge's Favour, so that you being per∣swaded this Marriage would much better his Condition, you gave him the Staff he so ear∣nestly desired. He then Married Mademoiselle de Fremont, who brought him so great a Por∣tion, that he bought with ready Mony, the Captain's Place of your Majesty's Guards. He also Treated for the County of Quintin, which is one of the most considerable Estates in all Brittany; the Yearly Rent whereof amounts to Fifty Thousand Livers. And as Fortune, when

Men begin to be Happy, heaps upon 'em her Favours; so it fell out in this case, for he of whom this Land was bought, who was to have his Debts discharg'd, and a great Pension paid him during his Life, died in a short time after, so that Mareschal de Lorge had a very good bargain.

What I had contributed to his good Fortune, made Monsieur Louvoy keep him out of Imploy∣ment this Campaign, tho' he had behaved him∣self much better than Mareschal Rochefort, who did not Execute his Orders, to put Men and Provisions into Phillipsbourg. Your Majesty knows what a Fault he committed in endeavouring it, and that he dyed with grief for having fail'd in the attempt; which was more for want of Courage than Conduct. This should teach us never to be exalted too high, lest our Heads turn, and our Fall be the greater. A Man may get that Reputation in an inferior Post, which perhaps he would lose in a higher. Prudence prompts us to measure our Ambition, by the knowledge we have of our selves; otherwise to our own ruin we may find there was Truth hid in the Fable of Phaeton.

Your Majesty open'd this Campaign with the taking of Condé, which was follow'd by that of Bouchain. The Prince of Orange drew near your Army in order to their relief, but did not think it safe to attack you, with an Army so much inferiour to yours. After the taking these two Places, you return'd to Versailles, leaving the greatest part of your Army under the Command of Mareschal Schomberg. The rest

you sent to the Duke of Luxemburg, who Com∣manded in Germany. The Prince of Lorrain was there at the Head of the Emperour's Ar∣my, and at last besieged Phillisbourg; which made so good a defence, that the Duke of Lux∣embourg had as much time as he could wish, for the relieving it.

The Prince of Orange sat down before Maestricht, where the Commander in chief (as the Governour of Phillipsbourg had done) so well perform'd his Duty, that Mareschal Schomberg gave Mareschal Humieres, time enough to form the Siege of Aires. For which he lent him part of his Troops, but recalling them again when the Siege was ended, he Marched directly to∣wards Maestricht, so that there had been a bloody Battel, if the Prince of Orange, who had lost six weeks time, and six or seven thousand Men at this Siege, had not thought fit to quit it.

This prosperous Success of your Majesty's Arms, made the Dutch sick of the War; but that which troubled them more, was, the mis∣fortune that befel them the beginning of this Year at Messina. They had sent into those Seas the Famous de Ruyter, who from being at first but a common Sailer, was now preferr'd to the chief Command of their Fleet. Never was a Man more fam'd upon the two Seas, he came off so bravely in all Engagements, that his very Name was enough to make his Party Victorious; but your Fleet got the better of him. About three Months after, not thinking himself suffi∣ciently beaten, he try'd a second Engagement,

and was worse handled than at first, for he was not only beaten, but received a wound, of which in ten days after he dyed at Syracuse.

After these two Victories, your Majesty could desire nothing more to compleat your Glory, and continue your Protection to the Messineses, than to have had the like happy end of all your Enterprises in Germany. But the Duke of Luxembourg met with so many difficulties there, that having tryed a hundred ways in vain to relieve Phillipsbourg; he quite abandon'd the design. So that after a Siege of more than three Months, the Prince of Lorrain, who had never yet commanded in chief, had the pleasure of reducing so strong a place. But he was like to have met his Death in the midst of his Triumph, for the Bridge by which he was to enter into the Town, as he was passing over it, fell under him: Which, Report says, was contriv'd by some of the Greatest Persons in the Emperor's Court, who seeing him in so much Favour, had resolv'd to destroy him.

The Swedes continued the War, but unfor∣tunately lost Elsembourg, Lanscron, Christianstat, and some other places. And tho' they had an advantage over Major General Duncan, and a Victory at Lunden, yet were they never the better for it.

Fortune was constant to none but your Majesty. The City of Valenciennes fell into your Hands the next Campaign, tho' it was one of the strong∣est in all Flanders, and defended by a good Garrison. If you would have taken the ad∣vantage, you might have put all to the Sword;

but your Clemency became an Advocate for those poor unhappy People, and you freely gave 'em both their Lives and Goods, when they did not expect to have saved either. After this, you attack'd Cambray and St. Omer at a time; which oblig'd you to divide your Forces, so that the Prince of Orange thought now or never was his time to do somewhat. He advanc'd as far as Cassel, where he was defeated by Monsieur your Brother: After which Cambray and St. O∣mer did not long hold out; your Majesty having done all this before the time other Generals use to take the Field, your Reputation (which was already very great throughout all Europe) was now exalted to so high a degree of Glory, that you were look'd upon as the greatest Man in the Universe

The Prince of Lorrain, whose great and ge∣nerous Soul did rather emulate than envy your brave Exploits; redoubled his Courage, and came to your Frontiers at the Head of a gallant Army. Having taken Mouzon, a Place of no defence, he sent a Detachment over the Meuse, which put the Province of Champagne into a Fright, but did them no great harm: For this Detach∣ment durst not go far from their Army, nor their Army follow the Detachment, Mareschal Crequi being advanc'd in order to observe 'em. But 'tis not so easy a thing to enter into an Ene∣my's Country, for a General must consider, whether he can go out again when he pleases; especially when he hath no Places near to retreat to, nor Neighbours from whom he can expect any assistance.

However, the Prince of Lorrain▪ did not de∣spair of entring again into his own Country, to which he now pretended a greater right than before, by the Death of his Uncle, which hap∣pen'd a little after the taking of Treves. But since this depended upon the Prince of Orange, who had promis'd to march into France; he waited for the Effects of that Promise, to regulate accor∣dingly his own Attempts. The Prince of Oran∣ge's hope was grounded upon your Majesty's way of prosecuting the War: You had not ma∣ny Troops, but made use of them with that Judgment and Prudence, that tho' the Enemy's forces were more numerous than yours, yet every Year you added some Town to your Con∣quests, which you did by keeping your Troops together all the Winter; whereas the Enemy was oblig'd to separate theirs, and quarter them in places so remote from one another, that they could not come together, when you open'd the Campaign. Taking this course, you did your Business early in the Spring, and then sending a Detachment into Germany, you acted the de∣fensive Part in Flanders all the rest of the Campaign.

It was upon this account, the Prince of Orange resolv'd so late in the Year to attempt the Siege of Charleroy. I have already told your Majesty why he had such a mind to this Place: But he had now another Reason, he pretended if he took it, he could march into France when he would, tho' he was much mistaken in his ac∣count; for upon notice that Mareschal Schomberg was marching directly to him, and that your

Majesty was preparing to follow, he stay'd for it her, but rais'd the Siege.

Upon this Check given to the Prince of Orange, the Prince of Lorrain saw he could no longer depend upon him, but frustrated of his hopes, he quitted Mouzon, and march'd back again up the Rhine: Mareschal Crequi followed him, and after divers Encampments on both sides, they came so near together at Kokesberg, that there pass'd a very hot Skirmish between 'em. The Emperour's Cuirassiers handled your Majesty's light Horse very rudely; but your Guards de Maison had the same advantage over them; so that both Armies fled before, and pursu'd the Enemy in half an Hour's time.

The Prince of Lorrain judging by this little Tryal, that it was better to go into Winter-Quarters, than to stay longer in the Field, retreated farther back into Germany. Mares∣chal Crequi made a feignt, as if he would have done the like; but marching back again, he attack'd and took Fribourg, before the Prince could come to relieve it.

You beat the Enemy in Catalonia, and ravag'd that Country every Year. The Spaniards lost there the Battel of Pouille: Nor could they do any thing at Messina, tho' they distributed a great deal of Money, in hopes to have 'em cut the Throats of your Garrison. Your finish'd this prosperous Campaign, with the taking of St. Guil∣lain, which so abated the Courage of the Hol∣landers, that tho the Prince of Orange had mar∣ry'd the Duke of York's Daughter, and promis'd by that Match to make England declare for

them, yet the Dutch had more mind than ever, to make Peace.

Monsieur Louvoy had serv'd your Majesty so well in all your Enterprizes, and was become so great a Favourite, that I was no longer able to stand against him. When Chancellor Seguier died, I was a Competitor with Monsieur Lou∣voy's Father for that Place, which he did all he could to obtain for him, I got my self to be made an Advocate, A Qualification requir'd in the Person that hath that Office; but your Maje∣sty to reconcile us, gave it to Monsieur d' Alligre Councellor of State, tho' his great Age and In∣firmities render'd him incapable to execute it; so that his Son officiated for him: But he was of so odd a Humour, that no body car'd to have any thing to do with him. D' Alligre dying, Mon∣sieur Tellier and I renew'd our Contest, which lasted not long on my Part; for your Majesty commanded me to quit my Pretensions, and gave that honourable Office to Monsieur Tel∣lier.

The Prince of Orange's Marriage wrought a real Change in England; it begot such conten∣tious debates, that the King of England was in a manner forc'd to sign a League against your Majesty: He re-demanded his Troops, which (not being able to refuse) you sent back to him. But by so long a way about, that Monsieur Lou∣voy had time to debauch the greatest part of 'em. For instead of suffering them to imbarque at Calais, or some Port near their Country, he chose one that was farthest off; pretending that his Britanick Majesty had no just cause to com∣plain,

because no particular place was nam'd▪ in your Treaty with him. Which may serve for a Lesson to all publick Ministers, when they treat with a foreign Prince: For if the least thing be omitted in their Negotiation, they may be sure it will be made use of against their Master; and when a Fault is once done, 'tis too late to think of mending it.

This Change in your Majesty's Affairs, ob∣lig'd you to quit Messina; where there was no longer any safety for your Troops: For if the English joyned their Forces with the Dutch, it was impossible to resist them. This was what I long ago foresaw, and I took the liberty to tell your Majesty, that you would be necessitated to augment your Fleet, by building more Ships: but Monsieur Louvoy, who would, if he could, have destroy'd the Marine Establishment, al∣ways oppos'd it; pretending two Reasons for it. The First, That no cause of Jealousie was to be given to England. The other, That your Kingdom was not able to support so great a Charge. He made use of the same Pretence, to dissuade your Majesty from the making a Har∣bour upon the Coast of Normandy, which you will want, in case you ever have a War with England: For if your Ships at any time should receive much Damage, where shall they find a Retreat? 'Tis a long way out of the Channel to Brest and Rochefort, which ought to be seriously consider'd by your Majesty.

'Tis not long ago I gave you my Opinion con∣cerning such a Port. The Bay of Colville, seems a Place to have been expresly design'd by Na∣ture

for it. I thought your Majesty, when you had heard my Reasons was so well satisfied, that you would presently have given order to begin the Work. But I since understood that Mon∣sieur Louvoy put by the Business, tho' so abso∣lutely necessary for the good of your Kingdom, insinuating that the Place I have mention'd, was not so sit as I represented it: And that the Rea∣son why I did so much commend it, was, be∣cause I was willing to oblige the House of Ma∣tignon, to which my Son was ally'd; whose Lands lying near the Place, and they having the King's Lieutenancy in that Country, it would both increase their revenue, and augment their Credit.

What Poyson there is in Malice, and what dangerous Effects it doth produce, I leave your Majesty to judge. But it seems very difficult for a great King, who sees with other Mens Eyes, to defend himself against the Artifice of those that would deceive him; especially, when they have done him such Services, as may incline them to think their Intention is good. I know but one way for a Prince to secure himself in such cases, which is to trust no body; but strict∣ly to examine things himself, and rather be up∣on the Place to see what is done, than be deceiv'd by being too credulous; for in trusting a third Person, there are many Inconveniences. There are few Princes but must rely upon a Minister in most of their Affairs; and tho' it is not so in your Majesty's Court, where there are two or three Persons, who will not bend and submit to Mon∣sieur Louvoy's Authority; yet for certain, there

is a secret Jealousie still retain'd in the Heart which commonly works the very Effects that are fear'd.

Your Majesty's Prudence, which never forsakes you in the reverse of Fortune, seem'd to in∣crease: you were not at all daunted with the Change of his Britanick Majesty; but on the contrary rather made it serviceable to you, in bringing the Dutch to a Peace. You put such Jealousies into their Heads, that they wrote to their Embassadors, they should endeavour to re∣move all Difficulties that would obviate a Peace.

Your Majesty knowing that the way to make them more desirous of it, was to terrifie them by some new Conquest; you besieg'd the City of Gand, which made little resistance. You knew so well how to blind your Enemies, by pretending to attack some other Place, that the Town was in a manner taken, before they per∣ceiv'd your Design. You afterward made your self Master of Ypres, and of Fort Lewen; which by its advantageous Scituation, was thought impregnable: But was surpriz'd one clear Night by the Garrison of Maestricht, and taken by Scalado.

Such prosperous proceedings should in all ap∣pearance, have made the Spaniards as desirous of a Peace, as the Dutch; But they knowing that what had pass'd in England, had already made your Majesty quit Messina, and inferring from thence, the League they had made with that Crown, would do Miracles in their Favour; they endeavour'd to keep the Dutch from ma∣king

a Peace; but your Maiesty remov'd all those Obstacles, by a piece of Policy which Po∣sterity will admire. You concluded a separate Peace with Holland: But before the Prince of Orange was inform'd of it, he concluded, if he fell upon your Army, which then block'd up Mons, and could give it a Blow, he should hin∣der the conclusion of the Treaty; he very fu∣riously charg'd your Troops; The Duke of Luxembourg, who had heard the Peace was con∣cluded, and imagin'd the Prince of Orange like∣wise knew it, relying upon it, was not in such a Posture of Defence, as he should have been, so that he and the Intendant had like to have been taken.

The Spaniards and the Emperour were, af∣ter this, so happy as to come to an accomoda∣tion with your Majesty; but the Northern Prin∣ces were unwilling to restore to the King of Sweden, what they had taken from him. Your Majesty oblig'd them to it by the Treaty you had sign'd; in consideration of which, you re∣stor'd Maestricht to the Hollanders, and several Places to the Spaniards, from whom you had lately taken Puicerda. Prince Charles of Lor∣rain, who was this Year come again into Germa∣ny, where he made no better a Campaign than he did the Year before; because Mareschal Cre∣qui not only prevented his design of retaking Fri∣bourg; but beat a party of his Troops in the Plain of Rhinfield, took Sekinghem, Offembourg, the Fort of Kell, burnt the Bridge of Strasbourg, and did so many other Exploits in that Country, as made him pass for another Turenne. The Prince of

Lorrdin I say, was comprehended in the Empe∣rour's Treaty, by which your Majesty was ob∣lig'd to restore to him his Country; but under such hard conditions, that rather than submit to them, he chose to retire to his Imperial Ma∣jesty, whose Sister he had married the beginning of that Winter.