A continuation of the secret history of White-hall from the abdication of the late K. James in 1688 to the year 1696 writ at the request of a noble lord ... : the whole consisting of secret memoirs ... : published from the original papers : together with The tragical history of the Stuarts ... / by D. Jones ...

LETTER XXVIII. Of Proposals of Peace made by France to the Emperor and Empire in the year, 1693. (Book 28)

My Lord,

THe successes of the French Arms, since the commencement of this unhappy War, against the Empire of Germany, does not hinder this Court (as I am well as∣sured) to make overtures of Peace on that side particularly; the motions whereof the Confederates are narrowly to watch to prevent the fatality of such a disjuncti∣on in their present Allyance. The Swedes are very busy in promoting the Work, and the terms that are offered, are to this

purpose, as I had them communicated to me by a particular hand.

First, That in general the King de∣sires, That the Treaties of Westphalia and Nemeghen may remain in full force and vigour.

Secondly, That the Truce concluded at Ratisbonne in August, 1684. for 20 Years, may be changed into a defensive Trea∣ty of Peace, with such alterations as are here after explained, as

First, That in recompence of the Ci∣ty of Strasburg which the most Christian King is in possession of and designs to keep, Mont Royal and Trarback shall be rased, and restored to the Prince to whom they belong, provided that neither of them be re-fortifyed for the future.

Secondly, That all the Works of Fort Louis and Hunninghen, that are beyond the Rhine, shall in like manner be demo∣lished.

Thirdly, That Phillipsburg with the for∣tress thereof shall be restored, as also Fri∣burg in the same condition they are in at present.

Fourthly, That Heidelburg shall be given up to the Elector Palatine, and all the dependances of the Palatinate, notwith∣standing the claim of his Sister-in-law the Dutchess of Orleans to several Lands and Fiefs therein, which losses the King

will take upon him to repair; And as for Saar Louis, Biche and Homburg, he is willing take condescend to any equivalent for them, of equal Revenue to the E∣lector.

Fifthly, That as for Re-unions, if Commissioners appointed on each side shall not be able to adjust them in a li∣mi••••ed time, the French King will refer himself to the arbitration of the Repub∣lick of Venice.

I am further informed, my Lord, that Cardinal Fourbin has orders to sollicite this point also with the Pope, and to acquaint him how willing the King is to compose the affairs of Europe, and those of Italy in particular; and that himself shall have ple∣nary Power to draw and regulate the con∣ditions, provided that in the first place, the Restoration of the late King James be absolutely concluded upon, with which I shall also conclude this Letter from

My Lord,

Your Humble Servant.

Paris, Aug. 11. 1693. N. S.