The French spy, or, The memoirs of John Baptist de la Fontaine, Lord of Savoy and Fontenai, late brigadier and surveyor of the French King's army, now a prisoner in the Bastile containing many secret transactions relating both to England and France / tr. from the French original, printed at Cologn in the year 1699.

THE MEMOIRS OF JOHN BAPTIST De La Fontaine, Kt. LORD OF Savoy and Fontenay, BRIGADIER and SURVEYOUR General in the French King's Army. LIB. III.

LEWIS the Great having for very weighty Reasons of State, taken a Resolution to humble the Pride of the Dutch, entred in∣to an Alliance with the King of England, and some other Princes Bordering upon the Lower Rhine, to declare War against them. There was not one of all the Neighbouring Princes, but what was very glad of this opportunity; and the Elector of Branden∣burgh

himself would questionless have entered into this Alliance, if Reasons of State had not over-bal∣lanc'd his Inclinations, for he had indeed more Weighty matters of Complaint against them than the other Princes, for they exercised a Sovereign Ju∣risdiction in the most considerable Places of the Dutchy of Cleves, whereas by Contract, they were only to Garrison them for their own security: But considering that they had already Enemies enough to humble them, it was not his Interest to see them quite destroy'd. He was also sufficiently convinced, that when they saw themselves entangled in so bur∣thensom a War, they would be under a necessity of making their Applications to him; and that in that Juncture, it would be more suitable to his Interest, to prevent than to promote their Destruction. He knew that if he should engage in a War, without ta∣king all the necessary precautions, he might chance to be Attack d either by Poland or Sweden; the first of which watch'd all opportunities to recover the Ducal Prussia, the last to Conquer the remaining part of Pomerania. It was these considerations were so prevailing with the Elector, that when the Dutch solicited for Succours, he proposed such hard Conditions to them, that they did not think fit to ac∣cept of them. For the Elector pretended no less than the Restitution of all those places in the Dutchy of Cleves, and the Dutch flattering themselves with hopes to prevent the irruption of the French, (who were not as then yet entered the Dutch Territories) by making their submission to the King; or else to come to an Accommodation with the English, they would not buy his Assistance at so dear a Rate, and thus the Treaty broke off. In the mean while the Elector foreseeing that the Alliance betwixt France and England was laid upon such a Basis and cement∣ed by the common Interest of these two Kings, that the same would not be easily dissolved, he sent his Minister to the Imperial Court, to make exact obser∣vations, how the designs of France were relish'd by the Emperor, and if he found that he began to be

Jealous of this French Irruption, to declare to his Imperial Majesty, that his Master was ready to join his Forces with the Imperialists, to prevent the de∣signs of the French.

The prodigious success which attended his most Christian Majesty's Arms, did encrease this Jealou∣sie; for in six Weeks time, the Hollanders saw them∣selves reduc'd to so low an ebb of Fortune, that all their pass'd Glory did appear no otherwise than the Sun in an Eclipse. For the King had in the two Months of June and July, in the Year 1672, taken from them above Forty strong Places, some of which had held out formerly a great while, against very formidable Armies. In the number of those, were those Places in the Dutchy of Cleves, belonging to the Elector of Brandenburgh; and as he would ra∣ther see them in the Dutch than in the French hands, he shew'd more forwardness now to hearken to the Propositions made to him by the Dutch, to march to their Relief.

The Emperor who took the French Conquests as much to heart as the Hollanders themselves, did also join his Interest with theirs, the sooner to prevail up∣on the Elector to come to their assistance. He pro∣mis'd that as soon as the Elector's Troops were on their March, those of the Empire should be ready to join them, by which means they hop'd to coop up the French, their Army not being very numerous upon the Rhine at that time, because they had dispers'd most of their Troops in the new Conquests. If the advice of the Prince of Conde had taken place, who foresaw that this stupendious success would certainly alarm those who were jealous of the French Power; most of these Places were to have been dismantl'd, the Garrisons of which would have been sufficient to bring two or three good Armies into the Field, which would have prov'd the only means to keep the Neighbouring Princes in awe, and to prevent their declaring against France. But his advice being over∣rul'd by those of a contrary Sentiment, this em∣boldned the Elector to take up Arms against the

King, and a Treaty was concluded betwixt him▪ the Emperor and Hollanders to succour one another. The Elector's Army consisted of about 25000 Men, but for the most part new Levies, not one half of them being old Troops. The Emperor's Forces were no less numerous, and Commanded by Monte∣cuculi, a General of great Reputation, and who was grown old in the Exercise of the Art of War. In the Elector's Army nothing was more talk'd of, than how they would swallow up the French Army, which indeed was not then above ten or twelve Thousand strong, their Forces being dispers'd in so many Garrisons. Thus flush'd with hopes of con∣quering all before us, we march'd as to an undoubt∣ed Victory. We enter'd Westphalia; that part which belong'd to the Bishop of Munster, who stood then in alliance with France, and had no Forces in those parts to dispute our passage. The Elector who Commanded in Person, took care to have an exact Discipline observ'd there, being in hopes of bring∣ing the said Bishop over to the Emperor's Party, whose Subject he was. From thence we march'd into the Elector of Cologne's Territories, where we liv'd at discretion, pillaging where ever we came; This Prince being suppos'd so firmly link'd to the Interest of France, that nothing but the total desola∣tion of his Country, could separate him from it. We besieg'd Werle, and as we were carrying on our approaches, Intelligence was given us, that the Marshal de Turenne had pass'd the Rhine with 1•• or 14000 Men, all chosen Troops, to give us Battle.

The great renown of this General struck such a Terror among us, that tho' we were at least as strong again, yet we rais'd the Siege, not without some precipitation. Turenne march'd after us, and the Elector drew back into the Country of Marche, not believing that Turenne would follow him so far. In the mean while he dispatch'd Messenger after Messenger to Montecuculi, to know the reason why he did not come to join him. But some intestine Commotions in Hungary, where a Conspiracy had

been lately discover'd against the Emperor, had been the occasion that this General advanc'd but ve∣ry slowly; and tho' he had begun his March to∣wards the Rhine, he did not march at any great di∣stance from Vienna. Turenne, who must pass the River Weser, before he could enter the Country of Marche, took the Towns of Hamme, Zoest and Alset, situate upon the said River; and having left in each of them a good Garrison, he pass'd the said River, and march'd towards us. We Entrench'd our selves near the Banks of the River Lippe, un∣willing to hazard a Battle, which gave him the op∣portunity to make himself Master of Bielfeldt, Ra∣vensburgh and Lipstadt, where he pass'd the River Lippe, driving us before him like a Herd of Sheep, as far as to the utmost Frontiers of the Country of Marche.

From hence the Elector sent Monsieur de Beauveau Depence to Turenne, offering to lay down his Arms, under condition that the King should withdraw his Troops from his Territories, and restore to him the places belonging to him in the Dutchy of Cleves; that for the rest he would stand Neuter during this War, and would renounce the Treaty made be∣twixt him and the Dutch. The King accepted these Propositions▪ after his Troops had almost ruin'd the Country, where they had taken up their Winter Quarters. I pass'd that Winter at Altenoe, where I was seiz'd with a most violent Fever, so that my Life being despair'd of▪ I prepar'd my self for Death, by receiving the Sacraments; but it pleas'd God to dispose otherwise of me, and I was restor'd to Health, before the beginning of the next following Campaign.

I was extreamly rejoyc'd at the Peace made with the Elector, which deliver'd me from that reluctan∣cy which I always found in my self to serve against my King: For tho' I had married a Native of Ger∣many, and had my Estate and a considerable Em∣ployment there, yet what I did was against my In∣clination. Neither my two Children born there,

neither the prospect I had of advancing my Fortune, to a much higher degree than I could reasonably propose to my self in France, were motives strong enough to hinder me from wishing frequently to re∣turn into my own Country: And not to dissemble the truth, I had done it long before, if the consi∣deration of the ill state of my Affairs there, which had made me leave France, had not retarded my re∣solution.

But my Joy did not last long. The Elector hav∣ing been once more Intreated by the Emperor to join his Forces with him, the troubles in Hungary being now appeas'd, broke the Treaty so lately made with our King; and several others of the Ger∣man Princes, declar'd at the same time against him; so that if England and the Elector of Bavaria had done like the rest, the Confederacy against France, would have been the same it has been of late. Of all the Princes that were enter'd into a League with our King, there was none that remain'd stedfast, except the Elector of Cologn, and that not very long, being forc'd by the Enemy, who surrounded him on all sides, to do like the rest. The Elector Palatin, notwithstanding he was Father-in-law to the Duke of Orleans, was one of the first who left the French Party, whose example the Bishop of Munster fol∣low'd, but rather out of necessity than by his own In∣clinations. But neither the conjunction of these For∣ces with those of the Emperor's, nor the Spaniards declaring at the same time against France, was half so much surprizing to the King, as the Peace made between the King of England and the Dutch, in the Year 1674.

Thus Lewis the Great saw himself under an abso∣lute necessity to carry on a War alone, against so many Princes enter'd into a confederacy against him. The Elector of Brandenburgh took a review of his Troops, which consisted of ••0000 Men, compre∣hending the new Levies. The Confederates had projected great designs, as being perswaded that the King would not be able to cope with them all;

Some were for entring France, others for retaking all the places they had lost many Years before. A∣mong the rest was the Duke of Lorrain, who having by his ill Conduct lost his Dominions, flatter'd him∣self now, with hopes to be put in possession of them again. Upon this consideration it was he embrac'd the Confederate side, who indeed, knowing him to be a Person, who in all his Life time, had never made any account of his Word, did trust him no further than they needs must.

Our Army advanc'd towards the Rhine, and I was detach'd before the Elector's arrival, with 500 Men, to maintain my self in . . . . . in case I should be attack'd there; it being fear'd, that whilst we were near the Rhine, the French might attempt ano∣ther irruption into the Country of Marche, where this place is situate. And it really happen'd so: For the Marquiss de Renet besieg'd the Place, and I was forc'd to surrender, after seventeen days opening of the Trenches. I was sorely afraid to be disco∣ver'd to be a Frenchman, but hearing me speak good High-Dutch as I march'd out of the Place, and know∣ing nothing to the Contrary, I was safely conduct∣ed to Crinburgh, pursuant to the Capitulation.

This Campaign was so far from answering the expectation of the Confederates, that nothing but Ruin and Destruction attended them: Turenne, who before was become famous for his great Actions, did in this Campaign deservedly acquire the Title of the greatest Captain in Europe, having upon this occasion given most evident demonstrations to the World, what a good Conduct, founded upon a long Experi∣ence is able to effect. For it was he that had a true foresight of what was likely to happen on that side, and it was he that prevented the King from quitting Alsace, as it had been resolved in a Cabinet Council, held at Versailles. He found means to beat the Allies one after another, who were under a necessity of dividing their Forces, for want of good Magazines.

In the mean while, the Flame of the War which was first kindl'd in Holland, began to spread over se∣veral other Countries, the King of Sweden having declar'd in favour of France against the Confederates. Sweden had been for a considerable time in the Inte∣rest of France; and the reason why they did not de∣clare sooner for our side was, because the King had pitch'd upon that Crown, to mediate a Peace be∣twixt him and the Confederates; and Plenipoten∣tiaries were sent for that purpose to Cologne, the Place appointed for the Treaty. But the Allies still flattering themselves, that France was not in a condi∣tion to hold out long against their joint Forces, sought only for Means to break off this Treaty, which they had set on foot with an intention only to gain time, the better to take their Measures against us. For this purpose they took an opportunity to seize upon Prince William of Furstenburgh at Cologne, Plenipo∣tentiary of the Arch-Bishop of Cologne, whom they carried to Bonn, and from thence further into Ger∣many, where he was kept in Prison, and treated in a manner so little suitable to his Quality, that he was forc'd to wear one of his Shirts all to pieces, before they would let him have another.

The King of Sweden made heavy Complaints against it, looking upon it as a violation of the Laws of Nations, and an Affront put upon him as Mediator; but the Emperor refusing to give the re∣sir'd satisfaction, he declar'd for France. Wrangel, who Commanded the Swedish Army, advanced thereupon to the Frontiers of Brandenburgh, which made the Elector to withdraw his Forces from the Rhine, and to advance with all possible speed, at the Head of us, to the Banks of the River Rhe, to di∣spute the Passage to the Swedish Army. But having pass'd the River before he took Floz and . . . . . . Places Situate upon the utmost Frontiers of the Brandenburgh Territories, he made himself after∣wards Master of the two Forts of Ribnitz and Lock∣nitz, and might have extended his Conquests into the very heart of the Country, if he had been sen∣sible

in what a consternation his March had put the Brandenburgh Army. But whether the Elector had found means to corrupt him with Money, or whe∣ther a pannick fear seiz'd upon the Swedes, they march'd back all on a sudden, and repass'd the Rhe, without attempting any thing further.

The Elector, who feared, not without reason, that alone he should scarce be sufficient to cope with the Swedes, entered into an Alliance with the King of Den∣mark, and the House of Brunswick Lunenburgh, ex∣cept the Duke of Hanouer, who would not joyn with them, but rather declared for the other side. The General Rasfeld who then Commanded the Branden∣burgh Forces, Besieg'd Locknitz, and Wrangel, be∣ing resolv'd to Relieve it, cost what it would, pass'd the Rhe at Wollin, and advanc'd with his Army be∣twixt a great Bog and Forest, which extended from Wollin to Locknitz. Rasfeld having receiv'd timely intelligence of his March, left as many Troops before Locknitz, as were sufficient to guard the Trenches; with the rest he march'd against the Swedes, who retreated at the first Charge. Some of them got to Wollin, the rest fled into the Woods, where they could not easily be pursu'd, by reason of the thickness of it, which would have endanger'd those that pursu'd them. The Brandenburghers took about 1500 Prisoners, and kill'd 800, with the loss of about half the Number on their side; but the Swedes did not carry off one Prisoner. Wrangel happening to die not long after, and the Command of the Swedish Army being given to the General Sharenbergh, he took a resolution to besiege Enfield, to signalize himself by this Enterprize. All this happen'd in the Campaign of 1675.

The Elector of Brandenburgh, who was at that time at the Hague, to confer with the rest of the Confederate Princes, had no sooner receiv'd the News of the Victory obtain'd by General Rasfeld, but he hastn'd with all possible speed, to put him∣self at the Head of his Army. The River of Lingn•• was betwixt us and the Enemy, and they could not

Besiege Enfield before they had pass'd that River, so that we directed our March thither to dispute their Passage. The Elector having receiv'd Intelligence, that they had seiz'd upon some Boats, and the Ferry-Boat, betwixt Enclin and Enfield, in order to lay a Bridge over the said River, and that they had al∣ready begun to pass it, order'd us to hasten our March, in hopes we might come time enough to prevent them. As we approach'd the Bank of the River, we found about 4000 of the Enemy, who being already pass'd the River, were charg'd so briskly, that few of them escap'd our Hands.

Thus the War being carried on with more Heat than ever, the Elector sent me back to Altenoe, fear∣ing lest the Enemy should have a Design upon that place, and his foresight was not ill grounded; for I was closely Besieged in the next Campaign. As this Seige was not unexpected to me, so I had often solicited at Court to provide the place with all neces∣saries, which however I could not obtain. This made me take a resolution to seize upon all that I found in the Circumjacent places, which I judg'd ne∣cessary to make a Vigorous Defence. Coningsmark, who then Commanded the Swedes, in lieu of Sharen∣bergh, came to view the place, of which I gave im∣mediate notice to the Elector, who sent me a con∣siderable Re-inforcement; but 500 only got into the place, the rest being forced to retire. Coningsmark, had no sooner finished his Lines of Circumvallation, but he Attack'd the Fort Ravent, which he took by Composition. After this he carried on his Attack a∣gainst another Fort, called the Bridge-Fort, which he also took. I took care to send Orders to the Gar∣rison, not to hold it out to the last extremity, but they not obeying my Commands, were all made Prisoners of War; and the Swedes finding among them a Serjeant and four common Soldiers, who had Deserted, they Hang'd them in sight of their Army. They then carried on their Trenches towards the Bridge-Gate, and threw in a great quantity of Bombs, which Consumed our Magazine of Forrage, which

was laid up in a place which formerly had been a Church, belonging to the Recollects, whom my Fa∣ther-in-law had Chas'd from thence, whilst he was Governour of the place. I was hardly put to it to provide for our Horses, which made me take all what I could meet with of Forrage in the Inns or Private Houses: This and the fear of the Bombs, which had already ruin'd many Houses, proved the occasion of a Tumult among the Inhabitants, of whom I was fain to Imprison some, to keep the rest in awe. I took care to inform the Elector at Court of what had pass'd, who sent me word, that I should Defend my self to the last, they being resolv'd to Relieve me in good time. Accordingly the Elector Marched to our Relief; of which Coningsmark had no sooner notice, but he rais'd the Seige, after twelve days opening the Trenches. But before he March'd off, he Dismantled the two Forts which he had ta∣ken; and the Elector who had notice given him of the raising of the Siege, returned to Berlin, the rest of the Campaign being spent without any consider∣able Action. After the Campaign was over, I made my Appearance at Court to receive some Instructi∣ons from his Electoral Highness; and to give him an Account concerning what had pass'd during the Siege of Altenoe. I was not forgetful to represent to him, That the Catholicks had shewn the greatest Zeal for his Service in the Defence of the Place; whereas the others had been very remiss in their Duties. I told him, that if he would be pleas'd to Annul what had been done by my Father-in-law when he was Go∣vernour of the Place, and would Restore the Re∣collects the Church that was taken from them, this would be a means to encrease their Affection towards him, and to engage them for ever in his Interest. My perswasions prov'd so successful, that the Elector did not only grant what I had desired, but also re∣stored to them the great Church, which my Father∣in-law had taken from them and given it to the Lu∣therans.

I was extreamly well satisfy'd with what I had done in behalf of the Catholicks there, but what re∣joyced me infinitely more, was, that my Spouse did assure me, she found in her self a great inclination to be Converted to our Faith. She was Educated in the same Religion her Father profess'd, who was the second of that Family, since they turn'd Hereticks; her Grandfather and the whole Family having been always good Catholicks, till my Wifes Grandfather chang'd his Religion. This happy Inclination I could attribute to nothing else but a peculiar Mer∣cy from God; not but that I had often discours'd her upon this Subject, but it was a considerable time ago, having of late desisted from it, because I found her not in the least disposed to hearken to my Ad∣vice in this point. But her intended Conversion was likely to have prov'd almost Fatal to us both, because I mistook my choice in the Person to whose care I committed the management of it. For, I pitch'd upon a Jacobin Friar, who instead of being a Man of Virtue and Piety, as I thought him to have been, was for teaching my Spouse quite another Lesson than what I intended he should do. She told me how he had managed his Business with her, which made me under hand give notice of his Misbeha∣viour to his Superiour, without mentioning a word of it further, either to himself or any body else, for fear of bringing a Scandal upon our Religion. But my Spouse took the thing quite otherwise, for ima∣gining that all the rest would prove like him, I found her quite averse to pursue her former good Inclina∣tions. I had much ado to perswad〈…〉〈…〉 her, that the misbehaviour of a particular Person ought not to stain the Reputation of all others of the same Reli∣gion; That there had been a Judas among the A∣postles themselves, and that therefore the rest had been never the less Holy and Acceptable to God.

This may serve as a warning to those, who are entrusted with the care of sending abroad Missio∣naries or other Persons for the Conversion of Here∣ticks, to be sure to choose such as are of an untain∣ted

Life; because the least Tresspass in them is apt to produce great Scandal, especially if it be of the same Nature with this. At last my Wife being o∣vercome by my perswasions, and the Instructions of a Religious Person, of a far different Temper from the Jacobin Friar, she renounc'd Lutheranism, and was reconcil'd to that Church, which her Grandfather had abandon'd.

We were now busie in the Blockade of Stetin, all the Avenues of which were closely guarded by our Troops; notwithstanding which, the Swedes found means to throw a Re-inforcement of 600 Men into the place, being guided by a Peasant, who Conducted them cross the Marshes, through ways which were at another time quite Impassible. But notwithstanding this, the Garison diminished considerably every day, partly by Famine, partly by their frequent Sallies. The Swedes therefore made a second Attempt to throw in another Re-inforce∣ment into the place; but the Elector's Troops be∣ing better upon their guard, since the first Relief, most of them were made Prisoners before they could enter the Town: The Guide as ill Fortune would have it, was among these last, who had a Halter for his Reward. Our Elector kept also a Corre∣spondence in the place, by which means he hoped to make himself Master of it, without being obli∣ged to employ his whole Force against it. The Chief of this Conspiracy was a certain Brazier, of which there are a great many in that Town. It was agreed he should set the Magazine of Amuniti∣on on Fire, which he did accordingly, together with one of the best Mills belonging to the Town, but being discovered, he with two more of his Ac∣complices were hang'd for their pains.

The Besieg'd who were very strong within and headed by a Governour who perfectly well under∣stood his Trade, made frequent Sallies upon us, in one of which they made themselves Masters of the Fort of Almea, where there was a Garrison of 600 Men, who were all made Prisoners of War. Co∣ningsmark

advanc'd likewise to the relief of the Place, but finding it impossible to raise the Blockade, he directed his March towards Altenoe; and the E∣lector fearing lest he should attempt a second time the Siege of that place, sent me thither with a rein∣forcement of 600 Men. Coningsmark advanc'd to∣wards the Town, by the way of the Bank, which leads along the River up to the two Forts, which he had built in the last Siege, without attempting a∣ny thing further; his Business being only to con∣sume the Forage on that side, as he did afterwards for two Leagues round. For in two Months and more, whilst he encamp'd thereabouts, he did no∣thing but ruin and burn the Country, scarce leaving one Stone upon another; I being not in a posture to prevent it. My Wife's Estate was involv'd a∣mong the rest in this Ruin, the Revenue of which, was settl'd by her Brother upon her Mother-in-law as a Jointure, which she had enjoy'd quietly till now; but there being but little likelihood she should draw any thing of Moment from thence for some Years after, she sued me for her Jointure, un∣der pretence, that this being fallen away to nothing, I was oblig'd to assign her another Revenue in lieu of it▪ and that it was in her power to chuse which part she pleas'd of my Brother-in-laws Estate.

In the mean while Provisions beginning to grow scarce in Stetin, the besieg'd saw themselves reduc'd to the utmost extremity. The Swedes made several attempts from without to open themselves a Passage into the Town, whilst the Besieg'd endeavour'd to facilitate the Enterprize by a vigorous Sally upon our Trenches▪ which had been open'd now against the place, the Elector having charg'd the Blockade, which seem'd too tedious to him, into a formal Siege. But tho' some of these Sallies were made with suc∣cess enough, and they seem'd resolute to defend the place to the last, their Necessity increas'd more and more every day; so that having taken a resolution to represent their miserable condition to Coningsmark, a certain Cornet undertook the business. He came

into our Camp, under pretence of having deserted the Swedes, but there being several Troopers more of the same Regiment with him, who pretended to be deserters at the same time, this created some suspicion in the Elector; who thereupon threatn'd the Cornet to hang him forthwith, if he did not discover the whole truth of the matter. The fear of death extorted from him this Confession, to wit, That the Besieg'd were reduc'd to such a deplorable Condition, as was impossible to be express'd. The Elector, who almost began to despair of Success, by reason of the approaching Winter, and who was upon the point of raising the Siege; being now en∣courag'd by this deposition to continue it, did make it his chiefest care, to prevent Coningsmark from sending any relief into the Place; and the Swedish General being not in a condition to force his Pas∣sage, with that small body of Troops he had with him, the City of Stetin, which would scarce have been taken by force, was necessitated to capitulate for want of Provisions.

The Law Suit I had with my Mother-in-law was extreamly vexatious to me, the more, because I was advis'd, that in all likelihood it would go against me, which made me more desirous than ever, to re∣turn into France. I had also notice given me, that she intended to attach a Summ of 100000 Livers, which belonged to my Wife, and was in the Bank of Dantzick, which made me take them from thence, and so transfer them to the Bank of Amsteldam, till such time I should meet with an opportunity to put my Design in execution, which was, not to stay much longer in Germany. The chief reason, which made me first take this resolution was, that the Electoral Prince continu'd still to look upon me with a very ill Eye; and I was inform'd by credible Persons, that he had let fall certain words, which gave me sufficiently to understand, that in case the Elector should happen to die, I should certainly have all my Places taken away from me.

So soon as the Peace was made, I pretended to have receiv'd News of my Father's Death, which made me ask leave of the Elector, to take a Jour∣ney into France. I had prevail'd with my wife to go along with me; but it was near six Months be∣fore I could get leave from the Elector; so that I did not set out from Altenoe, till towards the end of August, in the Year 1679. I took my Children (being five in all, two Boys and three Girls) along with me▪ and because no body should guess at my real Intention, I told my Acquaintance that I had a mind to have them Educated in France▪ the Sons in some College or other, and the Daughters in a Nunnery. I took the way of Amsteldam, where I drew my Money out of the Bank, which I put in∣to the Hands of Mr. Gerard, Mr. Gueverdin and Mr. Poelhoven, who gave me Bills of Exchange to the full value of it, upon Mr. Gouteure and Mr. Amonet in Paris. I show'd my Wife all what was curious in Holland, and from thence pursu'd my Journey to Paris, by the way of Antwerp and Brussels, which I had a Mind she should also see.

Whilst I was at Amsteldam, I paid a Visit to Mr. Ramp, one of the greatest Merchants of that City, with whom I was familiarly acquainted at that time, when our Regiment was in the Dutch Service. The first foundation of our Friendship was laid at Zwoll, where I happen'd to be Instrumental in a certain case, which was mighty pleasing both to his Father and him. They were both very Zealous Catholicks, and by chance both at Zwoll, when this thing happen'd, of which I will give you the truest account I am able.

You must know that in the Province of Over-Yssel, the Exercise of the Catholick Religion is not so free∣ly allow'd of, as in the Province of Holland. One Day when a certain Priest was saying Mass in a place, where the Sehout (which is one of the chief Magistrates of the City) pretended it was not allow∣able so to do, without special leave from the Magi∣stracy, he caus'd the Priest to be taken away from the

Altar, and without the least respect to his Cha∣racter and Sacerdotal Habit, carried him away Pri∣soner, and seiz'd upon the holy Vessel wherein the Host was. I happen'd not to be in Town when this was done, being then at the Hague; but being after my return inform'd of the matter, it touch'd me to the very heart. I told the French Officers there in Garrison, how they were able to brook such an Af∣front, given both to God and their King, and that if they would follow me, we would soon deliver the Priest, and make the Sehout restore us the Holy Vessel with the Host, and let him know how he should meddle with such like things for the future. They having soon consented to my Proposition, we went to the Sehout's House, which we enter'd with∣out asking leave, and gave him such a Compliment, as did not much please him. We told him in short, that we would cut his Throat, if he did not give us satisfaction immediately; that he had committed a gross Error, which would never be approv'd of by the States General, whose intention was not that the Auxiliary Troops should be debar'd from the free Exercise of their Religion; for I pretended to be one of them. He answer'd us, that he knew what he had done, tho▪ perhaps we did not; that the Priest, whom he had made a Prisoner was a Native of that Country, and consequently subject to their Laws; that if he had been a French Man, there might be some colour for what we did; but as he was not, he could not but wonder, that we should intermeddle in a Business, which did not be∣long to us; it being undeniable, that there were at least ten Inhabitants to one Soldier present at that time, when he disturb'd this Priest in saying Mass, which made it evident, that this was a politick con∣cern, which had not the least relation to the Auxili∣ary Troops. But we told him, we were not to be put off with Words; and began to use such Expres∣sions, and to ruffle him, that he began to be afraid of his Life in good earnest, unless he gave us im∣mediate satisfaction.

In the mean while, it being rumour'd about the City, that the Sehout's House was forc'd by some Officers, who threatn'd to murther him, we saw the House on a sudden surrounded by the Populace, who were gather'd into several Bands, according to their different Religions, so that the whole City was in an uproar; and the Garrison, who were all Ca∣tholicks, betook themselves to their Arms, with an intention to disperse that Party that should declare against us. The Sehout perceiving himself now in most imminent danger of his Life, began to be more pliable, and soon after discharg'd the Priest out of Prison, unto whom he restor'd the Holy Ves∣sel with the Hosts, unto which we paid our Devoti∣ons. We desir'd the Priest to look whether all the Hosts were entire in the Vessel, that if there wanted any, the Sehout should pay with his Life for his Sa∣crilege. The Priest looking into the Box, told us, that they were all there; tho' it be uncertain whe∣ther it was really so, or whether he told us so to appease our Anger, and to save the Life of the Ma∣gistrate. The Matter being thus far compos'd to our satisfaction, we writ immediately to Monsieur d'Estrades, to give him notice of what had pass'd; he receiv'd this Letter before the Sehout could inform the States of what had happen'd to him; for being Masters of the Gates, we did not let any body pass without leave. The French Ambassadour, after he had perus'd our Letter, commended our Zeal, and made his Complaints to the States, about the Vio∣lence offer'd by the Sehout, to the Auxiliary Troops of his Majesty. He told them that he was under an obligation to let the King his Master know▪ how the matter was transacted, unless they gave him imme∣diate satisfaction; that he knew the King to be so pious a Prince, as not to suffer such a thing to be put upon him, let it cost what it would. The States, who at that time stood in need of his Majesty's fa∣vour, who had so lately assisted them against the Bi∣shop of Munster, desir'd him not to write to the King, assuring him, that they would take such Mea∣sures,

as should be satisfactory to him. According∣ly they depos'd the Sehout, without giving him leave to justifie himself, and declar'd him incapable of serving the Republick for the future.

This was the occasion of my acquaintance with Mr. Ramp, who, as he was a Man of singular Pie∣ty, so he shew'd as much satisfaction for the success of this Business as my self. As I was going to visit him at his Country-House, where he happen'd to be at that time. I pass'd through Pardam, one of the largest and best Towns in North-Holland. A few days before my arrival there, they had taken some Coiners, among whom there was a Frenchman▪ An Inhabitant of the Town, who was likewise a Na∣tive of France, gave me an account of the matter, and told me among the rest, how the poor French∣man had complain'd to him, that this was the first time he had committed this Crime, since he had been in this Country, which was near five Years; to which he had been droven by absolute necessity. That he was born a Gentleman, and had been forc'd to leave France, because he had fought a Duel. That he shew'd a great inclination to turn Catholick, but says he, I am afraid the fear of his approaching Destiny, will scarce give him time to think much of that. The advantageous Account he gave me of this unfortunate poor Fellow, mov'd me with Compas∣sion, which made me take up my Lodgings, in the same Inn, where he was detain'd Prisoner. I made his Waiter pretty Drunk, which gave me the opportu∣nity to talk to him, without being perceiv'd by them, and to ask him, whether there was no way left to save himself. He told me, that if he had some Ropes, he believ'd he could do it as he went to the Necessary House, because his Waiter us'd always to remain without; that the only danger he had to surmount was, that the House of Office was built over a Canal, and that he could not swim. I answer'd him in two words, he should take Courage, that he should hear from me by to¦morrow, and I would endeavour to save his Life.

I left him thus, and went with all speed to Mr. Ramp's House. The first thing I did there, was to speak to Mr. Ramp about this unfortunate Person, how he was in a fair way of turning Catholick, if we could consider of any way to save his Life. He was very well pleas'd with what I had propos'd to him; he provided some Ropes to be given him, and a Boat, which should preserve him from being drowned. Every thing being got in readi∣ness, we went from his House to Pardam, where I went to see the Prisoner, gave him the Ropes, and instructed him further in every thing relating to his Escape. He had made them believe, pursuant to my Instructions, that he was seiz'd with a Vomiting and Looseness that day, which as he pretended, continu'd some part of the Night; the better to de∣ceive his Waiter, that he might not wonder at his long stay in the House of Office. The appointed Hour being come, and finding the Boat ready to re∣ceive him in the Canal under the Hole, he let him∣self down by the Rope. Those appointed by Mr. Ramp for the management of the Business, conduct∣ed him in the Boat to a place of safety, where he disguis'd himself in Womens Cloaths, the better to secure his passage into France, whither he intended to go. He made at the same time a full abjuration of his Religion, in the presence of a Priest of Mr. Ramp's Acquaintance, who assisted him with some Money, to defray the Charges of his Journey.

But this was not the only Adventure that happen'd to me in this Country; for before I left it, I met with another, which made me tarry some days longer than I intended. Before I left Germany, I bought six fine Coach Mares, from Count Anthony of Oldenburgh, which cost me 1000 Crowns. As I pass'd by the Tothuis at Rotterdam to go to Antwerp, one of these Coach Mares, which was with the rest put on board a Vessel, being frightn'd by the noise of the Sails, threw her self into the Water; I was vexed to the Heart, not so much for the loss of my Money, as that the whole Set would be spoil'd; which made

me engage two of the Seamen to follow with their Boat, promising each of them a Reward of a Lewis d'or, provided they could save her. Two of the Ships Crew undertook the Task, and took the Mare, but in lieu of bringing her to me▪ they put her ashoar in some place, which was out of our sight; and then return'd to the Ship, pretending they had seen her drowned before their Eyes, before they were able to come near enough to save her. I did not in the least mistrust them; and being come at Night into the Inn on the other side of the Water, (the River being about half a League over there) we went to Supper, in company with an unknown Person, who seem'd to be a Man of Fashion. Find∣ing both me and my Spouse much discompos'd, he ask'd us the reason of it; and I frankly told him, that it was the loss of my Coach Mare that troubl'd me. He ask'd me what kind of Mare she was, and what Harness she had? Having given him as exact a description as I could of both, he told me, I need not vex my self any further, for he was sure she was not drowned, as they had made me believe, and that he would put me in a way to have her again; that he had seen her with two Seamen, who would have sold her to him: The next thing I ask'd him was, what kind of Fellows these Seamen were he spoke of, whom he describ'd to me so exactly, and with so many Circumstances, that I did not in the least question but they were the same, whom I had sent after the Mare. Then I discover'd to him what my thoughts were concerning the matter, and advis'd with him, what way I had best to take to recover my Mare; we were both of the same opinion, to go to the Judges of Rotterdam, and to desire that Justice might be done me upon this Account. Ac∣cordingly we cross'd the Water next Morning early, and meeting with the two Seamen there, I told them, to avoid all suspicion of their being discover'd, that I was come over the Water only to look for some Papers I had left at my Lodgings. I went to an Acquaintance of Mr. Gueverdin's, living at Rotter∣dam,

to whom I had Letters of recommendation from the said Merchant.

Having given him an exact Account of the whole matter, he went with me to a Magistrate of that City, to desire him to grant us a Warrant for the Apprehending of these Rogues; but he refus'd to do it, alledging that it was against their Custom to grant a Warrant without hearing first the Evidences▪ Mr. Gueverdin's Friend represented to him that such a delay would prove dangerous and chargeable to me, and that being a Stranger, they might in that respect dispense with these Formalities: That I was ready to give caution for all Damages and Expences, in case I was found in the wrong of it. But this not being prevailing enough with the Judge, my Friend advis'd me to go streight ways with him to the Hague, and to make our Applications to one of the Judges of a Superiour Court, whom he knew very well, and who would perhaps not be so scrupulous as the other; with this resolution we went into the Shuit which was to carry us to Delft, where we found a Fellow smoaking Tobacco. The Master of the Shuit, told him, that if he would smoak he must do it without, not in the place where the Com∣pany sat; but the Fellow ridiculing the Master of the Shuit, he told him again that he should not smoak any more there, it being contrary to their Orders, and if he would not believe him, he would shew them to him immediately. With that he went to his Trunk, and brought forth the Printed Orders▪ at which the other laugh'd, look'd just at them, and so threw them into the Water. In the mean while the Women made a great noise, telling the Master that they were choak'd up with the smoak of the Tobacco, which made the Master snatch the Pipe out of his Mouth, which he threw into the Canal, telling him, that such Fellows who would not be ruil'd, must be thus serv'd. The smoaker to revenge himself, took a Knife out of his Pocket, and cut the Face of the Servant belonging to the Shuit, who had taken his Masters part; This occasion'd a great

disorder in the Shuit, which was with much ado ap∣peas'd by the intercession of the Company. The wound at the same time happen'd not to prove dan∣gerous, which made the Master appear careless in the matter; but he was no sooner come to Delft, but he made his Complaints against the Fellow, who was seized immediately, and we being oblig'd to ap∣pear as Witnesses, it was some time before we could take Boat again for the Hague. I had not been many Hours there, when I happen'd to meet with the same Person with whom I had supp'd the night before, and who had given me the first account of my Mare. He went with us before the Judge, who with∣out any further exception granted us the Warrant, which the Judge of Rotterdam had refus'd us. As we pass'd through Delft in our return from the Hague, we were inform'd that the Magistrates of that City had taken a short, but just way of proceding with the Fellow, who cut the Servants Cheek; whom they had Condemn'd to the Rasphuis, (a place where Vagabonds are employ'd in all manner of slavish work) which with them is look'd upon, as a punish∣ment equivalent to that of the Gallies in other Countries.

After our return to Rotterdam, Mr. Gueverden's Friend soon procur'd me a sufficient number of the Shuits Attendance, who marched along with us to the Tolhuis, where they seiz'd the two Sea-men, who were much surpris'd at this unexpected Com∣pliment, especially when they saw me come in im∣mediately after. I upbraided them with their Kna∣very, and what troubles they had put me to, so they gave me my Mare again, thinking to be acquitted thus of all Accounts, but I brought them in an after∣reckoning, which they were forced to pay to the full at the Rasphuis; This may serve as an instance how exactly and impartially Justice is Administred in that Country, and of what consequence it would be to us, if we would tread in their Footsteps, this being the only means to prevent many of these Ro∣gueries which are committed every day among us.

After I came to Antwerp, I met with another Adven∣ture, tho' of a different nature from this. Some Hollan∣ders, among whom indeed you may meet with as great Sharpers and Rogues as any are in France, had kept close to me in my Journey, having got intelligence at Amsterdam, by what means I know not, that I had good store of ready cash about me. One of them who had followed me at a little distance, seeing me engag'd in discourse with a Friend of mine▪ whom I met accidentally in the Street, made up with my Wife, as she was going along a little before me▪ and accosted her very civilly, pretending that he had a great respect for me; and being dress'd in a Grave Burghers Habit my Spouse did suppose him to be one of my acquaintance. After I had overtaken her, the Dutch man who was still talking with her, seem'd to be surpriz'd, and looking very stedfast upon me, told me, that he found himself under a mistake; that he had really taken me for a certain person whose name he told me, which had made him take the Li∣berty to speak to my Spouse. His civil Behaviour and Discourse engag'd me to give him a very obli∣ging Answer, whilst we were walking along toge∣ther in the Street; and perceiving that we took our way towards the Castle of Antwerp, he said he be∣liev'd we intended to take a view of it, and that he should be very glad to take the opportunity of our good Company to do the same. As I naturally have a kindness for the Hollanders, they being commonly a frank and easie temper'd people, so I return'd the Complement, telling him that we would take it for an Honour; and ask'd him at the same time, what place he was born in, and where he lodg'd at Antwerp.

He told me that he was a Native of Amsterdam, and it happend that he nam'd he same Inn for his Lodgings, where we had taken up ours. As we were walking along we had variety of other discourse, and among the rest he told us with a very frank Air, which seem∣ed to be natural to him, that he had been for a con∣siderable time under the Hatches, but that not long ago a Brother of his who had got together a consider∣able

Estate in the East-Indies, did happen to die, who left him wherewithal to live for the future like a Gentleman. After we had taken a view of the Castle, he pretended so much Ignorance as not to be able to find out the Inn again, for which purpose he feign'd to ask the way to it from a person who met us, unless, as he said, I knew the way better than he. I told him that I believ'd I could find out the Street where the Inn was we were to lodge, and since he had taken his Lodgings up there as well as we, he need but follow us. All this Affected sim∣plicity was contriv'd on purpose to disguise himself the better, in order to catch me with more ease in the snare. Thus we went on to our Inn, where we had not been long before Supper-time came; so my Wife and I came down out of our Chamber, into a very near Parlour where we found the Cloath ready laid, and to Supper we went in company with our Host, a Priest, this Dutch-man, and ano∣ther of his Country-men. The Priest went up in∣to his Chamber immediately after Supper, and the two Hollanders stay'd below in the Parlour with us▪ soon after one ask'd the other, whether he had a mind to play a Game at Berlan, whom the other answer'd, Done, and so to Cards they went, after they had ask'd me, whether I had a mind to play. I told them no, but that I would look on. So they began to play at small Game. He, who had met us in the Street appear'd to be a great Bubble, for he shew'd his Cards so plainly, that he who plaid with him might see them as easily as my self who sat by. In a quarter of an hour or there abouts, the Game began to rise very high, both of them draw∣ing abundance of Gold out of their Purses▪ and he who accosted us in the street had at least a Thousand Ducates in sight before him, and as much Bubble as he appear'd to be, did win all the money from the other, except about a Dozen or Fourteen Ducates. I happen'd then to sit near the loser, for whom I shew'd some Compassion, just when the other delt him three Knaves and turn'd up the fourth. I pass,

said he, who had the Knaves in his hand; and he, who dealt, bidding upon the Game, the other laid four Ducates more; I hold you as much Gold as you have before you, answer'd the other again; Done said the other, and I think I have got you now; you are under a mistake, reply'd he who had dealt the Cards; I am only sorry that there is no more Money upon the Board. I answer'd him, he might be glad there was no more, for he had certatnly lost the Game; upon which he told me, that I was mistaken, and if I would lay him ten Ducates of it, he'd soon convince me to the contrary. I said, Done, and each of us having stak'd our ten Ducates, he shew'd his Cards, and that he had three Kings; but the other at the same time discovering his three Knaves, he was forced to confess that he had lost. After they had dealt two or three times more, they invi∣ted me to make one with them, to give satisfaction to the other for what he lost to me; but as I was ne∣ver a lover of Cards, or indeed of any other Game, I told them I would not play, but that before we parted, some opportunity or other would offer to hold him again, which I would be sure to do, to give him a fair chance for the recovery of his Mo∣ney. He made me no answer at all, seeming to be very indifferent in the matter; and I had the good Fortune to win about fourteen Ducates more of him, the other near whom I sat, giving me the signal when he had good Cards, in hopes to draw me in for a good round Sum, by the gain of them.

I stay'd with them till it was pretty late, when I left them at play and to Bed I went. I had told them before in what Inn I was to be at Brussels, so they follow'd me thither, and took up their Quarters in the same Inn, knowing that I was to stay for some time at Brussels, they did not speak the least word of Gaming the first day, but the next they began their old trade, and did all what they could to entice me to play, or at least to lay my Money with them. But having business of much greater consequence to do at Brussels, I had no time to spend much

with them. When they found me getting every thing in readiness to pursue my Journey to Paris, they brought two more of their Gang along with them into the Inn; and after some indifferent Dis∣course, one of them ask'd me, whether I was sud∣denly to leave Brussels? Unto which I having made answer, In a day or two at farthest; they told me in a sort of a threatning way, That it was not fair to deal thus with honest Gentlemen; that when a Man had won anothers Money, he was oblig'd to give him satisfaction; and to part with a Gentleman, without giving him a fair chance to recover his Mo∣ney, look'd more like a Sharper than a Gentleman. This Compliment gave me to understand, in what Company I had been all this while, which indeed, I had not the least suspicion of before; so that con∣sidering with my self, that in point of prudence▪ I ought not to engage with four Pick-pockets at once, I very civilly answer'd them, That I was sorry I should be busie all that day long, but that at night after Supper, I would be ready to do what they thought convenient. They were so weak as to be∣lieve me to be in earnest, and so left me. But the first thing I did, was to pay a Visit to the Marquiss de Ville, who was then Governour of Brussels, and my Acquaintance. I gave him an exact relation in what manner I had been likely to have been dealt withal by these Fellows, desiring his assistance. He told me, I must have them taken up, and if I pleas'd he would send me some of his Guards. It was then agreed betwixt us, that eight of them, should one after another, at several Intervals come to enquire for me at the Inn, whom I should take care to hide be∣hind the Hangings, and in some Closets, that were in a certain Anti-Chamber next to my Lodging Room, where they might over hear us, and at a Signal given, be ready to seize them. This being done accord∣ingly, when Supper-time drew near, I told the Ho∣stess, that my Wife being somewhat indispos'd to night, we intended to Sup in our Bed-Chamber; and the four Sharpers were no sooner advertis'd of

it, but they came up boldly to me, and began to tell me in very gross Terms, that they saw I took this for a pretext not to perform my promise, and other such like Expressions. Those of the Guards, who heard every word they said, sallied thereupon forth out of their Ambush, seiz'd them all four, and so carried them to Prison. Next day they made their applications to me, In hopes that they might be discharg'd with asking my Pardon; but the Marquess de Ville would have them punish'd, which indeed he did; for they were forc'd to pay a good Fine, and return all what they had got out of se∣veral Persons, to the right Owners.

Thus being rid of my Company, I pursu'd my Journey to Paris. As I pass'd through Peronne, the Farmers of the Customs, or rather their Emissa∣ries stop'd my Coach, pretending that I had some prohibited Commodities there. I declar'd to them I had none; but they answer'd me positively, they knew the contrary; and since I was not in an Hu∣mour to make a sincere Confession, they would take care to find them out themselves: So they would have made me alight, till they could search all over the Coach, which I refus'd to do, telling them, they might go along with me to the Inn, where they should search as long as they pleas'd. But these Brutes not being satisfi'd with this, I began to be a little rough with them, which made the Re∣ceiver (or Surveyor) come forth out of his Office, and having understood what was the occasion of our Difference, he order'd them to follow me to the Inn, and to do their Duty there. After we were come to the Inn, they search'd us all over one after another, not excepting the Child it self, which they made the Maid unswath below in the Yard.

I was not able to brook so much rudeness, with∣out giving them some harsh words; and I order'd my Wife's Chambermaid, who always tended that Child, (my Wife being, according to the Custom of the German Ladies, Nurse herself) to carry them up Stairs, and to open before their Faces, a Basket

with Linnen and other things belonging to the Child, this being the only thing they had not seen as yet. Two of the Custom-house Officers, went ac∣cordingly up Stairs after her; where, when the Maid had open'd the Basket, one of them more eager than the other in the performance of his Office, put his Hand into the Basket, and as ill chance would have it, happen'd to light upon a shitten Clout, which made him draw back his Hand as fast as he could, but so bedaub'd and tainted with so odorife∣rous a Smell, that his Companion could not forbear to burst out into laughter. The other being vex'd to the Soul to see himself thus ridicul'd, clapt his Hand into his Companion's Face, which put him in∣to such a Fury, that he drew his Sword and run him through the Body, so that he fell instantly dead upon the Floor. The Chamber-maid seeing what pass'd betwixt them, was so frightn'd at it, that she threw the Child on the Bed, and before she could get out of the Room fell into a Swoon, which gave opportunity to him, who had committed the Mur∣ther, to escape undiscover'd.

Whilst this happen'd above Stairs, I was in the Stable, to see that my Horses were well order'd after their Journey; my Wife being conducted by one of the Servants belonging to the Inn, into a Parlour below. Two other Custom-House Officers, had in the mean while been taken up with searching all Corners of my Coach, where they would needs find out some Points and Hair; be∣cause they had some days before, receiv'd certain Information from Brussels, that a good quantity of these Goods had been hid betwixt the roof of a Coach, drawn by Six Gray Horses, in order to be secretly convey'd into France. My Coach and co∣lour of the Horses agreeing in all respects with what had been told them, they were fully perswa∣ded that this must be the Coach, which made them be so eager in their Search.

At the same time my Spouse began to enquire what was become of the little Child, whether it

was carried up Stairs, and whether they had light∣ed a Fire for it; and the Servant of the House ha∣ving told her, she believ'd it was above in a Cham∣ber, but that no Fire was made for it as yet; she bid her take a Faggot, and shew her the Room where the Child was. I leave it to every body to judge, how great must be their surprize, when they saw the Custom-House Officer lying upon the Floor, and wallowing in his own Blood, and the Chamber-Maid in a Swoon. My Spouse, who thought no otherwise than that she was dead, call'd to me out of the Window, whilst the Servant cry'd out Mur∣ther, being so much frightned, that she scarce knew what she did or said.

The Master of the House being alarm'd at these Outcries, order'd the Gates of the Inn to be shut up, till such time he could send for the Civil Officers. For my part I was put into the greatest consterna∣tion that could be, fearing, not without reason, that I might fall under the suspicion of having Murther'd the Fellow, because I had us'd some hard expressi∣ons before. It was not long before the Civil Officers, at the Head of whom was the Surveyour of the Custom-House, appear'd in the Inn, who laid hold of me, and would have carried me to Prison, if the Judge would have consented to it: He examin'd both me and the Hostler, who declar'd▪ that ever since I came into the Inn▪ I had been in the Stables, near my Horses, and that I had not been above Stairs at all. The next who were examin'd, were my Wife and my eldest Son, who was then about nine Years of Age; but as they were quite igno∣rant of the matter, they could not give the least satis∣faction to the Questions propos'd to them by the Judge. The Chamber Maid was the only Person who could give a full account of the whole, who by this time was recover'd from her Swoon, by the application of proper Remedies; but the difficulty was, that she not understanding a word of French, and all the rest nothing of the German Language, they were as much at a stand as before. I then

propos'd to the Judge to let me see her, and that I would explain to him word by word what she should declare concerning the matter. The Judge willingly agreed to what I had propos'd, with this al∣teration only▪ that I should set down in writing both the questions I should ask her, and her An∣swers. Accordingly the Chamber-maid having given me an exact Relation of the whole matter, as I have related it before, both the Judge and I were fully satisfied how the thing had happen'd; but being ob∣lig'd by his Office not to pass over any Formalities required by the Law in such a Case, I and my Fa∣mily were confin'd close Prisoners in the▪ Inn for three Days. In the mean while he sent to Cambray for one who understood the German Tongue, and was to serve as an Interpreter of the Depositions to be made by my Spouse's Chamber-maid, by my Coach-man, Postilion, and Footman, who were likewise all three Germans. The Judge was so fa∣vourable as to recommend me to a Counsellour him∣self, who told me, that I should not trouble my self any further, being assur'd that the Surveyor of the Custom-House, should be forc'd to repay me all my Expences.

So soon as the Interpreter was Arriv'd from Cam∣bray, the Judge proceeded in the further examina∣tion of the before mention'd Witnesses; but the Sur∣veyor had in the mean while been so over-hasty in the Prosecution of the business that he had given ad∣vice of it immediately to the Farmer General, be∣fore the matter had been throughly unravell'd; he had also taken Copy's of my Bills of Exchange which the Judge had caused to be laid by in the Ma∣ster of the Rolls Office. The Farmer General be∣lieving there was something to be got for them, sent him full power to prosecute me to the utmost, and attach'd the said Bills in the hands of the Bankers at Paris, upon whom they were drawn. But it was not long before the Surveyor had occasion e∣nough to repent himself of having acted with so much precipitation. For having understood that

the Chamber-maid persisted in Accusing one of his Officers of the Murther, and that he had never appear'd since, he dispatch'd another Messenger to Paris, to give a more ample and true account of the matter, which was not so pleasing to them as the first. He sent in quest of the Fellow, who was at last found to have sav'd himself in the Spanish Ter∣ritories. This being a convincing Proof of his Guilt and my Innocence, the Surveyor now began to con∣sider which way to draw his head out of the Snare he was catch'd in by his own Imprudence, the more because the Head Farmers being inform'd of his rash procedures, had not only sent him a severe Repri∣mand, but also had recall'd their full Power to pro∣secute me. This made him cry Peccavi, offering to lay down the Cudgels, and to reimburse me all my Charges. My Lawyer advis'd me not to accept of it unless he would also allow for Damages and In∣terest; but considering the Troubles that always attend Law-suits, especially in a Strange place; I ac∣cepted his offer, under condition that I should by due Course of Law be discharged from the said Ac∣cusation, which being done accordingly, I had all my Charges paid me by the Surveyor, and so left this City.

These Adventures and disappointments had how∣ever so strong an Influence over my Spouse that she began to be much discontented, and to repent that she had left her Native Country, which was consi∣derably augmented by another Misfortune, which touch'd us both more sensibly than any before. For my Eldest Son, who hitherto had been as healthy a Child as ever was seen, was whilst we were at Ant∣werp, seiz'd with a strange kind of Distemper, the like scarce ever had been heard of before, of which he linger'd for near six Months together, to wit, till the next following Christmas, when he died. The begin∣ning of it happen'd thus; As he was walking with me one day along the Streets, he did run all on a sudden away from me, as fast as his heels could carry him, till at last he ran with such a violence against one that

met him accidentally, that he was thrown down with∣out any Sense or Motion. We endeavour'd by all means possible to recover him out of his sleep, but to no purpose, so that we were forced to have him carried to one of the next Houses, where being laid upon a Bed, he awaken'd after two Hours and re∣cover'd all his Senses, but had not the least remem∣brance left of what had pass'd. This distemper con∣tinued upon him till his death, and that without the least alteration; so that if the River had been in his way, he would infallibly have thrown himself into it, and sometimes it would return once in eight, some∣times once in fourteen days. Whilst I was at Paris I consulted some of the Faculty there concerning the nature of his Distemper, and what remedies might be applied against it. I had at the first beginning consulted likewise some of the Physicians at Antwerp, who told me, that they believ'd it to be a kind of an Epilepsie; but the Physicians of Paris were of an∣other Opinion, assuring me that those of Antwerp had been mistaken in their judgment: notwithstand∣ing which they were so puzzl'd about it themselves, that they could never agree positively either con∣cerning the nature of the Distemper, or its proper Remedies. In the mean while I was forc'd to keep always one near him to watch all his Motions, for fear of some sinister accident, and thus I continued to do as long as he liv'd.

If it be permitted to us Mortals to dive into the hidden causes of God's Judgments, who sometimes Afflicts the Innocent with the Guilty, tho' justly, and without giving us the least occasion of grumb∣ling against his Divine Providence; I am of opini∣on, that this as well as several other Afflictions which befell me about the same time, did proceed from an Error I had committed against his Majesty.

You must know then, that when I bought the before-mentioned Set of six Coach Mares from Count Anthony of Oldenburgh, he was so sincere to tell me, just when we were striking up the bargain, that if I was of a scrupulous Conscience, I ought

to take notice that among the six Mares there was one which perhaps I would not care to meddle with, because that she was dress'd frequently by an Hob∣goblin, and that there were some People, who look'd upon these Horses to be very unfortunate to the Owners. But I having taken a particular fancy to the Mare, and being not very Religious at that time, I laugh'd at it, and took the Mare without any further consideration, thinking the Count had been in jest with me. However I was soon undeceiv'd as to the last, for tho' the Grooms never touch'd her, she appear'd always more slick and better dress'd than any of the rest. And I can affirm it for Truth, that for fifteen or sixteen Months together, whilst she was in my Possession, it happen'd every five and Twentieth day of the Month that the Hobgoblin took off her Shooes of all her four Feet, as well as any Smith cou'd have done, and dress'd her all over to the greatest nicety, unless it were her Tail which he left un∣touch'd.

My Spouse was perswading me almost every day to part with this Mare, but being the finest of the whole Set, I could not resolve upon it for a Considerable time; till at last, finding that she would not go in the Coach if she saw the Mare among the rest. I match'd her with one of the others, and so gave her in keeping to a certain Inn-keeper of Samur at the Sign of the Three-Black-Moors-Heads, with orders to sell them for me, with the next op∣portunity. The Master's name of this Inn was Giteau, where abundance of Persons of Quality lodg'd; when I told him what I knew concerning the Hobgoblin, he look'd upon it as a Rhodomantado, his real opinion being that I parted with them for no other reason, but because they had some remarkable defect, which I intended to hide under this pretext. But as he kept them two whole Months in his custody, so he was an Eye-witness of what I had told him before. At last they were Sold to the Marquess de la Tremblaie Robin, a Gentleman of the Province of Anjou, who paid me a Hundred Lewis d'or's for them. Ever

since he has had them the Hobgoblin has never fail'd to attend the Mare in the same manner as he did before, and I believe the Gentleman keeps them both to this day, at least he had not parted with them the last Year, which was the Year 1694. They were then Eighteen Years old, and he told me sincerely, that notwithstanding their age, he would not part with them for two of the best Coach Horses in the whole Province.

I was willing to give you an account of so ex∣traordinary a thing, before I proceeded any further in giving you a Relation of what happen'd to me after my arrival in Paris, till I settled at Samur. For besides that I shall soon pursue the Thread of my former Relation; I was of opinion I ought not to pass by in silence so extraordinary an Adventure, which as it often makes a great noise in the World, yet are the Learned so divided about it in their opi∣nions, that many believe nothing at all of it. It was I say, partly upon this Score, that I was willing to relate what I have been an Eye-witness of in this kind to convince some incredulous People, but e∣specially the Atheists of this Truth; That there are Spirits. For, what else but a Spirit could do such a thing? And that consequently there is a God, with whose permission these things are done, as being the Supream Ruler of these Spirits.

But to return where we left off before. I told you that the Head Farmers had attach'd my Bills of Ex∣change, so that when I came to demand the payment of from my Bankers at Paris, they told me they could not safely pay them till the attachment were taken off, which I had neglected to take care of, before I left Samur. Thus I found my self under a necessity of making my Application to the Farmers Gene∣ral, and was fain to attend several times at their Of∣fice before I could obtain a Discharge for these Bills, which could not be done but at a full Meeting; which detain'd me several days longer at Paris than at first I intended. But a new accident, which hap∣pen'd to my Spouse's Chamber-maid, prov'd the oc∣casion

of a new delay in my Journey, when I was just ready to leave the City. I lodg'd in an Inn in St. Denys-street, at the sign of the Iron Cross; and fearing that my Wife's Chamber-Maid, who under∣stood not one word of French, might mistake her way, if she should go abroad without a Guide, I desir'd the Cook-maid of the Inn, one Sunday, to go with her to Mass, and to reconduct her home: But the Cook-maid, instead of being careful in what she had promis'd to do, left the Chamber-Maid in St. James's Church in the Butchers-street, making only a sign to her, that she should expect her return there. The Chamber-Maid, who understood her meaning, stay'd for her accordingly in the Church, without the least uneasiness; but hearing the Clock strike nine, and being afraid to be chid by her Mi∣striss, if she should stay longer, ventur'd to try to find the way home alone, tho' she did not know which way to turn; she ask'd several People the way to the Iron Cross, but not understanding what she meant, no body could direct her.

A Woman who had observ'd her at some distance, approach'd her at last, making a sign to follow her, in order as she believ'd, to conduct her to the Inn. With this intention she follow'd her pretended Guide, whom she saw knock at a Door, at the sign of the Scissors, but seeing this was not the place she look'd for, she kept at some distance from the House. The Woman perceiving she was afraid to venture into the House, made her a sign to stay a little, till she could come again; and so up one pair of Stairs she went, and return'd immediately with a Dutch Woman which lodg'd in her House. This Dutch Woman ask'd the Chamber-Maid what Coun∣try-woman she was, and what she wanted? desiring her to come just up Stairs, and to tarry a moment, till such time, that the Woman who had conducted her hither, could dispatch some little necessary Busi∣ness, when she would be ready to shew her the Inn she enquir'd after. They had much ado to under∣stand one another, there being a remarkable diffe∣rence

betwixt the German and Dutch Tongues. How∣ever, as there are many words which have a great relation to one another in both, and the main diffe∣rence consists in the pronunciation; our Chamber-Maid could easily guess at their meaning, and was at last prevail'd upon to go with them up Stairs. The first thing they did after they had got her in, was to conduct her into a handsome Appartment back∣wards, where they entertain'd her with a good Breakfast; besides which, they ply'd her so warm∣ly with Strong-Waters and other sorts of Liquors, which soon seiz'd the Brains, that the Gentlewoman began to forget whither she was bound; and thus continuing to let the Cup go about briskly, accord∣ing to the German fashion, it was not long before she found her self to stand in need of some Repose, to disperse the Vapours arising from the Strong-Liquors she had taken.

The Chamber-Maid was beholding for this good Chear, not so much to the good inclinations of her new Landlady, as to her own Beauty; for it seems her Profession was to debauch young Wenches, and to dispose of them to such as would pay her a good round Summ. Accordingly this young Woman was no sooner laid in Bed, but away she went to a certain Abbot, who was a good Customer of hers, (whom, out of a motive of Charity, I will forbear to name at this time) whom she told, that she had a rare Purchase for him, a delicate handsom young Woman, who would fit his Appetite. She told him without question, by what chance she was fallen into her Hands, and that he ought to make use of his good Fortune, which did not present at all times. But whatever her Perswasions may have been, they were so prevailing upon the Monsieur L'Abbè, that he was at the House as soon as her∣self. They found a handsome Dinner prepar'd for them, and the whole Company din'd together, who all drank briskly to the German, the better to dispose her to take the Bait they intended to give her. The Abbot was indeed very careful on his

side, not to give the least suspicion of his design; nevertheless the Chamber-Maid, whether she mi∣strusted her Landlady, or that she was asham'd to drink so much again, could not be prevail'd upon to drink to any excess. After Dinner was over, the Woman of the House, the Dutch Woman and the Abbot went out of the Room: But it was not long before the last return'd alone, and made his Ad∣dresses to the fair German, whom at last he attempted to Ravish.

It is a very hard matter for me to tell you the whole truth of what pass'd there; for tho' the Cham∣ber Maid herself upon examination, stood it out to the last, that he had not debauch'd her; there were others who affirm'd the contrary; and the Dutch Woman declar'd in her Depositions, that she had not only lain with the Abbot, but with two others afterwards, the Landlady having dispos'd of her Maidenhead three several times. In the mean while, we were in a peck of troubles about the long stay of our Maid; all the answer we could get from the Cook-Maid, who was to have been her Guide, be∣ing, that she did not find her in St. James's Church in the Butcher's Street, where she had made her a sign to stay for her return. Thus we continu'd for six days together, without hearing one word of her, which made us give her over for lost. To confess the truth, I for my part, could not think her to be altogether so innocent as she would make herself; because the next following Saturday after she was lost, the Hostler of our Inn happen'd to pass by the House, where she was lying in the Win∣dow; she call'd out pretty loud to him in our Ger∣man Tone, Munsour, Munsour, which made him look up that way, from whence he had perceiv'd the Voice to come, but could see nothing but her Forehead, because her Landlady perceiving her to call to somebody, catch'd her about the Middle, and snatch'd her away from the Window.

Nevertheless, this prov'd the real occasion of her discovery; for the Hostler was no sooner come back

to the Inn, but he told my Coachman what he had heard and seen, and that he believ'd it was the voice of my Spouse's Chamber-Maid. The Coachman having related to me what he had heard from the Hostler, I enquir'd of him the name of the Street, and what Sign it was at; which I was no sooner inform'd of, but I sent abroad a certain Person, to spie out what sort of People they were that liv'd at the House he had told me, being willing to have a more certain foundation to go upon than the Host∣ler's word, before I would make any noise of the matter. It is to be observ'd, that this Woman did not keep a publick Bawdy-House, as innumerable others do at Paris; but she carried on her Trade with a great deal of cunning and secrecy, and her Reputation was so well establish'd among her Neighbourhood, that there was not one who would give her an ill word, all that we were able to learn being no more than this: That there Lodg'd a young Dutch Woman at her House; That indeed, some few Men were seen sometimes to go thither, but that they went for her Husband's Rela∣tions; for she had one who carried himself so hand∣somly in all outward appearance among his Neigh∣bours, that both he and she liv'd in very good Re∣putation.

But, as ill Fortune would have it, a Cobler kept his Stall just over against the House, who indeed gave them a very good Character, as well as the rest, but withal told our Spie, that there was a certain foreign Woman in the House, whose Shooes he had mended within two days before; and being ask'd what kind of Woman she was, he gave such, an ex∣act description of her, that when I heard of it, I did not any further question, but that it was the same Person we wanted. I had before consulted with Mr. de Gouteux, one of the Bankers, upon whom I had a Bill of Exchange, concerning what was best to be done in the matter, and it was he, who had recommended me the Person, who serv'd us as a Spy to discover them. I gave him therefore

an account of what reason we had to suspect this House, and he agreeing with me in the same opi∣nion, he went the next morning with me to a Com∣missary, who was of his Acquaintance, to go along with me to search the House. We came thither a∣bout nine a Clock, and going up streightways the first pair of Stairs, we knock'd at the Door; but in lieu of opening the Doors, they told us through the Key-hole, that the Mistriss of the House was gone abroad, and had double lock'd the Doors.

Because we would enter the House without causing any suspicion, the Commissary had order'd his Clerk to carry his Gown, which he did not put on till we were upon the Stairs; so that we got up without being perceiv'd by any body. The Woman of the House returning in the mean while, and finding every thing quiet about the House, (which else sel∣dom happens upon such like occasions) did not in the least mistrust the matter, and so streight up Stairs she came to the very Chamber-door; but so soon as she cast her Eyes upon us, she chang'd colour, with∣out being able to speak one word. The Commissa∣ry looking upon it as a certain mark of guilt, ask'd her without any further words for the Key. At the same time the German and Dutch Woman hearing the noise without, spoke to one another, so as to be overheard by us; nevertheless, being still in some uncertainty, whether this was the Voice of her I look'd for, or not, I call'd her by her Name, and ask'd her in the German Tongue, whether it was she or not. She answer'd me immediately ja Her, which is as much as, Yes, Master; so that the thing being now beyond all question, the Commissary gave the signal to his Clerk, to fetch his Emissaries, who lay conceal'd in a neighbouring Alley. The Woman at first refus'd to deliver the Key, under pretence that she had forgot it, in the place from whence she came last, offering at the same time to go and fetch it. But seeing the Emissaries ap∣pear, and that the Commissary order'd his Clerk to go and fetch a Lock-smith to pick the

Lock, she threw her self at his Feet and deliver'd the Key.

After we were enter'd the Room, the Commissa∣ry examin'd the Chamber-maid, the Dutch Woman, a young Wench of about fifteen Years of Age, and the Woman of the House, each of them separately, having before order'd his Followers to take care, they should not speak to one another. I supply'd the place of an Interpreter to my Wife's Chamber-Maid, from whom, and what was depos'd by the rest, I learn'd the whole matter, as I have related it just now. They were all carried to Prison except my Wife's Chamber-Maid; and the Commissary would likewise have seiz'd upon the Furniture of the House, which indeed was none of the worst, if the Landlord, under pretence of some Rent due to him, had not prevented it; so a Guard was set in the House, as it is usual upon such like occasions.

After our Chamber-Maid was got with us in the Inn again, and had given us an exact account of the whole matter, Mr. Gouteux, whose advise I took in every thing before, was of opinion to lay an Acti∣on against the Abbot, whom he knew to be very Rich, and that he would rather part with some Mo∣ney, than expose himself in a Law Suit of this na∣ture. His advice being look'd upon as very feisea∣ble, we resolv'd to follow it, and thus I enter'd my Action against him in the Chamber-Maid's Name▪ He was so alarm'd at it, that he immediately en∣gag'd one Mr. Van Gangel, another Banker of Paris, to speak with Mr. Gouteux to interceed with me, not to proceed any further against him. Mr. Van Gangel offer'd likewise a small Present, in hopes the Chamber-Maid would take it in lieu of Satisfacti∣on; but I would not let her accept his Offer. After several Interviews, I was at last prevail'd up∣on to accept of a hundred Lewis dor's for her use, whereas, if we had stood it out to the last, I believe we might have had a much greater Summ.

Before this last Adventure happen'd to us, I went to pay a Visit to Madam Sanguin (whom I have men∣tion'd

before) to know from her whether my Fa∣ther were as yet living, and what was become of my Sister. I went thither in my Coach, and I may say it without Vanity, that there are not two finer Coach Horses in all Paris, than those two I had at that time in the Coach. Her Porter had liv'd with the old Mr. de Bordeaux, and had seen me there a thousand times; nevertheless, when my Footman told him my Name, he did not in the least think it was I, being prepossess'd with the opinion, that I was no more among the living. I call'd to him my self to come nearer to the Coach, which when he had done, and heard me speak, he was in the great∣est surprise in the World, to find it was my self, having forgot my Physiognomy by reason of my long absence, tho' the Wound which I had receiv'd in the Face at the Battle of Dunkirk, made me very remarkable.

But Madam Sanguin herself was more surpriz'd than her Porter, and told my Footman who spoke to her, that it could not be, because I had been dead many Years ago; and when I approach'd her, I found her as much amaz'd, as if my Ghost had ap∣pear'd to her. She ask'd me three or four times, whether it were possible that it was I, and whether it was I indeed? After I had given her reiterated assurances that it was I indeed, she then told me, that it was not my long absence alone, but some∣thing more real, which had occasion'd her surprize to see me alive. She then told me, how my Sister having taken a resolution to Marry, did not only give it out, that about two Years after my departure out of France, I had been beheaded at Metz for Coining, but that also, to confirm the truth of it, she had produc'd a Certificate sign'd by four Soldiers, who pretending to have belong'd to the same Com∣pany, had testifi'd the whole truth of the mat∣ter, which she had caus'd to be Register'd in due form.

I having formerly had so many proofs of the ma∣licious inclinations of my Sister, was not much

surpriz'd at what Madam Sanguin told me: and I de∣sir'd her at the same time, to give me a further ac∣count of what was become of her since. She an∣swer'd me, that soon after, she had got such an a∣scendant over my Father, who was very old, that she perswaded him to sell his Estate, which he had actually done to one Mr. Barriar, who paid him 28000 Livers for it; that she had put the greatest part of it out upon Bonds, under her Name, and the rest she had brought up with her to Paris, in hopes to catch some body or other; that she had plaid the part of a Lady of Quality there so long, till all her ready Money being spent, she had been forc'd to dispose of all her Bonds, except one of 14000 Livers, due to her from the Baron d'Aunais, a Gentleman of Normandy, near Alenson; that she had endeavour'd to dispose of that likewise, but could not meet with a Purchaser, because the Ba∣ron's Affairs were look'd upon to be but in an ill posture. That the Baron dy'd soon after, and lea∣ving more Debts than Effects to pay them, she had lost her 14000 Livers; that my Father, who had liv'd of late near Alenson, had spent what was re∣maining by degrees, and had left so little now, as to be reduc'd to a degree of Poverty.

These were very unwelcome Tydings to me; and to add to my Affliction, I was also inform'd that my Brother by the Mother's side, had consum'd his Estate of about 300 pounds per Annum, which made me alter my resolution of setling my self in that Country. Madam Sanguin having given me a relation of the present condition of my Family, she was very desirous to understand from my own Mouth, what Fortune had attended me, since my departure out of France. I told her among other things, in what manner I had made my Fortune in Germany, at which she appear'd extreamly well sa∣tisfy'd, and pay'd a Visit to my Spouse the next day I took then a resolution to make the Province of Languedock the Seat of my Fortune, after I had taken a turn to Bordeaux, whither I was oblig'd to go first,

to look after a Debt, due to me from a Person, un∣to whom I had lent a Summ of Money, whilst I was in the Brandenburgh Service. I did take my way over Orleans; and coming to Loudun, the Wea∣ther and Ways began to be so bad, (the Season being far advanc'd) that I was forc'd to resolve to tarry there all the Winter.

From Loudun to Thevars is no more than five Leagues, whither I went to wait on the Princess of Tarente, who was retir'd thither after the death of her Spouse: She did me the Honour to invite me to Dinner, and hearing me speak of settling my self in Languedock, she did all she could could to engage me to stay there abouts. She told me in the most obliging manner in the World, that if I would resolve to buy an Estate of the depen∣dance of the Duke de Tremoville her Son, she would take care it should be made so easie to me, that I should have all the reason in the World to be satis∣fied with it. There were also several other honest Gentlemen of my Acquaintance at Loudun, who most earnestly desir'd me to live among them, and my Wife seem'd to be very well pleas'd with this Country, all which together, was a sufficient in∣ducement to me, to go and take a view of a very fine new Seat, not above two Leagues distant from Lou∣dun, built by Monsieur de la Grilliere Counsellor of State, not long before his death. In his Life time there had belong'd a considerable Estate to it, which being after his death divided betwixt his Heirs, each had dispos'd of his share to several Purchasers; so that nothing was left of it entire now, and unde∣spos'd of, but that part which fell to his share, who was now owner of the House. I was mightily taken with the Beauty and Uniformity of the Building, which in all its parts was equivalent to a Castle, and might well have deserv'd that Name, if according to the Custom of the Country, this Name could be gi∣ven to any Edifice that has no Towers.

All that was now left belonging to the House, consisted only in two Farms, a Mill, some Marshy

Grounds, and two Closes of Vineyards, which per∣haps might yield about Thirty Pipes of Wine per Annum. I purchas'd this Estate first, and afterwards rejoin'd to it some other parcels of Land, which had been sold from it before; as likewise several ad∣jacent Fields, which were conveniently situated, to make the whole the more entire.