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. LIB. IV.

AFter I had settl'd my self near Loudun, I went to see my Father and Sister, who at that time liv'd at Falaise. Finding them in a very low condition, so as to stand in need of my assistance, I offer'd them my House, which they readily accepted of. My Wife gave them a very kind Entertainment, and my Sister liv'd with us so quietly for the first six Months, that I begun to conceive great hopes, she had of late chang'd her former ill inclinations. But it seems, she was not able to hold out longer, for in a little while after, she began to attempt to act the Mistriss

of the House, which so much displeas'd my Spouse, that she took an opportunity to complain of it to me. I therefore desir'd my Sister to alter her Mea∣sures, and to consider, that as I ow'd every thing to my Spouse, so I ought to take care, that she might not be displeas'd in her own House. This was a very unpleasing Lesson to my Sister, tho' I spoke it with all the fairness and moderation imaginable, which made her perswade my Father, to require a Yearly Pension from me. The old Gentleman grown frail, by reason of his great Age, consented to her request, and sign'd a Bill to be preferr'd a∣gainst me, in which he demanded a Yearly Allow∣ance of 500 Crowns.

Having soon got notice of their design, I spoke to my Father about it, which made him burst out into Tears like a Child. I could not but be mov'd with Compassion, which made me say no more of it for that time; but I took the next opportunity to perswade him, that our best way would be to send my Sister into a Nunnery, which he consented to. She had play'd her part so ill, that being asham'd to see the Face of any body thereabouts, she was glad to be gone. But in lieu of going into a Monastery, she took her way directly to Malicorne, where at that time liv'd Mrs. Launai, of whom I have spoken before. She did tell her, that knowing how much she always had lov'd me, she was sure she could not bring her a more welcome News, than that I was not only reviv'd, but was also come lately into France, with a Wife and five Children. That I had Married a great Fortune in Germany, and had now bought my self a very fine Estate, in the Province of Anjou.

The Gentlewoman was so Amaz'd at the recital she made her, that for a considerable time she re∣main'd without Sense or Motion. It is to be ob∣serv'd that not long before I left France, my Father had summon'd her into Court, to prove that our Marriage being Illegal ought to be declar'd void: His Proof was founded upon my Minority, and the

false Certificates I had made use of, and knowing that the same Plea of my Minority had carried the cause against my English Spouse, of which I have given you the History before, he did not question but the same would also stand good against this. Mrs. de Launai put in her Answer, in which she shew'd that she was a Minor as well as my self, when we were Married, and that having been always of an unblemish'd Reputation, there was not the least Rea∣son for me to be asham'd of the Match. But not∣withstanding what was offer'd in her behalf, the Judge of the Memmers, before whom the Cause was pleaded, did by his Decree Annul the said Marriage. Mrs. Launai, appeal'd from this Court to the Parlia∣ment; but whilst she was proceeding with all ima∣ginable vigour against me, the news of my suppos'd Death, confirm'd by the Certificate forg'd by my Sister, as I have told you before, prov'd the occa∣sion, that this matter remain'd undecided.

Mrs. de Launai afterwards Married a Lawyer, whose Name was Besnard, with whom she liv'd very contentedly at that time, when my Sister disturb'd her Repose; Besnard having married her for a Wi∣dow, had since had two Children by her. He was no sooner inform'd of the matter, but he resolv'd to act the part of a good Lawyer, that is, he was re∣solv'd to get as much Money out of me as he could. I can't be positive, whether my Sister was engag'd in this part of the Cabal, for she has always stifly denied it to me.

But whether she was or not, Mrs. Launai took a Journey to Samur, from whence she writ me a Let∣ter, in which she call'd me her unfaithful Husband, and that I liv'd in Adultery with another Woman. I was extreamly vex'd at this Letter, foreseeing that this Business, would prove the occasion of great discontents in my Family, especially to my Spouse. I judg'd it therefore most convenient, to go and see Mrs. Besnard at Samur; after I had with a great deal of Patience born all her Reproaches, I offer'd her a good Present, to prevent any disturbance,

which I fear'd would arise from thence in my Fami∣ly, but she refusing to hearken to what I propos'd, I return'd to my own home. I had scarce been there an hour when she came boldly into the House, with all the assurance that could be; and told my Spouse, that she being my true Wife, it would be best for her to pack up her Baggage, and to carry away her Bastards along with her; that she would make her know who was Mistriss of the House, and that she should not lie there as much as one Night longer.

Besnard, her Husband, on the other hand, acted his part likewise to the life, pretending that he would not receive his Wife into his House. Whilst I was thus beset on all sides, not knowing which way to turn my self first, a certain Person living at Loudun, whom I knew no more than by sight, came to see me. He told me, that being a Relation of Mrs. Launai, and my Friend, he would endeavour to bring the matter to an Accommodation betwixt us; That it was a thing granted, that I ought not to have Married, as long as an Appeal was lodg'd a∣gainst me, and that consequently my last Marriage must be invalid, till such time I had obtain'd a De∣cree from the Parliament; that every thing that de∣pended on the Judgment of Mankind, ought to be look'd upon as uncertain; that perhaps the Parlia∣ment might confirm the Decree of the Judge of Mem∣mers, perhaps not; that the shortest and surest way would be for me, to come to a Composition with Mrs. Besnard, by which means I might obtain a Decree suitable to my purpose. I did at first not in the least relish this Proposition, as being of opinion, that my case was so clear in it self, as not to stand in need of Mrs. Besnard's consent to carry it against her: But my Spouse would not rest satisfy'd, till I had accepted of his Mediation, so that rather than disoblige her, I consented to pay Mrs. Besnard 2000 Livers, provided she would procure me a Decree, to declare our former Marriage invalid, which was done accordingly.

My Sister was all this while at Malicorne, and had got a good Gratuity from Mrs. Besnard, for her good Counsel, which, with what Money I had gi∣ven her when she left my House, she afterwards spent at Alenson. Being thus again in distress, she writ to Madam de Marle, who had known her be∣fore, when her Husband was Intendant of the Ge∣nerality, offering her Service as a Governess to her Daughters. They were very ready to accept of her offer, and desir'd her to come forthwith to them into Auvergne, Monsieur de Marle being at that time Intendant of that Province.

Just before her arrival, Madam de Marle happen'd to die, which made Monsieur de Marle to be very glad of her Company, supposing she might in some measure, repair to his Daughters the loss of their Mother: And to speak truth, matters went on pret∣ty smoothly at first; but it was not long, before she gave them some proofs of her malicious Temper, which was never in its proper Element, unless when she could set People together by the Ears. This made her send word to Madam de Bragelone, Sister to Monsieur de Marle, that he was in Love with a Chamber-Maid, and that unless he might be pre∣vail'd upon by her perswasions, he would certainly Marry her; she desir'd her above all things not to divulge the Secret, which otherwise would take a∣way from her all the opportunity for the future, of giving her further information of what pass'd in the Family.

Madam de Bragelone being much surpriz'd at so odd a piece of News, writ a Letter about it to her Brother, who could not imagine from whence she had it, but had not in the least suspected my Sister, if by her own imprudence she had not betray'd herself, having advis'd his Daughters to throw them∣selves at their Father's Feet, to beg of him to turn the said Chamber-Maid out of Doors. This was enough for Monsieur de Marle to guess, who 'twas had procur'd his Sisters Letter to him; so that, to rid his hands of such a Spie, he sent his Daugh∣ters

and their Governess to a Neighbouring Nun∣nery.

But she pursu'd the same trade after she was in the Nunnery, where she constantly embroil'd the Nuns among themselves, and sometimes the Abbess with the Nuns; so that being quite tir'd out with her, they desir'd Monsieur de Marle to deliver them from so restless a Spirit, or else they must beg him to take his Daughters home again. Monsieur de Marle, who had pardon'd her first Trespass, thought it best to lay hold of this opportunity, to rid his Hands of her for ever.

Thus she came once more to Samur, from whence she writ a Letter to my Father, giving an account unto what condition she was reduc'd. He shew'd me the Letter, and assured me in her behalf, that she was heartily sorry for her former Miscarriages, and that if I would once more receive her into my House, he would engage his Honour, she should behave herself so for the future, as that we should not have the least reason to repent of it. The re∣spect I bore to my Father was so powerful over me, that I could not refuse his Request; tho' it was not long, before I had sufficient occasion to repent of it.

I told you before, that my Brother by the Mo∣ther's side had consum'd all his Estate; he had a great many Children, and among the rest a very handsome Daughter, whom I had taken into my House. My unlucky Sister had been so malicious, as to whisper into my Spouse's Ears, that I had a more than ordinary kindness for this young Woman, which occasion'd a secret grudge betwixt us, before my Wife disclos'd to me the real cause of it; which I soon remov'd by putting the young Wo∣man into a Nunnery.

About the same time there fell a slender Inheri∣tance to my Sister and me, of about 3000 Livers each; and considering with my self, that she who had spent so much Money already, would soon dispatch also this small Pittance: I propos'd to my Father a

way to prevent it, by attaching it for his use; he having several Bonds and other Deeds in his Hands, by which she acknowledg'd to have receiv'd the greatest part of the Money, which he sold his Estate for. These Deeds I told him, were a sufficient proof against her, to intitle him to an Attachment of this late Inheritance. My Father agreed with me in opinion, and resolving to put my advice in Execu∣tion, he went to his Trunk to look for these Papers, but could not find them. He charg'd his Servant with them, but he deny'd it utterly. At last I be∣gan to threaten him severely, telling him, that I would send him to the Lieutenant (or Judge) Criminal, to extort a Confession from him. This put him in∣to such a fear, that throwing himself at our Feet, he ingenuously confess'd, how my Sister had entic'd him to take away a little Trunk of my Father's, in which were all his Writings, and secretly to convey it at night into her Chamber, which he had done accordingly, together with the Key, which accord∣ing to her directions he had taken out of my Fa∣ther's Pocket; that he had seen my Sister open the Trunk, who took out of it a certain Deed, which, after she had perus'd it well, she threw into the Fire; that la Rose was likewise present when this was done, who also did read the Deed, before it was burnt.

This la Rose was an old Servant of my Father's, who had liv'd with him above Forty Years; he liv'd now at Alenson, and came frequently to see his old Master in my House. He had always been a great Favorite of my Sisters, and she had been God-Mother to one of his Children. He happen'd to be just then at our House, when my Father's Servant made the before-mention'd Confession; so we sent for him up Stairs, and being confronted with one another, he could not contradict what the other had told; so made an ingenuous Confession of the whole matter. Then it was we made our Complaints to the Judge Criminal, to take cognizance of the mat∣ter, who Examin'd both the Servants, and the next day gave Judgment against my Sister, and the Ser∣vant

who had carried the Trunk to her Chamber. We went afterwards to a Counsellor, who assur'd us that the proofs made before that Judge, were more than sufficient to intitle my Father to a legal Attachment of all the Goods and Effects, which could be pro∣ved to belong in any wise to my Sister.

But it was not long, before I had both my Hands full of other matters, which were of much more consequence to me. My Spouse's Mother-in-law, who hitherto had been always of opinion, that I would return into Germany, having got notice that I had purchas'd an Estate, and was settl'd in France, writ to the Danish Ambassadour, then residing at Paris, desiring him to make as narrow enquiry as possibly he could, whether I had not sold some of the Jewels and other precious Moveables, which she had formerly laid to my Brother-in-laws Charge; for which purpose she had inclos'd a Memorandum, describing their Qualities, Weights, and other such like Circumstances, which she judg'd might be most proper for the discovery of what she intend∣ed to know. The Ambassadour, who was her Kins∣man, sent this Memorandum to all the Goldsmiths of Paris; but being deceiv'd in his expectation there, he procur'd Letters from the Consistory of Charen∣ton to those of Loudun, wherein they promis'd in his Name, the Summ of 10000 Livers, as a Re∣ward to such Person or Persons, as should be able to make a discovery of them. But I had taken such sure measures as to this point, that all the pains they took prov'd labour in vain.

Nevertheless, as this was a business of such a na∣ture, that no body could penetrate into the true meaning of it, without my own Interpretation; this gave occasion of various Discourses to inquisi∣tive Persons, who Romanc'd upon it according to their different Opinions and Inclinations. But there was one Story, which pass'd for the most current and truest, being founded, as it was reported, up∣on the relation of a certain Merchant, whose Name was Guicherit, who being a Native of Loudun, was since settl'd at Amsterdam.

He us'd sometimes to come to Paris, to buy some French Commodities; and was from thence lately come to Loudun, to see his Brothers and other Rela∣tions, who liv'd in that City. After his return into Holland, it began to be nois'd about, that his chief Errand at Loudun, had been to make an enquiry after me, to take notice of my Person, of which he had taken an exact description, according to a Picture he had brought along with him for that pur∣pose. It was reported, that whilst I was in Holland, destitute of Friends and Money, I us'd to exercise several Trades, and especially went for a Peruke∣maker and a Jeweller; that I us'd to stick at nothing to get Money. That whilst I was at Amsterdam, I had been a kind of a Broker in Jewels, under a Burgo-Master of Hoorn, call'd John Wyntges, one of the Directors of the East-India Company, who had great store of these precious Commodities, which made me frequently to travel betwixt Hoorn and Am∣sterdam. That I had made Love to one of the Do∣mesticks of the said Burgo-Master, who had neither Wife nor Children; that at last I had Married this Woman, who was born at Alcmar, and the Daugh∣ter of one Vinioles a Waterman; that this was the same I had brought along with me into France, and who liv'd with me then at Loudun.

That for the rest, it was not altogether improba∣ble, but that I might have been Married in Germa∣ny, because, besides several other Circumstances, I had been once overheard to say, that my elded Son, who dy'd as I told you before, was by a first Wife.

It was alledg'd, that besides what had been re∣lated concerning my Wife's Extraction, it was no difficult matter to find out by her whole Behaviour, that she was no Person of any Quality; because she had been seen in a Jacket, sometimes of Plush, sometimes of Stuff, such as the ordinary People wear in Holland. That after we had taken possessi∣on of our Seat near Loudun, my Wife finding fault with the Glass Windows, which were not very

bright, had mounted upon a Ladder herself, and wash'd them with a Brush as they do in Holland. That a great many People had seen her rub the Window Glasses, being mounted on the top of the Ladder. which had at least Thirty Steps, and consequently might be seen at a good distance above the Wall belonging to the House. That this had made a great noise among the Neighbourhood, who did not know what to make of it, till Guicherit had unravel'd the matter, and told them that it was the custom of Holland. That no body could take her for a Person of Quality, her whole Behaviour hav∣ing no resemblance to it, unless it were that she ne∣ver comb'd herself, but had always her Hair done up by a Servant. But Guicherit had likewise unfolded this Riddle, by telling them, that in Holland even the meanest Servants scarce ever dress'd their own Hair, but that every where there were certain Wo∣men, who made it their livelihood to do it for them.

It was further added, that her mean deportment, was not only taken notice of by the Citizens Wives of Loudun, or the Country Gentlewomen, who liv'd near her, but likewise by many Ladies of great Quality; as for Instance, by the Ladies of the House of Chatre, and many others, who had liv'd for a considerable time at Court, and had been very conversant in the Dutchess of Longueville's Family; who, as they were unquestionable Judges of such a point as this, so it was certain, that they were of the same opinion with the Neighbouring Gentry, and had declar'd that there were a thousand Cir∣cumstances to be observ'd in her Carriage, which had not the least Affinity with those belonging to a Person of a noble Birth, whether German or French.

Thus they would by all means make my Wife a Servant of the Burgo-Master Wyntges. And to make up the Story, it was related with a great deal of confidence, that after I had Married her, I had the good fortune, by many good Offices, and the readi∣ness

I always shew'd to the Burgo-Master, to be ser∣viceable to him upon all occasions, to get such an ascendant over him after some Years were pass'd, that he trusted me with the whole management of his Affairs. That at last the Burgo-Master having undertaken a Journey, and left us absolute Masters of his House in his absence, we had taken that op∣portunity to seize upon all his Jewels and Gold, and so to retire first into Flanders, and from thence into France; it being the easiest thing in the World, to convey any thing secretly out of Holland, by reason of the conveniency of the Carriage, if there is no mistrust in the case.

That which confirm'd them in this opinion was, as they said, that a Servant of mine, whom I had brought along with me out of Holland, had told to some of his Acquaintance at Loudun, that in my Journey I was sorely afraid of being pursu'd, which was the reason I never took the great Road, as I was coming into France; and that he had observ'd even in Flanders, that I had caus'd some Countrymen to cut down several Trees, which hindred my passage through some by Roads.

It was further reported, that the Burgo-Master Wyntges did ever since make a most exact enquiry after me, and was at last by chance given to under∣stand, that there was a certain Merchant at Amster∣dam, whose Name was Guicherit, and who could tell him some Tydings of me. That my sudden ar∣rival and Settlement near Loudun, together with the repute of my vast Riches both in Jewels and Mo∣ney, having made me be look'd upon by the Peo∣ple, no otherwise than if I had been possess'd of all the Treasures of Croesus; and that the noise of these Riches, being at last come to the Ears of some be∣longing to Guicherit's Family, they had first canvass'd the matter among themselves, and at last imparted the whole to Guicherit at Amsterdam.

It was likewise related that the Burgo-Master having got some scent of the matter, he found out Guicherit, and having enquir'd of him what he wanted to

know concerning my present condition, he had pre∣vail'd with him to undertake this Journey to Loudun▪ after he had first engag'd him to write to his Brother, who was then one of the Consistory of Loudun, and is now a Refugee in Holland.

Those that were the contrivers of this Story, had likewise fram'd several Circumstances to make it pass the more current; and as a Story never loses by telling, so every body did add to it, what he found most suitable to his own guess or opinion. I verily believe, that if it were possible for me to know, but half what was laid to my charge, and the various Discourses that were had upon that Sub∣ject, and how I acted my part in Holland, I say, it would questionless furnish me with matter sufficient, for a good large old fashion'd Romance.

But after all these malicious Reflections and Threats, the whole matter came to nothing, and my Adversaries were Eye-witness of my living a∣mong them undisturb'd. For Guicherit, upon whose return they had founded all their Hopes, never came afterwards to Loudun, and no body ever at∣tempted to make any enquiry after my Affairs, since the Memorandum sent by the Danish Ambassadour. They began then to look at one another, not know∣ing what to make of it; and if they had not been prepossess'd with a strong prejudice against me, it had been easie for them to judge, that all these Dis∣courses were founded upon false suppositions. But as a malicious Tongue is so far from retracting, that it rather heaps Calumnies upon Calumnies, so they contriv'd a way to unriddle the matter after their own Head. For it was not long before it was ru∣mour'd about, that soon after Guicherit was return'd to Amsterdam, the Burgo-Master Wyntges happen'd to die at Hoorn; and that his Estate being divided a∣mong several Heirs, they were so well satisfi'd with that vast Treasure he had left among them, that they did not think fit to make up a Purse among them to prosecute me at so great a distance, and that neither of them had thought it worth

his while to do it upon his own particular ac∣count.

Thus I escap'd the whole danger, by being made a Country talk for some time, which indeed I little valu'd at that time; tho' afterwards, I was at seve∣ral times made sensible of the ill effects of it; These Titles of Vagabond and Sharper, which they had been pleas'd to bestow upon me, having made very odd Impressions upon a great many People, who at least believ'd some part of what they heard so gene∣rally reported.

It was questionless this, which encourag'd the Head Keeper of the Duke of Tremoville, to write me a Rhodomontado Letter, under pretence that I had hunted in his Master's Lordship. This was true in effect, but it was done with the Duke's consent, who knew I would not abuse his Favour, and that a considerable time ago, I had belong'd to and been conversant in his Family; which had made him write to me, that I might Hunt in his Jurisdiction, when, where, and as often as I pleas'd. I took particular care not to give him the least reason of Complaint; but whether it was, that his Head∣keeper look'd upon me as an inconsiderable Fel∣low, by reason of these beforemention'd Discourses, or whether he was set on by a neighbouring Gen∣tleman with whom I had a Law Suit, and who was a particular Acquaintance of his; he writ to me in such haughty terms, as if he had been the Duke himself, and I one of his under-Keepers. I answer∣ed him, that I found he had copied this Letter after one of those his Master us'd to write to him, and many other smart Reflections: He being a Gentle∣man by Birth, found himself so much affronted at it, that he made his Complaints to the Marshals of France, who sent me a Summons to appear before them at Paris. But the thing having reach'd the Duke de Tremoville's Ear, and being unwilling to have him expos'd before the Marshals of France, he chid him in my presence, telling him, that he had forc'd this Reply from me by his own Impertinency,

and after he had perus'd the Letter he had writ to me, he told him, that he ought not to have writ such a Letter to the worst Gentleman of the whole Province. So having commanded him to ask my pardon, the matter was compos'd betwixt our selves.

In the mean while I began to grow weary of the Country, which made me undertake a Journey to Paris, where I paid a Visit to Monsieur Sanguin, de∣siring him to make use of his Interest in my behalf, to obtain a Commission in the Army, which had always been my profession. It was at that time strongly discoursed at Court, that four new Compa∣nies were to be establish'd, which were to belong to the Ordnance, to wit, one of Germans, one of Poles, one of Swedes and one of Hussars; but this Project being laid aside for that time, my Journey prov'd fruitless. Nevertheless, we did not live without hopes to see the War soon re-kindled, because the Spaniards refus'd to give satisfaction to our King, concerning his pretensions upon Alost. Several Con∣ferences were held upon this account at Courtray, whither both Kings had sent their Deputies to treat about it, and compose the difference in an amicable way. Lewis the Great, had also proposed to leave it to the Arbitration of his Britannick Majesty, but the Spaniards did not think fit to accept of it. This made the King to order his Troops, to enter in an Hostile manner the Spanish Territories, which pro∣ved very troublesome to the Spaniards; notwith∣standing which, the Prince of Orange, who had his particular design, did, by the great Influence he had upon that Court, disswade them from giving us due satisfaction. Thus it came to an open Rupture by the Seige of Luxemburgh.

Whilst the French were busied in making their Lines of Circumvallation, the Prince of Chirnay, who was then Governour of the Place, thinking himself in a condition to defend the place against us; caus'd his Musick to play upon the Walls for a Bravado, to shew how little he valu'd our Ap∣proach.

But it was not long before he found his mistake, for he was attack'd with such vigour, that he was glad to come to a capitulation. The Dutch, who were earnestly press'd by the Prince of Orange, to relieve the Place, finding themselves either not in a condition to undertake it- or being not dispos'd at that time to follow his advice, remain'd only Spectators of the Conquest of this place, without meddling in the least in the matter.

The Spaniards were not alone extreamly sensible of the loss of this place, but the Emperor bore as great a share in it as any; finding that our King thereby, had considerably extended his Conquests upon the Rhine, considering especially, that he had made himself Master of Strasburgh before, as being a dependance on Alsace. But the War, in which the Emperor was at that time engag'd against the Turks, not leaving the least room for the Imperial Court to flatter themselves, with hopes to act with any success, at the same time upon the Rhine; it was resolv'd at the Dyet of the Empire, to accept of the Twenty Years Truce, offer'd by his most Christian Majesty.

Not long after my return home from Paris, my Father dy'd, in the 89th Year of his Age. Just be∣fore his Death, he recommended my Sister to my Care, and desir'd me to pardon all what was pass'd, and to take the same care of her, as if she never had committed any thing against me. I promis'd him to do what he desir'd, and it has not been my fault, that she has not reap'd the Fruits of my Pro∣mise since. Whilst he lay sick, I sent for a Physici∣an living at Montreville, who refus'd to come, ask∣ing my Servant, What I meant by sending to him? whether I intended to play the Fool with him? it being well known, that I understood more in Phy∣sick, than all the Country Doctors thereabouts; and upon this occasion, I cannot forbear to tell you how it came to pass, that I acquir'd the Reputation of a famous Physician.

One time being at Tours, to look after a Law Suit I was engag'd in at that time against my Sister, a certain young Woman, one of the most confidera∣ble of the whole City, being Sister to the Chanter (or chief manager of the Musick) in the Cathedral there, had a Swelling, which all the Physicians there did not know what to make of. Some were of opinion it was a species of the King's-Evil, and that it must be laid open. Her Parents were very unwilling to cónsent to the opening of it, because it was just upon the Knee, and consequently might prove of dangerous consequence, by reason of the conjunction of many Nerves near that place. Hear∣ing by chance somebody talk of it one day, I had the curiosity to go and see her, because I had made my observations in Germany, that they us'd frequent∣ly to cure swellings upon the Knee by simple Fo∣mentations. I no sooner cast my Eyes upon the Swelling, but I found that it was one of the same kind, which made me tell them, that if they would trust to my skill, I did not question but to cure her. Her Parents having given their consent, I got my Remedy prepar'd, and apply'd it to the Tumour. She found some relief the same day, after the first application; and to be short, the Remedy succeed∣ed so well, and its effect was so quick and stupendi∣ous, that it was not long before she could walk a∣broad again.

This Cure being perform'd upon a Person of note at Tours, I got such a Reputation by it, that I was look'd upon there, as one of the most skilful Physi∣cians of the Country. The best of all was, that one of the Physicians of the City happen'd to be seiz'd with a violent Cholick, proceeding from the Gravel in the Kidnies, and after he had try'd all his own Remedies, sent one of his Acquaintance to me, to desire my Advice. I went to see him, and finding what was the true cause of his Distemper, I gave him a certain Remedy, which I had formerly seen prepar'd at Berlin, which I order'd him to take, as they commonly do in Germany. The Composition

was made of Vitriol, about half the bigness of a large Pea, of a certain dose of Chrystal mineral, and half an ounce of Black Radish Seeds, the outward Rind of which is black, but the inside as white as a Turnip. This I infus'd in White-wine, and so gave it to the Patient. This was the whole foundation of my Doctorship. But this Remedy, as simple as it appears, succeeded as well as the former, which made me to be cry'd up all over the City of Tours, for one of the most able Physicians they had seen a great while; so that I verily believe, if I had been put to it, I might have got a very good livelihood by the practice of Physick there: So true it is, that outward appearances are very deceitful, and that a slender accident sometimes proves of great conse∣quence. For the Nuns of Beaumont sent one to Compliment me immediately after, who told me, that being fully perswaded of my extraordinary abi∣lity in Physick, they hop'd I would come and pay them a Visit, but I civilly excus'd it.

It was much about this time, that the destruction of the Protestant Religion in France, was warmly debated at Court: The King, who at present saw all his Dominions enjoy the fruits of Peace and Tranquility, without the least fear of being di∣sturb'd in it for the future, being resolv'd to lay hold of this juncture, to give the finishing stroak to the Hugonot Party. The King had for a conside∣rable time before, given them such evident marks of his Displeasure and aversion to them, that there were very few in France, who did not foresee their Ruin, except themselves. The King's aversion to them, was so generally known and taken notice of all over the Kingdom, that many of the Roman Ca∣tholicks made it their business to affront the Prote∣stants upon the least occasion, either out of a pre∣posterous Zeal, or to curry favour with the Inten∣dants of the Provinces, who encourag'd them un∣der hand, pursuant to the Orders they had receiv'd from Court, to favour as much as possibly could be done, those who should shew themselves Zealots,

and Instrumental in the destruction of a Religion, which was look'd upon as directly opposite to the Interest of the State.

Upon this occasion, I cannot but relate what was done on this account, by a certain Priest in our Neighbourhood, who profess'd himself always a great Zealot against the Protestants, and by his Di∣vices was likely to have prov'd the ruine of a great many People. I had about that time a Servant, a very simple and foolish Fellow, who after he went from me, liv'd in the same Quality with one of the Bai∣liffs of the Marshalsea of Loudun, whose Name was Cesvet Besnard. This Fellow happen'd to have an amorous Intrigue with his Master's Daughter; (which I think I may say without injustice to truth) One day as he went to Confession to the Carmelite Fryars, whose Monastery was not far from the Bailiffs House, he happen'd to pitch upon a Con∣fessor, who being an acquaintance of his Masters, did exaggerate his Crime to the highest degree; and among other things told him, that besides God's Vengeance which he had drawn upon him, it was no less than Death by the Law, for a Servant to kiss his Master's Daughter. These words made so strong an Impression upon this simple Fellow, that belie∣ving himself every moment in danger of being hang'd, he told to another Servant of mine, as like∣wise to his Father, that it was high time for him to go away at such a distance, as that no body might hear any further tydings of him, being sensible that he had deserv'd Death, and living in continual fear lest God should deservedly punish him for his Crime.

The Carmelite Fryar his Confessor, having got notice in what manner his words had wrought upon the simplicity of this poor Wretch, and willing to oblige his Neighbour Cesvet, by removing from his Daughter an Object, which in all likelihood would bring her in time to shame and confusion, perswa∣ded the Fellow to go to Gardelupe, in quality of a Servant to the Carmelite Fryars there. This poor

Wretch, who had nothing to trust to, and being a Peasants Son, and accustom'd to all manner of hard∣ship, soon accepted his offer; and being by the Carmelite furnish'd with all things necessary for his Voyage, and embark'd in a good Bottom, went to Gardelupe, without giving notice to any body whither he was to go.

In the mean while, the words he had spoke to my Servant and his Father, were canvass'd about, and going from one to another, at last came to the knowledge of this my neighbouring Priest, of whom I spoke just now. His Name was d'Arsac Prior of Ternai, he had a Nephew a Gentleman of that Country, of whom I shall have occasion to say something anon. This Priest considering with himself, what Crime it could be that had made the Fellow utter these words, concluded at last, that it could be no less than a Sacrilege, to expiate which he had been sent to Rome, to receive his absolution there; what confirm'd him in this conjecture was, that he had understood, this Fellow had been a Servant to a certain Hugonot, whose Name was Cha∣teigneraie. Being strongly possess'd with this Fancy, he concluded further, that this simple Wretch had taken out of his Mouth the Consecrated Host, he had receiv'd at Christmas Eve, which he had carried to his Master, who with some other Hugonots, had (as he imagin'd) made some strange use of it. The worst of all was, that this Priest did not relate this, as being the Product of his own Brains, but as if it had been told him thus by others. He at last con∣sulted about the matter with the Father Jesuits of Loudun, who having related the matter to the Cu∣rate of the Parish, a turbulent Spirit, and a declar'd Enemy of the Protestants, he gave information of it before a Judge.

The Servant having receiv'd Intelligence (questi∣onless by the means of the Carmelites) how his Ma∣ster la Chateigneraie was accus'd of a Crime, of which he was altogether innocent, and that he was in danger of his Life, writ two Letters from Garde∣lupe,

one to his Father, the other to the Curate of the Parish of Arsai, who was his God-Father, in which he declar'd that his Master la Chateigneraie was absolutely innocent, and what Crime had been committed, was betwixt him and the Bailiffs Daugh∣ter. His Father sent the Letter to the owner of the Farm, in which he liv'd, in the Town of Renton, who being a Hugonot, carried it to Madam Bourg∣neuf, who was a Catholick and Lady of the Mannour there.

Cesvet and his Kindred having understood out of this Letter, that this poor Fellow was at Gardelupe, join'd their Interest with all the Zealous Catholicks of that City, to obtain an Order for the bringing over of him from that Island, in hopes to improve his simplicity to their advantage, and either by Threats or Perswasions to make him change his tune, when they had him in Prison.

Thus was this unfortunate Wretch re-conducted into France, with the first Vessel that came from thence, his Arms and Le••s Fetter'd, and had a Dungeon an gn'd him for his Lodgings. The Judges of Loudun, upon the bare deposition of the Prior, examin'd him concerning what was laid to his charge.

Being confronted with the Priest, he confess'd that before his departure he had spoke these Words, I have related before, but deny'd positively, that it had been upon that account, as it was interpreted by the Prior, and upon whose Evidence he stood ac∣cus'd. The Judges urg'd him to declare without equivocation, what it was that had induc'd him to express himself in these Terms; to which he an∣swer'd, that the same hdd been occasion'd by some Expressions, which his Father Confessor had us'd to him upon another Subject, which had terrify'd him to that degree, as to have spoken the said Words. The Judges then sent for the Father Confessor, to know whether he had confess'd the truth, as to that point, but he excus'd himself, and would not dis∣cover what had been confess'd to him.

But Mrs. Cesvet the Bailiff's Wife, began to be very uneasie about her Daughter, for fear of a fur∣ther discovery of the matter, which made her ad∣vise with one Mrs. Chapelet her Sister-in-law, what was, best to be done in this exigency, to save her Daughter's Reputation. The result of the matter was, that they should endeavour to suborn false Witnesses, to swear Sacrilege against the poor Fel∣low, which they did accordingly, having procur'd three Women, who for twelve Bushels of Wheat (to be given to each as a Reward) undertook to charge him with the Sacrilege. Their Evidence, together with the Circumstances and Words, made use of by this unfortunate Fellow, at parting with my Servant, were more than sufficient to do his bu∣siness; for which reason also, his old Master la Cha∣teigneraie was summon'd to appear, which he did accordingly, and declar'd that their Accusations were utterly false, as indeed they were.

But this would have avail'd him but little, it being certain that this poor Wretch must have ine∣vitably been lost, and many more Protestants, but especially la Chateigneraie would have been involv'd in great troubles, if among these three Women, that had been suborn'd to depose against the poor Fellow, one being touch'd with remorse of Con∣science, and detesting so foul a Fact, had not re∣tracted her promise, and refus'd to join with the others. But tho' the other two persisted steadfastly in their devilish Resolution, yet it pleas'd God to bring to light their black designs; they disagreeing, nay contradicting one another in their Depositions, upon a strict Examination made by the Judges. For, being examin'd separately, the Judges, among other Questions ask'd the first, in what place she had heard the Prisoner give them an account of having committed this Sacrilege; she answer'd, that it was in one Mr. Besnard's (who was Unkle to the Bailiff) War∣ren, which according to the Dialect of that Coun∣try, implies as much, as a Close enclos'd with a Wall, as he was weeding of Wheat: But the other,

upon Examination declar'd, that he told it them in the open Field, which fronts the Gates of the House.

The Judge Criminal and the King's Sollicitor, who were both Persons of Integrity, and of a far different stamp from most of the other Officers of Justice, belonging to Loudun; but especially the King's Sollicitor, being convinc'd of the foulness of the thing, were resolv'd to try all means to dis∣cover the truth, tho' with the hazard of incurring the displeasure of the Court, in not obeying their Orders without exception.

They manag'd the matter with so much prudence and dexterity, that at last they brought both these perfidious Women to a sincere Confession, how matters had been transacted betwixt them. But the Bailiff and his Kindred, together with many of the Zealots of the City, did not only grumble heavily against this proceeding of the Judges, but being sensible that it was at this juncture look'd upon at Court as an unpardonable Crime, to con∣travene the late Ordinances, under what pretence soever, they made heavy Complaints against them at Court.

An Order was thereupon sent to Monsieur de Ba∣ville Intendant of Poictou, to Summon the Judges be∣fore him, and to give an account of their Pro∣ceedings. The Intendant obey'd his Orders▪ and sent his Summons to these Judges, who appear'd before him at his Se••t, call'd la Motthe de Beaussai, in the Bailliage of Loudun; where they gave him such ample satisfaction concerning their Proceed∣ings in this case▪ that he was fully convinc'd, they had acted nothing, but what in Justice they were oblig'd to do.

Notwithstanding all this, and the discovery made of the subo〈…〉〈…〉ion of the Witnesses, this poor wretch was by the ••ajority of Voices of the Judges of the Bailliage of Loudun sentenc'd, first to be put upon the Rack, and afterwards to be burnt alive. He made his appeal from their Sentence,

and accordingly was carried to Paris. I had been several times to see this unfortunate Creature in Pri∣son, and all his Words and whole Behaviour ap∣pear'd to me, so full of natural simplicity, that if I had had no other reason to acquit him in my Con∣science, this alone, would have been a strong mo∣tive to me of his Innocence. It was upon this score, I writ to Monsieur Berault, a famous Counsellor at Paris, to desire him to inform the Judges punctual∣ly, in what manner his Trial had been carried on at Loudun.

But God, who protects Innocence, did ••t that very juncture, give us a most signal Instance of his Justice, in punishing my Servant for the Crime he had committed, in accusing this poor Fellow, on the ac∣count of what he had spoke to him, they having not the least relation to what he was charg'd withal by his Adversaries. For, before this miserable Wretch was condemn'd to Death, my Servant grew furiously mad, to that degree, that no body durst come near him. In his lucid Intervals he would frequently declare, that God had dealt justly with him, because he had fasly accus'd an innocent per∣son. But, as these Intervals were in a manner but momentaneous, and that on the other hand, his mad Fits return'd without any remarkable Inter∣missions, no real account could be made of what be said.

One day he got, unperceiv'd by any body, out of his Lodging Room, where I kept him out of Cha∣rity, in hopes he might recover his Senses, and stript himself quite naked in the open Field.

A Lad of about eighteen Years of Age, who happen'd to see him, did run immediately after him, which the Madman perceiving, he hid himself behind a Tree; but the Lad coming up pretty near to him, first play'd the fool with him, and after∣wards pelted him with Stones: This put the Mad-Fellow into such a fury, that he came out from be∣hind the Tree, where he had hid himself, laid hold of the young Lad, and after he had thrown him

down upon the ground, knock'd his Brains out with a Flint-stone, which he had found accidentally; after he had kill'd him, he gnaw'd his Face, just as if it had been done by some voracious Creature.

Some Peasants happening to pass by that way seiz'd him, and carry'd him Prisoner to Berry, a place under the Jurisdiction of the Duke de Tremo∣ville. But it being known that he was a Madman, he was not try'd for his Life, but the Judges dischar∣ged him after a Months Imprisonment.

After his discharge he came again to my House, where I took care to have him closely guarded, for fear of such another misfortune, till I could send to his Parents to take him home. The place where he was kept was Barricado'd with Iron Bars, but he found means to break through them; and as he was just getting out, a Countryman, who liv'd in one of my Farms saw him; but being afraid to be serv'd as the Lad was before, he call'd my Warren∣ner to his assistance. The Madman made up to them both, which the Warrener being aware of, he wounded him with his Fuzee of which he died six days after. The loss of Blood occasion'd by his Wound, having restor'd him to his right Senses be∣fore his death, he receiv'd the Holy Sacrament, and at the same time declar'd, that he had falsly accus'd that unfortunate Fellow, who was then in Prison; and these his last dying Words were put in writing, and sent to Paris for his Justification.

At last the Parliament being fully convinced of the Innocence of this poor Wretch, not so much by the Confession of this Mad Fellow, as by several other undeniable proofs, he was acquitted, and the two Per∣jur'd Women Sentenc'd to be Whip'd, and branded with the Flower-de-luce; a slight Punishment, bearing but a slender proportion to the hainousness of their Crime, according to the Lex Talionis. Nevertheless they thought themselves very hardly dealt withal, considering they had stood it out to the last extremi∣ty, being inveigled by the fair Promises made them by the Zealous Party. Thus they had flatter'd

themselves with hopes to escape Punishment, by their powerful Intercession; but when they found themselves deceived in their vain hopes, and that they were carried to the place where they were pub∣lickly Whip'd, and forced besides this to do publick Penance in St. Peter's Church, they began to lament their Condition, and to make most bitter Exclamati∣ons against those who had hired them to commit such a Villainy; they made, I say, bitter Invectives against Mrs. Cesvet the Bayliffs Wife, and her Sister-in-Law Mrs. Chapelet, who with several others had been in∣strumental in bringing them to Shame and Confusi∣on by their false Promises. As for Mrs. Cesvet, and Mrs. Chapelet, they retired into a Monastery, where they continued for some Years after, till at last they began by degrees to appear abroad again.

But notwithstanding all this, the Prior of Ternai could not rest satisfied, but would needs write a Letter directed to the King himself, in which he pretended to shew, that Justice had not been impar∣tially administred in a Case, which in a most pecu∣liar manner, concerned no less than the Glory of God: He remonstrates to the King, That the He∣reticks being encouraged by this Impunity, would for the future, not stick at any thing, with a thou∣sand such like Insinuations. The King thereupon dispatched his Orders a second time to Monsieur de Baville; who, as I told you before, was Intendant of Poictou, to consult with the Chief Justice of Poictiers, and to examine the whole Matter in all its Circum∣stances. But Monsieur de Baville, with all the pains he took, was not able to find out any thing more than what had been done before, unless it were to discover the extravagant Zeal and Malice of the Prior of Ternai.

This Account I was willing to give you of the preposterous Zeal of this Priest having interrupted in some measure, my Relation of the King's Design against the Hugonots, it will now be time to reassume the said Theme.

It is therefore to be observed, That some of the most quick-sighted among the Protestants, who fore∣saw that the Thunder-clap was likely to strike a∣mong them, did propose several Assemblies to be held, to consult of Ways and Means to prevent the Storms which they believed would prove fatal to them: For which purpose they call'd together their Synods at Thouars in Poictou, and at Sorges in Anjou. In the Synod of Sorges, there were two Protestant Ministers, one of Bauge, the other of Painperdu, who having either a further insight into their pre∣sent Condition than the rest, or being less prepossest with vain Opinions than some of their Brethren, did propose to consult about some means, how to unite themselves with the Catholicks, seeing they could not find any sufficient reason, why the same might not be effected at this time, and why the same should be opposed by some of their Brethren.

They alledged, for the confirmation of this their Opinion, That indeed in former Times, the Catho∣licks had been represented to the World as Idolaters, because the true Tenets of their Religion were ei∣ther not rightly understood by some, or disguised by others: But that the Case was quite alter'd now, since the Bishop of Meaux had obliged the Christian World with the true Pourtraiture of the Catholick Religion; That indeed it was objected by some, that he had been very careful in disguising the real Sentiments of the Church of Rome; but this Obje∣ction favoured more of Obstinacy and Prejudice, than real Truth; and would meet scarce with any Encouragement among People of Sense, consider∣ing that if the Thing were as they pretended, the Church of Rome would be the first that would contra∣dict his Opinion, whereas the Approbation this Trea∣tise had met with from the Conclave, and the whole College of Cardinals, was a convincing Proof, that the Bishop had asserted nothing but what is altoge∣ther conformable to the Doctrine received in the Ro∣mish Church. That those, who after such authen∣tick Proofs would pretend to contradict it, did do

nothing but to shew not only their Obstinacy, but ra∣ther an unaccountable Aversion towards an Union among them. That they conjured their Brethren to weigh duly and maturely all and every Circumstance of the matter which might lead them into the Path to procure Peace and Tranquility to their Churches, which could not be obtained, unless they would at this juncture be pleased to take a Resolution suitable to their Prudence and Charitable Inclinations.

But all the Protestant Ministers assembled in this Synod, were so far from giving a favourable Ear to their Reasons and Exhortations, that they exclaim'd against their Counsel, as proceeding from a depraved Mind, and from the consideration of their temporal Interest, either to preserve themselves, or perhaps to encrease their Revenues.

But these two Ministers finding them absolutely bent to their own Destruction, did, without any re∣gard to these Calumnies, make Abjuration of the Protestant Religion, at the conclusion of the Synod, and were joyfully received into the Bosom of the Church, having by their Moderation, and Charita∣ble Advice, deservedly acquired the Esteem and good Will both of the Court and Clergy. But the worst was, that there were but few among the Protestants there, who would follow their Footsteps.

The King provok'd to the highest degree by their Obstinacy, did publickly revoke the Edict of Nants, and Quarter'd his Dragoons upon all such as refused to obey his Commands.

The Protestants at Loudun used frequently to assem∣ble in private, to encourage one another rather to suffer any thing than to renounce their Religion. There were two noted Counsellors among them, whose Names were Festes and Montaut, they being two Elders of this Congregation, and considered as Leading Men by reason of their great Learning and Riches; these began one Day to speak in very ambi∣guous Terms to the Assembly, and to insinuate such things, that the rest, who for the most part, were influenced by their Counsel, did not know what to

make of it. But those, who had resolved to stand immoveable in their first Principles, were not so sim∣ple, but that they soon guess'd at their Mean∣ing.

They did not now in the least question, but that in the last Visits these two Counsellors had made to Monsieur de Nointel Intendant of Touraine, who had sent for them, it had been agreed betwixt them which side they were to take. And they were not mistaken in their guess; for no sooner did the King's Dragoons appear at Loudun, but Fester sent for the Priests who were appointed to receive the Abjurati∣ons of the Protestants, to his House, where all the Protestant Families of any Note were assembled, all which were at once reconciled to the Catholick Church, except three Families, who were forced not long after to take up their Lodgings in the Hos∣pital; for the Dragoons were Quartered upon them to consume all their Substance, and did not leave their Houses, as long as they had a Morsel left for their Sustenance.

The Happiness of a most profound Peace which the Kingdom enjoyed at that time under the Prote∣ction of the most Glorious Prince of the Universe, who had carried the Terrour of his Arms all over Europe, was a sufficient inducement to the King to promise himself (as I told you before) Success in e∣very thing he shou'd undertake for the future; and it must be confess'd, that the happy Progress he made, did justifie the Goodness of his Intentions, God was pleased to bless his Designs with success, as tending to the increase of his Glory, and this so powerful Par∣ty, which under his Majesty's Predecessors Reigns had almost brought this great Monarchy to the very brink of Destruction, was forced tamely to sub∣mit to his Commands, without the least Opposi∣tion.

Nevertheless this was not the only thing which took up the King's care at that time, he was too wise to let slip the least Opportunity which seem'd to have any relation to the Interest of his Crown, as

well in respect of the Catholicks as the Protestants; and it was upon this Score, That he made use of his Authority and Interest, to have such a Coadjutor chosen to the Archbishop of Cologne, as, he knew, to be addicted to his Interest. The Situation of this Electorate, did in some measure oblige the King to take this seasonable Precaution, because it bor∣der'd upon the Dutch Territories, who were very jealous of the King's present Prosperity. The Glo∣rious Conquests of his Majesty were also an Eye∣fore to the Emperour, who a few Years before, had been put to the utmost hazard of losing his Crown, if Fortune had not declared at the very critical jun∣cture against the Turks.

The stupendious Success with which his Arms had been Crown'd since on that side, gave him no small hopes, that after the Conquest of Hungary, he might promise himself the same success on the Rhine, if he could by some means or other break the Truce concluded with his most Christian Majesty. Our King, who was resolved not to let slip this opportu∣nity to thwart the Designs both of the Emperour and the Dutch, and to secure to himself the Lower Rhine, in case of a rupture with them, left Instructions to bring this Matter to a good Issue.

The Cardinal of Furstembergh, chief Minister of the Elector of Cologne, and Canon of the Cathedral of that Name, who ow'd every thing to his Maje∣sty, was pitch'd upon by the King as a fit Subject to fill up this Archiepiscopal Chair, whenever it should become vacant. The Elector himself had made a Postulation of a Coadjutor, to the Chapter of Cologne, and most of its Members were either in the King's or Cardinal's Interest. The Chapter was assembled, before the Imperial Party could make their Cabals to disappoint our Design, so that of five and twenty Canons, of which this Chapter is compos'd, there were no more than five, who did not give their Voice for the Cardinal. This was no small Vexati∣on both to the Emperour and Dutch, who were most nearly concerned in it; but there being no other way

left for them to redress themselves, the Emperour made his Applications to the then Pope Innocent XI. whom he earnestly intreated not to approve of the said Election, for fear, as it was insinuated by his Agents, all Europe might thereby be involved in great Troubles.

Pope Innocent XI. was a very Pious Person, but he was also a Man, and consequently subject to some Frailties; and he did not stick at this time to make use of this juncture, to mortifie his Majesty, with whom he had had some difference of late. The Bu∣siness of the Franchises of the Quarters of Ambassa∣dors, stuck among the rest, so close in his Stomach, that he would not grant his Bull to the Cardi∣nal.

The Elector of Cologne happen'd to Die not long after, and our King, who had certain Intelligence that the Emperor and the Dutch, by the help of their Money, had made a strong Party in that Chapter, advised the Cardinal of Furstemburgh to stand by his first Election as Coadjutor of the late Archbishop and that whatever he did, he should, if possibly he could not let it come to a New Election. The Cardinal sent this Answer to the King, That he had not the least reason to fear a New Election, being sure, that he should at least have as many Voices as he had be∣fore, and perhaps more, whereas, if he should op∣pose this new Election, and enter his Protest against the meeting of the Chapter, this might perhaps prove a means to abalienate the Minds of many of the Capitulars from his Interest, and that conse∣quently it must be feared, they might make use of the same pretext, as the Emperor and his Faction had already done; to wit, that his former Election to the Coadjutorship was void, because the same had not been confirm'd in the Arch-Bishop's life time.

These reasons were at last approved of by the King, who supposing, that he who was upon the spot, could give a better and nearer guess at the matter, than those who were at a distance, yielded to his perswasions. Thus the Chapter of Cologne

assembled, in order to proceed to the Election of a new Arch-Bishop.

Some of the Canons, who under hand had dispo∣sed of their Voices to the Emperor and Hollanders, broke their word with the Cardinal, and gave their Suffrages to Prince Joseph Clement, Brother to the present Elector of Bavaria; so that the Cardinal, in lieu of Seventeen Voices, which he had at his first Election, had now no more than. Fourteen, Prince Joseph had Nine, and the Count de Requ••en One.

It is to be observ'd, that to put any Election of this nature beyond all contest, it is requisite to have two thirds of the Voices of the whole Chapter; so that the Cardinal in this last Election, fell short by two: Thus the Cardinal saw himself in a much worse condition than he would have been, if ac∣cording to our King's advice, he had adhered to his first Election.

The Pope, who had already in the former Electi∣on, made use of his Authority in opposition to the Cardinal, did in this last, not in the least alter his opinion; and confirm'd the Election of Prince Jo∣seph Clement of Bavaria. But, notwithstanding this Confirmation, the business now in question was, how he should put himself in possession of the said Electorate, almost all the places of strength being in the hands of the Cardinal of Furstenburgh, who pre∣tended to be legally chosen Arch-Bishop and Elector of Cologne.

But the late Elector was, besides 〈…〉〈…〉e Arch-Bi∣shoprick of Cologne, also Prince and Bishop of Leige The Cardinal had for a considerable time before, made his Court to that Chapter, he being a Canon, as well of the Cathedral of Leige, as of that of Cologne; but he had many and great Enemies among them; not that he had contributed any thing to it in his own Person, but this aversion was founded upon some reasons of State.

The ill success the Cardinal of Furstenburgh had met with, in the last Election at Cologne, seem'd to

be but an ill Omen of what was to happen in this; but the King, to further as much as possible could be, his Interest by his Authority, sent Monsieur Asfelt to Liege as his Envoy.

This Asfelt was a Person of a more than ordina∣ry Wit, and of so pleasing a Conversation, that he was look'd upon as the fittest Man to influence the Capitulars of Leige, who lov'd extreamly to be flatter'd. But there were such weighty Reasons (as they believ'd) against the Election of the Cardi∣nal, and the contrary Party had known how to im∣prove them so well to his disadvantage, that they could in no wise be prevail'd upon, to comply with our King's desires, tho' there were many of the Canons at the same time, who, very unwilling to disoblige the King in any thing, offer'd to give their Voices to the Cardinal of Bouillon. But Mon∣sieur d'Asfelt, according to his Orders receiv'd from Court, answer'd them, that the King had pitch'd upon the Cardinal of Furstenburgh, as the only fit Subject to be recommended by him to the Chapter of Liege, and that therefore, whomsoever they should chuse else, could not be acceptable to his Majesty at this time; and that therefore, if they would preserve the honour of his Favour to them∣selves, they ought to be very cautious, what mea∣sures to take in this Conjuncture.

The Emperor on the other hand sent to Liege the Prince Lewis, Grand Master of the Teutonick Or∣der, Son of the Elector Palatine, and Brother to the present Empress, He was likewise a Canon of the Cathedral of Liege, and brought along with him Letters of Recommendation from his Imperial Ma∣jesty to the Chapter.

It is to be known that the Chapter of Liege, is compos'd of more than three times the number of Capitulars, than that of Cologne, Persons of divers Nations and Degrees being admitted into it; so that one of the meanest rank has as good a preten∣sion to be a Capitular of Liege, as any of the first Quality. They were at that time divided into

three several Factions. One was for the Cardinal of Furstenburgh, another for Prince Lewis of Niewburgh, Master of the Teutonick Order; the third Faction, which was the strongest of all, declar'd against both, but more especially against the Election of the Cardinal of Furstenburgh, because, as it was al∣ledg'd, he had about his Person, such as would dispose of every thing for Money. The main ex∣ception they made against the Master of the Teuto∣nick Order was, that he being a Prince, who had but a slender Estate of his own, would consequent∣ly, to support his Grandeur, be forc'd to load the People with heavy Taxes. There were also not a few among the Canons, who pretending to have a more than ordinary insight into the future State of Affairs, and considering how narrowly the Interest of this Prince was link'd to that of the Emperor's, by reason of their near Affinity, did not without reason fear, that he might entangle their State in continual Broils and Troubles with France, which was not only their Neighbour, but even in the pos∣session of two Cities belonging to the said Bishoprick, to wit, Bouillon and Dinant.

These Reasons, with some other weighty Consi∣derations, which had made very deep Impressions upon the Minds of most of the Capitulars, made them by degrees turn their Eyes upon the great Dean of the Chapter, a person very far advanc'd in Years, without the least Ambition, and for the rest, one, who had scarce any necessary qualifications, for the Governing of a State. Neither did he in the least dream of any such thing, the whole Business of his Life, for these several Years last past, having been to spend his time in Pious Exercises; and he was so far from aspiring to the Princely Dignity, to∣wards the latter end of his Days, that he did all what in him lay, to disswade his Brethren from it. But the Sub-Dean of the Chapter, whose Name was de Mean, a Man who had an equal share of Piety and Wit, and who was the Head of that Par∣ty, gave them such convincing Reasons to persist in

their Resolution, that whatever Monsieur Asfelt could do they stood immoveable.

The King had no sooner been advertis'd of it, but it was agreed to consent to the Cardinal of Bou∣illon's being Elected to that Bishoprick; but it hap∣pen'd so unfortunately, that the Messenger who carried the Dispatches and a Letter to the Chapter, did not arrive at Liege till the Day of the Election, and what was worse than all the rest, not till after the Chapter was Assembled. The Messenger there∣fore being come to the Gate where the Assembly was held, and sending up word that he had a Letter to deliver to the Chapter from our King, it was taken into consideration what was best to be done in this case.

It is to be observ'd, that whilst each Faction were strengthning their Party at Liege, some out of an indiscreet Zeal for the Cardinal had threatened, that our King would carry Fire and Sword into the Bi∣shoprick of Liege, if they did not elect Cardinal Furstenburgh for their Bishop. Their Threats had appear'd to some of the Capitulars like sure presa∣ges, of what they fear'd might happen hereafter; when they understood that a considerable Bo∣dy of French Troops was advancing towards the City.

The Chapter imagining that this Letter was sent by the King to give them notice, and to forewarn them of his Intentions, judg'd it most convenient, either not to receive the Letter at all, or at least not to open it till after the Election was over. This being done accordingly, there were many of the Canons, who heartily repented of their Reso∣lution, when they saw that they might have had for their Prince and Bishop, the Cardinal de Bou∣illon, who was extreamly belov'd at Liege, and un∣der whose Government they might, besides this, have reap'd this advantage, to have been always assured of his Majesty's powerful Protection, which they stood so much in need of.

At the same time one la Salle, a Frenchman by birth, but a Creature of the Cardinal of Fursten∣burgh, was Governour of the Cittadel of Liege. The new Prince offer'd to continue him in his Post, which he refus'd to accept of, but chose rather to follow the Cardinal's Fortune, who was now making all the necessary preparations, to defend himself and his Right upon the Bishoprick of Cologne by force of Arms. For, tho' his Holiness being prepossess'd with prejudice and passion, had excluded him from his pretensions upon this Arch-Bishoprick, our King, who was resolv'd to maintain the Cardinal in his Right, did not think fit, he should rest satisfied with this determination of the Pope. For which reason, he sent a considerable number of his Troops to his assistance, most of which were put in Gar∣risons in the places of Strength in his possession, who were also provided with able French Gover∣nors and Commanders. Thus the War began to be rekindl'd upon the Rhine at the same time, when on another side, vast preparations were making for a descent in England, which produc'd that famous Revolution, which soon after happen'd in that Kingdom.

It is to be observ'd, that the Prince of Orange finding the English Nation extreamly dissatify'd with their King, not only as he was a Catholick, but because they were sensible, he endeavour'd to settle that Religion there, in opposition to the establish'd Religion and the Laws of the Kingdom; and wil∣ling to improve this opportunity, made a descent upon the English Coast, with a good Army, where he was receiv'd with open Arms. For not only ma∣ny of the Ministers and others, belonging to his Britannick Majesty's Court, but also most of the chief Officers of his Army life his Party▪ and sided with the Prince. The King himself f〈…〉〈…〉t l••st into his ••ands, who was put under a Guard, but in such a manner, that he might make his escape whenever he pleas'd. The reason of which seem'd to be that the Prince had taken a resolution to prepare his way

to the Throne. without making use of any violent means, and that he believ'd the King's presence might prove an obstacle to his Intentions. Thus this Monarch made his escape out of England and came into France, where the Queen his Spouse was arriv'd before him, with the Prince of Wales, under the Con∣duct of the Count de Lausun. This young Prince, who was then but a sucking Child, had ever since he came out of his Mother's Womb, been an In∣stance of the frailty of all humane Affairs, and that we are born to sufferings in this World. For, it had been given out by some that he was a supposi∣tious Child, by others, that he was indeed the Queen's Son, but begotten by a Priest.

The Prince of Orange, who had laid the Founda∣tion of this Revolution, ever since the time he found the King of England bent, upon the establishing of the Catholick Religion in that Kingdom, had en∣gag'd in his Quarrel several Princes and States, who being jealous of the Glory of France, and the pro∣sperity of our King's Arms, were willing to favour a design, which they knew would embroil the King∣dom of England.

After the Prince had succeeded in his design, even beyond the Expectation of those who had sided with him all the Protestant States in Europe ac∣knowledg'd him for King of Great Brittain; and tho' it might have been reasonably expected, that the Interest of the Catholick Religion, which then lay at Stake, should have been prevailing enough with the Emperor and Spain, to prefer it before the Jealousie they had conceiv'd at the greatness of France, yet they follow'd in this point without delay, the footsteps of the Protestant Princes.

This was like the Alarm to our King, who hav∣ing order'd his Troops to besiege Philipsburgh, and some other Places in the Palatinate, this prov'd the occasion of the late War betwixt France and the Confederates, who tho' of very different Sentiments, both in point of Religion and States Interest, enter'd into a League, to carry on the War against, and ob∣struct

the growing greatness of our King: The Im∣perialists were so successful, as to make themselves Masters of the whole Electorate of Cologne the next following Campaign, and besides this, besieg'd the City of Mayence, the Capital of the Arch-Bishop∣rick, which bears that Name, under the Conduct of the Duke of Lorrain the Imperial General. The Dauphin had, towards the latter end of the last Year, made himself Master of this place without any resistance, after he had taken Philipsburgh; but it cost the Imperial Army a Siege of six Weeks, be∣sides a great many of their best Men, before they could bring the French Garrison to a Capitulation? and it was generally believ'd, that they would have been forc'd to raise the Siege, if the place had been sufficiently provided with every thing, requisite for a long and vigorous defence.

I told you before upon what account it was, I did not think fit to serve at the Siege of Luxenburgh, but the case being alter'd since, and finding there was probability enough, that the War, which was likely to spread over the greatest part of Europe, would not come to a sudden period, I once more left the Country, and no sooner appear'd at Court, but I offer'd my Service to the Marquess de Louvois, being introduc'd to him by the Marquess de Livri. This Gentleman told the Chief Minister, in what Quali∣ty I had serv'd in Germany; and I had brought my Commissions along with me, which stood me in good stead. For the Marquiss de Louvois desir'd to see them, and after he had perus'd them, he told me, the King intended to make me a Leiutenant Colonel over a German Regiment. But it was not very long before he chang'd his resolution; for, the very next time I came to pay my respects to this Minister of State, he told me, that the King's intention was to send me into Ireland, and that instead of a Lieute∣nant Colonel's Commission, I should be made Bri∣gadeer of Horse.

Two Kinsmen of mine, whose Names were Vignol and Forest, had much about the same time taken Ser∣vice in the King's Army, and the Regiments they serv'd in were then in France; but understanding that I was to go into Ireland, they had so much kindness for me, as to desire likewise to be employ'd in that Kingdom. I did all I could to disswade them from it; I represented to them, that there was but little likelihood of any considerable advantage in the Irish Service, at so great a distance from home; but all in vain, for they were resolv'd I should owe them this Obligation, that they had sacrific'd their Interest to our Friendship. The Marquess de Lou∣vois having granted their Request, the first had a Captain's Commission bestow'd upon him, the Se∣cond of a Lieutenant, both of Horse.

Thus we set out all three together from Paris, and I appointed them a certain day, when without fail, they were to be at Samur; because I had receiv'd po∣sitive Orders from the Chief Minister, not to carry above twice four and twenty Hours at my own home, and to proceed from thence forthwith in my Journey to Nants, where I should meet with many more Officers, who had serv'd in the King's Army in Catalonia, and were now order'd, as well as my self, to embark with all possible speed for Ireland.

I met my two Kinsmen at the appointed day and place, and we embark'd immediately in a Vessel at Samur, which carried us in two days to Nants.

The Duke de Chauness to whom I paid a Visit, told me, That those Officers who came lately out of Catalonia were gone two Days before to Pimbo∣ouf, from whence they intended to go forward with the first fair Wind to Brest▪ where Monsieur de Cha∣teau Renault lay ready to set Still with a good Fleet; and that we must not neglect a Minutes time, if we intended to take the opportunity of this Fleet, to be transported into Ireland. We follow'd his Advice as much as possibly we could, and embark'd the next Morning early, in hopes to meet with these Cataloni∣a•••• Officers still at Pimboouf; but they had not carry'd

there at all, but had immediately after their arrival, hired another Vessel to carry them forthwith to Brest, for fear they should lose the advantage of the Wind, which blew very fair for them. And the Se∣quel proved that they had been much in the right, for within four and twenty Hours after, the Wind chop'd about, and continued contrary to us for twelve Days together; all which time we were for∣ced to spend in vain, and with a great deal of impa∣tience; at last the Wind turn'd on our side, and you may believe we would not lose a Minute, so with a fair Gale we sailed for Brest; but were no sooner ar∣rived there, but that to our great Surprize we under∣stood, that the Fleet commanded by Monsieur de Chateau Renault had set Sail for Ireland the very Night before, our arrival there.

This Fleet had on Board above two Hundred French Officers, besides a great quantity of Provision and Ammunition, all which was intended to support the War in Ireland. The Earl of Tyrconnel, who was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland for the King of Great Britain, at the time of the great Revolution in England, had not sided with his Enemies, as most of the English and Scotch had done; but behaved him∣self like a faithful Subject, and by his Conduct pre∣served the Kingdom of Ireland in his Master's Obe∣dience, not without hopes this might prove a means for him to recover his other two Kingdoms. For this purpose, as soon as he got intelligence of what had happened in England, he had given Commissions to most of the Catholick Gentlemen of the Country, to raise Men for their King's Service; and those who were sensible, that their Ruine depended on that of their Royal Master. shew'd a great deal of Zeal, to give him the utmost of their Assistance.

A great Number of the Inhabitants of that King∣dom, who were Protestants, foreseeing that the War was likely to be carried on with extraordinary Ani∣mosity in that Kingdom, and fearing, not without reason, that the Irish would take this opportunity to take satisfaction from them for a great many Affronts

and Damages received from the Protestants, whilst they were the strongest Party, retired in time into England with their Effects: But those who had their Estates in Land, were forced to stay behind, and promised to be faithful to the King.

Most of these last lived in the North of Ireland a∣bout Londonderry and Iniskilling, which were as yet in the Hands of the Protestants; but the Earl of Tyr∣connel, who did put but a slender confidence in their Faith, ordered some Catholick Regiments thither, to keep a watchful Eye over them. But the implaca∣ble hatred which has always been most conspicuous in that Kingdom, betwixt the Catholicks and the Protestants, began soon to break out into great Dis∣orders. To remedy which, my Lord Montjoy an Irish Protestant Lord, whose Estate lay thereabouts, did all he could to perswade the Earl of Tyrconnel, that he had taken wrong Measures, thus to discover to all the World, the Diffidence he had of the Pro∣testant Party, and that it would be much safer for him to leave the Defence of these two Places to the Protestants alone, than to two Parties which would be always thwarting one another, being of so contra∣ry a Principle, tho at the same time it was certain, that he underhand fomented these Divisions among them. Nevertheless the Earl of Tyrconnel follow'd his Advice, but no sooner had he withdrawn the Catholick Troops from thence, but the Protestants thereabouts revolted unanimously against the King of Great Britain.

The Earl gave immediate notice of it to his Ma∣ster in France, and positively told him in his Letter, That his Presence was absolutely necessary in Ire∣land. He sent word also, That he shrewdly suspe∣cted the Lord Montjoy's Conduct, especially since his two Sons were gone over with their Regiment to the Enemy and that his Opinion was, it would not be long before he would follow in Person, unless he were prevented. His Advice was to send for him into France, under pretence that the King would consult with him concerning some Matters of great Moment

relating to that Kingdom, and to secure him there. It was also contrived, that the Earl of Tyrconnel should give my Lord Montjoy Letters to the King of Great Britain, in which he should recommend his Conduct and Zeal for the King's Interest, the bet∣ter to disguise their design against him, which, not∣withstanding all the fair Contents of these Recom∣mendatory Letters, was to be put in execution im∣mediately after his Arrival in France.

The King of England did communicate Tyrconnel's Letter and Advice to our King, who was of Opini∣on that he ought to follow the Earls Counsel, and appear in Person in Ireland, promising him powerful assistance both of Men and Money, besides all other Necessaries for the carrying on of this Enterprize.

Accordingly, my Lord Montjoy being sent for, came to St. Germains freighted with sham Letters of Recommendation from the Earl of Tyrconnel to the King of England; with whom he had a long Con∣ference; and it was observed that the King mana∣ged the matter so well on his side, that my Lord did not in the least mistrust, what was likely to befall him. But very few days were pass'd, before he was undeceiv'd in the matter, for no sooner had his Bri∣tanick Majesty had a full account from his own Mouth, concerning the true State of the Kingdom of Ireland, which was the only thing he wanted to know at that time, but he caus'd him to be secur'd and carried to the Bastile; where at first he had liber∣ty granted him to walk in the Court, but afterwards was confin'd to a Room under Lock and Key, be∣cause the Prince of Orange (King William III.) had confin'd Hamilton to a close Prison.

The King of England took along with him for Ireland Monsieur Rose, an experienc'd Officer, who was to Command his Army there; and our King furnish'd him, with several other Officers of Note, they being most of all wanted in Ireland.

It is somewhat strange to relate, but nevertheless very true, that tho' there were many among the Irish who had serv'd before, yet were they generally

such Novices in the Art of War, that it was a rari∣ty to find one among them, who was capable of Commanding a Company of Foot. The Count de Avaux was chosen by our King, to attend his Bri∣tanniok Majesty, as his Ambassadour Extraordinary, and they arriv'd safely at Dublin, where the Earl of Tyrconnel gave the King an account by word of Mouth, concerning those Matters he had imparted to him before in Writing.

The English Council of his Britannick Majesty, who was infected with that Natural Hatred the En∣glish, as it may be said, suck with their Mother's Milk, against the Irish, could not without a secret Envy, brook the Praises and Honours the Earl of Tyrconnel bestow'd upon the Irish for their Loyalty. It was for this reason they represented to the King, that the Earl had overdone the Business, that there needed not above half that Number he had put in Arms, they wanting both Money and Magazines for their Subsistence; and that in case they were not disbanded, they would be forc'd to disband them∣selves. Tyrconnel did oppose it as much as he could, alledging that the Irish Troops, being accustom'd to live hardy, would stand the King in little; that by degrees they might be made serviceable; and that upon all occasions they would be ready to be Commanded, where ever the King should think fit; but his Advice, tho' much the better of the two, was over-rul'd by the others.

The next thing that came in debate was, for the King to appear in Person before London-derry; the place being provided with a strong Garrison, re∣solv'd to defend it to the last extremity: Gene∣ral Rose was against it, and gave very convincing Reasons for his Opinion; He told them, that it was a great piece of Imprudence, so rust••ly to expose the Reputation of his Britannick Majesty in the first En∣terprize, that it would be much the securer way to have a little patience, till they were supply'd with Arms and Ammunition from France, there being not above 4000 then, who were duly provided with

Arms; and that if they appear'd in that posture be∣fore the Town, they would be only laugh'd at by the Rebels. But all his perswasions were in vain; and my Lord Melfort gave him for Answer, that this Rabble would for the most part disperse, as soon as they did but hear, that his Britannick Majesty was upon the March against them; and that the rest would come half ways, to lay the Keys of their Gates at his Feet.

Princes are as inclinable to be led away by flattery as other People, and it was this, that made the King of England yield to their pernicious Counsel. Accordingly the Army directed its March toward Strabane, where they pass'd the River in sight of the Rebels, who were advanc'd that way, to endeavour to dispute our Passage. But they retiring into the Town, we follow'd them as carelesly, as if we had been Marching to an undoubted Conquest, so de∣spisable they appear'd to the English Council: But in lieu of laying the Keys of their Gates at His Ma∣jesty's Feet, as they had foolishly perswaded them∣selves, they were infinitely surpriz'd, when we were saluted with the great Cannon from the City. General Rose ask'd then my Lord Melfort what was to be done now, we wanting great Artillery to re∣turn the Salute: But we were too far Engag'd to Retire, without exposing the King's Reputation; wherefore, it was resolv'd to block up the Place, till a more convenient opportunity; and the Be∣sieg'd in the mean while made strong Entrench∣ments, to hinder our approach, in case of a formal Siege.

The Prince of Orange (King William III.) having notice given him of what pass'd in Ireland, and that Monsieur de Chateau-Renault was expected there with a strong Convoy, order'd a Fleet to be equipp'd to intercept his Passage. This Fleet put to Sea, di∣recting its Course towards Kingsale, which was in danger of having been surpriz'd by them, if the Governour of the place had not prevented it by his Conduct. Thus the Enemies Fleet stood off of

Kingsale, expecting the coming of Monsieur de Cha∣teau-Renault, whom they intended to attack, as he was going into that Port, whither they knew he was bound; and it fail'd but little, but that he had fall'n into their Hands, being ignorant that the Ene∣mies Fleet was at Sea; if he had not been forewarn'd at about Ten Leagues distance from the Port, by some Signals made from the Shoar, that the Enemy was near the Port, which made him change his Course, and to put in into Bantry-Bay. The English having soon got notice of it, attack'd him in the Bay, be∣fore we had quite unloaden our Ships; but Mon∣sieur de Chateau-Renault being well prepar'd for their Reception, and having the advantage of the Wind, made them retire; and if he had not been under a necessity of protecting his Transport Ships, which were not as yet all in safety, he might have pursu'd them with some advantage. He judg'd it therefore most expedient, to rest satisfi'd with what he had done; tho' some at Court, who look'd with an en∣vious Eye upon his Glory, did take this opportu∣nity to censure this Action, some attributing it to his want of Experience, some to his want of Fide∣lity; but they were forc'd to draw in their Pipes when he appear'd at Court in Person, and gave the King all imaginable Demonstrations of his great Conduct in this Engagement.

Whilst these things were transacting in Ireland, I spent my time at Brest with a great deal of dissatisfacti∣on. I address'd my self to the Marshal de Estres, desiring him to order me a Vessel to transport me to Ireland. Within three Days after, there came above a Hundred Officers more to Brest, who being like∣wise design'd for that Kingdom, the Marshal writ about it to the Marquess de Signelai, but receiv'd no answer, so that we were forc'd to wait with Patience, till further Orders from Court. I then took a resolution to go to Camaret, because I found my self not very well at Brest, and my Physicians advis'd me to change the Air.

Being therefore fully resolv'd to go thither, I spoke of it to some of the rest of the Officers, who being also of opinion, that perhaps we might meet with a Vessel there, that would carry us to Ireland, were willing to go along with me thither.

As I am very apt to forecast Matters, and that I was afraid we should have but a very dull time of it there, if we should be forc'd to wait for an op∣portunity of being Transported into Ireland: I hap∣pen'd to meet with one whom I had known in Paris, and who was lately come to Brest about the King's Business; I ask'd him what Diversion there was at Camaret, for knowing that his Business sometimes call'd him that way, I was sure he could give me an account of the Place. He told me, it was my own fault, if I could not pass my time pleasantly at Ca∣maret, there being a certain Lady there, whose Hus∣band was a Man of great Business, who did nothing else but seek how to divert herself; but that how∣ever he would advise me, to have a care not to fall in Love with her, for he believ'd her not to be of that stamp. I was overjoy'd to meet with so much encouragement, which made me embark with the rest of the Officers, that were to be of our Compa∣ny, forthwith to Camaret.

I had scarce set a Foot a shoar, when the Lady, whose Name was Madam . . . . . . sent a Footman, to desire us in her and her Husband's Name, to come the same Evening to take a Supper with them.

You may believe we had more Wit and good Breeding, than to refuse so favourable an Offer in a place, where we were afraid before, we should have been kill'd with Melancholy; to be short, we were very handsomly entertain'd at Supper, which being done, she desir'd four of us (of which I was one) to take up our Lodgings at her House.

This Lady was a great Coquette, pleasing enough in her Conversation; and as I am one of those, who are easily caught in the snare, I fell in Love with her the very first time I saw her. As my in∣tention was not to tarry long in this place, so I

thought it best to make quick work of it, and so declared my Passion to her the next day. She ap∣pear'd so little startled at my declaration of Love, that I was in good hopes we should soon come to a Capitulation, but tho' I ply'd her very hard for eight days together (as long as I stay'd in the House) yet I could not bring her to my Bow, which made me remember what my Friend had told me concerning her at Brest; and I began to be sensible, that she was one of those Fantastical Creatures, who rather love to be Admir'd and Courted, than to be Kiss'd.

However, I flatter'd my self, that her refusal might in a great measure, proceed from the little acquaintance we had as yet, in hopes, that after my return out of Ireland, I might have the same op∣portunity to see her again, and renew the Siege at better leisure; and she was so generous as to tell me at parting, that she should never forget me.

To confess the truth, I was not very forward to leave a place, where I had a Mistriss in whom I de∣lighted so much; but there happening just at that time to come a small Vessel to Camaret, the Master of which offer'd, to transport us into Ireland, for threescore Pistols, I writ to the Marshal de Estrees to furnish us with a Pass, without which, the Master durst not venture to go. The Marshal refus'd to send us a Pass, either because he would not do it without Express Orders from Monsieur de Segnelai, or because he fear'd, that if we should be taken by the Enemy, he might be call'd to an account for it. Thus the Bargain came to nothing, but to prevent the like inconveniency for the future, I writ about it in the Name of all the rest, to the Marquess de Louvois.

Whilst we liv'd in expectation of an answer, there happen'd an odd Accident to one of my familiar Ac∣quaintance, who then Commanded a Batallion of the Regiment of la Fere, which turn'd at last to his great advantage. There was at that time an Encamp∣ment of two Thousand Men, in the inclosures call'd la Brousaille, about half a League from Brest; and

as he march'd with his Batalion through Morlaix, in his way to the Camp, four Soldiers of his own Com∣pany being got Drunk, and understanding that the Maid of the House, where they were Quarter'd, would now and then take up with a good Fellow, were also for trying their Fortune with her. But whether the Maid was not in the humour at that time, or that she was afraid of them, she would not receive their Courtship, so that without more ado they ravish'd her. But this was not all, for they set fire to the Houses, and so away they went. Complaints were made of this Outrage to their Captain, who being sensible it was a Crime of so high a nature as would not pass unpunish'd, he sur∣render'd them to the Provost. But unwilling to part with these four Soldiers, whom he knew to be the best in the whole Company, and considering that it was excess of Drink that had drawn them into this Misdemeanour, he was contriving how to save their Lives.

Accordingly he prevail'd so far upon the Provost, that he promis'd him no farther proceedings should be made against them, till he had spoke with, and try'd whether they could come to an accommoda∣tion with the Parties concern'd. The Wench, who was not so nice of her Reputation, but that she be∣liev'd it might be repair'd by a little Money, ac∣cepted of a Present, and deny'd what she had de∣clar'd concerning the Rape before. The House be∣ing no more than a miserable Cottage, was likewise paid for to the Owners, so that there being neither Accusers nor Witnesses against the Soldiers, and the Provost being likewise their Friend,, they were Discharg'd and sent back to their Captain, at the Camp of Broussaille.

However, the Matter could not be carried on with so much secrecy, but that the Criminal Judges of Morlaix had got some scent of the Matter. They could not relish very well, that the Provost should carry off the Booty alone, without their having a share in it, which made them make their Applica∣tions

to Monsieur de Pommerevil, Intendant of that Province. This Monsieur de Pommerevil, being a Per∣son whose natural Disposition tends to severity, did look upon this Crime as of so heinous a Nature, as ought not to pass unpunish'd, without impairing God's Justice; which made him hasten to Brest, where the first thing he did, was to Summon my Friend to appear before him. For you must know, that the Officers belonging to this Body of 12000 Men, had their Quarters assign'd them at Brest, and were only upon Duty in the Camp, in their several turns.

This Captain, who was a Man of Sense, had been so cunning, as to take, before he left Morlaix, a Certificate from the Magistracy, of the good de∣portment of his Soldiers, during their stay there; as also a Copy of the Information exhibited against these Four Soldiers, after the accommodation of the Business with the Parties concern'd, upon which they had been discharg'd by the Provost. Nay, he did more than this; for, as soon as they were put into the Provost's Hands, he writ to the Marquiss de Louvois, and gave him an Account, how he had caused four of his Soldiers, accus'd of a Rape and other enormous Crimes, to be committed to Prison, but, that upon a more strict Information, they had been found not guilty of what was laid to their Charge. The Intendant sent one Hoqueton, to sum∣mon the Captain to appear before him; but the Captain relying upon his Interest with the Marquess de Louvois, sent the Intendant Word, that he was a little out of Order at present, and could not stir abroad; besides, that he did not remember any bu∣siness he had with the Intendant, but if he had any with him, he desir'd him to come to him.

This was an unexpected Complement to Monsieur de Pommerevil, who did not imagine that my Friend durst have made thus bold with him; but he who knew the Marshal de Estrees to be upon the spot, did put no great value upon the Intendant's Displea∣sure: Monsieur de Pommerevil, who was no less sensi∣ble

of the Marshal's Prerogative, did think it most adviseable to make his Applications to him; which he did accordingly, and requir'd that these Four Soldiers might be taken into Custody again: The Marshal who was resolv'd not to lose an Inch of his Authority, told him, that he would send for the Captain, who should deliver up the Four Soldiers into his Hands; which being done accordingly, the Intendant committed them for the present to the Gaol of Brest, till he could have them convey'd to Morlaix, where he intended to have them severely punish'd. In the mean while my Friend writ with∣out delay to the Marquess de Louvois, to Inform him of what had pass'd; but before they could re∣ceive an Answer from that Minister, he put another Affront upon the Intendant, which he relish'd worse than the first, and would have made him feel the effects of his Anger, if the Marshal de Estrees had not been so near at Hand.

You must know, the Intendant sent to my Friend, to let him have some Soldiers with an under Officer, to Conduct the beforementioned Prisoners to Morlaix; but he sent him word, that he did not stand under his Command, neither would obey his Orders; that his Soldiers were to serve the King, and not him; with this he went to the Marshal, unto whom he gave an account of the Matter, and how the In∣tendant would have put upon him, as well as upon the Authority of the Marshal, whose Orders he was ready to Obey, if he thought fit he should de∣tach a Party for that purpose. The Marshal told him, that he had done what he ought to do, in having refused these Men, and that he order'd him to do it again, if he did give him another such like occasion. Monsieur de Pommereville finding the Captain back'd by the Marshal, was forc'd to rest satisfied, and the Captain gain'd the good will of all the Officers of the Army, for his boldness, to dare to make head alone, against the Intendant of the Province, Within a few days after, Monsieur de Pommereville receiv'd an Answer from the Marquiss

de Louvois, upon his Letter writ upon that Subject to the said Minister, which was no small addition to his Vexa∣tion: For, the Captain had been so vigilant, as by his reiterated Letters, to represent to the said Minister, that the Intendant acted in this point, more out of a motive of Envy and Passion, than love of Justice, (the Soldiers having been discharg'd by due course of Law before) which made the Marquiss de Louvois order the Intendant not to meddle any further in the matter.

I receiv'd, much about the same time, Orders from the said Minister, to Embark with all the rest of the Officers, who were ready to go for Ireland, in the first Vessel I could meet with. At the same time Monsieur de Gerse (who was likewise to go for Ire∣land) was expected at Brest, which made several of the Officers that were with me at Camaret leave us, and return to Brest, imagining (and not without reason) that by reason of his near relation to the Marquess de Segnelay, he would be provided with a good Convoy to facilitate his Passage thither. If I had been as wise as I ought to have been, I should have done as they did; but considering that Mon∣sieur de Gerse was not come as yet to Brest, and that it would cost me a great deal of Money there, to expect his coming; what with Covetousness, and what with Love, I was not so careful as I ought to have been of my own safety. There were also several Officers who, tho' Love had not the least share in their Resolution, for fear of spending their Money at Brest resolv'd to take the same Course as I did.