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. V.

THE Master of the Vessel, who, as I told you before, was to have Transported us from Camaret into Ireland, being disap∣pointed of his Bargain for want of a Pass, had left this Port, which made us take a Resolution to go to Croisil, where as we were certainly in∣form'd, we could not miss of a Vessel fit for our purpose, which indeed prov'd true; for, we were no sooner arriv'd there, but we met with one, which was lately come from Ireland, and having taken in her Cargo of Salt, was just ready to set Sail again for that Kingdom. Thus we Embark'd; but at our going out of that Port, (the Entrance of which is very difficult) we were in great danger of being lost; there being a very dangerous Rock, upon which many Vessels split in pieces, and we were in the utmost hazard to have run upon it, by the ne∣glect of our Pilot, who was drunk. As good For∣tune would have it, it was low Tide, and no Wind

stirring, so that with the next high Tide, we got clear of that dangerous Rock. This Sinister Acci∣dent seem'd to be an ill Omen of what befell us hereafter; for the very first Night we were by a most furious Tempest, driven near the Coast of Bell-Isle, where we cast Anchor, and being shelter'd from the Wind, remain'd there two Days. The Storm being somewhat abated we set sail again, but were the same Night overtaken again by another Tempest, which lasted whole twelve Days, during which time, having been toss'd up and down along the Coast, we were at last forc'd among the Rocks in Conquet Road.

My Advice was to make the Port of Camaret, where we might buy us some fresh Provisions, the greatest part of what we had taken along with us, being consumed already; so that if we should hap∣pen to meet with another disappointment by reason of the Winds or otherwise, we might be in great danger of want of Victuals. But the other Officers, who had been before with me at Camaret, and had a suspicion, that I had a more than ordinary Kind∣ness for Madam . . . . . whom I spoke of before, imagining that this Advice of mine proceeded, ra∣ther from the great inclination I had to see her, than from any consideration of our necessity, were against it; and their Surliness prov'd the occasion of that Misfortune, which befel us not long after: For, if we had made that Port, we should questionless have been advertis'd, that the English and Dutch Fleets were come to the height of the Westsand, to Attack Monsieur de Tourville in his return from the Mediter∣ranean. They were also to prevent the Squadron design'd for Ireland, from coming out of Brest, and they were at that time much concern'd at Court, which way those that were intended for that Service, should avoid meeting with them.

But which way soever the rest escap'd their Hands, our Vessel, it seems, could not avoid her destiny. For the next Morning early, we found our selves in sight of the whole Fleet of the Enemy, who had

no sooner descry'd us, but they sent Seven or Eight Ships in pursuit of our Vessel, and four more, of which there escaped but one, the rest all fell into their Hands. The Greenwich, a Man of War of Sixty Guns took us, and the Captain order'd us im∣mediately to be carried on board of his Ship. They were so civil as not to strip us, but they took all the Money we had, and what else belong'd to us. After the Captain had perus'd my Commission, and found what Post I serv'd in, he order'd me to Dine with him at his Table; which gave me so much encou∣ragement, as to desire him to let me have my Quilt; he answer'd me, the Quilt was as yet in the Ship in which we had been taken, and that all what was in his power to do for me at the present was, to send me on board of it again, to take the Conveniency of it there. I return'd him thanks, and he did me the favour, to give leave to three more of our Offi∣cers to go along with me, when we were come into the Ship, we found that they had taken all the French Seamen out of her, and had put English in their places.

This Vessel being very heavy loaden, could not keep up with the Fleet, but was in the Morning at break of Day, about a Mile distant from the rest. One Captain Newburgh, who Commanded a stout Dutch Man of War, happen'd to be nearest to her, and not knowing her to be a Prize, was in hopes of making her his; with this intention he came up with us, early in the Morning, and having sent a Sloop on board, they examin'd the Seamen from whence the Vessel came, and whither bound; the Seamen call'd a Sergeant, who was to guard the Ship, to give an account of the matter, which he did accordingly; but because he had no Orders in Writing, and they would not take his Word, Captain Newburgh made himself Master of the Ship. He sent however soon after to the Captain of the Greenwich, to know whether she were his Prize, and being given to understand that she was so, he immediately took his Seamen out of her again. In

three Hours after, the Earl of Torrington, Admiral of the English Fleet, unto whom they had shewn my Commission, did send for me, and several others of the French Officers, that had been taken with me, on board his Ship, where we were extreamly civilly receiv'd, and invited to Dine with the Admiral. This Lord had been in great esteem with the King of England, and had had a considerable Place in his Court; but the King being resolv'd afterwards not to entertain any but Catholicks in his Court, he sent for him, and told him, that he must either quit his Place, or change his Religion. The Admi∣ral chusing the first, retir'd into Holland, where he was very Instrumental in laying the Foundation of that great Revolution, which since happen'd in England.

Whilst we sat at Table, our Discourse run upon several different Subjects, but among the rest upon the Misfortune which had so lately befal'n the King of England; Upon which, Mr. Greenville, who was Captain of a Man of War, was so bold as to say, That, if King James had turn'd my Lord Torring∣ton out the Doors, he had been even with him since, for he had turn'd him out of three Kingdoms.

Before Dinner was over, Advice was brought to my Lord Torrington, that they had just then taken one of the French King's Friggots, call'd the Wanton, carrying 36 Guns. She was Commanded by one Picard, a Gentleman of Fortune, who had defend∣ed himself with incredible Bravery, from three a Clock in the Morning, till one in the Afternoon, against Eight of the Enemies Ships. There was not one there, but what applauded his Courage; and the English, who otherwise are the most jealous People in the World, and were Eye-witnesses of our Action, could not forbear to give him all the Praises due to his Merits.

My Lord Berkley, then Rear-Admiral of the En∣glish Din'd with us at the same time. He had been in France some Years before, and I became acquaint∣ed with him at Poictiers, where we happen'd to

Lodge in the same Inn, as did likewise Mr. Green∣ville. Understanding that they Intended in a few Days to go to Paris. I desir'd them, that in their way, they would call at my House in the Country, which they did, and stay'd with me a whole Week, during which time, I entertain'd them, as well as my Circumstances would permit. They no sooner saw me, but knew me again, and after they had paid me all the imaginable Civilities, Mr. Greenville was pleas'd to tell me, let come of it what would, he must have me on board with him, which being as soon granted as ask'd, we went not long after to∣gether on board his Ship; where I had not been many Hours, but he began to entertain me concern∣ing the Affairs of the Kingdom of England, and to use many Perswasions to bring me over to his side. He knew that I had serv'd for a considerable time among the Enemies of France, which doubtless gave him the more Encouragement to believe, that it would be no difficult matter, to perswade me to ac∣cept of his Proposals. I answer'd him, that when I consider'd those extraordinary marks of his Friend∣ship he had honour'd me with, both when he was in France some Years ago, and now again within these few Hours, I had all the reason in the World to perswade my self, that he was my real Friend; but that, considering what Advice he was pleas'd to give me at this time, I could not but be afraid, I had flatter'd my self too soon. That if he would take my word, I could assure him, that I was not likely to be what he would have me, and that he did me wrong, if he entertain'd any other thought of me. He answer'd me, that if he had not been my Friend, he should scarce have made me such an Offer; that France was not in a condition to with∣stand so many Enemies, as had declar'd War against it; and that it was but Prudence for me to engage my self on the strongest side. I told him again, that he did not consider very well what he said, as to this Point; that France was more powerful than all those Enemies, that were Engag'd in a League against it;

but this being not the matter in dispute betwixt us, I would take it for granted to be so, I was a Subject of the French King, I had my Estate, Wife and Children in that Kingdom, all which were such strong ties, as indispensably oblig'd me to spend my last drop of Blood in his Service. He answer'd me, as to what concern'd my Estate, the Prince of Orange, (unto whom he gave the Title of King of England) had▪ Generosity enough, to give me double Recom∣pence for the loss of it; and for my Wife and Chil∣dren, I need not fear, there being means enough to have them convey'd into England, when ever I thought fit to have them there with me.

Here we broke off our Discourse for this time, but the next Day my Lord B . . . . . came to Dine with him on board his Ship, when they began to reassume the said Theme, and both joined in their Perswasions to bring me over to their Party. I then pretended to listen to their Advice, the only Ob∣jection I made, being about my Estate in France, which I could not resolve to leave behind: My reason why I thus ply'd the Hypocrite was, because I did not question, but that by this means I should be able by degrees, to dive into their Designs, and consequently, to do a most signal piece of Service to our King. My Lord B . . . . . then spoke to me up∣on this Subject, much to the same purpose as Cap∣tain Greenville had done the day before, to wit, that I need not in the least question, but that the Prince of Orange, (King William III.) would bestow upon me such marks of his Favour, as would give me not the least occasion to think of what I had lost in France. Afterwards, he Invited us against next day, to Dine with him on board his Ship, where they began to repeat their former Instances, with many other Reasons, which they believ'd might induce me to embrace their Advice. At last I feign'd to be overcome by their Perswasions, and told them, that provided the Prince (King William III.) should think fit, to give me such a reception as they had promis'd me, I would enter into his Service.

My Lord T . . . . . was no sooner advis'd of their suppos'd Success, but he order'd I should come on board him the same Day. We Din'd there all toge∣ther, and after Dinner he took us three aside, and told me in their presence, that what these Gentle∣men had told me concerning the Prince of Orange, (King William III.) he would engage his Honour upon; that I my self would be charm'd with his generous deportment, as soon as I should but see him; that he was the Darling of the English Na∣tion, as well as of others, being generally belov'd by all; that the most convincing proof could be given of it was, that he had open'd his way to the Throne, without any effusion of Blood, and that the People of England had positively demanded him for their King; that, as by degrees he should see himself establish'd in the Throne, he would give every Day more glorious proofs of his Libe∣rality to his Friends, because he would be in a bet∣ter condition to do it. I pretended to be overcome by his Arguments, and to yield to all that he told me; so that being as much deceiv'd in me as the rest, did give notice of it to the Prince of Orange, (King William III.)

Whilst this was in agitation betwixt us, my Lord Torrington receiv'd Intelligence, that the Count de Tourville was with the French Mediterranean Squadron arriv'd in the Road of Bell-Isle, which made him take up his Station betwixt Bell-Isle and Brest, to pre∣vent the French Fleet from entring Brest Harbour. But the Count de Tourville took the opportunity of a favourable Wind to gain a certain Point betwixt the French shoar and the Rocks, where the Enemy could not come near enough to attack him. Nei∣ther did he tarry long there, for the Wind which had carried him thither happen'd to chop about to another corner, so that the Confederate Fleet durst not venture to stay longer thereabouts; and whilst the Enemies Fleet was in disorder, in chang∣ing their Course, the same Wind which prov'd contrary to them, carried him safely into the Har∣bour.

The King was no sooner advertis'd of the Count de Tourville's safe arrival at Brest, and consequently saw himself deliver'd from the fear he was in for this Squadron, but he sent his Orders to the Marshal d'Estrees to put to Sea, and the Marshal de Segnelay went in Person on board the Fleet, to encourage every body to the better performance of their Duty. The Enemies retreated thereupon towards the Irish Coast, where Captain Greenville told me one Day, as we were drinking pretty smartly together; that I need not trouble my self much about my Estate, because, if I could have but a little patience, I should see the Prince of Orange, (King William III.) Master, not only of that Province, but perhaps of all France. That the Province of Poictou was upon the point of revolting, that there were above 30000 Protestants in that Province, ready to join with the English, when ever they should think fit to make a descent thereabouts; and that it was not to be doubted, but the Protestants in the other Provinces would follow their Example, which would put the French King so to it, that he would be glad to come to a Composition.

I made him believe this was very welcome News to me, to make him the more open-hearted, and that he might not hide the least thing from me, he knew concerning this intended Descent, of which I was resolv'd to send word into France, as soon as I could possibly dive into the bottom of the Design, and meet with a safe opportunity to have my Letters convey'd to the King.

In two or three Days after, I began to be much out of order, the Sea not agreeing with me very well; and it was not long after, that I fell into a Fever, which made me desire my Lord Torrington, who had order'd all my Equipage (as much as could be found of it) to be restor'd to me, to give me leave to go on shoar. The Admiral having granted my Request, Captain Greenville desir'd I might be sent to Plimouth, (of which Place his Father was Governour) though else we were much nearer to

Falmouth. He writ likewise a Letter to the Deputy Governour, whose Name was Fleming, wherein he desir'd him, not to let me want any thing I had oc∣casion for, and that he would be ready to re-imburse him, what he should lay out upon that account, if I did not do it my self. But I had no occasion for any of his Money, because it happen'd so fortunate∣ly for me, that I met with a certain French Gentle∣man there, who being a Refugee, had a Son, who was a Prisoner in France. He was as glad as I, to meet with this opportunity to transmit some Money to his Son, so that he gave me immediately Twenty Pistols, which he desir'd should be made good to his Son in France, and he was so generous as to tell me, that if I had occasion for any more, I should have it, nay, all what he had in the World should be at my Service, if I would be pleas'd to accept of it.

They had at that same time put the Lieutenant of the Wanton Friggot, and all the Seamen taken in her ashoar at Plymouth, where we were all together sent to Prison; but I had scarce been there half an Hour, before the Deputy Governour, unto whom I had sent Captain Greenville's Letter, came to fetch me out. I desir'd him to do the same Favour to this Lieutenant, which he being ready to grant, we were conducted into the Cittadel of Plymouth, where we met with a French Privateer, call'd Bruss, and a Lieutenant of the Chevalier de Fourbin, who were likewise Prisoners of War. The last of these two had been taken together with his Captain, in a Frig∣got of Twenty Four Guns; and John du Bart (who as well as his Brother have made themselves Famous since, by the many Prizes they have taken from the Enemy) Commanded another at the same time of Thirty Six Guns; they were both taken by an English Man of War of Seventy Guns, and carried ••o Plymouth, where upon their Parole of Honour, they had the liberty of the Town granted them for some time. But at last, under pretence that they had made themselves suspected, they had a Guard of ••our Soldiers put upon them, to keep a watchful Eye

upon all their Actions. This happen'd very fortu∣nately for them, for being thereby discharg'd from their Word, they now began to contrive how to save themselves by Flight.

John du Bart, who was always very quick at a con∣trivance, got by some means or other into an inti∣mate acquaintance with an English Seaman there, with whom he prevail'd at last so far, that he pro∣mis'd to furnish them with a Sloop, and so much Provision, as should be sufficient to carry them to France, which should be ready at an Hours warn∣ing. Every thing being got in readiness, and the Day appointed to put their Design in Execution be∣ing come, they made the Four Centinels that were their Guards very Drunk, so that they could neither sit nor stand; they made use of this opportunity to cut their Sheets in pieces, which serv'd them instead of Ropes, by which they let themselves down thro the Chamber Windows, where they Lodg'd. John du Bart himself supply'd the place of a Pilot, and brought the Sloop safe into St. Malo's, from whence they went to Versailles, to solicite the exchange of their Lieutenant and Ships Crew, who remain'd Prisoners at Plymouth.

The Name of the Lieutenant of the Chevalier Fourbin was de Vaux, a very honest Gentleman, being Son to a Gentleman, who was then in the Service of the Princess of Conti, the King's Daughter. The Lieutenant told me one Day, that his Captain had sent him word, that it would not be long before they should be exchang'd; which made me resolve to sound his Inclinations, whether he would oblige me in taking along with him a Letter of great Conse∣quence into France. He told me, that he was very ready to serve me in any thing, but that he was a∣fraid, he might be narrowly search'd at his depar∣ture, and if any thing of this nature should be found about him, it might turn to his great detri∣ment. When I found him unresolv'd what best to do, I told him, that the Letter I was going to send, concern'd our King's Service. He then answer'd

me with a great deal of eagerness, that provided it was so, there should be no danger so great, unto which he would not willingly expose himself; but that he must ask my pardon, if he desir'd first to be fully satisfied as to that point. Considering with my self, that I had not the least reason in the World to suspect a Person, who had declar'd himself with so much Zeal for his Majesty's Interest, I gave him a short account of what had happen'd to me, whilst I was in the Enemies Fleet, and what I had understood concerning their Designs, and what Cor∣respondence they had with the Protestants in Poictou. I told him, that the Letter I intended to commit to his care, contain'd nothing but what related to this Subject, of which I intended to give Advice to the Marquiss de Louvois, but that I intended to write the Direction to the Marquess de Livri a Kinsman of mine, who was afterwards to deliver it to the Chief Minister. He answer'd me then, without the least hesitation, that I should get the Letter ready, and that he would discharge his trust to the utmost of his power. In a few Days after, Orders being come from Court for his exchange, he embark'd at Ply∣mouth, with several others who were likewise ex∣chang'd at the same time, and got safely into France. But in lieu of delivering my Letter to the Mar∣quess de Livri, according to my direction, he gave it to his Father, who thereby got an opportu∣nity to present it to the King in Person.

Not long after this, the Prince of Orange, who, sometime before had been declar'd King by the English Parliament, sent for me to London. I had my Charges defray'd in my Journey, and as I came to Chester, I met with some French Officers there, who came to see me, and they were so generous as to offer me their Purses, if I pleas'd to accept of it, though they had never seen me before. Their Ge∣nerosity and several Discourses we had together, made me look upon them as very honest Gentle∣men, and I found that they had still a true French Heart, which made me reflect what a pity it was,

that their blind Zeal for their Religion, should rob their Native Country, of the Service they might else have been able to do for their King in this War. But being not in any want of Money, I re∣turn'd them thanks for their Civilities, and pursu'd my Journey to Salisbury. I thought I should have been torn to pieces by the Rabble there, and I ve∣rily believe, I should scarce have escap'd their Hands, if I had not been protected by him who was my Conductor: For no sooner had it been nois'd about among the Mobb, that I was a French Officer, who was taken as I was going to Ireland, but they came in a tumultuous manner to the Inn where I was, and began to be very outragious; neither could they be appeas'd or perswaded to disperse, before a Consta∣ble was sent for, who shew'd them his Staff, as a mark of his Authority.

After I came to London, I was surrender'd to my Lord L . . . . . 's Hands, who took my Parole of Ho∣nour, and told me, that if I wanted any Money he had some at my Service; and that I might take my Lodgings where I lik'd best; that his Father would have offer'd me his House, but for fear of giving suspicion, I had better take a Private Lodging some∣where else. I then took up my Quarters at a French Ordinary in the Pall-Mall, not far from St. James's, and my Lord L . . . . . came the next Morning to fetch me out, and introduce me to the Earl of S . . . . After I had been there a little while, he ask'd me, whether I would give my Parole of Honour to him, which I readily consented to, and so he discharg'd my Lord L . . . . . from his engagement for my Per∣son. This first Interview being taken up with Com∣pliments only, I return'd to my Lodgings, without having had the opportunity to enter upon any o∣ther Discourse with him at that time.

The next Day after, my Lord introduc'd me to the Marshal of Shomburgh, who was then General of the English Forces. He was a Native of Germa∣ny, and had formerly been Captain of the Guards to the Prince of Orange's (King William III.) Father,

from whence he went into the French Service, where he made himself very Famous by his Glorious Acti∣ons, especially in the last War betwixt the Spani∣ards and Portuguese. There being at that time a strict Alliance betwixt France and that Kingdom, they solicited his Majesty for some Succours against the Spaniards, after the conclusion of the Pyrencan Treaty. The occasion of this War, was no less than a Contest about the Crown of Portugal, which the King of Spain pretended to belong to him. But by the Conduct of the Marshal de Schombergh, the Spaniards were at last forc'd to resign their Pretensi∣ons to that Crown.

After so glorious a Period of this War on the Por∣tuguese side, Schombergh return'd into France, where he Married Madamoiselle de Aucourt of the Province of Picardy, for his second Wife. The King gave them very considerable Presents, notwithstanding they were both Protestants. He likewise put him at the Head of his Armies, which was look'd upon as a peculiar Favour, considering, that besides his being a Protestant, he was also a Foreigner. Thus he commanded the French Army in Catalonia, in the Year 1673▪ and was made Marshal of France, after he had by his great Conduct sav'd the King's Army, which was, by the ill management of Monsieur le Bret, upon the point of having fallen a Sacrifice to the Enemy, and retook also the Castle of Bellegarde. In the next following Year, the raising of the Siege of Maestricht, which was vigorously attack'd by the Prince of Orange, was perform'd under his Conduct; and he had at several times since, given such unde∣niable proofs of his Valour and Experience in Mili∣tary Affairs, that he was look'd upon as one of the greatest Generals in Europe: But after the Revoca∣tion of the Edict of Nants by our King, he found himself under an indispensible necessity, either to change his Religion, or else to leave the King∣dom.

Our King did all that in him lay to keep him in his Service, and the Marshal, who had not long be∣fore bought himself a very fine Estate near Paris, which cost him 100000 Crowns, shew'd no great inclination to part with it so soon, which made ma∣ny believe, he would at last comply with the King's desires; especially when they consider'd, that he being a Person of great Natural Parts, could not but be convinc'd by this time, of the Vanity of those ridiculous Insinuations (as many others of the Hereticks had been of late) invented by their Mini∣sters, to impose upon the Credulity of their Audi∣tors; to wit, That the Catholicks are Idolaters. Nay there were some at that time, who pretended that when he Commanded the King's Army in Catalonia, he was upon the point of having chang'd his Religion, but that his Lady, who had a great ascendant over him, had disswaded him from it.

Thus it was suppos'd, that the Marshal Schombergh would not have let things come to the last extre∣mity, if an unlucky Accident had not happen'd, in which, as he believ'd his Honour to be concern'd, so he chose rather to lose all, than to abate the least of his Pretensions in that point.

You must know, that Monsieur du Quesne, who Commanded the King's Fleet, was a Protestant as well as he, and no less Zealous, which made him beg of our King, to permit him to end his Days in the same Religion he was Educated in, and had always profess'd. He being a Person, who was in extraordi∣nary esteem with his Majesty, and who, to confess the Truth, could not well be spar'd at that time, the King granted his Request. The Marshall de Schom∣bergh, who thought he had deserv'd as well of his Majesty in the Land Service, as the other had at Sea, begg'd of His Majesty, that he would be pleas'd to give him the same Marks of his Favour, as he had done to Monsieur du Quesne, which the King refu∣sing to do, he left France with his Sons, who were very brave Gentlemen. From thence he went in∣to England, to offer his Service to his Britannick Ma∣jesty:

But he being no less zealous for the Catho∣lick Religion than our King, he return'd him thanks for his offer. After this, he went to the Elector of Brandenburgh's Court, where he met with a much more favourable Reception. For the Elector did not only pay him all imaginable Respect, but also heap'd upon him Favours upon Favours.

The Marshal, who had all the reason in the World to be satisfi'd with the kind Reception he met with in the Court of Brandenburgh, which soon comforted him for the Denial he had met with in England (which, he was sensible, was chiefly upon the account of his Religion) did however not con∣tinue long in that Court.

For the Prince of Orange, who had then already laid the foundation of those great Designs, which he put afterwards in Execution with such incredible Success, did invite him to his Court, with an inten∣tion to make use of his Service, in convenient time and place. After his arrival, the Dutch strove to outvie the Elector of Brandenburgh himself, in pay∣ing their Respects to the Marshal; For, it is to be observ'd, that the States of Holland, had always shew'd a more than ordinary esteem for his Person, and many Years before, when the States stood in Alliance with France, (during the Princes Minori∣ty) they had made particular Applications to his Majesty, to give permission to the said Marshal, to Command their Forces as General.

The Marshal de Schombergh was no sooner arriv'd at the Hague, but he waited on the Prince of Orange, who endeavour'd to engage him into his Service, by great promises of Reward, which indeed he has fulfill'd since, without the least diminution; for he not only Created him Duke and Peer of England, immediately after he was Crown'd King of England, but also allow'd him a suitable Pension, and after∣wards gave him an Estate of some Thousand Pounds per Annum.

It is easie to be imagin'd, that the Marshal, who was come with no other Intention than to serve the Prince of Orange, did without much difficulty ac∣cept of these advantageous Offers made to him, and assur'd the Prince of the utmost of his Service and Fidelity, by which means he was admitted in∣to the very Secrets of that Enterprize, in which he bore so considerable a share not long after.

There were many, who look'd upon it (and not altogether without reason) as a blemish to his great Reputation, to bear Arms against his King, to whom he stood indebted for his whole Fortune; For it was upon his Majesty's Recommendation, that the King of Portugal had made him Grandee of that Kingdom, and had bestow'd upon him the Earldom of Mertolo; besides the many Favours he had re∣ceiv'd from his Majesty's own Hands. But on the other hand it ought to be consider'd, that he was no Native of France, but a Foreigner, and it could not but stick very close to his Stomach, to see the King refuse him that, which he had granted to Monsieur du Quesne, who was his natural born Subject; and it was questionless, upon the score of this Difference, that he thought himself under less Obligation than another. For the rest, it is observable, that he did not lay down his Marshals-Staff of France, neither resign'd the Yearly Pension, which our King was pleas'd to allot him, till after he had been an Eye∣witness himself, with what a general Applause the Prince of Orange was receiv'd in England, which gave him sufficient hopes of pushing his Fortune there at least to the same degree, with that he had left behind: Neither did he find himself mi∣staken in his account; for, though he had left the Service of a Potent Prince, yet he had this comfort, that he was considerably advanc'd, both in Dignity and Estate.

I went, the next day after I had been with the Earl of S . . . . . to wait on him in St. James's, where his Lodgings were, being the same that had former∣ly belong'd to King James, when he was Duke of

York. I was again Introduc'd by my Lord L . . . and he took me alone with him into his Closet, the better to discourse with me concerning the French Affairs, and the present condition of that King∣dom; for, the Pr . . . having given him an account of my Engagement to my Lord T . . . . ., he look'd upon me no otherwise than one of his own Party, and who had devoted himself and all his Service to that Prince.

The Subject we most insisted upon, was about the Province of Poictou; and he ask'd me in what Condition the Protestants were thereabouts at that time? Whether it were true what had been report∣ed to them, that they were more numerous in that Province than the Catholicks? and whether the lat∣ter were also discontented, and whether consequent∣ly there might be any probability they would join with the Protestants, in case of a Descent to be made by the English? I answer'd frankly as to this point, that he was misinform'd, as to what concern'd the Catholicks, being sure, there were at least Twenty Catholicks to One Protestant in that Pro∣vince; and as to their being discontented, there was not much to be rely'd upon that bottom, be∣cause he knew as well as my self, that tho' the French would give a great deal of liberty to their Tongues, yet they were nevertheless, the most affectionate People in the World for their King's Service.

After several other such like Discourse, relat∣ing for the most part to the Protestant Interest in France, he was pleas'd to tell me, that he was overjoy'd to understand I had taken a Resolution to serve the Prince, and that he would do all that lay in his power, to shew upon all occasions, how high∣ly he valued both my Person and Service; that he was to go the next Day to Hampton-Court, to wait on the Pr . . ., and that he desired me not to fail to be there, because he intended to introduce me to him. I was there at the very Hour he had appoint∣ed, and after a little stay, the Pr . . . being told that I was there, he order'd the Duke of S . . . . . to con∣duct

me by a private pair of back Stairs into his Closet, without being taken notice of by any Body. To be short, I was introduc'd to him, I Discoursed with him, and acted my part so to the Life, that he was perswaded as well as the rest had been before, that I had devoted my self entirely to his Service. Our Discourse did run much upon the same strain, as that with the Duke of S . . . . . concerning the pre∣sent State of Affairs in France, concerning which, after I had told him what I thought best for my pur∣pose, he answered me, That he would make good my Lord T . . . . .'s Promise to me; and that he would take care I should not be a loser, by having engaged in his Service; for which purpose he would make me a Lieutenant-General, and that I should serve under the Duke of S . . . . . whom he in∣tended shortly to send with an Army into Ireland: That he would order the Earl of S . . . . . to get forthwith my Commission ready, and would order me some Money out of his Treasury to defray my Charges, and equip my self according to my Quali∣ty. I had been admitted to kiss his Hand, as I was first introduced into his Presence, and he gave it me to kiss again, as I was going away, and all the while I discours'd with him, he caress'd me in such a man∣ner, as if I had been the only Man that could do him the most Service. I stay'd two Days longer at H . . . because the Pr . . . happened at the same time to take a review of those Troops that were to be sent into Ireland. Among the rest there were two French Regiments there, one of Horse, the other of Foot, which had been raised by the Duke of S . . . . and were both called by his Name. There were al∣so several other French Regiments there, design'd for the Irish Service, who were much valued by the Duke, and I believe they might amount in all to a∣bout four Thousand Men.

If one may give credit to what was reported at that time, there were not a few of the English, who were of Opinion, That it would be best not to con∣cern themselves any further with Ireland, believing,

that they would find it a hard Task to recover it from the late King of Great Britain. But the Pr . . having convinced them by undeniable Reasons, that England must never expect to be at quiet, till they had drawn that Thorn out of their Foot, it was resol∣ved to send a Fleet to their Assistance.

This Resolution was imparted to the Inhabitants of Londonderry, who were reduced to great Extre∣mities; for being block'd up on all sides, before they could have the opportunity of providing the place with sufficient Provisions, they had by this time consumed the greatest part of what they had been a∣ble to bring into the place in haste; and they were come to so slender an Allowance, that what was left, was divided among them every Day by Weight and Measure.

The whole Management of this Relief of London∣derry, was committed to the Management of Major-General Kirk, who had some Forces, and seventeen Ships of all sorts allotted him for this Enterprize. King James having received Intelligence that his Fleet was ready to set Sail for the River of London∣derry, he ordered General Rose to reinforce the Block∣ade of the place with five Thousand Men.

He was to pass in his way thither by the Fort of Frome, where there was a Garrison of King James's, this being a Pass betwixt Dublin and Londonderry.

The Garrison of Iniskilling being encouraged by the late News of Major-General Kirk's Approach, resolved to Attack this Fort, not only to prevent the March of General Rose, but likewise to intercept the Convoys which must go that way to Hamilton's Camp.

The Eldest Son of my Lord Blare, who was then scarce Twenty Years of Age, commanded in the Fort; the Garrison of which consisted only of two Companies of Dragoons, notwithstanding which, he defended himself two Days against four Thou∣sand Men, who Attack'd him vigorously, but in vain; For General Rose having thereby time gi∣ven him to advance to the Relief of the place,

the Enemies, upon notice of it, retired from be∣fore it.

From thence General Rose marched to Hamilton's Quarters, and after he had taken a view of the whole Place, and all the Avenues leading to it, it was agreed, that the best thing they could do at pre∣sent for their Royal Master's Service, was to take care, that no Relief might be thrown into the Place. He told Hamilton, that his Opinion was, Major Ge∣neral Kirk would try his utmost to relieve it by the way of the River.

They had made themselves Masters of the Fort of Culmore the Year before, which lying at the Entrance of the River of Londonderry, it commands one side, and they erected a Battery on the opposite Shoar to hinder the approach of the Enemies Fleet. All along on both sides of the River several Entrenchments were made, for the conveniency of the Infantry, who were to ply them as they pass'd by, with small Shot. But looking upon all this as not sufficient to stop the Enemies Passage, it was resolved to make a strong S••accado, or Boom, cross the River, to stop the Ships which otherwise might perhaps by the Ad∣vantage of a strong side, endeavour to get into the Town; But the Engineers who were employed in perfecting it were so little skill'd in what they had undertaken, that the Piles which were ramm'd into the bottom of the River, were carried away twice, by the violence of the Tide and Current, the third time it was attempted with somewhat better Suc∣cess; but could only be secured at both ends with Wooden Piles; the want of which was secu∣red in the middle part of it by strong Ropes, which Defect stood the Enemy in great stead, as they advanc'd with their Ships to the Relief of the Place.

In the mean while those within were driven to the utmost Extremity, notwithstanding which, his late Britannick Majesty's Council, who look'd upon it as much more Glorious to take it by force, than to re∣duce it by Famine, sent Orders to Hamilton, to open

the Trenches before it. He obey'd these Orders, but the Attack was carried on against that part of the Town where it was of most difficult Access. This was occasioned by the Obstinacy of the Chief En∣gineer, who being no great Conjurer in his Art, yet would not hearken to the Advice of the rest.

The Besieged made frequent Sallies with so much Bravery and Conduct, that no more could have been expected from a well Disciplin'd Gar∣rison.

In one of these Sallies they kill'd Monsieur Pusig∣nan a French Marshal du Camp, an experienced and brave Officer; And the same Fate attended Monsieur de Monmont in another Sally. He was a Person who had an equal share of Courage and Conduct, and who had formerly been Captain of the Guards to our King, and served in the Quality of a Lieutenant-General under King James. He might have been saved, if the Irish Troops, who were appointed to serve him, had done their Duty; but instead of co∣ming to his Relief, at the Signal given (as was a∣greed betwixt them) they did not stir from their Post.

General Rose had met with a great deal of Vexa∣tion since his coming into this Country, but the loss of these two brave Officers, was a great addition to his former Disappointments. He therefore gave an Account to the late King of England, how Mat∣ters went in the Camp, desiring him to take his Ad∣vice into due Consideration, by which means he might be made sensible that he was not served as he ought to be. And to give General Rose his due, he spoke nothing more than was true in effect; for the Irish were generally very negligent in their Duty, which furnish'd the Enemy with many a fair Oppor∣tunity to fall upon them with great success; and those who had the supream Administration of Affairs un∣der King James, acted so disorderly in every thing, that one would have imagined no otherwise, but that they did it on purpose, to make us miscarry in the Siege. Sometimes they had Powder, and some∣times

none, and if they had Powder, perhaps they wanted Matches; if they had Matches, they want∣ed Powder; and thus it was with all other things in proportion.

To make up the Matter, Hamilton Attack'd a Mill, which the Besieged had Fortify'd at some distance from the Town, on which he made use of more Horse than Foot, tho' it be evident, that the last were much more useful for that Enterprize, than the first; which was the reason he was forced to retire with the loss of a great many of his Men.

Whilst things stood thus in the Camp, the Go∣vernour of Londonderry died, partly of the incredi∣ble Fatigue he underwent daily, partly as it was sup∣posed, for Vexation, to see the Inhabitants reduced to the highest degree of Misery.

A certain Minister of the English Church, who had signaliz'd himself* 1.1 during the Siege, being put in his place, did acquit himself with a great deal of Ho∣nour in this Station. He made frequent Sallies upon the Besiegers, and among the rest gall'd them extreamly from an Entrenchment which his Prede∣cessor had caused to be made upon that side where it looks towards the Sea.

Those who work'd in the Trenches, finding them∣selves continually annoy'd by the Fire of the Besieg∣ed, Hamilton order'd it to be Attack'd. The Ma∣nagement of it was committed to the Conduct of the Marquess de Angleurs, a French Officer, who had for∣merly been likewise a Captain of the King's Guards, and served in this Expedition in the Quality of a Marshal du Camp. He marched in Person at the Head of several brave French Officers, sustained by some Irish Troops, and was dangerously wounded; not∣withstanding which, he would not quit his Post, but continued to give the necessary Orders, till they were Masters of the Entrenchment.

But this stood the Besiegers in no great stead, the Besieged being of an Invincible Courage: By this time Major-General Kirk was come to

the Entrance of the River, and being sensible, that these brave Fellows, who were not to be Conquered, by the Sword, Dagger, or Fatigues, must at last buckle to Famine, if they were not speedily reliev'd, he contrived a Stratagem to draw General Rose from thence another way. He order∣ed three Thousand Men to Land at about Ten Miles distance from the Mouth of the River, who having strongly Entrench'd themselves in a small Island, were to be joined by 5000 Iniskilling Men, with a design to fall upon General Rose, whilst Ma∣jor General Kirk, should endeavour to open his Passage by the way of the River, and to force the Boom. General Rose who gave a shrewd guess at their design, thought it most advisable, to endeavour to engage these three Thousand Men, before they could be joyned by those of Iniskilling. The Siege was left to the Management of Hamilton, with Orders to take all imaginable precaution against the Ene∣mies relieving the place, by the way of the River. The Fort of Culmore was provided with a good Ar∣tillery, and so were all the other Posts I mentioned before. But a favourable Gale arising, Major Ge∣neral Kirk took this opportunity to enter the River with two of his best Ships, having also the Advan∣tage of a high Afternoons Tide, and as if Fate had conspired against us, to render his Enterprize suc∣cessful, these two Ships passed without the least con∣cern on their side, betwixt the Fire of the Fort of Culmore, and that of the great Battery upon the op∣posite Shoar; and after that out-braved the Small∣shot of the Infantry, which was posted behind the Intrenchments on both sides of the River, without receiving any more damage, than if they had pas∣sed unmolested, and had not been fired at by the Be∣siegers.

Thus they came safely to the Boom, where one of the Ships broke the Cables that were joined on both sides of the Wooden Piles; which being done, there was nothing left to obstruct their Passage to Londonderry, which they reach'd soon after.

It was the most surprizing thing in the World to see this Place relieved in such a manner, and that by Day-light, without the loss of one single Man on the Enemies side. There were some who would not for∣bear to say, that there was something in it that was past finding out; or, else that it must be look'd upon as a peculiar piece of God's Judgments, which are hidden from us Mortals by his All-wise Provi∣dence; but however it was, this happy Success hast∣ned the Prince of Orange's (King William III.) Re∣solution to Transport an Army unto Ireland under the Conduct of the Duke of Schomberg. Tho' it must also be confess'd, That the Minister, who had been Governour of Londonderry, and who after the Place was relieved, was come to London, and had given the Prince (King William III.) an exact Ac∣count of the true State of Affairs in that Kingdom, did by his Encouragement, prove a great Instrument in forwarding the intended March of the said Troops. He was very well rewarded for what Ser∣vice he had done during the Siege, not only by se∣veral marks of a most particular esteem, which the Prince (King William III.) was pleased to honour him with at that time, but he received likewise a Reward of several Thousand Pounds Sterling.

But this Digression had almost made me forgetful of my own Condition, for I found my self thus far entangled in the Business I had undertaken, that I was strangely puzzled to find out a way to disen∣gage me from it.

Whilst I was pondring upon this Point, not know∣ing what Course best to take, God Almighty's Pro∣vidence furnish'd me unexpectedly with an Oppor∣tunity, which set my Heart at ease.

One day as I went with the Lord L . . . . . to wait on the Earl of S . . . . . . I met there acci∣dentally with two French Men, who formerly had been Protestant Ministers in Poictou, and had just then delivered a Memorandum to the said Earl, containing some Proposals much to the same purpose as had been told me before by Captain Granville, and the

D. of S . . . . . with this difference only, that they were more special in the Matter, and had inserted the Names of many Gentlemen in Poictou, who, as they pretended, had engaged among themselves in that Province to take up Arms, if they could meet with a favourable juncture.

The E. of S . . . . . imagining that I could not but know all the Nobility of that Country, desired me to come into his Closet, where he told these two Ministers, That they might Talk before me with all imaginable freedom, there being not the least reason for them to suspect me, because he knew me to be a Person, who might do them considerable Ser∣vice in the Matter in hand.

After they had received this Assurance from the Earls own Mouth, they began to explain the whole Matter at length, without disguising any thing of what was contained in their Memorandum. Nay, they did not stick to Name to me five or six of the Nobility of the Province of Poictou, whom I was sure, I knew much better than they possibly could do. They took a great deal of pains to perswade us that these alone would bring five or six Thousand Men into the Field at the first Beat of Drum, and that the rest of the Protestants thereabouts would fol∣low their Example; (because these two Sparks sup∣posed them to be as Zealous as themselves.) They added, That the Protestants throughout the King∣dom, were only waiting for a favourable opportu∣nity, to free themselves from those Tyrannies, which, they said, were daily exercised upon them; and that the least Revolt in one Province, would be the Signal to all the rest to shake off that Yoak, which like a heavy Burthen quite oppress'd them. They told us, there needed no more than to furnish them with Arms and Ammunition, which done they would soon give sufficient Encouragement to the English to put them under a Head, fit to Command a good Army; there being not the least question, but that they would be daily joined by a considerable number of brave Officers and Soldiers; nay, even

by many of the Catholicks themselves, who were quite exhausted by the heavy Taxes laid upon them, and consequently grown quite weary of the present French Government.

I let them run on in their Discourse, without con∣tradicting them in the least, but rather seem'd to side with them. Tho' at the same time I knew that no∣thing was more false, than what they would make us believe concerning the Catholicks, nay even in re∣spect of most of the Protestants themselves, who had any thing to lose, whom I knew not to be so well disposed, as they pretended, to hazard their Estates.

I am well convinced, that there were a great Number among them, who wish'd with all their Hearts to see their Religion re-establish'd in France; but if they should be supposed to be so very Zealous as these Ministers would have made 'em, they might as many others have done, have left France, and not have prefer'd their Estates before their Religion; whereas those who went away, left every thing they had for their Religions sake. I look'd upon it as a thing which sufficiently explain'd it self, and which appear'd so visible to me, that I wonder'd how any unbyass'd Person could not discern it, that those who had shew'd themselves such great Admirers of Riches, would scarce endanger their Estates upon the same score, unless it were upon some remarkable Revolu∣tion. Their Arguments, and several other Discour∣ses we had together at that time, made me make this Observation to my self, That Ministers of the Church, make but very indifferent Ministers of State; but my Business being at this time to dive to the bottom of their Design, I was so far from contradicting them, that I told neither them nor the E. of S . . . . one Word of what I thought.

After these two French Ministers were gone, I stay'd for some time longer with the E. who reassu∣med the former Discourse, and at last came to what concerned me in particular. He delivered to me my Commission of Lieutenant General, pursuant

to the Orders he had received from the Pr. and told me, That he would take effectual care to get a Warrant for the receiving of the Money.

After I return'd to my Lodging, I began afresh to ruminate upon my present Circumstances; and considering my present Condition, I did not see how I could avoid to confide my self to some Body or o∣ther; tho' according to the Rules of Prudence, I was sensible I ought to trust no Body with the Se∣cret but my self.

There happened just at that time to Lodge a cer∣tain French Man at the same Ordinary where I lodg∣ed, who had been a considerable time in London: His Brother who had lived there before him, had sent for him out of France, to assist him in managing his Business, which for the most part was the Barba∣does Trade. But his Brother happening to die just at the beginning of this last Revolution in England, he stay'd behind, till such time he could draw off all his Effects: He was then just making every thing ready for his Journey into France, for which purpose he had obtained a Pass from the Prince of Orange, (King William III.) I had always look'd upon him as a very Honest Gentleman, and had found him very affectionate for our King's Service, and a true Catholick; all which induced me to ask him the same Question I had ask'd before of the Chevalier de Fourbin's Lieutenant; to wit, Whether he would o∣blige me so far as to carry a Letter from me to the Marquess de Louvois in France. I told him that I re∣membred to have heard him say several times, that he had Business of great consequence with that Mi∣nister, which if it were so, I durst engage this would be a means for him to have a very favourable Audience. He told me, that he would do it with all his Heart, and to the utmost of his power; so that I resolved to give Intelligence to this Minister, of all what had pass'd, and how I was likely to be sent shortly into Ireland, with the Marshal de Schom∣bergh, desiring to receive his Commands, whether after I came into Ireland I should take the first oppor∣tunity 〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

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to go over to his Britannick Majesty's Camp. But just the same Night as I was going to write this Letter, a Thought came into my Head, which made me delay Writing for that time, till I might have the opportunity to try whether my Project would succeed or not.

I told you before that the English Court were buoyed up with strong hopes by some of the French Protestants, that their Brethren in the Province of Poictou, had form'd a strong Party there, to favour a Descent from England.

I judged therefore I might make good use of this to my advantage, i•• I could insinuate to them, That considering my present Circumstances I should be able to do them much greater Service in that Coun∣try if they would be pleased to dispatch me thither, than if I were employed in the Irish Service.

If I succeeded in this Project, I was sure to be sent back into France, without the least danger on my side, where I did not question to meet with all ima∣ginable incouragement as a Recompence for the Service I had done our King, in making my self Master of a Secret, which they scarce would have been able to discover in time without my assistance. After I had ruminated upon the Matter all that Night and part of the next Morning, the first thing I did, was to try how this Proposition would relish with the E. of S . . . . and my Lord L . . . . . with whom I used to Dine almost every Day.

I gave them a short Account of what I had heard the two French Ministers propose to the E. of S . . . and took this opportunity to enlarge further upon that Subject, and what Service I believed I was able to do in the Province of Poictou. They answered immediately, that I need not question in the least but that I should meet with sufficient Encouragement from the English Court in this design, that they would advise me to speak about it to the E. of S . . . and they would go along with me to him to back this Project, which they look'd upon as of the greatest conse∣quence to the State, and the most prejudicial that

could be thought of to the Enemy. I told them a∣gain, that if they had a mind the thing should an∣swer expectation, they must be very careful not to let it take vent; and therefore desired them not to Communicate this Secret to any body Living, not even to the D . . . of S . . . . . . himself; because said I, he has a particular fancy for me to go along with him to Ireland. And as to the last, I spoke in∣deed no more than the Truth. For whether it was that he wanted good Horse Officers, or whether he really had conceived a better opinion of my ability than of some others; he would frequently tell me, that he rely'd much upon the good service I was likely to do him, in disciplining several Regiments of new rais'd Troops, which were to go over with him shortly into Ireland. I had no other reason in the World, but to believe what he said was spoken with a Sincere intention to oblige me; whereas I am certain it vexed me as often as I heard him say so; I having not the least inclination at that time, to serve against the King my Master; what I had done formerly, was owing to an absolute necessity, and the ill Circumstances of my Affairs in France; which had forced me from thence, to seek for re∣fuge in another place.

The Earl of P. . . . . and my Lord L. . . . . . ha∣ving promised secresie, I went the next day to wait on the Earl of S. . . . . ; and as I had spent the greatest part of that night in ruminating all the Circumstances of the matter, I was to propose to him, I told him, that the longer I considered of what these Ministers had offered the other day, the more feasible it appear'd to me; and that this had induced me to take a Resolution to do all the Service I was capable of to encourage the Design: That I had many Friends and Relations in that Province, and that I was of Opinion, if the Eng∣lish Court thought fit to make use of my Service thereabouts, I could influence the Arrier-Ban, who were extreamly harrassed and dissatisfied with being forced to Guard the Sea-Coasts every Summer;

and that I did not question, by my Persuasions, to bring them over, to join with us in case of a De∣scent; considering especially, that many among them were Protestants, who would lend me a help∣ing hand to persuade the rest. I assured him fur∣ther, that there was scarce any thing which would be able to work more effectually upon their Incli∣nations, than when they understood that they were to be headed by one of their own Country, who's Friends and Relations were known to them; that by this means the intended Descent might be made easie, and consequently a happy issue be expected from this Diversion.

The E. of S. . . . . finding what I said to carry with it a great deal of probability, gave me for answer, that I had done very well to speak to him about it; that he would tell it the King, and that if he approved of it, I should be sent no where else.

Accordingly he proposed the matter that very day to the Prince, who liking my Proposals as well as the rest had done, ordered the E. to bring me to him the next day, in the same place he had talk'd with me before.

I went the next morning, about Nine a Clock, with the E. of S. . . . . to Hampton-Court, where I represented the Business with so much appearance of great Advantages to the Prince, that he ordered the E. of S. . . . . immediately to give me another Commission in French in lieu of the former, which was in English; that when I should come into Poictou, those who were ready there to join with the English might be convinced by their own Eyes, that I had been appointed to Command them; which would make them put the more confidence in what I should propose, and the more willing to follow my Orders.

I took this opportunity to ask a favour of the Prince, which was▪ That he would be pleased to discharge my two Kinsmen, Vignol and Forest, who were made Prisoners at the same time, when I was

taken, from their Imprisonment, which he had the goodness to grant me without delay.

Being now assured of my sudden return into France, I writ a Letter to the Marquis de Louvois, which I committed to the Care of the French Merchant I mentioned before: but this Letter contained a quite different Account from what I had writ before, and what I intended to have confirmed in the next, the Scene being much altered since that time.

It is impossible for me to express, with what im∣patience I waited every day, in hopes to receive my Dispatches in order to my return into France; for to speak the truth, I began to be much tired here, where every thing seemed to conspire to make my stay burthensome to my self. Among others, I found this inconveniency, that there was scarce a place to hear Mass in, unless it were at the Queen Dowagers Palace; and the common People were so much exasperated against the Catholicks, that one could not go thither without being pointed at, and sometimes they would not let you pass by with∣out bestowing some Nick-name or other upon you. 'Tis true, the Spanish Ambassador had also Mass said at his House; but besides, that the French were not very kindly look'd upon there, the Room was scarce big enough to hold 20 People at once: Not that this Ambassador had less Pride in him than the Spa∣niards commonly have, but it had been his Misfor∣tune to succeed in his Embassy to one who had run so much in Debt, that he was Arrested; so that there were few who would venture to Lett his Suc∣cessor a House, which was the reason he had been fain to take such a one as he could meet with first.

At the same time, all the Ambassadors then in England, being extreamly dissatisfied to see the Law of Nations violated in the Person of their Brother, the before-mentioned Ambassador, unanimously complained of it to the Prince of Orange; but espe∣cially he who was in Custody, made a heavy noise about the matter, and that not altogether without Reason; for besides this Affront put upon his Cha∣racter,

he had another matter of Complaint, which served for the most specious pretence that could be.

It is therefore to be observed, That after the Prince of Orange's Landing, as he was marching up towards London, the King his Father-in-Law thought fit to leave the City in order to follow his Queen, who was gone before into France. The London Rabble laying hold of this Confusion, pil∣laged the said Spanish Ambassador's House, who (whether truly or falsly it matters not) pretended that he had lost more by this sinister Accident, than would have over-pay'd his Debts. The Prince (King William III.) not knowing what better Ex∣pedient to pitch upon, to give Satisfaction to the Ambassadors, than to pay the Money, discharged his Debts, and so appeased the matter. Neverthe∣less, most of the Foreign Nations look'd upon this Attempt as so hainous, that they spoke of the Eng∣lish in very disrespectful Terms. And not to dis∣guise the Truth, It is not only to Foreign Ambas∣sadors they have sometimes been wanting in that respect, which is acknowledged to be due to their Character by all civiliz'd Nations, but there are al∣so not wanting Examples, when they have done the same to their own King; for, not long after the Re∣stauration of King Charles II. a certain Brewer was so insolent, as to Attach his Coach for some Money due to him.

This may serve as one instance of what I told you just now, but what I am going to tell you will put it beyond all Exception.

Monsieur de Barillon the French Ambassador to Charles II. King of Great Britain, talking one day with a certain Lord in the King's Presence, Sir F. C. . . . . s, (who was made a Lord afterwards) joined with them in their Discourse, but had not spoke above three or four words in French, when he began to continue his Discourse in English. Monsieur de Barillon did not understand English, which made him ask him what he said; who pretending he could not

talk in French, went on in his Native Tongue; Monsieur de Barillon ask'd him a second time, what he said; upon which, the other without any further Compliment, gave him the most sensible Answer of all, which was a good Box on the Ear. The French Ambassador went the same moment to make his Complaint to King Charles II. who sate not far off upon a Chair of State; who ordered C . . . . . . .s to be seized immediately, and to be carried to the Tower, which is the Prison-Royal of England, as in France the Bastile.

The King of England, who abominated this Bru∣tality, being resolved to make him an Example of his Justice, granted a Commission for his Trial; And as the Fact was of so odious a Nature, and of the greatest Consequence, he charged them to pu∣nish him to the utmost Severity the Law would al∣low of. Monsieur de Barillon was not so Revenge∣ful, as to desire his Death, but on the contrary, made his Applications to the King, whom he de∣sired to Pardon C . . . . . s. But this Prince persi∣sted immoveable in his Resolution, to have him se∣verely punished. Nevertheless, the Ambassador re∣doubled his Prayers to the King, to obtain his Par∣don; who answered him very honourably▪ That if he did shew himself so Generous as to forgive an Injury done him by a Person who had affronted him in the highest Degree, he ought not to be de∣barr'd from shewing his Justice in punishing a Fact which could not be pardoned without drawing after it very pernicious Consequences. The French Ambassador finding all his hopes lost of obtaining a Pardon from the King of Great Britain, had re∣course to our King, of whom he begg'd to intercede with King Charles II. to Pardon C . . . . s. Our Monarch, who would not be out-done in point of Generosity by his Ambassador, writ in his behalf to the King of Great Britain; who unwilling to de∣ny any thing to so great an Intercessor, pardoned C . . . . . s under this Condition however, That he should ask the Ambassador's Pardon upon his Knees,

and afterwards go in Person into France, to give his humble Thanks to our King, for having, by his powerful Intercession, obtained his Pardon.

Before I reassume the Thread of our History, I cannot forbear to give you another instance of the same Nature, which happened much about the same time when I was in London.

The Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen of that City, to shew their respect for the Prince and Prin∣cess of Orange, (King William and Queen Mary) had both their Pictures set up in the Great-Hall call'd the Guild-Hall, among several other Pictures of the Kings and Queens of England: But whether some mischievous Person, who envied them that place, and had hid himself in the Hall, was resolved to put an Affront upon them; or whether it was done by Connivance of the Porter, who opens and shuts the Doors, both these Pictures were found the next day Cut and Defaced. All those who were well∣wishers to the present Government in England, shew'd a great Concern at this Insolence, and a good Sum of Money was offered as a Reward to such as could discover the Author of it, but with∣out any effect, the Person who did it being not dis∣covered to this day.

Whilst I was Prisoner at Plimouth, the Marquiss de Louvois, had offered to have me Exchanged for one Latone, who having been a Commander in one of the West India Islands, belonging to the English, was taken by one of our Privateers in his return home.

But, after the King had shew'd him my Letter, which I had sent by the Lieutenant of the Che∣valier de Fourbin, and whose Father had delivered it to the King, he did not so much press my Exchange as he had done before; being sensible that my stay in England, and the part I acted there, would be an infallible means to dive into the bottom of the E∣nemy's designs.

Not long after I had seen the Pr . . . . the second time, an unknown Person came to see me at my Lodgings, and taking his opportunity to speak to me without being over heard by any body; he told me, That the Marquiss de Louvois had sent over from France, a Messenger, to impart to me some business of great Consequence; and to let me know that he had received my Letter, which was address'd to the Marquiss de Louvois; that his Orders were to continue to Act the Hypocrite with the Enemy, in the same manner as I had done hitherto; and that I should take all the opportunities to let him know how squares went in England as often as I could do it without danger.

All these Circumstances, which I was sure this stranger could not have but from very good Hands, were convincing reasons to me, not to suspect his Fidelity. I therefore made use of the same Messen∣ger, that was Iately come from France, unto whom I delivered an answer in Writing to the Marquiss de Louvois; in which I gave him much the same Accounts I had done before, in my Letter, which I sent by the before mentioned French Mer∣chant.

It was much about the same time, that a certain person of the first Rank in England (as I was suffici∣ently convinced afterwards) came to me Incognito, and told me, that understanding I was shortly to return into France, and knowing me to be a French Officer of Note, he believed he might trust me with a Secret, which was of the utmost consequence. He further told me; That tho' most of the persons of Quality of that Kingdom, had abandon'd his Britannick Majesty, and had sided with the Prince of Orange, (K. William III.) all the Temptations in the World should never be prevailing enough with him to follow their example; he being resolved to be Loyal to his King as long as he lived.

He said he was very Ambitious to Write a Let∣ter to the King my Master, by whom he had the Honour to be known; and that he was come to pay

me this visit on purpose to ask me whether I would be willing to undertake the Delivery of the said Letter.

I did not imagine any otherwise than that this was some Spy or other, sent either by the Pr . . . . or by the E. of S . . . . . . to try whether I was the same person they believed me to be; which made me in lieu of answering him according to his ex∣pectation, entertain him with a great deal of in∣differency; nay, so coldly, that I believe he was vexed to the Soul, he had discovered himself so Far.

But seeing himself engag'd, past retreating, he thought it his best way to make an absolute disco∣very of the whole matter to me; he then told me, that his Life was in my hands; because he being known to be a declared Enemy of the Prince of Orange, (K. William III.) it would certainly cost him his Head if it should be known that he kept any Correspondence with France: That he would tell me his Name, and what his Design was, for the advantage of his Prince, in hopes that his Quality and Loyalty, together with the Generous confidence he had put in me, would be a sufficient inducement for me to use him as a Gentleman, ought to do: He then told me his Name, and if I could mention it here without prejudice, it would be apparent that I spoke nothing but the Truth, when I said he was one of the most considerable Persons in the whole Kingdom.

His Name, and the Reputation he had so deser∣vedly gained by his Loyalty to his Royal Master, inspired me with so much respect for his Person, that I began to speak with more freedom than be∣fore; yet so, as to be very cautious, not to engage my self in any thing that might be prejudicial to my present design, till I should be fully convinced that he was the same Person he pretended to be. To be convinced of it, I desired him to call upon me again the next day, at a certain appointed hour, where I took care to hide, in my Chamber, a cer∣tain

French Gentleman, whom I knew I could trust, and that he had often seen and spoke with the Per∣son, whose Name I desired to be satisfied in. My resolution was, that if I had found I had been trapp'd, to carry my self his Letter to the E. of S . . . to clear my self of all suspicion; but he having told me nothing but what I found very true, I had no further occasion to make use of this, or any other precaution.

I saw him several times more before I left Eng∣land, and he having received Intelligence that the Marquiss de Louvois, begun to be very urgent to have me Exchanged (being impatient to have an account of the State of Affairs in England, from my own mouth,) he came to see me one Evening, and car∣ried me to a certain place where Colonel Grimes lay Absconded. After he had enlarged much upon the Colonels Loyalty, he at last desired me to let him go over with me into France, under the protection of my pass; which was for me, and four of my Attendance; which I might easily do, I having on∣ly three Servants, viz. one Valet du Chamber, and two Footmen.

The Colonel, when he thought he might safely appear before me, came out and desired the same thing of me, which I promised them to do. But the Colonel meeting with an intimate Friend of his, who had likewise obtained a Pass for one single Person, and having not the opportunity to make present use of it for himself, had desired him to give it to him, imagining that by this means he might go over with more security than if he went in my Company. His reason was, that I being a Stranger, both I and my Servants would in all like∣lihood be more narrowly examined; whereas he being a Native, his Pass would carry him off with∣out much Difficulty: But it happened quite con∣trary to his Expectation; tho' he had disguis'd him∣self, 'tis true, when he came to Dover, he was so fool hardy, as to appear in the publick-streets, so that he was discovered and put in prison.

The Colonel having as I told you, changed his Resolution, I did almost believe that the before∣mentioned person of Quality, had likewise alter∣ed his Mind; for tho', as often as I saw him, he always told me, he would be sure to bring me the Letters, nevertheless he did not come with them; so that if I had not known the Officer, who had told me who he was, to be a Man of Honour; I might easily have suspected his Integrity; but as I knew this Officer to be a very honest Gentleman, who would scorn to tell me an untruth, I thought I had all the reason in the World to rely upon his Word; without any further precaution, of which you may be convinced by the follow Relation.

He had formerly been a Captain of Foot in the French Service; but had been forc'd to fly that Kingdom by reason of a Duel he had fought with a∣nother Officer, and to look for Refuge in England, where he had obtained a Commission under his Britannick Majesty.

But this King being, after the Arrival of the Prince of Orange, forc'd to leave the Kingdom; and the Earl of Feversham having after this misfortune Disbanded all his Forces, he was at present out of Employment, and reduced to that Extremity, that he scarce knew how to subsist any longer. There were several other French Officers at the same time in England, who having been forced to leave France upon several accounts, and durst not return thither; were in the same Condition, except those that were Protestants, who altogether took Service under the Prince of Orange (K. William III.) and were well received by him. But the Catholicks, besides that they could not expect so much favour at his hands, as the others, were unwilling to serve a Prince, whom they must expect to fight for against their natural Sovereign.

This Officer, of whom I spoke before, was alto∣gether of this Opinion, and had always made it his business to encourage the rest (who were about for∣ty two in number) to persist in this generous Reso∣lution,

at least till such time they might have an opportunity to try, whether they could not be em∣ploy'd in their own Country again. He used to tell them, that the greatest part of Europe being upon the point of declaring against the•• King, they ought not to despair, but that his Majesty might per∣haps be pleased to pardon what was pa••s'd, to de∣serve which they could do nothing better than to give him this proof of their Fidelity. They 〈…〉〈…〉 to his advice, sold their Horses and Equipages▪ which they spent in hopes of hearing some good News from France, whither they had writ privately to their Friends and Relations: But these either had not received their Letters, or else did not know how to make their Applications at Court, to obtain their Pardon, so that they received no Answer. Be∣ing reduced to this extremity, this Officer was sent to me in the name of all the rest, and after he had represented to me the present ill posture of their Af∣fairs, he told me, that being inform'd that I was very suddenly to return into France, they desired me to speak in their behalf to the Marquiss de Louvois, and that if in some time after they had no favourable Answer, necessity, which had no Law, would en∣force them to look out for another Master, who would provide for them.

I highly commended their Resolution in general, and his in particular. I told him that, to convince him of my readiness to serve them, I would not on∣ly give them bare Promises, but also something more solid and effectual; that since I saw that their case was so urgent, as to admit of no delay, I would as∣sist them with what Money I could possibly spare; and that I was heartily sorry I was not at present in a capacity to do more, and therefore they must take my good Will for the Dead. That I would give to each of them fifty Livers, which I hoped might serve them so long, till I could obtain a favourable Answer for them from Court. I desired them, what ever they did, to keep their own Council, for fear if it should take vent, they might else rob themselves of

the benefit of their expected Pardon, by their own Indiscretion; it was absolutely necessary for me to give them this Precaution, for if it had been known in the least at the English Court what I had done for them, I should in all probability have lost the ad∣vantage of doing Service to our King for the future, whom I was resolved to oblige as well after my re∣turn into France, as I had done whilst I was in En∣gland. This made me once resolve to give the whole Sum I intended to bestow upon them to this Officer, for him to distribute it among the rest, by which means I thought to avoid the inconveniency of being known and taken notice of by so many; but considering his present Circumstances, I began to be afraid, that such a Sum might tempt him to something he would not easily be guilty of upon another Account, I appointed them all a Meeting, where I gave to every one his Share. I had not so much Money by me as was requisite when I made this Promise, but a certain Merchant, whose Name was Launai, who formerly knew me very well, be∣ing a Factor for a Merchant of Loudun, whose Name was Moret, was very ready to supply me with it. After I had given them the Money, I desired each of them to make a memorandum what reason had made him leave France, in what Quality he had serv'd there, and since in England under His Britan∣nick Majesty. All these memorandums I desired 'em to leave with the before mention'd Officer, who came frequently to see me, and was to deliver 'em to me before my departure. The Officer took ef∣fectual Care to get me all these memorandums, but finding that the Pr. . . . was not so forward as I had expected to dispatch me into France, I sent one of my Servants thither to carry and deliver them to the Marquess de Louvois, with several other Letters; I took the opportunity of the Pass of a French Gentle∣man of my Acquaintance, who took him along with him as his Servant. I sent word to the Mini∣ster, That I had not receiv'd as yet any Orders to go into Poictou, but that I believed it would not be

long before I should receive my last Dispatches, and that therefore if he would send me his Com∣mands, I would be ready to receive them at Ca∣lais.

My Servant was so successful in his Journey, that he passed unmolested, and delivered my Letters to the Marquis de Louvois, in which, among other things, I gave him an Account of what I had done for these French Officers, with an Intention to be Serviceable to his Majesty; and I was so fortunate, that not one of all the Letters I gave him miscarried, and Fortune continued to smile upon me for some time longer; for at last I receiv'd Orders from the Earl of S . . . . to begin my Journey. He made me at the same time a Present of two hun∣dred Guineas from the Pr . . . . and told me, that this was not intended as a Present, but only to defray the Charges of my Journey for the present, because all my Money had been taken from me at the time when I was taken at Sea.

About two Days before my Departure, a certain French Protestant, whose Name was Christian, and who was sent as a Spy into England by the Marquiss de Louvois, came to desire me to take a Niece of his along with me into France. He told me, that since I had but three Servants, and my Pass expressed four, she might pass very well for one, for provi∣ded, I had no more than my number, no notice would be taken whether they were Men or Wo∣men; I was not very fond to accept of what he pro∣posed to me; being afraid that this young Woman might prove more troublesome to me than all the rest, and that consequently, I might repent of it at leisure, when it was too late. I was not ignorant that most of our Refugees in England, were an odd sort of People, and that it was the safest way to have little or nothing to do with them. Christian began to perceive where the Shooe pinched, and guessing at the reason of it, shewed me a Letter written by the Marquiss de Louvois's own Hand, asking me whether I knew it.

I had no sooner cast my Eye upon it, but I told him, Since he had shew'd me so fair a Pledge, I would not only take care of his Niece, but of any thing else he should desire me that might be for his Service. He desir'd me to take a Supper with him the next Night, which I did; and after we had drunk a merry Cup, I observ'd him ogling his Niece, which made me shrewdly suspect there was more Familiarity betwixt them than there is commonly betwixt an Uncle and a Niece. He was so vain as to talk likewise to me concerning what Business he was employ'd in by the Marquess de Louvois; which was also a shrewd guess to me, that he was not ex∣traordinarily Qualified for such an Employment, and that it could not be long before he would be be∣tray'd; as in effect it happened not long after; for he was taken up, and Committed to Prison by the Prince of Orange's (King William's) Orders.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Walker.