The history of the government of France, under the administration of the great Armand du Plessis, Cardinall and Duke of Richlieu, and chief minister of state in that kingdome wherein occur many important negotiations relating to most part of Christendome in his time : with politique observations upon the chapters / translated out of French by J.D. Esq.

The expences of the Siege of Rochel, amount unto forty millions of Livres.

THe greatnesse of the expence before Rochel can hardly be imagined, without considering the particulars, as the punctual paying of the whole Army, the building of the Bank, Munitions of all sorts and the like. They who disbursed the several sums reckon it at forty Millions, but the particular diligence and care of the Marquesse d' Effat, Superintendent of the Exchequer to provide all, that there might not be any want, deserveth (and undoubtedly so will) to passe in History for a particular commendation. He entred upon the Treasuries at a time when they were fifty millions of Livres in debt, and the Treasurers hardly perswadable to assist his Majesty in any of his occasions, by reason of the review which had so lately been made amongst them; the Parliament too had much ado to be perswa∣ded to rat fie Ed••cts for to raise money, yet he used such addresse and diligence, that not onely there was no want of money, but the charge was lesse then former∣ly it had used to be, and in such expeditions where the Souldiers were hardly paid at all, such and so great care did he use in the charge of the Treasuries. There was a necessity of making some new Edicts, but the chief means he used were, accor∣ding to the Cardinals instructions, to cut off all superfluous expences to commit the management of those sums which were expended unto persons of known fide∣lity and trust. The Cardinal did not onely lend out upon this occasion what mo∣nies he had in his own Coffers, but ingaged his credit as far as it would go, to raise

more amongst his kindred and friends. He was not so sittle affectionate to his Masters service as the Cardianal d' Amien•• was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 who stil sent out of the Kingdom all those gratifications which he received, like unto those Courtisans who love the money better then the man, and measure their pleasure by their profit, whereas the Cardinal prefered his Masters glory, before the whole Indiaes, he studied nothing but the increase of it, and the continuation of himself in his favour, that he might to that purpose contribute his utmost care and devoir.