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 Comte de Merodes Chamberlain to the Emperor, seizeth upon the Grisons without declaring a War.

THE Hugonot party being thus reduced, the History requireth my looking back into Italy, and I must tell you, that notwithstanding the Ratification of the Treaty of Suze, made in Spain, upon condition however that the French should de∣part out of Italy, yet the Comte de Merodes his Imperial Majesties Chamberlain, whom we may look upon as a Spaniard, both by reason of the strict Union between Spain and the Empire, as also because in this affair, the Empire was totally guided by the Spaniard, invaded the Grisons, seized upon the passages between Germany and Italy, took Meyenfeld and Coire their capital Cities, and built forts in such places as were most convenient for the marching of his Troups. This breach was occa∣sioned by Monsieur de Savoy, a person naturally turbulent, and whose courage be∣sides the affront which he had so lately received at Suze, transported him presently after the Treaty of Peace, and as soon as ever he saw the King engaged at the siege of Privas, to negotiate with the Emperour and King of Spain a new War, but upon the old design. He had acquainted the Emperour that the violence which had been offered him at Suze, did not so much concern his eminency in particular, as it reflected on his Imperial Majesty, seeing he, for his part, had never attempted the stopping of the passages, but onely in defence of the rights of the Empire; that the reliving of Cazal was a contempt of his Authority, seeing the Duke of Mantua was his vassal, and had not at that time rendred the obedience which he ought to his Majesty: He likewise gave the Spaniard to understand, that the affront which he received before Cazal, brought a disrepute upon him through all Italy, and that it was to be feared, lest in prosecution thereof, they might attempt something upon his Dominions there; that the Cardinal had already projected his ruine in Italy; that the Common wealth of Genoa, was just ready for a revolt, that an expedition was already prepared against Milan; and that they had already proposed to engage him in it, by assuring Bresse unto him, and offering ready mony for the Marquisat of Saluces, which would much facilitate the entrance of the French into Italy; and that in case they should thus deprive him of those two inlets, the one by Sea, the

other by Land, there would then nothing be more easie, then to despoil him of the Kingdom of Napl••s. These considerations were of no little power to stir up both those two Potent Princes, seeing it concerned their honour; but there was as little honour and truth in these his discourses, as there was Justice in the C••mte de Merodes seizing the Grisons, without declaring a War against them; or without any cause given of hostility. It is true bei••g come near the Grisons, he sent indeed one of his Company with the Emperours Letters to Coir, in which he demanded to passe through their Countrey; but instead of expecting an answer, he presently invaded the Territory of Mey••nfield, where he made great havock, and not long after surprised Coi••, and made a Garrison of it, without regard had to the Publick Faith, and without any care of this outragious dealing with a people who had nothing to do with him.