Two letters from Mr. Mountagu to the Ld Treasurer: one of the 11th, the other of the 18th of Jan. 1677/8 which were read in the House of Commons. Together with the Lord Treasurer's speech in the House of Peers, upon an impeachment of high treason, &c. brought up against his Lordship by the House of Commons, Decem. 23. 1678.

Mr. MOƲNTAGƲ'S. SECOND LETTER.

Paris. Jan. 18. 1677/8

My Lord,

SInce I sealed up my Letter, by my Lord Dunblane, I have had one with me that is very exactly, as can be, inform'd of most things here, and hath told me the reason of Rouvigny's Journey.

His chief Errand is, to let the King know, that the King of France did hope he was so firm to him, as not to be led away by the Grand Treasurer; who was an ambitious man, and, to keep himself well with the people, would gratifie their inclinations by leading his Master unto an unreasonable War against France. That as for money, if he wanted it, he should have what he would from hence.

His instructions are, if this does not take, by the means of Wist. Russel, and other discontented people, to give a great deal of money, and cross all your mea∣sures at Court.

When he gives you his Fathers Letter of Recom∣mendation

mendation, you cannot chuse but be very kind to him, since the chief part of his journey is to do you so good offices. My Lord, if I might be worthy to give my advise, who see things upon the place, there could be nothing better done, then after he hath been two days in England, for the King to give you order to tell Mon∣sieur Barillon, that he knows Rouvigny hath a Relation and Commerce with people ill affected to the Govern∣ment; and would be therefore glad to have him retire. You cannot imagine how it would damp them here, when they shall see their little tricks do not pass upon us.

And old Rouvigny, that values himself upon knowing England, and having saved so much money as he had (by what I told you formerly) order to give, hath given it them for a Maxim, That they must diminish your Credit, before they can do any good in England. But since their chief quarrel to you is, the being so true to your Masters Interest, I am sure he is too just to let them do you any hurt.

If the King is for a War, you know what to do; if he hearkens to their money, be pleased to let me know what they offer, and I dare answer, to get our Master as much again; for Barillon's orders are to make the mar∣ket as low as he can. I am, &c.

R. Mountagu.