135 chapters
5 hour read
Selected Chapters
135 chapters
PREFACE.
PREFACE.
I was led to undertake the following Narrative by the perusal of a work, lately published at Paris, entitled “Histoire de L’Homme au Masque de Fer, par J. Delort;” in which the name of that state prisoner is most clearly and satisfactorily ascertained, by means of authentic documents. Under these circumstances, it may be asked why I was not contented to leave the question, thus set at rest, in the hands of M. Delort, who had the original merit of the discovery:—to this I would answer, that M. De
56 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
HISTORY OF THE IRON MASK.
HISTORY OF THE IRON MASK.
The curiosity of the public has been now, for above a century, so much wrought upon by the, mystery which has enveloped the name of the Iron Mask, (or as the French more properly designate him, “ the Man of the Iron Mask ,” 1 ) that the eagerness for discovery has thus been carried much farther than the real importance of the subject deserved. Numerous have been the papers written, and the conjectures hazarded in favour of different theories; almost all presenting, at first view, some semblance
43 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 1. ESTRADES TO LEWIS THE FOURTEENTH.
No. 1. ESTRADES TO LEWIS THE FOURTEENTH.
Commencement of the Negociation.—State of the Court of Mantua.—Influence of the Spaniards there. Venice, Dec 18th, 1677. Sire , As the grief I felt at having displeased your Majesty was extreme, so my joy is not less to learn from M. de Pomponne, that your Majesty has had the goodness to pardon me my too great facility; and that you have been graciously pleased to listen to the reasons, which I took the liberty to offer to you, in justification of the innocence of my intentions; however, Sire, t
10 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 2. MATTHIOLI TO LEWIS THE FOURTEENTH.
No. 2. MATTHIOLI TO LEWIS THE FOURTEENTH.
Protestations of devotion to Lewis.—Belief in the good intentions of the Duke of Mantua. December 14th, 1677. Sire , I take the liberty of bearing testimony to your Majesty, that among the great Ministers, whom, in your supreme wisdom, you have sent at different times into Italy, your ambassador at Venice, the Abbé d’Estrades, ought to be distinguished for his skill and his zeal to seize every occasion, which may seem to offer him the improvement or the aggrandizement of your territories. This A
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 3. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
No. 3. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
Continuation of the negociation.—Intrigues of the Austrian Party. Venice, Dec. 24, 1677. Sir , I have only some few particulars to add to the letter, which I did myself the honour to write to the King last week; but as the Duke of Mantua has made known to me, that they may serve to make you still more aware how important it is to that Prince to take his measures secretly, and to use all possible diligence for the conclusion of the affair, which I have given an account of to his Majesty, I have t
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 4. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
No. 4. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
Intrigues of the Spaniards to form a league in Italy against France. Venice, January 1st, 1678. Sir , I have so little news to send you from hence to-day, that I shall very soon have told you all I know, and may hope not to fatigue you with the length of this letter. I know that a Senator, who is one of the Pre gadi, has said, that the Emperor and the Spaniards are ardently soliciting the Nuncios and the Ambassadors from Venice, residing at Madrid and Vienna, to persuade their masters to unite w
59 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 5. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES.
No. 5. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES.
Saint Germain, January 5th, 1678. Sir , Not having yet had time to render an account to the King of your despatch of the 18th of last month, I cannot inform you of the sentiments of his Majesty as to what you acquaint him with respecting the dispositions of the Duke of Mantua. I will, however, do so by the next post. Pomponne. 166...
22 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 6. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES.
No. 6. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES.
The King’s approval of the negociation. Saint Germain, January 12th, 1678. Sir , You will see by the letter of the King which goes herewith, how much his Majesty approves of the negociation, which you have entered into with the Duke of Mantua, for an affair undoubtedly very important at all times, but especially so at this conjuncture: you could not also have conducted yourself in it with greater prudence, or greater secrecy than you have done. I am very happy to see that you have taken advantag
50 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 7. LEWIS THE FOURTEENTH TO ESTRADES.
No. 7. LEWIS THE FOURTEENTH TO ESTRADES.
Approval of the negociation.—Answer to the demands of the Duke of Mantua. St. Germain, January 12th, 1678. Abbé d’Estrades , I have seen with pleasure, by your letter of the 18th of last month, the pains you have taken, as well to draw the Duke of Mantua from the lethargy of debauchery in which he is sunk, as to excite him to throw off the yoke of the Archduchess, his mother, and of the Monk Bulgarini; who, without leaving him any part in the government of his territories, add every day to the s
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 8. LEWIS THE FOURTEENTH TO MATTHIOLI.
No. 8. LEWIS THE FOURTEENTH TO MATTHIOLI.
January 12th, 1678. Count Matthioli , I have seen by the letter you wrote me, as well as by what my Ambassador, the Abbé d’Estrades, communicated to me, the affection that you show for my interests. You cannot doubt but that I am much obliged to you for it, and that I shall have much pleasure in giving you proofs of my satisfaction upon every occasion. Referring you, therefore, for further particulars, to what will be said to you from me by the Abbé d’Estrades, I shall not lengthen this letter m
32 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 9. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
No. 9. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
Venice, January 29th, 1678. Sir , I have nothing to add to what I did myself the honour to write to the King, upon the present state of the affair, which I am treating of with the Duke of Mantua. It goes on so rapidly, that I am reduced to be sorry that I cannot find any difficulties, which, without rendering the eventual success of it doubtful, might prolong the negocia tions as long as the King seems to wish; but I have the greatest difficulty to encourage the Duke of Mantua, under the fear he
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 10. ESTRADES TO LEWIS THE FOURTEENTH.
No. 10. ESTRADES TO LEWIS THE FOURTEENTH.
Conference with Matthioli.—Discussion of the demands of the Duke of Mantua. Venice, January 29th, 1678. Sire , At the time that I received the letter which your Majesty did me the honour to write to me on the 12th of this month, having learned that the Count Matthioli was arrived at Venice, I sent to him to say that I desired to have a conference with him, in consequence of which he came to my house with the usual precautions. I first delivered into his hands the letter with which your Majesty h
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 11. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
No. 11. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
The Duke of Mantua watched by the Spaniards. Venice, February 12th, 1678. Sir , Though the Duke of Mantua has been for the last fortnight at Venice, I have not yet been able to see him; but he has sent me word several times, by the Count Matthioli, that he had still more impatience than even I have, that we should confer together; that he only deferred giving himself that satisfaction, in order that he might first get rid of those of his people whom he has the least confidence in, and particular
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 12. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
No. 12. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
Impatience of the Duke of Mantua to conclude the Negociation. Venice, February 19th, 1678. Sir , You will have seen by the last letters I did myself the honour to write to you, that I take care to keep up the negociation I have entered into with the Duke of Mantua, and to hold it always in that state that it may be terminated in whatever way the King shall judge most according to his interests. Thus, Sir, I have only to assure you, that I shall apply myself, as you command me in your last letter
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 13. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
No. 13. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
Plans of the Spaniards.—Dispositions of the Venetian Government. Venice, February 26th, 1678. Sir , I have not had the honour of receiving any letters from you this week. Indeed, I expected that the hurry of the King’s departure would prevent your writing. I have learned from good authority, that the government here have received intelligence, that the Spaniards have renewed their proposals to form a league of the Princes of Italy against France, and that it was at Rome that they concerted the m
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 14. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES.
No. 14. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES.
Recommendations of Delay in the Negociation. Cambray, March 1st, 1678. Sir , I have rendered an account to the King, during his journey, of your despatches of the 29th of January and 5th of February. I shall not now have time enough to send you a long answer to them. I shall therefore only tell you, that his Majesty saw in them the continuation of the negociation which you have entered into with the Count Matthioli; that you had been discussing the points which he proposed to you, and those whic
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 15. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
No. 15. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
Information respecting the Dispositions of the Venetians. Venice, March 12, 1678. Sir , The hurry which I know always prevails on a march, left me but little hope of hearing from you till you arrived at Metz, and I am therefore the more obliged to you for your kindness, in writing to me on the 15th of last month from Vitry. I have nothing certain to send you to-day; but next week I shall have the honour of sending to the King an account of the conference, which I am decidedly to have to-morrow e
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 16. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
No. 16. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
Fears of the Duke of Mantua. Venice, March 19th, 1678. Sir , I have not had the honour of receiving any letter from you this week. You will see by the account I send to the King, what passed at the conference I had with the Duke of Mantua. I will only add to it, Sir, that, if his Majesty deems it to his advantage, that this Prince should be united with him, according to the conditions which have been proposed, it appears to me that it will be necessary, before the Count Matthioli sets off for Pa
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 17. ESTRADES TO LEWIS THE FOURTEENTH.
No. 17. ESTRADES TO LEWIS THE FOURTEENTH.
Account of his Interview with the Duke of Mantua.—The latter insists upon sending Matthioli to Paris. Venice, March 19th, 1678. Sire , A week ago I communicated to M. de Pomponne that I was to have a conference the next day with the Duke of Mantua. We met, as had been concerted, at midnight, in a small open place, which is at an equal distance from his house and mine. I was an entire hour with him, and not only did I tell him all that your Majesty had desired me to apprize him of, and which he h
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 18. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
No. 18. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
Reasons for consenting to the mission of Matthioli to Paris. Venice, March 26th, 1678. Sir , My last letters will have shown you that I had forestalled in some measure, the orders which I received in the one of the 4th of this month, which you did me the honour to write me. I had judged that, in the present conjuncture, it would not be easy for the King to send a powerful army into Italy, so speedily as was wished. It appeared to me, nevertheless, that His Majesty considered the negociation whic
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 19. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
No. 19. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
Venice, April 2d, 1678. Sir , I have nothing to add to what I have already had the honour of writing to you, upon the affair which regards the Duke of Mantua. I have received this morning a note from the Count Matthioli, in which he gives me intelligence that he shall be here to-morrow; and that he will come the same day to me, an hour after sunset. I will not fail to give you an account, in my next letter, of the conversation I shall have with him. I am glad that he did not return to Venice so
45 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 20. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES.
No. 20. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES.
Approval of Matthioli’s Mission to France.—Permission to Estrades to leave Venice. April 5th, 1678. Sir , We are now at the end of our journey, and consequently at the end of my want of punctuality in writing to you. The being stationary at St. Germain, will make me more regular. I took an opportunity, yesterday, to give an account to his Majesty of your letters of the 5th, 12th, and 19th of last month. He appeared satisfied with the manner in which you have conducted the business with the Duke
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 21. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
No. 21. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
Conversation with Matthioli. Venice, April 9th, 1678. Sir , The Count Matthioli arrived here six days ago; I had a conversation with him the same evening, and the day after he set off for Bologna, where he was to meet the Duke of Mantua, who will send him from thence to Paris, after having given him his last orders. He assured me that he was charged to confirm to his Majesty all that I have had the honour of acquainting him with, and that his master had only recommended him not to consent to the
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 22. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES.
No. 22. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES.
St. Germain, April 13th, 1678. Sir , I have already sent you word that the King approves very much of the manner in which you have carried on the negociation with the Duke of Mantua, without either breaking it off or advancing it too much. It is even advantageous, as a very natural means of gaining time, that that Prince should have taken the part of sending the Count Matthioli to the King. We may treat with him according to the propositions he is charged with; but it would be a pity if the foun
41 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 23. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
No. 23. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
Means of protracting the Negociation.—Views of Matthioli. Venice, April 30th, 1678. Sir , I consider myself very happy, that the King has so much approved of the manner in which I have conducted myself, in the affair of the Duke of Mantua, as you have informed me in the letter which you did me the honour to write to me on the 13th of this month, and that his Majesty has had the goodness to regard more the zeal I have for his service than my capacity. I shall have nothing more in future to tell y
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 24. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
No. 24. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
Delay in Matthioli’s Journey to Paris. Venice, May 21, 1678. Sir , The Count Matthioli has been here for the last four days with his master. He came to me yesterday, to tell me that the Spaniards had been, for the last two months, making such great advances to the Duke of Mantua, that they would, perhaps, have obliged him to consent to all they desired, which was the removing his garrison from Guastalla, introducing the Germans into Casale, and de claring himself openly against France, if he had
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 25. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
No. 25. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
Interview with Matthioli. Venice, June 11, 1678. Sir , The Count Matthioli, who does not lose sight of the Duke of Mantua, for the reasons that I have already informed you of, is come here to make a stay of three or four days with that Prince; he has assured me that he is still in the resolution of setting off, the end of this month, to go to Paris; and that he will first accompany his master to Casale, where he has lately discovered the intrigues of the Spaniards, for the purpose of obtaining p
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 26. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES.
No. 26. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES.
St. Germain, June 15, 1678. Sir , I answer your letters of the 21st and 28th of May, and of the 4th of this month together; the first has made known to the King the reasons which have delayed the Count Matthioli: if they are really such as he told you, and that he has thought his presence necessary, in order to prevent the injurious resolutions to which the Spaniards might have persuaded his master, it is quite right in him not to have left him; it would also be advantageous if he could soon wit
41 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 27. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES.
No. 27. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES.
June 22, 1678. Sir , The King has seen the letter which you were pleased to write to me, and his Majesty has learnt from it with pleasure, that the Count Matthioli is always in the same sentiments of affection and zeal, which he has already shown for his Majesty. Continue to strengthen him in them, by the hope of the same advantages which you have already shown him that the Duke his master will find in the alliance and protection of the King. The Duke not being in a condition to preserve Casale,
47 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 28. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
No. 28. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
Differences between the Duke of Mantua and the Spaniards. Venice, July 2, 1678. Sir , I see by the letter, which you did me the honour to write to me on the 15th of last month, that you have approved of the assiduity of the Count Matthioli about the Duke of Mantua, from the reasons which I sent you. It will appear to you still more useful, when you are told that he has obliged that Prince to break off the marriage of the great-nephew of Don Vincent of Gonzaga, Viceroy of Sicily, with the second
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 29. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
No. 29. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
Excuses for the delay of Matthioli. Venice, July 9, 1678. Sir , After what I had the honour of acquainting you with in my last letter, on the subject of the Count Matthioli, I should not have any thing further to add to-day, if he had not begged me to let you know that he has only remained at Venice some days longer than he originally intended, in order to execute some little commissions which the Duke of Mantua gave him when he left the place; but that he will go and meet that Prince this week
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 30. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES.
No. 30. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES.
July 13, 1678. Sir , The letter which you were pleased to write to me on the second of this month, has shown the King that the Count Matthioli continues in the same good intentions for his service, and in the design of coming to France. His Majesty sees with pleasure that he is making preparation, in order to be able to finish there the negociation which you have commenced with him; and he has also been well contented that, in order to prevent his master from entering into more intimate engageme
38 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 31. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
No. 31. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE.
Venice, July 30, 1678. Sir , I have nothing new to send you, in return for what you tell me, in the letter which you did me the honour to write to me on the 13th of this month: but as soon as the Duke of Mantua shall be arrived at Casale, I shall be able to inform you precisely of the day on which the Count Matthioli will set off for Paris. I have heard that the Duke has brought his mother back to Mantua, and that she is ill there of a fever. If God was to call her to himself, without doubt the
48 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 32. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES.
No. 32. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES.
St. Germain, August 10, 1678. Sir , As the King continues always in the intention of profiting by the good dispositions of the Duke of Mantua, His Majesty desires that you will continue to encourage them, as you have already had so much part in originating them. His arrival at Casale, and the journey of the Count Matthioli into France, will show more clearly his inclinations with regard to delivering up that place to His Majesty. ∗ ∗ ∗ Pomponne. 208...
23 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 33. ESTRADES TO LEWIS THE FOURTEENTH.
No. 33. ESTRADES TO LEWIS THE FOURTEENTH.
Good dispositions of the Duke of Mantua, and of the Garrison of Casale. Venice, August 20, 1678. Sire , The Count Matthioli arrived here the day before yesterday, and he goes away this evening to Mantua. He only came here to assure me, that he would set off infallibly in the first week of next month, to go to your Majesty, as he has done himself the honour of sending you word himself; that the Duke of Mantua is always firm in his design of putting himself under the protection of your Majesty; th
54 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 34. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 34. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Venice, September 3, 1678. Sir , The Count Matthioli has sent word to the Ambassador by the Sieur Giuliani, (whom he had despatched to Padua, to learn news respecting his health) that his illness begins to diminish, and that he hopes it will soon permit him to commence his journey to the Court, about the time he agreed on with him. ∗ ∗ ∗ De Pinchesne. 210...
22 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 35. MATTHIOLI TO LEWIS THE FOURTEENTH.
No. 35. MATTHIOLI TO LEWIS THE FOURTEENTH.
Excuses his own delay. Padua, September 12th, 1678. Sire , The illness, which came upon me while I was getting ready for my departure, has, (as your Ma jesty has deigned to be informed by the Abbé d’Estrades, your Ambassador at Venice,) occasioned, to my extreme grief, the necessity for me to delay my journey to you. The eagerness I have is extraordinary, to be able with all possible celerity to throw myself at your Majesty’s feet. As soon as I shall have recovered in some degree my strength, I
43 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 36. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 36. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Venice, September 17th, 1678. Sir , The Sieur Giuliani, having gone one day this week to gain information of the state of health of the Count Matthioli, brought back to the Ambassador the letter which the Count had done himself the honour of writing to you, 212 and which I take the liberty, Sir, of sending you. He sent word at the same time to his Excellency, that now, as he has no more fever, he will return to Mantua, in order to satisfy the impatience of the Duke of Mantua to see him; and that
41 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 37. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
No. 37. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
Fontainebleau, October 6, 1678. I have received, Sir, this week, your letter of the 17th, together with the two others from M. Matthioli, which were joined to it; but I cannot reply to them till the next post, not having as yet had an opportunity of rendering an account of them to the King. We shall wait for the arrival of the aforesaid Sieur Matthioli, to know what propositions he intends to make. I am, &c. Pomponne . 214...
24 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 38. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
No. 38. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
Paris, October 14, 1678. Since the last post, I have found an opportunity to read to the King your letter of the 17th of September, and he appears to me to approve of the account, you give in it, of what regards his interests, in the place where you at present are. His Majesty has learnt with pleasure, that the Count Matthioli will soon be in a state to come here, when he will listen to him with favour. Pomponne. 215...
27 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 39. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 39. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Intention of Estrades to leave Venice. Venice, October 15, 1678. Sir , I sent you word, some time back, that the Abbé d’Estrades was gone into the country, from whence he intended to continue his journey into France. The uneasiness he felt at the delay of the Count Matthioli in his departure, (although it only proceeded from his illness, and from the necessity he had to be near his master,) and his desire to see him set off before him, or at least at the same time, are the causes why he has alwa
45 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 40. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 40. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Continued delay of Matthioli. Venice, October 22d, 1678. Sir , While I was in the belief that the Count Matthioli had set out for the Court, according to the promise he had made to the Abbé d’Estrades in the last conference, which, as I sent you word, Sir, they had together, I have been surprised by learning at this moment, by a letter which he has written to the Sieur Giuliani, who has just brought it me, that some affairs, which he has had to transact with the Duke of Mantua, have obliged him
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 41. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 41. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Venice, October 29th, 1678. Sir , I have received this instant a letter from the Count Matthioli, written from Berheta, on the 26th of this month; in which he acquaints me that he will immediately continue his journey to the Court with the Sieur Giuliani; where, perhaps, they will be arrived before you receive this letter. ∗ ∗ ∗ De Pinchesne. 219...
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 42. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
No. 42. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
Versailles, November 4th, 1678. According to appearances the Abbé d’Estrades will soon arrive here, and with him the Count Matthioli, through whom we shall be able to know more distinctly the sentiments of the Duke of Mantua. ∗ ∗ ∗ Pomponne. 220...
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 43. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
No. 43. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
November 11th, 1678. I have received your letter of the 22d, the principal point of which is, the making the King acquainted with the reason, for which the Count Matthioli did not set off so soon as he had promised the Abbé d’Estrades. We must wait for his arrival to know what he has to propose to the King. Pomponne. 221...
18 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 44. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
No. 44. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
Versailles, November 18th, 1678. Neither the Count Matthioli, nor the Sieur Giuliani are yet arrived here. Pomponne. 222...
10 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 45. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 45. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Venice, November 19th, 1678. Sir , I have just received a letter from the Count Matthioli, written from Zurich on the 5th of this month, in which he informs me, that the bad roads have been the cause, which has prevented him from travelling as quick as he could wish in his journey to the Court, but that he hopes to be there in a few days, and perhaps may be arrived before you receive this. ∗ ∗ ∗ De Pinchesne. 223...
27 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 46. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 46. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Venice, November 26th, 1678. Sir , I have received this week the two letters which you did me the honour to write to me, on the 4th and on the 7th of this month. I see by both of them, how much the King is disposed to receive the Count Matthioli favourably, and to listen willingly to his propositions, as soon as he shall be arrived at the Court. I think he must be there at present, as I have again received to-day a letter from him, from Soleure, dated the 9th of this month, in which he informs m
34 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 47. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
No. 47. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
December 2d, 1678. I send you only a packet belonging to the Count Matthioli, who arrived here some days ago, and who acquaints the Duke of Mantua with the circumstance. You must take great care to send the letters that are in this packet to their destination. I am, &c. Pomponne. 225...
19 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 48.
No. 48.
Powers granted to Pomponne, to treat with Matthioli. The Duke of Mantua having testified to his Majesty, through the medium of the Count Matthioli, the extreme desire he has to make known his zeal for his interests; and to acquire for himself, by the most intimate alliances into which he can enter with him, the same friendship and the same protection, which his predecessors have received from France on great and important occasions. His Majesty, therefore, who has always preserved a sincere affe
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 49. LEWIS THE FOURTEENTH TO THE DUKE OF MANTUA.
No. 49. LEWIS THE FOURTEENTH TO THE DUKE OF MANTUA.
Promises his protection to the Duke. My Cousin , The Count Matthioli, will instruct you so particularly, both of the manner in which he has acquitted himself of the orders with which you have charged him for me, and of the extreme satisfaction with which I have received the assurances he has given me of your zeal for my interests, that I can have nothing further to add upon these subjects. I am only desirous of testifying to you myself, the entire confidence which I wish you to place in my frien
58 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 50. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
No. 50. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
December 16th, 1678. I send you a letter of the King to the Duke of Mantua, which you will deliver to the Count Matthioli, as soon as he shall arrive at Venice, taking care always to keep his journey very secret. I am, &c. Pomponne. 228...
18 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 51. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 51. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Interview of Pinchesne with Don Joseph Varano. Venice, December 24th, 1678. Sir , As soon as I had received, together with the letter that you did me the favour to write me on the second of this month, that which the Count Matthioli sent to the Duke of Mantua, under cover to Don Joseph Varano, who is here with that Prince, and who is one of the two persons to whom his Highness has confided the design he has to deliver Casale into the hands of the King, I made known to M. Varano, by the son of th
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 52. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
No. 52. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
A courier sent to Venice with a new cypher. St. Germain, December 25th, 1678. This courier, whom I despatch to you, has orders not to come to your house as a courier, but to enter Venice as a tradesman, or a private French individual, who comes there on his own business: he brings for you a cypher, which you will only make use of in what regards the affairs of the Duke of Mantua, according to the occasions which you may deem necessary after the return of the Count Matthioli. We have been afraid
54 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 53. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 53. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
Catinat sent to Pignerol. St. Germain-en-Laye, December 29, 1678. These few words are to let you know, that it is necessary for the King’s service, that the person who will send you this note, should enter into the citadel of Pignerol, without any body’s knowing it. To this effect, cause the Gate of Aid 231 to remain open till night-fall, and send him one of your servants; or even, if you are able, go yourself to meet him, at the place to which his valet will conduct you; in order that he may en
35 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 54. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
No. 54. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
D’Asfeld sent to Venice. St. Germain, Dec. 30, 1678. The King has despatched this day the Sieur d’Asfeld, Colonel of Dragoons, who is to go to Venice, under pretext of a journey of curiosity and pleasure. He will not come directly to your house, but will appear as a stranger, whom curiosity alone leads to the place where you are. He will afterwards come to see you, as if on account of the natural obligation which all Frenchmen have to visit those who are placed in a country for His Majesty’s ser
46 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 55. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
No. 55. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
Sir , You will receive this letter by the hands of M. d’Asfeld, who goes to Venice, for an affair which he will communicate to you himself, and of which you will have had, before his arrival, a more particular instruction by my letters. All that I will therefore add is, that you will put an entire reliance on what he tells you, and that you will contribute, in every way that depends on you, to the success of his particular interests at the place where you are. I am, &c. Pomponne. 234...
27 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 56. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 56. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Venice, Dec. 31, 1678. Sir , In order to deliver to Don Joseph Varano the letter, which I have received for him from the Count Matthioli, at the same time with that which you did me the favour to write on the 9th of this month, I have made use of the same means which I had the honour to acquaint you with in my last letter, and which we had agreed upon together, for the time during which the Duke of Mantua should remain at Venice. He told me, when he received it, that this prince had experienced
44 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 57. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 57. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Venice, Jan. 7, 1679. Sir , As soon as the Count Matthioli shall arrive at Venice, I will immediately deliver into his hands the letter which the King has done the Duke of Mantua the honour of writing to him. That prince left this place the day before yesterday, to return to his own States; but he is to come back to Venice towards the end of this month, to pass the rest of the Carnival there. I will keep the journey of the Count Matthioli secret, as you order me; but I beg you to believe, Sir, t
42 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 58. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 58. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Venice, Jan. 15th, 1679. Sir , I shall execute with all the punctuality possible, every order which it shall please you to give me on this affair; and as soon as the Count Matthioli shall be returned to this place, I will not fail to acquaint you with it, and to give you an exact account of all he shall tell me respecting the business which he has been negociating at the Court. De Pinchesne. 237...
26 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 59. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 59. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Arrival of d’Asfeld at Venice. Venice, Jan. 21st, 1679. Sir , Before I received the letter, which you did me the honour to write to me on the 30th of last month, and by which you informed me that the King intended to send here the Count d’Asfeld, Colonel of a regiment of Dragoons, he was already arrived, and had been to see me, to communicate to me the orders he had received from his Majesty; but as he was not charged with any letter from you, for me, I should have had some difficulty in opening
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 60. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 60. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Delays of Matthioli, and of the Duke of Mantua. Venice, Jan. 28th, 1679. Sir , According to the letters which M. Giuliani and I received last week from the Count Matthioli, we thought he would, without doubt, be this week at Venice, with the Duke of Mantua. However, neither one nor the other are yet arrived, on account of a slight illness which the Duchess dowager of Mantua has had, which has obliged that prince to remain with her; but the Sieur Giuliani has received to-day a letter from Don Jos
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 61. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 61. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Further Delays of Matthioli. Venice, February 4th, 1679. Sir , The Duke of Mantua has been here since Tuesday. The Count Matthioli was to have come with him, but the fever he has been suffering from for the last ten or twelve days prevented him, and obliged him to remain at Padua, where he still is, for the purpose of going through a course of remedies. Nevertheless, Sir, as time presses, M. d’Asfeld and I have sent M. Giuliani to him twice this week, to represent to him the necessity we have of
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 62. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 62. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
St. Germain, Feb. 7th, 1679. I send you a letter for the same person 241 to whom you were to deliver the two packages, which the individual named Barrere ought to have brought you by this time. I beg that you will give it to him, and send me by the return of the same courier, who will deliver to you this letter, whatever answer he shall make to it. The person who despatches this courier from Lyons, has orders to tell him, that he is the bearer of the letters of Madame Fouquet. It will be right f
51 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 63. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 63. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Interviews with Matthioli.—Further Delays in the Ratification of the Treaty. Feb. 7th, 1679. We had hoped, M. d’Asfeld and I, according to the promises which had been given us to this effect by the Count Matthioli, through M. Giuliani, as often as we sent him to Padua, that we might be able to dispose the Duke of Mantua to go to Casale the 25th of this month, according to the King’s intentions; but notwithstanding all that we have been able to allege to the Count in the two conferences we have h
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 64. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 64. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
St. Germain, February 15th, 1679. When the affairs for which the Sieur de Richemont is with you shall be concluded, you may, &c. 244 ∗ ∗ ∗ De Louvois. 245...
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 65. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
No. 65. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
February 17th, 1679. I have given an account to the King of what you tell me, in your last letter of the 28th of January, you have done concerning the affair which is entrusted to you, and of your expecting the Count Matthioli soon, from the assurance that the Sieur Giuliani had given you to that effect. His Majesty was very glad to see that you still have hopes both of the success of the affair, and of prevailing upon the Duke of Mantua to leave Venice on the 20th or 25th of this month. I have
40 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 66. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 66. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Reasons for the Duke of Mantua’s delay in going to Casale. Venice, February 18th, 1679. Sir , The necessity, which M. d’Asfeld and myself were under a week ago, of sending off in all haste the courier whom we despatched to the Court, prevented me, Sir, from being able to acquaint you in the letter, which I then did myself the honour to write to you, with the reasons, which the Count Matthioli has alleged to us, to make us understand that the Duke of Mantua cannot be at Casale the 25th of this mo
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 67. POMPONNE TO MATTHIOLI.
No. 67. POMPONNE TO MATTHIOLI.
February 21st, 1679. Sir , I have received the letters, that you have taken the trouble to write to me, and I think I cannot do better than address my answer to them to the care of the Abbé d’Estrades, as you intend making a journey to Turin. I have not failed to give an account to the King of your sorrow at the long delay of an affair, which was commenced and is to be concluded through your means. His Majesty is still willing to promise himself a good success in it, and will not entertain any d
49 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 68. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 68. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Arrangements for the Exchange of the Ratifications of the Treaty. Venice, February 25th, 1679. Sir , I sent you word in my last letter of the reports, which the march of the troops to Pignerol caused through the whole of Italy: these have much increased this week from the news which has been received that M. de Vauban 253 is gone there by the King’s order; which makes it be believed more than ever, that his Majesty certainly meditates some great design on that side, although the strongest suspic
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 69. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 69. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Suspicions of the House of Austria respecting the Negociations. Venice, March 4th, 1679. Sir , All the advices that come from France and from Turin declare so positively that the Duke of Mantua has made a treaty with the King for the cession of Casale and of the Montferrat, that they are beginning here to change into certainties those suspicions which I mentioned to you, Sir, in my two last letters, they had had, ever since the first news arrived at Milan by the couriers which Madame Royale and
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 70. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 70. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Arrest of d’Asfeld.—Departure of the Duke of Mantua from Venice. Venice, March 11th, 1679. Sir , The Courier, whom we sent you a month ago, not having complied with the order I had given him to write to me as soon as he should be arrived at Lyons, in order to acquaint me whether he had passed through the Milanese without being arrested, I was under great uneasiness until I received the letter, in which you do me the favour to inform me that you have received the despatch which I sent you by him.
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 71. POMPONNE TO MATTHIOLI.
No. 71. POMPONNE TO MATTHIOLI.
Letter of Credence to be presented to Matthioli by Catinat. St. Germain, March 14, 1679. Sir , The King has been informed by the Sieur de Pinchesne, of all the measures which you have taken with him and with M. d’Asfeld, for the execution of the affair, which has been conducted by your labours, and of the time which the Duke of Mantua has arranged for being at Casale. He is, besides, aware that M. d’Asfeld was to leave Venice some days earlier, according to the agreement that you had made togeth
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 72. ESTRADES TO MATTHIOLI.
No. 72. ESTRADES TO MATTHIOLI.
Complaints of the Delays in the Conclusion of the Negociation. Turin, March 24th, 1679. I have thought it my duty, Sir, to give you advice of my arrival at this court, in order that you may be able to let me know whatever you shall judge necessary; and that whatsoever remains to be done, for the termination of what has been already resolved, may be the more easy of execution, from the proximity of the places at which we respectively are. You cannot doubt its being with this view, that the wish h
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 73. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 73. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
St. Germain, March 26th, 1679. I have received your letter of the 21st of this month. You will have seen by my former ones, that the King approves of the officers of the citadel of Pignerol visiting your prisoners, and passing the mornings and afternoons with them when they desire it, in the presence of one of your own officers. 262 I can only now repeat the same thing to you, and tell you, that with regard to the governor, the officers, and the inhabitants of the town, you may act in the same m
53 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 74. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
No. 74. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
St. Germain, March 26th, 1679. The King is extremely anxious for the success of the affair of the Duke of Mantua. We have heard nothing from M. d’Asfeld, and, therefore, can have no doubt of his being prisoner in the Milanese. The news which you received of his being arrested at La Canonica, was doubtless as true as that of his being released again was the reverse. We shall now see if the firmness of the Duke of Mantua, which has thus far resisted the efforts of the Count Carrossa, and of the Re
41 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 75. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
No. 75. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
Suspicions of the Fidelity of Matthioli. St. Germain, April 5th, 1679. I have received your letter of the 18th of March, which shows the bad state in which, according to the Count Matthioli’s own accounts, the affair of Mantua is: he is very possibly, as you say, the sole author of all the accidents and impediments in it, which he writes word, in his letter to Giuliani, have happened. Your next letters will give us still clearer intelligence on this subject; but we have many reasons for apprehen
33 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 76. CHANOIS TO LOUVOIS.
No. 76. CHANOIS TO LOUVOIS.
Reports of Catinat being at Pignerol.—Different Rumours respecting the Negociation. Pignerol, April 5th, 1679. As I have discovered, Sir, since the last post, that the Marquis d’Herleville (governor of Pignerol) is aware that M. de Richemont is incognito in the citadel of this town, and that, in fact, he knows his real name; I do myself the honour of acquainting you with the circumstance. M. de Saint-André even sends word, that he has been told at Turin that M. de Catinat is to take him with him
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 77. CATINAT TO LOUVOIS.
No. 77. CATINAT TO LOUVOIS.
Pignerol, April 8th, 1679. Sir , The roads being good, and the days as long as they are at present, a body of cavalry can go in less than thirty hours from Pignerol to Casale. There is no fortified place through which we should be obliged to pass, and I am not aware of any difficulty that we could find on the passage, provided we took the country by surprise in our march. I have thought it right to state this to you, Sir, because the possibility of using this degree of diligence may materially a
52 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 78. CATINAT TO LOUVOIS.
No. 78. CATINAT TO LOUVOIS.
Rumours of Catinat’s being at Pignerol.—Civilities of Saint-Mars to him. April 15th, 1679. Sir , M. d’Herleville must have received some letters from Paris by the last post, which have given him the suspicion that I might be here; at least, he has put some leading questions on the subject to M. de Chanois: he is not a man without curiosity, and he thought by these means to gain certain intelligence. As I have been now a long while absent, and there has been no doubt at Paris of some design in ag
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 79. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
No. 79. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
Continued Suspicions of Matthioli. St. Germain, April 18th, 1679. The account you gave me in your letter of the 25th of last month of the conversation you had had with the Count Matthioli, could not be more exact. It is still very difficult to discover what is the real case with this affair, and whether the good faith that was to be desired in it has been kept to. Try to discover this adroitly, but without showing any suspicions; and be careful to inform me of every thing that shall come to your
34 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 80. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 80. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
St. Germain, April 18th, 1679. I have received your letter of the 8th of this month. The period of time during which M. de Richemont will have to remain in the place where he is at present being uncertain, I advise you to let him walk with your prisoners, even if it should only be in the dungeon. You may even permit him to pay them visits, and to converse with them, which will assist in enabling him to pass the time of his stay, which, whether it will be long or short, I cannot at present tell y
33 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 81. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
No. 81. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
Confirmation of the Suspicions respecting Matthioli’s want of Fidelity. St. Germain, April 19th, 1679. The account you have given in your letter of the first of this month, of your interview with the Count Matthioli, of the assurances he gave you of his good intentions, and of the journey he was preparing to make to the Abbé d’Estrades, does not prevent his being suspected with great reason of want of fidelity. Do not, however, let him discover, in case you see him again, the knowledge we have u
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 82. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 82. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
Order to receive Matthioli as a Prisoner. Saint Germain, April 27th, 1679. The King has sent orders to the Abbé d’Estrades, to try and arrest a man, with whose conduct His Majesty has reason to be dissatisfied; of which he has commanded me to acquaint you, in order that you may not object to receiving him, when he shall be sent to you, and that you may guard him in a manner, that not only he may not have communication with any one, but that also he may have cause to repent of his bad conduct; an
33 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 83. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
No. 83. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
Further confirmation of the Treachery of Matthioli. St. Germain, May 3d, 1679. The letter you wrote me on the 15th of last month, has confirmed to the King the treachery of the Count Matthioli, which already was but too much suspected. There never was so signal a piece of perfidy. We must hope that the sentiments of his master will not be of the same kind, and that he will not wish to break the promises he has given to his Majesty. Meanwhile we hear that this Count has arrived at Turin, where he
35 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 84. CATINAT TO LOUVOIS.
No. 84. CATINAT TO LOUVOIS.
Arrest of Matthioli. Pignerol, May 3d, 1679. I arrested Matthioli yesterday, three miles from hence, upon the King’s territories, during an interview which the Abbé d’Estrades had ingeniously contrived between him, Matthioli, and myself, to facilitate the scheme. For the purpose of arresting him, I only made use of the Chevalier de Saint-Martin and de Villebois, two officers of M. de Saint-Mars, and of four men of his company: it was effected without any violence, and no one knows the name of th
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 85. CATINAT TO LOUVOIS.
No. 85. CATINAT TO LOUVOIS.
Intelligence respecting Matthioli’s Papers. Pignerol, May 6th, 1679. Sir , Since I did myself the honour of writing to you, I have taken down shortly in writing all the information I have been able to draw from the Sieur de Lestang. By making him perceive, and roughly too, the misery to which his bad conduct exposed him, I induced him to seek for the means of avoiding it, by doing readily and frankly all that was desired of him. I have not said any thing to him which could make him discover the
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 86.
No. 86.
Inventory sent by Catinat to Louvois, of the Papers which Matthioli had about his person. 1. A Memorandum of what he had to do at Turin, at the place where he expected to receive letters from Carbonini. 2. A little note of the papers of consequence he has at Padua, among which are those which the King is desirous of having, and which the Sieur Giuliani is gone to take possession of. 3. A note of the road he was to take in his way to Casale. 4. Another note, which states that he has sent four bla
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 87. CATINAT TO LOUVOIS.
No. 87. CATINAT TO LOUVOIS.
First Examination of Matthioli. Pignerol, May 10th, 1679. I have delivered to the Abbé d’Estrades, by the hands of his relation, the Abbé de Montesquiou, all the letters and papers of the Sieur de Lestang, which consisted in many letters, of which I have kept a list, containing shortly the subject of each letter. These letters only show his journeys backwards and forwards; there are some of them in which he is advised to take care of himself; one, among others, is from the Ministers of Mantua, i
10 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 88. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
No. 88. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE.
St. Germain, May 10, 1679. Your letter, Sir, of the 22d of last month serves still more to confirm the treachery of the Count Matthioli, of which we had even before had too many proofs. He was, in fact, arrived in Piedmont, and had seen the Abbé d’Estrades. It is impossible to conceive the insolence of his daring to show himself, at a moment when all Italy rings with his perfidy. However, it is to be wished that he should deliver up the ratification of the Duke of Mantua, if it is true, as that
45 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 89. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
No. 89. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Interviews between the Duke of Mantua and the Senator Foscarini. Venice, May 13th, 1679. Sir , I beseech you very humbly to be persuaded that I will not fail to execute, with all the exactitude and zeal possible, the orders which it has pleased you to give me, (in the letter which you have done me the honour to write to me on the 26th of last month,) to inform you of all that shall come to my knowledge respecting the affair of Casale, and on the subject of the Count Matthioli. The annoyance I ha
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 90. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 90. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
Orders to treat Matthioli with severity. St. Germain, May 15th, 1679. I have received your letter of the 6th of this month, which requires no answer, except to say that you will have sufficiently seen by my former letters, that it is not the intention of the King that the Sieur de Lestang should be well-treated, nor that, except the absolute necessaries of life, you should give him any thing that may make him pass his time agreeably. I address to you a packet of importance for M. de Richemont, w
38 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 91. CATINAT TO LOUVOIS.
No. 91. CATINAT TO LOUVOIS.
Plans of Catinat for obtaining possession of Casale. Pignerol, May 16th, 1679. I send you, Sir, the second examination of M. Matthioli, according to the order which I received to that effect, by the extraordinary courier you sent to this place. You will find it little different from the first. I put him into the greatest possible fear of the torture, if he did not tell the truth. One sees very well by his answers that his conduct has been infamous. I see no good reason which can excuse him for h
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 92.
No. 92.
Second Examination of Matthioli. The Count Matthioli being asked what happened to him when he passed through Turin, replied, that he had been to visit the Marquis of Saint-Thomas; that as he was ill, he could not see him; that afterwards he went to the President Turki, whom he found full of suspicions respecting his journey into France; and that as he is an insinuating and adroit man, he engaged him insensibly to talk of the affairs of the Duke of Mantua and of Casale; that it is true, that bein
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 93. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 93. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
St. Germain, May 20th, 1679. Your letter of the 10th of this month has been delivered to me; I have nothing to add to what I have already commanded you respecting the severity with which the individual named Lestang must be treated. With regard to the man who conducted M. de Richemont into Piedmont, you may let him go, after having recompensed him sufficiently, taking care to let me know what you have given him. De Louvois. 292...
23 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 94. CATINAT TO LOUVOIS.
No. 94. CATINAT TO LOUVOIS.
Further particulars respecting Matthioli. Pignerol, May 21st, 1679. I only send you, Sir, the answers which the Sieur Lestang has made to me upon the points, on which you have ordered me to interrogate him; the preceding examinations, which I took the liberty of sending you, having already informed you upon other subjects, and generally upon every thing which I have been able to learn from the aforesaid Sieur de Lestang. He is a man whose conduct has been so infamous, that one cannot answer for
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 95.
No. 95.
Third Examination of Matthioli. May 21st, 1679. Being asked whether at his return from France he had not seen the president Turki; he answered, that it is true he had told him there was a treaty respecting Casale, and that he had even told him the conditions of it, but that he could not have given him an exact copy of it, because he had not his papers with him, having sent them from Lyons to Placentia, addressed to one of his friends named M. Rigueti-Cannevavi, Chancellor-general of the posts, i
5 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 96. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 96. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
St. Germain, May 22d, 1679. I have received your last letter without a date. You must keep the individual named Lestang in the severe confinement I enjoined in my preceding letters, without allowing him to see a physician, unless you know he is in absolute want of one. One cannot but approve of your plan for preventing the Sieur de Pressigny from being aware of the residence at Pignerol of M. de Richemont, to whom I beg you to deliver the letter I send with this. De Louvois. 296...
26 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 97. CATINAT TO LOUVOIS.
No. 97. CATINAT TO LOUVOIS.
Concluding examination of Matthioli. Pignerol, June 3d, 1679. Sir , The original papers have been delivered to Giuliani, who has taken them to Venice to M. de Pinchesne: they consist of the treaty which the aforesaid Lestang had made with the Court, which is signed by him and by M. de Pomponne: an instruction which was given to the aforesaid Les tang, when he left the Court: the full power given to M. de Pomponne to treat with him, which is signed by you: and a letter from his Majesty to the Duk
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 98. VARENGEVILLE TO POMPONNE.
No. 98. VARENGEVILLE TO POMPONNE.
Proposed recompense to Giuliani. Venice, July 1, 1679. Sir , In answer to the letter which you were pleased to write to me on the 14th of last month, I shall do myself the honour to tell you that, although I am aware that Giuliani has performed services which have been useful to the King, and that I am persuaded of his fidelity, and of his good inclinations towards France, which may render him still very useful for the future, I cannot forbear representing to you, that the recompense which the A
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 99. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 99. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
St. Germain, July 25, 1679. I have received your letter of the 2d of this month. I wrote by yesterday’s post to M. de Rissan, 299 that it is the King’s intention that he should have the gate of the citadel of Pignerol opened, whenever you shall have occasion for it. You may give paper and ink to the Sieur de Lestang, with the understanding that he is to put into writing whatever he wishes to say; which you will send to me, and I will let you know whether it deserves any consideration. De Louvois
29 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 100. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 100. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
St. Germain, August 21, 1679. With regard to the Sieur de Lestang, you may give him paper whenever he wishes to write; and afterwards send it to me. De Louvois. 301...
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 101. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
No. 101. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
Pignerol, Jan. 6, 1680. I am obliged, Sir, to inform you that the Sieur de Lestang is become like the Monk I have the care of; that is to say, subject to fits of raving madness; from which the Sieur Dubreuil also is not exempt. De Saint-Mars. 302...
18 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 102. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
No. 102. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
Matthioli complains of his Treatment, and gives Proofs of Insanity. Pignerol, Feb. 24, 1680. The Sieur de Lestang, who has been nearly a year in my custody, complains that he is not treated as a man of his quality, and the minister of a great prince ought to be. Notwithstanding this, I continue to follow your commands, Sir, most exactly upon this subject, as well as upon all others: I think he is deranged, by the way he talks to me; telling me he converses every day with God and his angels; that
51 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 103. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 103. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
St. Germain, July 10th, 1680. I have received, together with your letter of the 4th of this month, that which was joined with it, of which I shall make the proper use. It will be sufficient to make the prisoners in the lower part of the tower confess once a year. With regard to the Sieur de Lestang, I wonder at your patience, and that you should wait for an order to treat such a rascal as he deserves, when he is wanting in respect to you. Send me word how it has happened that the individual name
39 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 104. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 104. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
Philippeville, August 16th, 1680. I have been made acquainted, by your letter of the 7th of this month, with the proposal you make of placing the Sieur de Lestang with the Jacobin Monk, in order to avoid the necessity of having two priests. The King approves of your project, and you have only to execute it when you please. De Louvois. 306...
19 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 105. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
No. 105. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
Matthioli and the Jacobin placed together. September 7th, 1680. Since you, Sir, permitted me to put Matthioli with the Jacobin in the lower part of the tower, the aforesaid Matthioli was for four or five days in the belief that the Jacobin was a man that I had placed with him to watch his actions. Matthioli, who is almost as mad as the Jacobin, walked about with long strides, with his cloak over his nose, crying out that he was not a dupe, but that he knew more than he would say. The Jacobin, wh
51 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 106. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
No. 106. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
October 9th, 1680. I have only further, Sir, to acquaint you with the circumstance of the Sieur Matthioli’s having given a ring to Blainvilliers, who immediately delivered it to me. I will keep it, till it shall please you, Sir, to give me orders what to do with it. I am, &c. De Saint-Mars . 308...
18 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 107. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
No. 107. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
Particulars respecting the Ring given by Matthioli to Blainvilliers. October 26th, 1680. In order to explain to you, Sir, more amply than I have hitherto done, the story of the diamond ring which the Sieur Matthioli gave to Blainvilliers, I shall begin by taking the liberty to tell you that I believe he made him this present as much from fear as from any other cause: this prisoner having previously used very violent language to him, and written abusive sentences with charcoal on the wall of his
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 108. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 108. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
Versailles, Nov. 2d, 1680. I have received your letter of the 26th of last month. I am writing to the Sieur du Channoy to make the necessary repairs to the barracks of the citadel of Pignerol: with regard to the brambles which are in the walls, I think it will be better to wait till the spring to have them rooted up, because that will make them die more certainly, and then at the same time mortar might be inserted into the fissures. You must keep the ring, which the Sieur Matthioli has given to
36 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 109. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 109. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
Versailles, Nov. 11th, 1680. The King has been informed that the Governor of Milan has received the plan of the town and citadel of Pignerol, from an individual named Quadro, who was some time in the prison, to explain the fortifications to one of your nephews; and as it is important for the service of His Majesty, that the Italians should never have any communication with the citadel of Pignerol, nor with the prison there, His Majesty has commanded me to let you know, that he wishes you not to
39 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 110. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 110. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
St. Germain, December 5th, 1680. Your letter of the 27th of last month has reached me. The King does not wish you to have any soldiers in your company who are Piedmontese, Savoyards, Italians, or natives of the Government of Pignerol. With regard to the three ser vants of this nation, who have been with you for six or seven years, you may keep them, since you are certain of their fidelity. De Louvois. 312...
22 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 111. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 111. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
Appointment of Saint-Mars to the Government of Exiles—Measures to be taken by him thereupon. Versailles, May 12th, 1681. I read to the King your letter of the 3d of this month, by which his Majesty having discovered the extreme repugnance you have to accept the command of the citadel of Pignerol, he has thought proper to accord to you that of Exiles, vacant by the death of the Duke of Lesdiguières; whither he wishes you to transport those of the prisoners who are under your care, whom he shall t
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 112. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 112. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
Precautions for the Journey of the Prisoners from Pignerol to Exiles. Versailles, June 9th, 1681. I send you the necessary grants, as Governor of Exiles, which the King has thought good to have sent to you. The intention of His Majesty is, that as soon as the room at Exiles, which you shall judge the most proper for the secure keeping of the two prisoners in the lower part of the tower, shall be in a state to receive them, you will send them out of the citadel of Pignerol in a litter, and conduc
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 113. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 113. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
Versailles, June 11th, 1681. I have acquainted the King with the contents of your letter of the 13th of last month, and with the list of the repairs necessary to be made to the tower at Exiles, which you deem the most proper residence for the prisoners whom His Majesty leaves under your care. The King has thought fit to grant you a thousand crowns, as well for the aforesaid repairs, as for those which you shall judge necessary to make in your own lodging; which, as soon as you receive this, you
52 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 114. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 114. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
Versailles, July 9th, 1681. I have received your letter of the 29th of last month. You may have the doors you have need of, for the security of your prisoners, made at Exiles, without taking the trouble of having them carried from Pignerol. I have written to the Père Lachaise for the benefice, which you ask of the King for one of your children, to whom I trust His Majesty will grant it. De Louvois. 317...
23 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 115. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
No. 115. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
Precautions for the Security and Concealment of the Prisoners at Exiles. Pignerol, July 12th, 1681. Just setting off for Exiles. In order that the prisoners may not be seen (at Exiles,) they will not leave their chamber when they hear mass; and in order that they may be kept the more securely, one of my lieutenants will sleep above them, and there will be two sentinels night and day, who will watch the whole round of the tower, without its being possible for them and the prisoners to see and to
59 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 116. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 116. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
Departure of Saint-Mars from Pignerol ordered to be deferred, in order that he might receive Catinat there. Versailles, July 22d, 1681. I have received your letter of the 12th of this month, by which I see that the repairs which you have ordered to be made at Exiles will not permit you to leave Pignerol before the end of next month. As the service of the King will perhaps require that you should remain there all the following month, it would be well that you should advance the aforesaid repairs
56 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 117. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 117. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
Fontainebleau, August 3d, 1681. Your letter of the 23rd of last month has been delivered to me. The King approves of your going to see the Marquis de Pianesse at his country house, and of your making a journey to Turin, if you desire it, provided you do not sleep out of the citadel of Pignerol more than one night at a time. With regard to the journey to Exiles, and the leave of absence you ask for the Sieur Tourtebat, whom you wish to take with you, you will have seen by my former letters, that
33 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 118. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 118. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
Orders for the Reception of Catinat at Pignerol. Fontainebleau, August 13th, 1681. The King having ordered M. de Catinat to go as soon as possible to Pignerol, for the same affair which before took him there at the commencement of the year 1679, I send you these few lines by order of His Majesty, to give you intelligence thereof, in order that you may prepare an apartment for him, in which he can remain concealed for three weeks or a month; and also to tell you that when he shall send to let you
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 119. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 119. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
Fontainebleau, August 23d, 1681. I have received your letter of the 13th of this month, which requires no answer, except to say that I have given orders for a French clerk to be sent, to have the direction of the Post-office at Pignerol; by means of whom we shall be assured that no further abuses can be committed with regard to the letters. De Louvois. 323...
20 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 120. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
No. 120. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS.
Fontainebleau, Sept. 20th, 1681. This word is only for the purpose of acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 16th of last month. The King will not disapprove of your visiting, from time to time, the last prisoner who has been placed in your charge, after he shall have been established in his new prison, and shall have left that where he is at present confined. His Majesty desires that you will execute the order he has sent you for your establishment at Exiles. I beg you to deliver the p
30 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 121. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
No. 121. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
Exiles, Dec 4th, 1681. As there is always one of my two prisoners ill, they give me as much occupation as I have ever had with any of those I have hitherto guarded. Although, Sir, you have the kindness to give me permission to go, from time to time, to Casale, I dare not do it, lest during my absence, you should address any packets to me for M. de Pianesse. De Saint-Mars. 325...
23 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 122. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
No. 122. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
Description of the Apartment and manner of Confinement of the Prisoners at Exiles. Exiles, March 11th, 1682. Sir , I have received the letter which you were pleased to do me the honour to write to me on the 27th of last month, in which you acquaint me, Sir, that it is important my two prisoners should have no communication with any one. Since the first time that you, Sir, gave me this order, I have guarded these two prisoners, who are under my care, as severely and exactly as I formerly did Mess
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 123. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
No. 123. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
Exiles, Dec. 23d, 1685. My prisoners are still ill and in a course of medicine; they are, however, perfectly tranquil. De Saint-Mars. 327...
9 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 124. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
No. 124. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
Saint-Mars is made Governor of the Islands of Saint Margaret. Exiles, January 20th, 1687. Sir , I am most grateful for the new favour, which I have just received from his Majesty, (the government of the Islands of Saint Margaret). If you order me to go there without delay, I would request to be permitted to take the road through Piedmont, on account of the great quantity of snow that there is between this place and Embrun; and, on my return, which shall be as quick as I can possibly make it, I h
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 125. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
No. 125. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
From the Islands of Saint Margaret, March 23d, 1687. I have been here for the last thirty days, of which I have passed twenty-six in bed, with a con tinual fever. I have taken so much powder of bark, that, for the last three days, I have been free from fever. I have sent to Toulon for my litter, in order to go from hence the 26th of this month, and I hope to be at Exiles in eight days, by the Embrun and Briançon road. As soon as I shall have had the honour of receiving your commands, Sir, I shal
52 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 126. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
No. 126. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
Arrival of Matthioli at the Islands of Saint Margaret. From the Islands of Saint Margaret, May 3d, 1687. Sir , I arrived here the 30th of last month: I was only twelve days on the journey, in consequence of the illness of my prisoner, occasioned, as he said, by not having as much air as he wished. I can assure you, Sir, that no one has seen him, and that the manner in which I have guarded and conducted him during all the journey, makes every body try to conjecture who he is. My prisoner’s bed wa
51 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 127. SAINT-MARS TO THE MINISTER.
No. 127. SAINT-MARS TO THE MINISTER.
Relation of the conduct of two Protestant Ministers. From the Islands of Saint Margaret, June 4th, 1692. The first of the ministers, who have been sent here, sings psalms night and day with a loud voice, expressly to make it be known who he is. I desired him, in vain, several times to discontinue this, on pain of severe punishment; which I have at length been obliged to inflict upon him, as well as on his comrade, named Salves, who write things upon his pewter vessels, and upon his linen, in ord
36 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 128.
No. 128.
Extract from the Register of the Bastille, published in the Work entitled, “La Bastille Dévoilée.” An old prisoner from Pignerol, obliged always to wear a mask of black velvet, whose name and quality have never been known. September 18th, 1698. At three o’clock in the afternoon. Dujonca, Volume 87. It was never known. This is the famous Man in the Mask, whom no one has ever seen or known. This prisoner was brought to the Bastille by M. de Saint-Mars in his litter, when he took possession of the
46 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 129.
No. 129.
Second Extract from the Register of the Bastille, published in the Work entitled, “La Bastille Dévoilée.” November 19th, 1703. Dujonca, Volume 8th. Died November 19th, 1703, aged 45, or there abouts; buried at St. Paul’s the next day at four in the afternoon, under the name of Marchiali, in the presence of M. de Rosarges, Major of the Fortress, and of M. Reilh, Surgeon-Major of the Bastille, who signed their names to the extract of the Burial Register of St. Paul’s. His burial cost forty livres.
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 130.
No. 130.
Extract from the Register of Burials of the Church of Saint Paul, at Paris. The year one thousand seven hundred and three, on the nineteenth of November, died at the Bastille, Marchiali, aged forty-five years or thereabouts; whose body was interred in the burial-ground of this parish, the twentieth of the aforesaid month, in the presence of M. Rosarges, Major of the Bastille, and of M. Reilh, Surgeon-Major of the Bastille, who have affixed their signatures. Collated exactly with the original, an
29 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 131.
No. 131.
Extract from the Work entitled “ La Correspondance Interceptée ,” by M. Lewis Dutens, published in 1789. In order to treat this subject (that of the Iron Mask) methodically, I will begin with what the Duke de Choiseul has often related to me. Lewis the Fifteenth one day told him, that he was acquainted with the history of the prisoner with the Mask. The Duke begged the King to tell him who he was, but he could get no other answer from him, except, that all the conjectures which had been hitherto
38 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 132.
No. 132.
Extract from the article on the Iron Mask in the Work entitled “ Mélanges d’Histoire et de Littérature ;” by Mr. Quintin Craufurd. Before the publication of the “ Correspondance Interceptée ,” I had heard it said, that M. de Choiseul had spoken to Lewis the Fifteenth on the subject of the masked prisoner; but that he had not been able to obtain any satisfactory answer. I addressed myself to the Abbé Barthelemi and to the Abbé Beliardi, who had both lived in intimacy with M. de Choiseul: they acq
54 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
No. 133
No. 133
Letter from the Baron de Heiss to the Authors of the “ Journal Encyclopédique ,” on the subject of the Iron Mask; published in that Journal, in 1770. Gentlemen , Since the publication of the anecdote respecting the Man in the Iron Mask, which M. de Voltaire has given us in his “ Siècle de Louis XIV.,” I have been always very curious to discover who this prisoner could be; but all my researches had hitherto failed in giving me any information which could content me; chance has placed in my hands
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter