Chapter 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 you.

* * * * * *

DE LOUVOIS.[271]

[271] From the Archives of France.

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 upon this subject, but tell him always that we cannot doubt but that the Duke of Mantua will execute the promises he has so solemnly given through him. In truth, this Prince ought not to be allowed to believe, that it is permitted to him to fail in a treaty he has made with His Majesty; and if the occasion presents itself, make it appear to him that you can have no doubt of the promises which have been made to the King being kept, and of the engagements which have been once entered into with him being executed. Take care to inform us exactly, as you have already done, of all that shall take place in this affair, and of the manner in which it shall continue to be regarded at Venice.

I am, &c.

POMPONNE.[272]

[272] From the Archives of the Office for Foreign Affairs, at
Paris.

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; and that it may not be discovered that you have a new prisoner.

DE LOUVOIS.[273]

[273] From the Archives of France.

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 thinks, without doubt, to impose again upon the Abbé d’Estrades. It is important always not to show that you are acquainted with his conduct.

POMPONNE.[274]

[274] From the Archives of the Office for Foreign Affairs, at
Paris.

No. 84.

CATINAT TO LOUVOIS.

Arrest of Matthioli.

Pignerol, May 3d, 1679.