Chapter 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 the Sieur de Blainvilliers, in order to restore it to him, if it should ever happen that the King ordered him to be set at liberty.

DE LOUVOIS.[310]

[310] From the Archives of France.

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 allow any one to enter there, without his express order; and his intention is, if you have any soldiers or servants who are Piedmontese, Savoyards, or Italians, that you should get rid of them as quietly as possible, under pretext of their not serving you well.

DE LOUVOIS.[311]

[311] From the Archives of France

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 servants 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]

[312] From the Archives of France.

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.