Friday, December 19, 1664.
This is a day which gives us great hopes; but I must go back in my
story. I told you that M. Puissort had, on Wednesday, voted for the
death of our friend; on Thursday, Nogués, Gisaucourt, Feriol, and
Péraut, voted in the same way. Roquesante concluded the day, and, after
speaking well for an hour, sided with M. d’Ormesson. This morning our
hopes have sailed before the wind, for several votes that were doubtful
have been given: Toison, Masnau, Verdier, La Baume, and Catinet, and
all in favor of M. d’Ormesson’s opinion.[283] It was then Poncet’s
turn to speak; but, thinking that those who remained were almost all
disposed to be lenient, he would not begin, though it was only eleven
o’clock. It is thought he wishes to consult with some one what he shall
say, and that he is not willing to bring disgrace upon himself, and
consign a man to death unnecessarily. Such is our present situation,
and, though so favorable a one, our joy is not complete; for you must
know that M. N. is so enraged, that we expect some unjust and atrocious
proceeding in consequence, that will plunge us again into despair. But
for this, my dear sir, we should have the satisfaction of seeing our
friend, though unfortunate, yet safe, as far as his life is concerned,
which is a great thing. We shall see what will happen to-morrow. We are
now seven to six. Le Feron, Moussy, Brillac, Bénard, Renard, Voisin,
Pontchartrain, and the chancellor, have not yet voted; but of these, we
shall have by far the greater number.
[283] Names of the committee who judged Fouquet: