I had such a grateful Sense of his Majesty’s kind Intentions towards me,
that as soon as he was return’d to _Berlin_, I did not fail to go and
thank him. His Majesty was so good as to say, _That the Trifle he had now
granted me was not worth Thanks_. I thought, _Madame_, that this was a
very hopeful Beginning for a Man not us’d to see his Undertakings crown’d
with Success. The Courtiers strove who should be most complaisant to me;
and I receiv’d Compliments from all hands, which fully persuaded me, that
I was in high Favor: But my Stars did not indulge me long with this Calm;
and a Storm soon arose, which drove me farther out of Port than I was
before. It was owing to the following Accident.
In the beginning of the Year 1718, the King recall’d M. _de Kniphausen_
his Envoy in _France_, with a design to nominate another in his room.
Several Persons sollicited for this Post; but I thought my self as well
qualify’d for it as the best; and to pave the way for it, I propos’d to
save the Government a great deal of Charge, by contenting myself with an
Abatement of two hundred Crowns _per_ Month less than the usual Salary.
This Proposal was so well relish’d by M. _de Grumkau_ the Minister of
State, that he protected me, and undertook to recommend me to the King. I
also spoke of it my self to M. _d’Ilgen_, the Minister for Foreign
Affairs, whose Daughter was married to the said M. _de Kniphausen_. I gave
this Minister to understand, that I should never have had a Thought of
asking for this Place, if I had not been satisfy’d, that M. _de
Kniphausen_ himself had desired to be recalled. M. _d’Ilgen_ received me
with the utmost Civility, and promis’d with an Oath to serve me upon this
Occasion; adding, that he could not express his Happiness in having such
an Opportunity to discover the Respect and Veneration which he had for my
Family. Such extraordinary Complaisance in a Courtier made me suspect the
Sincerity of his Intentions, and I was quickly convinc’d that my Jealousy
was but too well founded. When my Audience was over, this Minister would
needs wait on me to the Door: I oppos’d it as much as I could, but when I
saw it was to no purpose I gave him his way, and he attended me to the
very Door of my Coach. I us’d many words with him upon his own Threshold,
and begg’d him not to go a Step farther, especially as it rain’d very
hard, which you’ll say was Reason enough of it self to have engaged him to
retire: Yet it all signify’d nothing, he would not abate an Ace of his
Complaisance, but stiffly stood it out by the side of my Coach, till it
mov’d off. This, however, was all the Service he did me; for instead of
serving me with the King, I knew from good Hands, that he acted the
Reverse. I was told that he was not pleas’d with me for desiring less
Salary than his Son-in-law had, who, when he was at _Paris_, was
continually writing to _Berlin_, that his Allowance was not sufficient to
maintain him.
To compleat my Happiness, the King receiv’d an anonymous Letter, assuring
him that I was a true Catholic; and to inforce the Belief of it, there was
added to the Letter an authentic Certificate from Father _Denis_, before
whom I had made the Confession of my Faith. The King express’d his
Resentment against me, and complain’d that I had impos’d upon him. Several
People alarm’d me with more Danger than there was in reality; however, I
was not frighten’d at first, for I suspected that the only Aim of the
general Talk was to hinder me from going to Court, and did not think that
the King was so angry as they gave out, till at last I was appriz’d that
his Majesty had some Thoughts of putting me under an Arrest. The Person
who came to bring me this Intelligence was _H----_, who was very well with
_M----_ the King’s Favorite; and I gave the more Credit to it, because I
did not think that he could be so dishonorable as to attempt to do me an
ill Office. This _H----_ was a poor Wretch, who after having spent a
handsome Fortune, had a very small Pension, which the King gave him, for
having executed a Commission at _Stralsund_ with the King of _Sweden_,
which few but himself would have accepted. As his Pension was too pitiful
to subsist him, several Persons reliev’d him; and I will venture to say,
That tho’ I was not in very easy Circumstances my self, yet I was some
Support to him. Nevertheless, I can with Truth declare it, that he
requited me with Ingratitude. He came to me with an Aggravation of that
piece of Intelligence, which when all was said and done, was not of such a
Nature as to drive me from the Court; but his manner of divulging it, made
me believe I was ruin’d past Recovery, if I persisted in staying at
_Berlin_. He came one day into my Chamber with a most dejected Air, and
told me, _That he had been just inform’d by M._ de M----, _that as soon as
the King was return’d, I should infallibly be arrested_; and at the same
time he put on such an external Appearance of Concern to see me oblig’d to
fly, that I took all he said for Gospel. I resolv’d therefore to be gone;
but the Difficulty was to raise Money, which I had no means of doing but
by making a great many disadvantagious Contracts, whereby I was a very
great Sufferer in the Sequel.
After I had made Money of every thing I set out in the Night from
_Berlin_, leaving word at home that I was bound to _Hanover_; but as soon
as I was got out of Town I steer’d my Course for _Leipsic_, where I staid
a few days, and then went to MENTZ, where I had a Cousin in the Elector’s
Service, who entertain’d me as a good Kinsman would do, and introduc’d me
to his Master, who gave me a most gracious Reception. I have already had
the Honor to tell you of the Prerogatives of the Elector of _Mentz_ at the
Coronation of an Emperor. It only remains for me to speak to you of his
Person. He was _Francis-Lotharius_ of _Schonborn_, of the Illustrious
Family of the Counts of _Schonborn_. Besides the Archbishopric of _Mentz_,
he had also the Bishopric of _Bamberg_. He had then two Coadjutors, the
Elector of _Triers_ Count _Palatine_ of the _Rhine_ for _Mentz_; and the
Count _de Schonborn_, Vice-Chancellor of the Empire, for _Bamberg_. He
might then be about seventy Years of Age. He was a Prince of a noble
Aspect, affable, ador’d by both his Domestics and his Subjects, and very
hearty for every thing that might contribute to the Tranquillity and Honor
of the Empire. The City of _Mentz_ is obliged to him for the noble Works
with which he has caus’d it to be fortify’d; for it may be said he has
spar’d no Cost to put his Capital in such a State as to have nothing to
fear from Foreigners.
_Mentz_[65] stands upon a rising Ground along the _Rhine_, in one of the
finest Parts of _Germany_. ’Twas formerly no more than a Bishopric
Suffragan to _Triers_, but Pope _Zachary_, or as some say _Gregory_ III.
erected it into an Archbishopric, and granted him at the same time the
Primacy of the Churches of _Germany_. ’Tis said that the first Bishop of
_Mentz_, who was honor’d with the Dignity of Elector, was nam’d
_Willigise_, and that he was the Son of a _Cartwright_, or, as others say,
a _Carman_ of the Village of _Schoningen_ in the Country of _Brunswic_. He
advanc’d himself purely by his own Merit to the Dignity of Chancellor to
the Emperors _Otho_ III. and _Henry_ II. and finally to that of Archbishop
of _Mentz_. But in all the height of his Fortune this Prelate continued in
such an humble Frame of Mind that he caus’d Wheels to be painted every
where about his Palace, that he might have the Badges of the Meanness of
his Extraction always in his Eyes: And we are assur’d this is the Reason
why the Electors of _Mentz_ always bear in their Arms a Wheel Argent in a
Field Gules.
The Chapter of _Mentz_ consists of forty two Canons, of whom the Dean and
the twenty three first are call’d _Capitulars_, and the other
_Domicellaires_. The former only are those that elect the Archbishop, who
from the Moment that he is chose, becomes an Elector of the Empire. The
Pope confirms his Election in Spirituals, and the Emperor does the same in
Temporals. The Elector becomes at the same time Great Chancellor of the
Empire of _Germany_, which gives him the Title of perpetual Dean of the
Electors, and an Inspection into the Aulic Council and the Imperial
Chamber of _Wetzlar_.
_Mentz_ has a very flourishing Trade, especially in Wines. The best
Vineyards for _Rhenish_ Wines are in the Dominions of the Elector, and
especially in the Neighbourhood of _Mentz_. And that which also
contributes very much to the Briskness of its Commerce is, that all the
Merchandize that passes up and down the _Rhine_, stops in its Harbor, to
be put on board fresh Bottoms.
I did not stay long at _Mentz_, but set out for STUTGARD[66], the Capital
of the Duchy of _Wirtemberg_. This City stands in a very fine Country, and
is divided into two parts by a small River call’d the _Neckar_. The Houses
at _Stutgard_ are generally ill built, yet as the Streets are broad and
lightsome, the Town is very gay. The Ducal Palace is very old but very
commodious, by reason of the Extent and Number of the Apartments. Here is
a very fine Garden with an Orangery, which is not to be parallel’d. The
Trees are kept in full Mould, secur’d by a Roof and a sliding Partition,
which they take care to warm in the Winter by several Stoves that make it
one continu’d Summer. The Duke of _Wirtemberg_ is seldom in this Palace,
except at the time of the Carnival; but as for his Duchess, she is there
almost always, and has a separate House from the Duke’s, where she lives
very retir’d. I wish’d for an Opportunity to pay my Respects to her, but
was deprived of that Honor, because I had not been introduc’d to the Duke.
This Prince’s usual Residence is at _Ludwigsbourg_ a Pleasure-House which
he caus’d to be built some Leagues from _Stutgard_; but while I was at
_Wirtemberg_ he was with the whole Court at _Wildstadt_, whither I went to
have the Honor of paying my Duty to him. _Wildstadt_ is one of the vilest
Places in _Germany_, yet ’tis very much frequented by reason of its Baths
of Mineral Waters, which are said to be a sovereign Remedy for many
Diseases, especially Sciaticas, and for bracing the Nerves. The Duke
commonly spends a Month or six Weeks here with his whole Court, which
being very numerous and splendid, _Wildstadt_ is then a Place agreeable
enough. The Duke had with him the Hereditary Prince, his Son, who is
married to _Henrietta_ of _Prussia_, the late Margrave _Philip_’s
Daughter. The Person of this Prince was very amiable, and like the Duke
his Father, his Behavior is the most courteous that can be, especially to
Foreigners, to whom they are both very kind. While the Court was at
_Wildstadt_, their Amusement in the Morning was the use of the Baths,
where the Duke and the Prince his Son gave Gentlemen the Liberty of
bathing with them; for it must be observ’d that each Bath will hold
twenty Persons very commodiously. When the Bathing was over, they took
their Rest. Towards Noon there was an Assembly in the Apartment of the
Duke, who went from thence to the Apartment of the Hereditary Princess,
who lodg’d with the Prince her Husband in a House over-against the Duke’s.
There was a Table for sixteen Guests very well serv’d, where the Gentlemen
eat with the Duke and his Children, and none but Pages waited. After
Dinner the Duke either rode, or caus’d others to ride some manag’d Horses,
than which I have no where seen any that were more beautiful or better
train’d than his were. In the Evening there was another Assembly at the
Princess’s, where there was play till Supper-time. I was told that when
the Court was at _Ludwigsbourg_ there was a greater Variety of Diversions,
and that besides Gaming there was some Theatrical Entertainments, of which
the Duke was very fond, and actually kept a Company of _French_ Comedians
in Pay, who perform’d very well. In a word, this Prince may be said to
have neglected nothing that he thought suitable to his Dignity, or that
might render his Court more splendid. And that every thing might look with
a certain Air of Grandeur, he was resolv’d, like other Sovereigns, to
establish an Order, of which he himself is the Head. They call it the
Order of St. _Hubert_. ’Tis a broad red Ribband, to which hangs a Cross
enamell’d white. None are admitted into it, but Persons of distinguish’d
Families. Besides this Order, the Duke also wears those of _Prussia_ and
_Denmark_ alternatively. The Hereditary Prince wears the _Prussian_ Order
at large, and that of the Duke his Father at his Button-Hole, just as they
wear the Cross of St. _Lewis_ in _France_, except nevertheless on the
Festival Days of St. _Hubert_, when he wears the red Ribband at full
length.
Among the Persons of Distinction that accompanied the Duke to _Wildstadt_,
those of most Note were the Count _de Gravenitz_ and _S----_, which two
Gentlemen had the sole Disposition of Affairs. The first was Grand Marshal
of the Court and Prime Minister, and he wore the Order of _Prussia_, the
King having therewith honor’d him at the Marriage of the Hereditary Prince
with the Princess of _Prussia_. This Minister, who had the Duke of
_Wirtemberg_’s intire Confidence, had been nominated to accompany the
Hereditary Prince to _Berlin_. He certainly deserv’d the Favor with which
the Duke honor’d him; and I have not known many Noblemen more civil and
obliging. But _S----_ wanted a great deal of being so affable; tho’ his
Origin was very different. He was a meer Creature of Fortune, who to be
sure thought himself at the height of Felicity when he was Secretary to
the late M. _B----_, Minister of State to the late King at _Berlin_.
Nevertheless, after the Death of his Master his Star guided him to the
Court of _Wirtemberg_, where he has amass’d immense Riches, and is entered
into the greatest Employments. He wears the Order of _Dannebrog_, the King
of _Prussia_ having desir’d it for him of the King of _Denmark_, upon the
Recommendation of the Duke of _Wirtemberg_, who being very willing to give
his Minister some Badge of Honor, and not caring at the same time to
debase his own Order of St. _Hubert_, caus’d the Order of _Dannebrog_ to
be demanded for him, which is given to all Persons indifferently without
regard to Quality.
The Duke of _Wirtemberg_’s Court is altogether _Lutheran_, as well as the
rest of his Dominions. Mean time he permitted the Princess, who is a
_Calvinist_, to have a particular Chapel for her self and her Domestics.
The Countess _de Gravenitz_, Wife to the Grand Marshal, who is a Catholic,
was also allow’d a Chapel for the Exercise of her Religion.
I forgot to tell you what Title is assum’d by the Dukes of _Wirtemberg_.
They call themselves _Banner-Bearers of the Empire_, which Title they
distinguish in the third Quartering of their Shield, which is Azure with
the Banner of the Empire, Or charg’d with a Spread-Eagle Sable, plac’d
Bend-wise. The Dukes of _Wirtemberg_ have another Dignity more solid than
the former, _viz._ to be joint Directors of the Circle of _Swabia_, with
the Bishop of _Constance_.
The Duchy of _Wirtemberg_ was formerly confiscated to the use of
_Ferdinand_ I. Brother to the Emperor _Charles_ V. but ’twas afterwards
restor’d to the Princes of this Name, on condition of their holding it
dependent on the House of _Austria_. This Feudal Subjection was annull’d
in 1631, in the time of _Frederic_ Duke of _Wirtemberg_, on condition that
upon the Failure of Issue Male, the Duchy should devolve to the House of
_Austria_. In pursuance of these Treaties the Princes of that Family bear
the Title and Arms of the Family of _Wirtemberg_.
While I staid at this Court that Disorder which I had been teaz’d with for
several Years became at last so serious an Affair, that instead of
proceeding to _Vienna_, to which I at first purpos’d to go, I set out for
_Strasbourg_, in hopes of finding skilful Surgeons there to make the
necessary Operation upon me. Several offer’d to take me in hand, but the
King’s Lieutenant assur’d me, that my best way wou’d be to employ the
Person that was Surgeon to the Great Hospital. I did so, but can’t say I
had much reason to like him. He may, for aught I know, be an able Surgeon,
but sure I am that he is a very dangerous Physician. He thought fit to
give me Drugs (to prepare me, he said, to support the Operation) which had
like to have sent me into the other World: But by good Luck I perceiv’d
his Ignorance before he had time to kill me. I took no more of his
Remedies; and when I found my self well enough recover’d to bear the
Fatigues of a Journey, I resolv’d to go to _Paris_, which I take to be the
Nursery of the most experienc’d Surgeons. I stop’d a few days at SAVERNE,
where there was a very great Company at the House of the Cardinal _de
Rohan_, to whom I had the Honor of paying my Compliments; and he receiv’d
me with that Air of Politeness and Grandeur, for which we know this Prince
is distinguish’d.
From _Saverne_ I went to _Luneville_, and in all the Way found no
considerable Place but PHALTZBOURG, which was formerly a Part of
_Lorrain_, and had the Title of a Principality. ’Tis now a Place very
regularly fortify’d, and serves to guard the Road into _Lorrain_, which
_France_ secur’d to her self by the Treaty of _Ryswic_.
The Court of _Lorrain_ commonly resides at LUNEVILLE, since the Beginning
of the late War, when the _French_ put a Garison into _Nancy_, of which
they continu’d Masters till the Treaty of _Baden_. This City, which
heretofore was inconsiderable, is now worth seeing. The Duke of _Lorrain_
has added a great many Buildings to it, which are a great Ornament to it;
and therefore the Duke and Duchess chuse to reside here, preferably to
any other Place. As to the Duchess, she has a particular Reason for being
so fond of _Luneville_, it being the City assign’d her for her Jointure.
The Castle, which is very fine, has nothing noble without, but the Inside
is most magnificent. The Entrance and Front very much resemble those of
_Versailles_ towards _Paris_. As to the Front towards the Garden I can say
nothing of it, because that side of the Palace was not finish’d when I
went thither. The Apartments of their Royal Highnesses are spacious, and
richly furnish’d. The first Anti-chamber is a very large Saloon of curious
Structure. ’Tis wainscotted and adorn’d with the Pictures of the _Lorrain_
Family. In one, the Duke’s Father is represented making a triumphant Entry
in a Chariot drawn by four white Horses, with Fame flying before it, Peace
and Victory offering him Crowns of Laurel, and the additional Trophy of
_Turks_ in Chains trampled under his Horses Feet. The Whole together forms
a magnificent Painting; and I was told there are Tapestries in the Duke’s
Wardrobe, which are a Copy of it, but I did not see them.
This Saloon separates their Royal Highnesses Apartments from the Chapel,
which for the Contrivance of it very much resembles that of _Versailles_.
It stands on the Right of the Entry into the Saloon, and the Apartments
are on the Left. The Prince’s Apartment looks over _Luneville_, and over
the Courts belonging to the Kitchen, and the Princess’s is situate on the
Garden-side. The Princess’s is much larger than the Duke’s; and when I saw
it, ’twas richly furnish’d, adorn’d with noble Gilding, Glasses and
Paintings by the best Masters; but this Part of the Palace has since been
intirely consum’d by Fire, tho’ I am assur’d the Whole is re-built as well
as before, and that the Apartments are every whit as well furnish’d. So
much for the Palace: I will now give you a short Account of their Royal
Highnesses, and their August Family, as it stood in 1718, when I had the
Honor to see it.
_Leopold_ Duke of _Lorrain_ and _Bar_ was the Head of the Family, and the
Sovereign of the Country. He married Mademoiselle of _France_,
_Elizabeth-Charlotte_ of _Orleans_, Daughter of _Philip_ of _France_, Duke
of _Orleans_, Brother of _Lewis_ XIV. By which Marriage they had three
Princes and three Princesses. The eldest Prince, who was stil’d Duke of
_Bar_, died in 1723, at a Time when he was in Expectation of great
Fortune. His Brother, who is Heir to that Expectancy, is actually bred up
at _Vienna_, where the Emperor takes particular Care of his Education.
The Duke of _Lorrain_’s Houshold is considerable, and every thing is
establish’d there on a good Footing. His Hunting-Equipages are
magnificent, and so well furnish’d, that Foreigners who accompany the
Prince into the Field, are equipp’d with Horses out of his Stables. The
Prince’s Attendance is almost the same as that of the Princes of _France_,
and all his Houshold on the same Footing. The Marquis _de Craon_ was then
the Great Chamberlain and Prime Minister. He was a very courteous
Nobleman, and treated all that had Business with him with extraordinary
Civility. He had great Credit at Court, and the Prince was mighty
bountiful to him; insomuch that after having heap’d Wealth upon this
Favorite, he had a mind to see him promoted to the eminent Dignity of
Prince, which upon the Duke’s Desire the Emperor conferr’d upon him
accordingly. Not long after, one of the Prince of _Craon_’s Daughters was
married to a Prince of the _Lorrain_ Family, _viz._ the Prince _de Lixin_,
formerly known by the Name of the Chevalier _de Lorrain_, who is now the
Duke of _Lorrain_’s Steward of the Houshold. His Father-in-law has given
him his fine House at _Craon_, not far from _Luneville_. Madame _de
Craon_, who is a Partner in her Husband’s Fortune and Credit, is Lady of
Honor to the Duchess, and very much esteem’d by the Duke. I had the Honor
to see this Prince spend the Afternoons at her House, and the Courtiers,
after the Example of their Master, did justice to the Lady’s Merit.
From _Luneville_ I went to NANCY, which is the Capital City of _Lorrain_,
and was formerly the Residence of the Sovereigns of the Country. It stands
but a little distance from the River _Meurte_, in the midst of a beautiful
Plain; and is divided into two Parts, _viz._ the Old and New Towns. I had
the Honor to tell you, that the _French_ made a Conquest of it in 1631. It
had good Reason to remember, that it was once under a Foreign Dominion;
for its Fortifications were so demolish’d in 1668, that there was but one
Rampart remaining without a Parapet; and in this Condition it was restor’d
to its Sovereign at the Peace of _Ryswic_. Not many years after, when
_Lewis_ XIV. enter’d into the War for maintaining his Grandson upon the
_Spanish_ Throne, he oblig’d the Duke of _Lorrain_ to receive a Garison at
_Nancy_. The Duke was so disgusted at this Proceeding, that tho’ the King
had given Orders to his Officers, to pay his Royal Highness all the due
Honors and Respect, he would not stay in a Town, of which he might be said
to be Sovereign, but not the Master; and retir’d to _Luneville_, where he
continu’d ever after, tho’ _Nancy_ was evacuated at the Treaty of _Baden_.
A little way from _Nancy_, in the Road to _Paris_, there’s a Chapel and a
Cross, said to have been erected upon the very Spot where _Charles_ the
last Duke of _Burgundy_ was kill’d in 1476, when he was besieging the
Town, then in possession of _René_ Duke of _Lorrain_. There’s a
Copper-plate affix’d to the Cross upon the High-way, on which may be read
the Particulars.
Between _Nancy_ and _Toul_, which is in the _Paris_ Road, one passes thro’
the forest of _Haye_, wherein _Lewis_ XIV. caus’d a Way to be cut, which
will be a lasting Monument to Posterity, of the Magnificence of that Great
Prince. Those who are bound to _Toul_ cross the _Moselle_ in a Ferry-boat
about a League on this side that Town, to which they arrive over a pretty
large Plain. The Learned give a very ancient Original to the City of TOUL;
for they pretend it was first founded by _Tullus Hostilius_ King of the
_Romans_: But you may believe as much of this as you please. All that I
can say of the Town, after having view’d it well, is, that ’tis very ill
built, and not worthy of the Attention of the Curious. ’Tis a Bishopric
Suffragan of _Triers_, and one of the three Bishoprics of _Lorrain_ that
were yielded to _France_.
From _Toul_ I traveled to BAR-LE-DUC, the Capital of the Duchy of _Bar_.
This Duchy is dependant on the Crown of _France_, tho’ ’tis part of the
Dominions of _Lorrain_, and is under the Jurisdiction of a Parliament. The
Dukes of _Lorrain_ were formerly oblig’d, either in their own Person, or
by an Envoy, to perform Homage to the King of _France_, upon the Death
either of a King, or of a Duke; which Obligation was chang’d, or rather
limited, during the Regency of the Duke of _Orleans_, in a Journey which
the Duke and Duchess of _Lorrain_ made to _Paris_ in 1718, when it was
regulated, _That a Duke of +Bar+ should be oblig’d to pay Homage but once
in his Life to a King of +France+; but that he should pay it in Person_.
This Convention was register’d in the Parliament of _Paris_. But this was
not the only Advantage which the Duke reap’d from his Journey; for the
Regent, at the Request of his Sister, restor’d a great number of Villages
to him that ought to have been restor’d to the Duke of _Lorrain_ at the
Peace of _Ryswic_, and which the Ministry of _France_ had thought fit to
keep.
From _Bar-le-Duc_ to CHALONS, ’tis a wild desert Country, yet very
fruitful in Corn. The Roads are detestable if it rains ever so little;
which added to the length of the Post-Stages, renders it a very
disagreeable Journey. They say ’twas in these Fields that the King
_Meroveus, Aëtius_ General of the _Romans_, and _Theodoric_ King of the
_Visigoths_, fought so bloody a Battle in 451, with _Attila_ King of the
_Huns_, that they kill’d two hundred thousand of his Men. But this is a
Fact which I will not warrant. The Situation of _Chalons_ is very
advantageous. The River _Marne_ which runs into the _Seine_ almost at the
Entrance of _Paris_, is a great Convenience for the Merchants of that
City. This City is in _Champaigne_, and its Bishop has the Title of
_Count and Peer of_ France. The ancient Counts of _Champaigne_ resided
here, and the Palace they liv’d in is still to be seen. The Parliament of
_Paris_ was transferr’d hither in 1592; and there that illustrious
Assembly pass’d that famous Arrêt against the Pope’s Legate, and the
League, which under the Pretence of Religion tended to deprive _Henry_
III’s lawful Successor, _Henry_ IV. of the Crown of _France_.
Several most illustrious Marriages have been celebrated in the City of
_Chalons_. 1. That of _Philip_ of _Orleans_, Brother to _Lewis_ XIV. 2.
That of _Lewis_ Dauphin of _France_ Son of _Lewis_ XIV. with
_Anne-Christina-Victoria_ of _Bavaria_, on the 7th of _March_ 1680: And
finally, the Marriage of _Lewis_ Duke of _Orleans_, Son of the Duke
Regent, to _Augusta-Maria-Johanna_ of _Baden_, on the 13th of _July_ 1724.
There’s not one considerable Place all the way from _Chalons_ to _Paris_.
I pass’d thro’ CHATEAU-THIERRY, which is a Duchy that was given to M. _de
Bouillon_ in Exchange for the Principality of _Sedan_; with this Clause
nevertheless, that the King shall keep the Sovereignty of it. The _Marne_
runs at the Foot of this Town.
Ten Leagues from hence there’s the City of MEAUX, which is the Capital of
_Brie_, with the Title of a Bishopric. But neither in the Church nor Town
did I see any thing remarkable. The Suburbs are very fruitful, and the
Neighbourhood of _Paris_ gives the Inhabitants an Opportunity of putting
off their Commodities to Advantage.
’Tis but a few Hours Journey from _Meaux_ to PARIS in the direct Road. But
I went some Leagues out of the way to see M. _de N----_, at his Seat at
_C----_, near _Fontainbleau_, and after having spent some days there very
pleasantly, we travell’d together to _Paris_. When we had pass’d the Time
that was necessary to discharge the Obligations of Friendship and Decency,
I reflected on what was the real Motive of my Journey; which, as I have
had the Honor to tell you, was to put my self into the Hands of some able
Surgeon. The Man to whose Care I committed my self was the famous _La
Peronie_, who perform’d the Operation upon me with the utmost Skill, yet I
suffer’d extreme Pain. During my Illness, which was of some Continuance,
my Friends, who were my faithful Companions, were so good as to inform me
of every thing that pass’d; and if it had been lawful to have betray’d
them, or if I had been in any Post under the Government, I might perhaps
have made some Discoveries to the Duke Regent, which would have been to
his advantage, and enabled him to stifle that Flame at its first breaking
out, which indeed he extinguish’d afterwards, tho’ it was perhaps owing as
much, if not more, to his good Fortune, than to his Prudence.
_Paris_ was at that time in a Crisis, when it dreaded a Minority as
troublesome as that of _Lewis_ XIV. Every body was dissatisfy’d. There was
a loud Clamor against the Royal Bank. And the Government-Bills were a
fresh Subject of Complaint; for tho’ they were establish’d at the
Beginning of the Regency, with a Promise to keep up their Credit, yet
there was a very great Loss by discounting them; and as the Public was
overcharg’d with them, and as there is nothing which sits so uneasy on
People as their Loss, every one gave public Vent to his ill Humor. At this
same Juncture the Duke Regent was afflicted with sore Eyes, which
indanger’d his Sight. I was assur’d that the Chancellor said to some
People in Confidence, _That ’twas absolutely necessary to think of proper
Measures for transferring the Regency to another Person, in case that
Prince should happen to be blind_: And they say that ’twas for this
Expression that he lost the Seals, which were taken from him the 28th of
_January_ 1718. When M. _de la Vrilliere_ Secretary of State went to him
to demand them, the Chancellor resign’d them immediately, saying, _That he
restor’d them to his Royal Highness with more Pleasure than he took them_.
At the time that they were brought to the Regent the Duke _de Noailles_
was with him, who being more than ordinary surpriz’d to see the Seals,
because he knew nothing of the Chancellor’s Disgrace, could not help
asking the Regent, _What he was going to do with the Seals?_ To which that
Prince made Answer, _That he design’d them for M. +d’Argenson+ Lieutenant
of the Police_. The Duke being dissatisfy’d with this Change, desir’d the
Regent’s Leave to retire, which was granted him with more Readiness than
he desir’d.
The Seals were given upon the same day to M. _d’Argenson_. The Regent
himself sign’d the Patent, and the Grant of the Great and Little
Commissions; and in the Afternoon the new Minister took the usual Oath to
the King; and at the same time the Duke Regent declar’d him Chief of the
Council of the Finances. The Disgrace of the Chancellor made the
Parliament uneasy, and occasion’d fresh Murmuring among the People; the
rather because ’twas reported, that his Royal Highness ow’d him a Grudge
for his Refusal to sign certain Edicts which were not lik’d by the
Parliament.
While _Paris_ was in such a Ferment, there was some Commotion in
_Bretagne_. The Payment of the Free Gift being demanded of the States then
assembled, they made answer, _That they could not grant it till they had
first examin’d their Funds. They intended_, they said, _to regulate their
Finances, which were very much disorder’d_. This Delay was look’d upon as
an open Rebellion, and at the fourth Assembly they receiv’d Orders to
separate. This put them quite out of Temper, and the Nobility deputed four
of their Body to Court to present his Royal Highness a long Memorial, in
which they demonstrated how impossible it was for their Province to pay
the Free Gift at that instant. They complain’d of the Invasion of the
Privileges of a Province which had only submitted to _France_ upon
condition that they should be sacredly preserv’d. They concluded with
praying his Royal Highness to grant them, at least, some time longer. _We
flatter our selves, Sir_, said they, in the close of their Memorial, _that
a Delay of a few days, contrary indeed to an ill Custom, but agreeable to
ancient Possession, will not give your Royal Highness the worse Opinion of
a Nobility which is so much devoted to you, and to which you have declar’d
your Good-will_.
The Regent made answer to the Deputies, _That they must obey and pay, and
that then they would see what could be done_. This Answer did not satisfy
the uneasy _Bretons_, and the Parliament of the Province sent their
Deputies to _Paris_. When they were admitted to the King’s Audience, M.
_de Blossac_, who was their Spokesman, made much the same Representation
as the Deputies of the Nobility had done before. All the Answer they had
was a Declaration from the King, by the Keeper of the Seals, who was
present, _That the Privileges of their Province should not be infring’d_.
The same Deputies presented a long Petition to his Majesty, wherein they
discover’d not less Love and Respect to the King than Zeal for their
Privileges, but still insisted on the Impossibility of paying the Free
Gift so soon. These Remonstrances, however, were as ineffectual as those
of the States; and the Regent, who was resolv’d to be obey’d, made use of
his Authority, by banishing the most mutinous of the Gentry from the
Province, and others of ’em he caus’d to be summon’d to _Paris_, as well
as several of their Members of Parliament, in order to give an Account of
their Conduct.
Such, _Madame_, was the State of Affairs when I arriv’d at _Paris_. There
was no Talk of any thing but Disturbances, and every thing seem’d to tend
to a Revolt. The Duke Regent, in order to obviate any Enterprize of that
sort, thought fit to secure the Soldiery in his Interest; and for this end
he caus’d them to be paid punctually, gave Gratuities to the Officers, and
to put Feathers in their Caps he made a numerous Promotion of the Knights
of St. _Lewis_. There was a Creation of about four hundred in a few days,
so that go where one would, there was nothing to be seen but the Crosses
of St. _Lewis_. It were to be wish’d that the Species had been as common,
but of this there was less Probability than ever. The Regent had just
undertaken a general Recoinage of the Money, which seem’d to be a Thing of
great Consequence to private People. His Royal Highness caus’d the Edict
for this purpose to be register’d, and foreseeing that the Parliament
would not come into his Measures, he caus’d the same to be publish’d by
the Officers of the Mint. The Parliament was stung to the quick by the
Publication of this Edict, and pretended that, in order to its being
register’d, it ought to have been first communicated to them. The Chambers
met upon this Occasion, and ’twas agreed that all the Sovereign Courts
mould be invited to join with the Parliament in an Affair of such
Importance.
_M. L. C. P. P. D. L. C. D. A._ when the Invitation was sent to his
Company, took the advantage of it to make his court to the Regent, and
went and inquir’d at the Royal Palace how he had best act. The Regent took
this well at his hands, and his Royal Highness sent an immediate
Prohibition to the Court of Aids, the Chamber of Accounts, and the
Officers of the Mint to take any notice of the Parliament’s Invitation.
Nevertheless the Parliament still continu’d its Assemblies, and sent a
Deputation to the Royal Palace, confiding of the First President, the
President _d’Aligre_, and several Counsellors, to engage the Regent to
revoke the aforesaid Edict; and they represented in a very long Discourse,
_That the Rise of the Species could not but be prejudicial to the_ French
_and profitable to Foreigners, who would get sixty Livres by a Mark of
Silver, which intrinsically would not be worth twenty five Livres; and
that this would circulate an infinite number of counterfeit Species in the
Kingdom, considering the immense Profit that Foreigners would make by it_.
They then complain’d of the Edict’s being register’d at the Court of the
Mint, and not in the Parliament, to whom it ought, at least, to have been
communicated. The Duke Regent made answer to the Deputies, _That he did
not think he ought to send the last Edict to the Parliament, because the
Court of the Mint was establish’d a superior and competent Court in
Matters of that kind; that there had been no Edict sent to Parliament
concerning the Mints, since the Year 1659, except one which was sent
thither in 1715, out of pure Respect to that Company; that as to the
Inconveniencies, he had maturely weighed them, but that he could not
excuse himself from issuing the Edict, and that as to the Suspension of
the Edict, ’twas not to be thought of, the Work being so far advanc’d, and
a great Quantity of Species already given out, besides Debts that must
necessarily be paid off._
The Parliament not being satisfy’d with this Answer, there was another
Assembly, to the Number of 165 Members, next day, _viz._ the 20th of
_June_, from 8 o’clock in the Morning till 2 in the Afternoon, when they
pass’d an Arrêt, by which it was agreed to make most humble Remonstrances
to the King to obtain Letters Patent for censuring the last Edict of the
Mint, not register’d in Parliament, as prejudicial to the King, to Trade,
to the Government, and to the Fortunes of private People; that in
consequence thereof all Persons should be prohibited to receive the
new-coin’d Species, and to make Payments in any other Species than those
which had their Currency, by virtue of the Edict of 1715, and all Notarys
should likewise be prohibited to pass any Act for Payments or
Reimbursements made with the new Species. This Arrêt was set up in Writing
within the Palais or Parliament-House, and the Parliament took care to
have several written Copies of it dispers’d, because of the Prohibition
which their own Printer was laid under, not to commit it to the Press.
The Regent, who was sensible how prejudicial this Arrêt was to his
Authority, assembled the Council, when they pass’d an Arrêt declaring that
of the Parliament to be an Incroachment upon the Regal Authority, and that
his Majesty revok’d and annull’d it, as well as all the Resolutions taken
in that Body. All Mankind was alarm’d, and they fear’d, not without
Reason, what would be the Consequences of so violent a Proceeding. The
Parliament on their part did not abate one jot of their State; and when
the King’s Council laid upon the Table a Letter de Cachet, with the Arrêt
of the Council of State, they agreed to send the Whole back again without
reading one Word of it; and that the Arrêt pass’d the day before should be
put in execution according to its Form and Tenor. Hereupon the Council of
State pass’d another Arrêt, by which the King claim’d to himself and his
Council the Cognizance of all the Differences which might arise with
regard to the Coin. This done, the Regent sent two Companies of _French_
Guards to the Mint, and another Detachment to the Bank: And after having,
by this means, made every thing secure, he gave the Parliament leave to
come and make their Remonstrances to the King. The Person who spoke in the
Name of the rest was M. _de Mesmes_ the First President, at the Head of
seven Presidents _a Mortier_, thirty-two Counsellors, and the King’s
Council. His Speech was long and well study’d. He began with extolling the
Qualities observable in the young King. Then he said, _That tho’ the
Parliament only wish’d for the Opportunity of coming into his Presence_
_to admire them, they were under a Necessity of acquainting him with the
just Alarms of all the Orders of the Kingdom, upon account of an Edict for
a general Recoinage of the Species, which impoverish’d those that had any
Fortunes left in_ France, _without being any Relief to the numerous Poor_.
This Speech was divided into two Parts. The first related to the manner in
which the said Edict had been publish’d. The second enter’d into the
particular Inconveniencies with which the various Clauses of the Edict
would be attended, if his Majesty was not so far mov’d by those Reasons,
as to order its Repeal. M. _de Mesmes_ supported those two Articles by a
Speech as nervous as it was eloquent; and at the Close he said, that in
the Arrêts which had been pass’d by his Company, they had only followed
the Precedents that had been found in the Registers.
The First President left his Speech in Writing, that the King might be
able to answer it; and it was not long before the said Answer was
return’d. The Deputies of the Parliament being sent for to the
_Tuilleries_, on the 2d of _July_ 1718, the Keeper of the Seals said to
them in his Majesty’s Presence, _The King has caus’d the Remonstrances of
his Parliament to be examin’d in Council, and his Majesty will always be
dispos’d to give them a favorable Hearing, when they have not a Tendency
to the splitting or the cramping of his Authority._ He added, _That the
Edict in question had been maturely examin’d; and that ’twas the best
Remedy for paying off the Debts of the State; that the said Edict was not
such a Burden upon the Public; and that it was only so to those who should
make advantageous Contracts by obligatory Deeds._ He concluded with
saying, _That the King prohibited every Assembly tending to the neglect
of Submission_; and that he had given Orders for registring the Letters
Patent in pursuance of the Arrêt of Council whereby his Majesty claims the
Cognizance of the Disputes already risen or that may arise relating to the
Edict. This Answer being reported to the Parliament, Commissioners were
appointed to examine it; and at the same time to search the Registers if
there was any Precedent for Letters Patent of that sort, in order to
conform to it. The Commissioners having made their Report, the Company
came to a Resolution to represent to the Duke Regent, _That nothing had
been determin’d on that Subject, because the Company desired that they
might first of all make new Remonstrances to the King; and that they
intreated his Royal Highness to procure them an Audience_. The Regent was
nettled at the Parliament’s Importunity, and he made answer to the King’s
Council, who were sent to him with the Message, _That he should have
thought that the Parliament would have rested satisfy’d with the Answer
which the King had before given; but that since he saw they were not, he
would venture, notwithstanding the Dislike that his Majesty expressed to
Remonstrances, to give them the Liberty of presenting them, but no
otherwise than in Writing_.
The Parliament was not discouraged, but still continu’d to demand an
Audience, which was at length granted for the 26th of _July_; when all the
People of Distinction in _Paris_ flock’d to Court to hear the
Remonstrances. The first President spoke for nearly three quarters of an
Hour, tho’ his Discourse was nothing more than a Recapitulation of what he
had said before. His Majesty made answer, _My Keeper of the Seals will
explain my Intentions to you_. But the Keeper of the Seals said no more
than this, _The King has already explained his Intentions to you, and he
will explain them to you farther hereafter_.
The Parliament dissatisfy’d with this Answer, which they thought too
Laconic, as Affairs then stood, fell in a Rage with the Man whom they had
good reason to look upon as the _Primum Mobile_ of the Confusion of
Affairs; I mean _John Law_, whose rapid Fortune furnish’d a large Field of
Discourse. They were very sensible that a Director of the Bank could not
easily acquire so much Wealth, but a great many People must be
considerable Losers. The Parliament therefore cited this Financier to
appear before them in Person, but he never went near them; and when, in a
few days after, they chang’d the Summons to a Warrant for arresting him,
the Duke Regent protected him by an Arrêt of Council. This Prince wisely
judging of what Importance it was to him to make the Parliament easy, and
to secure Respect to the Regal Authority of which he was the Depositary,
appointed a Bed of Justice to be held at the Palace of the _Thuilleries_
for the 26th of _August_. He order’d the King’s Houshold Troops to keep to
their Arms, and to be every Man at his Post. The same day he sent circular
Letters of Invitation to all the Dukes and Peers, to the Marshals of
_France_, to the Knights of the Orders, to the Governors and
Lieutenant-Generals of the Provinces, to the Secretaries, and to some of
the Counsellors of State who were nominated by the Keeper of the Seals.
The Princes were also invited to this Tribunal. The Parliament walk’d
thither on foot, about 11 o’clock in their red Robes. The President _de
Novion_ was at the Head of their Body, because the first President was at
that time very much afflicted with the Gout; however, he went to the
_Thuilleries_ in a Coach.
After the Council of the Regency broke up, the King went from his little
Apartment upon the Terrass to his Gallery, to which he was accompanied by
the Duke Regent and the Princes of the Blood. Four Presidents _au Mortier_
and six Counsellors came thither to receive him, and conducted him to his
Bed of Justice. The King being seated on his Throne, and all the Company
having taken their Places, they began with reading the Letters Patent
establishing M. _d’Argenson_ Keeper of the Seals, which were order’d to be
register’d. After this an Arrêt of Council was read, forbidding the
Parliament to take Cognizance of the Affairs of State. Upon the reading of
this Arrêt, the first President broke Silence and said, _The Subject
seem’d to him of so great Importance, that with the due Respect and
Submission which the Company had for his Majesty’s Orders, he desired his
Majesty’s Permission to withdraw, to take it into Consideration_. As
little Attention was paid to this Remonstrance, as to the preceding ones.
The Regent drew near to the King and whisper’d him; and the Keeper of the
Seals, after approaching his Majesty for a Minute, made answer to the
Company, _The King will be obey’d, and obey’d too upon the Spot_.
Then a Declaration was read, importing, that the Dukes and Peers should
have Seats in Parliament immediately after the Princes of the Blood. A
second, which derogated from the Declaration of the King, dated the 5th of
_May_ 1694, and restrain’d the Legitimated Princes to the meer Honors and
Prerogatives of their Peerages: And a third, which re-established the
Count _de Tholouse_ in all his Rights, Ranks and Prerogatives for his own
Person only.
After the reading of these Declarations the Duke spoke and represented to
his Majesty, _That the late King having seem’d desirous that the Duke of_
Maine _should have the Care of his Majesty’s Education, tho’ the Place
belong’d to him by Birth-right, he did not then oppose it, because he was
at that time a Minor; but as this was not the Case now, he desir’d that
the Honor might be conferr’d upon him_: which Demand was granted to him,
as well as that of the Dukes and Peers, who demanded to have Precedence of
the Presidents _au Mortier_ in Parliament.
Thus ended the Bed of Justice, which will no doubt be famous to the latest
Posterity. The Parliament was very much mortify’d at the Conduct observ’d
to them, and declared next day in their Assembly, by an Arrêt which was
register’d, _That they neither could, nor ought, nor intended to have any
Share in what pass’d the Day preceding in the Bed of Justice; and that
Posterity might be inform’d of it, Commissioners were nominated, to draw
up a verbal Account of all the Proceedings_. The Regent being inform’d of
what the Parliament was doing, sent Detachments of the Gray and Black
Musketeers, commanded by a Brigadier, who on the 28th at Night, took up
those that had been the most zealous for this Opinion. Such were Messieurs
_de Blamont_, President of the 4th of the Inquests, _Feydeau_ Counsellor
of the same Court, and _St. Martin_ a Counsellor of the Grand Chamber.
They were clapp’d into three Coaches, each guarded by eight Musketeers and
an Officer, and carried to Places which the Court had appointed; and at
the same time the Papers of the two former were seiz’d.
As soon as the Parliament was acquainted of this Arrest, they met and made
a Deputation to the King, to intreat him to permit them to enjoy the
Privilege they always had of trying those of their own Body for any Crimes
they may be accus’d of. The Keeper of the Seals made them answer, _The
Affairs which bring this Deputation to the King are Affairs of State,
which demand Silence and Secrecy: The King is oblig’d to see due Respect
paid to his Authority. The future Behavior of his Parliament will
determine his Majesty’s Sentiments of, and Dispositions towards them._ The
Deputies went next day to the Royal Palace to make fresh Intercession with
the Regent for the Liberty of their Brethren; but his Royal Highness
returned much the same Answer to them as they had the day before,
whereupon the Parliament shut up their Tribunals, and left off decreeing
Justice. Mean time the King’s Council were always in Motion at the
_Louvre_, and at the Royal Palace, but could not obtain a satisfactory
Answer; and on the 5th of _September_ the Marquis _d’Essiat_, Master of
the Horse to the Duke Regent, gave the Company notice on the part of his
Royal Highness, to open the Courts again, and to continue the Sessions,
assuring them, that an Answer should shortly be returned to their late
Instances.
Mean time the Rumor of the Violence us’d to the President and the
Counsellors that had been apprehended, put a great many People out of
Temper: These Exiles were consider’d as Martyrs to the public Liberty, and
every Man made their Case his own. Several Parliaments seem’d inclinable
to support that of _Paris_. The Parliament of _Bretagne_ discover’d more
Zeal than any other, and wrote a fine Letter to the Parliament of _Paris_,
offering to join with them in the Demand of the Exiles Liberty; they also
wrote another on the same Subject to his Majesty, which they addressed to
M. _de la Vrilliere_ Secretary of State.
At the same time a very important Event happened, which took off the
Attention of the _French_, in a great measure, from their own Affairs, and
rais’d the Speculation of all _Europe_. This was the _Spanish_ Expedition
to _Sicily_. To let you fully into the Secret of this Affair, I must go
farther back, and give you a general Account of the State of Affairs of
_Europe_ in the preceding Year. The Emperor, in pursuance of his Alliances
with the Republic of _Venice_, from whom the _Turks_ had taken a Part of
the _Morea_, was sollicited to declare War against those Infidels. The
Pope, on his part, dreading that the _Turks_ should land in _Italy_,
caus’d Instances to be made to his Imperial Majesty to persuade him to the
War. The Emperor could not determine with himself for a good while to
break with the _Turks_, for fear lest _Spain_ should take an Advantage of
such Rupture, and fall upon his Provinces in _Italy_. The Pope encourag’d
the Emperor, by acquainting him, _That the King of +Spain+ had given him
his solemn Promise that he would undertake nothing in +Italy+._ He also
gave him to understand, _That instead of having any reason to be afraid of
+Spain+, he might expect all manner of Assistance from that Crown in the
present War; since it had engag’d to send him a powerful Squadron; and
that the better to enable him to do this, he (the Pope) had given him
leave to raise the Tenths upon the Clergy of +Spain+._ These
Representations made an Impression upon the Emperor; but the Thing which
absolutely determin’d him, was the Treaty of Guaranty, that he had
concluded with _England_, by which that Crown engaged to assist him with
its Navy, in case that his Dominions were invaded. He therefore declared
War against the _Turks_, and sent a numerous Army against them, under
Command of Prince _Eugene_ of _Savoy_. The Campaign prov’d very glorious
for this Prince. He began it with a Victory near _Temeswaer_, after which
he laid Siege to that Place, and in a very little time reduc’d it. Mean
while _Spain_ prepar’d a Naval Armament, under Pretence of sending
Succours to the _Venetians_. But how was all _Europe_ surpriz’d, when it
was known that the Prime Minister of _Spain_, the Cardinal _Alberoni_,
heretofore Chaplain to the Duke _de Vendôme_, afterwards Agent of _Parma_
at the Court of _Madrid_, and finally, by the Queen’s Favour, promoted to
the Summit of Grandeur and Prosperity, had prevail’d on the King of
_Spain_ to employ the Sums that were levied upon the Estates of the
Clergy, and appropriated for the Support of the Honor of the Christian
Name, in the Conquest of _Sardinia_! The Reduction of it was attended with
no great Difficulty, because the Island, in reliance upon the Faith of
Treaties, was at that time but indifferently furnish’d with Troops. The
Emperor made his Complaints to the Pope, and to _France_ and _England_ as
Guaranties of the Neutrality of _Italy_. These Powers did their utmost to
engage the King of _Spain_ to desist from his Pretensions. The Duke Regent
order’d the Duke of _St. Aignan_, Ambassador of _France_ at the _Spanish_
Court, to represent to the King all the Inconveniencies into which this
War might plunge him; but the _Spanish_ Minister, who rely’d upon the
secret Correspondence he had in _France_, refused all Proposals of an
Accommodation, tho’ they were so very advantageous to the King of _Spain_:
For it was propos’d to him, that the Emperor should recognize him the
lawful Possessor of _Spain_ and the _Indies_; and moreover, that he should
consent to the securing of the Successions of _Parma_ and _Placentia_ to
the Queen of _Spain_’s Children; Terms infinitely more advantagious than
those that had been granted to him by the Peace of _Utrecht_, and of which
the King, of _Spain_ so earnestly desir’d to see the Confirmation the Year
that _Lewis_ XIV. died.
The End of the Third Volume.