The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz Volume IV Part 1

The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz.

Volume IV.

by Karl Ludwig von Pollnitz.

_To Madame_ DE ----.

The Conduct of the Court of _Spain_, tho' it really made the Court of _Vienna_ uneasy, did not hinder the Emperor from carrying on the War against the _Turks_ with Vigour: And Heaven so prosper'd the Imperial Arms, that in 1718 Prince _Eugene_ gain'd the most signal Victory near _Belgrade_ that the Christians could have hop'd for. Soon after that Battle the victorious Troops reduc'd _Belgrade_, and at length the _Turks_ were forc'd to sue for a Peace: While every Thing seem'd to have a Tendency that way, _Spain_ put to Sea the most formidable Fleet she had ever equipp'd since that unfortunate one call'd, _The Invincible Armado_; and sent it to the Coast of _Sicily_, where it put a numerous Army on Sh.o.r.e, under Command of the Marquis _de Lede_. The Count _de Maffei_ Viceroy of the Kingdom for the Duke of _Savoy_, who was King of _Sicily_, made all the Resistance possible, considering the Weakness of his Army; and tho' not able to save the Island, yet he made such a Defence as hinder'd the _Spanish_ Army from pus.h.i.+ng its Conquests farther by giving Time to Admiral _Bing_, who commanded the _English_ Fleet, to enter the _Mediterranean_, and execute the Orders he had to attack the _Spanish_ Fleet. These Orders imported, that he was to act in a friendly manners in case that _Spain_ desisted from its Enterprizes against the Neutrality of _Italy_; but otherwise to make a vigorous Resistance. Admiral _Bing_ communicated these Orders to Cardinal _Alberoni_, who answer'd him gravely, _That he had nothing to do but to put them in Execution_. The Admiral did so with a Vengeance; for on the 11th of _August_ he gave Battle to the _Spanish_ Fleet, and intirely defeated it. As soon as the Duke Regent was inform'd of the News, he sent away a Courier to the _French_ Amba.s.sador at _Madrid_, with Letters from the Earl of _Stairs_ to the _English_ Amba.s.sador Earl _Stanhope_. The Design of his Royal Highness was to engage the latter to return to _Madrid_, from whence he set out on the 27th of _August_, that he might make fresh Instances there for a Peace with Cardinal _Alberoni_, who to be sure was a little stunn'd at this Reverse of Fortune. But the Earl, whether he did not meet the Courier, or whether he did not think it proper to return to _Spain_, arriv'd at _Paris_ on the 9th of _September_.

Mean Time the War betwixt the Emperor and the _Turks_ was at an End, and Orders were actually given for sending the Imperial Troops into _Italy_.

The Regent despairing at that Time of persuading the King of _Spain_ to a Peace, order'd the Abbat _du Bois_, the _French_ Amba.s.sador at _London_, to sign the Treaty commonly call'd _The Quadruple Alliance_, in Conjunction with the Amba.s.sadors of _England_ and the Emperor. He also repeated his Orders to the Duke of _St. Aignan_, to try all the means imaginable to prevail on the King of _Spain_ to accede to the Terms that were propos'd to him by the Quadruple Alliance; but his Catholic Majesty persisted so long in his Refusal, that his Royal Highness resolv'd to declare War against him, and the Duke of _St. Aignan_ had Orders to demand his Audience of Leave.

At that Time the Regent happily discover'd a Conspiracy that was form'd against him in the very Heart of the Kingdom. The King of _England_ had before appriz'd him, that there was some Contrivance on Foot; but the Names of the Conspirators, and what they were to do, was a Secret. Mean time the Regent suspecting that all these Intrigues were only fomented by the Minister of _Spain_, he caus'd the Prince _de la Cellamare_, Amba.s.sador from that Crown, to be so narrowly watch'd that he was soon let into the Secret of the whole Intrigue carrying on against him, which was in short no less than to remove him from the Regency. The _Spanish_ Minister for the better Success had caus'd a Body of Troops to be a.s.sembled in _France_, where they stroll'd about like Fellows that dealt in unlicens'd Salt, and other Contraband Goods; but upon a particular Day they were to enter _Paris_, invest the Royal Palace, and to secure the Person of the Regent. The Conspiracy was detected almost at the same Instant that it was to have been executed; and of this the Prince _de Cellamare_ himself was partly the Cause; not that I suspect him of having betray'd the _Spanish_ Minister, but probably he was too credulous of every one that came to him; for I was told, that the Pacquet containing the whole Mystery of the Conspiracy, and the Names of the Conspirators, was put into the Hands of the Abbat _Portocarrero_, in Presence of a Couple of Domesticks, whose infidelity was not perhaps Proof against the Lewidors of the Royal Palace. Besides, this Abbat, tho' a Person of Merit, had not perhaps Experience or Wisdom enough to behave as was absolutely necessary in so ticklish an Affair. Be this as it will, he set out for _Madrid_ with such Dispatches committed to his Care as contain'd the Fortunes of a great Number of People. He had not travell'd far, when, as he was pa.s.sing a Ford, his Chaise broke, and he had like to have been drown'd; but notwithstanding the Danger of his Person, he seem'd to be more in Pain for his Trunk than for his Life. This Earnestness for the Preservation of his Trunk gave a Suspicion to those who attended him; and the Spies whom the Regent had planted upon him, advertis'd that Prince of it time enough for him to give his Orders to the Commandant of _Poictiers_ to cause him to be arrested, and his Trunk to be secur'd. The Abbat was accordingly arrested[1], and brought back to _Paris_. The Prince _de Cellamare_, being inform'd of what had pa.s.s'd, claim'd the Trunk, saying it contain'd the Memoirs of his Emba.s.sy: He was given to understand, that his Word was not to be taken, and the Trunk being open'd at the Royal Palace, there was all the Scheme of the Conspiracy, and the List of the Persons that were enter'd into it. The Thing that gave the Regent most Vexation was, to see the Names of Persons there, upon whom he had heap'd his Favours. His Royal Highness acted in this delicate Conjuncture with all the Moderation possible, and his Behaviour was in every Respect so discreet, that it was hardly discernible that any Thing extraordinary was pa.s.sing in _France_; he caus'd the Abbat _Portocarrero_ to be releas'd, as an insignificant Tool; but as to the Prince _de Cellamare_, he was invited to a Conference at the Royal Palace, to which he no sooner arriv'd, but Messengers were sent to clap a Seal on his Effects. The Ministers went with him afterwards to his own House, where he was surpriz'd to find a Guard that was charg'd to be answerable for his Person. Some Days after this, all his Papers were examin'd, and Three Boxes were fill'd with them in his Presence, which were seal'd and carry'd to the _Louvre_, there to be kept till the King of _Spain_ sent Persons that he could confide in to fetch them. At length on the 13th of _December_, the Prince _de Cellamare_ set out from _Paris_ with a Guard: As for the Smugglers, they vanish'd as soon as the Conspiracy was brought to Light: All this pa.s.s'd in the Month of _December_, 1718.

The 29th of the same Month the Duke and d.u.c.h.ess of _Maine_ were arrested: The Duke had been the Day before to pay a Visit to the d.u.c.h.ess of _Orleans_ at the Royal Palace, and stay'd there Three Hours, after which he return'd to lye at _Seaux_; where next Morning a Lieutenant of the Guards came and told him, that he had Orders to carry him under a strong Guard to the Castle of _Dourlens_. The same Day at Seven in the Morning, the Marquis _D'Ancenis_, who was Captain of the Guards after the Death of his Father the Duke of _Charost_, during whose Life he had the Post in Reversion, had an Order to arrest the d.u.c.h.ess of _Maine_: This Officer had supp'd but the Night before with the Princess, and stayed with her very late; guess then how he must be surpriz'd when he came Home, and found the _Letter de Cachet_ or Warrant, which put him upon an Office that he would have been glad to be excused from serving; but the Order must be obeyed, and therefore he went next Day to the Princess's Apartment, who was then in Bed, as were also her Ladies; so that the Servants were very much startled to see M. _D'Ancenis_ there again so early, and scrupled at first to awake the d.u.c.h.ess; but, as they imagined the Marquis was come about an Affair of great Consequence, the Ladies let him in: The Princess, being wak'd out of her Sleep by the Noise of the Door, as it open'd, ask'd, Who was there? M. _D'Ancenis_ having told her his Name, she said to him hastily, _Oh! my G.o.d! What have I done to you, that you should disturb me so soon in the Morning?_ He then told her the melancholy Commission that he was sent upon. They say, her Ladys.h.i.+p was much more provok'd at this Disgrace than the Duke her Husband; and she could not help dropping some Words which shew'd plain enough that she was impatient under her Misfortune. However, she was quickly dress'd, and getting into a Coach with Three of her Waiting-Women, she was conducted to the Castle of _Dijon_: All her chief Domestics were committed, some to the _Bastille_, and others to _Vincennes_. The Prince of _Dombes_ and the Count _de Eu_ were banish'd to _Eu_, where they had so much Liberty however, that this Change of Fortune had not altogether the Air of Disgrace. As for _Maidemoiselle de Maine_, the Princess of _Conty_ took her Home with her.

The Cardinal _de Polignac_, who was very much attach'd to the Family of _Maine_, also shar'd their Fate; for he was banish'd to his Abbey of _Anchin_, and had but Two Hours allow'd him to set his Affairs in Order.

While these Things pa.s.s'd in _France_, the King of _Spain_, or rather his Minister, caus'd the Duke of _St. Aignan_, the Amba.s.sador of _France_, to be very ill treated, who having taken Leave of the King and Queen, stay'd some Days longer to settle his domestic Affairs, perhaps also to see what Turn Things would take, in case the King of _Spain_, who was then dangerously ill, should die. I am a.s.sur'd that the King having told him, that by his Will he left the Regency to the Queen and Cardinal _Alberoni_, the Amba.s.sador made Answer, That his Testamentary Settlement might probably be of as little Effect as _Lewis_ XIV's was. This Answer displeas'd the Cardinal, who thought of nothing but of being reveng'd; and indeed some time after, the Marquis _de Grimaldo_, Secretary of State, went to the Duke of _St. Aignan_, and signify'd an Order to him from the King, to leave _Madrid_ in Twenty-four Hours, and the Kingdom in Twelve Days. 'Twas 10 o'Clock at Night when this Order was notify'd, and next Day, _viz._ the 14th of _December_, at 7 o'Clock in the Morning, the Amba.s.sador's House was surrounded by a Party of Life-Guards, commanded by an Exempt, who having plac'd Centinels at all the Doors of his Lodging, enter'd the Duke's Apartment, who was still a-bed with his d.u.c.h.ess, made them dress themselves with all Speed, and then conducted them out of the City.

Cardinal _Alberoni_, who did not yet know, that the Plot he had laid was discover'd, wrote with Speed to the Prince of _Cellamare_, that he might guess what to expect after the Treatment that had been shewn to the Amba.s.sador of _France_; tho' he told him, that ought not to be a Reason for using him in the same manner, and that the Duke _de St. Aignan_'s Misbehaviour had made it necessary to take that Course with him. He exhorted him not to stir from _Paris_, till he was compell'd to it by Force, nor even then, till he had made all the convenient Protests. He said to him in the Conclusion, _Put the Case that your Excellency be oblig'd to go, you will first set Fire to all your Mines_. Little did he think how terribly they were at that Time countermin'd!

This Letter, which was a farther Confirmation of the Prince _de Cellamare_'s Conspiracy, and the Affront put upon the Amba.s.sador of the most Christian King, intirely convinc'd the Regent, that the _Spanish_ Minister was resolv'd to go all Lengths. War was declar'd on both Sides, in which _Spain_ did not come off with Honour. I shall have further Occasion to speak of it to you some Time hereafter.

I am next to give you an Account, how it far'd with myself at this Time: Tho' I had no Hand in this Plot, yet I was shrewdly suspected; for several Conferences were held at my House: I was intimate with those who were deepest in the Secret, and in Fine, whether it proceeded from Prudence, or from a Panic, I resolv'd to take Care of myself. I set out from _Paris_ in a very great Hurry, with a Design to repair to the Palatine Court, and stay there till the Storm was quite over. I went to _Germany_ thro'

_Lorrain_, but had much ado to get thither, because I had no Pa.s.sport, and Orders were arriv'd from Court, to stop all that travell'd without one; I therefore thought of the following Stratagem.

About a League from _Toul_, which is the last Place in _France_, I feign'd myself sick, that I might have some colour for halting there, and dismissing my Postilion. At that Village I lay all Night, and rising very early next Morning, I told my Landlady that I would go to _Toul_ on Foot, and desir'd her to send my Boots according to a Direction I left with her.

My Design was to go into _Toul_ as a Townsman; for I hop'd, that my being on Foot, and not having the Air of a Traveller, I should pa.s.s without Molestation; but I was quite mistaken; for the Guard stopp'd me, and ask'd me, Who I was, and, Wither I was bound? I said, That I was a _German_, that I had been the _Valet de Chambre_ of a _German_ n.o.bleman, who dy'd at _Paris_, and that I was returning from thence Homewards. The Officer carry'd me before the King's Lieutenant, who, I thought, was a mere Brute; yet I think I should be in the Wrong to complain, for I gave myself out for a Footman, and really as such he treated me: He put several Questions to me, which I always made Answer to like a most submissive Lackey, in Hopes of soothing his sullen Humour; but nothing could defend me from his Reproaches: _You are not a Footman_, said he, _I rather believe you are some Bankrupt; therefore tell me the Truth, or I'll instantly throw you into a Dungeon._ I still affirm'd, that I was a Footman; but the Lieutenant, not well pleas'd with my Answer, committed me to the Guard-House, where he left me Five or Six Hours, and then sent me Word, that I might go to an Inn: I was conducted thither by a Soldier, who was always a Guard upon me, and next Day carry'd me again before the King's Lieutenant, who took me into his Closet, and told me, 'Twas to no Purpose for me to think of concealing myself any longer from him; for that he was just inform'd who I was, by a Person who knew me. I own, _Madame_, that I began to be afraid, yet I stood to my Text still, with all the a.s.surance that could be. He then call'd one of his Domestics, and bid him fetch the Man that knew me; but 'twas well for me, that this Person had no Existence but in his Imagine. Mean Time he seem'd to be out of Patience that he did not come; and at last told me, that I must return to the Guard-House, and not stir from thence till I had fully satisfy'd him who and what I was.

Then I happen'd to hit upon an Expedient which prov'd a lucky one; I told him, That I was very willing to remain in Custody till I had receiv'd an Answer from the Landlady of the Inn where my Master dy'd, who would make good what I had affirm'd. Upon this he order'd Paper to be given me; and I wrote in short to my Landlady at _Paris_, by the Name of a _Valet de Chambre_, whom I left there when I came away. As she was a Woman of quick Apprehension, and knew my Hand-Writing, I persuaded myself that she would easily comprehend the Meaning of it. When my Letter was finish'd, I shew'd it to the King's Lieutenant, who read it, and told me, That he would undertake both for its Delivery, and an Answer to it. In the mean Time he remanded me back to my Inn, and in Two Hours after, sent to tell me, that I might pursue my Journey. You will naturally imagine, that I took him at the first Word. I accordingly walk'd out of _Toul_ on Foot, but I hir'd a Horse at a Village belonging to the Princ.i.p.ality of _Elbuf_, and went to _Nancy_, where I had the Precaution to provide myself with a Pa.s.sport, which the Innkeeper, where I lay, procur'd me, by the Name of a certain Merchant of that City. I did not think fit to go to _Strasbourg_, where perhaps I might have been known; but went to _Haguenau_; from thence to _Fort Louis_, where I pa.s.s'd the _Rhine_; and at last arriv'd at _Heidelberg_ in the Beginning of the Year 1719.

The Palatine Court resided at _Heidelberg_[2], but 'twas not the same Elector that I had the Honour to mention to you before, for he was dead, and was succeeded by his Brother Prince _Charles_, who kept a numerous and magnificent Court, and was the Darling of all his Family. He was so good to his Domestics, that there are few such to be found among Princes; and yet without debasing his Rank, of which he understood every Part of its Dignity, and perfectly knew how to have the Respect paid that was due to him: Being withal generous, good-natur'd, affable and charitable; he lov'd People should speak to him with Freedom. He was very regular in his Conduct, even to a Degree of Devotion, yet in no respect an Enemy to Pleasures; on the contrary, he often procured them for his Court; and he was especially fond of Dancing, which he perform'd indeed too well for a Prince.

The Elector has had Two Wives, but he has had only one Child, a Daughter, marry'd to the Hereditary Prince of _Sultzbach_, who is the Elector's presumptive Heir. She is a very lovely Princess, tho' somewhat pitted with the Small Pox; she is not tall, but perfectly well-shap'd; she is complete Mistress of every Thing which young Princesses are usually taught; she dances and sings with a very good Grace, and especially the _Italian_ Airs, which she plays at the same time to Perfection upon the Harpsichord.

The Prince her Husband was a clever handsome Man, and his Outside was a sufficient Indication of his Endowments: He had so grave an Air, that one would be apt to suspect him of a little Austerity, yet this did not render him a whit the less polite; and, above all Things, he was very civil to Foreigners. He shew'd an extraordinary Respect to the Elector, who, on his Part, gave him all the possible Marks of a Tenderness for him. This young Prince had a Son by this Marriage, who dwelt at _Neubourg_, where he had been brought up; it being apprehended that the Fatigues of Travelling would be hurtful to his Health, but, notwithstanding this Precaution, the young Prince dy'd in 1724.

The Elector was a very early Riser; as soon as he was up, he spent some Time in Prayer; then the Great Chamberlain or Grand Master of the Wardrobe talk'd to him about Affairs of State, or such as were Domestic; when those Gentlemen were retir'd, the Prince employed himself in reading Dispatches, or in Writing; after which he dress'd himself: About 11 o'Clock he went to Ma.s.s, accompany'd by the Prince his Son-in-Law, and the Princess his Daughter: When he held a Council there, 'twas after Ma.s.s was over: Upon other Days he play'd at Billiards till Dinner-time, which held a long while, and sometimes a little too much was drank at it; which indeed they could not well help, the Wine there was so delicious. After Dinner was over, his Electoral Highness went with the Princess his Daughter to her Apartment, where he stay'd a little while, and then retir'd to his own, where he caus'd himself to be undress'd, and went to Bed for a few Hours.

About 5 or 6 o'Clock in the Evening he was dress'd, after which he gave public Audiences, or else apply'd himself to something in his Study. At 7 o'Clock he went into the a.s.sembly Room, where he found the Princess and the whole Court; and after having chatted some Time, he sate down to Picquet, or to a Pair of Tables; but when the Game was over, he retired, and the Princess went to Supper.

In the Afternoon, when the Elector was withdrawn, the Princess went into her Lady of Honour's Apartment, where there was always a great a.s.sembly, and often a Concert, in which the Princess sung some _Italian_ Song or other, together with _Signora Claudia_, one of her Waiting-Women. This little Concert was made up also of some Musicians selected out of the Elector's Band, and is one of the completest that I ever heard. The Prince of _Sultzbach_ a.s.sisted at it sometimes; but he most commonly retir'd to his Apartment at the same Time that the Elector did to his.

As these Two Princes shew'd me great Marks of their Goodness, the Courtiers too, in Imitation of their Masters, were mighty civil to me: I was invited to the best Houses, and treated every Day with grand Feasts, and fresh Parties of Pleasure; and in a Word I pa.s.s'd the little Time I stay'd at _Heidelberg_ very pleasantly. I was so charm'd with that Court, that I had a great Mind to put in for some Employment there; and for that end I engag'd some Persons, who I thought could do me most Service; but notwithstanding the Courtiers seem'd so fond of me, I found a Cabal in my Way, which was powerful enough to hinder me from obtaining my Wish. These were, to my Misfortune, Persons of very good Credit, who did not care to see any body in Place, but such, as they knew, would truckle to them. The Great Chamberlain, to whom I plainly saw I was not acceptable, was one of those who made the greatest Opposition to my Advancement. 'Tis true, that I drew his Resentment upon me by my own Rashness and Folly: For one Day, as I was attending the Elector from the Princess's Apartment to his own, I went into a Room which, according to the Custom of the Court, no body was permitted to enter, except the Great Chamberlain; but this was more than I then knew, and therefore I went boldly into the Room, when a Harbinger of the Court came, and, with a very impertinent Air, bad me _turn out_----I ask'd him, Whether he had his Order for saying so from the Elector? He said, No; but from the Great Chamberlain: I then made him an Answer in a Style that surpriz'd him, and bad him tell the Grand Chamberlain something that I knew he would not be pleas'd with: At the same time I talk'd both against the Chamberlain and his Emissary in such a manner as gave Vent to my Spleen, but excluded me from the Service of one of the best Princes in the World. I took Leave afterwards of the Elector, who bad me Farewel, made me a considerable Present, and moreover gave me Letters of Recommendation to _Vienna_, where I intended to solicit some Employment.

I shall now give you a brief Account of the City and Castle of _Heidelberg_: The City stands on the Banks of the _Neckar_, with high Mountains on each Side, and only a narrow Pa.s.sage between them, from which however there's a Prospect of the n.o.blest Plain in _Germany_. In this City there was formerly a famous University, founded by _Rupert the Ruddy_, Count Palatine and Duke of _Bavaria_ in 1346. Here was to be seen one of the finest Libraries in _Europe_, but General _Tilly_ carry'd it off in 1622, and sent it to _Rome_, where it makes a considerable Part of the _Vatican_ Library. _Lewis_ the Dauphin of _France_, Grandfather of _Lewis_ XV. made himself Master of _Heidelberg_ by a Capitulation in 1698.

nevertheless, all manner of Disorders were committed in it; a Part of the Electoral Palace was blown up, the City was burnt, and the very Corpses of the Electors, which were in the Coffins with the Ornaments of their Dignity, were dragg'd out of their Graves into the Square: And the _French_ would undoubtedly have committed greater Cruelties, if the Army of the Empire had not advanc'd towards _Heidelberg_, of which the _Germans_ made themselves Masters; and the Governor was prosecuted for Treachery, and sentenc'd to have his Choice, Whether to die by the Sword, or to have his Coat of Arms defac'd, his Sword broke, to be kick'd by the Hangman, and turn'd out of the Army with his Life: But he was so mean-spirited, as to prefer Infamy to Death, and retir'd to _Hildesheim_, where he has the Misfortune to be still living.

Some Time after this, the Marshal _de Lorge_ attack'd _Heidelberg_, but he could not master it, tho' the Place was defenceless. A Song was made upon him, the Burden of which was, _He would have taken_ Heidelberg, _if he had found the Door open_. There's no Sign now that _Heidelberg_ was ever ruin'd; 'tis well rebuilt; and if the present Elector had continued his Residence in it, would have been one of the finest Towns in _Germany_; but 'twas owing to the Protestants, that the Elector remov'd to _Manheim_.

What gave Occasion to it was this: The Protestants of _Heidelberg_ and the Catholics have one Church between them, where the Nave of it belongs to the Protestants, and the Choir to the Catholics. When the present Elector had fix'd his Residence at _Heidelberg_, he desir'd that this Church, in which the Electors are interr'd, might be intirely Catholic; and for this end he made a Proposal to the Protestants, to give up the Nave, and engag'd that another Church should be built for them. The Inhabitants were very willing to consent to it, but the Ministers oppos'd it, and represented to the Citizens, that 'twas of dangerous Consequence to resign that Church, which was included in the Treaty of _Westphalia_, and in all the Treaties that had been made with the Princes of _Neubourgh_, on their Accession to the Electorate; that, after such a Resignation was once made, they could no longer expect the Protection of the Powers of their own Communion; and finally, that even the new Church, which was promis'd to be built for them, might with very great Ease be taken from them. The Elector having declar'd that he would be obey'd, the Ministers apply'd to the Protestant Body at the Dyet of the Empire. The Affair made a great Noise; and the Elector threatened the Inhabitants to abandon them; but they did not seem to be much concern'd at it, because they imagin'd, that if the Court went, the Regency and the Courts of Justice would remain with them, as they did in the Time of the late Elector. Nevertheless they were out in their Calculation, and the Elector, justly incens'd at the Disrespect of his Subjects, abandon'd them, and transfer'd his Court and all the Tribunals to _Manheim_; so that the Citizens, whose sole Dependance was on the Court, or the Officers of those Tribunals, are now very poor. They were quickly sensible of the Error they had committed, and went and threw themselves at the Elector's Feet; but the Prince gave no Ear to them, and has caus'd the City and Castle of _Manheim_ to be rebuilt.

The Castle of _Heidelberg_ to this Day shews the Marks of the Disorder committed there by the _French_; for there's a great Part of it in Ruins; and out of Four considerable Mansions, of which it consisted, there was only one that was not damag'd. That which remains of the Palace is in a Stile of Architecture, which I should be at a Loss to explain; 'tis neither Gothic nor Modern, but a _Rhapsody_ of all the Orders heap'd one upon another, without Fancy or Judgment; as if the Architect who conducted the Work, had only design'd a Building of great Expence, without troubling himself whether it was done well or ill. This Palace stands upon a very high Hill, with a magnificent Terra.s.s towards the Town, from whence there's a Prospect of the Plain and of the Country too for several Leagues. The Inside of the Palace is scarce more regular than the Outside. The Elector's Apartment consists of a long Suite of Rooms, without Beauty or Proportion. Nor is there any thing agreeable in the whole but its Situation, which is owing to the Prospect that it commands.

The other Apartments are very small, and of pretty difficult Access, because of a great many little Steps that lead up and down to them.

In the Vaults of this Palace there's the Tun, so famous for its enormous Size; 'tis said to contain 26,250 Gallons _Paris_ Measure. The Electors have had frequent Carousals on the Platform which is over it. I own to you, that I can't comprehend what Pleasure there can be in Tippling-Bouts of this Kind, at a Place where one cannot be at Ease; since a Man need not be very tall, for his Head to touch the Roof of the Vault, which besides is very dark.

As I was preparing to set out for _Vienna_ where I intended, as I said, to sollicit Employment, I receiv'd a Letter from _Paris_, with Advice that the Storm I so much dreaded was dispers'd, and that all my Fears were ill grounded, the Regent having no manner of Suspicion of me, but on the contrary, more inclin'd than ever to shew me the Effects of his Protection; thereupon I was earnestly exhorted to return to _Paris_, which Advice coming from a good Hand, I made no Scruple to comply with it.

At my Arrival there I went to the Royal Palace as before: The Regent gave me a very good Reception, and _Madame_ made me so welcome, that it confirm'd my Hopes, that I should at length obtain something at the Court of _France_. I found People very much divided about the War which had been just declar'd against _Spain_: The _French_ were indeed for a War, but they were sorry to make it against a Prince who was born among them, and for whose Establishment they had expended so many Millions, and so much Blood. The Regent was even at a Loss to find any one to command the Army, because several had excus'd themselves. Only the Marshal _de Berwic_, the Natural Son of _James_ II. King of _England_, prefer'd the Service of the Regency to the old Obligations he had to the King of _Spain_. His Catholic Majesty, whose Forces this Duke had commanded, had heap'd Favours upon him; he had not only made him and his Son Grandees of _Spain_, but had moreover granted to both of 'em the Golden Fleece, and the Duchy of _Liria_ for his Son and his Posterity. Nevertheless, he accepted of the Command with Pleasure, and set out for _Spain_.

The Regent having engag'd the Prince of _Conti_ to take upon him the Command of the Cavalry, order'd him 100,000 Crowns for his Equipage, and granted him 60,000 Livres a Month to keep an open Table; besides which, his Horses were to be kept at the King's Expence. When his Royal Highness had appointed these Two Generals, he was not very much at a Loss for subaltern Officers: To encourage them to serve with the more Zeal, there was a great Promotion, consisting of 6 Lieutenant-Generals, 72 Major-Generals, and 196 Brigadiers. The Regent also gave Pensions to above Threescore Officers, who repair'd to the Marshal _de Berwic_ in _Navarre_, where the Campaign was open'd by the Siege of _Fontarabia_. At the same Time the Regent caus'd a Manifesto to be publish'd, which was couch'd in Terms full of Regard to the King of _Spain_, Cardinal _Alberoni_ being reproach'd for every Thing that was blameworthy in that Prince's Conduct; and accus'd of being the Author of the War between the Two Crowns, and of having hinder'd the King his Master from accepting the Treaty of the Quadruple Alliance, a Treaty which had not been concluded, said the Regent, but for the Welfare of _Europe_, and particularly of _France_ and _Spain_. His Royal Highness protested, that the War was only made to induce the King of _Spain_ to a Peace; and affirm'd, That _France_ did not mean to make any Conquest upon his Dominions; and that if she was compell'd to do it, she should be always ready to restore such Conquests at the Peace.

Cardinal _Alberoni_ dispers'd several Pieces in the Name of his Master, by which he invited the _French_ Soldiers to take the Part of his Catholic Majesty; and to succeed the better in this Design, he engag'd the King of _Spain_ to head his Army, hoping, that upon his very first Appearance, one Half of the Army of _France_ would desert to his Standard. The Cardinal being full of Notions so chimerical and so injurious to Officers and Troops, as incapable of Cowardice as of Treachery; he oblig'd the _Chevalier de S----_ who had been a Colonel in _France_, but by Misfortunes was forc'd to go to _Spain_, to write to some of the chief Commanders, and solicit them to come over with their Regiments to the _Spanish_ Service. The _Chevalier_, who built Hopes of a considerable Fortune upon the Success of this Project, wrote to the Lieutenant-Colonel of _Normandy_, and sent the Letter to him by an Officer, who was indeed a Gentleman, but at that Time committed an Action unworthy of that Character. This Officer came to the _French_ Army, and gave the Letter to the Person it was directed to, who carrying it to the Marshal _de Berwic_, he caus'd the unfortunate Courier to be arrested, and hang'd up in Two Hours after. The Cardinal was very much mortify'd by having miscarry'd in this Attempt, not considering that the same was impracticable, by reason the Fidelity of the _French Officers_ was never to be corrupted; but it was not so at that Time with the _Soldiers_, of whom a great Number deserted to the _Spanish_ Army. Persons of Credit, who at that Time saw Cardinal _Alberoni_ in private, a.s.sur'd me, that Minister was so fully persuaded that whole Regiments at a Time would come over to the _Spanish_ Service; that when he was told 50 or 100 Deserters, more or less, were newly come; _What signifies that_, said he? _His Majesty wants to see Colours and Standards arrive, and not a Handful of Men._ The Cardinal had a great many Fortune-hunters about him, who were continually telling him, that intire Battalions were just coming over; and by the Favour of such Predictions, which never came to any Thing, they got out of him what they wanted, for no other Consideration but a sorry improbable Scheme, and which tended even sometimes to deceive the Minister and betray him. One may guess at the Character of those Gentlemen by one _F----_, who had been a Reformado-Colonel in _France_, but being press'd hard by merciless Creditors, could find no other Means to escape from their ill Humour, than by taking Shelter under Cardinal _Alberoni_. This _F----_ was a terrible Rattle, and could rodomontade better than any body. The Minister made him a Brigadier, and withal gave him a Gratuity of 100 Pistoles; but our Spark not thinking this sufficient, wanted forsooth to be a Major-General, and teiz'd the Cardinal for it to such a Degree, that to get rid of such an importunate Solicitor, his Eminency was oblig'd to promise him, that it should not be long before he should be prefer'd. My Gentleman had no Time to wait, and renew'd his Solicitations; but being put off, he was quite out of Patience, and at last declar'd, that he would serve no longer if he was not made a Major-General. His Eminence grew angry, so that _F----_ thought it was proper to submit, or at least to a.s.sume a submissive Air. Mean while he study'd Revenge, and imagin'd the only way to make his Fortune in _France_ would be, to seize the Cardinal, and run away with him to the Regent. The Thing that remain'd to be consider'd was, what Methods he should take to succeed; and 'tis even said, that he had laid his Plot so well, that had it not been for the Treachery of one of the Conspirators who discover'd the whole Mystery, the same would have succeeded. The Cardinal caus'd _F----_ to be arrested, and sent Prisoner to _Pampeluna_, and from thence to the Castle of _Segovia_, where he was try'd, and would infallibly have been beheaded, but Cardinal _Alberoni_ happen'd to be disgrac'd at the same Time, as I shall have the Honour to tell you anon.

While these Trifles pa.s.s'd in the _Spanish_ Army, the _French_ went on furiously to Action. _Fontarabia_ was closely besieg'd, upon which the King and Queen made as if they would relieve it; but while they were consulting about it, the Marshal _de Berwic_ oblig'd it to capitulate.

This Conquest, tho' to the Advantage of _France_, did not abate one Jot of that Aversion which the _French_ had to the War. The People contributed to it not without Reluctance; nevertheless it was the Regent's Interest to continue it; and as he perceiv'd they were already so over-burden'd with Taxes, that 'twas in vain to think of creating new ones, he contriv'd new Methods to fill the Treasury. He obtain'd an Arret of Council for making a considerable Number of Bank Bills, those which had been made before having been soon s.n.a.t.c.h'd up. Then the Council pa.s.s'd another Arret, for diminis.h.i.+ng the Value of the Species. The Bustle this Arret occasion'd at _Paris_ is not to be imagin'd; every body was glad to part with their Cash, upon which they apprehended there would be a Loss, and they hurry'd to receive Paper in Exchange, upon the Promise which the Council had made, that the Value of the Bills should be fix'd, so as never to rise nor fall.

Nevertheless, it was not long before the People seriously reflected upon the Invalidity of the Matter, into which their Gold and Silver was transform'd, and the Hurry to the Bank abated. But the Regent soon contriv'd a way to bring in the little Cash that remain'd in private Hands; for he caus'd an Arret of Council to pa.s.s, which forbad any one's having more than 500 Livres about him, upon the Penalty of a great Fine.

In Pursuance of this Arret, People began again to change their Species for Bank Bills, which were in Truth more commodious than Cash, because People might then carry the Value of several Millions about them, without sweating under the Load. This was a rare way to thrive, when a Man carry'd his whole Estate thus in his Pocket!

By this Means did the Duke Regent provide for the immense Charges of the War with _Spain_, which was carry'd on with Vigour; and soon after the taking of _Fontarabia_, the _French_ Army laid Siege to _St. Sebastian_, which held but Twenty-five Days, when both the Town and Castle surrender'd.

As long as the War continued with Success in _Spain_ I never left soliciting at the Royal Palace, but always in vain. I spent most of my Time in the Regent's Antichamber, and now-and-then went for Recreation to the House of _Madame de R----_, whom I have not had the Honour of mentioning to you for a good while, but my Pa.s.sion was now grown cool, so that all those Visits were but a melancholy Relief in the Situation that I then stood in. My Friends made me reflect seriously on the small Hopes I ought to entertain of succeeding at the Court of _France_. The _Abbe de Asfeld_ perceiving the Anxiety I was under, took the Advantage of it to drive me, as I may term it, from a Place where I lost my Time, and spent the little Money I had to no Purpose; therefore I left _Paris_ once more, and travelled by the Way of _Metz_, to avoid the troublesome Questions of the King's Lieutenant at _Toul_.

I pa.s.s'd thro' St. MENEHOULT, which is a Town in _Champagne_, built in a Mora.s.s, between Two Eminencies. A little after I was there, it had the Misfortune to be burnt. I was told, that the Jews of _Metz_ offer'd to rebuild it intirely, on condition they might be permitted to have a Synagogue there.

From _St. Menehoult_ I went to VERDUN, an Episcopal City, whose Bishops take the t.i.tles of Counts of _Verdun_, and Princes of the Holy Empire.

This Diocese makes Part of the Three Bishop.r.i.c.ks yielded to _France_ by _Lorrain_. The Cathedral is dedicated to our Lady. In this Church there's a Well, which is preserv'd there for a Supply of Water in case of Fire, because the Place being on a very high Ground, it would be difficult to bring Water to it.

From _Verdun_ I went to METZ, where I made some Stay. This is a very large Town, at the Conflux of the _Moselle_ and the _Seille_. It was heretofore the Capital of _Austrasia_, and afterwards reckon'd as an imperial City till 1552, that the Constable of _Montmorency_ made a Conquest of it for _Henry_ II. King of _France_. The Emperor _Charles_ V. try'd in vain to retake it, when the Duke of _Guise_, who commanded in the Place, acquir'd great Reputation in the Defence of it, and oblig'd him to raise the Siege, at which the Emperor was so mortify'd, that he resign'd his Dominions, and retir'd to a Cloyster. _Metz_, _Toul_ and _Verdun_ were confirm'd to _France_ in 1559, by the Treaty of _Chateau-Cambresis_, and this Cession was afterwards confirm'd by the Peace of _Munster_ in 1648.

The Cathedral of _Metz_, which is dedicated to St. _Stephen_, is a Church of greater Note for its Antiquity than for its Beauty. The most remarkable Thing in it is its baptismal Font, which is of one intire Piece of _Porphyry_ about 10 Foot in Length.

There is very good Company at _Metz_, and I should have been glad to have stay'd there longer, if my private Affairs would have permitted it. There is a Parliament, which consists of a good Number of Men of Quality, who are all very rich. Besides, here is always a strong Garison, and several Persons of easy Fortunes, who commonly spend the Winter here. When I was here, _M. de Saillant_ was the commanding Officer. He liv'd with Splendor, and I commonly din'd with him, and supp'd with the Intendant of the Province, who was then _M. de Celi_ of the _Harlay_ Family, and was very much esteem'd.

When I set out from _Metz_, I struck into the Road for _Germany_, and went to SPIRES. This Town may be consider'd as a Monument of the Ravage of War, there being a great many Ruins to be seen in it, which are the Remains of the Houses burnt by the _French_, in the War they made for the Destruction of the Palatinate. It was formerly the Seat of the Imperial Chamber, which after 'twas ruin'd, was transfer'd to _Wetzlar_. _Spires_ is the See of a Bishop Suffragan to the Bishop of _Mentz_.