Next to the Family of _Orleans_, the first in Rank is that of _Conde_, which consists of three Princes, and six Princesses: The Duke _de Bourbon_ is the chief, who is great Steward of the King's Houshold, and Governor of _Burgundy_, His Highness lost one Eye in Hunting, by an unfortunate Shot from the Duke of _Berry_: He was marry'd very young to Mademoiselle _de Conti_ his Cousin, who died without Issue. He was also but young when he made the Campaigns in _Germany_, in Company with his Brother-in-law the Prince of _Conti_. After the Decease of _Lewis_ XIV. the Duke went to Law with the legitimated Princes, and caus'd the Duke _de Maine_ to be degraded from the Rank of Prince of the Blood, to which he had been promoted by an Arret solemnly register'd in Parliament during the Life of the late King. The Duke of _Bourbon_ demanded, as first Prince of the Blood, whom he then represented, by reason of the tender Age of the Duke of _Chartres_, now Duke of _Orleans_, to have the Superintendance of the King's Education, to which Post the Duke _de Maine_ had been nominated by the late King's last Will: He obtain'd his Demand, and the Duke _de Maine_ retir'd to _Seaux_. The Duke _de Bourbon_ had after this a great Share in the Affairs of the Regency, and the Duke of _Orleans_ took care to keep him in good Humour. At the unexpected Death of the Regent, the Duke, being then at _Versailles_, went to the King, and demanded the Post of Prime Minister, vacant by the Death of his Royal Highness, and obtain'd it. The late M. _de la Vrilliere_, Secretary of State, being perhaps a little too forgetful of his Obligations to the Son of a Prince who had heap'd Favours upon him, drew up the Patent instantly, and caus'd it to be sign'd by the King, before the Duke of _Chartres_, who was at the Opera at _Paris_, could hear the News of his Father's Death; so that tho' he went Post to _Versailles_, and demanded the Office of First Minister, the Duke of _Bourbon_ told him, that the King had dispos'd of it to himself. The Duke was no sooner vested with the Authority of Prime Minister, than he made great Alterations in the Government; but these are the Subject of History rather than of a Letter. M. _le Blanc_, who had been Secretary at War, and was the Darling of the Officers, was committed to the _Bastille_; and M. _de Breteuil_, who had been formerly Master of the Requests, and Intendant of _Tours_, succeeded him in that Office; which was the Consequence of a Misunderstanding, or rather a Hatred, between two Ladies, who were the Mistresses, the one of the Duke of _Bourbon_, the other of M.

_le Blanc_. All the Friends of the latter, among whom was M. the Count _de Belle-Isle_, shared in his Disgrace. The four Brothers of the Name of _Paris_ had the Management of the Finances, of which Brothers two had been Soldiers in the Guards; but they had the Cunning to extricate themselves from that melancholy State, and to render themselves necessary to the Government during the Time of the Regency. M. _d'Argenson_ Keeper of the Seals had been their Patron, and rais'd them upon the Ruins of Mr. _John Law_, and his System. Whatever was done by these Brothers is foreign to my Purpose: Their rapid Fortune drew Envy upon them, and they soon became the Objects of the public Hatred.

The most remarkable Transactions of the Duke's Administration, were the sending back of the Infanta, and the Marriage of the King. The Duke, foreseeing the Inconveniencies to which _France_ would be liable, if the King should die without Issue, thought it best to prevent so fatal an Accident, which it had not been possible for him to have done without marrying the King. The Infanta of _Spain_ was a Child, and it would be at least eight Years before they could hope for any Issue from her; whereas by marrying the King to another speedily, there was a Chance of having a Dauphin very soon, who would secure the Tranquillity of the Kingdom. His most Serene Highness therefore propos'd this Affair to the Council, which at first he found very much divided about it; for they were apprehensive of the Resentment of the King of _Spain_, and the Duke himself was heartily sorry, that he was under a Necessity of giving their Catholic Majesties just Cause of Disgust for the sake of the public Good: The Council being at last agreed, they pa.s.s'd a Resolution unanimously to send back the Infanta. This was accordingly notified to the Court of _Spain_, where News so unexpected was receiv'd with all the Indignation possible.

The Infanta was sent back. The d.u.c.h.ess of _Tallard_ had the Care of conducting her to the _Spanish_ Frontier. All the Honours due to the Daughter of a great King were paid to this Princess, and every thing that could be thought of, was done to soften the Displeasure of their Catholic Majesties for her Return. All _France_ murmur'd in secret at the Departure of this Princess; for she had won the Hearts of all who had seen her, by a Behaviour and a Genius so vastly above one of her Age, that they prognosticated she would one Day be a great Queen. Not long after she was sent away, the King was married to a Princess so happy in Childbearing, that Heaven thereby seems to applaud what the Duke has done, and the People, quite forgetting the Infanta, bless his Name.

The King, after he had been married a few Months, thought it was not convenient for a Prince of the Blood to have the Direction of his Affairs; and therefore he displac'd the Duke of _Bourbon_ from the Post of Prime Minister, and made the late Bishop of _Frejus_, now the Cardinal _de Fleury_, the sole Depositary of his Authority. The Duke receiv'd Orders to retire to _Chantilly_, a Seat he has near _Senlis_; and there his Friends put it into his Head to marry a second Wife: Several Princesses were propos'd to him, but he determin'd his Choice for _Eleonora_ of _Hesse-Rhinfelds_, Sister of the Princess of _Piedmont_, now Queen of _Sardinia_[50]; and the Brother of this Princess, having a Proxy sent to him from the Duke, married her at _Rotenbourg_, in Presence of the Count _de Ga.s.se_, whom the Duke had sent to a.s.sist in his Name at this Ceremony.

The young d.u.c.h.ess no sooner arriv'd in _France_, but her Beauty, and the Charms both of her Person and Mind, made her admir'd by the whole Court, of which she is now one of the princ.i.p.al Ornaments: She is belov'd and respected by all Mankind, and every body pities her, that the Duke has not all that Tenderness for her which she deserves, and which it were to be wish'd he had for the Support of the _Conde_ Family, of which the two only Princes remaining, _viz._ the Counts _de Charolois_ and _Clermont_, are not married.

The Count _de Charolois_ is tall, handsome, and well-set: His Entrance upon the Stage of Action was much taken Notice of; for a Thirst after Glory was the Pa.s.sion of his Soul, as soon as he came to the Years of Understanding. The War being kindled in _Hungary_, and Prince _Eugene_ of _Savoy_ having gain'd a Victory near _Temiswar_, which reviv'd that Hero's Reputation in _France_, the Count _de Charolois_ had a mind to learn the Art of War under so great a Master, and to make the Campaign which immediately follow'd that of _Temiswar_; but he did not dare to discover his Intention, and fearing that he should not obtain the Consent, either of the Duke of _Orleans_ the Regent, the d.u.c.h.ess his Mother, or the Duke his Father, he resolv'd to set out privately, being sure that he should be applauded for his Undertaking, if he could be so happy as to put it in Execution. He imparted his Design in Confidence to M. _de Billy_, one of his Gentlemen, and to _Renault_ his first _Valet de Chambre_, and with these two Attendants he set out from _Chantilly_ on Pretence of Hunting.

He travell'd five or six Post-Stages with the very Horses that belonged to the Duke his Father; after which he left them to the Care of the Post-master, and hir'd fresh Horses, with which he reach'd _Liege_; where he rested some Days, and having provided himself with Linen, went to the Court of the Elector of _Cologn_, whom he had known in _France_: His first Visit at _Bonn_, was at the House of M. _de S. Maurice_, the Elector's Prime Minister; but he did not find him at home. M. _de Billy_ thereupon desir'd to speak with his Lady, and told her, that a certain Punctilio of Honour had oblig'd him to come from _France_ with the young Gentleman in his Company; but Madame _de S. Maurice_, not thinking he was a Prince of the Blood, and taking the Count _de Charolois_ for some petty Officer, gave him a very cold Reception: However, she sent for her Husband, who was then attending the Elector's Person; and when the Count _de S. Maurice_ came, he presently knew the Count _de Charolois_, paid him all due Respects, and hasten'd to notify his Arrival to the Elector, who at first was concern'd to hear it, because his Electoral Highness knew not but he might disoblige the Court of _France_ by receiving the Count, who he imagin'd had left the Kingdom upon some Disgust. Nevertheless, after reflecting with himself, that whatever the Count _de Charolois_ might have done, the Court of _France_ could not be angry with him for paying a Regard to his Quality as Prince of the Blood, he sent to invite him to his Palace. The Count went thither accordingly, by the Name of the Count _de Dammartin_, which he always travell'd With as long as he was absent from the Kingdom. The Elector receiv'd him With all the Marks of the highest Esteem, kept him several Days at his Court, and then furnish'd him with Money for his Journey to _Munich_; where he no sooner arriv'd, but he wrote to the Duke his Father to send him Remittances, and the necessary Equipages for the Campaign which he was then going to make.

Tho' the Count _de Charolois_ did not find the Elector of _Bavaria_ at _Munich_, yet he was as well receiv'd as if he had been there; and the Electress, tho' he had not been to see her, no sooner heard of his Arrival, but she order'd all due Honours to be paid to him. When the Elector return'd to _Munich_, he was overjoy'd to find this Prince there, and offer'd to make his Peace in _France_, in which he succeeded so far, as to get his Departure out of the Kingdom approv'd by the d.u.c.h.ess and the Regent. When the Count's Domestics were arriv'd, he set out for _Hungary_, and pa.s.s'd through _Vienna_ without saluting the Emperor, or the Empress Dowager his Cousin German. The Empress Was so offended at it, that she wrote to her Aunt, who was the Prince's Grandmother, and signified to that Princess, that she did not think it handsome for a Prince of such Descent as the Count _de Charolois_, to pa.s.s through _Vienna_ to serve in the Imperial Army, without having seen the Emperor. The Count's Relations did not fail to reproach him for his Want of Respect to their Imperial Majesties. He excus'd himself, by saying that he did not know what Treatment he ought to expect; but the Answer he receiv'd, was an Order from the Regent in the King's Name, to wait on their Imperial Majesties as he return'd from the Campaign.

He signaliz'd himself in it very much, but with so little Care of his Person, that Prince _Eugene_ of _Savoy_ often reproach'd him for it: He took a Pleasure to go up to the very Breast-work of the Trenches; and from thence with Screw-Guns he fir'd at the _Turks_, as if he had been shooting at small Birds: On the other hand the _Turks_ did not spare him, but sent their b.a.l.l.s whizzing about his Ears in Return for his Frolic. The Count was present at the Battle of _Belgrade_, and saw that Place taken: He afterwards went to _Vienna_, and staid there some Weeks, where he had an Audience of the Emperor, not _incognito_, but as the Count _de Charolois_. The Emperor receiv'd him at the _Favourita_ standing: His Audience was attended with this odd Circ.u.mstance. The Count, being not acquainted with the Ceremonial, did not know that he should find the Emperor all alone; and therefore, when he enter'd the Closet, and saw a Man in a very plain Dress leaning with his Back against a Table, he took him for some private Gentleman; but in a few Moments he spy'd the Golden Fleece: He was doubtful in his Mind, after all, whether 'twas the Emperor; but he advanc'd, saying within himself, that in either case there was not much Harm in being mistaken. The Emperor receiv'd him with very great Marks of Distinction, and the Count kiss'd his Hand, because he had been told it was the Custom, and that all the Princes of the Empire did the same. He afterwards went to the Apartment of the Empresses, and had reason, where-ever he came, to be satisfied with his Reception.

From _Vienna_ he return'd to _Munich_, after which he made the Tour of _Italy_, and lodg'd at _Rome_ at the House of the Cardinal _de Tremouille_, who had then the Care of the Affairs of _France_. After having repa.s.s'd the Mountains, he came back to _Munich_, where he stay'd a Year and an half, being always lodg'd and defray'd, together with his Retinue, at the Expence of his Electoral Highness, who kept a Table for him for twelve Guests, besides Hunting-Equipage, and Horses at his Command.

Hunting is this Prince's chief Amus.e.m.e.nt since he return'd to _France_: He appears seldom at Court, and neither meddles nor makes with Affairs of State. They talk often of getting him a Wife; but he does not seem to have any more Gout for the Sacrament of Marriage, than his younger Brother the Count _de Clermont_, a young Prince of a lovely Person, a sweet Nature, and who seems to have a way of Thinking becoming his Birth. They who approach him, and know him intimately, have a.s.sur'd me, that he has all the Qualities that can be to form hereafter a great Prince. It seems as if he were design'd for the Church, since his most Serene Highness actually enjoys several considerable Abbeys; but hitherto this Prince dresses in the Lay Habit, and performs no Spiritual Function. While I was speaking of the Count _de Charolois_, I forgot so tell you, that he is Governor of _la Touraine_, in which Honour he succeeded the late M. _Dangeau_, first Gentleman-Usher to the late d.u.c.h.ess of _Burgundy_. In his time _la Touraine_ was not reckon'd among the great Governments; but as the Regent was willing to give one to the Count _de Charolois_, after having granted away the Reversions of all the great Governments, he thought of no other Expedient, than to put _la Touraine_ in the Rank of the other Provinces.

The three Princes that I have just mention'd, are the Sons of Madame the d.u.c.h.ess (of _Bourbon_) the legitimated Daughter of _Lewis_ XIV. and Madame _de Montespan_; She is a Princess who has been cry'd-up in _Europe_ for her Wit, Beauty, and the Charms of her Person. Tho' she is the Mother of a numerous Family, she may still be reckoned among the Beauties of the Court; and 'tis certain, that when the d.u.c.h.ess is with the Princesses her Daughters, she seems rather to be their Sister than the Mother. This Princess is immensely rich, those who manage her Affairs having acquir'd a vast Estate in the contagious Actions of the _Missisippi_. She lives with very great Magnificence, and has lately caus'd a Palace to be built, which may be rank'd with the finest Structures in _Europe_. Her most Serene Highness is often at _Chantilly_ with the Duke her Husband, but the rest of her Time she divides betwixt the Court and City.

The Princess of _Conti_ the second Dowager, the Princesses of _Charolois_, _Clermont_ and _Sens_, are her Daughters, and form one of the most beautiful Families that ever was. 'Tis pity that Princesses so beautiful and accomplish'd are not well match'd, but their Greatness is a Bar to their Settlement in Marriage; besides, this Century has been more prolific every-where in Princesses than in Princes. The Princess of _Conti_, who has some Thoughts of a Wife for the Prince her Son, has just bought the fine House which was built by the Count _de Belle-Isle_, out of the vast Sums which he got by _Missisippi_ Stock; there she proposes to end her Days, and she already appears but seldom at Court, which indeed the Trouble of Dressing hinders a great many Princesses and Ladies from frequenting. The Princess of _Conti_ was very young when she married, and has had two Sons; but there's only one of them living, whom in his Father's Life-time was styl'd the Count _d'Alais_, and is now the Prince of _Conti_[51].

As for Mademoiselle _de Charolois_, all the Charms imaginable are united in her Person: She has a n.o.ble Aspect, a very lively sparkling Wit, and of all the d.u.c.h.ess's Daughters she is the most like her Mother, and has the most sprightly Ideas. During the Regency of the Duke of _Orleans_, when Money was become extraordinary scarce, Mademoiselle _de Charolois_ appear'd at the Royal Palace with two _Lewis d'Ors_ in her Ears for Pendants; upon which the Duke of _Orleans_ asking her the Meaning of that new Fashion, she made him Answer, that she found _Lewis d'Ors_ scarcer than Diamonds, and that therefore she wore them as such. Mademoiselle _de Charolois_ lives in the little Hotel _de Bourbon_, which formerly belong'd to _Anne_ of _Bavaria_ the Palatine, the Widow of _Henry Julius_ of _Bourbon_, Prince of _Conde_, Grandmother to the Princes and Princesses of the _Conde_ Family. This Princess has a Family here independent on Madame the d.u.c.h.ess (of _Bourbon_); but she generally follows the Court, and as she is very fond of Hunting, and rides well, she makes one at all the King's Matches.

Mademoiselle _de Clermont_ is not only very beautiful, but has an Air of Quality, good Nature and Modesty, which distinguishes her from all the Grandees of the Court. Calumny, which does not always favour the Royal Blood here, could never shed its Venom upon this Princess, and the whole Court ever admir'd her for her Sobriety and Virtue. She is Superintendante of the Queen's Houshold, and went in this Quality with the Ladies of Honour to meet her Majesty at _Strasbourg_.

Mademoiselle _de Sens_, with her Beauty, is both graceful and modest: She was brought up under her Grandmother the Princess; and after her Decease, the d.u.c.h.ess of _Brunswic_, her Great Aunt, Mother to the Empress _Amelia_, who spent her latter Years in _France_, had the Care of her Education, and form'd her one of the most amiable Princesses upon the Earth.

The _Conti_ Family, which is the third Branch of the Princes of the Blood, consists at this time of two Dowager Ladies, a young Prince, and a Princess, call'd Mademoiselle _de la Roche-sur-yon_. The Princess of _Conti_, the first Dowager Lady, is the legitimated Daughter of King _Lewis_ XIV. by Mademoiselle _de la Valiere_: This Princess is celebrated for her Beauty, Wit, and n.o.ble Air, which she still retains: She happen'd to be a Widow when she was very young. Some say that the King of _Morocco_ demanded her in Marriage, but I have been a.s.sur'd by many People, that 'tis a mere Fiction. Be this as it will, such a Match was not practicable; for tho' Religion had been altogether out of the Question, King _Lewis_ XIV. would never have sacrific'd a Daughter so dear to him, and one who was the Ornament of his Court, to a _Marabou_[52]. The Princess of _Conti_, since the Death of her Brother the Dauphin, has not appear'd in public, and only visits the King and Queen privately in their Majesties Closet. Her Occupations are Works of Piety and Charity, and her Life is an Example of Virtue: She commonly resides in her Hotel at _Paris_, which is beautiful and magnificent, and formerly belong'd to the Marshal-Duke _de Lorges_.

The legitimated Princes, Sons of _Lewis_ XIV. are the Duke _de Maine_, and the Count _de Tholouse_. The former is Grand Master of the Ordnance, Colonel-General of the _Swiss_ and _Grisons_, and Governor of _Guienne_: He married _Louisa-Benedictina_ of _Bourbon-Conde_, by whom he has two Sons and a Daughter. The Duke _de Maine_ possesses the Sovereignty of _Dombes_, which the late Mademoiselle, Daughter of _Gaston_ of _France_, Son of _Henry_ IV. left him by Will. This Prince signaliz'd his Valour in his Youth: He has the Misfortune to halt, but he has a superior Genius, and is a Man of true Christian Piety. The late King distinguish'd him above all his Children, of which he gave an ill.u.s.trious Proof, when he appointed him Superintendant of the Education of _Lewis_ XV. and when he made him a Sharer in the Authority of the Regency, together with the Duke of _Orleans_, whom he would have been glad to have intirely excluded from it, if his Royal Highness's Birth had not given him an absolute t.i.tle to it. Some Years before this, the said King, by a Declaration the most solemnly register'd that ever any was, had recognis'd the Ability of the Duke _de Maine_, the Count _de Tholouse_, and their Posterity, to succeed to the Crown on Failure of Issue by the lawful Princes. The Princes of the Blood, in Complaisance to _Lewis_ XIV. before whom every Knee was bow'd, did not oppose a Declaration so little for their Honour: But in the Beginning of _Lewis_ XVth's Reign they commenced a Suit upon it against the legitimated Princes. The Arret which call'd them to the Succession of the Crown was revok'd, and the Count _de Tholouse_ was the only one that retain'd for his Life the Honours that were annex'd to the Dignity of Prince of the Blood. The Duke _de Maine_ and his Children were depriv'd of these great Prerogatives, and reduc'd to the Rank of their Peerage. Some Years after, however, it pleas'd the King to restore those Honours to the Duke _de Maine_, and to his Sons the Prince of _Dombes_, and the Count _d'Eu_; but these Princes continue excluded from the Crown.

I have already acquainted you how the Duke of _Bourbon_ depriv'd the Duke _de Maine_ of the Superintendance of _Lewis_ XVth's Education: But that was not the only Circ.u.mstance that mortified him; for at that Juncture the Point that seem'd to be solely in View, was to undo every thing that had been done by _Lewis_ XIV. And the Duke, together with his Employments and Honours, also lost his Liberty. He was accus'd of holding a Correspondence with the Prince _de Cellamare_, the _Spanish_ Amba.s.sador, who endeavour'd to excite the _French_ to a Rebellion against the Regent, by promising them a.s.sistance from the King his Master: Hereupon the Duke _de Maine_ was arrested, and committed Prisoner to _Dourlens_ in _Picardy_, where he was closely confin'd. They who are not the most zealous of this Prince's Friends, agree that he supported this Reverse of Fortune with an heroic Constancy. I heard it said by the People who were set to watch him, that they never saw him once deviate from that Serenity of Mind, and that good Nature which accompany all his Actions. But the d.u.c.h.ess of _Maine_ did not receive the News of his Disgrace with the same Tranquillity; for being born with all the high Spirit of the Great _Conde_ her Grandfather, she rav'd against the Regent, but especially against her Nephew the Duke, whom she look'd upon as the Author of her Misfortunes. They say moreover, that the Duke _de Maine_ himself was rattled by her before he was confin'd.

'Twas on the Day that _Lewis_ XV. came to the Parlement to hold his first Bed of Justice, when the Duke _de Maine_ was turn'd out of that Share which the late King's last Will gave him in the Regency. As this Duke came home from the Parlement, he found his Wife in the utmost Impatience to know what had been done; of which when he had given her an exact Account, the d.u.c.h.ess could not bridle her Pa.s.sion, but looking on her Husband with Indignation, she said, _I have nothing left then to possess, but the Shame of having married you!_ When she received Orders to quit to the Duke of _Bourbon_ that Apartment which she had in the _Thuilleries_, while the Duke _de Maine_ was Superintendant of the King's Education; _Yes_, said she, _I will quit it with a Vengeance_, and at the same time order'd it to be stripp'd quite bare of Furniture; and for the more Haste she dash'd the Looking-gla.s.ses, China, and all Goods of that Sort in Pieces.

Nevertheless, when she was apprehended, and during the Time that she was detain'd, she was not heard to utter a Complaint or a Murmur; but supported her Disgrace with that Magnanimity for which she is admir'd, a Quality which elevates her so far above other Women, and sets her on a Par with the greatest Men.

The Duke and d.u.c.h.ess of _Maine_ are often at _Seaux_, a fine House but a little Distance from _Paris_, on the high Road to _Orleans_, built by _John Baptist Colbert_. Here they have always a gay Court. This d.u.c.h.ess is so much in Love with the Arts and Sciences, that all Men of Letters look on her as their Patroness; and there are few Poetical Compositions which are not first presented to her. The last Time I paid my Court to her, the following Piece, compos'd of no more than two Rhymes, was read there, and so highly applauded, that I herewith send you a Copy of it[53].

The Prince of _Dombes_, the Duke of _Maine's_ eldest Son, is a tall handsome well set Gentleman, and has the Reversion of his Father's Offices. Whether the Count _d'Eu_ has any Employments, I know not. Both these Princes are commonly at Court. Mademoiselle _du Maine_ is a very amiable Princess, whose Education has been fully answerable to her Birth, and who, by her Manners and Politeness, approves herself the worthy Daughter of her Mother.

The Count _de Tholouse_, great Admiral of _France_, is the second Son of King _Lewis_ XIV. by Madame _de Montespan_. In the last War he commanded the Naval Army of _France_. He is one of the handsomest and comeliest Lords at Court. He is n.o.ble and magnificent in every thing that he does, and they say, he is generous. He is very polite, and has always been as much esteem'd for his Merit, as for his Rank of a legitimated Prince, which he has preserved, tho' his Brother was divested of it. It was believed for a long time, that this Prince would not marry, and that his great Estate would fall to the Children of the Duke _de Maine_; but he married some Years ago, _Maria Victoria_ of _Noailles_, Widow of the Marquis _de Gondrin_, Son to the Duke _d'Antin_, by whom he had a Son, who is now the Duke _d'Epernon_. The Count _de Tholouse_ has had a Son by her also, who is called the Duke[54]_de Ponthievre_; by which t.i.tle, the Count has the Rank of a Peer in Parliament. This Prince, since his Marriage, has commonly resided at _Rambouillet_, where the King frequently makes Parties for Hunting. His Majesty shews a very great Regard for the Countess of _Tholouse_, which gives her Authority to talk to his Majesty with a great deal of Freedom. The _French_ say, she was the Occasion of the Duke of _Bourbon_'s being put out of the Ministry. 'Tis certain, however, that the King was at _Rambouillet_, when the Duke _de Charost_ went and told the Duke, That it was his Majesty's Pleasure, that he should quit the Station of Prime Minister. The Duke being at _Versailles_ when he receiv'd the unwelcome News, they say, he desired to speak with the King and Queen; but that the Duke _de Charost_ told him, he had Orders for his Removal to _Chantilly_. His most Serene Highness obey'd, and did not appear to be afflicted for the Loss of his Authority, so much as for the falling-off of his Friends and Creatures. The Marchioness _de Prie_, Lady of the Bed-chamber to the Queen, whom he honoured with a very singular Esteem, received Orders to leave the Court, and to retire to _Normandy_; where, during her being in Favour, she had purchased a considerable Estate. The Brothers of the Name of _Paris_, those Objects of the Public Odium, were divested of their Authority. M. _de Blanc_ came again into the Ministry: M. _de Belle-Isle_ regain'd his Liberty, and obtained the Command of the Troops of the Government of _Metz_, and the three Bishop.r.i.c.ks. The Marchioness _de Prie_ had the Mortification to see her Employment of Lady of the Bed-chamber fill'd up by the Daughter of M. _le Blanc_, to whom she was a declared Enemy, and whom she had endeavoured to ruin. This Lady was not able to support herself long under her Disgrace; for having been used to bear a Sway, she could not reconcile herself to Retirement; but languished for a while, and at length died of a Colic, which gave her horrid Pains. She was not much regretted, because she had made few Friends; Ambition and Self-Interest had taken intire hold of her. She thought her Disgrace unsufferable, and the little Reflection she made upon the Revolution of Fortune, rendered hers but the more intolerable. I will hereafter give you an Account of the Cardinal _de Fleury_, and of the Persons now of the First Rank at Court; but at present my Pen is ready to drop out of my Fingers; for 'tis One o'Clock in the Morning, and if I write any more, I shall but give you my Dreams. Therefore I am, with all the Esteem, possible, _&c._

[Ill.u.s.tration]

LETTER XLI.

_SIR_, _Versailles, May 1, 1732._

In my last Letter I mention'd the Princes and Princesses of the Blood Royal to you; in this I am to give you an Account of those Persons at this Court, who are in the most exalted Stations.

The Cardinal _de Fleury_, by his Dignity of Cardinal, and much more by his Character, as the Depositary of the Royal Authority, has the first Rank in the State next to the Princes of the Blood. This Prelate, tho' far advanced in Years, is brisk and lively to Admiration. His Stature is somewhat above the middle Size; he has a happy Physiognomy, to which Fortune has not given the Lye; and he is humble, good-natur'd and civil.

You know that he was Bishop of _Frejus_. He resign'd that See to excuse himself from the Pastoral Charge of Souls, when the late King _Lewis_ XIV.

nominated him, by his Last Will, Preceptor to the young _Dauphin_, now King _Lewis_ XV. This was almost the only Article of _Lewis_ the Grand's Will, which the Regent put in Execution. M. _de Frejus_ won the Heart of the young Monarch to such a Degree, that the Prince was intirely wrapp'd up in him; and his Affection for him has increas'd so much ever since, that now it may be literally said, that the Cardinal _de Fleury_ is the Depositary, or Trustee, of the Royal Authority. The Regent, a Prince of Penetration, if ever there was one, quickly perceived what an Ascendant M.

_de Frejus_ had over the young Monarch; and being apprehensive of what might be the Consequences of it, he was continually contriving how to remove the Prelate from Court. With this View he offered him the Archbishop.r.i.c.k of _Rheims_, which was vacant by the Death of the Cardinal _de Mailly_; but M. _de Fleury_, who resigned the Bishop.r.i.c.k of _Frejus_, that he might not have the Charge of Souls, was so far from accepting one of the greatest Archbishop.r.i.c.ks in the Kingdom, that he absolutely refused it. The Duke of _Orleans_, who was intent upon carrying his Point, offered to make him a Cardinal; for he hoped, that the Pope's ill State of Health would quickly bring on a Conclave; and that then M. _de Frejus_ would be obliged to go to _Rome_, where he thought he shou'd be able to continue him, on Pretence of managing the King's Affairs there; and that then the young Monarch's Fondness to see his Favourite would by that Means insensibly be weaned. But M. _de Frejus_ saw the Hook that was hid under this Bait. The red Hat did not dazzle his Eyes; and he knew moreover, that if he kept close to the King's Person, he could be sure of a Hat whenever he pleased. However, he thank'd the Duke of _Orleans_, and told him, he had no such ambitious Views, and that he preferred his Station in the King's Council, before all the Dignities, to which, in his Goodness, he had Thoughts of promoting him. The Duke of _Orleans_, however chagrin'd at the Prelate's Moderation, was forc'd to keep it to himself; he was afraid to make use of his Authority; for it was not long before this, that he banish'd the Marshal _de Villeroy_ to _Lyons_, at which the People grumbled; and to put away the Preceptor too, would have rais'd a Clamour against him, throughout the whole Kingdom. M. _de Frejus_ continued at Court as a Member of the Privy Council, and there was not a Courtier who gave more constant Attendance; and in this Station he supported the Ministry of the Cardinal _du Bois_, the Duke of _Orleans_, and the Duke of _Bourbon_; but he confin'd himself all the while within the Bounds of his Office. At the King's Marriage, he accepted of that of Great Almoner to the Queen, and by that Means his Attachment to the Court became more strict. When the Duke _de Bourbon_ was disgrac'd, the King offered the Place of Prime Minister to M. _de Frejus_, who, indeed, accepted of that eminent Post; but 'twas on Condition, that he should not be compelled to take the t.i.tle, and that he might always lay an Account of every Thing before the King.

The Bishop of _Frejus_ being thus become Master of the Government, it was but reasonable that he should be adorned with the Purple, to give the more l.u.s.tre to his Character. Mean time _France_, had no Hat to demand, for the Number of her Cardinals was completed. The Emperor having a Pretension at that Time to a Hat, the King desired him to yield it to him for his First Minister; and the Emperor, overjoy'd that he could oblige the King, and that he could make the Minister some sort of Amends for his pacific Sentiments, gave him his Nomination accordingly. Pope _Benedict_ XIII.

sent the Cap to the Bishop, who then a.s.sumed the t.i.tle of Cardinal _de Fleury_; and with this t.i.tle he now governs the State, not with the general Applause of the _French_, because the Thing is impossible; but at least, with the Approbation of his King, of Foreigners, and indeed, of every Man in the Kingdom, who is thoroughly inform'd of the State of _France_ in particular, and of _Europe_ in general. Yet those who have the least Affection for the Cardinal, must acknowledge his Disinterestedness and Integrity; for the worst Enemy he has, cannot accuse him of ama.s.sing Riches, or of coveting to aggrandize his Family; in which respect he is, perhaps, negligent to a Fault, his Kindred having the Character of Persons of Worth.

The Cardinal's Expences are as much circ.u.mscrib'd as his Dignity will admit of. He is very regular in his Way and Manner of Living, and no doubt, 'tis the strict Regimen which he observes, that keeps him in so vigorous a State of Health: For he gives very great Application to Business, And I don't think he can be upbraided with wasting of Time in his Diversions.

The _French_ (I speak of those who hope to make their Fortune by the Sword) find fault with his Temper as too pacific. _We are despis'd_, (say they) _our Neighbours make Treaties and Alliances without us, and +France+ is no longer what she was in the Time of +Lewis+ XIV._

I am not here proposing to make a Panegyric on the Cardinal, but I cannot help letting you see how weakly those People talk, who censure his Conduct as to Foreign Affairs. I don't pretend to enter into the Domestic Affairs of the Kingdom, tho' I am very well persuaded, that the Cardinal's Integrity, and his Zeal for the King, incline him to act to the best of his Power. I will only leave you to judge if his Inclination to Peace is blameable. When he came into the Ministry, he found the King's Coffers exhausted, and the Kingdom in a Condition, which requir'd Rest rather than a War, the Event of which is always uncertain. But after all, Who is there to go to War with? What shall be the Pretence? Who is it that insults _France_? Or, Who desires any thing more of her than her Friendship? Have not the Treaties of _Utrecht_, and _Baden_, and all the Treaties made since, during the Regency of the Duke of _Orleans_, settled the Interests of _Europe_? Did not _England_ earnestly court the Alliance of _France_?

Has the Emperor seem'd less desirous of it? Nay, Did not _Spain_ itself, forgetting the sending back of the _Infanta_, enter into her former Engagements with this Crown, as soon as the Cardinal _de Fleury_ was vested with the Ministry? In what respect then, can the _French_ think themselves despis'd by their Neighbours? I will take upon me to prove, on the contrary, that _Lewis_ XV. during the Cardinal _de Fleury_'s Ministry, instead of being neglected, has been as much courted by the Foreign Powers, as _Lewis_ XIV. was in all that Glory which procured him the t.i.tle of _Louis le Grand_. When the Clamour was for abolishing the _Ostend_ Company, How did _England_ and _Holland_ bestir themselves to make the King a Party in their Quarrel? What did not the Emperor do to engage him in his Interest? Every thing was uncertain, as long as _France_ remained undetermined. The _English_ and the _Dutch_ prepared to attack the Emperor, and the latter made ready for his Defence. The Cardinal having got the King to declare for the Maritime Powers, the Emperor abolish'd the _Ostend_ Company immediately. What more could have been obtained by a War?

When the Talk was, of introducing the Infante _Don Carlos_ into _Italy_, what Measures, what Solicitations were not employ'd by the Powers concerned, either to bring over _Lewis_ XV. to their Party, or to oblige him to a Neutrality? Count _Sinzendorff's_ coming from _Vienna_ to _Versailles_, on purpose to treat for the Tranquillity of _Italy_, seems to me a Proof, that the Emperor does not neglect _France_ to such a Degree as the Uneasy and Disaffected would fain have it believed. In good Truth, if _France_ had not threatened to attack the Emperor, in case he did not consent to the Introduction of the _Infante_ into _Tuscany_, would his Imperial Majesty have been influenced by the bare Menaces of _Spain_?

That Monarch is too well established in _Italy_, to fear any thing from that Crown; and if Equity and Justice did not always accompany his Actions, it would have been easy for him to have taken Possession of _Tuscany_; and the _Spaniards_, who have never been able to retake _Gibraltar_, and who, perhaps, would never have reduced _Barcelona_ without the a.s.sistance of the _French_, would have found it a very difficult Matter to have turned them out of it. The Cardinal _de Fleury_ having persuaded the King to declare in Favour of the _Infante_, he threatens to join the _English_ and _Spaniards_; and the Emperor seeing all _Europe_ against him, but especially _France_, which is capable of striking the hardest Blows, yields to the Times, and grants every thing that is desired of him. Can there be any thing more to the Honour of the Cardinal? And, Why should a War be undertaken, if Menaces alone are sufficient to obtain what is desired?

But, say the Disaffected, we purchase Peace of all the World by our Money.

The Cardinal is not chargeable with lavishing the King's Money. I know not that he gives away any, unless it be the Subsidies granted to the Crowns of _Denmark_ and _Sweden_. If that be purchasing a Peace, _Lewis_ XIV. and the Regent after him, were much more lavish of the Royal Treasure, and perhaps with less Profit; and it would be easy to demonstrate, that in order to dislodge the _Spaniards_ from _Sicily_, the Regent sent more Money into _Germany_ and _England_, in one Month, than the Cardinal gives away in a Year to the Northern Crowns; tho' one of 'em has for Time out of Mind been used to draw Subsidies from _France_. Yet all this while, the Regent was not accused of purchasing a Peace of his Neighbours; because, in order to make it necessary to buy a Peace, some Prince or other must have threatened him with a War. But 'tis certain, that no Power did then, or does now, think of attacking _France_. Let her continue peaceable, and there we will leave her.

But on the other hand, tho' it were not justifiable for the Cardinal to entertain pacific Sentiments, and tho' he were to indulge the Pa.s.sion of the _French_, I would fain know of those who are so hot for a War, Whether they are well a.s.sured it would have a happy Issue? And, Whether, when a War is once begun, it would be in their Power to put an End to it, whenever they thought it consistent with their Affairs? Nay, I will suppose that every thing should happen as they would wish, and that the War should prove a fortunate one; What Acquisition can _France_ make, which would not be more to her Expence than her Advantage? For the farther she extends her Conquests, the more Enemies she will have of Course, and the more Troops she will be oblig'd to maintain. The Frontiers of the Kingdom are secured. Are a few more Towns, nay, an intire Province, a sufficient Temptation for a King of _France_? And are they an Equivalent for the Blood and Treasure that must be expended to acquire them? No, surely, the Cardinal is perfectly in the right, and I must beg the _Frenchmen's_ Pardon, when I tell 'em, they know not what they would be at. How desirous were they of the late Peace? And they have scarce tasted the Fruits of it, but they now want a War. If the Cardinal should enter into a War, and the Consequences of it should prove fatal, Would they not throw the Blame upon him? They would say for the Purpose, that it was inconsistent with a Priest to make War. For my Part, I think the Cardinal _de Fleury_ has substantial Reasons for doing what he does. The _French_ have been so long accustomed to the turbulent Reign of _Lewis_ XIV. which was interspersed throughout with great Events, that they know not how to reconcile themselves to one that is more placid and calm; but 'tis to be hoped, they will ere long. Whatever they do, the Cardinal seems to be very easy, let them say what they will of him. As he knows that he has nothing to reproach himself with, and that he has always preferred the Good of the Public to his own private Interest, he is afraid of no Revolution in his Fortune. He is sensible that Innocence always holds up its Head, and that real Merit is above the Reach of Envy and Malice.

M. _Daguesseau_ the Chancellor of _France_, is the Chief Magistrate of the Kingdom, and his Office is attended with such great Prerogatives, that the King cannot take it from him. The Person whom he succeeded in this eminent Dignity, was M. _Voisin_, who being Secretary of War, was made Chancellor by _Lewis_ XIV. upon M. _de Pontchartrain_'s resigning that Post, to devote the Residue of his Life to G.o.d in Retirement. M. _Voisin_ dying suddenly in the Beginning of the Duke of _Orlean_'s Regency, M.

_Daguesseau_, then Attorney-General, was, by his Royal Highness, appointed Chancellor in his Room. All _France_ applauded this Choice. Every body was so satisfied of this Magistrate's Candour and Integrity, that n.o.body doubted he would a.s.sert Justice and Equity; and in short, he perfectly answered the Expectations of the Public. But as true Merit, is always the most envied, a Cabal was soon formed against his Integrity. M.

_Daguesseau_ refused to put the Seal to certain Edicts, which he thought contrary to the Welfare of the Government; at which the Duke of _Orleans_ was so incensed, that he banished the Chancellor to _Frene_, a fine Seat belonging to that Minister near _Meaux_; and the Seals were given to M.

_d'Argenson_, Lieutenant of the Police, with the t.i.tle of Keeper of the Seals, which was formerly no more than a bare Commission; but the Regent was then for erecting it into an Office. The Parliament of _Paris_ exclaimed very much against this Innovation, but the Regent, after all, was obey'd. Upon the Death of M. _d'Argenson_, the Chancellor was recall'd, and the Seals restor'd to[55]him; but he held them not long; for the Regent, who was resolved to have no Ministers but such as knew how to obey, disgraced the Chancellor a second time for opposing his Will, and gave the Seals to M. _d'Armenonville_. The latter dying during the Cardinal _de Fleury_'s Ministry, the Seals were given to M. _de Chauvelin_, who, besides the t.i.tle of Keeper of the Seals, has also the Office of Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The Chancellor, who has been recalled for some time, a.s.sists at the Council; but his Office has been depriv'd of its greatest l.u.s.tre, since the Seals have been separated from it.

M. _Chauvelin_, Keeper of the Seals, Minister and Secretary of[56]State for Foreign Affairs, owes his Advancement to the Cardinal _de Fleury_, who seems to confide in him intirely. This Minister is reckon'd very laborious, good-natur'd and civil. The Foreign Ministers are so taken with him, that they think no more of Messieurs _de Torcy_ and _de Morville_.

The former was of the _Colbert_ Family, Secretary of Foreign Affairs under _Lewis_ XIV. a Man, as one may say, born for the Ministry, and whose great and good Services have been very much cry'd-up, but more rewarded by the Applauses of _Europe_, than by Favours from the Court. The other was the Son of the late Keeper of the Seals, _d'Armenonville_, and had acquir'd a great Reputation in his Emba.s.sies to _Holland_, and the Congress of _Cambray_, when he desired Leave to[57] retire, and was succeeded by M.

_Chauvelin_.

The Count _de Maurepas_ is Grandson to the Chancellor _de Pontchartrain_, and Son to the Count _de Pontchartrain_, Secretary for the Maritime Affairs in the Reign of King _Lewis_ XIV. He enter'd very young into the Ministry, and has so behav'd as to gain Friends and Dependants. I have not heard one Man give him an ill Word, while every body speaks well of him; but as for his Secretaries, or chief Clerks, the Seafaring People often exclaim against the Airs of Importance which some of those Scribes put on, who watch all Opportunities to impose on the Honesty of the Minister, in Favour of their Creatures, to the Prejudice of other Subjects, who have more Merit.

The Count _de S. Florentin_ is of the Family of _Phelypeaux_, as is also the Count _de Maurepas_, who married his Sister. He is the Son of M. _de la Vrilliere_, Secretary of State; and had the Reversion of his Father's Office granted him by the Regent, when he was scarce twenty Years of Age.

M. _de la Vrilliere_ dying not long before the King's Marriage, M. _de S.

Florentin_ entered on his Office. He has that Province which relates to Affairs Ecclesiastical. He married, some Years ago, the Daughter of the late Count _de Platen_, Great Chamberlain, and Hereditary Post-Master of _Hanover_; but neither of 'em knew one another before the Match was made.

Mademoiselle _de Platen_ was a _Lutheran_, but is turn'd _Catholic_. The Lady, her Mother, for Whom I had as profound a Veneration as for any Woman in the World, and whose Memory I still revere, brought her into _France_.

M. _de S. Florentin_ has Reason to be pleas'd with the Choice he has made: For his Lady is not only very charming, but has n.o.ble Sentiments, and a Virtue which Calumny itself durst not asperse. When she married M. _de S.

Florentin_, King _George_ I. of _Great Britain_ settled a Pension upon her of forty thousand Livres, for forty-five Years; and King _George_ II. on his Accession to the Crown, was pleased to confirm the said Pension, upon that Lady's going to _London_ to solicit it, in Company with her Mother-in-law Madame _de la Vrilliere_, now d.u.c.h.ess of _Mazarine_.

M. _d'Angervilliers_, formerly Intendant of _Alsace_, is Secretary of the War-Office, in which he succeeded M. _le Blanc_, who was the Secretary a second time, when he died at _Versailles_. The first time that he was Secretary, he was supplanted by M. _de Breteuil_, during the Ministry of the Duke _de Bourbon_; and he, in his Turn, supplanted M. _de Breteuil_, the Queen's Chancellor, in the Ministry of the Cardinal _de Fleury_. You see by this, that the War-Office has been several times chang'd in a few Years; but 'tis like to remain always in the Hands of M._d'Angervilliers_, whose Application, Vigilance and Integrity, are very much cry'd-up by the Officers, and all that have to do with him. I gave you some Account of this Minister, when I wrote to you from _Strasbourg_, to which I have nothing to add.