Diary of the times of Charles II/Volume 1/Diary continued, December 25 to January 3
25th.Monsieur Campricht told me that he had orders to oppose this alliance as much as he could; and I believe he will put in a memorial to that purpose. There dined with me Mr. Ken and Mr. Bowyer. Mr. Fitzpatrick told me of the Jews' proposal to him of giving the King £50,000 if, upon renewing the charter to the East India Company, he will give such men leave to buy actions.
Monsieur Odyke told me of the French Ambassador being with the Prince at his house; that he shewed him a letter from Monsieur Barillon, that saith that the King told him that the reason why he endeavoured to hinder the States from making an alliance with France, was to make France desire one with him. He saith he is preparing a terrible memorial for the meeting of the States; that, for the present, he believes these people may refuse it, but, if they see any likelihood of a war, they will do any thing that is desired of them. Monsieur Barillon writes to Monsieur D'Avaux every week, and gives him an account, almost word for word, of what I write. He hath orders to go again to all the towns, as he did in the business of the Guarantee, but I hear it will not be permitted.
26th.I was with the Prince. He told me of his conversation with Monsieur D'Avaux; of Barillon's letter to him; the straight he was in; how he would consent to the alliance if he considered only his own interest. I wrote to my Lord all this and a great deal more. I wrote about the projects, and for leave. I wrote to my Lady Sunderland and Sir William Temple.
27th.I heard that the French Ambassador had been with Monsieur D'Alva to give in his memorial, but it was too late to have it read that day; at night the Prince gave it to me, and told me I must put one in on Monday.
28th.I was with the Prince, and carried him my memorial. He read it, and said he would show it to the Pensioner; and if there were any faults in it, I should know it in the evening; after supper he gave me the memorial, and another, which I copied myself, because none should know that he did any thing in it.
29th.I went abroad with the Prince at four; he dined at my house. At night I was at Court, and heard that the French Ambassador's memorial was read.
30th.I delivered my memorial to Monsieur Pauland, one of Overissel. I sent my Lord Sunderland's letter to the Prince, who was very well pleased with it.
31st.I was with Mr. Rockwood, who told of the French's taking towns from his Master, that he hath nothing to do with. He thinks that the Duchess of Simmeren hath got the French Ambassador to assist her against the Prince. At night I was at Court. The Prince told me that I must prepare another memorial; that the French Ambassador took exception at that part of the letter that mentions Holland. He advised me to go to the Pensioner, and speak high, and tell him that the King is in better condition than they imagine.
January 1st.I was with the Pensioner; I met the French Ambassador there. After he was gone, I had a good deal of discourse with him; I told him my mind roundly ; he did not disapprove of any part of it, he gave me good hopes; he told me that the French Ambassador was very angry with me; I said, I cared as little as any man in England. I went to Monsieur Campricht; he is hearty in the business, I was with Odyke; he advised me to send copies of the memorial into England, and to speak gently in my next memorial; he thought we should do well to press for an alliance. The Pensioner told me the Prince might find his account in it; that he might have millions; and the Ambassador told the Prince that he would assist him in anything he pretended to in England. I saw the Prince abroad; he told me it would come on to-day; he is unsatisfied with Van Beuninghen for being for disbanding the forces.
2nd.Colonel Fitzpatrick was with me; he told me of a project of his to get twelve ships, of from forty to sixty guns, for the King of Spain's service; he gave me a writing to be signed by the King; he saith the man will undertake that the King shall have three millions at five in the hundred, and that the principal shall die in a year; he thinks of having the Advocate go into England instead of the Projector. In the afternoon I was with the Prince; he told me, with a cheerful countenance, that matters went well, and that the Pensioner had orders to come to me. I writ to my Lord Sunderland, and sent him the paper tonight, and desired leave for Fitzpatrick to go into England.
3rd.I dined with the Prince; the Pensioner was there; he excused his not coming, and will be with me on Monday. I hear from every body that they are resolved not to accept the alliance; they have sent a Courier to their Ambassador at Paris to make the best excuse they can, and to assure him that they ever continue his humble servants. All the ministers have been with me to-day to congratulate;[1] Monsieur D' Avaux tells every body that his master will revenge it; he is mighty angry. At eight o'clock I received a letter from my Lord Sunderland, by express, to deny what Monsieur Barillon had writ; I acquainted the Prince with it; he told me then how the French were enraged against him; and, with some cause, he said. I had letters from England.
- ↑ The foIlowing extract from a letter from Sidney's agent, Mr. Spencer, shews how highly his services in preventing the alliance between France and Holland were estimated at home.
"January 23rd,—79.
"Most Honoured Sir,
"On Saturday last I received your letter of the 16th and of the 19th instant, which came very luckily to my hands. As you did me honour, ao I did you a little service with them among the Country Justices, Sir Thos. Peirce, Mr. Lambard, and others, at Sennock, whither I went immediately after receipt thereof, who took it kindly from me the reading a part of your letters of certaine news, which they were not a little thirsty after. They seemed much satisfied with what you have done, and so is all the world here; drinking your health, and praying for it too, is not enough."— Orig, M.