Diary of the times of Charles II/Volume 1/The Earl of Sunderland to Mr. Sidney, January 1-11
THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO MR. SIDNEY.
Sir,
The King having read yours of the 5th instant, S. N., commanded me immediately to despatch this express, as well to renew his orders to yon to use your utmost endeavours to prevent the making the alliance between France and the States, as to direct you to acquaint the Prince and the Pensioner that you have received his Majesty's command to let them know, that what Monsieur Barillon had written to Monsieur D'Avaux, viz. that the King had told him he would oppose the alliance between France and Holland, &c., but that it was only because he would have his master make one with him, is a mere invention of Monsieur Barillon's, to whom his Majesty never said any such thing; but this is no very unusual way of proceeding both with Monsieur Barillon and other French ministers abroad, who care not what they say, so that it may promote the designs of their master. You must likewise acquaint the Prince and the Pensioner that, as to the apprehensions they have in Holland that the French King will not evacuate Wesel, but may fall upon them immediately, if they should not agree to an alliance with him, the King has directed you to tell them that, in case France should break with the States, by the consideration of the long prorogation of the Parliament, or for any other reason or pretence, that his Majesty will assist them with all his forces, as well as knowing how nearly he is concerned, and how much it is his interest not to suffer those provinces to be invaded; and that the better to enable himself to do it, he will that very moment call the Parliament, how far distant soever it may appear by the prorogation, he having it always in his power to do so; and it is not in the least to be doubted but that the Parliament will be ready to support him on such an occasion. I have, by the King's order, let Monsieur Van Lewin know as much, to whom his Majesty would have told it himself, if the Ambassador had been in a condition of going abroad.
The King will be impatient to hear from you after the receipt hereof, and therefore you may, if you please, keep this express some days, till you can despatch him to us again with an answer, which we hope will be a good one.
Sir,— The King gives you leave to come over before the term, supposing his affairs do not require your presence there, which he leaves you to judge of.