_Sunday, 13th._--I have been idle as to writing since Wednesday, but not so otherwise, having been every day in town; in the mean time, domestic transactions require some notice. Our vineyards are blessed this year with a most extraordinary crop of grapes, to secure which from marauders I have acceded to M. Bonnemain’s petition in behalf of the villagers, and established a regular patrol of our men--a precaution certainly most necessary, seeing what neighbours we have: at Pierrefitte the waggon-train; on the other side, bivouacking along the chaussée from Garges to St Denis, Jones’s corps of Belgian waggoners, five hundred in number, men totally unacquainted with the restraints of military discipline, with full leisure to meditate mischief, and most persevering foragers for their horses, which are their own private property; in our rear, at Garges, &c., are our savage and lawless friends of Nassau, and some Belgians. So surrounded, vigilance becomes absolutely necessary, not only for the sake of our villagers, but also for our own; and nothing has gained their affections, or united us more, than the establishment of this patrol, especially since it has taken some prisoners. The other day the _garde champêtre_ detected soldiers stealing along amongst the vines, but not daring to go near them himself, hurried into the village and reported it to the sergeant-major, Oliphant, who lost no time in despatching a corporal and four mounted gunners in pursuit. The fellows were soon taken and brought in triumph to my house, the _garde champêtre_ stalking at the head of the procession in his cocked-hat and broad _bandoulière_, prisoners between the escort--M. le Maire and some twenty peasants, making more noise with their _sabots_ than the iron hoofs of the horses, bringing up the rear. The unfortunates were Belgians, quite lads, so I held a sort of court-baron in my yard, and upon their expressing great contrition, and begging a thousand pardons, at M. Bonnemain’s request I forgave them, but sent the escort to see them home to Garges, whence they came. The effect on the villagers has been very good--they have all become the most kindly obliging creatures possible, and our men are as thick as brothers with them; I trust this harmony may continue. I have likewise another source of amusement, which makes my residence here more agreeable--I have hired a very good violin, and bought some music. The offhanded liberal manner in which Madame Duhan informed me of the hire, and allowed me to take away the instrument, stranger as I was to her, without any security, surprised me much. I rather think none of our musicsellers in London would lend even their worst instrument to a Frenchman in the same manner. On Thursday last I went to see the Bibliothèque Royale, a magnificent establishment, and where I passed a most delightful morning; it is in the Hotel de Colbert, Rue de Richelieu, from which street the main entrance opens