"I have hastened to lay before His Majesty the Order by which you are granted a full and entire discharge for the sums which you have received from the Royal Treasury, for secret expenses, during the whole time of your ministry. "The King has approved of all the provisions of this Order, which I have the honour to forward you herewith in the original. "Accept, monsieur le vicomte, etc." My friends and I expedited a prompt correspondence: THE VICOMTE DE CHATEAUBRIAND TO THE MARQUIS DE TALARU[229] "PARIS, 9 _June_ 1824. "I am no longer minister, my dear friend; they contend that you are. When I obtained the Madrid Embassy for you, I said to several persons who still remember it: "'I have appointed my successor.' "I am anxious to have been a prophet. M. de Villèle is holding the portfolio _ad interim._ "CHATEAUBRIAND." THE VICOMTE DE CHATEAUBRIAND TO THE COMTE DE RAYNEVAL[230] "PARIS, 16 _June_ 1824. "I have finished, monsieur; I hope that you have still plenty before you. I have endeavoured that you should have no reason to complain of me. "It is possible that I may retire to Neuchâtel, in Switzerland; should that happen, ask His Prussian Majesty beforehand for his protection and favours for me; present my respects to Count Bernstorff, my kind regards to M. Ancillon, and my compliments to all your secretaries[231]. You, monsieur, I beg to believe in my devotion and in my most sincere attachment. "CHATEAUBRIAND." THE VICOMTE DE CHATEAUBRIAND TO THE MARQUIS DE CARAMAN[232] "PARIS, 22 _June_ 1824. "I have received, monsieur le marquis, your letters of the 11th of this month. Others than I will tell you the road which you will henceforth have to follow; if it is conformable to what you have heard, it will carry you far. It is probable that my dismissal will give M. de Metternich great pleasure, for a fortnight or so. "Receive, monsieur le marquis, my adieus and the renewed assurance of my devotion and of my high regard. "CHATEAUBRIAND." THE VICOMTE DE CHATEAUBRIAND TO THE BARON HYDE DE NEUVILLE[233] "PARIS, 22 _June_ 1824. "You will doubtless have heard of my dismissal. It remains for me only to tell you how happy I have been to have with you the relations that have now been broken off. Continue, monsieur and old friend, to render services to your country, but do not reckon too much on gratitude, nor believe that your successes will be a reason for maintaining you in the post where you are doing yourself so much honour. "I wish you, monsieur, all the happiness that you deserve, and I embrace you.