‘In the King’s hand. Approved 7th March, 1760.’ [Sidenote: FAILING HEALTH.] On August 23, 1760, de l’Hôpital informed the Minister for Foreign Affairs that M. Poissonnier,[56] the Empress’s private physician, had recommended D’Eon’s instant departure from Russia, his ailments threatening serious consequences. ‘I have already had the honour of acquainting you with M. D’Eon’s services and abilities. I entreat that you will be good enough to recommend him to the favourable notice of the King, and ask his Majesty to reward his services and zeal by granting him a pension equal to the whole or part of the annual salary he has enjoyed since he has been with me.’ In a private communication to the same minister, de l’Hôpital reminded the duke that D’Eon’s services in foreign affairs were well known; he had not a little contributed to a renewal of the alliance with Russia, and had exerted himself with zeal equal to his activity and intelligence. Such men were deserving of the protection of ministers such as he was, and of the favours he had a right to expect.... The state of poor D’Eon’s health was unsatisfactory, and his private affairs were in a bad condition; and yet his family had long and usefully served the King and State.[57] ‘I cannot write in too high terms of his merits, his industry, and integrity,’ said de l’Hôpital in a letter to the Minister for War; ‘he seems bent on following a military career.... He is anxious to serve in a regiment of foot by purchase of a captain’s commission.... You must remember that in 1757 he brought to you a treaty and the news of the battle of Prague, with a broken leg, and diligence that astonished you.... I will answer for it that M. D’Eon will never disgrace his supporters....’ The old marquis followed up these strong recommendations of his young friend with a graceful tribute to his mother at Tonnerre. ‘Madame,—I send back to you a son worthy of all your tenderness; I feel that I should give him back to you, so that we may preserve him for the King’s service, for yourself, and for me.... I could not part with your son without giving you a proof of my sincere friendship and esteem for him....’ * * * * * _The Baron de Breteuil to the Duke de Choiseul._ ‘St. Petersburg, August 2, 1760. ‘... This secretary was sent here secretly by M. Rouillé together with the Chevalier Douglas, at the commencement of the negotiations with this Court. M. de l’Hôpital is greatly concerned. I have known him only since my arrival here, but he appears to me to be steady, clever, and talented, and one who has applied himself with advantage to political affairs, and to special acquaintance with this country.... He has gained the esteem and friendship of a great many persons at this Court.’[58] [Sidenote: FINAL DEPARTURE FROM RUSSIA.]