I am most grateful for the new favour, which I have just received from his Majesty, (the government of the Islands of Saint Margaret). If you order me to go there without delay, I would request to be permitted to take the road through Piedmont, on account of the great quantity of snow that there is between this place and Embrun; and, on my return, which shall be as quick as I can possibly make it, I hope you will approve of my going by the way, to take leave of the Duke of Savoy, from whom I have always received so much kindness. I will give such good orders for the guarding of my prisoner, that I can answer to you, Sir, for his entire security, as well as for his not now, nor ever, holding intercourse with my Lieutenant, whom I have forbid to speak to him, which is punctually obeyed. If I take him with me to the Islands, I think the most secure conveyance will be a chair covered with oil-cloth, in which there would enter a sufficiency of air, without its being possible for any one to see or speak to him during the journey, not even the soldiers whom I shall select to be near the chair. This conveyance will be less embarrassing than a litter, which is liable often to break. I am, &c. DE SAINT-MARS.[328] [328] Extracted from the work of M. Roux (Fazillac). No. 125. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS. From the Islands of Saint Margaret, March 23d, 1687. * * * * * * I have been here for the last thirty days, of which I have passed twenty-six in bed, with a continual fever. I have taken so much powder of bark, that, for the last three days, I have been free from fever. I have sent to Toulon for my litter, in order to go from hence the 26th of this month, and I hope to be at Exiles in eight days, by the Embrun and Briançon road. As soon as I shall have had the honour of receiving your commands, Sir, I shall set forth again with my prisoner, whom I promise to conduct here in all security, without any one seeing or speaking to him. He shall not hear mass after he leaves Exiles, till he is lodged in the prison which is preparing for him here, to which a chapel is attached. * * * * * * I pledge my honour to you for the entire security of my prisoner. I am, &c. DE SAINT-MARS.[329] [329] Extracted from the work of M. Roux (Fazillac). No. 126. SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS. Arrival of Matthioli at the Islands of Saint Margaret. From the Islands of Saint Margaret, May 3d, 1687. SIR,