[199] Charles V. Duke of Lorrain, married, in the commencement of this year, Eleanor, daughter of the Emperor Leopold, and widow of Michael Wiecnowiecki, King of Poland. For an account of him, see note, page 48. [200] From the Archives of the Office for Foreign Affairs, at Paris. No. 26. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES. St. Germain, June 15, 1678. SIR, I answer your letters of the 21st and 28th of May, and of the 4th of this month together; the first has made known to the King the reasons which have delayed the Count Matthioli: if they are really such as he told you, and that he has thought his presence necessary, in order to prevent the injurious resolutions to which the Spaniards might have persuaded his master, it is quite right in him not to have left him; it would also be advantageous if he could soon withdraw him from Mantua, and lead him to Casale. It will then be more easy for him to make his journey into France, and to insure the success of the measures which he has concerted with you. * * * * * * POMPONNE.[201] [201] From the Archives of the Office for Foreign Affairs, at Paris. No. 27. POMPONNE TO ESTRADES. June 22, 1678. SIR, The King has seen the letter which you were pleased to write to me, and his Majesty has learnt from it with pleasure, that the Count Matthioli is always in the same sentiments of affection and zeal, which he has already shown for his Majesty. Continue to strengthen him in them, by the hope of the same advantages which you have already shown him that the Duke his master will find in the alliance and protection of the King. The Duke not being in a condition to preserve Casale, without the assistance of some one more powerful than himself, he cannot certainly receive it more usefully and more surely than from the hands of his Majesty. I trust you will labour, as you have already done, to inspire him with the desire of it, from the pleasure that you will have in rendering a very agreeable service to his Majesty. * * * * * * POMPONNE.[202] [202] From the Archives of the Office for Foreign Affairs, at Paris. No. 28. ESTRADES TO POMPONNE. Differences between the Duke of Mantua and the Spaniards. Venice, July 2, 1678. SIR,