M. d’Asfeld writes in this intention, to M. de Louvois; but I will take the liberty to request you, Sir, in case the King has any new orders to give us on this affair, to order them to be sent directly to me; because, as it is possible that M. d’Asfeld may be obliged to depart before they arrive, I could not be made acquainted with them if they were sent to him, the cypher he has received from M. de Louvois being different to that which you have sent me. We think, nevertheless, we can assure you, Sir, that we do not see, from this delay of time, any reason to doubt the sincerity of the sentiments of the Duke of Mantua; who has again assured us, through the Count Matthioli, that he is more than ever in the intention of executing the treaty he has just made with his Majesty, and of keeping the promise he has given to him. The Count Matthioli had written to you; but as his letter was not in cypher, and did not contain any thing but what I have sent you word of in this, I have not thought it necessary to send it to you. DE PINCHESNE.[243] [243] From the Archives of the Office for Foreign Affairs, at Paris. No. 64. LOUVOIS TO SAINT-MARS. St. Germain, February 15th, 1679. * * * * * * WHEN the affairs for which the Sieur de Richemont is with you shall be concluded, you may, &c.[244] * * * DE LOUVOIS.[245] [244] The sentence is left thus imperfect in M. Delort’s publication. The whole letter, however, is published in the work entitled, “Les philosophes et les gens de lettres des XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles à la Bastille.” The rest of the letter does not refer to Matthioli’s affair. [245] From the Archives of France. No. 65. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE. February 17th, 1679. I HAVE given an account to the King of what you tell me, in your last letter of the 28th of January, you have done concerning the affair which is entrusted to you, and of your expecting the Count Matthioli soon, from the assurance that the Sieur Giuliani had given you to that effect. His Majesty was very glad to see that you still have hopes both of the success of the affair, and of prevailing upon the Duke of Mantua to leave Venice on the 20th or 25th of this month. I have nothing particular to acquaint you with, beyond what you already know. You will continue, if you please, to inform me exactly of all that shall pass on this subject; even despatching me an extraordinary courier if you shall deem it necessary. POMPONNE.[246] [246] From the Archives of the Office for Foreign Affairs, at Paris. No. 66. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE. Reasons for the Duke of Mantua’s delay in going to Casale. Venice, February 18th, 1679. SIR, * * * * * *