The True History of The State Prisoner, commonly called The Iron Mask — Part 67

[218] From the Archives of the Office for Foreign Affairs, at Paris.

I have received this instant a letter from the Count Matthioli, written from Berheta, on the 26th of this month; in which he acquaints me that he will immediately continue his journey to the Court with the Sieur Giuliani; where, perhaps, they will be arrived before you receive this letter. * *

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According to appearances the Abbé d'Estrades will soon arrive here, and with him the Count Matthioli, through whom we shall be able to know more distinctly the sentiments of the Duke of Mantua. * *

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[220] From the Archives of the Office for Foreign Affairs, at Paris.

I have received your letter of the 22d, the principal point of which is, the making the King acquainted with the reason, for which the Count Matthioli did not set off so soon as he had promised the Abbé d'Estrades. We must wait for his arrival to know what he has to propose to the King.

[221] From the Archives of the Office for Foreign Affairs, at Paris.

Neither the Count Matthioli, nor the Sieur Giuliani are yet arrived here.

I have just received a letter from the Count Matthioli, written from Zurich on the 5th of this month, in which he informs me, that the bad roads have been the cause, which has prevented him from travelling as quick as he could wish in his journey to the Court, but that he hopes to be there in a few days, and perhaps may be arrived before you receive this. * *

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[223] From the Archives of the Office for Foreign Affairs, at Paris.

I have received this week the two letters which you did me the honour to write to me, on the 4th and on the 7th of this month. I see by both of them, how much the King is disposed to receive the Count Matthioli favourably, and to listen willingly to his propositions, as soon as he shall be arrived at the Court. I think he must be there at present, as I have again received to-day a letter from him, from Soleure, dated the 9th of this month, in which he informs me that he has made as much expedition as possible, in order to arrive there quickly. * *

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[224] From the Archives of the Office for Foreign Affairs, at Paris.

I send you only a packet belonging to the Count Matthioli, who arrived here some days ago, and who acquaints the Duke of Mantua with the circumstance. You must take great care to send the letters that are in this packet to their destination.