Diary of the times of Charles II/Volume 1/Diary continued, January 4 to January 10
4th.I was with the Prince; he told me the French Ambassador said, if he had told him he would not have been for the alliance, he would never have proposed it. The Prince said he did not know he was obliged to tell him all his mind. He says he hath not yet declared himself in the States, that they had not yet refused. Monsieur Sas dined here, and told me the French Ambassador pretended to be well satisfied with what was done.
5th.I went to the Prince: he told me it would be necessary for the King to use Barillon worse than he uses to do; he showed me his letter to my Lord Sunderland. I dispatched the express.
6th.I writ to my Lord Sunderland. At night I met the Prince; he told me Monsieur D' Avaux had told the Pensioner he never believed the Alliance would be, because Fitzpatrick told him that he had told me so: he is mightily enraged at this business of Barillon's. I supt with the Prince at Madame Opdam's.
7th.Monsieur Campricht was with me; he desired to know their resolution, because they might be in a posture of defence, and that he might give timely notice to the Emperor and the Duke of Lorraine. Monsieur Bounswinkle saith the King of France never desired any thing with that earnestness that he does this alliance; therefore he does imagine he will be mightily provoked to be refused. I spoke to the Prince about Monsieur Campricht; he saith that till next week there can be nothing certainly known. He saith Monsieur D' Avaux is angry with the Pensioner, and hath been to complain of him to the town of Amsterdam for proposing the business so soon. The Pensioner is gone to him, but will say nothing but yes or no, unless he had witnesses. We think the business of Barillon vexes him most.
10th.Monsieur Longas dined with me; he told me the joy there was at Brussels for our affairs going on so well here. I was with the Prince, and gave him letters from Sir William Temple and Godolphin; he told me he believed Monsieur D' Avaux would speak high, and did not know if the people here would be resolute. I went to Monsieur Van Beuninghen; he presses much the alliance with Spain, and thinks it necessary.
The Prince is much satisfied with the letters that come out of England. He believes that Monsieur D'Avaux will go to the towns, and then I must go too. Sir W. Temple writ about reviving the triple alliance; he thinks Sweden well-disposed towards us; he speaks of a conversation he had with the King, which gave him satisfaction.