Diary of the times of Charles II/Volume 1/Diary continued, January 31 to February 5
January 31st.I was with Monsieur Van Beuninghen. He told me that he had been with the French Ambassador; that his proposition is, that they should let his Master make war in Italy, and do every thing else he hath a mind to, provided that he engaged not to meddle with the Low Countries. He repents that he did not speak in time to him, and would give one of his fingers that he had not begun this business. He told me, that he had rather (though it was not fit to be said) the King of France should attack the Low Countries than Italy. Mr. Rockwood and Freeman dined with me: I find the last horribly unsatisfied with the King, a friend to the Prince, and ready to do him any service, a great enemy to the Duke. I was with Monsieur Belmont. He told me that I had done more good than all my predecessors before me.
February 1st.I dined with the Prince, who told me he was every day more and more for the alliance with Spain. He is glad that Fitzpatrick is going there. Monsieur Rounswinckle told me that Monsieur Staatman was to come, and would lie at Monsieur Campricht's. He saith that they have not accepted their bills for the contribution, that is, for the Duchy of Cleves, 200,000 crowns, and therefore they must give ready money, and then we shall see what the French would do.
2d.Monsieur Campricht and Monsieur Straatman[1] came to see me. The last made me great compliments upon our success here; he tells me he is going to Ratisbon, that the French endeavour to destroy the Diet, and that Monsieur Rebenac is with the Elector of Brandenburgh for that purpose, who is already inclined to it. I was with the Prince in the evening, who told me that Groninguen had declared for the Alliance, and that it was only in compliment to him.
3d.I danced at Court, where the Prince came. Monsieur Le Rhingraye and Monsieur Schomberg saluted the Prince.
4th.I went to see them. At night I carried the Prince a letter from my Lord Sunderland; upon which he fell into discourse of affairs. He asked my opinion who he should send into England; we pitched upon Sir Gabriel Sylvius; he thinks Mr. Godolphin does go too fast, he thinks him quicker than Mr. Hide, and Sir William Temple far beyond them all. I told him how Monsieur Schomberg was afraid of coming to me, because of the French Ambassador; Mr. Rookwood was with me, and told me a very ridiculous story of him.
5th.Monsieur Le Rhingrave dined with me; he talked of Monsieur D'Avaux, and said he would give Madame an account of his proceedings. I told the Prince the story, and proposed Sir William Temple's going Ambassador into Spain. He told me Monsieur Heugh was come, and that he had good inclinations, that he had nothing to propose, but that he would hear any thing that was proposed to him. Monsieur Schomberg supt with me.
- ↑ He had been one of the ambassadors from the Emperor, at the treaty of Nimeguen.