still encreased his astonishment, and the more, because he was not wont to be hurri'd nor conducted in so Military a manner, when the King wanted him, or ordered him to come to him, but he had always the priviledge of going with great freedom, and less attended.
When he came to Louvo, he was straight led to the King's Palace, without allowing him the liberty of going first to the Jesuits House to Repose and Refresh himself, as he desired, tho' his intention was rather to be somewhat inform'd, and know the posture of present Affairs, which he thought were much altered. The same day of his arrival he received several Visits from the Mandarins, and after Supper he had one from Opra Pitrachard, with whom he discoursed some time, and, amongst other things, the Opra told him, with an unusual Air of Pride and Haughtiness,
That the King had caused Monsieur Constance to be put to Death for many hainous Crimes and Faults he had been found guilty of, in the management of those Employments he was entrusted with, and that the King would give him his Place, knowing him to be a Man of great Integrity, Faithfulness, and good Understanding in the management of Affairs, and in whom he reposed great Confidence and Trust.
He further told him, That the King was engaged in a War against the Cochinchinois, and the People of Laos; That there was a necessity of sending for all the French Forces to joyn in a Body, and march against the Enemy, to hinder the Invasion that the Kingdom was threatened with; and that he had also writ to Monsieur Bruham, Governour of Morgen, to the same purpose, to hasten to Louvo with all his Troops.
