This word is only for the purpose of acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 16th of last month. The King will not disapprove of your visiting, from time to time, the last prisoner who has been placed in your charge, after he shall have been established in his new prison, and shall have left that where he is at present confined. His Majesty desires that you will execute the order he has sent you for your establishment at Exiles. I beg you to deliver the packet hereunto joined into M. de Richemont’s own hands.
De Louvois.[324]
[324] From the Archives of France. To the name of Richemont is appended in the original the following note, in the hand-writing of Saint-Mars; “This name means M. de Catinat, whom I had then shut up with me at Pignerol.”
No. 121.
SAINT-MARS TO LOUVOIS.
Exiles, Dec 4th, 1681.
As there is always one of my two prisoners ill, they give me as much occupation as I have ever had with any of those I have hitherto guarded.
Although, Sir, you have the kindness to give me permission to go, from time to time, to Casale, I dare not do it, lest during my absence, you should address any packets to me for M. de Pianesse.
De Saint-Mars.[325]