Folios 88-107. Letter dated [March 1 new style] at Paris from Lord Portland to the...

Folios 88-107. Letter dated [March 1 new style] at Paris from Lord Portland to the King. Further to his previous letter, in which he advised of the intention to impute to him the public disclosure of the matters he was in France to negotiate, matters have come to a head and he has become the talk of many different sorts of people. It has been very embarrassing but since receiving the King's letter of 18 February he has changed his tactics. He has made complaints to Messrs de Pomponne and de Torcy, noting that the things he is accused of are clearly false and/or would have been to his disadvantage, and asking them to relay the same to the French King so that foolish inventions might not be attributed to him. He beseeched them to explain that he was acting in accordance with King William's orders in furtherance of the peace he so sincerely wished to maintain; that he would make no further representations, having discharged his duty; and would leave it to the French King's judgment to weigh it and consider what was consistent with his interest and his honour. As for himself, Portland would in future only discuss these matters with the French King or those indicated by him. Messrs de Pomponne and Torcy agreed that this was the best way in which to obtain an favourable response and that he should do this as the occasion arose rather than requesting an audience (determining that he would wait another day or two to allow well intentioned people to smooth the path for him). He plans then to seek leave to attend the French King now and then at Marly - something which must be approached cautiously so as not to meet with refusal as very few go there, and no foreign envoy has ever been admitted there; the same thing applies as to seeing Madame de M[aintenon?], who is so modest in all matters of business that she will not see any minister. He has noticed improvements since his change in tactics, and speaks of trying to adapt to the French Court which is different to what he is used to and less well suited to his temperament. He still awaits his baggage, which is delaying his entry and therefore his return; these delays concern him as he has not been able to attend to any business yet other than seeking to get on a better footing with the French King and his Court. Monsieur de Gourville is withdrawn from all conversation and company owing to his age an infirmities so Lord Portland is unlikely to be able to see him. Lord Portland is much concerned to hear what the King tells him about affairs in England, but the weather there is variable: and fine weather follows the storm. Since Lord Sunderland is apparently withdrawn, and is no longer mentioned by enemies or friends, perhaps the King will now have a better opportunity of doing what he formerly intended. He describes in great detail the gardens, houses and hunting parties there. Reports that Comte de Tallard thinks of leaving soon, and discusses the reception he should be given upon arrival in England. He had wanted to ask for a passport for two English priests, but Portland advised him that this would be refused. The Marquis de Mouy, brother of the Prince de Ligne, is expecting King William's support in accordance with old treaties of which the Kings of England are guarantors; Lord Portland will await the King's orders if he wishes him to intervene.