Folios 118-134. Letter dated [March 7-8 new style] at Paris from Lord Portland to...

Folios 118-134. Letter dated [March 7-8 new style] at Paris from Lord Portland to the King. Has received the King's letter of 23 January and is pleased to see that his actions have been in accordance with the orders contained therein. He went to Versailles on 4 March and the opportunity arose to speak with the French King along the lines Lord Portland had previously advised the King [see SP 8/18/88-107]. The French King received him well and renewed his protestations and assurances as to how much he wished to maintain King William's friednship and the Peace, and would do all that could reasonably be expected of him. His bags having arrived Lord Portland will make his entry on Sunday, the day after tomorrow, and shall have his audience on the following Tuesday. The Marshal who is appointed to receive him at the former is M. de Boufflers, and the Prince who is to introduce him at the audience is M. de Marsan. The King's refusal to allow the English, Irish or others to remain in England contrary to the Act of Parliament is causing the French great concern, as such people are needy and struggle to subsist there. The Duke de Lauzun, principal counsellor to the French King, is so polite with him that he questions what designs he has. As King James often goes hunting with the Dauphin, Portland is unable to go on those occasions not wanting to coincide with him. Discusses the gardens and hunting there, as well as the fashions. Discusses King William's impressions of Mr Dobberzentsky, of Monsieur Spanheym promising to write to the Electress, of his writing to the Pensioner about Monsieur Steyn and of commissioning a huntsman for the King. Comments on matters of Parliament and the "affair of Mr Montagu"; he hopes the King's patience will overcome the difficulties since the government's conduct does not open the Parliament's eyes. All is closely watched from France, as is the paying-off of troops. Observes that the French conduct with respect to trade with Holland gives the impression that they have no intention of keeping the Peace Treaty.Refers to his comments in previous letters regarding the French attempt to 'try it on' with him with respect to the ceremony. Lord Portland has not heard yet that the King has appointed anyone to succeed him there, which makes him fear that he shall have to stay some time, if he has to await his arrival. He advises that he has been granted permission to pay his respects to the King at Marly, but not until the frost has abated and the fountains are functioning again. He annexes a note of some points on which Monsieur de Lubières writes, and he must be informed of the King's wishes as to them.