Folios 228-236. Folios 228-236. Letter dated [April 10 new style] at Paris from Lord...

Folios 228-236. Folios 228-236. Letter dated [April 10 new style] at Paris from Lord Portland to the King, regarding strategy for the discussions with the French King, and the risk of sharing their demands and then being played off against other interested parties. Notes possible options regarding the Low Countries, given that what the Elector is doing there will render them defenceless. In any event, he will advise the ministers there that King William is unlikely to make any proposals or to respond to their proposals, which are so unreasonable. He has written at length to Mr Vernon regarding the Comte de Tallard's claims and the discovery of a fresh St Germain plot. The Council at the Hague advises that they cannot send commissioners from their assemblies without prejudice to the King's other estates, and propose they should name deputies from Orange and Bourgue, which Portland does not consider appropriate. Lord Portland suggests that the King might appoint a commissioner of authority to act with two of these gentlemen, either a member of his Council or Mr. Heemskerck. Queries the lack of response from the King regarding his stay in France and reports on his visit to see the Prince de Vaudemont, who was in quite good health and showing much gratitude to the King for his kindness. Expresses frustration that while the French King has granted him permission to visit Marly, he will not allow it until all his gardens and fountains are in perfect condition, which will likely take another eight days. Encloses the responses given to him on the five first articles of one of his memoranda [see SP8/18 ff194-204], which he had thought could not bear contradiction. Reports news from Germany that the evacuation of the fortified towns is always postponed. The disbandment of the infantry is delayed apparently by the news of the King of Spain's illness, although letters of 20 March said that he was recovering. Folios 237-239. Memorandum regarding the affairs of Orange: (1) regarding matters to be sent back to the Orange Parliament and changes/inovations since 1672 to be set aside - the French King has made orders conforming to what has been requested; (2) for La Dame de Berger and Andre and Elisee Chambaut to be freed and returned to Orange - the first of these has been permitted to return to Orange and enquiries have been made regarding the latter two; (3) revenues from the Principality of Orange to be returned in line with the Treaty of Ryswick (£194, 616) - they are urgently seeking clarifications in this regard and will revert as soon as they have these; (4) tithe rights between 1683 and March 1689 to be returned (£12,600) - they are awaiting clarification from the Intendant of Provence on these rights; (5) interest on (3) and (4) to be paid in line with the Treaty of Ryswick - no comment.