Folios 348-359. [Folios 348-351] Copy of a letter from the King of France to d'Avaux...

Folios 348-359. [Folios 348-351] Copy of a letter from the King of France to d'Avaux [Jean-Antoine de Mesmes], dated 8 November 1696, discussing the continuing obstacles to peace negotiations introduced by Vienna and expressing satisfaction that Oxenstirn's [Count Bengt Gabrielsson Oxenstierna, Swedish Foreign Minister] partiality towards the Allies does not prevent the Swedish King from attesting to how much the Emperor's conduct offends him. Refers to the French position regarding Luxembourg, Strasbourg and Alsace. Expresses his belief that Vienna will ultimately have to accept the mediation of the Swedish King without restriction, but advises the Swedish King should be mistrustful of Allied proposals to negotiate in Stockholm. The French King will accept no other location than a dependency of the States General. Notes that it appears that the Polish envoy in Stockholm has no specific proposals to make, but asks d'Avaux to find out what he can and report back anything relevant to his plans for the Prince de Conti. The King indicates that while he would have entrusted d'Avaux with representing him in the peace negotiations, if he was not so effective and so much needed in Sweden; he further discusses potential appointments for the negotiations. [Folio 352] Copy of a letter from Monsieur de Torcy [Colbert, Jean-Baptiste, Marquis de Torcy, French foreign minister] to d'Avaux, referring to the King's letter and his efforts to bring about d'Avaux's desires [to represent the King in peace negotiations] but pointing to the King's satisfaction with his work in Sweden, and other factors contributing to the decision, as consolation. [Folios 353-357] Copy of a letter from Meyercron [Meyercron, Henning M. Danish ambassador in Paris 1685-1706] to the King of Denmark, dated 10 November 1696, regarding his plans to go to Fontainebleau to dispel entirely - if possible - the rumours regarding the alleged Treaty between the Danish and the English and Dutch. Reports that the French position seems to be softening, but suspicions remain, and relates his discussions with Monsieur de Pomponne [Simon Arnauld, Marquis de Pomponne]. Discusses the status of peace negotiations and speculates as to the French Court's satisfaction with Callieres [François de Callières, special envoy of France]. [Folios 357-359] Copy of a letter from d'Avaux to the King of France, dated 31 October 1696, regarding appointments and procedures for the peace negotiations, and the extent to which various Allies had consented to the mediation of the Swedish King. Notes that the Swedish King is currently not minded to press the interests of Prince Jacques [James Louis Henry Sobieski?] or another Prince [for the crown of Poland?].