St. Germain, April 13th, 1678.
Sir,
I have already sent you word that the King approves very much of the manner in which youhave carried on the negociation with the Duke of Mantua, without either breaking it off or advancing it too much. It is even advantageous, as a very natural means of gaining time, that that Prince should have taken the part of sending the Count Matthioli to the King. We may treat with him according to the propositions he is charged with; but it would be a pity if the foundation of them was to be the condition of sending a powerful army into Italy this year, because I can tell you in confidence, that the King has not yet taken any measures for the purpose.
∗∗∗∗∗
Pomponne.196
196From the Archives of the Office for Foreign Affairs, at Paris.