CHAPITRE II

condition the basis on which the alliance proposed between the K. of $. and the protestant cantons, is to be founded. Without the last mention’d consideration, the K. of $. deos not think it worth his while to concern himself in the least with the former, and without the former it is generally thought he will hardly be able to bring about the latter. M. V. therefore is to endeavour to make these two measures go hand in hand together and by that means serve the Republick and the common cause at the same time. It is scarce to be believed that you will ever have again so favourable an opportunity of settling these points to your satisfaction from the dispositions of the persons who will be employ’d in bringing it about. Count D. : has convinced me by publick as well as private reasons of his good intentions toward the Republick, and I think de la T. may be reasonnably imagined to think in the same manner; Ld. R. and V. are both personal friends to you. This opportu- nity therefore must not be neglected. I must likewise add in the same confidence that this whole transaction will be carried on chiefly at Bern, tho’ the orders for the ministers there, will, for the most part, be determin’d here. You have now all the lights I can give you into this affair, and it isa particular satisfaction to me to be authorized to do it in the present case, in which the King’s regard for Geneva is equally united with his more publick concerns. Howewer you will easily judge that the contents of this letter cannot be kept too secret, and must determine in your own breasts wether you will not send a proper person to Bern, upon the occasion, and in case you do, wether he should not be instructed to assist de la T. in the prosecution of his affairs, as upon his success your own must depend in great measure, The pretended object of his going to Bern is to renew the capitulation of the regiment du Roy; but the real one is to enter into a strict

alliance with the protestant Cantons. You will easily conceive the importance of this secret and keep it accordingly.

Je reviens au françois et à ma chère petite famille. Mes rattons se portent bien tous les deux. Fanny est la plus charmante des poupons. Dick ne fait que rire. Jean est tout à fait bien. J'espère que le cher Cal. sera content de tous les trois. Pour moi, mon esprit n’a rien pu gagner sur mon corps, je me porte comme si rien ne me fût arrivé. Je m’engraisse de jour en jour. Je n’ai pas assez de sentiments pour rendre vos braves leçons nécessaires; cependant je les garderai soigneusement dans mon esprit pour m'en servir en cas de besoin. M? Groudet vous prie de vouloir bien vous charger de la procuration cijointe pour Madame sa mère. Elle n’a pas voulu remplir le blanc, mais le laisse à faire à Madame sa mère. Mille compliments à toute la chère famille, depuis la digne grand’mère jusqu'aux deux petits rattons Jallabert (ses neveux par sa femme).

I must be obliged to seal this letter in à particular manner lest the curious should be tempted to open it When you answer it, You will please to do it in general terms.

Le courrier que nous avons attendu aujourd’hui avec tant d’impatience n’est pas encore arrivé. J’espère qu’il nous dédommagera par les bonnes nouvelles qu’il nous apportera du cher Calandrini.

Adieu, mon très-cher Monsieur, et soyez persuadé de la parfaite estime, considération et attachement avec lesquels je resterai toute ma vie

Votre très-humble et très-obéissant serviteur

R. N.-ALDWORTE. »

C’est comme correspondant pour le Conseil d'Etat que J.-L. Calandrini se trouvait en possession de cette lettre adressée à son cousin le premier syndic François Calandrini. Celui-ci