Source catalogue

De Baluze is pleased with the improvement in the addressee's relationship with the Queen. He conveys the version of statements by executed participants in the plot against William of Orange, taken from a Dutch newspaper, and defends James II and France against the charge of complicity. He mentions the movements of French fleets, the state of the King's health, and the postponed departure of the court to Ruthenia.

De Baluze describes six packages sent by the banker Helissant: paintings, depictions of fruit baskets, clothing, and a disassembled wooden bed. He mentions a bill of exchange, the Marquis's stay with the army, and troop movements in Italy, Flanders, and on the Rhine.

The author describes a report on the arrival of French plenipotentiaries in Delft, the further circulation of passports, conflicting news about the demand for the return of Strasbourg, and the arming of a small French squadron in Brest.

The author discusses the security of Holstein against Denmark, the journey of the King of England, a report about a mass in Dresden, and French appointments. He announces the arrival in Poland of a dance master preparing performances.

De Baluze conveys unconfirmed peace terms with the Duke of Savoy: neutrality, return of spoils, compensation, Pinerolo, and a dynastic marriage. He adds news about French mourning for the Polish King, spoils taken by privateers from Saint-Malo, and the circulation of guineas in the French army.

The author expected the addressee's arrival but received his letter to Paris. He conveys news favorable to France and determines further action regarding the bill of exchange sent by the Pilski cupbearer.

The author sends an excerpt contradicting part of the news favorable to the Imperial side. He arranges for the sending of one thousand rixdollars to Duport and reminds of his own fifty francs laid out for the payment of Saillot's bill in Paris.

De Baluze conveys a monk's account of the situation near Turin, alleged bounties for killing Frenchmen, and incentives for desertion. He also reports on the alleged insolvency of the English bank and attaches Parisian news.

The author reports that the Danish-Holstein dispute has not been resolved in Hamburg and describes the movements of Swedish troops and anxiety in the Empire after the election of a new elector. At the end, he announces the introduction to the addressee of a person recommended by the Grand Hetman.

De Baluze congratulates on the arrival and the Voivodess's delivery. He asks for clarification of rumors about Jabłonowski's dissatisfaction with his reception in France and rejected proposals. He also determines the method of settling the Parisian debt.

Handwritten news presents the operations of French troops in the Netherlands, on the Rhine, and in Piedmont. They contain rumors about the death of the Spanish Queen Dowager and Callières's secret negotiations; the author clearly distinguishes between rumors and information he considers certain.

De Baluze recommends the bearer, who was favorably received by the Grand Hetman, and asks the Ruthenian Voivode to take him under his care.

The author rejoices at the Voivodess's recovery. He explains the lack of correspondence from the Marquise de Béthune and assures that her son has received the money and intended to return to France.

The author reports to Hetman Jabłonowski on the progress of military operations in Europe, including the successes of French troops in Catalonia and the privateer Jean Bart at sea, maneuvers in the Netherlands, and the situation near Turin and Timișoara. He also describes the impressions of papal diplomats visiting Versailles and reports on the death of the Spanish Queen Dowager.

The Marquise asks her son-in-law to accept a young nobleman, the son of her impoverished friend. She praises his upbringing, mathematics, and fortifications; the young man is interested in languages and foreign countries. Mr. de Balus is to mediate in the matter.

Dalton discusses the starostas of Krasnystaw and Halych and military companies. The postscript reports an intercepted instruction and an unverified rumour that the tsar was killed during a revolt.