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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/75668-0.txt b/75668-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e2f93d3 --- /dev/null +++ b/75668-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,17620 @@ + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75668 *** + + + + + +THE CHEVALIER D’EON DE BEAUMONT + +LONDON: PRINTED BY SPOTTISWOODE AND CO., NEW-STREET SQUARE AND PARLIAMENT +STREET + +[Illustration: FRONTISPIECE. + +LA CHEVALIÈRE D’EON. + +1782. + +From a Painting in the possession of CHARLES LISTON, Esq. (LATE THE +PROPERTY OF CHARLES READE.) + +_See Appendix._] + + + + + THE + STRANGE CAREER + OF THE + CHEVALIER D’EON DE BEAUMONT + + MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY FROM FRANCE TO GREAT BRITAIN + IN 1763 + + BY + CAPTAIN J. BUCHAN TELFER, R.N. + F.S.A., F.R.G.S. + AUTHOR OF ‘THE CRIMEA AND TRANSCAUCASIA’ ‘THE BONDAGE AND + TRAVELS OF JOHANN SCHILTBERGER’ ETC. + + ‘L’homme d’esprit a dans sa plume un juge toujours prêt à le + venger des affronts qu’on lui fait’—D’EON + + With Portraits and Facsimile + + LONDON + LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO. + 1885 + + _All rights reserved_ + + + + +A LA VILLE DE TONNERRE + + + + +PREFACE. + + +The Secret Correspondence established by Louis XV. in 1750-1752, +originally for the purpose of gratifying the Prince de Conti’s ambition +for sovereignty, in the interests of Poland, and of securing the alliance +and co-operation of several of the smaller Powers, against the aggression +of Austria and Russia, proved, in course of years, of inestimable benefit +to the King, personally. Insuperable timidity, and the consciousness +of a lack of self-confidence, were weaknesses that ill-befitted an +absolute monarch, for Louis XV. could never summon courage to confront +his ministers. The Chevalier D’Eon de Beaumont very tersely portrays the +besetting sin of his sovereign, where he describes it as a deficiency +in the needed strength of character to control, as became a king, his +ministers and ambassadors, all of whom he mistrusted and avoided, making +reparation in secret for the follies they committed publicly. ‘Après nous +le déluge’ are the well-known words of comfort offered by the Marquise +de Pompadour, into whose hands the direction of affairs was lapsing, +when seeing the King sorely oppressed with grief upon learning the news +of the disaster at Rosbach; and perhaps it is true that the secret +correspondence, of the existence of which the favourite was entirely +ignorant, was useful in averting the coming storm during the term of his +reign. Selfish and self-indulgent almost beyond conception, Louis XV. had +no spirit to grapple with difficulties where they presented themselves, +except in regard to the relations of France with Foreign Powers, when he +could perfectly well rouse himself to action; not openly, lest the views +of his ministers should be in opposition to his desires, but covertly +and frequently to their confusion. It was the duty of the secret agents +at the several capitals of Europe, who were always connected in some +way with his Embassies, to keep his Majesty informed of all that was +passing, and it became his custom to instruct them to bring about the +realisation of his policy, regardless of the directions of his ministers. +Louis XV. took an interest and a delight in foreign affairs, therefore to +him the secret correspondence had its uses; otherwise—it was leading to +destruction. + +One of the earliest and most remarkable of the King’s secret agents, +for his employment as such dated from the year 1754 or 1755, was D’Eon +de Beaumont, who, as a diplomatist, evinced spirit equal to that of +Lord Whitworth under circumstances that have passed into history, and +exhibited much of the bravery and daring of the famous Hugh Elliot, +without, however, the similar advantage of being enabled to deal all his +blows by the light of day, his training from youth having been in the +direction rather of intrigue. + +Since no history of Louis XV. can have any pretensions to completeness if +the name of D’Eon de Beaumont be excluded, it is not a little surprising +that the individual acts, as well as the official services of so +extraordinary a personage have never been brought together before the +world. This blank the author endeavours to fill. + +In 1836, Gaillardet published a memoir of the Chevalier D’Eon, +meretricious and spurious in its details, which speedily reached a +second edition, and attained a popularity that caused it to be pirated +and reproduced, very extensively, in ‘Un Hermaphrodite,’ Louis Jourdan +indiscreetly lending his name for its authorship! Although Gaillardet +announced that his book was produced out of material supplied by the +D’Eon family at Tonnerre, its contents proved to be in great measure +scandalous fabrications. Feeling himself, as he advanced in years, called +upon to make some kind of reparation, this author gave, in 1866, a new +edition under the title ‘Mémoires sur la Chevalière D’Eon. La Vérité sur +les Mystères de sa Vie,’ in the preface to which, styled ‘Un Acte de +Contrition, &c.,’ he candidly avows that his first edition was in great +part a fiction. In this later edition Gaillardet reproduces, together +with other interesting matter, numerous documents that are preserved +at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, where, by rare good fortune, he +obtained permission to search the archives; and that so distinguished an +academician as the Duke de Broglie (familiar to Englishmen as having been +first minister in the Conservative days of the French Republic), as well +as other well-known authors, should have availed themselves of this work, +may be accepted as sufficient guarantee of its worth and reliability. As +becomes a conscientious biographer, Gaillardet allows the documents he +produces to speak for themselves, without himself undertaking to pass +judgment on his subject; a safe course adopted in the following pages, +where scrupulous care is taken to authenticate all that is adduced. + +In his engaging work, ‘Le Secret du Roi,’ the Duke de Broglie treats at +some length on the part taken by D’Eon in the secret correspondence of +Louis XV. Unhappily, the Duke seems desirous of avenging the agony of +mind his ancestor the Count de Broglio must have endured, upon certain +occasions of the threatening attitude assumed by the Chevalier, and he +evidently finds it impossible to forgive the Minister Plenipotentiary, +D’Eon, for being more clever, abler, and readier-witted than the French +Ambassador with whom it was his misfortune to be connected; for his +Grace takes frequent occasion to traduce him, and calls attention +to his ‘assertions mensongères,’ without clearly substantiating the +grave charges—a hard measure where the person assailed is beyond the +possibility of vindicating the accusation. The fact is that D’Eon related +unpleasant truths, and exposed startling facts, as will be manifested in +due course. + +Few persons, in all probability, have left behind them so much matter in +MS. as did the Chevalier D’Eon, if we except perhaps the Duke of Berwick +and the noted Saint-Simon, of whom Chateaubriand said: ‘... il avait +heureusement un tour à lui; il écrivit à la diable pour l’immortalité.’ +Like Saint-Simon, the Chevalier sketched admirable portraits, and like +Saint-Simon too, he commenced in early youth to write his impressions, +keeping to himself, through life, all he had written. There is +evidence, amongst the papers the author has consulted, that D’Eon never +contemplated an autobiography. ‘It has ever been my opinion,’ he wrote, +‘and I am even persuaded, that it is impossible for an author to write +a just history of his own life; for he is either lifted to the height +of vanity by pride so inseparable from the human heart, or else feigned +modesty debases him to hypocritical humility. There are, at Versailles, +public depôts of the Ministries for War and for Foreign Affairs, and +Louis XV. has left his private papers of the Secret Correspondence. It +is there that the faithful historian should seek the truth if he has the +courage to tell it.’ Unfortunately, there is reason for apprehending that +many MSS., some of consequence, are lost. Père Elisée, the Chevalière’s +medical attendant, had a large number of his papers, which were seen in +the possession of M. Nicolas de Chenart, about the years 1824-1828, by +a correspondent, in ‘Notes and Queries.’ They may now possibly form a +part or the whole of the collection of D’Eon MSS. at the British Museum, +and at Tonnerre where they are numerous. Another large portion passed +into the hands of Mr. Christie, to whom the Chevalière was indebted for +many favours. The first and last of these collections have been well +sifted by the author, the chief difficulty experienced being the making a +judicious selection. It was quite possible to have enlarged on the acts +and writings of the Chevalier or Chevalière D’Eon, by the introduction +of additional portraits, anecdotes, and letters of interest, but—happy +is the biographer who escapes the charge of tedious prolixity! The +author feels that although the material at his disposal has been greatly +condensed, the thread of the narrative is maintained in its completeness, +without the omission of any incident of importance in the life of the +most singular and of one of the most extraordinary individuals of the +last century. + +There can be no exaggeration in the assertion that the life of the +Chevalier or Chevalière D’Eon de Beaumont is unique in the history of the +world. At any rate, the author is prepared to confess his ignorance of +any record of its equal. + +Cases of females having occupied the position of men, whether for a +limited period or during their entire existence, are without number, +striking instances of both, within the recollection of the present +generation, being those of Captain (Marie Jeanne) Dubois, who served in +Napoleon’s Russian campaign, and of a medical officer in the service +of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, who have passed away of late +years. Upon the other hand, few men have disguised themselves as females, +the most notable example of the kind, perhaps, being that afforded +by the Comtesse des Barres, who for thirty years led a dissolute and +discreditable life, but was perfectly well known to be the Abbé de +Choisy. The biographer of this creature, Thoulier d’Olivet, says of +him: ‘But what sort of a hero is he whose portrait I am to describe? +A Court Abbé? ... what do I say? A Court Abbé! A coquette who had one +thousand times greater taste for beauty spots and ribbons, one thousand +times more the desire to please, than any professional coquette. It +may be said that Nature made a mistake, and that it was her intention +to create a female;’ then, quoting a lady’s estimate of the Abbé: ‘... +male or female, ever carrying matters to extremes, whether absorbed +in studies or in trifles. Deserving of esteem, because of undaunted +courage, contemptible because of the coquetry of a young maiden, and in +whichever character, at all times engaged in the pursuit of pleasure.’ +The Chevalier D’Eon, whose ambiguity of sex was suggested in infancy +and maintained until death, cannot be classed with either of the above. +Female or male, D’Eon appeared as either in obedience to command, having +done good service to King and Country, and we have the authority of John +Britton, who was in the habit of meeting the Chevalière almost daily, +during a period of three years, that she was respectable and respected, +and of refined manners. The uncertainty of her sex occupied every mind. +In branding the tale of Pope Joan as being _false_ and deserving the +name, Gibbon shows himself to be at fault with regard to D’Eon. ‘... I +would not pronounce it (the tale) incredible. Suppose a famous French +chevalier of our own times to have been born in Italy, and educated in +the Church instead of in the army; _her_ merit or fortune _might_ have +raised her to St. Peter’s chair; her amours would have been natural....’ + +D’Eon’s immediate ancestors were in the habit, it would appear, of +writing their family name, Déon. Upon being accredited Resident, and +afterwards Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Great Britain, Louis +XV. was pleased to distinguish the Chevalier’s name by substituting E +for e, changing Déon to D’Eon, orthography the author has observed with +reference to the Chevalier. Late in life, the Chevalière wrote her name, +occasionally d’Eon, at other times D’eon, until the French Revolution, +when, for a season, her signature appears as Déon, bearing the prefix, La +Citoyenne Geneviève. + +In concluding these introductory remarks, the author has one pleasant +duty left, that of offering his acknowledgments to Mr. JAMES H. B. +CHRISTIE, of Framingham, Norwich, and King Street, St. James’, and of +expressing his obligations to that gentleman for the liberality and +freedom with which he has been permitted to consult the interesting MSS., +short of which it would have been simply impossible to produce, in its +present form, the account of this Strange Career. + + LONDON, _December, 1884_. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + + PAGE + + CHAPTER I. + + Birth of D’Eon de Beaumont and registry as a male + child—Parentage—Consecrated to the Virgin Mary and admitted + to the Sisterhood—Pursues studies as a boy—Early display + of abilities—As secret agent, is sent to Russia by Louis + XV.—Reception at St. Petersburg—Enemies and friends—Leaves for + Versailles—Invited to enter the service of Russia 1 + + CHAPTER II. + + Sir Hanbury Williams and Count Woronzoff—The Empress + Elizabeth’s message to France—Chevalier Douglas, French Chargé + d’Affaires in Russia, with D’Eon as Secretary—Commencement + of the Seven Years’ War—Count Apraxin’s defection—D’Eon + leaves for Versailles—Trait of character—Reception by Louis + XV. and Ministers—Proceeds to Russia—The will of Peter the + Great—Bestoujeff’s opinion of D’Eon—Poniatovsky and his + diamond—D’Eon as a fencer—Bestoujeff’s arrest—D’Eon again + invited to take service in Russia 18 + + CHAPTER III. + + Progress of the war—The Duke de Choiseul’s designs against + England—Change of policy—D’Eon’s advice to the French + Ambassador—Approved by Louis XV.—D’Eon’s failing health—The + Marquis de l’Hôpital—Baron de Breteuil admitted to the secret + correspondence—The King’s secret orders to D’Eon—Testimonies + to his abilities—Leaves Russia for the last time—Gift + from the Empress—On the staff of the Marshal and Count + de Broglio—Distinguished services during the campaign of + 1761—Exile of the de Broglios—Death of Elizabeth 36 + + CHAPTER IV. + + Portrait of Catherine II.—Her opinion of D’Eon and + its fidelity—Portrait of Lord Sandwich—Of the Duke de + Nivernois—D’Eon Secretary of Embassy in London—Two ‘smart + pieces of work’—Kindness to French prisoners—Treaty of + Peace with England—D’Eon takes the ratifications to + Versailles—Delight of King and Ministers—The Marquise de + Pompadour—The Count de Guerchy nominated Ambassador at St. + James’—The Duke de Praslin’s estimate of his qualities—The Duke + tests D’Eon’s loyalty towards himself—The Prince de Soubise at + Villinghausen—D’Eon’s respect for the de Broglios—Is invested + with the Cross of Saint Louis 56 + + CHAPTER V. + + D’Eon becomes Resident and Chargé d’Affaires at the British + Court—Also the King’s special secret agent—Plans for the + invasion of England—Nicknames to secret correspondents—Louis + XV.’s letter to D’Eon on the survey of England—De Pompadour + discovers the secret correspondence—The King’s vexation—D’Eon + advanced to be Minister Plenipotentiary—How he received his + new honours—De Broglio’s anxiety for the safety of the King’s + papers—De Pompadour’s conspiracy to ruin D’Eon—Claims against + the Crown—Letter of State in favour of D’Eon 73 + + CHAPTER VI. + + D’Eon charged with extravagance at the Embassy—Irritating + correspondence—Influx of French visitors—Odious proposal + to D’Eon—Is to return to subordinate duties on being + superseded—His remonstrances—The Earl of Hertford—The Count + de Guerchy’s arrival in England, and D’Eon’s letters of + recall—Secret despatch from Louis XV.—Official recall on the + plea of mental alienation—Disregard of the Ministerial orders 90 + + CHAPTER VII. + + D’Eon’s interview with the Earl of Halifax—Refuses to surrender + the King’s papers to de Guerchy—Declines to take leave of + the King of England—A scene at the French Embassy—Another at + Lord Halifax’s residence—A third at D’Eon’s—Summoned by a + magistrate—De Guerchy’s hostile measures—D’Eon is dangerously + drugged at the table of the French Ambassador—Designs against + his liberty—Removes to Brewer Street, Golden Square—Childishly + annoyed—His extradition demanded—Warned to that effect by Louis + XV 109 + + CHAPTER VIII. + + Refusal of the British Government to deliver D’Eon—A force + organised to kidnap him—Mines and garrisons his house against + intrusion—De Guerchy reports to Louis XV. his failure to obtain + the secret papers—D’Eon’s letter to his mother—Publication + of official and private letters of Ministers, Ambassadors, + &c.—Consternation produced in consequence—Applies to enter the + service of a foreign State—Appeals to de Broglio and Tercier on + his situation—A conciliatory letter the result 127 + + CHAPTER IX. + + D’Eon’s intricate situation—Popular indignation in England at + the late peace—Letter of gratitude to Louis XV.; of reproach + to the Count de Broglio—Sued for libel—Retains the King’s + papers as security for his person—Illegal proceedings on the + part of the French Ambassador—Out-of-door precautions against + being kidnapped—English sympathy for D’Eon—Is found guilty of + libel, absconds, is searched after, and outlawed—Confession of + Treyssac de Vergy—De Guerchy’s charge against de Vergy 150 + + CHAPTER X. + + D’Eon challenges the French Ambassador—Institutes legal + proceedings against him—Strong appeal to the Count de + Broglio, and indifference of the latter—De Guerchy _v._ + De Vergy—De Vergy’s affidavits—Secret correspondence in + danger—Undignified conduct of Louis XV., who ‘feels he is in + a mess’—True bill against the French Ambassador for inciting + to murder—D’Eon’s disregard of his King’s intervention—De + Guerchy applies for a _nolle prosequi_—Attorney-General refuses + a certificate—Miscarriage of justice, and state of public + feeling—Count de Broglio’s conciliatory proposals—A royal + pension conferred on D’Eon—De Broglio’s advice—D’Eon surrenders + his secret orders from the King 170 + + CHAPTER XI. + + D’Eon continues in the royal confidence—Secret correspondence + again in peril—D’Eon’s mother persecuted—De Guerchy’s + death—D’Eon’s last letter to him—De Vergy’s dying + deposition—His will—D’Eon as secret correspondent—His public + protest—The Musgrave scandal 189 + + CHAPTER XII. + + D’Eon and Wilkes—Fickle Louis XV.!—Literary labours—Doubts + raised as to D’Eon’s sex—Princess Dashkoff—Heavy gambling + transactions on D’Eon’s sex—Insult resented—Irritation at being + thought a female—Indignant denial of being concerned in the + bets made—State of penury—Offers of relief from Poniatovsky, + now King of Poland—Saves England from war—Officially reported + to be a female—Personal appearance—Death of Louis XV.—D’Eon’s + estimate of the late King—Count de Broglio’s report on D’Eon to + Louis XVI.—System of secret correspondence abolished—D’Eon to + continue his reports in cypher 206 + + CHAPTER XIII. + + The Count de Broglio’s offers for the surrender of the King’s + papers—D’Eon’s conditions—Failure of the transaction—Proposal + of marriage to (Mademoiselle) D’Eon—Beaumarchais—The Madame + Dubarry scandal—De Vergennes’ instructions to Beaumarchais—That + Minister’s high opinion of D’Eon—Beaumarchais’ success in + treating with D’Eon 227 + + CHAPTER XIV. + + D’Eon surrenders the King’s papers—Earl Ferrers’ share in their + custody—Covenant between Beaumarchais and D’Eon, who receives + permission to return to France—and is ordered to resume female + attire 241 + + CHAPTER XV. + + Revival of gambling policies on D’Eon’s sex—Renewed + protests—Admits being a female to the Count de + Broglio—Beaumarchais a hard master—He demands final + instructions from the King—Differences of opinion, and angry + interchange of letters 256 + + CHAPTER XVI. + + Beaumarchais’ reprehensible behaviour—D’Eon challenges + Morande—Miss Wilkes’ curiosity—Feeling against D’Eon—Fresh + difficulties with Beaumarchais—Speculators on D’Eon’s sex + seized with panic—Lord Mansfield’s decision on the policies + effected—D’Eon appears in public as a female—Leaves for + France, wearing military uniform—The King’s second order to + resume female attire—Marie Antoinette furnishes _Mademoiselle + D’Eon’s_ trousseau—Visits her native town—Rejoicings at + her appearance—Presented at Court as a lady—The Queen’s + household—Deportment in society—Another trial before Lord + Mansfield 277 + + CHAPTER XVII. + + Epistle to Lord Mansfield—Voltaire on D’Eon—Anxiety to get + quit of petticoats—Mademoiselle D’Eon de Beaumont in peaceful + retreats—Applies for active service in the fleet—Returns to + male attire, is arrested, and confined—Being liberated, goes + home—Arrival in London—Fences before the Prince of Wales—Mr. + Angelo—Mademoiselle D’Eon and Phillidor at chess—Advertised + sale of library—Treatment by a British peer the cause + thereof—Earl Ferrers’ bond—Sale of jewellery 299 + + CHAPTER XVIII. + + D’Eon (_la citoyenne Geneviève_) offers her services + to the Legislative Assembly—Is ordered to join + General Dumouriez—Detained in England—Her English + friends—Fences in public—Is seriously wounded—Distressing + times—Last days—Death—Autopsy and appearance of the + body—Administration of property—General character—Pursuits + and habits late in life—Maxims on religion—Coldness of + temperament—Reflections—Fugitive pieces 322 + + ARGUMENT 347 + + APPENDIX 365 + + INDEX 369 + + + + +_ILLUSTRATIONS._ + + + PORTRAIT OF LA CHEVALIÈRE D’EON, 1782 _Frontispiece_ + + ARMS OF THE CHEVALIER D’EON DE BEAUMONT _p._ xxii + + PORTRAIT OF D’EON DE BEAUMONT, AGED 25 _to face p._ 14 + + PORTRAIT OF THE CHEVALIER D’EON, 1770 ” 208 + + FACSIMILE OF AN AUTOGRAPH TITLE-PAGE IN THE CHRISTIE + COLLECTION OF D’EON MSS. ” 258 + + + + +_Erratum._ + + +_For_ 32 Brewer Street, Golden Square, as being the residence in London +of the Chevalier D’Eon during thirty-three years, _read_ 38 Brewer +Street, Golden Square. + + + + +_WORKS REFERRED TO IN THE FOOTNOTES._ + + +B.M. MSS., _D’Eon MSS. at the British Museum_. + +Ch. MSS., _D’Eon MSS. in the possession of Mr. Christie_. + +Angelo, Henry, _Reminiscences of—with Memoirs of his late Father and +Friends_. London, 1828. 2 vols. + +Boutaric, M. E., Archiviste aux Archives de l’Empire. _Correspondance +secrète inédite de Louis XV. sur la politique étrangère, etc._ Paris, +1866. 2 vols. + +Broglie, Le Duc de, _Le Secret du Roi, correspondance secrète de Louis +XV. avec ses agents diplomatiques, 1752-1774_. 3ᵉ édition. Paris, 1879. 2 +vols. + +Campan, Madame, _Mémoires sur la vie privée de Marie-Antoinette, etc._ +Paris, 1822. 3 vols. + +Dutens, Louis, _Mémoires d’un Voyageur qui se repose, contenant des +Anecdotes Historiques, Politiques et Littéraires, relatives à plusieurs +des principaux personnages du siècle._ Londres, 1806. 3 vols. + +Flassan, Raxis de, _Histoire Générale et Raisonnée de la Diplomatie +Française, etc. etc._ Paris, 1811. 2 vols. + +Fortelle, De la, _La Vie Militaire, Politique et Privée de Mademoiselle +Charles Geneviève Louis Auguste Andrée Timothée D’Eon de Beaumont, etc. +etc._ O quam te memorem Virgo! Paris, MDCCLXXIX. + +Gaillardet, Fred., _Mémoires sur la Chevalière D’Eon, etc._ Paris, 1866. + +Kirby, R., _Wonderful and Eccentric Museum, etc._ London, 1803. + +Lacretelle, Chas., _Histoire de France pendant le dix-huitième siècle, +etc._ Paris, 1819. 6 vols. + +La Messalière, _Voyage à Pétersbourg, etc._ Paris, 1803. + +_Lettres, Mémoires, et Négociations Particulières du Chevalier D’Eon, +etc. etc., with MSS. Notes by D’Eon._ Londres, 1764. + +Loménie, Louis de, _Beaumarchais et son Temps, etc._ 4ᵉ édition. Paris, +1879. 2 vols. + +Mémoires de la Chevalière D’Eon, _MSS. work addressed to the Count de +Vergennes by the Chevalière, and preserved at the Ministère des Affaires +Étrangères._ Quoted by Gaillardet and De Broglie. + +_Pièces Relatives aux Lettres, Mémoires et Négociations Particulières du +Chevalier D’Eon, etc. etc._ Londres, MDCCLXIV. + +Rede, L. T., _Anecdotes and Biography, etc._ London, 1799. + +Roche, James, _Critical and Miscellaneous Essays by an Octogenarian, +etc._ Cork, 1850. 2 vols. + +Taylor, John, _Records of my Life, etc._ London, 1832. 2 vols. + +Vandal, Albert, _Louis XV. et Elizabeth de Russie, etc._ Paris, 1882. + + 24 livres tournois = 1_l._ 1_s._ + 3 ditto = 1 écu + 1 écu = 2_s._ 7½_d._ + + + + +[Illustration] + +CHARLES-GENEVIÈVE-LOUIS-AUGUSTE-ANDRÉ-TIMOTHÉE + +CHARLOTTE-GENEVIÈVE-LOUISA-AUGUSTA-ANDRÉE-TIMOTHÉE-MARIE + +D’EON DE BEAUMONT. + + +Doctor of Civil and of Canon Law, and Advocate of the Parliament of +Paris. Censor Royal for History and Belles-Lettres. Sent to Russia, +first secretly, then officially, with the Chevalier Douglas for the +Purpose of re-establishing friendly Relations between that Country +and France. Secretary of the Embassy Extraordinary at the Court of +Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Elizabeth. Captain of Dragoons and +Aide-de-Camp to Marshal the Duke and to the Count de Broglio. Secretary +of the Embassy Extraordinary from France to Great Britain for concluding +the Peace of 1763. Knight of the Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis. +Resident, and afterwards Minister Plenipotentiary from France to Great +Britain, and, finally, a Lady at the Court of Marie Antoinette, and an +occasional and honoured Inmate at L’Abbaye Royale des Dames de Hautes +Bruyères, La Maison des Demoiselles de St. Cyr, and at the Monastère +des Filles de Ste. Marie. + + + + +THE CHEVALIER D’EON DE BEAUMONT. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + + Birth of D’Eon de Beaumont and registry as a + male-child—Parentage—Consecrated to the Virgin Mary and + admitted to the Sisterhood—Pursues studies as a boy—Early + display of abilities—As secret agent, is sent to Russia + by Louis XV.—Reception at St. Petersburg—Enemies and + friends—Leaves for Versailles—Invited to enter the service of + Russia. + + + ‘The deeper the search in the annals of my family,’ wrote the + subject of this Memoir, ‘the purer, more stainless, and more + distinguished will it prove to be. One member only, Eon de + l’Étoile,[1] was condemned by the Council of Rheims in the year + 1148; but how many emperors, kings, and men of letters have + been condemned and proscribed by popes and councils, legally + or illegally. There is a vast difference between condemnation + by the priesthood for gross errors in matters of religion, + and condemnation by judges for the crimes of high treason, + assassination, murder, and poisoning. + + ‘The possession of a name and noble descent, of which the + origin is lost in obscurity, has ever been considered amongst + civilised nations a more respectable title than one of recent + date, owed to the favour of a king—favour accorded more + frequently to weakness than to courage, to vice than to virtue. + We know the secret motives by which kings are guided in their + public acts, since the time that they have become attended + by valets, mistresses, ministers, cabinet ministers, and + historiographers.’[2] + +On the first page of a well-thumbed devotional pamphlet in MS., given to +D’Eon de Beaumont upon his entering the Collège Mazarin, at Paris, in +1740, appears the following in that person’s own hand:— + + ‘I was born on the 5th, and baptised on October 7, 1728, at the + parish church of Notre Dame, Tonnerre. I was confirmed in front + of the high altar of the parish church of St. Sulpitius in + Paris; and on Thursday, June 18, 1744, I communicated for the + first time in the chapel of the Virgin at the parish church of + St. Sulpitius, Paris.’[3] + +The baptismal certificate is as follows:— + + ‘On October 7, 1728, was baptised + Charles-Geneviève-Louis-Auguste-André-Thimothée, son of the + noble Louis Déon de Beaumont, director of the King’s demesnes, + and of dame Françoise de Charenton, his father and mother + legitimately married, born on the 5th of the present month. + His godfather is M. Charles Regnard, advocate of Parliament, + bailiff of Cruzy; and godmother, dame Geneviève Déon, wife of + M. Mouton, wine merchant at Paris, all of whom affix their + signatures:— + + ‘G. DÉON. + ‘C. REGNARD. + ‘MOUTON. + ‘BORDES, Dean of Tonnerre.’ + +[Sidenote: PARENTAGE AND EARLY YEARS.] + +Louis Déon de Beaumont was advocate in Parliament, King’s counsellor, +sub-delegate of the Intendance of the generality of Paris, and for +some time mayor of Tonnerre. His brothers were André-Thimothée Déon de +Tissey, advocate in Parliament, censor-royal, chief secretary of police +in Paris, and principal secretary to H.R.H. the Duke d’Orleans; Jacques +Déon de Pommard, advocate in Parliament, one of the first secretaries to +the Count d’Argenson, Minister of War; Michel Déon de Germigny, knight +of the Royal and Military Order of St. Louis, one of the twenty-five +gentlemen of the King’s Scottish Guard. They were the four sons of André +Déon, advocate in Parliament, who died in 1720; whose father was Louis +Déon, lord of Ramelu, esquire, captain of infantry: all of whom lie +interred within the church of L’Hôpital Notre Dame de Fontenilles, at +Tonnerre.[4] + +In the preamble to her holograph will, headed ‘Soli +Deo Honor et Gloria,’ in which she styles herself +Charlotte-Geneviève-Louise-Augusta-Andrée-Timothea-Marie D’Eon de +Beaumont, it is stated:— + + ‘Although already provided with six names, my mother having + in her special devotion consecrated me in my infancy to the + Virgin, the additional name of Marie was given to me at my + confirmation by Panquet de Gersy, archbishop of Seurre. This + name has become precious to me, because Marie has become + my protectress in heaven, as Marie Antoinette was my queen + protectress on earth, after my return to France.’ + +In another place D’Eon states that when in her fourth year she was +publicly consecrated to the Virgin Mary, in front of the high altar, at a +solemn service held for the occasion. She wore the robe of the sisterhood +of the Virgin Mary until her seventh year, when she resumed boy’s +apparel by direction of her father. To her mother’s fervent devotion and +enlightened piety in the protection of the Virgin Mary was attributed +the safety of the ‘disguised daughter’ in all the perils she encountered +in the course of her extraordinary career—by sea and by land, at foreign +courts, at sieges, in combats and in battles.[5] + +From the age of seven to twelve D’Eon remained in charge of M. Marceney, +curé of the Church of St. Peter, and was then sent to the Collège +Mazarin. He completed his studies with considerable credit, obtaining +the degrees of Doctor of Civil and of Canon Law, and being subsequently +called to the bar of the Parliament of Paris. He also became royal +censor for works on history and belles-lettres. In 1749, whilst serving +as secretary to M. Bertier de Savigny, he had the misfortune to lose in +the course of five days his father, an uncle, and an income of fifteen +thousand livres. Louis Déon had rendered himself so beloved by the poor +in his district that for some time after his death they used to resort +in crowds to his grave and weep over it, and lament the loss of their +friend and benefactor. It is related of him that when on his death-bed, +and after having received the last sacrament, he sent for his daughter +(afterwards the Chevalier), and taking her by the hand, said tenderly, +‘Do not be uneasy, my daughter—it is as natural to die as it is to live. +I am quitting a bad for a better land. I have been at much pains to teach +you how to live, and I must likewise teach you how to die.’ And giving +her his blessing, he expired.[6] + +Although D’Eon had lost his father, he was not left friendless; for he +remained under the protection of several persons of influence, who had +known the relatives he had lost, there being amongst them the Prince de +Conti, the Abbé de Bernis (subsequently Minister for Foreign Affairs), +the Marshal de Belle-Isle (afterwards Minister for War), also the Duchess +de Penthièvre and the Count d’Ons-en-Bray, whose funeral eulogiums, +inserted in the ‘Année Littéraire,’ were the earliest products of his +pen. These writings were succeeded by an historical essay on finance in +France, and ‘Notes on the Life and Works of the celebrated Abbé Lenglet +de Fresnoy,’ printed in the ‘Année Littéraire’ for 1755, literary labours +which served to bring him into notice at an early age as a thoughtful and +careful writer. + +D’Eon was passionately fond of study, and would only quit his books for +what became his sole recreation in life—the art of fencing, in which he +proved a great expert, as shown by his election to the superintendence +of the School of Arms. D’Eon’s tastes inclined him to a military life, +rather than to what the necessities of his situation were calling him; +but his destiny summoned him to take a part in the political transactions +of his country, with what success it is the object of this work to show. + +[Sidenote: FRENCH ENVOYS TO RUSSIA.] + +In his desire to renew with Russia the friendly relations interrupted +since the day when the Marquis de la Chétardie was unceremoniously +escorted to the frontier (June 13, 1744), Louis XV. had dispatched to St. +Petersburg, in the year 1754, the Chevalier de Valcroissant on a secret +mission for that purpose—a mission, however, that came to an untimely +end; for the Chevalier, being unprovided with any kind of credential or +letter of recommendation, was taken up on suspicion of being a French +spy, and confined in the fortress of Schlusselburg, on the Ladoga, +whence it was not deemed prudent, for the time being at least, to seek +to liberate him.[7] The Empress Elizabeth had already made advances of a +friendly nature to the French Court, and in view of her possible treaty +of subsidies with England, the King resolved upon another effort towards +reconciliation, taking more effectual precautions to ensure success. + +The person selected for this important, secret, and even hazardous +service, was a native of North Britain, named Mackenzie, but known as +the Chevalier Douglas, who represented himself as having followed the +fortunes of the Pretender and obliged to seek refuge in France, bringing +with him ‘nothing but his nobility,’ when in reality he was a Jesuit in +disguise, had lived at Liège during the late war, employed as a spy by +Holland, and had afterwards entered the service of the Prince Waldeck.[8] +When invited to proceed to Russia he was tutor in the family of the +Intendant of Paris, and passing under the name of Michel. + +The importance and delicate nature of the negotiations upon which Douglas +was about to be employed—and not Douglas only, but D’Eon also, sent +with the King’s approval, at the strong recommendation of the Prince +de Conti (whose special _protégé_ he was), to accompany Douglas—will +best be estimated upon knowledge of the instructions—widely though +they differed—supplied for their respective guidance. They show that +whilst Douglas was secretly to watch and note events as an apparently +indifferent observer, it was intended that D’Eon should pass his time +in closest intimacy with such Russian ministers as might be favourably +disposed towards France, and reach, were it possible, even the Empress +herself. + +[Sidenote: THE CHEVALIER DOUGLAS’ INSTRUCTIONS.] + + _Instructions to the Chevalier Douglas on proceeding to Russia._ + + ‘June 1, 1755. + + ‘The general situation of Europe, the troubles in Poland during + the past year, others apprehended in the same quarter, the part + taken in them by the Court of Petersburg, the probability that + it is about to conclude, shortly, a treaty of subsidies with + England through the Chevalier Williams, appointed Ambassador + by his Britannic Majesty to the Emperor of Russia; everything + points to the necessity for watching the proceedings and + attitude of that Court with the closest attention. + + ‘His Majesty has not been represented there by any ambassador, + minister, or even a consul, for a long time past, so that + its condition is almost entirely unknown, especially as the + character of the people, and the jealous and suspicious + despotism of their ministers, disallows such correspondence as + is customary in other countries. + + ‘It is considered desirable to despatch a competent person, + with the view of obtaining reliable information on what is + passing at the Court of Russia; he will not let it appear + that he is in any public or private capacity, and will return + immediately to make his report. A Frenchman would not answer + the purpose. Notwithstanding the friendship which the Empress + of Russia is supposed to entertain towards his Majesty, and her + partiality towards the French nation, a subject of the King + would be watched too closely by the ministry in Russia to be + of any service, under whatsoever pretext he might cloak the + object of his journey. It is on this account that —— has been + chosen, who, being a subject of the King of Great Britain, will + not excite suspicion. The favourable reports that have been + received of his intelligence and zeal give reason to hope that + he will execute this commission with success. + + ‘It is intended that he should take his departure in the + quietest manner possible, as a gentleman travelling solely + for his health and amusement. Such is the custom amongst many + of his countrymen, so that he will not attract attention. + He must not appear to have any relations with his Majesty’s + ministers, whether in France or in the course of his travels, + and he must not see any of them at the several places through + which he will pass. He will be supplied with an ordinary + passport. To avoid being interrogated at any of the great + courts in Germany, his presence perhaps exciting curiosity, + it is desirable that he should enter Germany through Swabia, + whence he will pass into Bohemia under pretext of visiting for + his own instruction the several mines in that kingdom. His + acquaintance with mineralogy will afford a pretext for this + journey. From Bohemia he will pass into Saxony, visiting the + mines at Freiberg for similar reasons. Having there satisfied + his curiosity, he will go on to Dantzig, either by way of + Silesia, Warsaw, and Thorn, or by Brandenburghian Pomerania, + proceeding to Frankfort-on-the-Oder, and thence to Dantzig by + such route as may best suit him. He will make a stay of some + days in this city for the purpose of thoroughly examining the + causes that have led for some years past to the continued + strife between the chief magistrate and the burgesses, and to + discover, if possible, the cause of these dissensions, what it + is that foments them, and if they are encouraged by any foreign + power. Thence he will continue his journey through Prussia + and Courland, where he will also make a stay under pretext of + needing rest; but for the purpose of learning the state of that + duchy, what the nobles think of the exile and deposition of the + Prince of Courland, and the views of the Russian Ministry for + the government of that principality. He will also make himself + acquainted with the manner in which justice and the revenues + are there administered, and the number of Russian troops in + occupation. From Courland he will pass into Livonia, and follow + the high road to St. Petersburg. His first care on arrival + will be to make known, without any affectation, the reasons + for undertaking his journey, which is one of pure curiosity. + He will endeavour to make the acquaintance of those able to + supply him with the information of which he is in search. He + cannot observe too great caution in his mode of procedure to + obtain information; he must not evince partiality for any one + nation more than for another. Although the causes that have + necessitated his departure from England would appear to prevent + him from making the acquaintance of the Chevalier Williams; + still, if as he asserts, he is quite unknown, he might make it + a point to see him as every Englishman would his minister. He + will make himself acquainted as secretly as possible with the + success of that minister’s negotiations for the troops with + which England is to be supplied, and with the number of troops + that Russia has actually at command; with the condition of her + fleets, her ships and galleys; with the state of her finance, + commerce, and the disposition of the nation towards the present + ministry; the degree of Count Bestoujeff’s influence; that + of Count Woronzoff; of the Empress’ favourites, whether in + affairs of State or in the pursuit of pleasure; their probable + influence on ministers; the concord or jealousy that exists + amongst ministers, and their bearing towards the favourites; + with the fate of Prince Ivan, the late Tzar, and of the Duke + of Brunswick, his father; the affection of the nation towards + the Grand Duke of Russia, and especially since the birth of + his son; whether Prince Ivan has secret partisans, and if they + are supported by England; the desire of the Russians to live + in peace, and of their disinclination for war, more especially + in Germany; the views of Russia in regard to Poland, for the + present, and in whatsoever eventuality in the future; with her + projects on Sweden; with the impression produced by the death + of the Sultan Mahmoud, and Osman’s accession to the throne; + with her conduct in regard to the Porte; with the causes that + have led to the recall from the Ukraine of Count Razoumoffsky, + hetman of Cossacks; with what is thought of the loyalty of + those people, and the manner in which they are treated by the + Court of Petersburg; with the Empress’ sentiments towards + France, and those with which she is in all probability inspired + by her ministry, to prevent her from renewing correspondence + with his Majesty; with the factions by which the Court may be + divided; with those of her subjects, male or female, in whom + the Empress is able to confide; with her sentiments and those + of her ministers towards the Courts of Vienna and London; + with all, in short, that can be of interest to his Majesty’s + service, and satisfy his curiosity. He will obtain all this + information so far as such an uncommunicative country will + allow him to. He will take notes on all these subjects to + serve for a memoir which he will draw up, and send to France + only after he will have quitted Russia, unless the Swedish + minister at Petersburg, who will receive instructions to + forward despatches to Stockholm by courier, should send any to + Sweden. He must never risk anything through the ordinary post + except notice of his arrival, and a report of the progress he + is making in obtaining information as required above; and to + do this he must employ, in a few words, figurative language, + agreed upon beforehand, and send his letters to addresses with + which he will be furnished. + + ‘So soon as he feels that he has fairly well obtained all the + required information, he will make a report to that effect, and + will then receive orders to return to France, either by the + same route or through Sweden, again under pretext of visiting + mines, that he may continue to conceal the real object of his + journey. On the manner in which he will execute so important + and delicate a commission, will depend the prospect of his + Majesty again making use of his talents and zeal, as also the + favours with which his Majesty will mark his appreciation of + his services.’ + +[Sidenote: SECRET AGENT TO LOUIS XV.] + + _Figurative language to be employed by the Chevalier Douglas in + his correspondence committed to the ordinary post._ + + ‘The basis of the figurative language will be the purchase of + furs. The “black fox” will signify the Chevalier Williams; if + he succeeds, the “black fox” will be dear, because orders to + purchase have been received from England. + + ‘The words “ermine is in demand,” will signify that the Russian + party dominates, and that consequently no foreigners are in + favour. If, on the contrary, the Austrian party, at the head + of which is M. de Bestucheff, preponderates, word must be sent + that the “lynx” is also in demand. + + ‘To designate the waning influence of M. de Bestucheff, this + phrase is to be employed: “the price of _sobols_ or sables + is falling;” or “they stand at the same price,” to indicate + that his influence continues the same. “Squirrel skins” + are to signify troops in the pay of England. To understand + this clearly, the number of skins to be sent will always be + augmented by two-thirds to signify the number of troops, so + that ten skins will signify thirty thousand men, and twenty, + sixty or seventy. + + ‘—— will not write to say that he will send the furs, but he + will simply advise that he will bring them with him upon his + return. + + ‘In passing through Dantzig —— will send one of his servants + to Graudenz, a small town in Polish Prussia, there to post a + letter, in which he will advise as to what he may have learnt + at Dantzig on the subject of the existing dissensions between + the chief magistrate and the burgesses. This letter to be + addressed to ——. + + ‘These letters will be in the form of bills of exchange, and + according to the greater or less success in the inquiries made, + upon which will depend the length of stay; notice should be + given whether or no remittances are needed. If nothing can + be done, —— will report that the climate is injurious to his + health, and that he is in want of a remittance to enable him to + go elsewhere. + + ‘If —— is not to go to Sweden, he will receive for answer that + since his health suffers, it is considered to his advantage + that he should return directly. If, on the contrary, it is + deemed expedient that he should proceed, the same will be + intimated to him in the form of advice. If it is considered + necessary that he should return, the remark will be made to him + that a muff has been obtained here, and that consequently he is + requested not to purchase one. + + ‘The whole of this, written in small characters and epitomised, + will be placed by —— in the false bottom of a tortoise-shell + snuff-box, which will not induce any suspicion.’[9] + +The duties confided to D’Eon were entirely distinct and of a more +intimate nature. He was supplied by M. Tercier, chief clerk at the +Foreign Office and in charge of the King’s secret correspondence, with a +quarto copy of Montesquieu’s ‘Esprit des Lois,’ the binding, in double +boards, being cunningly devised to hold papers. The documents thus +concealed and entrusted to D’Eon included private letters from the King +to the Empress Elizabeth; a cypher for the intelligence of her Imperial +Majesty and Count Woronzoff, the Vice-Chancellor, in their correspondence +with Louis XV.;[10] a cypher for D’Eon’s own correspondence with the King +and Tercier, and another cypher for D’Eon’s use in communicating with the +Prince de Conti, Tercier, and M. Monin. He received strict injunctions +that none of the King’s ministers, not even any ambassador his Majesty +might have at St. Petersburg, should be allowed to entertain the +slightest suspicion of this secret intercourse; he was ordered to furnish +the King with copies of all letters received from the Minister for +Foreign Affairs, together with the Ambassador’s replies, noting thereon +his own observations, and he was further required to thwart clandestinely +any transactions on the part of the King’s ministers, so long as they +were in opposition to the secretly known royal will and pleasure.[11] + +Douglas then left Paris in the summer of 1755 as a British tourist, an +amateur geologist travelling in search of health and amusement, and +having got to Anhalt, he there waited until D’Eon joined him. Proceeding +on his journey, Douglas strictly followed the route traced out in his +instructions, and when at Dantzig, where as at Amsterdam and Leipzig +he had large credits, he announced his intention to visit the mines in +Sweden; but suddenly changing his mind, he started for St. Petersburg, +where he arrived in the earliest days of October. He lost no time in +making his appearance at the British embassy, and introducing himself as +a subject of the King and a relative of the Earl of Morton, requested Sir +Hanbury Williams to present him at Court. This the British Ambassador +refused to do unless he was properly assured of his identity. Scarcely +was Douglas gone, than the Swedish minister called to ask Sir Hanbury +whether he objected to his presenting the Chevalier Douglas at Court. Sir +Hanbury promptly replied that he did not see what business the Swedish +minister had to present the King’s subjects, and if he ever attempted +such a thing, he would take it very ill; upon which the Swedish minister +said that he should no longer meddle in the affair. Douglas then went +to see Count Esterhazy, the Ambassador from Vienna, whose suspicions he +immediately awakened by explaining his presence at St. Petersburg as due +to the advice of his physicians that he should seek a cold climate for +the benefit of his health. Finding all access to the Russian Court thus +closed against him, Douglas precipitately left the capital and returned +to France, bitterly complaining of Sir Hanbury’s treatment in every town +through which he passed.[12] + +[Sidenote: AT THE COURT OF RUSSIA.] + +We are left quite in the dark as to the means by which D’Eon succeeded in +obtaining admission at Court, but the matter was doubtless arranged by +the Vice-Chancellor Woronzoff, friendly to France, through the Swedish +minister, to whom Douglas had brought letters of introduction from the +Swedish minister at Paris, or possibly through Michel, a French banker, +as stated by La Messalière. There is good evidence in support of the +tradition that D’Eon was received by the Empress in female habiliments, +that in this disguise she ingratiated herself with her Majesty, gained +her confidence, and interesting her in the object of his mission, had +succeeded in reviving her old feelings of attachment towards France and +towards Louis XV., her suitor of days gone by.[13] It is certain that +the ill-humour and coldness of the Russian Court towards England in the +course of the year 1756, was of much earlier date than the Neutrality +Convention between Prussia and England (January 16, 1756), and this was +attributed by Sir Hanbury, together with the Empress’s delay in signing +the ratifications to her Treaty of Subsidies with Great Britain, entirely +to the success of French influence after Douglas had first made his +appearance;[14] but Douglas not being at all in Russia between the end +of October 1755, and the end of April 1756, such exercise of French +influence could only have been due to elaborate intrigues on the part of +D’Eon during the several months he spent at Court as reader (_lecteur_) +to the Empress,[15] an appointment conferred upon him, perhaps, with the +design of cloaking his real profession. + +In early life D’Eon was of peculiarly prepossessing appearance; his +manners were gentle and engaging, his disposition soft and amiable, all +of which, with his general physique, eminently adapted him to personify a +female; and if there is no direct proof in substantiation of the oft-told +tale that D’Eon appeared at the Court of Elizabeth in female attire, +there is at least valuable evidence in support of it. + +It may be mentioned in regard to D’Eon’s looks, that during his second +stay at St. Petersburg, when secretary of Embassy, a Russian officer one +day observed to him that with his hair so neatly powdered he greatly +resembled the infant Jesus. D’Eon, who throughout his career showed the +greatest aversion to any kind of remark on his feminine appearance, and +disliked, besides, all that was Russian, very pertly replied: ‘Yes, you +are right, for I happen to be in a very dirty manger.’[16] + +[Illustration: _To face page 14._ + +D’EON DE BEAUMONT. + +AGED 25. + +_See Appendix._] + +During Douglas’ absence D’Eon was putting his intelligence and tact +to the best use in the service of his master, his task being rendered +somewhat easier by Elizabeth’s kindly feelings towards France and the +French, which had never entirely changed,[17] even though her two +favourites, the Marquis de la Chétardie and the Count Lestocq, had long +since been disposed of; the first, as already stated, by being thrust +out of the empire, the latter—of whom in allusion to his treachery her +Majesty said: ‘If Lestocq could have poisoned all Russia with one dose, +he would assuredly have done so’—by being tortured and exiled to Oustouk. +D’Eon had wisely commenced by insinuating himself in the good graces of +the Vice-Chancellor, whose predilections were completely French, and who +being married to the Countess Skavronsky, a cousin of the Empress, proved +his powerful support and shield against the Grand Chancellor Bestoujeff +Riumin, the known leader of the Prussian party hostile to France. + +But five years before this Bestoujeff had so effectually prejudiced the +mind of Elizabeth against Prussia, that her ambassador, Gross, very +hastily and unceremoniously took his departure one morning from Berlin, +without in the least troubling himself to announce his intentions to +anybody. Since that time, Bestoujeff fancied he saw good cause for +changing his views. + +[Sidenote: THE GRAND-DUCHESS CATHERINE.] + +Peter, the son of Anna Petrovna, by her marriage with Charles +Frederick, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, could never forget his German +birth and parentage, and even after being created a Grand Duke of +Russia, he continued to attach far greater importance to his title of +Holstein-Gottorp, remaining perfectly indifferent to the interests +of the Russian people, and maintaining about him a suite and retinue +consisting entirely of Germans. His consort, Catherine of Anhalt-Zerbst +(afterwards Catherine II.), sought, on the contrary, to identify herself +with the country of her adoption, embracing the religion, and following +the manners and customs of the people. Politically, she desired a good +understanding with England, entirely deprecating alliance with France +and Austria; and when the report of the probable arrival of a French +ambassador was gaining ground, she expressed her uneasiness to Sir +Hanbury, saying she should act up to anything he might suggest to prevent +such a thing. Sir Hanbury reminded Catherine that her known confidence +in Bestoujeff had made the Schouvaloffs her secret enemies; but that the +latter, in themselves, had neither sense, courage, nor money enough to do +any harm to her succession, although the arrival of a French ambassador +might change the scene, for he would do all in his power, sparing neither +pains nor money, to injure her. Catherine’s feelings were perfectly +well known to Elizabeth, who used to say of her that ‘she was a clever +woman, only she prided herself on being more clever than anybody else.’ +The most powerful man at Court because the greatest favourite was Ivan +Schouvaloff. He was fond of everything that was French, understood their +language, followed all their fashions, and was known to have always +wished that a French ambassador might arrive at St. Petersburg. Small +causes produce great effects, and the reconciliation proceeding between +Russia and France was partly owing to the caprice of that young man.[18] + +[Sidenote: RETURN TO VERSAILLES.] + +Bestoujeff, foreseeing the more probable course of events, seized the +opportunity for turning his coat, and assuring the grand-duchess of +his devotion to her person and to her views, and for expressing to the +grand-duke, her husband, his own desire for the maintenance of good +relations with Prussia. English, French, Austrian, and even Prussian +gold was being freely scattered at St. Petersburg,[19] but in the end +D’Eon, Schouvaloff, and Woronzoff obtained every advantage over the +grand-ducal party. Consenting to receive a French representative at +her Court, Elizabeth wrote privately to Louis XV. to that effect, the +letter being carried to its destination by D’Eon, in his volume ‘Esprit +des Lois,’ after Douglas’ return from Versailles. We cannot undertake +to fix the date of D’Eon’s departure from St. Petersburg nearer than +that a letter of June 12, 1756, from Sir Hanbury Williams to the Earl +of Holdernesse, announces ‘a creature of the Vice-Chancellor is soon to +set out from hence to Paris to negotiate this affair.’ In parting with +D’Eon, the Empress invited him to enter her service, promising honourable +and lucrative employment; but D’Eon was too deeply attached to his own +country to entertain such a proposal; and resisting the offer, said +that the renewal of friendly relations between the two countries, the +advantages of which he had already pointed out, would afford him the +opportunity for serving the interests of Russia without neglecting those +of the Court of France; a reply which served to increase the esteem +already entertained for him by Elizabeth. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + + Sir Hanbury Williams and Count Woronzoff—The Empress + Elizabeth’s message to France—Chevalier Douglas, French Chargé + d’Affaires in Russia with D’Eon as secretary—Commencement of + the Seven Years’ War—Count Apraxin’s defection—D’Eon leaves + for Versailles—Trait of character—Reception by Louis XV. and + ministers—Proceeds to Russia—The will of Peter the Great—Count + Bestoujeff’s opinion of D’Eon—Prince Poniatovsky and his + diamond—D’Eon as a fencer—Bestoujeff’s arrest—D’Eon again + invited to take service in Russia. + + +Leaving Paris under the name of Léonard, for the second time as the +King’s secret envoy to Russia, but armed upon this occasion with private +credentials from M. Rouillé, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and ‘a great +deal of money to dispose of,’ Douglas passed through Dantzig, and Riga +where he falsely represented himself as envoy extraordinary from France +to Russia, and was accordingly received as such by the governor of that +town. With equal disregard to the truth, he made it his business upon +this journey to spread the report that in the treaty concluded between +England and Prussia there was a secret article whereby the former Power +was to pay to the latter an annual subsidy of 200,000_l._! He arrived +at St. Petersburg on April 22 (N.S.), requested an interview of the +Vice-Chancellor at 9 P.M. for the same evening—obtained it—and forthwith +delivered a letter from M. Rouillé, with friendly messages on the part +of the King. Shortly afterwards he was presented at Court as a Scottish +gentleman in the service of France, to the delight of Louis XV. and his +ministers.[20] + +When questioned by Sir Hanbury Williams, the Vice-Chancellor admitted +that Douglas was entrusted with a commission from the King of France, +although not in an official capacity. He could give no information on +the nature of that commission, but Sir Hanbury might rest assured that +the Court of Russia would not enter into anything with France that +could be prejudicial to the interests of England. It was not the first +time, he said, that France had made overtures to Russia, but he was too +well acquainted with the French nation ever to be their dupe, and he +should not fail to give further information when in a position to do so. +Within twenty-four hours of this conversation, the Chancellor Bestoujeff +declared to Sir Hanbury that he was kept quite out of the secret, and +knew nothing of Douglas’ return until his arrival at Riga.[21] + +[Sidenote: SECOND JOURNEY TO RUSSIA.] + +When D’Eon again made his appearance at St. Petersburg, Douglas was +simply delighted. ‘I am very greatly pleased at the arrival of M. +D’Eon,’ he wrote to M. Rouillé; ‘I have been long acquainted with his +intelligence, his zeal, and attachment to his work. He will be very +useful to me, and also of good service to the King. He is steady and +prudent....’[22] + +Chancing to call one morning on Count Woronzoff, the British ambassador +was not admitted. In the court-yard was Douglas’ coach. The next day +Woronzoff sent for Baron Wolff, to tell him the reason he had not +received Sir Hanbury was because Douglas being with him, he did not +know whether the English ambassador would have liked to meet him. Sir +Hanbury, who naturally looked upon Douglas as a rebel of the first water, +since he was actually in the service of England’s enemies, replied that +if such was the message, the excuse was worse than the fault, for he +refused to be put upon a level with such a fellow as Douglas. + +The Treaty of Versailles (May 1, 1756) had placed Douglas and Count +Esterhazy upon an entirely new footing. Their lengthened conferences, +at first held secretly in a third place, and their growing intimacy, +prevented Sir Hanbury from conversing any longer with the Austrian +minister on matters of business. French subjects were invited to consider +themselves under the protection of the Empress-Queen’s ambassador, and +Russia’s ministers at foreign courts were instructed to live on good +terms with those of France. Such were the political changes in progress, +when Elizabeth openly professed her desire to renew diplomatic relations +with the King of France. + +M. Rouillé’s courteous letter of February 9, presented to the +Vice-Chancellor by Douglas upon the same evening of his arrival at St. +Petersburg, and in which, by way of precaution, should the letter have +miscarried, the secret envoy was spoken of as being a librarian, was as +courteously answered under date of April 20 (O.S.). A long ‘Mémoire,’ +also handed to Douglas for transmission to the French minister, in reply +to the friendly advances made by Louis XV., and in which are expressed +her Imperial Majesty’s views on drawing closer together the improving +relations between Russia and France, contains this passage:— + + ‘It would be very agreeable to her Imperial Majesty if the + Chevalier Douglas was more fully authorised or accredited as + Chargé d’Affaires, so as to render it possible for both sides + to treat with greater authority on the other matters included + in his instructions, and serve not only to the glory and to + the mutual advantage of the two Courts, but also to their + prompt reunion. Yet, notwithstanding the insufficiency of the + Chevalier’s authorisation, he will continue to be treated with + distinction, and listened to with consideration, as being a + person sent to this country on the part of his Most Christian + Majesty.’[23] + +[Sidenote: APPOINTED SECRETARY OF LEGATION.] + +In July, Douglas was accredited Chargé d’Affaires to the Court of Russia, +taking up his residence at the Apraxin Palace, near the Summer Palace, +D’Eon being appointed Secretary of Legation, and entrusted with the +secret correspondence; communicating with the Prince de Conti, and with +the King through Tercier, and still the medium of intercourse between +the Empress and Woronzoff on the one hand, and Louis XV. on the other; +by which arrangement Douglas was enabled to entertain uninterrupted +relations with Elizabeth and Woronzoff on subjects of a nature to be kept +concealed from Bestoujeff Riumin. + +As the Treaty of Subsidies, an acknowledged fact between England and +Russia, was set at naught by England’s Neutrality Treaty with Prussia, +so did Elizabeth cast the former to the winds, and in due course unite +herself to the French-Austrian alliance, in spite of all that Catherine +and Bestoujeff could do to prevent such a thing. Frederick’s sarcasms had +no more spared the Empress of Russia and the Empress-Queen than Madame +de Pompadour, and the licentious Elizabeth thought it worth her while to +retaliate by expressing her indignation at the King of Prussia’s little +concern in matters of religion. ‘He does not believe in God! He never +goes to Church! There is nothing that is sacred in his eyes!’ Some years +had passed since she uttered those words; she had not forgiven him, now +she was joining the coalition against that monarch, and so was about to +begin what is known as the Seven Years’ War. + +The eighty thousand men for whom Sir Hanbury had bargained were assembled +in Livonia under Count Apraxin,[24] the firm friend of Bestoujeff, when +they shortly entered Poland. The war was commenced by the Austrians, the +first to receive Frederick’s fire and under Marshal Daun to defeat him +at Kolin (June 18), afterwards marching upon Berlin and bearing away all +the tribute money they could collect. Their German allies invaded Prussia +from Saxony, the Swedes not long delaying in entering Pomerania, and +the French attacking out of Hanover after having occupied Embden (July +3). Hearing that Apraxin had taken Memel, Frederick sent Field-Marshal +Lewald with twenty-five thousand men to keep him in check, and a battle +was fought at Gross-Jägersdorff near Königsberg (August 30), in which the +Russians overpowered the enemy simply through force of numbers. Frederick +being left with about twenty thousand men only, began to fear that all +was lost, when the astounding intelligence reached him that the Russians, +‘who were more easily killed than beaten,’ were withdrawing towards their +own frontier—a movement executed during the illness, believed to be +serious, of Elizabeth, who no sooner heard of Apraxin’s strange doings, +than she ordered him to be recalled and his conduct investigated. But +the field-marshal did not long survive his return, and why he failed to +follow up the advantages he had gained by the most complete of victories, +was never explained by himself. Later, his reasons were guessed! + +[Sidenote: SECOND RETURN TO VERSAILLES.] + +D’Eon had quitted St. Petersburg in April, entrusted by the Empress with +private letters to Maria Theresa and Louis XV.; he was the bearer to the +Courts of Vienna and Versailles of Elizabeth’s friendly assurances that +the Treaty of Subsidies with England was no longer of effect, and that +the eighty thousand men she had assembled in Livonia and Courland should +henceforth act in concert with the forces of Austria and France. He was +also charged to deliver the ratification to the Treaty of Versailles, +the plan to be pursued by the Russian army in its operations with the +Austrian and French troops, and other papers of considerable importance +relating to secret transactions in which he had borne a part; and, +further, he was commissioned by Count Schouvaloff to take with him fifty +thousand livres in gold, being a gift from the Empress to Voltaire, who +had received her Majesty’s commands to write the life of Peter—specie +D’Eon lodged with the bankers Hermani and Dietrich, at Strasburg, on his +way through that town. + +In her letter to the King, Elizabeth referred to D’Eon in flattering +terms as having been instrumental in conducing to the happy results which +necessitated the journey he was about to take, and ‘as a mark of her +favour’ she presented him with a gratuity of three hundred ducats.[25] + +When D’Eon first went to Russia, one commission entrusted to him was to +obtain for the Prince de Conti, from the Empress, the command-in-chief of +the Russian army and the principality of Courland; the secret aim of the +prince being, through such means, to work his way gradually to the throne +of Poland, and to that of Russia by marrying Elizabeth. Douglas and D’Eon +had met with success on the two first points, which alone had been mooted +to the Empress, and D’Eon’s errand to Versailles included the Empress’ +and Woronzoff’s assurances to the prince that he should have the command +of the army and the principality of Courland, if the King would....[26] +The rest is obliterated by D’Eon in his letter. + +One result of Douglas’ and D’Eon’s labours was the appointment of an +ambassador to the Court of Russia in the person of the Marquis de +l’Hôpital; but a whole year having elapsed between that minister’s +nomination and departure for his post, it so happened that when D’Eon got +to Bieloyēstok on his way to Vienna, the two met, to the great advantage +of the marquis, as he himself subsequently avowed; for he was supplied +with so much useful practical information, upon a country of which he +knew literally nothing, as a somewhat hurried interview would allow. + +It was nightfall on the day that D’Eon got to the gates of Vienna, where +a little incident occurred which serves to illustrate at least one trait +in his character. + +Although provided with passports that should have assured freedom from +all kind of molestation or delay, the Customs’ officers refused to allow +him to enter the city without first searching his effects. Obstinately +objecting to submit to what he considered a gross indignity, but feeling +himself under the circumstances to be the weakest, he made up his mind to +pass the night outside the walls. A sergeant of hussars going his rounds +offered the stranger a shelter in the guard-room. There being no French +ambassador at Vienna, D’Eon sent, in the early morning, an account of +his night’s adventure to Baron de Toussaint, a favourite of the Emperor, +which resulted in the dismissal of the two Customs’ officers and the +promotion of the sergeant to the rank of lieutenant.[27] + +[Sidenote: TIMELY ARRIVAL AT VIENNA.] + +At Vienna D’Eon found the Count de Broglio, French minister to Poland, +who had received orders to pass through that capital, and there concert +such alterations as might be considered advisable in the plan prepared +by Marshal D’Estrées for the ensuing campaign; a measure facilitated by +D’Eon’s timely appearance with the Russian plan of operations and his +intimate knowledge of Russian affairs, which proved of invaluable service +to the count. During his hurried stay at Vienna, news were received of +the battle of Prague (May 6), ‘the bloodiest battle of the age,’ as +Frederick called it, and de Broglio at once despatched him to carry the +gratifying intelligence to Versailles. The hot haste in which he had +travelled from St. Petersburg was not to be compared to the diligence +he employed in bearing such additional good tidings; he managed to +outstrip by thirty-six hours the special courier sent by Prince Kaunitz +to Count Staremberg, Austrian ambassador at Paris, although he reached +his destination with a broken leg, caused by the overturning of the +coach in his headlong journey; the accident and its cause only serving +to intensify the interest already felt in the young secretary, who was +attended by the King’s own surgeon immediately upon arrival. + +D’Eon met with a most flattering reception by the Cardinal de Bernis, +Foreign Minister, and Marshal de Belle-Isle, Minister of War, and a month +or two later he received a handsome gold snuff-box, with portrait, from +the King, inside which he found a gratuity from the privy purse, and, +what he prized most, a commission as lieutenant of dragoons. + +D’Eon’s employment being still secret, and chiefly so in the King’s +service, as well as public in the quality of Secretary of Legation, he +was bound to apply for permission to convey to the Prince de Conti the +message entrusted to him at St. Petersburg. It was granted by the King. + + _Louis XV. to Tercier._ + + ‘July 20, 1757. + + ‘Since M. D’Eon is commissioned by M. Woronzoff to see Prince + de Conty, he must see him, but he is to give you an exact + account of the Prince de Conty’s reply. As this will some day + become publicly known, I must be informed of it by other means + than these....’ + + * * * * * + + ‘August 7, 1757. + + ‘... The Sieur D’Eon must not communicate to anybody what he + knows of the secret....’[28] + +D’Eon had several interviews and some secret correspondence with the +Prince de Conti upon the success of his mission to St. Petersburg; but +the Prince and Madame de Pompadour were no longer on good terms, she +being too exacting to suit his pride, and the King would or could not +make up his mind in favour of his kinsman. + + _Louis XV. to Tercier._ + + ‘Fontainebleau, September 15, 1757. + + ‘... If the Empress of Russia really summons the Prince de + Conty to the command of her armies, and desires to give him + Courland, until something better turns up, I shall be very + glad; but for the present I can no longer take a direct part + other than that of not offering any opposition, and give my + consent when nothing else will be wanted.... I approve of your + giving a cypher to the Sieur D’Eon, if he has not yet left....’ + + * * * * * + + ‘September 21, 1757. + + ‘... When I am morally satisfied that the Empress of Russia + destines him (the Prince de Conti) for the command of her army + and for Courland, I will give all authority and permission + required of me. Until then I am quite averse to it, for fear + of taking a false step, which might do us more harm than + good....’[29] + +D’Eon was anxious to take to Russia a decided answer of some sort, and +when on his next journey he halted five days at Strasburg by desire +of the Prince, who hoped to overtake him there with some favourable +settlement of his case. But nothing came. + +[Sidenote: THE WILL OF PETER THE GREAT.] + +D’Eon never wasted his time. Whilst laid up under surgical treatment, +enduring no little suffering from the resetting of a broken limb, he +worked at collating a mass of useful information he had obtained in +Russia from various sources, producing a valuable ‘Mémoire,’ upon which +he was complimented by King and ministers. In this ‘Mémoire,’ Gaillardet +includes a document which has been the subject-matter of frequent +controversy, its authenticity being discredited and derided—the will of +Peter the Great; but he negligently omits to state where he consulted +the copy of the will in D’Eon’s own hand, and as we have been unable to +verify the existence of such a copy we forbear reproducing it, because +otherwise it has no place here, and leave the task to some one more +favoured than we could expect to be, in searching amongst the French +archives. + +In a monograph which appeared at Brussels in 1863,[30] the author fathers +the will of Peter the Great on Napoleon I., and ascribes the earliest +publication of it to Lesur in his ‘Des Progrès de la puissance Russe, +depuis son origine jusqu’au commencement du XIXᵐᵉ siècle,’ printed in +1812 under the immediate superintendence of the French Government, at +the time that the Emperor was preparing for the invasion of Russia. +In this pamphlet Gaillardet (in whose fanciful story of the Chevalier +D’Eon, edition of 1836, the author read the will) is charged with having +reproduced the will from the pages of Lesur. + +On receiving his commission in the army D’Eon applied for active service, +having grown tired and become disgusted with the intrigues of a life +at Court, and the sight of troops in Courland, Prussia, Silesia, and +Moravia, when upon his journey from Russia, having ‘only served to +inspire him with martial ardour.’ But he was too precious and too useful +in Russia to be allowed to have his own way. The Marquis de l’Hôpital +was pressing him to return to St. Petersburg. ‘My dear little fellow, I +have learnt with pain of your accident, and with great pleasure of your +interviews with the Old and New Testaments.[31] Come, live out the Gospel +with us, and rely upon my friendship and esteem.’ To which Douglas added: +‘I also embrace you, my dear cripple, and hope you will have left before +the arrival of this letter to join your worthy protector, who will be a +father to you.’ Over and above all, the King’s ministers expressed the +wish that D’Eon should return to Russia with the least possible delay +to perform a particular piece of service, for which he was specially +qualified. + +[Sidenote: THIRD JOURNEY TO RUSSIA.] + +It so happened that D’Eon had discovered the existence of a secret +correspondence between the grand-duke, assisted by Bestoujeff, and the +King of Prussia, whose interests they preferred to serve, Apraxin and +Todleben, the Empress’s two generals in command of her army on the field; +the design being to keep the Russian troops in a state of inaction, and +thus deprive the newly-allied Courts of the advantages to be derived from +the treaties so happily brought about by Douglas and himself. D’Eon alone +seemed to have knowledge of this surreptitious intercourse, and being +required to bring it to light it was manifest that he should return to +Russia. + + _Cardinal de Bernis to the Marquis de l’Hôpital._ + + ‘Compiègne, July 24, 1757. + + ‘Sir,—The King has been pleased to take into favourable + consideration your request that M. D’Eon de Beaumont should + serve under your orders as First Secretary to your Embassy, + and his Majesty has the more willingly resolved upon so doing, + as the knowledge acquired by M. D’Eon on the government and + administration of Russia, gives just grounds for assuming + that he will be of great use to you and to the King’s + service....’[32] + +In September D’Eon left Paris, again as the sole confidential +correspondent of Louis XV. He was supplied with copies of the +instructions sent to the French ambassador at St. Petersburg and of those +from Prince Kaunitz to Count Esterhazy, and he was ordered to concert +measures with Count Woronzoff for disclosing to the Empress the Grand +Chancellor’s treachery. He also took with him a letter to Woronzoff, +in which Tercier repeated the King’s desire to entertain a secret +correspondence with the Empress.[33] Douglas was at the same time on his +way to Versailles, having been recalled at the request of Bestoujeff, who +was informed by the French ambassador that the recall was an accomplished +fact, done as a favour to him.[34] + + _Cardinal de Bernis to the Marquis de l’Hôpital._ + + ‘Fontainebleau, September 13, 1757. + + ‘I send to you, my dear ambassador, our dear little D’Eon, + with whom I hope you will be pleased. He is most intelligent, + zealous, and of a highly amiable disposition. His fortune[35] + lies in his hands as it does in yours. If you are as satisfied + with his conduct and diligence as I hope and wish you may be, + he may depend upon my being careful to, &c....’[36] + +The announcement of D’Eon’s approaching arrival was received with +ill-concealed concern by the Grand Chancellor, who suggested to the +Marquis de l’Hôpital the desirability of this appointment being +cancelled. He represented D’Eon to be a dangerous person whom they would +not cease to mistrust, for they believed him capable of overturning the +empire; an unguarded speech, producing a result contrary to what was +desired by Bestoujeff, for de l’Hôpital only called the more loudly for +his new secretary, whose presence was feared by the Prussian party.[37] + +D’Eon was now in Russia for the third time. + +Meeting the English ambassador at dinner one evening, the conversation +turned upon the trial and execution of Admiral Byng. D’Eon observed that +for his part he was very sorry for the admiral. ‘Why?’ inquired the +ambassador. ‘Because,’ replied D’Eon, ‘he was a great friend to France: +he never did her any harm!’ + +Invited upon another occasion to join in an English dance, D’Eon said +that his business at St Petersburg was not to dance English dances, but +to make the English jump!’[38] + +[Sidenote: PRINCE PONIATOVSKY’S DIAMOND.] + +D’Eon relates an incident that occurred in November, shortly after his +arrival at St. Petersburg. Prince Poniatovsky, envoy extraordinary from +Poland, wrote to ask him for certain information on events then passing, +his letter being accompanied by a diamond of the value of eight thousand +livres. As a matter of course D’Eon handed over the letter and the bribe +to the ambassador, by whom the gem was immediately returned to the +Polish minister, who got into such a passion that he threw it into the +fire. De l’Hôpital reported the circumstance to the Cardinal de Bernis, +and the King’s promise was made that such an act of fidelity should be +rewarded by the presentation to the secretary of a sum of equal value +to the diamond; but Bernis’ disgrace and exile caused the matter to be +forgotten.[39] + +D’Eon was well known to Poniatovsky, who did not forget him in +after years, his proficiency in the art of fencing being one of the +accomplishments that rendered him a favourite with those at Court, and +he frequently dined with the grand-duke, with Prince Charles (for a +time Duke of Courland), or with Poniatovsky, the evenings being spent +in fencing. If pressure of work prevented him from accepting the +invitations he received, the French ambassador was scolded by those +personages for having detained him at the Embassy.[40] + +On February 24, 1758, the Grand Chancellor, Bestoujeff Riumin, was +arrested by order of Elizabeth, whilst presiding at a council of +ministers. Amidst his papers, which were all seized, was found a scheme +for disposing of certain persons obnoxious to him, amongst whom were +included Douglas and D’Eon.[41] He was charged with high treason, the +French and Austrian ambassadors being loud in their condemnation of +his criminal purposes. At the same time were arrested several other +persons having constant access to the Grand-Duchess Catherine, such, for +instance, as her secretary, her tutor in the Russian language, jeweller, +&c., and she herself became the object of so great obloquy that she +demanded permission to withdraw to Germany, a step the Empress refused to +sanction. + +The conjectures formed to account for Bestoujeff’s perfidy were various, +but it was generally accepted that Elizabeth, having been seriously +indisposed and her death apprehended, the Grand Chancellor was anxious +to secure Catherine’s favour by withholding the Russian forces from +taking part in further hostilities against Frederick. He also aimed at +securing the succession of her child to the exclusion of the grand-duke, +his father, with the nomination of herself to the regency, or even her +own elevation to the throne. This view of the case received confirmation +in after years, for Bestoujeff was never permitted to return from exile +until the accession of Catherine. + +[Sidenote: THE ARREST OF COUNT BESTOUJEFF.] + +When under arrest, Bestoujeff was treated with unusual consideration, +notwithstanding the general feeling against him from his known intimacy +with Apraxin, the cause of so much national disgrace. He was detained +for a time a prisoner in his own house, escaping the tortures to which +others, equally compromised with himself, had been subjected; and, +although designated ‘a traitor grown old in iniquity,’ it was decreed +in the imperial manifesto ordering his trial, that ‘no severity was to +be employed for the purpose of exacting his evidence or confession; but +whatever he chose to say was to be noted.’ + +Bestoujeff was exiled to one of his estates, and Woronzoff succeeded him +as Grand Chancellor. + +After the Bestoujeff affair, the Empress renewed her efforts—this time +through his superiors—to induce D’Eon to enter her service. + + _The Marquis de l’Hôpital to the Cardinal de Bernis._ + + ‘St. Petersburg, June 29, 1758. + + ‘... I have proposed to M. D’Eon, in compliance with your + wishes, again to attach him to the Court of Russia; but he + says that he will not serve other master than the King for all + the gold in the world; that he is sensible of his obligations + towards you, and that he is too respectfully devoted to you to + think of seeking elsewhere the rewards you will bestow upon him + for serving under your orders and to your satisfaction as he is + now doing. + + * * * * * + + _The Cardinal’s Reply._ + + ‘Versailles, August 1, 1758. + + ‘I cannot do otherwise than approve the motives which induce + M. D’Eon to refuse employment offered to him by the Court of + Russia. They are the results of his zeal to the King’s service, + and of his attachment towards yourself....’[42] + + * * * * * + + _M. D’Eon to M. Tercier._ + + ‘I have given the Marquis de l’Hôpital to understand all my + reasons, and this without any difficulty. I am satisfied, + considering his friendship towards me, that he would be sorry + were I to leave him, and in forfeiting his friendship I should + gain his secret contempt. I have therefore declared to him, + not on political grounds, but with all the candour and truth + of which a Burgundian is capable, that I will never leave the + service of France for that of all the emperors and empresses + in the universe, and that no motives can cause me to change my + way of thinking—neither honours nor riches. I tell you what I + think. I prefer to live from hand to mouth in France to being + in the enjoyment of an income of one hundred thousand livres + in fear and bondage. _Regnare nolo, dum liber non sum mihi._ + This is the profession of my faith. I am satisfied that neither + the Abbé de Bernis nor you will take my way of thinking amiss. + Had I a bastard brother, be assured I should prevail upon him + to accept such an offer, but for myself, who am legitimate, + I am glad to die like a faithful dog in a ditch in my native + land.’[43] + + * * * * * + + _M. D’Eon to the Cardinal de Bernis._ + + ‘... Whilst having the honour of thanking you for your good + intentions, and the prospects you have in view in my behalf, I + entreat you at once to do me the favour to dismiss me from your + memory whenever there is a question of my destiny removing me + entirely from France. Since I came to St. Petersburg, my maxim + has ever been to keep my back turned upon Siberia, too happy to + have escaped being sent there. I long for and look towards my + native country....’ + + * * * * * + + _The Cardinal de Bernis to M. D’Eon._ + + ‘Versailles, August 1, 1758. + + ‘... You will be informed by the Marquis de l’Hôpital that, + far from being distressed at your refusal to accept the post + offered to you at the Court of Russia, the motives which induce + you not to accept it meet with entire approbation. Continue + to serve his Majesty with the same zeal you have hitherto + displayed. It will at all times be a pleasure to me to bring to + the favourable notice of the King your services, your labours, + and your abilities.’[44] + +[Sidenote: HONOUR AND REWARD.] + +It was not at the hands of the Empress of Russia that D’Eon cared to +receive honours. For his important services at the Court of that monarch +he was promoted by Louis XV. to the rank of captain of dragoons, and +awarded a pension of two hundred ducats, to be paid by the Count de +Broglio out of the secret service money. + +In the course of this year D’Eon found time to publish a work, in +two volumes, entitled ‘Confédérations Historiques sur les Impôts des +Egyptiens, des Babyloniens, des Perses, des Grecs, des Romains, et sur +les différentes situations de la France, par rapport aux Finances, depuis +l’établissement des Francs dans la Gaule jusqu’à present.’[45] + + + + +CHAPTER III. + + Progress of the war—The Duke de Choiseul’s designs against + England—Change of policy—D’Eon’s advice to the French + ambassador—Approved by Louis XV.—D’Eon’s failing health—The + Marquis de l’Hôpital—Baron de Breteuil admitted to the secret + correspondence—The King’s secret orders to D’Eon—Testimonies + to his abilities—Leaves Russia for the last time—Gift + from the Empress—On the staff of the Marshal and Count + de Broglio—Distinguished services during the campaign of + 1761—Exile of the Broglios—Death of Elizabeth. + + +Apraxin’s defection was a fine thing for Frederick. Two great events +followed—the humiliating defeat of the French at Rosbach (October 31), +by Seidlitz and his cavalry, shall we say? and the battle of Leuthen +(December 5), in which eighty thousand Austrians were worsted by thirty +thousand Prussians. And thus ended the campaign of 1757. The following +year Field-Marshal Fermor, Apraxin’s successor, entered Eastern Prussia, +occupied Königsberg, and was beaten by Frederick at Zorndorff (August 25, +1758). Prince Soltikoff, who replaced Fermor, was also about to lose a +battle at Künersdorff (August 12, 1759); but the day ended happily for +him, his ninety thousand men having almost annihilated the forty-eight +thousand Prussians by whom he was opposed. + +This much of what the Russians did, and we shall have got to the end of +1759, after an illustration, from concurrent testimony, of D’Eon’s share +in the progress of the war. + +Let us first turn to the pages of Vandal.[46] + +[Sidenote: FRENCH DESIGNS ON ENGLAND.] + +On December 30, 1758, was signed by Louis XV. and Maria Theresa a treaty +in confirmation of their previous treaty still in force, except that it +determined with greater precision respective obligations; France, for +instance, binding herself to keep an army of 100,000 men in Germany. +Elizabeth was invited to join, and she did so. Of this matter the +Duke de Choiseul, for some months Minister for Foreign Affairs, was +completely ignorant. There was a time, it was but short, when the duke +in his patriotic desire to recover influences lost to France through the +feeble administration of the Cardinal de Bernis, his predecessor, had +determined upon not entertaining any idea of capitulating with England, +so long as soldiers, guns and ships remained, and on prosecuting the war +against Prussia until France met with success. A partisan of Austria, his +feelings towards Russia were of a different nature, but he was wisely +inclined to turn to the best account the alliance with those Powers. As +regards Russia, he instructed the ambassador at St. Petersburg (January +9, 1759) to tell Woronzoff, for the information of the Empress, that +if the King were to desire peace for the happiness of his people and +the repose of Europe, it should only be on conditions honourable to his +Majesty and his allies, and which would ensure general tranquillity; but +that so far from contemplating such a thing, every arrangement was made +for effectively continuing the war during the present and a succeeding +campaign, to the end of bringing the enemy to just and reasonable terms. +That the Empress might have undoubted proofs of his Majesty’s sentiments +on the subject, and to do away with every possible misunderstanding, the +King was disposed to conclude, jointly with the two Empresses, or with +the Empress of Russia alone, such convention as might be considered +necessary for strengthening their union, thereby giving fresh assurances +that his Majesty would only act in concert with his allies, communicating +with them on all points with that entire confidence which should exist +between Powers bound by friendly ties, and whose interests were in common. + +Unable to cope with Great Britain on the seas, the Duke de Choiseul +formed a plan of invasion, in which he sought the co-operation of Russia +and Sweden, whose spheres of action would be the Scottish coast. ‘Should +fifty thousand men perish in the first expedition,’ he wrote to Count +Bernstorff, ‘the King has signed the determination to send other fifty +thousand, and we shall not be discouraged so long as we have men in +France.’[47] The hesitations of those Powers, the destruction of the +French fleets in the East Indies, off Cape Lagos, and in Quiberon Bay, +and of the flotilla prepared for the invasion of England, upset the whole +of the duke’s schemes, and gave him good cause to change his tactics. +He would now hail peace if he could. He turned to de l’Hôpital (July 8, +1759), and desired him to seize an early opportunity for feeling his way +with the Grand Chancellor, and suggesting to that minister, as a private +opinion of his own, the desirability of Russia’s mediation between +Austria and Prussia, whereby she would secure to herself the gratitude +of Europe. De Choiseul believed that if the Germanic Powers could but +arrange their differences, Russia might become useful in bringing about +an understanding between France and England. + +[Sidenote: THE DUKE DE CHOISEUL AT FAULT.] + +De l’Hôpital—gouty, good-natured, and easy-going—had made it a practice +never to act without first consulting his confidential secretary. That +secretary, at the present time, was D’Eon, who recommended that no notice +whatever should be taken of the minister’s letter. De l’Hôpital agreed. +At the expiration of a couple of months de Choiseul again wrote, this +time impatiently and reproachfully. + + ‘Allow me to tell you, my dear Marquis, that you amuse + yourself somewhat too much at playing the ambassador, and that + you do not sufficiently attend to its responsibilities. My + despatch, No. 48, will have given you some idea of the King’s + system, which, however, you have not as yet turned to profit. + Apparently, you have not been able to do so, but you should + have informed me whether you understand, and how you understand + his Majesty’s instructions upon a project as delicate as it + is advantageous. Reflect seriously upon it; I speak to you as + a friend, I unfold to you our system, and if you are not so + thoroughly satisfied with it as we are, you are too good a + servant to the King not to say so; and in such a case, since + you do not wish to change your ideas, t’were far better that + you should, under pretext of illness, give up your Embassy + rather than be employed in a task, of the advantages of which + you are not persuaded. This avowal on your part would, I assure + you, please the King as much as your success, for which we + hope, in the negotiations. The Marchioness de l’Hôpital has + spoken to me of your desire to be created a duke; I wish with + all my heart I could serve you. Enable yourself to solicit this + favour by the obligations under which the King will be to you. + I tell you simply this: there are but two ways; either to carry + out the views contained in the despatch No. 48, and in this + private letter, or come away. I prefer the first to the last, + but the last will also succeed if you promptly give up the + first, for I shall certainly represent that you cannot return + without receiving some special reward.’[48] + +We will let D’Eon lift the veil of Louis XV.’s diplomacy in his own +words:— + + ‘In 1759, the Duke de Choiseul had prevailed upon the Empress + of Russia, by means of negotiations through the Marquis de + l’Hôpital, to offer her mediation towards securing peace, when + I at the same time received the King’s orders to use my best + efforts with the Empress, and the Grand Chancellor Woronzoff, + to prevail upon her Majesty to withdraw her mediation, and + to exhort her to continue the war, without allowing the Duke + de Choiseul or the Marquis de l’Hôpital to know what I was + about—all of which I executed to the great satisfaction of the + King, as I can prove by evidence bearing his signature; and for + these incontestable facts I appeal to the reliable testimony of + the Count de Broglio.’[49] ‘... It was I, who, by secret orders + from my master, unknown to the great Choiseul, caused the late + war to last three years longer.’[50] + +Turning again to Vandal, we find the King’s approval of D’Eon’s counsel +to de l’Hôpital, and verification of the former’s statement in the +paragraph above quoted. + + ‘No reference is here made, either to the instructions sent + to the Marquis de l’Hôpital, directing him to enter upon + negotiations for terminating the German war, by means of, and + by the mediation of the Empress of Russia, or to what has + prevented them. The inconvenience which might have resulted + from the influence and dangerous preponderance which Russia + would in this way have acquired, and the real advantages she + would have procured for herself, are too well known to be + repeated here. It is, therefore, a matter for congratulation, + so far as the interests of the King are concerned, that the + Marquis de l’Hôpital, yielding in this instance to the prudent + advice of the Sieur D’Eon, had allowed the opportunity to slip, + which he had been eagerly enjoined to seize.’[51] + +[Sidenote: DISLIKE TO RUSSIA.] + +Four years of anxious and hard toil in a climate which did not suit him +had told on D’Eon’s health, until he felt seriously inconvenienced from +scurvy and an affection of the eyes, and his return to France became +but a question of time. He was longing for home. Apart from his dislike +to life at Court, where he felt that ‘it was impossible for a simply +virtuous, non-intriguing and dispassionate man to succeed,’ he had made +up his mind that Russia was not a country for a freeman to live in. He +could not forget that he and five other officers attached to the Embassy +had to lay aside their uniforms, to avoid the insults offered by soldiers +and people of the lower class, at times when France was meeting with +reverses, such as those at Rosbach and Minden; and the mortification he +endured at hearing the Empress’ words of comfort to his chief, the French +ambassador. It was reported that D’Eon had determined upon not remaining +in Russia because he had seen the daughter of Pope Urban X. (_sic_), who +was married to the gardener of a boyar, receive twenty blows with a stick +for several days consecutively; and because the said boyar and thirty +other boyars were broken on the wheel, two years afterwards, for their +share in some Court broil. He mentions this report of himself without +adding any comment, but relates an anecdote which clearly confirms his +unfavourable opinion of the country he was in. A Russian nobleman said to +him one fine summer’s day:— + + ‘Sir, all Europe is exasperated against us; but look around, + where you will, and you see beautiful fertile plains teeming + with corn and game.’ ‘Prince,’ replied D’Eon, ‘I see a crow + yonder on the plain, and I regret that I have not my gun with + me. I would shoot it off-hand, because, having wings, it + remains in a country of slavery, instead of making use of them + and flying away into Poland, a land of liberty!’[52] + +D’Eon applied for permission to resign on the score of ill-health, and +to be allowed to join his regiment, but his departure was necessarily +postponed until a suitable successor could be found. For his own part +de Choiseul became convinced that de l’Hôpital was no longer fitted for +the post of ambassador at St. Petersburg, an opinion shared by the King +for quite different reasons, which need not be entered into here. De +l’Hôpital, however, was an old and faithful servant to the Crown and +deserving of every consideration, so that it was felt to be impossible +to recall him abruptly, and such a step was likely to give offence to +the Empress, who had taken a fancy to him, and received him at her +Court with favour and distinction. As a solution of the difficulty, de +Choiseul conceived the idea of appointing a colleague to the marquis with +subordinate rank, who should eventually succeed him on his resignation, +which, considering his age and increasing infirmities, could not long be +delayed. This colleague should be a personal friend of his own, to whom +he might confide and entrust his policy and intentions, and he nominated +the Baron de Breteuil, a young man of twenty-seven, of distinguished +appearance and refined manners. The Count de Broglio, however, also had +his candidate, M. Durand, a gentleman attached to the Embassy at Warsaw, +the King’s secret agent in that capital, initiated in the system, well +conversant in Russian affairs, and therefore eminently qualified to +serve the King’s private interests at the Court of Russia in the room of +D’Eon. This nomination the duke resolutely refused to entertain. He had +undeniably good cause to suspect the existence of some occult influence +to his disadvantage, having already found himself thwarted in his plans, +in various quarters, without being able to trace the obstruction to its +source, and had determined upon carrying his point, which he completely +succeeded in doing, by prevailing upon the King to sign the Baron de +Breteuil’s credentials as minister plenipotentiary. No sooner had the +minister’s choice become an irrevocable fact, than the Count de Broglio +and Tercier urged upon the King the expediency of admitting the baron +to the secret correspondence, and informing him that he should best be +pleasing his master by not carrying out the orders of the minister. The +King had great objection to the admission of new disciples, but there +appeared to be no alternative, and after a little hesitation his Majesty +yielded to the recommendations of his advisers.[53] + +[Sidenote: THE BARON DE BRETEUIL.] + + _Louis XV. to the Baron de Breteuil._ + + ‘February 26, 1760. + + ‘Monsieur le Baron de Breteuil,—In consideration of the + favourable reports I have received with reference to yourself, + I have decided upon nominating you my minister plenipotentiary + in Russia, and admitting you to a secret correspondence with + me, which I have never wished to conduct through my Minister + for Foreign Affairs. The Count de Broglio, who will deliver + to you this letter, and M. Tercier, are alone concerned + in the management, and you will accept whatever they may + say to you as coming from me. You will deliver to them the + instructions you have already received, and which you will + yet receive from the Duke de Choiseul before your departure, + and you will communicate to them any verbal instructions you + may have received from him, upon the subject of your mission, + so that being acquainted thereupon, they may prepare special + and secret instructions, from their knowledge of my wishes, + on the affairs of Russia and Poland. Those instructions will + be supplied to you with all despatch, so soon as I shall have + approved them. + + ‘In the meantime, I order you to postpone your departure until + you receive them, under any pretext convenient to yourself, + and I charge you, at your peril, to keep this secret from + everybody, no matter who, with the exception of the Count de + Broglio and M. Tercier, and I rely upon your fidelity and your + obedience.[54] + + LOUIS.’ + + * * * * * + + _Louis XV. to M. D’Eon._ + + ‘Sieur D’Eon,—Reasons of a private nature, in addition to my + confidence in the abilities of the Baron de Breteuil and in + his zeal for my service, have induced me to make known to him + the direct correspondence I hold with Russia, unknown to my + Minister for Foreign Affairs, and to my ambassador. He is also + informed of your having been admitted to this secret, for the + purpose of facilitating the correspondence, as well as for + communicating to me, directly, such particulars as you may + consider it necessary to lay before me. The exactitude with + which you have acquitted yourself of this duty, so far as your + position and the distances that divide places have enabled + you, satisfies me that you will afford me fresh proofs of your + zeal during the stay of the Baron de Breteuil at the Court of + Petersburg. I have given him to understand it is my intention + that you should serve under his orders as secretary, for the + sole purpose of carrying on the secret correspondence. You will + receive a salary of three thousand livres from the Minister + for Foreign Affairs, to which I will add two hundred ducats + annually, as a mark of my satisfaction at the manner in which + you have served me, and because I rely upon your continuing + to do so. You will communicate to the Baron de Breteuil, with + the greatest exactitude of which you are capable, laying aside + partiality and prejudice, all the ideas you have formed on + the character of the Empress of Russia, of her ministers, + and of those who are employed in public affairs. You will + also communicate your views on the conduct pursued from the + commencement of the war to the present time, and what you + believe might have been done to ensure success to the common + cause, and what it is that has retarded it. You will write + out the whole of this in a memorandum which you will give + him, sending to me a copy, in cypher, by the earliest safe + opportunity; in fact, you will communicate to him everything + that you may consider of benefit to my service, whether as + regards the past or the future. You will, however, await the + information he will give you upon the subject of his secret + instructions, that you may supply yourself with a copy, and + take into consideration the best means to be adopted for their + being carried out successfully. They will serve as your guide + in all you will say, whether as regards what has been done or + what is to be done. + + ‘This, my mark of confidence in the Baron de Breteuil, is a + proof of how fully I am persuaded that he will execute my + orders with zeal and ability. Notwithstanding the sincerity of + his intentions, which I do not doubt, it is just possible that + he may err as to the means to be adopted for giving effect to + my secret instructions; you will in such a case expose to him, + deferentially, your views.[55] + + ‘In the King’s hand. Approved 7th March, 1760.’ + +[Sidenote: FAILING HEALTH.] + +On August 23, 1760, de l’Hôpital informed the Minister for Foreign +Affairs that M. Poissonnier,[56] the Empress’s private physician, +had recommended D’Eon’s instant departure from Russia, his ailments +threatening serious consequences. + + ‘I have already had the honour of acquainting you with M. + D’Eon’s services and abilities. I entreat that you will be good + enough to recommend him to the favourable notice of the King, + and ask his Majesty to reward his services and zeal by granting + him a pension equal to the whole or part of the annual salary + he has enjoyed since he has been with me.’ + +In a private communication to the same minister, de l’Hôpital reminded +the duke that D’Eon’s services in foreign affairs were well known; he +had not a little contributed to a renewal of the alliance with Russia, +and had exerted himself with zeal equal to his activity and intelligence. +Such men were deserving of the protection of ministers such as he was, +and of the favours he had a right to expect.... The state of poor +D’Eon’s health was unsatisfactory, and his private affairs were in a bad +condition; and yet his family had long and usefully served the King and +State.[57] + + ‘I cannot write in too high terms of his merits, his industry, + and integrity,’ said de l’Hôpital in a letter to the Minister + for War; ‘he seems bent on following a military career.... + He is anxious to serve in a regiment of foot by purchase of + a captain’s commission.... You must remember that in 1757 he + brought to you a treaty and the news of the battle of Prague, + with a broken leg, and diligence that astonished you.... I + will answer for it that M. D’Eon will never disgrace his + supporters....’ + +The old marquis followed up these strong recommendations of his young +friend with a graceful tribute to his mother at Tonnerre. + + ‘Madame,—I send back to you a son worthy of all your + tenderness; I feel that I should give him back to you, so that + we may preserve him for the King’s service, for yourself, and + for me.... I could not part with your son without giving you a + proof of my sincere friendship and esteem for him....’ + + * * * * * + + _The Baron de Breteuil to the Duke de Choiseul._ + + ‘St. Petersburg, August 2, 1760. + + ‘... This secretary was sent here secretly by M. Rouillé + together with the Chevalier Douglas, at the commencement of + the negotiations with this Court. M. de l’Hôpital is greatly + concerned. I have known him only since my arrival here, but + he appears to me to be steady, clever, and talented, and one + who has applied himself with advantage to political affairs, + and to special acquaintance with this country.... He has gained + the esteem and friendship of a great many persons at this + Court.’[58] + +[Sidenote: FINAL DEPARTURE FROM RUSSIA.] + +Previous to quitting the capital, D’Eon went to Peterhof to take leave of +the Empress, who required he should promise to return to Russia so soon +as he had recovered his health. In parting from Woronzoff, the colleague +with whose aid he had accomplished so much, the Grand Chancellor said:— + + ‘I am sorry you are going away, even though your first trip + here, with Douglas, cost my Sovereign more than two hundred + thousand men and fifteen million roubles.’ ‘I agree,’ + replied D’Eon, ‘but your Excellency should at the same time + admit, that your Sovereign and your Excellency yourself have + thereby acquired fame and glory that will last as long as the + world.’[59] + +D’Eon carried away with him a souvenir from the Empress, consisting of a +snuff-box with her cipher in diamonds. + +Sick and faint, D’Eon left St. Petersburg for the third and last time in +August 1760, taking with him the ratifications to the Treaty of December +30, 1758, and the ratifications to the Maritime Convention concluded +between Russia, Sweden, and Denmark. Travelling through Finland, Livonia, +Courland, Poland, and Hungary, as fast as horses could carry him, he +reached Vienna completely exhausted and scarcely able to move. His +friend, the Count de Choiseul,[60] received him in comfortable quarters +and supplied all his wants; but he was restless and impatient to complete +his journey, which he did in equally imprudent haste. Sickening of +small-pox at Paris, a long illness and convalescence entirely unfitted +him during several months for any kind of employment. + +Upon his recovery, D’Eon was received by the King, who was pleased to +confer upon him a life pension of two thousand livres, under warrant +dated December 24, 1760, ‘in acknowledgment of his zeal and ability +as secretary of Embassy in Russia, a post he has held for several +years,’[61] and by the following February he was well enough to be able +to realise his dearest and long-deferred wish, that of active service on +the field. He requested the Minister for War to transfer him from his +own regiment, the dragoons of the Colonel-General, doing duty on the +coasts of France, to the regiment of dragoons of the Marquis d’Autichamp, +in the army on the Upper Rhine, and applied for permission to serve as +aide-de-camp to the Marshal and the Count de Broglio, with both of which +solicitations the Minister readily complied, the King specially approving +of D’Eon’s being on the staff of those officers, remarking that they +should know where to find him if he were wanted.[62] This appointment +was a great compliment, for the marshal was intractable in the selection +of officers to serve on his staff, and most punctilious in surrounding +himself with scions of the noblest families.[63] + +[Sidenote: DISTINGUISHED MILITARY SERVICES.] + +We first hear of D’Eon after joining the army as having been present at +the battle of Villinghausen,[64] then with the French force that crossed +the Weser on August 19. He was under orders that day to remove the powder +waggons to a place of safety on the opposite side of the river, and this +under the heavy fire of the enemy—‘a perilous operation,’ as allowed +by the Duke de Broglie; and being across he was to find the Count de +Guerchy, and deliver to that officer a written order from the marshal. + + ‘The Marshal requests the Count de Guerchy to cause the + immediate distribution by the storekeeper, amongst the brigades + of infantry on the right bank of the Weser, of four hundred + thousand cartridges, deposited in a place that M. D’Eon, the + bearer of this note, will point out. + + ‘Done at Höxter, August 19, 1761. + + ‘THE COUNT DE BROGLIO.’ + + ‘P.S.—It is desirable that a staff officer should at once + accompany M. D’Eon to effect this distribution to the troops + under your orders.’[65] + +Had de Guerchy promptly carried out the marshal’s instructions the +ammunition would have been instantly removed, the enemy’s fire would have +ceased, and the lives of one officer and several grenadiers, occupying +a redoubt which covered the two bridges of boats on the Weser, to the +right and left of Höxter, would have been spared. But upon reading the +note the general preferred to gallop out of the way, shouting, as he +went: ‘If you have a supply of ammunition, you have only to remove it to +a park of artillery you will find at half a league’s distance.’ D’Eon +gave spur after him, saying, that since he did not wish to, or was +unable to execute the marshal’s order, he might return it, and he should +do his best to execute it or cause it to be executed. ‘Take the order, +sir,’ said de Guerchy, returning the note, ‘and carry it out according to +your own judgment.’ The enemy’s fire being largely directed to where the +powder waggons had been removed, and there being no time to lose, D’Eon +took it upon himself to distribute the cartridges, with the assistance of +several officers of artillery who had volunteered their services.[66] + +D’Eon was next engaged in a reconnaissance and action at Ultrop, where +he was wounded in the head and thigh; and later (November 7), when at +the head of the grenadiers of Champagne and of a body of Swiss, he +dislodged the Scottish highlanders in the gorge of the mountain at +Einbeck, near Meintos, and pursued them to the English camp; a service +he performed with the greatest difficulty, owing to the tenacity of the +enemy in keeping up a rapid fire. In the latter engagement he carried the +following despatch:— + + _The Count de Broglio to the Marshal de Broglio._ + + ‘On nearing the village of Eime, I found the Marquis de + Lostanges watching the advanced posts of the enemy, which he + took to be their rear-guard, with the cavalry, carabineers, and + other troops he had with him during the night. I united him + with M. Despies and the six battalions of grenadiers. We agreed + upon the plan for attacking this pretended rear-guard, and + drove it back beyond the village of Meintos. M. de Lostanges, + who commanded the right column, was the first to perceive the + enemy’s camp in two lines, masking the two roads to Vikensen + and Kapelagen on a level with Furvol; this retarded our + projects. It being already late and the days now short we + purpose retreating. I send M. D’Eon to withdraw the Swiss and + grenadiers of Champagne, who are holding in check the Scottish + highlanders lining the wood on the crest of the mountain, + whence they have caused us much annoyance. I say no more, + because M. D’Eon, who will afterwards give you this note, will + himself relate the incidents of this attack. I send him off at + once that he may have time to look for you and find you before + night. + + ‘THE COUNT DE BROGLIO.’ + + ‘Written on the field of battle near the village of Meintos, in + the gorge of the mountains of the camp of Einbeck, November 7, + 1761.’ + +At Osterwiek, some six to seven hundred Frankish Prussians having +intercepted communication with Wolfenbüttel, which was being besieged by +Marshal Xavier de Saxe, M. de Saint-Victor was ordered to dislodge them +from their position with a few volunteers, twenty hussars, and eighty +dragoons of the regiment of d’Autichamp and of de la Ferronaye, in charge +of D’Eon. The little detachment of horse was bravely led, and the exploit +proved a brilliant one, for the enemy’s battalion was completely routed +and every man made a prisoner. + +The dispute between the Marshals de Soubise and de Broglio as to who +was in the right and who in the wrong at the battle of Villinghausen, +had never come to an end; for de Broglio, as became the first soldier +of France, refused to be put on a par with the hero of Rosbach. The +campaign of 1761 being virtually over, de Broglio felt it was quite time +the matter were resolved; and having obtained permission to return to +Versailles, hoping to justify his conduct in person, he delivered to +the Duke de Choiseul, now Minister for War, for delivery to the King, +a lengthy statement particularising the events of July 15 and 16; but +the Marquise de Pompadour had taken care that her favourite should not +be the sufferer, and nothing the marshal could have urged was likely to +serve his cause, or alter de Pompadour’s determination to punish him. +His Majesty disapproved of the marshal’s ‘Mémoire’ as being contrary +to the interests of his service and a bad example in his kingdom, and +ordered him to retire to his country seat, there to remain until further +notice.[67] + +On leaving Cassel for Versailles, the Marshal and Count de Broglio were +accompanied by their aide-de-camp D’Eon, who separated himself from +the army never to return to it, through no fault, however, or wish of +his own. Short as was his military career, it was at least brilliant, +the qualities he displayed of a brave soldier meeting with the high +commendation of his superiors, to whom he had become so closely attached +by the nature of his duties. + + ‘We certify that M. D’Eon de Beaumont, captain of the regiment + of dragoons of d’Autichamp, formerly Caraman, has served under + our orders as our aide-de-camp; that during the whole of the + campaign of 1761 we very frequently employed him in carrying + the orders of the general, and that he has, upon several + occasions, given proofs of the greatest intelligence and of the + greatest valour; notably at Höxter, in executing, in presence + of, and under the fire of, the enemy, the perilous operation + of removing the powder and other stores of the King; at the + reconnaissance and at the battle of Ultrop, where he was + wounded in the thigh; and near Osterwiek[68] where, as second + captain of a troop of eighty dragoons, under the orders of M. + de Saint-Victor, commanding the volunteers of the army, they + charged the Frankish Prussian battalion of Rhes with such + effect and determination that they took them prisoners of war, + notwithstanding the superior number of the enemy. + + ‘In testimony whereof, we have delivered to him this + certificate, signed with our hand, countersigned by our + secretary, and have affixed thereunto our seals. + + ‘Done at Cassel, December 24, 1761. + + ‘L.S. The Marshal Duke de Broglio. + ‘L.S. The Count de Broglio. + + ‘By Order, DROUET.’ + +It was the fate of the Count de Broglio, for no ostensible reason, to +share the exile of his brother, but with that spirit of contradiction +and fickleness inherent in Louis XV., he was retained on the staff of +the secret correspondence and ordered to continue his customary duties, +the King telling Tercier he was _forced_ to act as he did. The truth is +that the King could scarcely do without him, and had felt the force of +the remonstrance the count had the courage to offer when on the point of +leaving Paris for the family estate. ‘Your Majesty may recollect that for +several years past I have foreseen the storm which to-day bursts over me. +The very marks of your Majesty’s favour have gathered it about me,’—words +that were but the echo of others the count had addressed to the King +years before, when similarly misunderstood and suspected by his Majesty’s +ministers. + + ‘... I only know how to obey, and I should never have been + placed in the position of upholding, even in the smallest + degree, the reputation I have gained for obstinacy and hardness + of heart, were I not obliged to execute secret instructions + that are frequently in opposition to direct orders, with which + it is difficult to reconcile them....’[69] + +We are purposely dwelling on these murmurings of the Count de Broglio +that we may be the better able to show hereafter that he was not the only +victim, amongst the confidential correspondents and agents, to the King’s +caprice and selfish indifference. + +[Sidenote: ACCESSION OF CATHERINE II.] + +The new year opened with an event—perhaps upon the whole unfortunate for +France—the not altogether unexpected death of Elizabeth (January 5); and +the accession of Peter III. was the signal for a cessation of hostilities +and a complete change of front on the part of Russia. The new Tsar +agreed with Frederick to a truce, which developed into an alliance, and +afforded him the opportunity for gratifying his tastes for all that was +German, and further alienating the respect and sympathy of his people. In +her struggle against her husband, for liberty and even life, Catherine +turned to France for succour—a circumstance that called for decision and +steadfastness of purpose on the part of the French representative at her +Court; but the Baron de Breteuil proved himself unequal to the occasion +by his pusillanimity and hesitation,[70] and Catherine effected her will +independently of French support. The disease was quickly acknowledged and +the remedy as quickly found. De Breteuil was to be replaced by D’Eon upon +the recommendations of the Duke de Choiseul and of the Count de Broglio, +although on different grounds; the King readily approving, because in him +would be combined with the minister plenipotentiary what was of greatest +importance to his Majesty—a well-tried secret correspondent.[71] Other +events, however, bid fair to change these plans. The Emperor was disposed +of, and Catherine, in grasping the sceptre, said: ‘If I go to war it +will be to suit my own convenience, and not to please others, as was the +case with the Empress Elizabeth.’ From various causes Louis XV. refused +to continue with Catherine the secret correspondence he had entertained +with her predecessor, and D’Eon’s services were consequently no longer +required at the Russian capital. De Breteuil was suffered to remain at +his post until, too glad to escape the ever-increasing difficulties of +his position, he was removed, at his own request, to Stockholm. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + + Portrait of Catherine II.—Her opinion of D’Eon and + its fidelity—Portrait of Lord Sandwich—Of the Duke de + Nivernois—D’Eon, secretary of Embassy in London—Two ‘smart + pieces of work’—Kindness to French prisoners—Treaty of + Peace with England—D’Eon takes the ratifications to + Versailles—Delight of King and Ministers—The Marquise de + Pompadour—The Count de Guerchy nominated ambassador at St. + James’—The Duke de Praslin’s estimate of his qualities—The Duke + tests D’Eon’s loyalty towards himself—The Prince de Soubise at + Villinghausen—D’Eon’s respect for the Broglios—Is invested with + the Cross of Saint Louis. + + +Among D’Eon’s acquirements was accuracy in the delineation of portrait +character, amusement in which he freely indulged. Describing Catherine +II. during the last days of Peter’s short reign, he says:— + + ‘The Empress is of prepossessing appearance; she is generally + of an amiable disposition, although very cunning, intriguing, + and vindictive. Her greatest ambition is to control affairs of + importance; she is competent for administration. Her sympathies + are entirely English, although she speaks French with great + facility of expression. She is very fond of reading, and most + of her time, since her marriage, has been spent in devouring + the works of such modern French and English authors as treat + most vigorously and most liberally on morality, nature, and + religion. A work condemned in France is sure to meet with her + entire approval. She is never without the works of Voltaire, + ‘De l’Esprit’ of Helvetius, encyclopædias, and the writings of + Jean Jacques Rousseau. She prides herself on her courage, on + being strong-minded and a philosopher; in a word, she is by + nature a little _savante_. She suggests to her husband changes + that may result in the fall of this Emperor of apes, in the + hope of reigning in his stead as regent.’[72] + +Notwithstanding the sagacity and exactitude, to use the Duke de Broglie’s +own words, with which this portrait is drawn, testifying to a certain +amount of personal knowledge of the subject, the duke, in support of his +theory that D’Eon could not at any time have been reader (_lectrice_)[73] +to Elizabeth, reproduces a letter of questionable accuracy from Catherine +II. to Grimm, to show how complete a cipher he must have been at the +Russian Court. It is dated April 13, 1778. + + ‘The Empress Elizabeth never had a reader’ (_lectrice_) wrote + her Majesty, ‘and M. or Mademoiselle D’Eon was not better + known to her than to me, who have only known him as a sort of + political drudge (_galopin politique_) in the service of the + Marquis de l’Hôpital and of the Baron de Breteuil.’[74] + +[Sidenote: CATHERINE’S DEPRECIATION OF D’EON.] + +We need not stop to inquire why the Empress Catherine, attached as she +was, when grand-duchess, to the party against which all D’Eon’s assaults, +by command of his sovereign, were directed; and who sat up for nights, +translating into French from the Russian, for the edification of Sir +Hanbury Williams, all such decisions of the Council as were favourable to +France, should have thus expressed herself with regard to the secretary +of a brilliant French Embassy; and this in his adversity, twenty-two +years after his certain appearance at the Court of Russia for the first +time. Apart from D’Eon’s own observation that he dined occasionally +at the table of the grand-duke, there exists a letter which tends to +controvert the assertion of her Majesty. + + _The Marquis de l’Hôpital to M. D’Eon._ + + ‘Plombières, August 13, 1762. + + ‘... And so the bully[75] has ceased to exist! What a page he + will fill in history! Now let us see to the new Catherine. + She has all the courage and the qualities requisite for + making a great Empress, and I have agreeable recollections of + having heard you frequently say so; her firmness, on certain + occasions, has always been to your taste. It should also be + admitted that you discovered the hidden virtues of the Princess + Dashkoff; it is true that you have known her and cultivated + her friendship since her earliest youth, and that you and the + Chevalier Douglas encouraged her romantic temperament.’[76] + +We have here, at any rate, the testimony of the French ambassador to +D’Eon’s personal knowledge of the Empress Catherine, and of his intimacy +with the Princess Dashkoff,[77] of whom we will have something to say +hereafter. + +In taking leave of Russia and its concerns, as we must now do, we are +brought to the close of the Seven Years’ War, and our attention turns +for a time to the relations of France with Great Britain during the +administration of Lord Bute. + +[Sidenote: THE EARL OF SANDWICH.] + +The preliminaries of the notable peace of 1763, between France and +England, were signed at Fontainebleau on November 3, 1762, the ambassador +selected to conduct the negotiations in England being the Duke de +Nivernois, once ambassador at Rome, and sent to Berlin in trying +circumstances (1756) to endeavour to treat with Frederick. Gaillardet and +the Duke de Broglie fall into the same singular error in attributing to +this nobleman a portrait by D’Eon, the latter adding disdainfully—‘the +portrait was in all probability one that pleased D’Eon, for in his +official correspondence the same is applied, word for word, to Lord +Sandwich.’ That it was intended for the libertine English peer, of whom +it was said + + Search earth, search hell, the devil cannot find + An agent, like Lothario, to his mind, + +is clear enough, although even upon its first appearance the Duke de +Praslin thought fit to apply the sketch to himself, and showed his +resentment towards the author of it in a very tangible manner. + + ‘Sincerity and cheerfulness are the chief characteristics of + this minister, who in every office and embassage enjoyed by + him has always appeared, like Anacreon, crowned with roses and + singing of joys in the midst of the most arduous labours. He + is by nature inclined to idleness; nevertheless, he toils as + if unable to live at rest, and abandons himself to this easy + and idle life so soon as he feels he is free. His natural + capacities and his happy state of cheerfulness, his sagacity + and his activity in affairs of importance, never give him cause + for uneasiness, nor do they produce _wrinkles on his forehead_; + and although it is necessary to have lived a long time with + a minister to be able to describe his character, to say what + degree of courage or weakness he possesses, how far he is + prudent or cunning, I am able to say, from the present moment, + that —— is shrewd and discerning without being deceitful + or crafty. He is but little susceptible to hatred and to + friendship, although on several occasions he has appeared to be + completely under the influence of the one or the other; for, on + the one hand, he is separated from his wife, he hates her and + does her no harm; on the other, he has a mistress, he cherishes + her and does her no great good. Upon the whole, he is certainly + one of the merriest and most agreeable ministers in Europe.’[78] + +Repudiating the charge of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, D’Eon says:— + + ‘Unable to apply to himself all the good in this portrait, the + Duke de Praslin has applied to himself all the evil as suiting + him best; such, for instance, as the wrinkles or horns on his + forehead, weakness and knavery, the little loved wife, the much + loved mistress, neither of which is the better nor the worse + in consequence. M. D’Eon will learn by this how circumspect + one should be. He will take it as a rule that every time the + portrait of a ridiculous man at a foreign court is depicted, + there will always be somebody at Versailles to resemble + him.’[79] + +D’Eon has not left us without a rough outline of the Duke de Nivernois, +to whom he was devotedly attached. + + ‘... His only fault is the coquetry to please everybody; + coquetry which often secures to us more enemies than true + friends, but which, notwithstanding, has never chilled the + sentiments of admiration and gratitude that I have vowed to + him.... Is any greater proof needed of the coquetry and desire + to please everybody than this _exemplum_? + + ‘In Paris the duke houses and boards a Jesuit, who dines + regularly every day at his table; and yet he is a friend of + thirty years’ standing of the destructor of the Order of + Jesuits.[80] Whilst in London he absolutely wished to be a + friend at Court and in favour in the city; a friend of the + party in the majority, and of the party in the minority; + he also sought, comically enough, to reconcile the Duke of + Newcastle and Lord Bute, Mr. Pitt and the Duke of Bedford. He + was enamoured of thirty thousand maidens, and pretended to be + dying of love whenever he met the charming Duchess of Grafton, + and this because the duke, her husband, was one of the leaders + of the Opposition.’[81] + +D’Eon would have preferred a soldier’s career had he been free to choose. +Ministers combined to dissuade him, the Duke de Praslin bidding him +‘hang up his sword,’ there being nothing for him to do in the army, and +the Duke de Nivernois invited him to become his secretary of Embassy +in London. D’Eon felt that four years’ service as secretary in Russia, +‘under critical and most important circumstances,’ to use de Nivernois’ +own words, entitled him rather to advancement, and in accepting the +post in London purely from personal regard for the duke, he took the +liberty of making it a condition that he should return to France with the +ambassador at the termination of his mission. + +[Sidenote: ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND.] + +Accompanied by this secretary the duke crossed the Channel in September. +When his lean figure appeared at the place of embarkation at Calais, an +English sailor said to his mate, ‘I say, d’ye see how thin that duke +is? I remember him as a fine fat fellow. This is how we’ve skinned the +French swells in the war.’ And so greatly struck by his appearance was an +English gentleman (Mr. C. Townsend, one of the _Flag_ party) on seeing +him for the first time that he exclaimed: ‘What! the French have sent +over the preliminaries of a man to sign the preliminaries of peace!’ + +In the course of the transactions on the Treaty of Peace, D’Eon executed +a somewhat adroit, though entirely indefensible act, which caused no +little mirth and secret joy at Versailles. The negotiations so happily +commenced met with an obstacle, and being checked in their progress a +sort of crisis supervened, when Mr. Wood, Under Secretary of State, +called on the Duke de Nivernois to confer on certain contested points, +and having his portfolio with him was indiscreet enough to say that it +contained the final instructions and ultimatum which Lord Egremont had +directed him to transmit to the Duke of Bedford, the King’s ambassador at +the Court of Versailles. Upon hearing this the duke looked at D’Eon, and +then cast his eye on the portfolio. D’Eon quickly caught at the sense of +this pantomime. It would be a matter of great importance to the French +Court to know the nature of the instructions and the terms of this ‘fatal +ultimatum.’ He made a sign to the duke, who at once invited Mr. Wood to +stay to dinner and talk over matters. He wished him, he said, to taste +some samples of good wine from Tonnerre.... The bait took, and whilst +the duke and Mr. Wood were enjoying their bumpers, D’Eon extracted from +the portfolio Lord Egremont’s despatches, caused exact copies to be +taken, and forwarded them instantly to Versailles, the French courier +arriving twenty-four hours earlier than Mr. Wood’s. When the Duke of +Bedford called to broach the subject, de Choiseul and de Praslin, already +apprised of the difficulties about to be raised, and of the British +ambassador’s final instructions, were readily enabled to come to terms. +This was a smart piece of work in de Nivernois’ opinion,[82] and de +Praslin declared there was nobody like D’Eon, and that he was quite +deserving of all the King’s favours. + +[Sidenote: A HARD-WORKING SECRETARY.] + +D’Eon was instrumental in smoothing away another difficulty. The Duke de +Nivernois had altered several articles in the ultimatum of the treaty, an +act which gave umbrage to the English ministers, and Count Viri apprised +him that if he did not withdraw the alterations he might as well leave +the country; to which the duke replied that neither his honour nor +dignity would allow of his withdrawing an ultimatum given in the name of +the King. Matters were looking serious, when D’Eon proposed that the duke +should tell Lords Bute and Egremont of his secretary’s excess of zeal in +making alterations unknown to himself. ‘Every tongue will rail, every +mouth open upon me,’ continued D’Eon. ‘With all my heart; and if you +choose you may also say that you will send me back to France.’ The duke +caught at the idea, and had the generosity to explain to de Praslin and +to the King his indebtedness to D’Eon.[83] + +The conduct of the secretary of Embassy during progress of the +negotiations was all that his superiors could desire, and he earned the +gratitude of many a French prisoner by his exertions in administering to +their comfort. Scarcely a letter left the ambassador that was not replete +with the highest encomiums. + + _The Duke de Nivernois to the Duke de Praslin._ + + ‘D’Eon is at work as usual from morning to night. I cannot + sufficiently extol his zeal, vigilance, amiability of + disposition, and activity.... When the state of my health will + force me to quit this country, in the spring, I will, with + your permission, leave our little D’Eon until my successor + is appointed, and I promise that he will do well and be + favourably received. He is very active, very discreet, never + exhibiting curiosity or officiousness; never giving cause for + mistrust or acting defiantly, _quod est inveniendum_, because + here the majority of men are like the most unmanageable of + horses....’[84] + +On February 10, 1763, Mr. Richard Neville Neville left Paris for +London with the Treaty of Peace signed that same evening by the +plenipotentiaries of Great Britain, France, and Spain;[85] a treaty that +compelled France to part with all the territory she had acquired in +Germany, England retaining the whole of Canada, Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, +the Gulf and River of St. Lawrence, Grenada, St. Vincent, Dominica, +Tobago, Senegal, some territory to the east of the Mississippi, and +Minorca. Spain received Louisiana from France in exchange for Florida, +given up to England, France being permitted to retain Belle-Isle, +Martinique, and Guadaloupe—also Chandernagor and Pondicherry, on +condition that they should not be fortified, and further engaging to +demolish the defences at Dunkirk. + + ‘Such were the results,’ says an eminent French writer of our + times, ‘of the Seven Years’ War. Fortunate for England and + Prussia, of little cost to Austria, to whom an irreparable loss + was simply made too evident; of no moment to Russia, who had + availed herself of it for training her army, but most fatal + to France, which had entrusted her colonies, her navy, her + finances, and her military honour, to her debased nobles.... + The minister himself who signed the Treaty of Paris will in + time be considered too intelligent and too proud to be the + servant of Louis XV. when France, falling a step lower, will + have passed out of the hands of Madame de Pompadour into the + still viler hands of Madame Dubarry.’ + +[Sidenote: TAKES TREATY OF PEACE TO FRANCE.] + +It was an unprecedented mark of favour on the part of George III. to +confide to D’Eon the ratifications to the Treaty for conveyance to his +Majesty’s ambassador at Versailles.[86] In announcing to de Praslin the +approaching departure of his secretary on the proud mission, de Nivernois +claimed for him, in accordance with usage, a gratuity of equal value—one +thousand crowns—to that about to be received from his own Government by +Mr. Neville for having brought the Treaty to London. De Praslin insisted +that no English minister would ever think of entrusting such precious +documents to a foreigner; it would be contrary to rule and custom, and it +would therefore be idle to expect that D’Eon should be selected for the +duty. It was the duke’s anxiety, he said, to serve his secretary, that +had blinded him to facts and precedent. D’Eon was still young enough to +be of good service, and he should take care to afford him the opportunity +for earning distinction. When, later, the Foreign Minister had to +acknowledge his mistake, he considered the choice of D’Eon to be a very +straightforward proceeding on the part of the King of England and of his +ministers, who were giving proofs of the nobility of their sentiments, +and inspiring the desire and hope for the establishment and maintenance +of good relations and lasting concord between the two Courts. ‘I am very +glad you were stupid enough[87] to believe it impossible that the French +secretary—my little D’Eon—should be the bearer of the King of England’s +ratifications,’ wrote De Nivernois in reply.[88] + + _The Duke de Nivernois to Louis XV._ + + ‘London, February 17, 1763. + + ‘Sire,—M. D’Eon, Captain in the d’Autichamp regiment of + dragoons, and my Secretary of Embassy, takes to the Duke of + Bedford the ratifications to the Treaty of Peace; it is a + compliment on the part of the King of England. This prince + avails himself with pleasure of a Frenchman for so honourable + and important a mission, and I consider such a step, which is + out of the usual course, as striking evidence of his desire for + unity and cordial relations. I cannot refrain, Sire, upon this + occasion, from bearing witness to the zeal and abilities of M. + D’Eon, and I must truthfully assure your Majesty that he is in + every way most worthy of your Majesty’s protection and favour + as a diplomatist and soldier.’ + +D’Eon attributed his good luck to the kindness of the King of England, +of Lord Bute, Count Viri, the Duke de Nivernois, and to his own +_savoir-faire_. ‘He brings me luck,’ said Louis XV., who received him +warmly, and shortly afterwards conferred upon him the Cross of the Royal +and Military Order of Saint Louis, a gratuity of six thousand livres, and +raised his salary to the maximum of one thousand crowns. De Praslin was +delighted, said D’Eon was a good-looking fellow, a hard worker who had +performed his mission with great diligence, and awarded him a gratuity +of two thousand crowns. Even the Marquise de Pompadour expressed her +satisfaction, in a letter to de Nivernois, at seeing one who it was said +was an excellent person, and had served his King in several countries, +employed to bring the Treaty to France. She considered it a great act of +politeness on the part of the English to entrust him with the Treaty. +She liked the King of England, who was full of candour and humanity, and +possessed every virtue that constituted a good king.[89] + +[Sidenote: THE COUNT DE GUERCHY.] + +It had been arranged from the beginning that the Duke de Nivernois’ +embassage should end with the completion of the negotiations, the +minister nominated to succeed him being the Count de Guerchy, with whom +we are already acquainted. ‘I must do him the justice to say,’ wrote +the British ambassador in Paris, ‘that de Guerchy has a universal good +character as a soldier and a man of honour.’[90] But the Duke of Bedford +was greatly led into error in this estimate of the character of a +nobleman who was selected regardless of any qualification but that of +rank, his strongest recommendation being his marriage with a lady of the +House of Harcourt, and his only claims to the highest ambassadorial post +in the gift of the King being the favour of the Marquise de Pompadour +and a short period of obscure service in the war. He is described by +Gaillardet as one of those gentlemen who live nobly in noble idleness, +who are charitable until their own purse is touched, ostentatious until +called upon to spend, ambitious of high office for the sake of the title, +and of the title for the sake of the emolument; esteeming a good estate +preferable to a good education; and persuaded that one always knows +enough when of good birth, in good health, and possessing a good income. +De Praslin’s own opinion of the man he was about to employ as ambassador +in London is best gathered from what he says of him to de Nivernois:— + + ‘I am still very much concerned about de Guerchy. I am not + sure, however, that we are doing him good service by appointing + him ambassador in London. He is not liked in this country. I + dread his despatches like fire, and you know how defective + despatches disparage a man and his office. A minister is often + judged less by the manner in which he conducts business than + by the account he gives of it. I believe that our dear friend + will do well. I do not think I have anybody better fitted. But + he cannot write at all; we must not deceive ourselves on this + point.’[91] + +De Nivernois was out of health when he accepted the mission to England +at the urgent instance of the King and of his old friend the Count de +Choiseul, shortly afterwards created Duke de Praslin, and he never ceased +to complain of his physical sufferings from the day he began to live +in a climate that did not suit him. He had always hoped to leave ‘his +little D’Eon’ in charge until de Guerchy’s nomination was officially +notified. He trembled for that poor novice in politics when he thought +of the difficulties he should experience in a country where people were +far from being like ordinary men; for this envoy of an absolute monarch, +puzzled and perplexed in all probability at the large distribution of +political power in England, and the number of those who shared in the +responsibilities of government, gave it as his opinion that to conduct +negotiations in the country to which he had been accredited was nothing +short of hard labour! + +We cannot resist quoting here, in their place, a few lines from a letter +of de Praslin to his friend in London, which serve to expose, with what +has already been said, the worth and honesty of purpose of the men who +were directing the affairs of France. + + ‘You make me ill, my dear friend, in continually telling me + that you are so.... it is true that we are both engaged in a + calling that does not suit us; you will soon be out of it, + and I assure you that I should be pleased had I a similar + prospect.’[92] + +[Sidenote: THE DUKE DE PRASLIN’S SUSPICIONS.] + +The opportunity for leaving D’Eon in charge on the departure of the +ambassador seeming to be lost, de Nivernois recommended him for +appointment as Resident, an arrangement desirable in the interests of the +King’s service, and one which would enable de Guerchy to receive such +valuable assistance as no other person but the secretary of Embassy was +qualified to render, for he was fully competent to continue the work he, +the ambassador, had commenced. D’Eon’s presence was preferable to that of +a stranger. Lord Bute had taken a fancy to him, which was saying a great +deal, and was a piece of luck that might not fall to a new-comer. On the +other hand, D’Eon was being informed by M. Sainte Foy, senior clerk at +the Foreign Office, that it was earnestly desired he should remain with +de Guerchy, and yet de Praslin was slow in paying the smallest attention +to de Nivernois’ frequent recommendations in his favour. De Praslin had +his reasons; he doubted D’Eon’s loyalty towards himself, and suspected +him of being in correspondence with the exiled de Broglios. He should +put him to the test, and how this was accomplished shall be related in +D’Eon’s own words:— + + ‘One evening about midnight, towards the end of March, the + Duke de Praslin put me through a kind of interrogatory. Sainte + Foy was a witness. The duke said: “You were at the battle of + Villinghausen, M. D’Eon; tell me all you saw and all you know + with regard to that action.” I did so conscientiously, relating + to him all I saw with my own eyes. My recital not being either + to his taste or to that of the Count de Guerchy, his satellite, + who was present, he interrupted me frequently by stamping his + foot; and rising from his chair he said to me several times: + “I know it to have been the contrary to what you say, and + this from one of my intimate friends who was also there.” He + alluded to the Count de Guerchy. He then looked at Sainte + Foy. At every reply I made, the duke looked cross and gave a + sardonic smile. “But, my dear D’Eon, you surely did not witness + all you relate?” I persisted in assuring him, as I should do + to my life’s end, that I had perfectly well seen and heard + what I had told him. The duke concluded by saying: “It is your + attachment to the de Broglios that makes you speak as you do.” + “Faith, sir!” I replied; “it is my attachment to the truth. You + question me, and I can only tell you what I myself know.” After + we had left the minister, Sainte Foy scolded me in a friendly + way for my want of policy. “My dear D’Eon,” he said, “I fear + you will never make your fortune in this country. Be off to + England as quickly as you can.” “I wish for nothing better,” + was my reply.’[93] + +Eighteen years after the battle of Villinghausen, D’Eon wrote:— + + ‘I maintain in 1779 what I asserted in 1763 at Versailles; + yes, I say and maintain, notwithstanding my regard for the + Prince de Soubise, notwithstanding my contempt for the + Marquise,[94] notwithstanding my indifference as to the good + or evil the Choiseuls may do to me, that had Soubise’s army + actually attacked the enemy on the morning of July 16, 1761, + in compliance with the Marshal de Broglio’s urgent request on + the nights of July 15 and 16 (of which the Chevalier Nort, + aide-de-camp to the Marshal, was the bearer), after the + important advantage obtained by the Marshal at Villinghausen + the evening of the 15th, it was clear to the whole of de + Broglio’s army, with the exception of the cowardly fawners to + the party at that time in power at Court; I say it was clear + that the English and Hanoverian army would have been beaten and + irremediably routed. I am far from being wanting in gratitude + to my protectors and from entertaining the slightest feeling of + hatred towards the Prince de Soubise. I respect his heart-bred + virtues as I do his distinguished birth. Had he been as great + a general as he is brave and attached to his King and country, + and generous towards his friends and enemies, he would be + worthy of being at the head of all the armies of Europe. Too + much kind-heartedness, too much faith in the ignorant and in + those intriguers who were obsequious to him, restrained him a + hundred times, as on the morning of July 16, from executing + what he had wished and what he had already ordered; that is + to say, to advance on the enemy, to attack and defeat him in + concert with the Marshal de Broglio.’[95] + +A few days after his interview with de Praslin, D’Eon was asked +confidentially by the Duchess de Nivernois if he was not in +correspondence with M. de Broglio. ‘No, madam,’ said D’Eon, ‘and I am +sorry for it, as I am very fond of the Marshal de Broglio, but I do not +wish to trouble him with my letters; I am satisfied with writing to him +on each New Year’s Day.’ + +‘I am very glad to hear this for your sake, my dear little friend,’ +continued the duchess. ‘Let me tell you in confidence that intimacy with +the House of de Broglio might be of injury to you at Court, and in the +mind of de Guerchy, your future ambassador.’ + +[Sidenote: THE PRINCE DE SOUBISE.] + +D’Eon had not strayed from the truth, for it was the Count de Broglio, +whose name had not been mentioned in the two conversations just related, +who was his frequent correspondent, and not the marshal, with whom he +communicated but seldom, supplying him with the news of the day, but +chiefly with Court gossip. Speaking of de Soubise in a letter to the +marshal, D’Eon says:— + + ‘’Twere well if the prince fought the enemy single-handed, + because this athlete before girding himself for the fight was + anointed with Court oil only, and it is not adapted to ward off + the blows of an enemy. It might be said—there is a chance of + luck, because the fate of arms is uncertain. This is not true. + The fate of arms is uncertain to a great captain; but to a bad + captain it is always certain.’[96] + +Referring in after years to his interview with de Praslin, on the subject +of the battle of Villinghausen, we find D’Eon saying:— + + ‘They tried to induce or to force me to speak ill of the + Marshal de Broglio and his campaigns. I could not have done + so even had I wished it, because I have always known the + Marshal and his brother to be solely engaged in the interests + of the King’s service, and in all such plans and operations + as should best accrue to the advantage and to the glory of + the French arms, and of those of their allies. The Marshal + practised every military virtue in his own person, and it + was an admirable thing to witness that, although beyond the + reach of all competitors, he contested with himself for glory + of which he sought to deprive his earlier actions, by the + performance of still more brilliant deeds. I have always been + devotedly attached to the late dear Count de Broglio,[97] + not so much because he liked me and because he was the secret + minister of Louis XV., but because I ever found in him the _vir + probus et propositi tenax_ of whom Horace speaks; and this, + notwithstanding his numerous enemies, or, rather, the number + of those who envied him for his merits. Ever as brave in the + Cabinet as on the field, he was at all times faithful to God, + the King, his country, his brave soldiers and his word. When, + in days gone by, we were serving together, and he called me + the _Chevalier Bayard sans peur et sans reproche_, he did so + because he did not know me as thoroughly and as well as I knew + him.’[98] + +On March 30 D’Eon arrived in London, and was on the same day invested +with the Cross of the Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis[99] by +the Duke de Nivernois, at his own request as had been pre-arranged. He +had brought with him some costly presents from his royal master to the +Count Viri, Envoy Extraordinary from the King of Sardinia (well known in +English history as being engaged in secret negotiations with Lord Bute), +in recognition of his valuable services, being the first to mediate for +peace between Great Britain and the two illustrious Houses of Bourbon, +the King’s thanks being conveyed to the Sardinian minister in a letter +from de Praslin.[100] + + + + +CHAPTER V. + + D’Eon becomes Resident and Chargé d’Affaires at the British + Court—Also the King’s special secret agent—Plans for the + invasion of England—Nicknames to secret correspondents—Louis + XV.’s letter to D’Eon on the survey of England—De Pompadour + discovers the secret correspondence—The King’s vexation—D’Eon + advanced to be Minister Plenipotentiary—How he received his + new honours—De Broglio’s anxiety for the safety of the King’s + papers—De Pompadour’s conspiracy to ruin D’Eon—Claims against + the Crown—Letter of State in favour of D’Eon. + + +The appointment, dated April 17, of the Chevalier D’Eon as Resident and +Chargé d’Affaires, relieved de Nivernois of his functions and left him +free to return to his home and ‘get rid of the violent and well-seasoned +cold from which he was suffering—an English cold that seemed to have +no end;’ but he delayed his departure for the purpose of proceeding to +Oxford and receiving the degree of Doctor, _in facultate juris_. The +duke, who had never been in England before, declared the journey had +been most instructive to him. He saw some of the finest things in the +world, was greatly astonished at the general high state of cultivation, +and at the absence of poor people in the districts through which he +travelled—the poorest seemed well to do, and would pass for burgesses +in any small French provincial town. De Nivernois left London in May, +travelling leisurely to Dover, chiefly in consequence of the state of his +health, but also from a wish to see places on the road, and especially +Chatham dockyard, and was no doubt the identical French ambassador of +whom Smollett, who posted over the same ground a week or two later, +relates in one of his letters that he was charged forty pounds by a +knave of a publican at Canterbury for a supper that was not worth forty +shillings! + +On leaving for England, D’Eon had become the secret correspondent of +Louis XV., with whom and with the Count de Broglio and Tercier he was +to communicate, in cypher or otherwise, as occasion might require, his +instructions being similar in every particular to those he received when +on his earliest journey to St. Petersburg in 1755. + +The first duty upon which the Chevalier was engaged in the capacity of +secret agent was to assist in the perfection of a scheme for the invasion +of England, devised by the Count de Broglio, approved by the King, whose +hatred towards England had greatly intensified since the conclusion of +peace, and a task ultimately accomplished to the satisfaction of his +Majesty in the face of numerous difficulties. Two persons were selected +by de Broglio to effect, in concert, the great work in hand—one, the +active agent, was a young officer of Engineers of considerable ability +and established reputation, Carlet de la Rosière, who had served during +the war, and had been attached for a time as aide-de-camp to the Duke de +Broglio. A prisoner of the Prussians, Frederick refused to sanction his +exchange. ‘When an officer of distinction is taken,’ said that monarch, +‘he is retained as long as possible.’[101] The other, the passive agent, +was de la Rosière’s kinsman, the Chevalier D’Eon. The undertaking was +to be completed without the knowledge of any of the King’s ministers, +and besides the two named, one other person only was admitted into the +secret, according to the King’s will. + +[Sidenote: SURVEYS FOR THE INVASION OF ENGLAND.] + + ‘M. Durand,—The Count de Broglio having communicated to me the + ideas you have originated as to the more desirable means to + be employed for resisting the ambition and arrogance of the + English nation, I have approved of the plans he has proposed + to me on this subject, and have ordered him to proceed with + the work. I have enjoined him not to communicate on the matter + with anybody except the Sieur D’Eon and Tercier. But as I am + aware of the knowledge you possess with regard to this object, + and of the service you can render, I desire to send direct + word to you, that you are to work in concert with the Count de + Broglio and the Sieur Tercier in all that concerns this affair, + and that you will communicate to them all you may find having + reference thereto, in the depôt of foreign affairs of which you + are in charge. You will continue to maintain the most profound + secrecy towards everybody, no matter who, with the exception of + the persons named above.[102] + + LOUIS.’ + + ‘June 5, 1763.’ + +Every conceivable precaution was taken to avoid discovery and ensure +success, and that de la Rosière might not incur the smallest risk of +detection by papers of a compromising character being found about his +luggage or person, he was ordered to make his periodical reports orally, +if possible, to the Chevalier D’Eon, who was to note and retain them +within the inviolable precincts of the Embassy, of which he was the +_genius loci_. The King was not indifferent to his own safety. + + _Louis XV. to M. Tercier._ + + ‘... The Sieur de Rozières runs the risk of being arrested + in the course of his researches and travels; I do not wish + that, in such a case, anything in my hand should be found in + his possession; it is my desire, therefore, that he leaves + everything with the Sieur D’Eon, who, being officially + accredited, cannot be arrested in the same manner.’[103] + +The special cypher to be employed being considered scarcely sufficient +security, a nickname was assigned to each person likely to be named in +the correspondence: + + The King _The counsellor._ + Count de Broglio _The deputy._ + M. Tercier _The solicitor._ + M. Durand _Prudence._ + Duke de Nivernois _The honey-tongued._ + Duke de Praslin _The bitter-mouthed._ + Duke de Choiseul _The red lion, or porcelain._[104] + Count de Guerchy _The novice, ram, or horned sheep._ + Chevalier D’Eon _Intrepidity, or the dragoon’s head._[105] + +The Chevalier’s instructions were contained in the following letters:— + + _The Count de Broglio to the Chevalier D’Eon._ + + ‘May 17, 1763. + + ‘I have to thank you for your zeal and friendship towards my + brother and myself, for which we are very grateful; we are only + afraid lest you should follow the impulse of your heart and be + led into taking some step or forming some design that might + prove prejudicial to you, and which we should deeply regret. Be + sure to observe the greatest prudence on this point.... I need + not speak to you of the new ambassador with whom you have to + do, for it appears to me that you have already formed a pretty + correct estimate of his character. I will only add that he + is the most astute man I know, and at the same time the most + mistrustful; you therefore cannot be too much upon your guard + against his suspicious and uneasy disposition. You must make + such arrangements in the house in which you are living as will + secure you from being surprised by him or by any other person, + at such times as you may be engaged in the secret affairs + entrusted to you by the King. Every precaution should be taken + to keep all papers connected therewith entirely separate from + others; and provision should be made for their safety in case + of death or other accident.’ + +The count recommended D’Eon to invite his cousin, D’Eon de Mouloise, +to stay with him, so that in the event of any unforeseen circumstance +he might give him charge of the correspondence, with the strictest +injunctions not to pass it on to any person whatsoever, and more +especially not to de Guerchy. The count concluded by recommending to +D’Eon’s protection the Marquis de la Rosière— + + ‘whose governor I appoint you.... It only remains for me to + testify to the pleasure I experience in having you for one of + my lieutenants, on service of such importance as is likely to + contribute to the prosperity and glory of the nation....’[106] + + * * * * * + + _Louis XV. to the Chevalier D’Eon._ + + ‘The Sieur D’Eon will receive through the Count de Broglio or + M. Tercier, my orders on the surveys to be made in England, + whether on the coasts or in the interior of that country, and + he will comply with the instructions he will receive to that + end, as if he received them direct from me. It is my desire + that he shall observe the greatest secrecy in this affair, and + that he will not make any communications thereon to any person + living, not even to any ministers wheresoever they may be. + + ‘He will receive a special cypher for corresponding on this + subject, under cover of addresses to be indicated to him by the + Count de Broglio or the Sieur Tercier, and he will communicate + to them, by means of this cypher, all the information he is + able to obtain on the designs of England, as regards Russia and + Poland, the North, and the whole of Germany, so far as will, + in his opinion, conduce to the interests of my service, of his + zeal and attachment to which I am sensible.’[107] + + ‘Versailles, June 3, 1763.’ + +De Praslin failed, as we have seen, to incriminate the Chevalier in a +correspondence with the exiled de Broglios, but it so happened that +shortly after receiving the duke’s report of his midnight interview +with D’Eon, on the subject of the battle of Villinghausen, de Pompadour +obtained certain information tending to confirm her suspicions, without, +however, affording sufficiently tangible evidence. Unsuccessful in +securing this, whichever way she directed the scrutiny of those at Court +too pliant to her will, her spirit of malevolence impelled her not to +stop short of anything in the attainment of her wishes. + + ‘The delightful discovery,’ says D’Eon, ‘was made by the + fair Marquise de Pompadour, who, one evening in June 1763, + relieved the pocket of her lover, as he lay fast asleep, + of several papers, amongst which was a letter from me in + cypher, deciphered, signed _Auguste_. To rid himself of the + importunate questions of this second Maintenon, Louis XV. + simply replied: “It is from a woman of letters who is of no + importance in England, and who has my permission to give me + special news.” This new Herodias—inquisitive, restless, jealous + and piqued—with the aid of the enlightened Duke de Choiseul + fixed her suspicions on me; and as she could not have my head + brought by her daughter on a charger, had recourse to one of + her worthless adulators,[108] who readily undertook to dispose + of me by poison, and thus possess himself of all my letters as + he would have the right to do, in the position of ambassador + which he was about to occupy in London.’ + +[Sidenote: BETRAYED TO THE MARQUISE.] + +D’Eon attributed de Pompadour’s attention being directed towards himself +to the action of an informer with whom he had long been acquainted. We +quote his own narrative:— + + ‘During the time that the negotiations in support of the + pretensions of the Prince de Conti to the throne of Poland and + to the hand of the Empress Elizabeth were being conducted, a + secret correspondence had been organised between the King, the + Prince, M. Tercier, the Count Woronzoff, the Chevalier Douglas, + and myself. The Sieur Monin, private secretary to the Prince de + Conti, was not only privy to it, but was also the most active + agent at work with the Chevalier Douglas, in behalf of myself, + and of M. Tercier who had unlimited confidence in him. M. + Tercier, the most honest of men, and who fancied that everybody + else was like himself, had concealed nothing from friend Monin. + He had frequently shown him, in my presence, the various + communications received from ambassadors and ministers, whether + in Poland or in Russia. Unhappily, friend Monin had formerly + been tutor to the Count de Guerchy, who had received from him + his fine education, and in token of gratitude to the Prince de + Conti, the Count de Guerchy turned this counsellor over to him. + Monin, in his turn, wishing to testify to his own gratitude, + considered it his duty to apprise the Count de Guerchy of + what he knew concerning me, so soon as his pupil had become + an ambassador and he himself was aware of the inquisition + instituted by Madame de Pompadour. He declared to de Guerchy + that I had been for a long time in secret correspondence with + the King, and that he strongly suspected me of being a link + in the mysterious chain which united the House of Broglio to + the sovereign. Count de Guerchy lost no time in communicating + his conjectures to his friend of thirty years’ standing, the + Duke de Praslin, who passed them on to Madame de Pompadour. + She resolved upon verifying them, and employed every effort + to ascertain the truth; but neither the woman’s cunning, nor + the caresses of the mistress, nor the stratagems of ministers, + were able to wrench the secret from the King, and de Pompadour + determined upon resorting to other measures. She had noticed + that Louis XV. habitually carried about him the small golden + key of an elegant piece of furniture, a sort of escritoire, + in his private apartments. Never could the favourite succeed, + even in moments of her greatest influence, in obtaining access + to this piece of furniture. It was a kind of sanctuary, + a holy ark, the refuge, as if a place of exile, of the + sovereign’s wishes. Louis XV. no longer reigned except over + this escritoire. He remained king of this article of furniture + only; it was the sole portion of his states wherein he had not + allowed the courtesan to trespass and defile; the only jewel + of his crown he had not laid at her feet. “It contains State + papers!” This was his reply to her frequent questions, his + laconic and decisive refusal to all her solicitations. Now + those were no other papers than the Count de Broglio’s and my + own correspondence. The Marquise was mistrustful. Besides, it + was enough that access to the escritoire should be forbidden + to make her the more anxious to get at the inside of it. To + her policy and hatred was united the feeling of curiosity; + forbidden fruit has irresistible charms to a woman. This is + a fact since the beginning of the world, and will be to the + end.’[109] + +[Sidenote: THE MARQUISE’S CURIOSITY SATISFIED.] + +After relating de Pompadour’s act for satisfying her cupidity, the +Chevalier continues:— + + ‘From that day my ruin was resolved upon. I was pointed out to + the Duke de Praslin and the Count de Guerchy as an enemy, and + I should, no doubt, have incurred immediate disgrace if the + favourite’s first object had not been to possess herself of + the correspondence and papers in my possession. From that time + were lavished upon me delusive attentions alternately with + real vexations, the preludes of the enormities and villainies + about to follow. The Count de Guerchy had been recommended to + practise dissimulation until such time as he should be with me + in England; but the inexperienced diplomatist was unable to + restrain himself from being overbearing and insulting towards a + man whom he considered as hopelessly lost. The secret confided + to him showed itself through all the wretched vexations with + which he annoyed me upon the slightest pretext, and I should + have guessed it, had not M. Tercier spared me the trouble, + in making the following revelation, under date of June 10: + “The King sent for me this morning; I found him very pale and + very agitated. He told me in an unusual tone of voice that he + feared the secret of our correspondence had been violated. + He related that having sat down to a _tête-à-tête_ supper + with Madame de Pompadour a few days ago, he became drowsy + after having slightly indulged, the Marquise, he thought, not + being altogether innocent in the matter. She took advantage + of his nap to relieve him of the key of a particular piece of + furniture[110] which his Majesty keeps closed to everybody, and + in this way made herself acquainted with your relations with + the Count de Broglio. His Majesty suspects this from the state + of confusion in which he has found his papers. I am accordingly + commanded to require you to observe the greatest prudence + and the greatest discretion in your intercourse with his + ambassador, who is about to leave for London and who, he has + reason to believe, is entirely devoted to the Duke de Praslin + and Madame de Pompadour. His Majesty has also declared most + positively that he should never have decided upon sending him + to England if he had not entirely relied upon you.”’[111] + +The Chevalier’s nomination as Resident at the Court of St. James’ was +succeeded by that, on May 31, of Mr. Neville, in succession to the Duke +of Bedford, as Resident and Chargé d’Affaires at the French Court, the +same rank with which D’Eon was invested, and with whom Neville was placed +in every respect on the same footing. D’Eon had been received by George +III., but when, in due course, Neville demanded an audience, he was +informed by the ‘Introducteur des Ambassadeurs’ that there never was an +instance of a resident having had an audience to present his credentials. +Neville pressed his rights until, finding it impossible to approach the +King, he reported the difficulty of his situation. De Praslin had in the +meantime given official intimation to the above effect to Lord Egremont +through D’Eon, and afterwards suggested as a means out of the dilemma +that Neville should be accredited minister plenipotentiary, the lowest +rank that could be received at the French Court. Lord Egremont quickly +reminded the French ministers that since a resident could not be received +in audience at the Court of France, they should have better considered +their action when making such an appointment. The error was theirs, and +it was for them to rectify it by being the first to appoint a minister +plenipotentiary, in which case England could reciprocate. An active +interchange of letters between the two ministers, from June 13 to July +22, resulted to the great advantage of D’Eon, who received new credential +letters giving him the character of minister plenipotentiary, in which +quality he was again presented to the King of England; after which, other +credentials were furnished to Neville, then for the first time received +by his Most Catholic Majesty.[112] + +[Sidenote: A FAVOURITE IN ENGLISH SOCIETY.] + +We have reached that period of D’Eon’s life—he was but in his +thirty-fifth year—when he had become minister plenipotentiary from France +at the Court of Great Britain; he had obtained the coveted knighthood +of Saint Louis; he was the secret correspondent of Louis XV., and the +secret agent of his Majesty and of the Count de Broglio in the drafting +of plans for the invasion of England. Numerous congratulations poured +in upon him, among them being those of Count Woronzoff and the Marquis +de l’Hôpital, his fellow-workers in Russia. How he took his promotion +appears in the following letter—a free and outspoken denunciation of what +he felt might be in store for him—to the man he most esteemed and loved. + + _D’Eon to the Count de Broglio._ + + ‘Providence rewards me above my merits; it is useless for + me to shut out fortune; she razes walls to get at me. When + I say fortune, I do not mean wealth, for you know that our + minister is more than economical; but by fortune I mean + honour, preferment. You are aware of my latest promotion in + the diplomatic service, for which I neither sought nor asked. + A fortuitous chance gave birth to it, another chance will + destroy it. I will be none the less the slave of events. You + will take notice that I frankly speak the truth when necessary, + and whether it be found good or bad, I will go on my own way, + and it is quite immaterial to me whether I be retained or sent + about my business. I look upon fortune as my waiting-woman, and + on truth as my mistress, and it will ever make me sick at heart + to have to do my duty under certain chiefs; you understand + me. They would turn the course of events to their own special + advantage, or to their private views; it is precisely in this + that lies what is revolting to my sense of truth, and many take + for pride what is but integrity of heart and purpose.’[113] + +The Chevalier was greatly liked in English society, and had become a +favourite of good George III. We find him included by Horace Walpole +amongst the distinguished guests at the Strawberry Hill breakfast +given to Madame de Boufflers, and his countrymen were proud of their +representative; but a storm was gathering which was about to engulf him, +and turn the tide of his fortunes, so brilliant at the outset, in a +completely different direction. + +The Count de Broglio’s apprehensions for the safety of de la Rosière’s +reports and other private papers of the King, increased as the time of +de Guerchy’s departure for England drew nigh. In his restless anxiety, +he instructed D’Eon to remove himself and every private document in +his charge from the French Embassy, before the ambassador made his +appearance, to apartments where they should be absolutely beyond his +interference and reach. Any excuse would do to account for his change +of residence, and he was recommended to take to live with him either +of his kinsmen, D’Eon de Mouloise or Carlet de la Rosière, who would +be valuable protection against any attempt at a surprise, and trusty +substitutes in the event of any unforeseen accident to himself; in fact, +every precaution was to be taken to prevent the secret correspondence +from falling into the hands of strangers, and especially of the King’s +ambassador and ministers. In a few days the precious documents were +securely deposited in a house in Dover Street, to which D’Eon removed +immediately upon the arrival of the Count de Guerchy. + +So thoroughly was the secret maintained that after four months even the +late ambassador, the Duke de Nivernois, who was on the most intimate +and friendly terms with all at Court, expressed his surprise at D’Eon’s +having quitted the Embassy. ‘Why do you always wish to live by yourself +and remain in loneliness?’ he wrote; ‘how can you live separated from +your work, and where can your work be, but under the ambassador’s roof?’ +The Chevalier quotes Psalm cii. 7, and adds cynically: ‘I prefer the +solitude of my little library to the society of the great. Men are not +good for much. Knaves or fools; so much for three-fourths of them; as +for the other fourth, they stay at home.’ + +[Sidenote: D’EON’S FALL DECREED.] + +The Marquise de Pompadour had condemned the Chevalier D’Eon for acts +he had not committed—he had not betrayed his connection with the de +Broglios, he refused to betray the King his master—both ever existing +grievances in her mind, and she decreed his fall and disgrace. Men +willing to stoop to do her will, and sufficiently powerful to carry it +out, were not wanting at Versailles. With such as the Duke de Praslin, +the Count d’Argental, and the Count de Guerchy, pretexts could never +fail, and the Chevalier’s epistolary dissensions with de Praslin on +certain monetary claims against the State, which he honestly persisted +in making, as also his just resentment of de Guerchy’s censures on what +the latter considered excessive outlay at his expense, during the term of +D’Eon’s office as French representative in London, readily made up the +sum of heavy charges wherewith to crush him. We would avoid anticipating +events, but let us say here, that designs even on the life of the +minister plenipotentiary were contemplated by two, at the least, of the +triumvirate which had bound itself to wreck him.[114] + +When D’Eon was first sent on secret service to Russia, he had to contract +a loan of ten thousand livres on his own account to meet his expenses. +Ordered by M. Rouillé, Minister for Foreign Affairs, when despatched +to Russia for the second time officially, to remain with the Chevalier +Douglas until the arrival of the ambassador, Douglas considered it +desirable, in view of the coming changes, that D’Eon’s application for +reimbursement should not be made except to his own Court, feeling +persuaded that sooner or later his claim would be acknowledged by the +latter. Acquiescing in this, D’Eon deferred pressing for money, and +contented himself by zealously carrying out what he knew to be the wishes +of M. Rouillé, who had frequently and authoritatively promised him +promotion and rewards, should the mission upon which he was employed turn +out a success; but upon his return to France that minister was no longer +in office, and when he solicited the Cardinal de Bernis and the Duke de +Choiseul for a settlement, was met by each with the reply, ‘You should +have obtained payment of my predecessor.’ + +[Sidenote: CREDITORS KEPT AT BAY.] + +From the time that de Praslin, as Count de Choiseul, had succeeded his +cousin, the Duke de Choiseul, in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, +D’Eon took frequent occasion to remind him of his entangled situation, +arising from having to pay interest on the original loan of ten thousand +livres expended in the interests of the Crown. His debt had increased +to fifteen thousand livres, and he found himself seriously compromised +and threatened by his creditors, with no prospect whatever, considering +his own limited resources, of being able to satisfy their just demands. +Having settled his small property on his mother, he was entirely +dependent on his own exertions, and, notwithstanding the estimation in +which his services were held, he had always been kept a poor man. His +salary as secretary of Embassy in Russia never exceeded three thousand +livres, and even that was reduced to one thousand crowns upon the Duke +de Choiseul assuming office. When on leave of absence from his regiment, +awaiting orders to proceed to St. Petersburg, his pay was stopped; and +as secretary of Embassy in London he was in receipt of three thousand +livres only. ‘Three thousand livres a year,’ wrote de Nivernois to de +Praslin, when pressing the Chevalier’s claims to greater consideration, +‘does not go so far in London as would fifteen thousand livres in +Paris. These are but the wages of an ordinary clerk ... his salary +should be more in accordance with the style of living in England, where +everything is singularly expensive.’ De Praslin was not to be moved, +and yet what stronger proof was needed of his sense of the wrongs under +which D’Eon was suffering, and of the recognised serious nature of his +embarrassments, than is to be found in the singular document supplied to +him as protection in France against arrest and detention, at a moment +when he was required to proceed to Versailles, with the ratifications to +the Treaty of Peace. + + _LETTER OF STATE, in favour of the Sieur D’Eon de Beaumont._ + + ‘LOUIS, by the grace of God, King of France and of Navarre, to + our well-beloved and trusty Councillors, the bodies holding our + Courts of Parliament, the Grand Council, the Court of Aids, + ordinary Requests of our House and of our Palaces, Bailiffs, + Seneschals, Prevosts, Judges, their Lieutenants, and all other + our Officers and Justiciaries whom it may concern, Greeting. + Our dear and well-beloved Charles, Geneviève, Louis, Auguste, + André, Timothée D’Eon de Beaumont, captain in the regiment + of the d’Autichamp dragoons, Censor Royal, and Secretary of + our Embassy in England, being at present in London in the + performance of the functions of his office, and unable, in + consequence, to attend to his own private affairs: We desire + and command by these presents, signed with our hand, that all + and each of the actions at civil law instituted, or about to + be instituted before you, in which he shall appear, whether + as plaintiff or as defendant, shall be holden by you, as they + are holden by Us, in their present state and in suspension for + the space of six months, during which time We very expressly + forbid you to have any knowledge thereon, or that you take + any proceedings thereon, under pain of nullity, annulment + of procedure and of all expenses, damages, indemnities, and + interests. We also desire and require that all processes + moved, or about to be moved, in our Council concerning his + civil interests, be and remain in suspension for the said + term, during which we also forbid his accusers, under the said + penalties, to take any proceedings; nevertheless, it is not our + intention to derogate in the least degree, by these presents, + from the declaration of the twenty-third December, one thousand + seven hundred and two, containing general instructions as to + Letters of State, and which we require to be observed and + executed according to their form and tenour. We command our + principal usher or sergeant, upon being required, to issue in + execution of these presents all summonses, notification, and + other requisite and necessary acts without asking further leave + or permission. For such is our pleasure. Given at Versailles, + the twenty-second February, in the year of grace one thousand + seven hundred and sixty-three, and the forty-eighth of our + reign. + + ‘LOUIS.’ + + ‘In the King’s name. + + ‘CHOISEUL, DUKE DE PRASLIN.’ + +[Sidenote: A ‘CHURLISH’ LETTER.] + +Pursued and worried by his creditors at home and abroad, and in despair +at the extremities to which he was being reduced, the Chevalier lost all +control over himself in his communications with the Foreign Minister, +who, he considered, had failed to keep his word. + + ‘You were good enough to hold out hopes of payment being made + to me, when I was leaving for Paris with the ratifications to + the Treaty of Peace. I have been paying interest for nearly + nine years, on the money I borrowed to enable me to serve the + King in the extreme north, when nobody dared to go there.... + The appointment of Minister Plenipotentiary, for which I never + asked, has certainly not turned my head, thanks to a little + philosophy; it has only involved me in heavier expenses.... + If the affairs of the King are in a bad state, mine are going + from bad to worse.... Soon I shall complete ten years’ service + as a diplomatist, without having become richer or sharper.... + I have incurred debts to the amount of 20,000 livres for + having dabbled in politics.... I entreat you to decide upon + my present and future prospects, and upon the favours I am to + expect from your sense of justice; otherwise, I admit to you + frankly, Monsieur le Duc, it will be impossible to carry on + the war at my expense, during a time of peace.... If you are + not good enough to think of me, I will die of consumption[115] + instead of dying of molten grease as was the case with ——. I do + not ask to be fattened at the King’s expense; I only wish for + sufficient flesh to keep body and soul together.’ + +A friendly note of reproof from his late chief, de Nivernois, for having +written so ‘churlish’ a letter to de Praslin, was met by D’Eon’s regret +that his ‘churlish’ letter had given cause for vexation. The truths he +exposed, and the integrity of his demands, were not intended to vex two +just and enlightened ministers.... He respectfully demanded justice of +a minister he respected ... he respected the minister’s economy that +refused to pay his debts, but he respected much more his justice that +should pay them. So soon as he received the money, he would become as +meek as a paschal lamb. + + ‘If you are curious to know,’ continued the Chevalier, ‘what is + passing in this country, the accounts are too long to repeat + here, see my letters to the Duke de Praslin, and if you can + then say I am an idle fellow, I will ask nothing more of the + minister. When one serves the King well, one should at least + have the wherewithal to meet the little liabilities incurred in + unbounded zeal for his service.’[116] + + ‘D’EON, + ‘_Ne variatur_.’ + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + + D’Eon charged with extravagance at the Embassy—Irritating + correspondence—Influx of French visitors—Odious proposal + to D’Eon—Is to return to subordinate duties on being + superseded—His remonstrances—The Earl of Hertford—The Count + de Guerchy’s arrival in England, and D’Eon’s letters of + recall—Secret despatch from Louis XV.—Official recall on the + plea of mental alienation—Disregard of the ministerial orders. + + +[Sidenote: IRRITATING CORRESPONDENCE.] + +Simultaneously with the griefs that were being so vigorously laid +before de Praslin, the Chevalier was indulging in a brisk interchange +of letters with de Guerchy, in which he vindicated himself with no +little dexterity against the charges of wanton extravagance as host at +the embassy in London, for the general maintenance of which the count +was solely responsible, the liberal allowance of a minister at one of +the first Courts in Europe being enjoyed by him, though only ambassador +_in petto_, and not by the minister plenipotentiary _in situ_. The +spirit of satire and sarcasm in which D’Eon had latterly indited his +letters to both those ministers was more than either could bear with; +but, forgetting their dignity in the face of what, after all, was gross +insubordination, they gave way to a feeling of resentment, the former +in admonitions and threats, after receipt of the ‘churlish’ note; the +latter, by being offensive and insulting, and persisting in peevish +and unbecoming lamentations on the frequent requisitions to which his +pocket was subjected. We cannot undertake to reproduce in full the +mutual recriminations, brimming with scorn, that brought to a close the +unseemly paper war which irrevocably sealed the fate of the Chevalier +D’Eon; but we must at least find room for a few of the ugly things that +were said by the strong, as well as by him who was on the defensive, and +whom they were deliberately luring to his destruction. + + _The Duke de Praslin to the Chevalier D’Eon._ + + ‘Paris, September 17, 1763. + + ‘Sir,—I never could have believed that the title of Minister + Plenipotentiary would cause you so quickly to forget the point + whence you have started, and I had no reason to expect that + your aspirations would increase in proportion as you received + new favours.... I cannot conceive the necessity for the + extraordinary outlay at the expense of the Count de Guerchy, + and which is quite out of place. I do not conceal from you my + displeasure at your having involved in so great expenditure one + to whom I am attached, and in whom I take such an interest, and + who trusted in you on my recommendation.... I hope that you + will take better care of other people’s money for the future, + and that you will endeavour to be as useful to him as you have + been to the Duke de Nivernois, &c. &c.’ + +This and much more was irritating matter enough, and might perhaps have +been borne with patience by the Chevalier; but one other paragraph there +was which placidly gave him the lie, and banished all hopes of relief +out of his financial difficulties, so long as de Praslin remained at the +Foreign Ministry. + + ‘I gave you no reason to expect the reimbursement of your + former journey to Russia, because three of my predecessors upon + whom you made a similar demand had not, it appeared, found it + legitimate.’ + +[Sidenote: CLAIMS UPON THE STATE.] + +It was not in D’Eon’s nature to receive this prevaricating statement with +composure. He was not sufficiently cool-headed to make a perfectly good +courtier. Smarting under insult and what he considered undeserved injury, +he relieved his agitated mind in emphatic language such as this:— + + ‘London, September 25, 1763. + + ‘I received, the day before yesterday, the private letter + you did me the honour to write to me on the 17th inst.; I + can only look upon it as a Testament _ab irato_.[117] _The + point whence I started_, when very young, was my native town, + Tonnerre, where I have a small property and a house fully + six times larger than that occupied in London by the Duke de + Nivernois. _The point whence I started_, in 1756, was the Hôtel + d’Ons-en-Bray, Rue de Bourbon, Faubourg St. Germain. I am the + friend of the owner of that mansion, and I left him, against + his will, to make three journeys to Russia and to other Courts + in Europe, to join the army, to come to England, to bring four + or five treaties to Versailles, not as a courier, but as a man + who had contributed to the framing of them. I have frequently + travelled although sick to death, and upon one occasion with a + broken leg; nevertheless, I am prepared to return to _the point + whence I started_, if such be my fate. I can only certify, as + a geometrician, that all points proceed from and should meet + in a common centre. _The points whence I started_ are those of + being a gentleman, a soldier, and a secretary of embassy; all + so many _points_ which naturally lead to becoming a minister at + foreign courts. The first gives a claim, the second strengthens + consciousness and endues with the necessary firmness for such + a post, but the third is the school for it. I acquitted myself + so creditably in the latter, according to your own judgment, + Monsieur le Duc, as to merit reward.... But whatever may have + been _the point whence I started_, the King, my master, having + chosen me to represent him, I should have forgotten everything, + and kept in sight only the _point_ I have reached. This is my + rule of right, and you will remind me of it if I forget it.... + I venture to assure you, that you were good enough to promise + that you would again inquire into the matter of my first + journey to Russia, and that you should do me justice.... At + Vienna you told me that were you minister I should very soon + be paid ... you repeated your promise the last time I had the + honour of dining with you at Versailles ... the Duchess was + present.... I reminded you that I had been paying interest for + nearly nine[118] years on 10,000 livres borrowed for my first + Muscovite journey. The Duchess’ heart was touched, and she said + to you: “Really you should see that poor M. D’Eon, who has + served his King so well, is paid.” You, also, were touched, + and kindly replied: “I will make inquiries. I should be very + glad to see that he is paid, but how is it to be done!” That + same evening I left for England, and have remained crushed ever + since under the burden of my debts.... It is no proof that my + claims are groundless, because your predecessors failed to + do me justice. They succeeded each other in office with such + rapidity, as rarely to have had time to inquire into the many + matters on hand, and it is precisely because they failed in + their justice towards me, that I seek it at your hands.... + Whether you be pleased or displeased, Monsieur le Duc, I will + respectfully continue to appeal to your sense of justice ... + and I will not cease to serve the King with my wonted zeal.... + I respect your economy which is not disposed to pay my debts, + but I have greater regard for your justice, which should pay + them ... for mercy’s sake let me be paid my first expenses to + Russia, that I may satisfy my creditors ...;’ then, defending + himself against the charge of extravagance, he says: ‘Life and + style of living in Paris is very different to what both are in + London ... my accounts should be seen and examined.... I defy + any housekeeper to find in my accounts a single item of useless + expenditure of fifteen or twenty guineas throughout.... I have + never been at the head of any house except that of my father, + and in a twelvemonth it came to grief.... If you desire to know + me, Monsieur le Duc, I tell you frankly that I am of use only + for thinking, imagining, questioning, reflecting, comparing, + reading, writing, or to run from east to west, from north to + south, to fight on hill and dale. Had I lived in the time of + Alexander or of Don Quixote, I should certainly have been + Parmenion or Sancho Panza. If you remove me out of my element, + I will squander the entire revenue of France in the course of a + twelvemonth without committing a single folly, and afterwards + present you with an able treatise on economy....’ + +One extract, I think, suffices as an illustration of the general +character of de Guerchy’s letters to D’Eon:— + + ‘Jouy, September 4, 1763. + + ‘... The Duke de Nivernois informs me that he has lately + written to you on the subject of your communication, having + reference to the position to which chance has called you, and + to your wishes therewith so soon as I shall have arrived in + London.... I have shown the accounts you have sent to the Duke + de Praslin ... we find the expenditure excessive, the half of + my emoluments having been consumed ... nobody here expects + you to keep up any state.... I do not approve of the numerous + gratuities with which I am charged, and do not hold myself + responsible for them....’ + +[Sidenote: PLENIPOTENTIARY _v._ AMBASSADOR.] + + _D’Eon’s Reply._ + + ‘London, September 25, 1763. + + ‘... I take the liberty of observing to you on the subject of + _the position to which chance has called me_, that Solomon said + a long time ago—everything here below was chance, opportunity, + good luck, happiness, and misfortune, and that I am more than + ever persuaded Solomon was a great preacher. I will modestly + add that _the chance_ which gave the title of minister + plenipotentiary to a man who has negotiated successfully + during the past ten years, was in probability not one of the + most mistaken. What has come to me by _chance_ might come to + another by _good luck_. He who becomes a minister or ambassador + by _chance_ can never countenance arrangements repugnant to + himself, without giving but a poor idea of his heart and + mind.... I am sorry that the expenditure should seem heavy, + but it has been indispensable.... I appeal to ample written + testimony to this effect ... there is a large staff here to + be paid and boarded at the expense of the coming ambassador + ... the _chance_ which created me a minister should have been + at the same time charitable enough to guarantee to me some + kind of condition, because a minister who keeps no state is a + being that has never existed.... I have been obliged to assume + to myself certain state, just as all bodies take position + according to respective gravitation. Not feeling the least + remorse, I must be proof against reproach.... A man, no matter + who, can only form an estimate of himself, even so far as his + opinion goes, by comparing himself to one or more other men. + There are several proverbs which serve to prove the truth of + this. It is commonly said: _He is as stupid as any thousand—he + is as wicked as any four—he is as shabby as any ten—men._ This + is the only scale by which we can be guided, except in certain + cases where men measure themselves by women. An ambassador, + no matter who, may be worth half a man, a whole man, twenty, + a thousand, or ten thousand men. It is necessary to determine + how a minister plenipotentiary, who is a captain of dragoons, + and has completed ten political campaigns (without counting + campaigns in the field), stands relatively to an ambassador who + is a lieutenant-general, and is making his début. Admitting + proportions to be one to ten, the assessment would always be in + favour of the minister plenipotentiary, papers being at hand, + C.Q.F.D. Everybody will understand that domestics, horses, and + secretaries have consumed and continue to consume the same + amount of food under the management of the Plenipotentiary + D’Eon as under that of the Duke de Nivernois. They have + remained ever since under the same sky and with an equally good + appetite.... There are occasions upon which gratuities must be + distributed.... I had to do so on delivering my credentials, + first as resident, then as minister plenipotentiary—on the + King’s birthday, the day the Queen gave birth to Prince + Frederick, and on the anniversary of the King’s coronation. + You must give people something, otherwise they refuse to leave + the door, make an abominable row, and end with obscene dances. + Happily, I am a bachelor; but you will have to see to this when + you arrive....’ + +In another letter to de Guerchy, the Chevalier writes:— + + ‘I dined with Lord Hertford to-day and met the diplomatic + corps, Lords Sandwich and March, and several other + noblemen.... Yesterday, the day of St. Louis, Lords Hertford + and March did me the honour to call at the embassy with several + illustrious Scotsmen, amongst them David Hume, who will ever + be the ornament and glory of his country. Some members of the + diplomatic corps had thought proper to tell me that they would + call at the French Embassy to celebrate the day of St. Louis. I + did not invite, I did not refuse to receive them, and I gave no + extraordinary reception. If the minister finds fault with this, + I am not to blame.... I could not have acted otherwise.’ + +Unyielding as the Duke de Broglie shows himself to be in his general +condemnation of D’Eon, we find him admitting[119] that French persons +of distinction abounded in London during several months after the +re-establishment of peace, all eager to visit the country so little known +and until then so little understood, and whose customs and literature +had only just been brought into fashion by Voltaire and Montesquieu. It +became the rage, as sometimes happens with society in Paris; and the idea +that they were rendering homage to conquerors did not restrain any of the +generation of that day, more interested in political and philosophical +innovations than in national honour. The Countess de Boufflers[120] had +given the signal, arriving with a number of literary people in her train. + + ‘I was obliged,’ again wrote D’Eon, ‘to acquit myself of my + duty to the Countess de Boufflers, a thousand times more of a + philosopher and more learned than I am, and quite a match for + any academician; as well as to other persons of quality in + London, without including Duclos, de la Condamine, Le Camus, + Lalande, &c.’ + +[Sidenote: AN ODIOUS PROPOSAL.] + +Mistrustful, too, of the Chevalier’s veracity, the Duke de Broglie +informs his readers that until he had seen the original letter to de +Guerchy, dated September 25, in the official archives, he could not +believe in the authenticity of the copy published by D’Eon himself in +his ‘Lettres, Mémoires et Négotiations Particulières,’ the work to which +we are frequently having recourse. The duke’s, and our own readers, will +perhaps feel inclined to sympathise with his grace’s amazement at D’Eon’s +audacity in holding such language towards his superiors, until they learn +the vantage afforded by a vitiated and unscrupulous minister, when he +again insulted the Chevalier by seeking his co-operation in an odious and +dishonourable transaction. De Guerchy’s complaints of the Chevalier’s +extravagance as his _locum tenens_ became so loud and frequent that an +idea—a most foul idea—was conceived by de Praslin for making good the +supposed losses sustained by his old friend. Incredible as it appeared +at the time, de Nivernois lent something more than his countenance in +support, for it was he who first proposed it to D’Eon. His letter bore +three dates, September 9, 10 and 11, which the Chevalier interpreted by +saying that the late ambassador’s hand had refused its office twice, +even his ink-horn had shrunk from him, until at last his noble heart had +humbled itself to please old friends—the minister and ambassador. + + ‘... Give me leave to tell you, my dear friend,’ wrote de + Nivernois after a three days’ struggle with his conscience, + ‘that you are wrong in dissipating nearly one-half of M. de + Guerchy’s monthly allowances. But it is not enough to find + fault, we must appeal to facts and find a remedy.... I think + that a gratuity, be it in your name or in that of M. de + Guerchy, but in either case for his benefit, will serve to fill + up the gap made by your dinners, and nothing more will be said + on the matter....’ ‘There are remedies that are worse than + the disease,’ was the Chevalier’s reply, also of September + 25: ‘Are not those you propose, Monsieur le Duc, of this + kind? ... _application to be made to the King for a gratuity + in my behalf, but which is to be for the benefit of another + man’s pocket_! I could not conscientiously agree to such an + expedient, unless I were furnished with a duly legalised + receipt; for I am a man of order, and think it preferable to + leave open the gap made by my dinners rather than to stop it + up with such a plug.... I will never consent to the King being + asked for a gratuity in my name for the benefit of another....’ + +So far as the Chevalier was personally concerned, he felt that all he had +to reproach in the Duke de Nivernois was the Italian shrewdness of his +great-uncle the Cardinal Mazarin, and the extreme weakness and tenderness +of his poor nerves and understanding. He thought the duke must have +been endowed to a marvellous extent with a natural fund of honesty, for +it was a wonderful fact that, although he had been the friend of three +illustrious rascals during the past thirty years, the purity of his soul +had never become contaminated by so long and so close a friendship, by +so foul and unnatural an alliance. The astounding virtue of the amiable +duke reminded him of that of St. Ives. _Sanctus Ivo erat advocatus et non +latro. O res miranda!_[121] + +One other mortification, the climax to the persecution he was undergoing, +the Chevalier was about to endure, and when we shall have become +acquainted with it, there will no longer be room for surprise at the bold +and unflinching attitude he had been assuming, and at the factious spirit +in which he had been addressing his superiors. + +[Sidenote: DISCOURAGING INTELLIGENCE.] + +When the Chevalier’s credentials as Resident reached England, de +Nivernois, perceiving that his _protégé’s_ mission was to end with the +appearance of a new ambassador, took occasion to express himself in +unmistakable terms to de Praslin on the unfairness of the arrangement, +and urged, considering the past valuable services of his secretary and +the conditions upon which he had accepted his appointment the preceding +autumn, that promotion, to which he was fully entitled, should be +permanent. Never ceasing to concern himself in all that related to ‘his +little D’Eon,’ de Nivernois, although no longer ambassador, continued +his exertions long after returning to France, with the success only of +receiving intimation from the minister that the Chevalier was shortly +to become minister plenipotentiary, when he should have to abandon his +old claim to travelling expenses in Russia; but that upon de Guerchy’s +arrival he must return to his duties as secretary of Embassy. Whatever +the occasion, however, of the ambassador’s absence from his post in +the future, D’Eon should be left in charge with the temporary rank of +resident; and this was all he could expect. Feeling how unpalatable +such news would be, de Nivernois earnestly recommended the Chevalier to +accept the situation and hope for better days. It was true that in again +becoming secretary after having been minister plenipotentiary, he was +descending from a bishopric to become a miller, but millers who had been +bishops were not to be found by the dozen! He warned him against further +disposition to rebel, repeating what he had already said more than once: +‘I know the man with whom you will have to deal’—an opinion of de Guerchy +much of the same substance as that expressed by the Count de Broglio. + +It was very singular, thought the Chevalier, that when engaged in +war he was at peace with everybody, but since he had toiled at the +re-establishment of peace, he seemed to be at war with everybody. + + _The Chevalier D’Eon to the Duke de Nivernois._ + + ‘August 1, 1763. + + ‘... This is a difficult and an impossible negotiation, and + when I had the honour to tell you that I considered the + rank of Minister Plenipotentiary to be a misfortune, rather + than a benefit, I was right. I never sought the title nor + did I wish for it. It was bestowed upon me, and having been + obliged to assume it, I cannot again become a secretary, + then minister, again secretary, and so on.... I should be + a general laughing-stock, and no longer in a position to + serve the King usefully.... Should my letters of recall not + be sent, and I am permitted to retain my title, without, + however, discharging the office except at certain intervals, + I shall remain and cheerfully do my duty under the Count de + Guerchy’s orders, and the Duke de Praslin may allot any such + salary as he thinks proper. _I am tractable as regards money, + but intractable on points of honour._ ... I have made every + effort to please you, the Duke de Praslin and the Count de + Guerchy, and after mature reflection and having well weighed + every circumstance, I cannot but be persuaded that what is + demanded of me is an impossibility and not in my power to agree + to, without compromising the dignity of the King, a matter + of great moment to me, and without compromising the title of + Minister Plenipotentiary.... I shall certainly serve the Count + de Guerchy with zeal and attachment equal to that I entertain + towards the Duke de Nivernois, because when I serve, I do not + say with the priests, _ad utilitatem quoque nostram_. I serve + solely for honour and for the greater glory of the King.... + My heart is deeply touched at the trouble you have been kind + enough to take, and at the advice you give ... your counsels + may be useful at Versailles, but suffer me to say that they + will not do in London.’ + +D’Eon further informed the duke that his loins were not sufficiently +supple to enable him to vault politically, at one time on the mule of a +bishop, at another on the ass of a miller! + +[Sidenote: AN UNENVIABLE SITUATION.] + +Without seeking to justify the Chevalier’s conduct in addressing such +flippant letters to his superiors, even to those he loved so well, some +indulgence may be claimed under provocation of no ordinary character. His +pension, ever in arrear, was irregularly paid; his salary as resident +was fixed at the inadequate sum of 12,000 livres, and he was to live at +the charge of the ambassador, whose pocket, by desire of de Praslin and +de Nivernois, should be spared to the utmost, and for whose sole benefit +a gratuity was to be obtained from the King, by a fraud in which it was +expected he would connive. It was too true that de Guerchy was totally +unfitted for the high office he had been called upon to fill, but ‘little +D’Eon, experienced, zealous, and useful,’ would be retained to do the +work, and steer the count clear of all eventual troubles; not, however, +with the title of minister or resident, to which he had been raised, but +as secretary of Embassy, to which he would have to descend, resuming the +former rank at such times only as the ambassador might be absent from his +post. ‘Little D’Eon, an easy, good-natured fellow,’ would have peaceably +resigned himself almost to any arrangement in accordance with the +pleasure of ministers; but the prospect of degradation to secretary, at +the same Court at which he had become plenipotentiary, was more than his +proud spirit could bear. This was the open wound that never healed.... He +had been directed by the King to receive his instructions from Tercier as +if they came from himself; he accordingly wrote to Tercier for guidance, +received expressions of sympathy and confessions of indignation, +and being supported by further secret orders from his sovereign, he +determined on his course of action. + +For several months past an ambassador to France had been talked about, +and so early as April 14, D’Eon had intimated to de Guerchy that it +was commonly believed Lord Hertford would be named, accompanying the +information, as was his custom, with a sketch of that nobleman. The earl +was a Knight of the Garter, the father of six sons and six daughters all +living, without counting those to come, for her ladyship was still young +and in an interesting condition. His lordship spoke French well, and +was just the man to preserve the peace so happily arranged between the +two nations. He was a very courteous and amiable man, and of the same +illustrious family as the beautiful Seymour, one of the empty-headed +wives of a heartless king—he alluded to Henry VIII.[122] + +The official notification of the Earl of Hertford’s appointment, +September 29, as ambassador to the Court of France, was quickly followed +by the official nomination, October 3, of the Count de Guerchy. Speaking +of the new minister, George III. asked the French plenipotentiary if he +was a good officer as general of infantry, to which D’Eon replied that he +was so good as never to have harmed anybody, and although a general of +infantry he considered him better qualified to command cavalry, because +at the battle of Minden he recommended the cavalry to be placed in the +centre and infantry on the wings. De Guerchy arrived in London on October +17, and put up at Lord Holland’s. The Chevalier hastened to wait upon his +new chief, and the two men stood face to face, not for the first time +in their lives, de Guerchy at once betraying the spirit by which he was +animated, in expressing his surprise at D’Eon not being present when he +alighted from his coach, and then asking whether he did not regret having +written to him his letter of September 25. ‘No, sir, and were you to +write me such another letter as that of September 4, from Jouy, I should +be obliged to send you a similar reply.’ De Guerchy added that he should +preserve the original as long as he lived; to which D’Eon replied that +if he feared to lose it he begged to offer copies in quadruplicate, with +his own attestation _ne variatur_! And so ended the first interview in +England between these two men, whose malignant hatred of each other was +not even swallowed up in death. + +[Sidenote: LETTERS OF RECALL.] + +In the course of the evening, de Guerchy informed D’Eon that he had +brought his letters of recall. ‘A la bonheur (_sic_), Monsieur le Comte!’ +said the latter. ‘I will call for them in the morning, and at the same +time hand over all papers likely to be of consequence to you.’ The +following day, after de Guerchy had received the Embassy archives and +assumed official charge, the Chevalier demanded his letters of recall. +The ambassador, strangely agitated, searched drawers, portfolios, and +elsewhere, and finding them at last in his pocket, gave them to D’Eon, +at whose quiet acceptance of them he seemed disconcerted. D’Eon believed +that the pretended search was to give him time to make some kind of +apology for the past. + + _The Duke de Praslin to the Chevalier D’Eon._ + + ‘Versailles, October 4, 1763. + + ‘Sir,—The arrival of the King’s ambassador putting an end to + the commission entrusted to you by his Majesty as his Minister + Plenipotentiary, I send to you your letters of recall, which + you will deliver to his Britannic Majesty according to custom, + and with the least possible delay. You will herewith find a + copy of that letter. You will quit London immediately after + your audience, and you will at once proceed to Paris, whence + you will report your arrival, and where you will await my + instructions without coming to Court.’[123] + +The Chevalier was recalled, and yet expressly forbidden to appear +at Court! There was apprehension lest he should bring to light the +iniquities of which he was the victim! He was greatly moved at the +contents of this letter, for even the despatch he had received some days +previously, through the hands of a secret courier, had scarcely prepared +him for so overwhelming a blow. + + _To the Chevalier D’Eon, my Minister Plenipotentiary, London._ + + ‘Versailles, October 4, 1763. + + ‘You have served me as usefully in the guise of a female as in + the dress you now wear. Reassume it immediately, and withdraw + into the city. I warn you that the King has this day signed, + not with his hand, but with the stamp, the order to compel you + to return to France; but I command you to remain in England, + with all your papers, until such time as you receive further + instructions from me. You are not in safety at your residence, + and here you will find powerful enemies.[124] + + ‘LOUIS.’ + +‘I have frequently heard the Chevalier D’Eon repeat to my father,’ says +Madame Campan, ‘the contents of this letter, in which Louis XV. thus +separated his individuality from the person of the King of France. The +Chevalier or Chevalière had kept all the King’s letters ...’[125] yet the +Duke de Broglie refuses to acknowledge its authenticity, and labours to +prove that it is an imposture.[126] + +[Sidenote: FORSAKEN?] + +No sooner had the Chevalier read de Praslin’s letter than it fell from +his hands. He began to suspect, for the first time, the evils that +menaced him. What was he to hope from the strength of character of a +monarch who deserted him when he had done nothing but obey his commands, +and whose only exhibition of courage consisted in signing away his +downfall with the stamp instead of with the sign-manual. Unable to adopt +and digest the idea that the King would submit himself to the will of +others, and sacrifice one who was dear to him and whom he supported in +secret, the Chevalier concluded that the affixing of a stamped signature +could only have been an act of momentary weakness, a concession to +temporary necessities, and he felt that he should be the more surely +justified, from having been so unjustly condemned. Reflections such +as these gave him courage and hope; he resumed his habitual gaiety, +his usual indifference, and resolved upon adhering to all the King’s +instructions, whatever the damaging situations in which they might place +him. He did not, however, resign himself to this sort of humiliation +without a struggle, being specially sensitive on points of honour and +self-esteem, feelings to which he was prone, and which were readily +excited within him.... He awaited his enemies with resignation, having +made up his mind to yield, step by step, inch by inch, and make them pay +dearly for a triumph he some day hoped to avenge.[127] + +It had become de Praslin’s object to crush the Chevalier, first by +degrading him, then seizing his person, when he would have thrown him +in all probability into the Bastille. To effect this, he showed D’Eon’s +two letters of September 25 to the King—the one to himself, the other to +de Guerchy—and maintained that both sufficiently betrayed aberration of +wind in the plenipotentiary, who could not possibly continue at a foreign +court. It was under pressure such as this that Louis XV., feigning to +believe in the imputation, suffered the despatch of the letter of +recall, signed, not with his hand, but with the stamp. + + _Louis XV. to George III._ + + ‘Sir, my Brother,—The arrival of the Count de Guerchy, my + ambassador at your Court, causing the functions of my Minister + Plenipotentiary to cease, I do not delay to divest him of his + office, and to require his immediate presence in France; but as + he is not in a condition to present his letters of recall, in + person, I instruct the Count de Guerchy to deliver them to you, + and to renew to you upon this occasion the assurances of the + inviolable friendship with which you have inspired me, and of + my sincere desire to render it for ever durable.[128] + + ‘I am Sir, my Brother, + + ‘Your good Brother, + + ‘LOUIS.’ + + ‘Fontainebleau, October 3, 1763.’ + +‘Instead of bringing the Chevalier to trial and proving his guilt, de +Praslin contented himself by causing forged letters of recall to be +presented to the King of England by the Count de Guerchy. There was +nothing in this to manifest the majesty of ministerial justice—it was the +feeble apology of a desperate cause.’[129] + +[Sidenote: KING, MISTRESS, AND MINISTERS.] + +It was enough for the Chevalier to have learnt from the King himself +that his letters of recall were not signed with the sign-manual; he felt +assured that his Majesty could not be prevailed upon to sign away, with +his own hand, his perdition, whilst want of firmness and feebleness +of character had precluded him from fairly interposing in the action +of his minister, and he refused to recognise the authenticity of the +document.[130] + + ‘My letters of recall in the form of disgrace,’ he wrote, + ‘not having been preceded on the part of the Duke de Praslin + by necessary investigation, inquiry, or complete knowledge of + all circumstances, whence the decision may be imputed to his + own free act and will, are manifestly obreptitious, void, and + of no effect. A decision of so great gravity would never have + prevailed if truth, in seeking to approach the throne, had + not been checked by innumerable obstacles. To have the right + to persecute, one should be in the right, and to be in the + right, it is sufficient not to be in the wrong. Ministers, + like priests, are never in the wrong, and especially when + they are strong enough to prove that they are in the right. + Pompadour, who imagined that Louis XV. was unable to think, + without her permission—those great ministers at Versailles who + fancied that the King could do nothing without them, would be + greatly astonished were I to prove to them, as clearly as is + the light of the sun, and in the King’s own handwriting, that + he mistrusted them all as he would a band of robbers; that he + avoided them as he would a body of spies; and wishing to enjoy + a little domestic peace, he allowed them to go the way of their + own follies, for which he would afterwards try to make amends + secretly. He had a hundred times more esteem, friendship, and + real confidence in the intelligence, wisdom, and probity of the + Count de Broglio, and in the valiant qualities of his little + D’Eon, than in the whole of his mistresses and ministers put + together, the majority of whom he kept about him from the same + force of habit, largeness of heart, and regal grandeur, which + induced him to keep other strange animals in his menagerie. + When, under a despotic monarch, ministers and other great + people at Court are corrupt and of prejudiced minds, no other + alternative is left to oppressed innocence than an appeal to + the King and to God. Under a republic, it is possible to appeal + to God, to the people and to the sword; this last appeal being + frequently attended with success, when battalions are strong, + well disciplined, and artillery is well served.’[131] + +Had D’Eon gone on to state how injured innocence was to reach a despotic +monarch, his experience would have been of service to many, even in this +the last but one decade of the nineteenth century; for the absolutism of +his adored master, his Most Christian Majesty Louis XV., is not to be +compared to that of one Christian ruler of these our times, the Imperial +ruler, who, whatever the disposition of his heart, is condemned by +tradition and long custom to spend his days in lonely grandeur, invisible +and unapproachable to all but one or two dissembling and unfaithful +ministers, too often shunned by even his nearest relatives, and therefore +unjustly mistrusted and despised by his subjects of every class. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + + D’Eon’s interview with the Earl of Halifax—Refuses to surrender + the King’s papers to de Guerchy—Declines to take leave of + the King of England—A scene at the French Embassy—Another at + Lord Halifax’s residence—A third at D’Eon’s—Summoned by a + magistrate—De Guerchy’s hostile measures—D’Eon is dangerously + drugged at the table of the French ambassador—Designs against + his liberty—Removes to Brewer Street, Golden Square—Childishly + annoyed—His extradition demanded—Warned to that effect by Louis + XV. + + +With his usual alacrity and wariness in anticipating difficulties, by +strengthening the position into which he sometimes fancied he was forced +by chance, the Chevalier took occasion to represent to Lord Halifax, at a +special interview for which he had asked, that he could not consider his +letters of recall as authentic. In the first place, they had been brought +by the Count de Guerchy, which was absolutely contrary to all precedent, +and in these letters he was styled, simply, Minister Plenipotentiary, +the titles of Knight of the Order of Saint Louis and Captain of Dragoons +being omitted, although they appeared in his credentials; and what was +of most importance, they were not signed with the King’s own hand. Lord +Halifax expressed surprise at these informalities, and said that any +English minister rash enough to make use of the King’s signature under +similar circumstances would be doing so at the risk of his head; the King +of England signed with his own hand all letters to foreign princes, and +all special instructions to his ministers. Such an expression of opinion +was exactly what the Chevalier wanted.[132] + +The Embassy archives received by de Guerchy were contained in the +same four despatch-boxes in which they had been delivered to D’Eon by +de Nivernois, and consisted only of the official cypher and ordinary +correspondence; but on taking leave of Madame de Pompadour and the +Minister for Foreign Affairs, de Guerchy had engaged to secure, not only +the Chevalier’s person, but every scrap of paper in his possession. +Failing to obtain them coaxingly, he imperiously demanded, in the many +angry altercations on the subject, that all the documents which had +passed into his hands during his term of office, should be immediately +and unconditionally given up! D’Eon quietly persisted in his refusal to +surrender all such other papers as he conceived he had a right to retain, +unless he received orders to the contrary _direct from the King_, and on +October 23 he furnished the ambassador with this decision in writing. + +The nature of the papers they coveted was a mystery to de Pompadour, de +Praslin, and de Guerchy, except that it was believed they incriminated +D’Eon in a correspondence with the proscribed de Broglios. Such would +certainly have been the case, but they also included the detailed plans +for an invasion of England, contemplated, as we are aware, and being +completed during the few months that had transpired since the treaty of +peace had been signed. + +Finding D’Eon intractable and resolute, de Guerchy was urgent in +requiring him to present his letters of recall and return to France +with the least possible delay; and meaning to hasten his departure, he +requested the Secretary of State to obtain an audience for the minister +plenipotentiary on the earliest day possible. The following communication +was the result:— + + ‘Lord Halifax presents his compliments to the Chevalier D’Eon, + and has the honour to inform him that, in consequence of + unforeseen pressure of business, it will be more convenient to + the King to grant an audience to M. D’Eon to-morrow, Wednesday, + than on Friday next.’ + + ‘St. James’, October 25, 1763.’ + + * * * * * + + ‘This note is a sufficiently genuine proof,’ wrote D’Eon a few + months later, ‘that my presence at this Court was a terrible + burden on the shoulders of M. de Guerchy. We are in the + month of February, 1764, and I have not yet had my audience + for taking leave.... Judging by appearances, M. de Guerchy + will show the example.... The English minister wrote to me + on October 25, and on the 24th I had received from the Duke + de Choiseul a letter of the 18th of the same month, that is + to say, fourteen days later than the date of the pretended + letter of recall, in which I received fresh assurances of the + satisfaction, at Court, with the manner in which I performed + my duties, and requiring me to continue my correspondence. + On that same day, the 24th, I received another letter, dated + October 15, that is to say, eleven days after the doubtful + letter of recall, in which the Controller-General entrusted me, + in the King’s name, with fresh work.... Lord Halifax’s note + might have influenced me to comply with Guerchy’s wishes, had + I not believed it to be my duty to remain inflexible to his + entreaties.’[133] + +[Sidenote: ‘AWAITING FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS.’] + +D’Eon declined the Secretary of State’s invitation to take leave of +the King on the 26th, but he attended his Majesty’s levée on that day, +and a dinner party in the evening at Lord Halifax’s, where the company +included Mr. Grenville, the Prime Minister, Lord Sandwich, and others, +and several foreign representatives. Scarcely had he entered the room at +Lord Halifax’s, than de Guerchy, advancing rapidly towards him, asked +why he had not taken leave of the King at the appointed audience. The +Chevalier made his usual laconic reply: ‘Because I am awaiting further +instructions,’ which led to an agitated and unseemly disputation, +until D’Eon brought it to a close by addressing himself to the three +English ministers who happened to be conversing together. ‘The Count +de Guerchy forces me to the honour of declaring to your Excellencies, +that I do not take leave at any audience, because I am awaiting further +instructions,’ which little speech ‘de Guerchy confessed he was quite +unable to comprehend, being himself a novice in diplomatic matters.’ Lord +Halifax showing some inclination to take de Guerchy’s part, D’Eon drew +from his pocket the invitation to dinner he had received, and said to +his lordship: ‘Your Excellency has invited the minister plenipotentiary +to dinner; I entreat that it be not delayed. It is late, and personally, +I wish to avail myself peaceably of the honour you have done me. I do +not come here to excite a disturbance but to bring peace.’ For such bold +words as these, Lord Halifax, who as yet knew but little of D’Eon, was +scarcely prepared; but they sufficed to put him on his guard, as the +sequel will show, for he was beginning to discover that he had to do +with a somewhat strange, perhaps violent, and at any rate very singular +character. + +There called at the French Embassy one day in August, a tall, lean +Frenchman, who announced himself as M. Treyssac de Vergy, a great friend +of the Duke de Praslin and the Count de Guerchy, and other French +ministers, and as having come to England to visit a country of which so +little was known. The Chevalier D’Eon received him politely, but reminded +him that it was customary to bring letters of introduction to a minister, +and hoped that he would make it his business to do so; to which de Vergy +replied that he did not consider such letters at all necessary from his +being on terms of great intimacy with the Count de Guerchy, whom he +had met at supper at the house of the Marquises de Villeroy, de Lirré, +&c., and who was sure to embrace him on both cheeks the next time they +met. He repeated his calls, still without producing any letters, until +the Chevalier gave him clearly to understand, in the presence of several +members of the Embassy, that he should have to refuse him admittance if +he again made his appearance without some kind of recommendation. + +[Sidenote: A MYSTERIOUS VISITOR.] + +On October 23 the Chevalier dined with de Guerchy, and in the course of +the evening M. de Vergy was announced. The Countess de Guerchy asked +D’Eon, aside, if he knew him. ‘No, Madame, but I have my suspicions +about him.’ ‘Hush! M. D’Eon; pray do not speak so loud.’ De Guerchy then +inquired of D’Eon if he was acquainted with de Vergy. ‘No, Monsieur le +Comte, and I have already informed him that he must bring letters of +recommendation.’ Then, turning to de Vergy, he said: ‘Here is the Count +de Guerchy who you know so well, and with whom you have supped at the +Marquise de Villeroy’s. I do not see that he flies to embrace you.’ An +awkward silence of some moments was broken by de Guerchy: ‘Monsieur +de Vergy, I do not know you at all, nor have I met you at supper at +the Marquise de Villeroy’s, although I have the honour of knowing that +lady, and have frequently supped at her house.’ Foolish de Guerchy! How +dearly this utterance cost him, so untrue was it. De Vergy fixed his +eyes steadily on the ambassador, made a profound obeisance, and said: +‘I beg your Excellency’s pardon, I thought I had the honour of being +acquainted with you.’ Then, turning to D’Eon: ‘I have heard it said that +you were a polite man; there never was a greater mistake. _You do not +know, M. D’Eon, the fate that awaits you in France._’ These last words he +repeated a second time. The Chevalier, who was a perfect stranger to de +Vergy’s business in England, took the latter by the arm. ‘My politeness +does not extend to lying in behalf of others. I do not give you the lie, +because you do not know what it is to tell the truth.... I have nothing +with which to reproach myself, and am by no means anxious as regards +my fate, in France or elsewhere.... Were we not in the presence of the +ambassador and of his lady, I should very soon prove to you that I am not +afraid of your threats.’ Other visitors being announced, the ambassador +authoritatively put an end to the altercation, and to D’Eon’s great +surprise, de Vergy was permitted to spend the evening in the general +company. + +On the morning of the 26th, whilst the Chevalier was absent from home +attending the King’s levée, de Vergy called at his residence in Dover +Street, and being informed, in answer to his inquiries, that D’Eon was +always at home at nine o’clock, left word that he should call at that +hour the following day, fully expecting to find him in. D’Eon took in +the significance of this message, and in the evening, after dinner at +Lord Halifax’s, he privately related to his lordship the whole of the de +Vergy incidents, and the challenge openly left at his house that morning. +For once, the Chevalier neglected his measures of prudence. Lord Halifax +had scarcely time to forget the mild reproof D’Eon found the courage to +administer to him that evening, before being unconcernedly told of an +intended breach of the peace by one in whose own country duelling was +forbidden under pain of death.[134] + +[Sidenote: THE GUARDS TURNED OUT.] + +Lord Halifax thanked the plenipotentiary for the information he had +communicated, and shortly invited the French ambassador into another +room, where they remained closeted for some minutes, and on coming +out again the two joined Mr. Grenville and Lord Sandwich in close +conversation. Lord Halifax then asked the Chevalier to abandon his +intention of meeting de Vergy. ‘I have no intention of going in search of +de Vergy, but since he has appointed an hour to see me, I shall certainly +await him.’ ‘Well, then,’ said Lord Halifax, ‘were you even the Duke of +Bedford, I should have to give you in charge of the Guards.’ ‘I have not +the honour of being the Duke of Bedford; I am M. D’Eon, and can take +perfectly good care of myself;’ adding, wishing to escape all further +interference: ‘I have an engagement at the play-house this evening, and +beg to take leave of your Excellency.’ On turning to leave the room he +was surprised to find the door locked, and said somewhat testily to the +ministers, that he never could have believed it possible for a minister +plenipotentiary from France to find himself a prisoner in England, in the +house of a Secretary of State; whereupon Lord Halifax handed him a slip +of paper, with the request that he would attach his signature to what was +written on it. D’Eon read the note, and as he persisted in refusing to +sign it, although repeatedly pressed to do so by the ministers, the door +was thrown open, and a detachment of the Guards, with bayonets fixed, +occupied the room in which the company was assembled, and the adjoining +chambers as well. There were no means of retreat. On seeing the officer, +D’Eon said: ‘Do your duty and I will do mine. If it is to see me home +that you have come I need no soldiers, for I can go perfectly well alone +and on foot.’ Then, addressing the ministers, he intimated that when +his regiment again looked upon the uniform he was wearing, it should +either be unsullied or drenched in blood! A compromise was effected, +the soldiers were withdrawn, and the Chevalier signed the following +declaration ‘in obedience to orders.’ + + ‘The Chevalier D’Eon gives his word of honour to the Earls of + Sandwich and Halifax that he will not fight M. de Vergy or + insult him in any way, without previously communicating his + intention to the said earls, in order that they may be able + to prevent any evil consequences resulting from the Chevalier + D’Eon’s intentions and conduct. + + ‘(Signed) ‘The Chevalier D’EON DE BEAUMONT, + + ‘By order and through the respect I owe to the ambassador of + the King my master.’ + + ‘(Signed) ‘DUNK HALIFAX. + ‘SANDWICH. + ‘GUERCHY.’ + + ‘Great George Street, October 26, 1763.’ + +Beyond reporting the circumstance of the Guards being summoned during +the evening of October 26 to keep the peace, the daily papers gave no +details of what passed in the reception-rooms of one of the King’s +ministers;[135] a variety of inaccurate versions found easy credence, and +one other blunder was added to the acts of a blundering ministry. + +[Sidenote: AN IMMATURE DUELLIST.] + +De Vergy was true to his tryst. ‘Here am I, sir, in fighting trim, only +let me ask you a question. Are you minister plenipotentiary or a captain +of dragoons? because if you are a minister I retire.’ ‘I am delighted to +see you, for I have been expecting you. To you, I am simply a dragoon.’ +D’Eon then secured the door, intending to detain his visitor until he had +sent word to the Embassy that de Vergy was with him. ‘Do not touch me!’ +cried de Vergy in alarm; ‘do not touch me!’ ‘What!’ said D’Eon smiling, +‘you come to me in fighting trim, and are afraid lest I should touch you? +No. I merely intend that you shall be arrested.’ Then, leading him into +his bed-chamber where were writing materials: ‘I require you to read this +note, and sign it in duplicate.’ De Vergy started at seeing a brace of +cavalry pistols and a sabre. ‘Do not kill me!’ D’Eon lay a pistol on the +floor, and putting his foot on it said: ‘There, it won’t bite you. Now, +sign with a will.’ + + ‘I, the undersigned, promise the Chevalier D’Eon, Captain of + Dragoons, on my word of honour, that I will produce at the + French Embassy in London, in the course of fifteen days, or + at the furthest, one month, proper letters of recommendation + from persons well known, or in office, at Versailles or Paris; + failing which, I again give my word of honour to M. D’Eon that + I shall never in future make my appearance before the Count + and Countess de Guerchy, except as a very great, one of the + greatest of adventurers.’ + + ‘London, October 27, 1763, + At a quarter past ten in the morning.’ + +De Vergy quickly put his name to both slips, and was making for the door +when D’Eon stopped him. ‘I must trouble you to leave by the back way; my +friends only pass through that door. Tell me who you are, or I shall hand +you over to the Embassy.’ ‘M. D’Eon, do not detain me here or I am a lost +man.’ ‘Well, Mr. Adventurer, you may go; I do not wish for the death of +a sinner, but rather for his conversion. If you bring letters and prove +to me that you are an honest man, I shall be a good friend to you.’ D’Eon +at once sent the duplicate of de Vergy’s declaration to the ambassador, +who complimented him upon his honourable behaviour; and de Vergy, having +made the best of his way to the police-court, to lodge a complaint +against the man who had been bullying him that morning, the Chevalier +received the following notice in the course of the day:— + + ‘Mr. Kynaston, Justice of the Peace, presents his compliments + to the Chevalier D’Eon, and has to inform him that M. de Vergy + has sworn information against him for wishing to break the + peace. Mr. Kynaston therefore requests that M. D’Eon will + appear before him at six o’clock precisely, this evening, at + Sir John Fielding’s, Bow Street, Covent Garden, to answer the + charge of the said M. de Vergy.’[136] + + ‘Bow Street, Covent Garden, October 27, 1763.’ + +No notice was taken of this summons by the Chevalier, in the first +place because it was not authenticated by any signature, and because as +minister plenipotentiary he did not consider himself bound to answer it. +The matter went no further. + +[Sidenote: THE COUNT DE GUERCHY BALKED.] + +Regardless of his dignity, the ambassador continued to importune D’Eon +for the surrender of his papers, advances that were now met in that +spirit of defiance the Chevalier thought himself safe in assuming, armed +as he was with the King’s secret commands. De Guerchy was furious at +D’Eon’s obstinacy and intractability, and resorted to endless expedients +for injuring him in public and private estimation. Acting as he did, in +concert with de Praslin, his first care was to circulate the report of +the Chevalier’s insanity, which he even carried to the Princess Augusta +at Court. He caused two damaging pamphlets to be published,[137] and +further annoyed him in a hundred different ways, even to the jeopardy of +his person, hoping to drive him out of the country and back to France. +De Guerchy, however, was no match for his dexterous subordinate, and +he so far forgot himself as to entreat the Duke de Choiseul to write +a flattering and coaxing letter to the Chevalier, under the title of +minister plenipotentiary, to invite him to repair to Versailles and lay +his grievances before the King. ‘You will perhaps think me a fool for +asking you to resort to means so little consonant with your character, +but I do not see my way to anything else for the present.’[138] + +The Chevalier did lay his grievances before the King, but in a manner +very different to that intended by de Guerchy, for he reported in a long +despatch, taken to Versailles by his kinsman and collaborator, de la +Rosière, the treatment he had received at the hands of the ambassador, +and his own conduct under the circumstances. We give a few extracts only, +such as are indispensable to our narrative:— + + _Secret and Important. To the Counsellor and his Deputy._[139] + + ‘London, November 18, 1763. + + ‘M. de la Rosière will give you an account of all the tricks, + entreaties, threats, promises, &c., to which the Count de + Guerchy has resorted, in his endeavours to discover the secret + motives of my conduct. He will also inform you of the manner + in which I have eluded all his questions, and the little + importance I have attached to his promises and threats. I do + not think it possible to carry matters further than I have + done, nor for any ambassador, or indeed for any man in the + world to be more humiliated and mystified than is the Count + de Guerchy. As to his threats, I scorn them; I have told him + personally that I am firmly determined to resist him, and that + should he make his appearance with another detachment of the + Guards, I would not attack him, but if he cared to call upon + me, he should see how I received him at my door. My door is + narrow, and only sufficiently wide to enable one person to + enter at a time. I am still Minister Plenipotentiary, for I + have not taken leave, and if I choose, I shall take my stand + on political grounds, for the next twelve months, before I + apply for an audience of leave. All I need is sufficient to + meet the expenses of my lodgings and board. La Rosière will + tell you that I have prepared eighteen points of defence, which + must be carried before I can be compelled to take my leave. + I alone, and La Rosière, if he remembers them, know what are + those points of defence, and when the Count de Guerchy and Lord + Halifax attacked me for the first time, I unmasked one redoubt, + and they met with a reverse. M. de Guerchy, S——, and M—— being + greatly irritated at my stay at this Court, where the King, the + Queen, and the royal family continue to treat me with the same + consideration as hitherto, and at a loss to know to what saint + they should offer a vow to ensure my retirement, have resorted + to the darkest and most iniquitous expedients.’ + +[Sidenote: ANGUIS IN HERBA.] + + ‘On Friday, October 28, the Count de Guerchy was dining with + Lord Sandwich, and I went to dine at the French Embassy, where + the company included the Countess de Guerchy, her daughter, + M. de Blosset, the Count d’Allonville, and M. Monin. Soon + after dinner, the Countess went out with her daughter, and + I remained with the gentlemen who chattered like magpies. I + began to feel unwell and very drowsy. On leaving the house, + the use of a sedan-chair at the door was offered me, but I + refused, preferring to walk home, where, in spite of myself, + I fell sound asleep in my easy chair. Feeling worse, and as + if my stomach were on fire, I went to bed early, and although + in the habit of rising at six or seven, I slept soundly until + midday, when La Rosière awoke me by violently kicking at the + door. I have since discovered that M. de Guerchy, who has a + physician in his house, caused opium to be put into my wine, in + the belief that I should fall into a deep sleep after dinner, + when I would have been placed in a chair, and instead of being + taken to my own home, carried to the Thames, where it appears + there was a boat in readiness to take me away. La Rosière will + corroborate what I say.[140] + + ‘The following evening M. Monin came to dine with me. I + spoke to him of my indisposition, and he told me that he had + experienced similar, but not so serious symptoms. Several days + elapsed, and the Count de Guerchy, accompanied by his two + aides-de-camp, came to me before nine in the morning. They + inspected my rooms, and the ambassador asked what ailed me. I + replied with Burgundian candour: “I have been very unwell since + I dined at your Excellency’s table on the 28th; it would appear + that your scullery maids are not careful to scour their pots + and pans. This comes of keeping a large establishment; one is + poisoned without knowing or wishing it.” The Count de Guerchy + then said: “I have ordered my butler to keep a better eye on + the kitchen department, for these gentlemen and M. Monin have + also felt unwell. We are going to walk to Westminster, and had + you not been indisposed, I should have asked you to accompany + us....” + + ‘Two days subsequently to the ambassador’s visit, a locksmith + called to fit some screws to my door. I guessed what was to + happen, but admitted the man, and feigning to be at work at my + writing table, kept my eye on him. He oiled the lock, removed + the key from inside to outside the door, and in doing so + very smartly took a wax impression of it. I contained myself + sufficiently to ask what I owed him for his labour.’ + +These incidents, the attempts made to bribe his servants, the fact of +a sedan being continually stationed at his door, although it was not +ordered, convinced him of some bold design on his person and papers, and +he resolved upon leaving his apartments in Dover Street, which he did +on November 9, removing to the house of a Mr. Lautem, wine merchant, 32 +Brewer Street, Golden Square, which became his abode for many years after. + +A puerile annoyance to which D’Eon had been subjected during the last +few days of his stay in Dover Street, was a rapping and plaintive sounds +at two o’clock every morning, which proceeded from the flue of a chimney +communicating between his own bedroom, and the apartments in the floor +below occupied by L’Escallier, private secretary to the ambassador, who, +as the zealous auxiliary in the plots of his master, employed a young +sweep to ascend the chimney and make ‘ghostly noises.’ The count was +trying very hard to pass off D’Eon for a madman, and that he might obtain +evidence to that effect, had conceived this bright idea for frightening +the Chevalier, imagining that such noises and groans in the dark would +terrify him, cause him to leave his bed and summon the servants. Monin, +the count’s old tutor, who lodged in the room above L’Escallier and the +other dependants devoted to him, would be able to depose that nothing was +found; that there was no cause for alarm, and thus prove the minister +plenipotentiary’s insanity, or at any rate his being a visionary, which +would go far towards completing the success of the scheme for having him +arrested and confined as a lunatic. ‘This incident of itself suffices to +illustrate the meanness and wickedness of the count and his party.’[141] + +[Sidenote: MAD, OR NOT MAD?] + +Although a good deal of trouble was taken to persuade Louis XV. that +his minister plenipotentiary in London was demented, he does not appear +ever to have seriously believed in the accusation. After seeing D’Eon’s +letters of September 25 to de Praslin and de Guerchy, we find the King +writing to Tercier, October 11, 1763:— + + ‘ ... D’Eon has written several singular letters; it is + apparently his office of Minister Plenipotentiary that has + turned his head. M. de Praslin has in consequence proposed that + he should be made to come here, when his condition will be + inquired into. If he is mad, be on your guard lest he should + divulge anything....’ In another letter, dated October 12:—‘... + You will see D’Eon upon his arrival in Paris, and I authorise + you to concert with him for taking every precaution that the + secret be guarded....’ Again, October 21:—‘... You may send + the letter to D’Eon if you are quite certain that he has not + already taken his departure....’ Finally, December 30:—‘... + M. D’Eon is not mad, but he is proud and a very extraordinary + person....’[142] + +It is possible that the representations of the French ministers on +D’Eon’s mental condition, received some support from Walpole’s chit-chat +to the Earl of Hertford, ambassador in Paris. + + ‘D’Eon is here still,’ wrote the former, on November 25, 1763; + ‘I know nothing more of him, but that the honour of having a + hand in the peace overset his poor brain. This was evident + on the fatal night at Lord Halifax’s; when they told him his + behaviour was a breach of the peace, he was quite distracted, + thinking it was the _peace_ between his country and this.’ + +As Walpole was not present at Lord Halifax’s the evening of October 26, +he probably obtained these details from his friend de Guerchy. + +Thwarted at all points by the Chevalier, who was proving himself to +be his superior in shrewdness and audacity, and indeed in every other +quality that the circumstances during their sensational disputes +necessitated, and dreading the certain exposure, by his intended victim, +of the criminal act of which he had been guilty, the ambassador, +miserably perplexed, entreated his valued friend de Praslin to extricate +him out of a position which had become quite unendurable. The result +was a joyous one to de Guerchy, a special courier having brought a +request to the British Government for the extradition of D’Eon and +the seizure of all his papers; but with his habitual foresight and +caution, the King took care to forestall the ministers by despatching a +secret messenger with written instructions to his ambassador and to his +minister plenipotentiary, neither of whom was to be made aware of the +communication received by the other. + + _Louis XV. to the Count de Guerchy._ + + ‘Fontainebleau, November 4, 1763. + + ‘Monsieur le Comte,—The Duke de Praslin transmits to you, this + day, a demand for extradition addressed by us to the ministers + of our brother, his Majesty the King of Great Britain, having + reference to the person of the Sieur D’Eon de Beaumont. If, + as we think, his Britannic Majesty accedes to our demand, it + will be particularly agreeable to us that you retain the papers + you will find in the possession of the Sieur D’Eon, without + communicating their contents to anybody. It is our will that + they be kept entirely, and without exception, secret, and that + the said papers being previously carefully sealed, shall remain + in your keeping until you take your next annual trip, when you + will deliver them to ourselves in person. We have learnt that + M. Monin, your secretary, has some knowledge of the place where + these papers are likely to have been deposited by the Chevalier + D’Eon. If it is true that M. Monin has any idea of the sort, + we request you to make the same known to us, after having + communicated to him the contents of this letter in our hand. In + thus doing, we shall be specially pleased. + + ‘LOUIS.’ + + * * * * * + + _Louis XV. to the Chevalier D’Eon._ + + ‘Fontainebleau, November 4, 1763. + + ‘I warn you that a demand for extradition, having reference + to your person and signed with my stamp, has this day been + addressed to Guerchy to be transmitted by him to the ministers + of his Britannic Majesty, the said demand being accompanied + by police officers to assist in its execution. If you cannot + make your escape, save at least your papers, and do not trust + M. Monin, Guerchy’s secretary and your friend. He is betraying + you.[143] + + ‘LOUIS.’ + +Thus was the Chevalier about to be dealt with as an ordinary malefactor +for having braved the fury of de Praslin and of the ambassador, losing +also his best friend de Nivernois, in his intense devotion to the King +whose secret correspondence and interests in England he was protecting; +and because his freedom was imperilled by the ministers of France, the +selfish, vacillating, and weak monarch was secretly scheming for the +transfer of the compromising papers into the custody of the very man +from whom it had cost D’Eon so much to withhold them, and for doing +which he had been fast ensuring his own ruin. The King was feeling that +the step he had taken threatened imminent danger to the other secret +agents immediately concerned—the Count de Broglio and Tercier, but +his conscience was easily relieved, and in addressing a few words of +explanation and comfort to the latter, he fancied he was justifying his +course of action, and reassuring those who were serving him far more +faithfully than he deserved. + + ‘I am writing to Guerchy, and order him to keep the secret + from everybody. I am instructing him to keep all the papers + sealed, until his return to Paris upon the annual trip he + proposes taking.... If Guerchy betrays the secret, he betrays + me, _and will be a lost man_. If he is a man of honour, he + will not do so; if he is a knave, he deserves to be hanged. It + is very clear that you and the Count de Broglio are uneasy. + Be reassured, I am much more unconcerned.... Having so freely + entrusted Guerchy with the secret, he will keep it.... The case + is different with Madame de Guerchy. I hope he will not tell + his wife anything about it....’[144] + +De Broglie was of an entirely different opinion. Upon hearing of what the +King had done, he declared to Tercier, in a note he wrote from his place +of exile, that de Guerchy would assuredly divulge the secret, and that +his wife was as assuredly already acquainted with it.[145] + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + + Refusal of the British Government to deliver D’Eon—A force + organised to kidnap him—Mines and garrisons his house against + intrusion—De Guerchy reports to Louis XV. his failure to obtain + the secret papers—D’Eon’s letter to his mother—Publication + of official and private letters of ministers, ambassadors, + &c.—Consternation produced in consequence—Applies to enter the + service of a foreign State—Appeals to de Broglio and Tercier on + his situation—A conciliatory letter the result. + + +In hastening to make a formal demand for the arrest of D’Eon and seizure +of all his papers, the French ambassador was feeling satisfied that +the days of his obnoxious subordinate were numbered, but ‘one of the +qualities of a great general is the glance, in war, that reveals to him +the advantages and disadvantages of the field on which the contest is +about to take place. Had General de Guerchy known this, would he ever +have selected the ground of liberty in London and Westminster to wage +an unjust and despotic war against the Chevalier D’Eon? But this would +not be matter for surprise, when it was once known that at the battle of +Minden he gave the marvellous advice to place cavalry in the centre and +infantry on the wings. The result of the two actions could not but be +similar.’[146] + +The Chevalier was perfectly safe. Lord Halifax sent the case, ‘which +was of a very extraordinary kind and without any known precedent,’ for +the consideration of the Advocate and Solicitor-General, and eventually +had to inform the French ambassador that, ‘according to the law of the +kingdom, it would be impossible to justify the seizure either of the +person or of the papers’ of the Chevalier D’Eon.[147] + +Since he could not be legally apprehended, the attempt was to be made, +under de Guerchy’s authority, to kidnap the Chevalier, and for this +purpose some twenty-five to thirty French police officers and spies, in +charge of an officer, and who had already been some days in London, were +watching a favourable opportunity for seizing and putting him into a +six-oared boat in readiness at Westminster, whence he was to be conveyed +to a small vessel, manned by twenty armed men, lying at Gravesend. + +The Chevalier was fully aware of the proceedings of his enemies, and took +his precautions accordingly. The security of the King’s papers being +his first care, he confided a portion of them to de la Rosière, and +actually sent him to France, there to remain, at least for a time. Then, +to ensure himself from the abduction with which he was now threatened +by an organised force, having concealed the remainder of the papers in +his apartments, he converted them into a stronghold after the following +manner:—His bedroom, sitting-room, and study on the first floor were +mined, also the staircase, which he further intrenched. He kept a lamp +burning throughout the night, and had a red-hot poker at his side during +the day. His arsenal included four brace of pistols, two guns, and eight +sabres. The garrison consisted of several dragoons of his old regiment, +for whom he had sent, and some deserters he picked up in London, all +trusty men, who occupied the basement with orders to admit the police +officers should they at any time seek to enter, and then cut off their +retreat while he defended the intrenchment. It was arranged that, in +the event of his being worsted, he should make a preconcerted signal +to intimate that they were to run for their lives, whilst he fired the +mine.[148] + +[Sidenote: ‘NOT SO BLACK A DEVIL.’] + +Thus prepared, D’Eon resolutely awaited eventualities. De Guerchy made +one other advance, after failure of the demand for extradition. He sent +a conciliatory letter to the Chevalier, by one of the gentlemen at the +Embassy, in which he renewed application for the surrender of the King’s +papers. The reception with which the attaché met may well be gathered by +the nature of D’Eon’s reply:— + + ‘London, December 1, 1763, + ‘At four o’clock in the morning. + + ‘Sir,—M. Prémarets fled from my house in such a hurry last + night that he gave me no time, either to read the whole of your + Excellency’s letter or to speak to him. I invited him, however, + to dinner, and to drink some good wine from Tonnerre; but he + became unnecessarily alarmed, and insisted upon running away. + Although a dragoon, I am not so black a devil as people would + make me, and if your Excellency could see into my heart, you + would find a very pure and a very clear conscience.... With + regard to the King’s papers for which you ask me, it is with + an aching heart that I am obliged to tell your Excellency I + cannot have the honour of delivering them without an express + order from the King, and I beg that you will communicate this + to those at Court. If you have such an order, be good enough to + send it to me by my friend M. Monin; he has known me long, and + must be fully persuaded that I will not only obey the orders + of my master, but will die for him if needs be. I value my + life at four _sous_, and those four _sous_ I give to the poor. + Your Excellency requires no length of time to obtain an order + from the King, and if in the interim you should require any + information in the interests of the service, I will give all + it is in my power to communicate. Do not judge me hastily, and + do not condemn me as yet; the future may teach you something. + I repeat to you my entreaty to be thoroughly persuaded, that + I have never wished to fail in my respect towards the Duke + de Praslin and towards yourself; but bear in mind that I am + determined to be otherwise, if you persist in continually + seeking to force me to forget my duty, my sense of honour, of + equity, and of liberty. Recollect, that when St. Peter was + asleep on the Mount of Olives, he was thus reproached by his + Master: “_Spiritus quidem promptus est, caro vero infirma._” + I therefore beg of you, sir, to allow me to sleep in peace in + London, where I will firmly await the spies that have been sent + to watch me....’[149] + +The Chevalier was thus proving himself to be more than a match for the +ambassador, who was finally obliged to confess to the King his complete +failure in every effort he had made to execute his Majesty’s commands. + + _The Count de Guerchy to Louis XV._ + + ‘London, December 6, 1763. + + ‘Sire,—I have been expecting to execute the orders contained + in the letter your Majesty did me the honour to address to me + from Fontainebleau on November 4, before replying to it; but + I have found it quite impracticable to do so, notwithstanding + the various means employed. Your Majesty will have been + informed, by my despatch, of the obstacles with which I meet + in my endeavours to possess myself of D’Eon’s papers, for + he persistently refuses to deliver them to me, in spite of + the order he has received from M. de Praslin in the name of + your Majesty.[150] This is one of the peculiarities of his + insanity, which, however, does not affect him on all points. + Your Majesty will also have been informed that the Court of + London has authoritatively refused my request, in saying that + it was against the laws of the country. At any rate, the King + of England and his ministers are very anxious to get rid of + this individual. I have not been able to seize upon his person, + either by force or by stratagem, because he is no longer with + me, nor has he been here since going to such extremes. I have + communicated to Monin your Majesty’s commands as directed; + he tells me he has good reason for believing, as the result + of several questions he has put to D’Eon, that no papers + concerning your Majesty, personally, have been brought to + London, and he thinks it more probable that they have been left + in Paris.... I deem it expedient to send this letter by M. le + Bel. I am deeply grieved, Sire, at not being able to furnish + your Majesty upon this occasion with proofs of the fervent zeal + by which I will be actuated through life.’ + + ENCLOSURE. + + _Memorandum from M. Monin to the King._ + +[Sidenote: A FAITHFUL DEPOSITARY.] + + ‘In consequence of his Majesty’s commands signified to Monin, + he has been doubly diligent in devising means for recovering + the papers his Majesty desires to possess. The glimmers of + hope he has sometimes entertained, warranted as they were by + a certain air of confidence and openness of heart on the part + of M. D’Eon, have vanished, and all those means to which the + ambassador has had recourse have proved unavailing. Monin has + restricted himself to seeking to discover where the papers are + kept or concealed. M. D’Eon has admitted to having deposited + them in different places without naming them, but of one fact + Monin is certain, and it is this. Previous to M. de Guerchy’s + departure for England, M. D’Eon lodged a box, containing + papers, with M. Tercier, where he, Monin, saw it; and so + soon as he had learnt of M. D’Eon’s recall, he deemed it his + duty, as a faithful and zealous subject, to recommend to M. + Tercier that he should obtain his Majesty’s instructions as + to its contents. I have no doubt [_sic_] that M. Tercier, who + considered the recommendation as expedient and important, has + acted accordingly; this portion of his Majesty’s secrets should + therefore be in his hands.’[151] + +We have been obliged to reproduce, almost at length, the communications +received by the King from de Guerchy, because they show how successfully +D’Eon was keeping at bay, or misleading all those, whose hands he +considered were lifted against him. ‘I have at last received a letter +from M. de Guerchy with Monin’s memorandum enclosed, which I send +to you,’ wrote Louis XV. to Tercier; and then the King betrays his +uneasiness and restless anxiety for the safety of his papers, and yet his +objection to having them in his own possession or anywhere about him, +fearing perhaps a repetition of the scene in the month of June. ‘Take +care of the Sieur de la Rosière, or rather of his papers, for it is known +that he is here, and if he were visited all might be discovered.’[152] + +De Guerchy’s next step was to submit to Lord Halifax, so far as the +wording was concerned, and with the desire that it should be inserted in +the official newspaper, a paragraph to the effect that the Chevalier was +to be excluded, in the future, from the British Court.[153] His request +was complied with, and an exact translation of the notice, under date of +the ambassador’s letter, appeared in an early number of the _Gazette_:— + + ‘St. James’, December 6. + + ‘The Most Christian King having, upon his Ambassador Count + de Guerchy’s arrival here, sent to the Chevalier D’Eon de + Beaumont, who had the character of Minister Plenipotentiary to + this Court, his revocation from hence, with a letter addressed + to his Britannic Majesty; and having been informed that M. + D’Eon persisted in refusing to pay obedience to his orders, + and to present the King his master’s letter; his said Most + Christian Majesty therefore wrote a second letter to the King, + and commanded his Ambassador to present the same immediately, + which, having been accordingly done, his Majesty has been + pleased to declare that the said M. D’Eon has no longer any + character here, and has forbid him the Court.’[154] + +[Sidenote: THE COUNT DE BROGLIO’S ALARM.] + +Thus divested of his dignity, the Chevalier was also declared guilty of +high treason, and all arrears of emoluments due to him were forfeited to +the Crown—a pitiful situation naturally evoking very warm sympathy on the +part of his old chief and well-wisher, the Count de Broglio, who himself +had long been paying the penalty of his devotion to their mystery-loving +royal master.[155] But, apart from personal considerations for D’Eon, +the dangers to be apprehended from such limitless persecution were +considerable, as the count took immediate occasion to remind the King. + + ‘It is an incontestable fact that the Sieur D’Eon is driven to + despair; that without your Majesty’s favour he will meet with a + miserable fate in France, and that he possesses sure means of + making a large fortune in England.... If, in revenge for the + bad treatment he is experiencing, and impelled by the necessity + of obtaining a living, he should publish your Majesty’s + instructions, which he holds, were he even to communicate + them to English ministers, what might not be the unfortunate + results? Should we not have to apprehend that the sacred person + of your Majesty would be compromised, and that a declaration of + war on the part of England would be inevitable?’ + +The count concluded his letter by enjoining that the ambassador should +leave D’Eon in peace, and that one of his friends should be sent with an +order signed by the King, requiring him, in warm-hearted terms, to return +to France, with the special assurance that royal protection should not +fail him.[156] + +The calamity which befell the Chevalier did not visit him alone; it +encompassed his mother and other relatives, and even their dependants +at home. He was tenderly attached to his only parent, upon whom he had +long since settled his little property, yet to her solicitude and gentle +warnings he replied with all the vehemence of his strong and stormy +nature. + +[Sidenote: ‘TO MY DEAR MOTHER.’] + + _To Madame D’Eon de Beaumont, Tonnerre._ + + ‘London, December 30, 1763. + + ‘I have received, my dear mother, all the woeful and piteous + letters you have taken the trouble to write to me. _Why weepest + thou, woman of little faith?_ as it is said in Scripture. + Remember that our Lord, in the famed Temple of Jerusalem, said + to his mother: _Woman, what have I to do with thee?_ yet the + mother was older than the Son. How this word _woman_, &c., + caused the Scribes and Pharisees to laugh, and has shocked all + the Doctors of the New Law, even those of Sorbonne! I will + say to you with greater tenderness: my mother, what is there + in common between your affairs at Tonnerre, and my political + affairs in London? Do go on planting your cabbages in peace, + weeding your garden and enjoying its fruit; drink the milk of + your cows and the wine of your vines, and leave me in peace + to the foolish sayings at Paris and Versailles. Dry up your + tears, which grieve without comforting me. I am not in need + of consolation, because I am not in the least sad.... I do my + duty, and my adversaries, who call themselves great men, do + not perform theirs—being guided in their actions by caprice + and personal interests, and not in the least degree in the + interests of justice, and for the welfare of the King and + country. Let them do as they please, I will do as I think + proper.... I do not fear the thunderbolts of these little + Jupiters, be they far or near. This is all I have to say, + therefore have your mind at ease, as is mine, and if you come + to see me in London I shall be delighted, and I will take as + good care of you as I do of the Court papers, which M. de + Guerchy will not have except on good grounds, with colours + flying, match alight, ammunition at hand, and drums beating. He + shall not even have the envelopes of the letters, I swear it to + you by all that is sacred, unless he brings to me an authentic + order from the King, my master and his, and this is what he has + not been able to effect hitherto. + + ‘Do not believe I am insane, because reports to that effect + have reached Paris. I can assure you that my acts, in my + supposed state of madness, would be acts of wisdom on the + part of certain ambassadors. I am, and shall continue to be, + the faithful servant of the King, but I am not, nor do I wish + to be, the sordid servant of certain nobles, his worthless + varlets. To those who tell you that your son is a wild animal + reared in the forests of Burgundy or of Champagne (M. de + Guerchy has already said this to me), reply as I and my friend + Jean Jacques do, that nature treats all animals abandoned to + her care with a certain predilection that seems to show how + jealous she is of this right. The horse, the cat, the bull, + and even the ass, should they become ambassadors, are usually + taller, of a more robust constitution, more vigorous, stronger, + and more courageous in forest-land than when living amongst + us; they lose half these advantages in becoming domesticated; + and it might be said that all our concern in well treating + and feeding those animals, only tends to degenerate them. It + is the same with man; in becoming social and the slave of the + great, or of those who ape to be so, he becomes weak, timid, + servile, and his inactive and effeminate style of living + suffices to unnerve his strength and courage.... As to my huge + brother-in-law, Mr. Gorman,[157] let him attend to his own + affairs in Paris, I do not need his advice or that of any other + person.... Let everybody mind his own business. I know my own + affairs, not a soul in the world shall poke his nose into them, + or I will singe his moustache.... Since you cannot voler as + birds do, as great ladies and great gentlemen do, I will turn + over to you, with great pleasure, my pension of 2,000 livres + on the privy purse, which, in addition to what you possess, + will enable you to live comfortably in some convent near + Paris.... If you wish to do what is best, remain quietly in + your charming retreat at Tonnerre, and do not return to Paris + unless the Court pays your travelling expenses in some surer + way than it has mine, and remember, that whether men praise or + blame you, you are none the better or the worse. _The glory + of the righteous is in their conscience, and not in the praise + of man._ I embrace you tenderly.... If you continue to weep, I + shall have to supply you with some of the English East India + Company’s pocket-handkerchiefs, and you will no longer be my + mother if you are not the virtuous woman spoken of by Solomon, + and which I have not as yet been able to find anywhere.... + Be at ease—these enemies are harmless as sheep; they are + mischievous rather than dangerous.’[158] + +D’Eon’s determination not to deliver any of the papers in his possession, +left no alternative to de Guerchy other than to obtain from him an +official statement in writing of his refusal to obey the King’s +orders. This was effected at the residence of the Chevalier, who, ever +apprehensive of treachery on the part of the ambassador’s emissaries, +whenever and wherever he met them, held himself in readiness armed, and +levelling his gun at the witnesses, cried, ‘It is at the end of this that +you will find the King’s papers; come and take them.’[159] + +Mention has been made of the publication of a couple of pamphlets by +direction of de Guerchy, as being one of the measures to which his +Excellency resorted for bringing the Chevalier into disrepute.[160] +They had reference to the scene at Lord Halifax’s house on the evening +of October 26, and to the minister plenipotentiary’s intercourse with +Treyssac de Vergy. D’Eon never missed the opportunity for committing pen +to paper, and in his turn published a lengthened statement, likewise in +the form of a pamphlet.[161] It was a faithful recital of facts, and +as such, he immediately forwarded a copy to his good friend the Duke +de Choiseul, who, not being one of the executive triumvirate engaged +in doing the will of the Marquise de Pompadour, had but a few weeks +previously offered the Chevalier his protection and restoration to the +army.[162] On issuing the ‘Note,’ he wrote to the King and to his secret +confidants that he was avenging his honour thus infamously attacked, and +hoped to receive orders which he had no desire to see nullified by any +precipitate conduct on his part.... Great was his dismay at the nature of +Tercier’s communication in reply. + + ‘Versailles, December 27, 1763. + + ‘Your enemies have become all-powerful; far from diminishing, + their influence over the King has increased, and they rule him + completely. You are not unaware that Madame de Pompadour is + the cause of all your troubles. You and the Count de Broglio + are lost, if you do not avail yourself of all the courage + and all the prudence with which you are endowed by Heaven, + to save yourself from being compromised, or from having your + person seized and your papers carried off. You and the Count + de Broglio have only to rely, but in secret, upon the King + who cannot abandon you, but whose policy would sacrifice you + entirely, perhaps, to his mistress and to his ministers, + notwithstanding his great regard for you. Rely upon my + unalterable devotion.’ + + * * * * * + + ‘Such is the language of one of those in whose words it is + his Majesty’s pleasure that I should place the most implicit + confidence!’ observes D’Eon. ‘I weigh it with all the respect + due to the throne. The safety of the King’s correspondence, of + that of the Count de Broglio, and of my own, is entrusted to + me, to my prudence and to my courage. Secretly, my King will + support me if I escape out of the hands of his ministers, who + will exact from him, though to his regret, the sacrifice of my + person. What could be more outrageous! No matter, my mind is + made up. My enemies invite me into the arena; I will rush upon + them and overwhelm them if I can; but I will not contend except + with my own weapons, and I will not expose my sovereign. I am + recommended to be bold and prudent. My answer to the Count de + Guerchy’s “Contre-Note” will be the publication of my “Letters + and Memoirs.” I avenge every imputation and crush my adversary; + so much for courage. My chiefs, my relatives, my protectors and + my friends speak in my favour by their letters and by mine, and + if the base and ridiculous character of my adversary becomes + thus revealed, he will only owe the exposure to the pure and + simple publication of his friends’ and his own letters; so much + for prudence.’ + +The ‘Contre-Note’[163] was a third pamphlet de Guerchy had the +weakness to employ Goudard to write, in vindication of himself and in +severe condemnation of D’Eon; it was a retort to the ‘Note’ that had +been addressed to him. D’Eon kept his word. The ‘Lettres, Mémoires,’ +&c., which made their appearance, in quarto and octavo editions, are +frequently referred to in this work. The volume, divided into three +parts, opens with a violent and virulent attack on the French ambassador, +giving rise, in due course, to an action for libel, and is followed +by the Chevalier’s correspondence with the Dukes de Praslin and de +Nivernois, M. de Sainte-Foy, the Count de Guerchy, and others. Part II. +relates to D’Eon’s personal interests during his residence in London, +and Part III. gives some particulars of his services, with copies of +certificates, despatches, and letters, all favourable to himself. The +epigraph consists of three lines borrowed from Voltaire:— + + ‘Pardonnez; un soldat est mauvais courtisan. + Nourri dans la Scythie, aux plaines d’Arbazan, + J’ai pu servir la cour, et non pas la connaître.’ + +The motto is _Vita sine litteris mors est_, and the post face at the end +of Part II. is inscribed:— + + ‘If the precious selection that forms this little + correspondence greatly offends the authors of the injustice + from which I am suffering, I will give a second edition of + Letters, without extracts and without blanks; the text will + be as genuine as the book of Genesis, where the points of the + Massorets will not be employed.’ + +The Chevalier was at no loss to justify himself for having thus exposed +the private correspondence of French ministers. When he saw that de +Guerchy and de Praslin made it their business to despatch courier after +courier to each other, and secretly spread reports upon the subject +of his affairs, he made up his mind to publish what disconcerted +their measures. Nobody was able to conceive how a young captain of +dragoons could have the temerity to be the first to impugn an old +lieutenant-general, Knight of the King’s Orders, his Majesty’s Ambassador +Extraordinary, a friend of thirty years’ standing of the Ministers of +France, a favourite of the King, and allied to several powerful houses; +but everybody was able to perceive, without any difficulty, that it was +the lieutenant-general and favourite ambassador who had commenced the +attack, and that the captain, minister plenipotentiary, was obliged +to defend himself. Was there cause for libel in writing against a +poisoner, an assassin, who commenced by hiring scribblers to tarnish his +reputation? Was there cause for libel in publicly defending, when openly +and publicly assailed, one’s honour, life, and liberty? Every law, human +and divine, justifies such defence. In every suit, in every contention, +in every quarrel, the aggressor is specially to be distinguished from the +aggressed, the oppressor from the oppressed! Offensive war is the act +of a tyrant; he who defends himself is justified. Had the count given +the Chevalier good wine at his table, in the place of poison, there +never would have been any dissension between them. The chief cause of +the Chevalier’s falling into disgrace with the French ambassador, lay +in the former’s evil or good luck, in seeing the latter take to flight +on the right bank of the Weser, when, being under fire of the English +and Hanoverians at the passage of that river, the Marshal de Broglio’s +order was delivered, directing him to give his support and distribute +ammunition to the troops. The recollection of that incident must have +been exceedingly disagreeable to the count, for when the Chevalier +reminded him, upon the memorable evening at Lord Halifax’s, that they +had served together during the war, de Guerchy told Lord Halifax, in the +presence of the other English ministers, that he had never met D’Eon, nor +was he at all concerned to know who were the aides-de-camp to the Count +and the Duke de Broglio. In reply, D’Eon maintained that he might perhaps +remember having entertained him at his head-quarters upon more than one +occasion, to discuss the hot pastry for which his cook was famous, and +that when retreating from Einbeck, his column having missed its way, he +had put it on the right road to Northeim.[164] + +The giving his volume to the world produced the greatest consternation +amongst those of the ruling powers whose private letters, several of an +exceedingly delicate nature, had thus been made public, and in exposing +the secrets of ministers, D’Eon spared his friends as little as he did +his bitterest enemies, the King only, in whom his faith was implicit, +being held sacred by his daring spirit. The publication was no leap in +the dark, but an ill-considered act, an irreparable blunder which brought +upon him the extreme of gratuitous misery, and desertion by all those in +authority. + +No sooner was this book out of the printer’s hands than the Count de +Guerchy secured a copy, and sat for several hours with his wife poring +over its contents. Some satirical passages on their love of economy +having led to a quarrel between the two, they threw the volume at each +other’s heads. ‘Could I have foreseen such a thing,’ said the Chevalier +upon being informed of the circumstance, ‘I should have issued the book +in a wooden binding!’[165] + +[Sidenote: HORACE WALPOLE.] + +As the publication caused a panic at Versailles, so was the sensation in +London enormous. This is what Walpole had to say about it:— + + ‘D’Eon has published (but to be sure you have already heard + so) a most scandalous quarto, abusing Monsieur de Guerchy + outrageously, and most offensive to Messieurs de Praslin + and Nivernois. In truth I think he will have made all three + irreconcilable enemies. The Duke de Praslin must be enraged as + to the Duke’s carelessness and partiality to D’Eon, and will + certainly grow to hate Guerchy, concluding the latter can never + forgive _him_. D’Eon, even by his own account, is as culpable + as possible, mad with pride, insolent, abusive, ungrateful, + and dishonest—in short, a complication of abominations, yet + originally ill-used by his Court, afterwards too well; above + all, he has great malice, and great parts to put that malice + in play. Though there are even many bad puns in his book, a + very uncommon fault in a French book, yet there is much wit + too. Monsieur de Guerchy is extremely hurt.... I could write + pages to you upon this subject, for I am full of it—but I will + send you the book. The Council have met to-day to consider what + to do upon it. Most people think it difficult for them to do + anything. Lord Mansfield thinks they can’—Walpole disliked the + judge, and adds—‘but I fear he has a little alacrity on the + severe side in such cases.’[166] + +As I shall have occasion to return to Walpole, or rather to his letters, +I would limit myself in the interests of this history, seeing that the +opinions to which he gave expression were immatured except by his own +specious judgment, hastily and prematurely formed, to quoting Macaulay’s +estimate of that _gentleman usher at heart_. ‘He sneered at everybody, +put on every action the worst construction which it could bear,’ and we +are told, further, that he ‘spelt every man backward.’ + +[Sidenote: DRIVEN TO SEEK EXPATRIATION.] + +A painful sense of oppression was produced on D’Eon by Tercier’s letter +of December 27, and nothing, not even his vigorous mind, could rouse him +out of the state of despondency into which he had fallen. To his kindest +of protectors, the Duke de Nivernois, he said, ‘... all my trust is in +your tender friendship for me, and all my fear lies in your weakness for +your friends.’ If the power of his enemies was too great, he continued, +to enable the duke to break asunder the chain of error, of falsehood, +and of iniquity, he should only ask permission, for himself and his two +cousins, to enter the service of a foreign State, a request they made +with their hearts plunged in the bitterest grief; for there were none +more ready than they to shed the last drop of their blood for the King +they adored, and their native land which they cherished. + + ‘... Since my zeal, my services, and my disinterestedness have + incriminated me in my own country, I must, in spite of myself, + seek a country where I shall be at liberty to lead the life of + a good citizen. That country is found for me, Monsieur le Duc, + this you know, and I will not hide it from you....’ + +In an enclosure, under flying seal, addressed to his other good friend +the Duke de Choiseul, he thus expressed himself:— + + ‘... Your cousinship to the Duke de Praslin, and private + reasons, will no doubt have prevented you from rendering to + me that justice which is my due, and which exists in your + heart.... Forced as I am, by the revolting injustice I am + experiencing, by the suppression of my pension out of the privy + purse, and by the numerous enemies that my zeal, blind no doubt + in the cause of my country, or that the envy of traitors to + that same country have excited against me; I find myself under + the grievous necessity of entreating you to do me the favour, + to send the King’s permission that I, and two of my cousins, + may enter the service of a foreign Power....’[167] + +To D’Eon’s surprise, these letters remained unnoticed. He appealed to the +King, to the Count de Broglio, to Tercier, for support in his perplexing +situation, but nothing came. All were silent. Yet, for his own sake, +the count had never been callous to the cries of the Chevalier, nor was +he so now, for D’Eon’s doom, were the designs against him carried to a +successful issue, would be the harbinger of his own fate. He followed +up his suggestion of December 6 to the King, by proposing that his +secretary, the Chevalier Nort, should be sent to England to conciliate +D’Eon. The King approved, but with his customary dilatoriness nothing +was done. Then were brought the news of the recall from exile of the de +Broglios, and of the moribund condition of the Marquise de Pompadour, and +wearisome darkness, the poor proscribed one thought, would give place +to light, and relief be at hand! Still nothing came, though weeks had +passed; to remain thus disregarded and treated with silent contempt was +more than the Chevalier’s nature could endure. He again addressed himself +to Tercier, this time openly throwing the gauntlet, with what results +will be known hereafter. + +[Sidenote: PROOF AGAINST CORRUPTION.] + + _To the Solicitor._[168] + + ‘London, March 23, 1764. + + ‘Sir,—Although the recall of the Marshal and of the Count de + Broglio should be as useful and as necessary to the King’s + service as to the ends of justice, in the settlement of my + affairs, I cannot conceal from you my surprise at the complete + silence of yourself and of the Count de Broglio, in the cruel + position into which the wickedness, to say nothing more, of the + Count de Guerchy has plunged me, and his enmity, particularly + to the house of Broglio, which is the real origin of my + misfortunes. + + ‘Your silence and my position are such, that I send M. + Nardin[169] to Paris, to his friend la Rosière; he will + relate to him, in person, all that has taken place since his + departure, and the latter will deliver to you this letter, to + request urgently that you will give me a categorical reply + as to what I am or am not to expect, so that I may be guided + accordingly. It is very sad, that after having sacrificed + myself so willingly for the benefit and honour of the King’s + service, I should have recourse to such explanations, or + rather to such extremities. You must feel all the force of + what I wish to say. I will never be the first to desert the + King or my country, but if, unhappily, the King and my country + should think proper to sacrifice me by deserting me, I shall + be obliged, in spite of myself, to abandon the latter, and in + doing so, I will justify myself before the whole of Europe, and + nothing will be easier to me, as you are well aware. I admit + that such a sacrifice will be hard for me, but it will also + cost France dearly, and the very idea of this makes me shed + tears. Yet, such are the extremes and the fatal resolutions + which might be engendered by the ingratitude and intrigue that + sustains an ambassador, so unworthy of the title as is the + Count de Guerchy. + + ‘I will not conceal from you, sir, that the enemies of France, + believing they may be able to take advantage of the cruel + position in which I find myself, have invited me to enter + their service. Whatever the benefits they offer, I cannot be + influenced, and I shall be guided under these circumstances + by my honour only; I have answered as became me, and have + said that I could not enter into any engagement, as I still + considered myself in the service of the King; and my King + abandons me! And yet, from the very first, I have only acted + in conformity with his great secret project, and his written + orders which I will defend with my life. + + ‘You ought to know that scarcely had the Count de Guerchy + superseded me here, than the subject was broached to him of the + second demolition of the lunette and other works at Dunkirk, + and that this second demolition, which I had successfully + averted and set aside during the period of five months, was + accomplished to the shame and prejudice of France.[170] I am + truly ashamed for my country. + + ‘The leaders of the opposition have offered me any money I + require, on condition that I deliver to them my papers and + letters, under seal, promising to return them to me in exactly + the same state when the money is brought to me.[171] I unbosom + myself to you, and you must feel how repugnant to me must be + such an expedient. And yet, if I am forsaken, what would you + have me do? As to the papers of the Counsellor and of his + deputy, I guard them more jealously than ever; I have them all, + also Rosière’s. The cypher alone I burnt in his presence, and + the whole are so well concealed in my study, that by means of + a mine I have myself contrived, and several trains that lead + to it from different parts of my room, I can in an instant + blow my little study, the would-be rescuers, the papers and + my own self, fifty feet into the air. But, if I am entirely + forsaken, and if, between this and April 22, Easter Sunday, I + do not receive a promise, signed by the King or by the Count + de Broglio, to the effect that reparation will be made to me + for all the ills I have endured at the hands of M. de Guerchy, + then, sir, I declare to you formally and authentically, I shall + lose all hope, and in forcing me to embrace the cause of the + King of England, of his ministry and of the Houses of the Lords + and Commons, _you must make up your mind to a war at no distant + period, of which I shall surely be but the innocent cause, + and this war will be inevitable_. The King of England will be + driven into it by the nature of circumstances, by the voice of + the nation, and by the opposition which is gaining, rather than + losing, in strength. Here, sir, is my confession, and here are + all the evils that will have been prepared by M. de Guerchy and + his gang. Behold your great project, so glorious for the King + and so advantageous to France, turning against you. Your reply, + sir, fully authentic, and signed by the Counsellor, or at least + by his deputy, will inform me if, by next Easter at the latest, + I am to remain an honest Frenchman, or become, in spite of + myself, an honest Englishman.’[172] + +The King took the matter coolly enough. He knew his man, and must have +been full well persuaded that he could safely rely upon his loyalty and +attachment to his person, and that there was consequently no immediate +cause for alarm. When informed for the first time of the tempting offers +made to the Chevalier in England, he merely said: ‘I do not believe +that D’Eon will become an Englishman, for he has nothing to gain from +the ministry, and what will he do if he joins the opposition? Send him +two hundred ducats ...’ and then he wrote word to Tercier, ‘... I have +nothing to say as regards the Sieur D’Eon. I doubt that we should +have war, no matter what he were to say; but we must prevent such an +exposure.’ Still, as if impressed with the obvious necessity for being +wise in time, his Majesty added, ‘I approve of the despatch of the Sieur +de Nort; make every necessary arrangement accordingly.’[173] + +[Sidenote: PUBLICATION OF ‘LETTRES,’ ETC., JUSTIFIED.] + +It is possible that Tercier, who was in the habit of keeping D’Eon +informed of all that was passing at Court, so far as he was concerned, +had told him before their correspondence was interrupted that the King +‘did not at all care to see the “Mémoires” in print.’[174] At any rate, +in a second letter in which he pressed his case, and which quickly +followed the first, we find the Chevalier offering some passing words of +explanation on the course he had pursued. + + ‘London, March 27, 1764.[175] + + ‘Sir,—I hope that M. Nardin, whom I despatched on the morning + of the 23rd to rejoin his friend La Rosière, and to cause to be + remitted to you through him a very urgent letter from myself, + is actually with you, and in a position to relate to La Rosière + all that has occurred here during the last four months. The + Count de Guerchy having thought proper to publish a lying + apology for his conduct, or what is rather a libel against + myself, full of wickedness and slander, I patiently waited + awhile, and was then obliged to reply to it by unanswerable + statements and letters. I have consequently published what + I had to say, and have expressly made a bulky volume of it, + that the project of our great secret affair may be the more + completely screened. + + ‘Our poor ambassador, quite at his wit’s ends, has no idea + beyond that of blind vengeance; he has been to his friend the + Duke of Bedford, a man even more violent than himself; he + has been to all the other ministers to get them to see the + book; but all this has only turned to my advantage. He is at + present moving heaven and earth, together with the Duke of + Bedford, to have me seized by force or by stratagem, that I + may be sent to France. I was warned last night by a friend of + the Duke of Bedford, that the Count de Guerchy has not left + a stone unturned to excite the duke’s wrath against me. This + same person also warned me yesterday morning that at a council + held at St. James’, the ministers had deliberated upon the + means to be employed for arresting me and handing me over to + France; but he could not tell me to what decision they had + arrived. This, sir, is of the greatest consequence, and it is + important that his Majesty should be good enough to order the + Count de Guerchy to leave me in peace. I give you notice, most + earnestly, that the first person who comes to my house, or + attacks me in the street, will at once fall, no matter who he + is, and I am quite indifferent as to the consequences. I again + give you notice, that several leaders of the opposition send + daily to see whether I am safe, and at the first attempt at + violence against me, the embassy and all that it contains will + be torn to pieces by what is here known as the mob, that is to + say, the mariners and rabble from the city, who are at the call + of the opposition. You are sensible of all the disasters about + to take place. The Count de Guerchy ignores the whole of this; + he is not bright enough to apprehend all that is going on, + and even if he were, he would not report, but rather conceal + from the King what he knew. You are aware that I have never + deceived you; I should be loth to do so under such important + and pressing circumstances, and I must not conceal from you, + that if I am once taken, after having so long and carefully + cautioned you, and the King affords no relief, in such a case + I will no longer consider myself bound to preserve the secret, + and shall be obliged, thus driven to extremities, to justify + my conduct; a still greater misfortune than the firing of the + French embassy by the people.’ + +[Sidenote: THE PERSECUTING DUKE DE PRASLIN.] + +These resolute letters had their consequences. M. Nort was hurried +off to London with the King’s secret instructions, taking with him a +conciliatory letter from the Count de Broglio, a sum of money for D’Eon, +and special directions to effect an arrangement, if possible, between the +ambassador and the turbulent captain of dragoons.[176] De Praslin, on +his part, had sent his own agent to England, with orders to take D’Eon +_alive_, above everything, it being his intention to confine him when +secured, in the Bastille.[177] ‘You must admit that his private letters +are deserving of this,’ said Louis XV. to Tercier; ‘but it is more +essential that he should be conciliated and my papers recovered.’ + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + + D’Eon’s intricate situation—Popular indignation in England at + the late peace—Letter of gratitude to Louis XV.; of reproach + to the Count de Broglio—Sued for libel—Retains the King’s + papers as security for his person—Illegal proceedings on the + part of the French ambassador—Out of door precautions against + being kidnapped—English sympathy for D’Eon—Is found guilty of + libel, absconds, is searched after, and outlawed—Confession of + Treyssac de Vergy—De Guerchy’s charge against de Vergy. + + +We may well pause awhile to recapitulate, and realise the parts that +were being severally played by King, minister, ambassador, and late +minister plenipotentiary, in this most extraordinary political drama. +In the first place we see the late minister plenipotentiary as the +custodian, not only of the King of France’s written secret instructions +and correspondence, extending over a series of years, but also of highly +compromising documents, the property of his Majesty,[178] of which, had +their signification been known to the people of England, still agitated +and discontented at the terms of the late peace, would inevitably have +plunged the two countries in afresh and sudden war. Then we find the +French Minister for Foreign Affairs, the willing instrument of the +King’s malicious mistress, employing his old friend, the ambassador in +London, to carry out her bidding by seeking to obtain the whole of the +plenipotentiary’s papers, first by authoritatively demanding them, then +by gentle measures, and afterwards at any hazard. The plenipotentiary +and King’s secret agent proves true to his trust in refusing to make any +surrender, without the express orders of his sovereign, whose secret +commands to that effect he holds. Of this the Minister for Foreign +Affairs knows nothing. The plenipotentiary cannot serve two masters, +and elects to submit himself to the King’s will, of which he alone +is cognisant. For refusing to yield to his superiors in office he is +regarded as a rebel, then a traitor, is degraded, disgraced, and to be +treated as if he were a common criminal, and this through orders wrested +from the King by his minister! Thus Louis XV., a cowardly stranger +to every emotion of the heart, suffers his name to be used as the +authority for dishonouring the most faithful of his servants, and because +apprehensive of the fate of his papers, and fancying he is no longer able +to protect the custodian of them, secretly puts him on his guard, and +although he recommends him to save himself if he can, remains carelessly +indifferent to what might befall him; turns to his ambassador, admits him +into the secret as the sole alternative that presents itself for ensuring +himself from being compromised, directs him to secure the papers, to +keep their existence and his possession of them a profound secret, and +retain them until such time as he shall return to France, when he is to +deliver them in person; this ambassador being the very man who, from the +beginning, was the confidant and tool of de Pompadour and de Praslin, and +against whose acquisition of the royal documents the plenipotentiary had +long and successfully struggled, braving the hostility of ministers until +he had effected his own ruin. + +Had D’Eon been so inclined he might, solitary outcast as he was, have +constituted himself master of the situation, and dictated his own terms. +Offers amounting to forty thousand pounds were now made, if he would say +what he knew regarding the late peace. Lords Bute, Egremont, and Halifax, +the Duke of Richmond, Count Viri, and even the Princess of Wales, were +accused, in the general excitement, of having received bribes from the +French Court for their share in the negotiations; so great indeed was +the popular indignation against the Duke of Bedford, who had conducted +them at Versailles as the King’s ambassador, that he seldom dared to +appear in the streets of London, where he had been hissed, and worse +might have befallen him. It was believed, and with good reason, that the +Chevalier D’Eon was in a position to settle any doubts on the matter, and +it was sought to take advantage of his abandoned and penniless situation +by tempting him with plenty; but the love of lucre was not a trait in +the Chevalier’s character. ‘I am intractable as regards my honour,’ he +wrote more than once; and even though his royal master, for whom he was +enduring all things, should forsake him in time of greatest need, he +loved his country too well to expose it to danger and to the scorn of the +world, by betraying the King. + +No sooner had the Chevalier received from M. Nort the Count de Broglio’s +letter and substantial succour from the King—for it should be remembered +that his emoluments and pension were stopped—than, brimful of emotion, +and believing that in this material assistance he saw fresh earnest +of interest in his behalf on the part of the monarch, now no longer +trammelled by de Pompadour,[179] he expressed his heartfelt gratitude in +these words:— + + ‘Sire,—I am innocent, and have been condemned by your + ministers; but from the moment that your Majesty wishes it, I + place my life, and the recollection of every outrage I have + experienced from the Count de Guerchy, at your Majesty’s feet. + Be persuaded, Sire, that I will die your faithful subject....’ + +His behaviour was very different towards the Count de Broglio, in whose +letter he found no reference whatever to his contentions with de Guerchy; +his solicitations for redress against the injuries he had suffered at +the hands of the ambassador remained unheeded, nor was there one word of +encouragement that might be construed into probable consideration of the +services he had rendered, privately to the King, and to his country. It +simply contained a proposition that he should surrender the papers in his +possession for a sum of money not stated, and as to his prospects in the +future, they were left undetermined. He returned the count’s letter to +Nort, under cover of a written declaration that he refused to consider it. + + ‘I gave him to understand that I was not being dealt with + fairly, that the turn the count was pleased to give to my + affairs, in connection with the King, was by no means agreeable + to me, and not in the least in conformity with facts and with + the consequences of the secret order of June 38, 1763, and + secret instructions relating thereto, which had obliged me + not to take my leave at an audience, but to remain in London. + The count passes over, with inconceivable indifference, the + complaints I have laid at the foot of the throne against M. + de Guerchy, treating them as petty quarrels, money matters, + delicate questions to arrange, when he conscientiously knew the + contrary to be the case.... I was being innocently sacrificed + to policy and expediency. The count was leaving me, like the + goat in the fable, at the bottom of the well into which the + King’s and his own political orders, and the mutual hatred of + the Broglios and Guerchiens had cast me; but I was delighted to + see him, like the fox, climb on to my shoulders to escape from + exile, and out of the precipice in which I remained, awaiting + with confidence and steadiness the pleasure of God and the + King.’[180] + +The French ambassador having been advised that the language employed +in the Introduction to the ‘Lettres, Mémoires,’ &c. was libellous, +immediately instituted proceedings against D’Eon, in which he was +supported by the whole diplomatic corps in London.[181] The trial[182] +was pending, and D’Eon, deserted and friendless, was careful to keep +himself armed at all points, so far as lay in his power, against the +coming struggle. He was satisfied that, provided he had custody of the +papers, he was comparatively safe from any very great harm. Nort had +brought to him no promise of protection, at a time that his liberty was +in hourly peril; he should therefore continue to keep the papers until +security of his person was guaranteed to him. Finding it impossible +to treat with the Chevalier, Nort returned to Paris from his bootless +errand, defeated and empty-handed. + + ‘Were you in my place,’ wrote D’Eon to de Broglio, ‘you would + not do otherwise ... nothing in the world will induce me to + give up these papers, so long as M. de Guerchy is ambassador + in England. Should his Majesty determine upon appointing you, + Monsieur le Comte, or the marshal, as ambassador, I can truly + assert that considering the marshal’s great reputation in + England, the affairs of France would at once take an entirely + new direction. The action against me would break down, I should + surrender my papers, and all would be well.’[183] + +Apart from his action for libel, the ambassador caused yet another +pamphlet to be written and published by Goudard[184] (who wrote, says +D’Eon, _pro fame_ rather than _pro fama_), a vicious criticism on +the volume of ‘Lettres, Mémoires,’ &c. The Chevalier ‘would not take +the trouble to reply to this senseless rather than discriminating +disquisition on his book, but availed himself of the opportunity +afforded him on Easter Day, 1764, in chancing to meet Goudard in the +Green Park, St. James’, to give him a sound caning in the presence of +several respectable witnesses, to which the mercenary scribe never made +any answer;’ and Goudard having boasted in a coffee-house that he had +completely rebutted every argument advanced in the work, D’Eon gave out +that since he had thus proved the vigorous nature of his jaw, he should +borrow that ass’s jaw whenever he would have to combat _des Philistins +des Guerchiens et des chiens de Guerchy_.[185] + + ‘My enemies maintain that I am ambitious and delight in + honours only, and this they say, because I became Minister + Plenipotentiary at an early age without having sought the rank. + The fact is, I have never nourished in my heart other than + that noble emulation which spurs a man on to action. During + my military and political career I have always aspired to the + highest rank, without any idea of injuring anybody, and without + feelings of envy or jealousy. The spirit of emulation is not + forbidden by any law, Divine or human. The oak that reaches to + the sky and raises its branches to the clouds, had once been + but an acorn in the bowels of the earth. If the grass and the + neighbouring small trees were to complain to Jupiter against + this oak, would their murmurs be regarded? Thus should it be + with those men who, born without common sense, unreasonably + grudged me my elevation.’[186] + +At the time of which we write, the trial of John Wilkes at the Old King’s +Court had already taken place, and the country was convulsed by what are +known as the Wilkes’ riots. + +The Chevalier was increasing in popularity, ‘for it is engraven in the +hearts of the English to take part with the oppressed,’ at a time that de +Guerchy’s conduct was not of a nature to gain for him the esteem of the +ministers or people of England. He had come into disagreeable collision +with the authorities, and found pleasure in persecuting several of his +own countrymen in London,[187] who refused to be tyrannised over by him +in a manner that was offending the sensibilities of the liberty-loving +people amongst whom they lived, and especially at a time when that people +believed they were engaged in a struggle for liberty, represented in +their idol of the day—John Wilkes. + +Some weeks previous to de Guerchy’s arrival, D’Eon wrote to apprise +him that he might rely upon exemption from duty in accordance with the +privileges of an ambassador, on all such goods as he might require to +pass into the country, provided it was indisputably shown that they were +for his sole use and benefit. The abuse of this privilege upon more +occasions than one, after his arrival in England, called forth a strong +remonstrance from the department concerned, to which de Guerchy replied +by the assertion of privilege; the matter was consequently referred to +the Lords of the Treasury, who terminated the discussion by informing +Lord Halifax that their lordships would not enter into the consideration +of all that had passed on the subject since his Excellency’s arrival, +although, if it were necessary, they could produce instances which would +be sufficient to convince his lordship that their officers were not to be +charged with any unusual strictness in their treatment of his Excellency; +neither would they enforce the necessity of the exact observance of +the laws, or the propriety of the orders lately given for the strict +execution of them, showing the many and notorious abuses which had been +committed under pretence of the privilege; for they were only desirous +to prevent the evil for the future, and not to complain of what was +past.[188] + +[Sidenote: FRENCH AMBASSADOR’S ABUSE OF PRIVILEGE.] + +Upon another occasion, three constables were sent to the French Embassy +to arrest the ambassador’s ‘gentleman of the horse,’ for having +threatened the life of a woman and to set her house on fire, when the +ambassador caused the gate to be closed, his servants assaulted the +constables and confined them, and he himself tore up the warrant they +presented. This outrage was followed up by de Guerchy’s complaint of +the violation of the privileges of an ambassador, in the attempt to +arrest his _écuyer_ within the court-yard of his Excellency’s house. The +law officers of the Crown having been consulted, the Foreign Secretary +informed the King’s ambassador at the French Court that— + + ‘the Attorney-General was doubtful whether the ambassador’s + privileges had been violated, but it was clear that his + Excellency’s conduct in the transaction had been highly + improper and illegal.’[189] + +It was George III.’s birthday (June 4), and de Guerchy being recognised +in the streets was insulted, and the windows of the Embassy were broken. + + ‘M. de Guerchy maintains that it is I who excited the people, + because they rather like me, and publicly drink my health and + that of Wilkes. Nothing is more false.’[190] + +Writing to Tercier upon these events, D’Eon says:— + + ‘De Guerchy has written to tell his friend (de Praslin) that + I have threatened to thrust him out of the sanctuary afforded + him by the embassy, which he profanes. This is absolutely + false, but were it even true, is it not still more true that + he has openly violated the dignity of the position confided + to him by the King—(1) in causing a detachment of grenadiers + to be summoned to arrest me, a minister of France, and in + whose house? In that of the minister of the King of England. + (2) In causing me to be poisoned, two days later, at his own + table, to which he had invited me; (3) in wishing to pass me + off for a lunatic; (4) in converting the embassy into a store + for contraband goods. If our Lord chastised the Scribes and + Pharisees, if He scourged the dealers out of the temple, if + our holy father the Pope justly fulminates against the enemies + and profaners of things sacred, does not de Guerchy deserve to + be driven back all the way to Dover at a gallop, with a whip + made of ass’s hide? I have read in the papers that the King has + sent into the Gévaudan M. Antoine with a good pack of harriers + to take the wild beast of Gévaudan.[191] I entreat you to + represent to him that it would be worthy of his good heart to + send hither a second M. Antoine, with a good pack of hounds, + to drive out of England the Count de Guerchy, a thousand times + more cruel and more dangerous than the monster of Gévaudan. + Indeed, I cannot conceive how it is that the English, who have + destroyed all the wolves in England, suffer this new man-wolf + to exist in their midst.’[192] + +[Sidenote: IN DANGER OF BEING KIDNAPPED.] + +The spies and officers of police sent by the French minister and acting +under the directions of de Guerchy, continued to watch every movement +of the Chevalier, who they no doubt still hoped to kidnap, as had been +the Marquis de Fratteau[193] some years previously. Five were lodged in +Gerrard Street, close to Brewer Street, where he resided. His precautions +he describes to an old friend, Captain Pommard, in Paris. When he +went out, as he did daily, it was with all the vigilance a captain of +dragoons should observe in time of war. His own spies were about. He +had met his enemies, and had any attempt been made against his person, +they would have been cut to pieces by the party he led. Every evening +he reconnoitred at Ranelagh and Vauxhall; but acts of violence were not +to be apprehended in England, and he was more on his guard against the +stratagems of those with whom he was unacquainted, and of his false and +therefore dangerous friends. That French emissaries were actually on +the look-out to seize the Chevalier and carry him off to France in a +vessel appointed for the purpose, does not appear to have been generally +credited in London, judging by the obituary notices which appeared in the +newspapers, where it is stated that if the Chevalier was not the author +of the reports to that effect, he at any rate believed in them.[194] +Were official confirmation of the plan for his abduction needed, it is to +be found in de Guerchy’s handwriting, and in the instructions he asks, +under date June 23, 1764, as to whether D’Eon is to be seized before or +after his trial for libel. + +The Chevalier’s case met with a good deal of sympathy, which found its +way into the papers, and exhibited itself in anonymous letters cautioning +him to be wary against his countrymen. His unknown correspondents +recommended him to withdraw to Oxford, Bath, or other distant town, +taking care not to allow even his most discreet friend to know the time +of his departure or his destination. + + ‘... The people are already agitated, and favourably, in + your behalf, and the greater the agitation the more will the + people be on the _qui vive_ to protect you against any kind of + abduction, by stratagem or by force. Even the ministry will be + obliged, in the interests of the public, to watch against any + such attempts as are contrary to the rights of persons and the + laws of the country....’ + +He should not leave his house unless accompanied by some trustworthy +person who spoke English and knew London well, and he should never think +of going out at night.... Were any scoundrel sufficiently rash and +villainous to dare to attack him, he should pitilessly shoot him or cut +him in two with his sword.[195] That the Chevalier would have killed the +first man who dared to lay hands upon him was no bombast on his part. He +had written to Lord Mansfield, to the Earl of Bute, Mr. Pitt, and Earl +Temple, to represent what were the designs of the French ambassador, the +risk he hourly incurred of being kidnapped, and to seek their advice. He +informed Lord Mansfield that he did not contract any debts, and avoided +everything that could possibly lead him to an infringement of the laws. +If, therefore, the law would appear to arm itself against his liberty, +he must necessarily conclude it did so under a false pretence, being won +over by the hatred of his enemies to deliver him to them. Such being the +case, might he presume to ask his lordship, he who was the administrator +of those laws which but interpreted primitive and natural laws, might he +presume to inquire whether the necessity for self-defence did not place +him in the position of repelling force by force? He ventured to think +that his lordship’s heart contemplated such extreme measures with dread; +but his equity, as was natural, would readily forgive any evils resulting +therefrom. Such was his position, which he was obliged to bring to +notice, in the hope that his lordship’s equity would offer some counsel +that he was able to follow, and which should be equally in conformity +with the requirements for his safety and with the laws of a country he +loved and to which he owed so much. + +[Sidenote: TRIAL FOR LIBEL.] + +Towards the end of June, the Chevalier received notice of the charges +upon which he was to be tried, and a summons to appear on July 9, +that being the end of Trinity term. He made an affidavit asking for +adjournment to another term, to enable him to produce four witnesses who +had been expelled the country by orders of the French ambassador. His +application was refused, and it being simply impossible for his counsel, +who knew nothing of French, to read and digest in the course of eight +days his book of six hundred pages in quarto, he made up his mind not +to appear. The trial came on before Lord Chief Justice Mansfield at the +King’s Bench bar on the day appointed, upon information filed against +him by the King’s command, as author of a libel on the Count de Guerchy, +and in default was found guilty.[196] + +D’Eon disappeared, and although not readily found, was by no means idle, +for in this same month, July, the Marquis de Blosset, in diplomatic +charge during de Guerchy’s absence on leave,[197] made application to +Lord Halifax that the Chevalier might be compelled to cease printing +certain papers which he believed to be the ‘Négotiations,’ in which his +cousin, D’Eon de Mouloise, and M. la Rochette were also concerned. The +English minister replied that it was impossible to stop the printing of +books when the subject was not known, and on suspicion only;[198] and +here the matter dropped. After a time, a clue having been obtained to the +Chevalier’s place of concealment, the Solicitor-General was consulted +on the legality of force being employed for arresting him and bringing +him to the bar of the Court of King’s Bench to receive sentence upon the +conviction. Sir Henry Norton gave it as his opinion that the officer +having the paper process of the Court of King’s Bench for apprehending +the Chevalier D’Eon, was thereby authorised and might legally break open +the doors of a house though within the verge of the Court or of any other +house, in order to take the Chevalier, if, upon request, the doors of +such house should be refused to be opened; and it being believed that the +house in which D’Eon was secreted stood within the verge of the Court, +the Solicitor-General ruled that any objection on that account might be +easily obviated by a proper application for the purpose.[199] No time +was lost, and on the evening of the same day, November 20, a house in +Scotland Yard, Whitehall, occupied by a Mr. Eddowes, was entered by an +officer and five men, who said they had come with orders to seek and +arrest, or take, dead or alive, the Chevalier D’Eon. They spent an hour +on the premises, bursting open every door, not excepting even that of +the room in which Mr. Eddowes, many years bed-ridden, was lying; and +they were about to force open a closet and bureau, but that Mrs. Eddowes +cautioned them against so doing, as the room contained papers and money +belonging to the King. D’Eon was nowhere about the house, and she had not +seen him for more than two months. The officer, whose conduct had been +outrageous, then left with the search party.[200] + +[Sidenote: OUTLAWED.] + +Having absconded from justice and failed to surrender himself to the +Court of King’s Bench to receive judgment, the Chevalier was in due +course, that is to say, on June 13, 1765, declared to be outlawed by +judgement of the coroners for the county of Middlesex.[201] + +The story must go back a few pages, that we may become the better +acquainted with Treyssac de Vergy with whom we parted at the door of +D’Eon’s back premises, through which he was ignominiously made to pass on +the morning of October 27, 1763, when he had presented himself to settle +an affair of honour pending between himself and the Chevalier. Whatever +the latter’s hiding-place for several months after his conviction, it is +very certain that de Vergy found him out the following September, and +to his great astonishment favoured him one day with a call. Smitten with +remorse and driven by despair, de Vergy had a confession to make which +throws all the light needed on the designs of the triumvirate at Paris +against the liberty and life even of the Chevalier D’Eon. + + ‘You must be surprised, sir, at this visit,—D’Eon admitted + he was, greatly so—‘but when you are acquainted with the + reason for it, I hope I shall regain in your estimation some + of the respect I justly forfeited upon the occasion of our + last interview. I am a miserable wretch, and you will greatly + despise me for all I am about to say, unless you give me credit + for the remorse I feel and the heroic repentance which compels + me to speak. May my latest acts make amends for the past!’ + +[Sidenote: BLOOD-THIRSTY MINISTERS.] + +De Vergy then placed before the Chevalier the necessary papers to prove +his identity, as he promised he should do in the declaration he had +signed when they last met. He described himself as being a man of good +birth, an advocate of the parliament of Bordeaux, and son-in-law to the +Baroness Fagan; but having squandered his own and his wife’s fortune +in riotous living, had tried his hand at literature, and published, in +1762, a work entitled ‘Les Usages,’ which brought him into favour with +the Count d’Argental, not altogether, perhaps, the most desirable of +patrons; still, he was an intimate friend of de Praslin, and as de Vergy +was a candidate for any employment he could get, his friends advised him +to stick to the count, since he had chanced to please him. De Vergy did +so, and asked for his interest with de Praslin to obtain a nomination +as consul or secretary of Embassy, which resulted in an introduction to +de Guerchy, the new ambassador to London, through whom he was informed +he might possibly obtain the secretaryship of Embassy, in the room of +D’Eon, who had given displeasure at Court. De Guerchy referred him to +d’Argental, and the latter, in a somewhat long interview they had, told +de Vergy that he might have to pay for such an appointment, in case of +need, with personal courage and blind devotion to the orders of the Count +de Guerchy. + + ‘I have made myself responsible to M. de Guerchy for your + discretion, and have assured him that you will fall in with his + views, and that you will serve him as readily with your sword + as with your pen, according to circumstances.’ + + ‘I cannot understand that a secretary of Embassy need resort to + the first.’ + + ‘You do not know but that you may find yourself in a position + to have to do so.’ + + ‘I do not understand this mystery; pray, sir, explain yourself.’ + + ‘Do you know D’Eon?’ + + ‘No, sir.’ + + ‘They are displeased with him at Court.’ + + ‘Am I to be specially instructed on this point?’ + + ‘He must be ruined.’ + + ‘But is he not already ruined, since he has incurred + displeasure at Court?’ + + ‘It is not this ... it is something else....’ + + ‘I do not understand you.’ + + ‘It is necessary that he should commit himself so seriously....’ + + ‘But how is this to be managed?’ + + ‘I cannot say.’ + + ‘I think, sir, you should express yourself more clearly.’ + + ‘I thought you understood me.’ + + ‘It is really difficult to do so.’ + + ‘Well, then, M. de Guerchy is under orders to bring D’Eon into + disgrace; but a stranger and a skilful hand must do this.’ + + ‘Do you mean to say, sir, that the man about to replace him + should commit a base action?’ + + ‘I do not mean anything; you misunderstand me....’ An awkward + silence of some moments ensued, and the count, rising from + his chair and steadily eyeing de Vergy, said, ‘I was under the + impression, de Vergy, that you were ambitious, and that you + were to be relied upon.’ + + ‘You are not mistaken, sir, but I cannot stray from what I owe + to honour and to my name.’ + + ‘But you are not required to do anything wrong, only lend + yourself to whatever may arise, and take honourable advantage + of it. Go to London, await there the ambassador, and see him + when he arrives. The secretaryship is yours, but you will have + to make yourself worthy of it. You are clever, and I have + explained myself.’ + +De Vergy went on to say that he was persuaded from this ambiguous +language and the few words de Guerchy had said to him, that he was +required to take part in some machinations, but to what end he could +not conceive. He explained his dilemma to d’Argental, who put him at +his ease by assuring him that he had nothing to fear, and as he was +literally starving, he overcame his scruples and consented to leave +for England where he preceded de Guerchy by several weeks. He was to +assist in encompassing the ruin of D’Eon, and through him of the Count +de Broglio; he was to spread reports injurious to the Chevalier’s +reputation; if possible, to pick a quarrel with him, and write a pamphlet +to his prejudice. It was thus that advantage was to be taken of his +necessitous situation. It was his conscience, not his courage, that made +him wince whilst doing the will of the ambassador, and when he had said +to the Chevalier the evening they met at the Embassy, _You do not know +the fate that awaits you in France_, it was his conscience that spoke +and would warn him, and had the Chevalier replied in an encouraging and +conciliatory manner, de Vergy would have confessed all to him. But he was +depending upon the Count de Guerchy for his very existence. + + ‘At five-and-twenty,’ he said, ‘the stomach is an integral part + of the conscience. It has a deliberative voice in its internal + decisions, and when to its sharp cry is added the hoarse and + hollow sound from the bowels, their voices united generally + have the preponderance.’ + +[Sidenote: DE VERGY’S CONFESSION.] + +‘I could not help laughing,’ notes D’Eon, ‘at this theory in explanation +of the verdict of our conscience, and de Vergy laughed quite as heartily.’ + + ‘The more pliable to his will did the ambassador find me,’ + continued de Vergy, ‘the more exacting did he become. After + having in vain attempted many things against you, even to + poisoning (for let me tell you, sir, that you were poisoned + with opium; I know it from the ambassador himself, and I + now tell you so), it was proposed that I should waylay and + assassinate you. This infamous proposition was made to me at + a moment when all the money I had borrowed for my current + expenses was exhausted, and not having as yet received + anything from the ambassador, I was in the greatest distress. + I had given promissory notes to my landlord for lodging and + board since my arrival in London, notes I hoped to meet with + the salary I expected to receive. Their term had expired, + and unless the money was forthcoming I was in danger of + imprisonment. The Count de Guerchy knew this, and offered me a + purse with one hand, and with the other—a dagger. I rejected + the purse and the dagger. I am a wretch, a villain if you + will, but not an assassin. In a few days I was arrested and + imprisoned for debt. In vain did I appeal to him who made me + leave France and attach myself to his service. My entreaties + and my threats were equally powerless. The first he rejected + because he made sure of your being carried off by the men sent + for the purpose, and I could therefore no longer be of use to + him; he scorned the latter, because I was in confinement and + precluded from doing him harm. But if I could no longer see + and speak to him, I was at least free to write, and I did so. + Having heard of the action against you, I prepared, whilst in + prison, a “Lettre aux Français”[202] in your vindication. The + printing of it was secretly undertaken by Haberkorn of Grafton + Street, when a fellow-prisoner betrayed me. My manuscript was + taken from the printer in virtue of an order from the Chevalier + Norton, and your judge, Lord Mansfield. A warrant was issued + for my removal to Newgate, where I should have found myself + amongst thieves and murderers; but thanks to the assistance + of my relatives and friends I obtained my liberty, and the + first use I make of it is to place myself at your service. The + Count de Guerchy has broken the engagements by which he was in + honour bound to me, and released me from mine. His Excellency + has dared to summon you before the tribunals; make any use you + please in self-defence of the disclosures I have made. I am + at your disposal. I will admit my own faults, and prove your + innocence in London, Paris, or Versailles, over the whole earth + if necessary. Happy, indeed, shall I be to make reparation, by + some little good, for a part of the injury I have caused you!’ + + ‘Are you prepared,’ inquired D’Eon, deeply impressed by these + revelations, ‘to affirm and attach your signature to all you + have been saying to me?’ + + ‘I am prepared to affirm the same, before God and man, to sign + with my hand and seal with my blood.’ + + ‘Very well, M. de Vergy. Do you recollect my last words to you + on October 27, 1763. “If you prove to me that you are an honest + man, I will be the best of your friends.” You have given me + this proof, and henceforth I will keep my word.’ D’Eon took his + hand, and the young man’s eyes filled with tears. + + ‘My friends wish me to return to Paris; I have no means of + existence in London, but I will get on as best I can, and + remain with you until the time of your trial.’ + + ‘Be it so. You shall share my bread with me.’ + +Indeed, D’Eon had nothing but a piece of bread to offer, being himself in +sore need; a refugee from the world![203] + +[Sidenote: CHARGES AGAINST DE VERGY.] + +Whilst preparing his ‘Lettre aux Français’ for the press, de Vergy +enclosed extracts to de Guerchy, and threatened its immediate publication +unless his Excellency would consent to buy it off by sending him the sum +of eighty guineas and granting him some other favours, and he employed an +attorney named Grojan to call at the Embassy, receive the money, and give +a receipt for it. Such, at least, was de Guerchy’s statement, eventually +unsupported as will appear in the sequel; but this circumstance being +brought to the notice of Lord Halifax, the matter was placed in the +hands of the Solicitor-General, by whom it was submitted that de +Vergy’s attempt to extort money from the French ambassador by threats +and vilifying his Excellency and his Court if his demands were not +complied with, was highly criminal, and he might be legally prosecuted +for the same, either by indictment or by information in the name of his +Majesty’s Attorney-General, and if convicted upon the trial would be +brought to condign punishment. Lord Halifax immediately instructed the +Attorney-General to prosecute M. de Vergy by way of information in his +name, and at the expense of the King, giving at the same time notice to +this effect to the French ambassador.[204] Actions for libel, however, +were of such ordinary occurrence at this period of social disorder, that +as many as two hundred informations were filed against printers and +others in the course of the year. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + + D’Eon challenges the French ambassador—Institutes legal + proceedings against him—Strong appeal to the Count de + Broglio and indifference of the latter—De Guerchy _v._ + De Vergy—De Vergy’s affidavits—Secret correspondence in + danger—Undignified conduct of Louis XV., who ‘feels he is in + a mess’—True bill against the French ambassador for inciting + to murder—D’Eon’s disregard of his King’s intervention—De + Guerchy applies for a _nolle prosequi_—Attorney-General refuses + a certificate—Miscarriage of justice, and state of public + feeling—Count de Broglio’s conciliatory proposals—A royal + pension conferred on D’Eon—De Broglio’s advice—D’Eon surrenders + his secret orders from the King. + + +Provided with de Vergy’s statement in writing and bearing his signature, +the first step taken by the Chevalier was to call upon de Guerchy to +settle their differences by recourse to arms, as became two soldiers. +The latter objected to draw swords with a fencing-master. The Chevalier +observed he was right, and proposed, to ensure perfect equality, that +the ambassador should choose his own fire-arms and they should fight +on horse-back, if he objected to do so on foot; and further intimated +to him, through his seconds, that if he promised to meet him on the +ground with a good grace, he gave his word of honour, privately, that +he should wound him only; whereas de Guerchy would be at liberty to do +his worst. The count’s reply to this was that D’Eon must be a fool to +suppose a general would agree to fight a simple captain of dragoons, +which persuaded the Chevalier that it would be as impossible for such +a man to perform an act of courage and of justice, as it is to extract +oil from stones. De Guerchy could not be prevailed upon to fight! Then, +‘out of consideration for the Court of France and for the count’s family, +D’Eon was careful to lay at the feet of his august master his private +wrongs on the subject of poisoning, assassination, kidnapping, and other +not generally known dark designs against his honour, his life, his +person, and his papers. This he did before appealing to the tribunals of +England for that liberty and the safety of his person and papers which +the law could ensure to him.’ It does not appear that Louis XV. took +any notice of these representations, and D’Eon determined on having de +Guerchy prosecuted for a craven-hearted criminal, and he took proceedings +accordingly. + +[Sidenote: PROSECUTION OF THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR.] + +A copy of de Vergy’s deposition was sent to the Duke de Choiseul, and +another to the Count de Broglio under cover of one of the most pitiful of +appeals. + + ‘London, November 2, 1764. + + ‘Sir,—I have the honour to enclose for your sole information, + + ‘The[205] horrible plot is at last disclosed. I can + now say to M. de Guerchy what the Prince de + + copy of my last letter to the Duke de Choiseul, and of that + + Conti said to the Marshal de Luxembourg before the + battle of Steenkerque: “Sangaride! this is a great + + of M. de Montmorin, Bishop of Langres, who is intimately + acquainted + + day for you my cousin! You will be a fine fellow if + you get out of the mess!” None are more concerned + + with my family, and has known me since childhood. + + than you and the marshal, in employing all means for + protecting yourselves against the + + He is good enough to employ his interest in my behalf with the + + enemies of your house. The King cannot but be + persuaded now of the truth; it is as clear as + daylight. + + Dauphin, who has great regard for him. I am aware that the + + I am taking my own measures. I have informed the Duke + of York and his brothers of the + + Bishop of Langres is a strong partisan of the marshal; you may + + truth and atrociousness of the conspiracy against + you, the Marshal de Broglio, and myself. They will + + therefore, sir, recommend my case to the Bishop with perfect + + inform the King, the Queen, and the Princess of + Wales. M. de Guerchy, who has been unfavourably + + safety, and he will be delighted to support your good-will in my + + received since his return,[206] is disturbed beyond + conception, notwithstanding his audacity, and I know + + behalf. I have the honour to be, with profound respect, + + that the King of England is disposed to be just + towards the marshal and myself. Do your part, do + + Sir, + + something and do not desert me as you seem to be + doing. I will defend myself to the last drop of my + + Your most humble, + + blood, and fearlessly serve your house in spite of + you! You desert me! You send me no money, + + and most obedient servant, + + whereas I am struggling in your behalf. Do not desert + me and do not drive me to despair. Send me + + D’EON.’ + + sufficient money to enable me to fight your battles + and mine, unless you wish to be crushed under the + weight of injustice. I have expended more than twelve + hundred pounds in carrying on my war, and you send me + nothing. It is abominable, and allow me to say that I + should never have believed it!’[207] + +A long time had elapsed since the date of de Broglio’s last letter to +the Chevalier, and now his reply was laconic enough. He declined, in +the future, to submit to the King any of his letters in which allusion +was made to de Guerchy, but he would take extracts and show them to his +Majesty. D’Eon remained puzzled at this system of neutrality, having +noticed that the very dispatches which informed him that any reference +he might make to his squabbles with de Guerchy should not be seen by +the King, were approved with the own hand of the sovereign, who must +consequently have been aware of the correspondence on this particular +subject being concealed from him. + +[Sidenote: QUALMS OF CONSCIENCE.] + +The reports on the threatening attitude assumed by D’Eon and the probable +use he would make of de Vergy’s deposition, caused no little alarm in +the mind of de Guerchy and at the French Court. It became a matter of +greater moment than ever to the ambassador that he should rid himself +of the hateful Chevalier, and he urged upon Lord Halifax, in pressing +terms, that de Vergy, who was making common cause with D’Eon, should be +prosecuted as his lordship stated might be done. To his old friend de +Praslin he represented that nothing in D’Eon’s past villainous conduct +could be compared to his latest fabrications, which were enough to make +one shudder. De Praslin (?) and de Choiseul were so firmly persuaded of +de Vergy’s criminality, that they angrily complained to Lord Hertford of +the difficulty de Guerchy and they experienced in obtaining justice in +England; to which they received assurances that the measures pursued and +pursuing against D’Eon and de Vergy, were fully sufficient to repair the +insult offered to the King of France in the person of his representative; +but scarcely had this explanation been given than the impatient de +Guerchy, apprehensive and insecure, importuned the English minister +to take steps against de Vergy in accordance with the opinion of the +Attorney-General. This affair, however, eventually fell to the ground. +De Guerchy failed to make out his case, and was in the end informed by +Lord Halifax that the affidavits made did not suffice for entering an +action.[208] + +De Vergy had, in the meantime, made other depositions upon oath, in which +he gave ‘a true and circumstantial account of the plot against the life +of the Chevalier D’Eon’—the one on November 12, before Judge Wilmot, +of the Court of King’s Bench; the other on November 27, before Judge +Yates, also of the Court of King’s Bench; and he sent a report of his +proceedings to the Duke de Choiseul, dated November 15. + + ‘... Last Monday, I made an affidavit at the King’s Bench + against M. de Guerchy, and proved by his words and certain + circumstances to which I swore, that he ordered me to + assassinate M. D’Eon, assuring me that the opium he had caused + to be given to him at dinner, on Friday, October 28, had had + no effect. This circumstance was made known at the time by M. + D’Eon’s complaint to his Excellency himself, that he had been + poisoned at his table. In meeting this charge by saying that + I am mad, that I have lost my senses, M. de Guerchy condemns + himself, and if I am flattered at the compliment, believe, sir, + in my regret at not being able to return it. I show myself in + London publicly. I am to be seen everywhere, at the promenades, + at the play, in coffee-houses; yet M. de Guerchy does not sue + me before the law. Do you know, sir, the reason why? Because + by the law of retaliation and English justice, M. de Guerchy + not having it by any means in his power to convict me of making + false statements, would have the honour of being sent to the + pillory and transported, were he to accuse me of perjury.’[209] + +De Guerchy’s hour of retribution was at hand, and the Chevalier was +satisfied. Louis XV., ever selfish and unconcerned, but ill concealed +his uneasiness at the serious aspect of affairs, and gladly approved of +the Count de Broglio’s offer to proceed to London and bring D’Eon to his +senses, to arrange with him for the surrender of the compromising papers, +and mediate between him and his tormentor. One difficulty presented +itself to the King, who asked Tercier: ‘On what plea is the despatch of +the Count de Broglio to England to be proposed to M. de Praslin?’—but +ere this new design could be matured it had to be abandoned, an awkward +incident that had the effect of seriously disturbing the King’s +equanimity, having well-nigh led to disclosures which would certainly +have unravelled the mystery of the long- and well-maintained secret. + +[Sidenote: THE SECRET CORRESPONDENCE IN DANGER.] + +D’Eon’s valet, a man named Hugonnet, had been for some time employed +carrying despatches on the King’s secret service between the two +countries. Long suspected of being engaged in this duty, orders were +issued by the ministry to the police at Calais to watch for him, and +arrest him if they at any time found sufficient cause. On January 10, +as he was preparing to return to England, he was taken up, and in his +possession was found a letter in the handwriting of M. Drouet, private +secretary to the Count de Broglio. It was intended, ostensibly, for +D’Eon de Mouloise in London, bore no signature, but contained the names +of Tercier and Durand, and allusions to the Counsellor, the deputy, +&c. Drouet was in consequence also arrested and his papers seized, and +the two were lodged in the Bastille. Being kept promptly informed by +de Broglio of what was passing, and fearing that all was surely about +to be discovered, Louis XV. resorted to the only expedient left to +him—to secure the co-operation in his cause of the officials in charge +of the prisoners. He immediately sent for M. de Sartines,[210] officer +of police, and had to endure the humiliation of admitting him into his +confidence, and asking him to lay hold of all such papers as were likely +to compromise, in the sight of his ministers, those of his secret agents +he named. + + ‘I have unburdened myself and confided in him (de Sartines). + He seemed pleased, and we must hope that his discretion and + this mark of confidence will guide him aright. If we are + disappointed, we will see what is to be done, and write to de + Guerchy. Have your mind at ease.’ + +So wrote Louis XV. to Tercier; and again, in a day or two:— + + ‘I am afraid that we are getting into a mess. I have instructed + M. de Sartines to send for you and see you secretly, and + that you will give him the fullest particulars.... You cannot + possibly be present at the investigation and the patching up + of this business, but tell de Sartines everything, arrange + matters with him, and let him make his report to me.... At the + preliminary inquiry M. de Praslin said he treated them with + contempt, but what passed between him and de Sartines should + suffice to tranquillise you.... I am quite sure that Drouet is + in a mess, but he will get out of it (I rather feel that I am + getting somewhat into a mess).’[211] + +[Sidenote: A PLAY AT THE BASTILLE!] + +De Sartines found himself painfully embarrassed at the peculiar position +into which he was forced by the King, and showed no little diffidence and +hesitation in his action. ‘I find him a very timid man,’ was de Broglio’s +remark to the sovereign, ‘and yet I do not see what he has to fear, +having received his master’s orders.’ Louis XV. was little apprehensive +that the police officer would fail in his duty towards himself, for he +had already received from him a bundle of recovered papers. Fortunately +for the royal schemes in hand, de Praslin was at Versailles with the +Court, and although he had announced his intention of being present at +the examination of the prisoners, the day was not fixed. Advantage was +taken of this respite by the sneaking monarch to corrupt yet another of +his officials, so urgent was he in seeking to lift, at least his own +self, out of the mire. His Majesty authorised M. Jumilhac, Governor of +the Bastille, to admit Tercier to a conference with Drouet and Hugonnet, +thereby requiring him to violate his trust! Every precaution was to be +taken that Tercier might enter and leave the prison unnoticed, for fear +that some busybody should carry the tale to the ministers. De Broglio was +to appoint to each actor in the farce about to be played his part for +misleading de Praslin. Drouet was to declare that he had been acting +on his own responsibility and to oblige a friend; Hugonnet would insist +that he was employed by Drouet, and by him alone, without reference to +any other person; the titles had reference to certain friends of D’Eon; +and, finally, de Sartines was to countenance these fanciful declarations +and not conduct too searching an interrogatory. ‘I have been at work for +fifteen hours consecutively, wrote de Broglio to the King, ‘preparing +material for the investigation, the replies to be given by the Sieur +Drouet, the depositions to be made by Hugonnet, all of which will be in +keeping with what has already transpired, and I have prepared a sort of +interrogatory for M. de Sartines.’ + +‘They are playing the fool with me!’ said de Praslin to de Sartines, +peevishly, as he went away at the close of the investigation, and on +making his report the following day, Sunday, at a Cabinet Council, he +insisted that Drouet had not been telling the whole truth. + + ‘There is some truth in this!’ observed the King, in + communicating de Praslin’s impressions to Tercier. ‘Drouet is + to undergo another examination, and will be discharged from + prison towards the end of this week. Hugonnet will be detained + a little longer, but I hope we see the end. Everything went off + well at the council, and there was no distrust. I did not think + it desirable to order Drouet’s liberation, so as not to excite + any suspicion.’[212] + +Drouet did get away, having threatened to disclose everything if detained +in durance, and so he had nothing for which to thank the King whom, as +was the case with others, he was serving but too faithfully. Hugonnet’s +detention was a cruelly long one. + + ‘Could there be a greater act of despotism than that of + detaining at the Bastille, for over a twelvemonth, the valet of + the Chevalier D’Eon?... Guerchy had written to ask his friend + Praslin to arrest Hugonnet; he distrained the effects the + man had left behind, and refused to give them back until one + hundred guineas had been paid to L’Escallier, his secretary; + and further gave orders, that neither Hugonnet nor his wife + should be allowed to attend the services at the chapel in the + Embassy.’[213] + +I have said that D’Eon was about to institute proceedings against the +French ambassador on a criminal charge. Those proceedings had commenced +and followed their course. De Guerchy was indicted on February 12, and on +March 1, following, a true bill was found against him by the grand jury +of Middlesex, at Hick’s Hall, for a conspiracy against the life of the +Chevalier D’Eon—a verdict that greatly perplexed the ministry; for, by +the law of England, a person accused upon oath of any criminal offence +must take his trial for the same when the bill of indictment is found +against him by a grand jury; but by the law of nations, ambassadors are +exempted from the ordinary forms of law in the countries where they are +resident. The most eminent lawyers had been consulted, but the decision +was left to the wisdom of the two courts.[214] + +The Duke de Broglie asserts that ‘this audacious verdict was received +in London with a sort of stupor;’ but if the English papers of the day +are consulted, this will scarcely be found to have been the case, for +de Guerchy was by no means a favourite with the general public. At +Versailles, on the contrary, the sensation caused was immense. The Count +de Broglio and M. de Beauvau talked themselves hoarse one evening in +trying to make Hume[215] feel that, independently of the quality of the +accusers, and the little similarity in the depositions they had made, +it was inconceivable that an ambassador could be subjected to any other +jurisdiction than that of his own master. Hume kept repeating in reply +that the laws of England in this respect were immutable, and that the +authority of the King would not suffice to effect any alteration.[216] + +[Sidenote: TRUE BILL AGAINST THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR.] + +The Chevalier sought to improve the occasion by sending what may be +regarded as a note of intimidation:— + + ‘Considering the actual state of affairs, it is absolutely + necessary that the arrangement[217] proposed by you should be + at once concluded, and that you should be here without loss of + time, say by the 20th of this month. This is the last letter + I shall have the honour of writing to you on the subject of + the poisoner, the villain Guerchy, who would have been broken + alive on the wheel in France, did he meet with his deserts. + But, thanks be to God, he will only be hanged in England, as + was the case with Count de Sea in Cromwell’s time.... All the + intriguing powers of France will not prevail in favour of + Guerchy against the power of the laws of England, when their + execution is confided to independent arbiters. I give you my + word of honour, that very shortly Guerchy will be arrested as + he leaves court, and taken to the prison for criminals in the + city of London. His friend Praslin will come to deliver him, if + he can; it is more likely that the friend to deliver him will + be the executioner.’[218] + +D’Eon was satisfied that his bitter enemy was in his power, and had made +up his mind that nothing should induce him to alter his determination +to run him to earth. ‘He should either triumph through the evidence in +favour of his innocence and the strength of the laws, or know how to bear +himself nobly on the scaffold.’ + + ‘When my good Louis XV. asked me not to hunt his ambassador to + death, and that, for the honour of France, he should not be + hanged in London, I replied to my august master: “I am ready + to obey you in all things but this, for I am bound, before God + and man, to have him hanged for the salvation of France, and + it would be the duty of a most Christian King to assist me to + hook on, and not unhook off, the forked gibbet, a notorious + poisoner. If, Sire, you had had the courage to hang those + who poisoned the Dauphin and Dauphiness,[219] I should not + have been poisoned in London, nor would many others have been + poisoned at Versailles, Paris, and elsewhere.”’[220] + +Writing to his son, in allusion to the subject that was engrossing the +mind of the public throughout the kingdom, the Earl of Chesterfield[221] +says:— + + ‘You inquire about M. de Guerchy’s affair, and I will give + you as succinct an account as I can of so extraordinary and + perplexed a transaction; but without giving you my opinion of + it by the common post. You know what passed at first between + M. de Guerchy and M. D’Eon, in which both our ministers and + M. de Guerchy, from utter inexperience in business, puzzled + themselves into disagreeable difficulties. About three or four + months ago, M. de Vergy published in a _brochure_ a parcel + of letters from himself to the Duke de Choiseul, in which + he positively asserts that M. de Guerchy prevailed with him + (Vergy) to come over into England to assassinate D’Eon. The + words are, as well as I remember: ‘Que ce n’était pas pour se + servir de sa Plume, mais de son Epée, qu’on le demandait en + Angleterre.’[222] + +Lord Chesterfield was wrong. De Vergy went to London to be secretary to +de Guerchy, and was desired, solicited, commanded to assassinate D’Eon, +not hired to do so, as the price for the appointment he coveted. + +[Sidenote: FAIR ADMINISTRATION OF ENGLISH LAWS.] + +The indictment against de Guerchy was afterwards, in Easter term, at the +instance of the Attorney-General, removed from the Old Bailey by writ of +_certiorari_ into the Court of King’s Bench. The ambassador applied to +the King for a _nolle prosequi_, and an order of reference was made to +the Attorney-General, Sir Fletcher Norton, and the Solicitor-General, +William de Grey, Esq., who issued summons on April 26, to the prosecutor +and his witnesses, to attend at Lincoln’s Inn at eight o’clock in the +evening of the following Tuesday, the 30th, to show cause why the _nolle +prosequi_ should not be granted; and upon hearing counsel on both +sides and witnesses, the proofs appeared so clear against de Guerchy, +that the Attorney-General refused to certify to the King in favour of +the ambassador or of a _nolle prosequi_, so that the indictment for +the intended murder of the Chevalier D’Eon, minister plenipotentiary, +undefended, undischarged, and open to further proceedings, remained on +record among the archives as a lasting monument of the villainous designs +of the French ambassador. A correspondent in a newspaper of the day +observed that the verdict ‘was a remarkable instance of the spirit of a +grand jury of the city of London, as well as of fair administration of +our laws.’[223] + + ‘Such a fact suffices of itself to characterise the justice and + virtue of the young monarch and of his magistrates. No less + honour is due to him than was due of old to Philip of Macedon, + who, being besought by a courtier that his case should not + be tried, very pertinently replied, that it was better the + courtier should lose his suit than the King his reputation.... + Tiberius declared before the Senate one day, during the first + ten years that he reigned with justice, and not with tyranny: + _Nec utendum imperio, ubi legibus agi posset_—and that the + pardon of great criminals was more insupportable than their + crimes. Salvien declares that the punishment of persons of + distinction should be the more severe, inasmuch that besides + being criminals, they dishonour their blood. The code of + Westphalia expressly decrees that persons enjoying dignities, + or who have been raised to the magistracy, should be executed + on a gibbet seven feet higher than others.’[224] + +[Sidenote: THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR MOBBED.] + +The London papers testify to the public discontent at this miscarriage of +justice, and when it became generally known that Chazal, the ambassador’s +butler, suspected by D’Eon of having administered opium to him by +direction of de Guerchy, at the Embassy dinner, had fled, leaving behind +him his youthful wife to whom he had just been married, the people no +longer hesitated to resort to violence. De Guerchy was mobbed whilst +out driving, and owed his safety simply to the declaration that he was +not indeed the French ambassador but only his secretary; the crowd +nevertheless followed the coach, and would have entered the court-yard +of the Embassy had not the iron gates been immediately closed. Failing +to reach his Excellency, the people somewhat relieved their feelings by +breaking every window they were able to reach with missiles from the +street. + +To the storm succeeded a calm. De Guerchy, too glad to get out of the +way, proceeded on leave of absence, leaving in triumph the Chevalier, who +spent the summer at Byfleet[225] in Surrey, where he was a welcome guest +the chief part of the two succeeding years. When de Guerchy returned to +England in the autumn, he found his way to London without receiving any +of the honours that were strictly paid to the French King’s ambassadors. +Not a gun was fired, not a soldier was in attendance upon him, either at +Dover or at Canterbury.[226] + +Meeting D’Eon one day, Lord Lincoln said to him: ‘How is it that +the Count de Guerchy has again returned to weary us with his sad +countenance?’ ‘Ma foi! my Lord, indeed I cannot say. He must be like a +top; the more it is whipped the better it goes!’[227] + +At this juncture, de Broglio bethought him of making fresh proposals to +the Chevalier. He invited him to forget the past, to desist in the future +from all allusion to de Guerchy, whether for good or for evil—to forget +the action for libel—the trial for attempt to murder, &c. &c.; and upon +these conditions he should obtain the King’s sanction to entrust him +anew with the secret correspondence, whereby he would be required to +report on the state of public opinion in England, and what the members of +the opposition were about. This species of capitulation coming from no +less a person than the Count de Broglio, served to swell still more the +Chevalier’s sense of his own importance, and he replied:— + + ‘Your friendship for me is as great as my assurance in + maintaining a secret correspondence in the position in which I + happen to be. You risk nothing in enlisting my zeal, whereas I + risk a great deal in following the natural inclinations of my + inviolable fidelity to the sacred person of his Majesty. But it + is as sad, as it is inconceivable, that you should forbid me, + in the name of the King, to complain of having been poisoned.’ + +D’Eon concluded by insisting that de Guerchy should be permanently +recalled, and that in his stead should be appointed an ambassador to +whose hands he might confidingly entrust what he still held in his +charge.[228] + +[Sidenote: TARDY JUSTICE.] + +But even before de Broglio’s, had come a letter from Louis XV. D’Eon, +ever generous towards the shortcomings of the monarch he adored, thus +accounts for the King’s having refrained from any kind of interference or +expression of opinion during the period of his own grave strife with the +ambassador:— + + ‘I knew the man, and was not deceived in attributing this + affected reserve to approbation that was not to be denied to + me, but which was not either to be accorded to me. Louis XV. + liked that his thoughts should be guessed. His silence was + speech, it was necessary to know how to take it, and I was + not long in finding out that I had conjectured rightly. On + June 25, 1765, that is to say, some weeks after I had covered + his ambassador in London with shame and infamy, his Majesty + abruptly broke the silence he had been pleased to maintain for + a time, and wrote to tell me that “he approved of my resuming + and continuing with him my secret correspondence.” On November + 9 he sent word that he was “well pleased with me,” and on + December 4 that I was “an instrument useful to my country.” + These expressions of manifest satisfaction drew on one side, at + last, the curtain that had so long concealed the royal thought. + His Majesty crowned them with the greatest and most genuine + testimony of his approbation, by sending to me soon afterwards + the subjoined certificate, written entirely and signed with + his own hand, and which will be for me and my family the most + eloquent and precious memorial of my innocence and loyalty.’ + + * * * * * + + ‘As a reward for the services rendered to me by M. D’Eon in + Russia, in my army, and in the execution of other trusts, I + am pleased to bestow upon him a yearly allowance of twelve + thousand livres, which I shall cause to be paid to him + punctually at the expiration of every six months, wherever he + may be, except in a country with which I am at war; and this + until such time as I may think proper to nominate him to some + post, the emoluments of which will greatly exceed the present + allowance. + + ‘LOUIS.’ + + ‘Versailles, April 1, 1766.’ + + ‘I, the undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of the King at + this Court, hereby certify upon my honour and upon oath, that + the above promise is really written and signed with the own + hand of the King my master, whose orders I have received to + deliver it to M. D’Eon. + + ‘DURAND.’ + + ‘London, July 11, 1766.’ + + * * * * * + + ‘With reference to this royal avowal,’ continues D’Eon, ‘the + Count de Broglio wrote to me: “Your stay in England rendered + necessary an extension of the King’s generosity. But you will + perceive that the proof he has himself been pleased to give + you, and which remains in your keeping, will for ever be to + you a glorious title-deed.... When your mind is at rest, and + the noise you have made and are still making in the world will + have subsided, we will see to arranging some plan whereby your + services may prove still more useful to your country and to the + best of masters. Conduct yourself prudently and wisely; win + over the prejudiced; do not be minister or captain of dragoons + any longer; give up the romantic; assume the attitude and + speech of a quiet and sensible man—thus, and in course of time, + your talents will be remembered, your old friends will return + to you, your enemies will forget you, and your master will find + a subject worthy of serving him, and worthy of the benefits he + has already conferred upon him. Like yourself, and even more + than yourself, I have experienced reverses; I have felt that it + was quite possible for a private individual to be sacrificed + in the general vortex; I have never supposed that this would + entail the principal misfortune, that of incurring the just + displeasure of his Majesty. I have ever had confidence in his + justice and goodness, and I am fortunate enough to experience + the effects of this at present.... With an honest heart and a + spirit a little daring, but not fierce or violent, one may hope + to overcome the hatred and envy of the whole universe.”’[229] + +D’Eon thanked the count for his friendly advice and good wishes, and took +occasion to remind him of the undertaking that the stipulated pension +should be paid with regularity; then, making up a sealed packet of the +papers in his possession, he entrusted them to the custody of his friend, +Mr. Cotes,[230] who unceasingly urged him to become a British subject, +and give up France, a country in which nobody was certain of sleeping in +his own bed. + +Testimonials such as that received from the King, and his continued +employment in matters necessitating the greatest tact and circumspection, +should suffice to acquit the Chevalier of having been a half-witted +adventurer, as we find asserted by some writers. However impetuous, and +of almost ungovernable passions, D’Eon was not a fool, nor, in the course +of his history does it appear that any of his contemporaries seriously +thought him one, if we except the exasperated de Guerchy, who thus sought +to brand him, after having failed in his ‘blind authority,’ to ‘beat with +a staff the child that might have led him.’ + +Whilst D’Eon was receiving from the King of France the highest marks of +his royal confidence and favour, ministers at Versailles were officially, +but clandestinely, seeking to secure his person; and so late as November +1765, de Praslin, in conversation with the Duke of Richmond, the British +ambassador, remonstrated upon England not surrendering the Chevalier to +whom the Christian King had a hundred times a greater right, than had +England to John Rice, ‘a thief of the Publics,’[231] who was given up +by France. Ever watchful, D’Eon was perfectly conscious of all that was +passing. + + ‘These poor ministers have read somewhere, and have heard + it said, that Cardinal Richelieu had caused several members + of his ministry to be assassinated and poisoned, and yet, + notwithstanding, posterity considered him a great man. They + have imagined they might do likewise, and also be taken for + great men, but one cannot deceive one’s self, there being + nothing in common between them but the dagger and poison?’[232] + +[Sidenote: A GRUMBLING FRENCH MINISTER.] + +De Guerchy having quitted England ‘on leave,’ Durand succeeded him as +minister plenipotentiary, by royal warrant dated June 8. One of the +King’s old correspondents on secret service, Durand was well known to +D’Eon, with whom he had had frequent intercourse in former days. Recalled +from Poland by the Duke de Choiseul, who suspected him of being upon +intimate terms with the Count de Broglio, we now see him minister in +England, specially charged, though secretly, by the King, as had been de +la Rosière, Nardin, and Nort, to watch over and protect D’Eon. De Guerchy +was virtually superseded. + +Durand was not long in coming to terms with D’Eon, upon whom he prevailed +to give up that most compromising of all papers, so far as the King +was personally concerned—His Majesty’s secret instructions of June 3, +1763,[233] and for which the Chevalier received, in exchange, the royal +warrant granting him an annual pension. Durand’s written report was as +follows:— + + ‘In compliance with the orders of the King, which I hold, + M. D’Eon, late minister plenipotentiary from France at this + court, has this day delivered into my own hands the private + and secret order of the King, written and signed with his own + hand, and dated June 3, 1763, addressed to the Sieur D’Eon. I + further certify that the said order has been given to me in + good condition, folded in a parchment cover addressed to his + Majesty, and that it was shown to me enclosed and cemented + within a brick adapted for the purpose, removed from the walls + of the cellar and afterwards replaced.’ + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + + D’Eon continues in the royal confidence—Secret correspondence + again in peril—D’Eon’s mother persecuted—De Guerchy’s + death—D’Eon’s last letter to him—De Vergy’s dying + deposition—His will—D’Eon as secret correspondent—His public + protest—The Musgrave scandal. + + +Once again was D’Eon admitted into the royal confidence—he had never +lost the royal favour—without any knowledge thereof on the part of the +King’s ministers, and this by means of the very representative they had +themselves nominated to the Court of Great Britain! A few weeks elapsed, +and there occurred an incident which seemed pregnant of import to the +Duke de Praslin, who put his whole heart into any action that had for +its object the pursuit of those rash enough to resist his authority. The +event proved to be of passing moment only, but merits notice as receiving +importance from the Chevalier’s subsequent history. + +It was brought to the knowledge of the duke by a French woman named +Dufour who kept furnished apartments in London, that the Chevalier D’Eon +had been concealed for some days in her house, disguised as a female; +that he had been in the habit of corresponding with the Count and the +Marshal de Broglio, and receiving money from them. Upon being informed by +Tercier, in behalf of the King, of these fresh indications of a possible +exposure of their secret transactions, the Count de Broglio flew into a +violent passion, and was well-nigh making a clean breast of the matter +and admitting his share in them, regardless of all consequences. He +wrote to Tercier on October 22:— + + ‘It must be confessed that in executing the orders which it + is the King’s pleasure to convey to us, we encounter the most + unforeseen and embarrassing difficulties, but the secret we are + keeping is his Majesty’s, and nothing is easier than to make it + known, should he desire to do so. One word from him will put an + end to the inquisitiveness of his ministers, inquisitiveness + of which he not only knows the particulars, but also the + motives. Well! supposing M. de Choiseul were to know to-morrow + that we are in correspondence with D’Eon! Supposing he were to + know that I have elaborated, by order of the King, a plan for + the invasion of England, what else could happen but that his + Majesty would forbid all reference to the subject? They would + no doubt be jealous and uneasy at the confidence with which he + would appear to honour us, but I see no harm in this.’ + +De Sartines had been directed by de Praslin to inquire into the +statements made by Dufour, saying, ‘Nothing essential is to be omitted +this time!’ The officer of police insisted that the woman was of very +doubtful reputation; no evidence, therefore, she was able to adduce could +be accepted, and before involving persons of so high consideration, as +were the de Broglios, in an affair of this kind, it would be necessary +to obtain a written order from the King that he himself, at least, might +be protected against all responsibility. Such pleas were worthy of a +poor perplexed detective, for since the Hugonnet business, de Sartines +felt himself bound, whatever his proper sense of duty, to consult, in +the first place, the sovereign’s private interests and obey his secret +commands, and he discerned, plainly enough, that the present was an +instance which called for the exercise of his utmost discretion and +prudence. Too well persuaded, on his part, of the futility of applying to +the King for the order suggested by the officer of police, de Praslin +had to content himself with a simple re-examination of Dufour, from +whom nothing more was to be learnt, and the summoning of Hugonnet, who +declared his incompetence to supply any kind of information, as the woman +was entirely unknown to him, nor had he ever heard of her. At the close +of the inquiry, de Praslin said: ‘I am not being duped, because, as a +fact, this affair causes me very little anxiety. It is not D’Eon who will +ruin the State.’[234] + +[Sidenote: DEATH OF THE COUNT DE GUERCHY.] + +Although de Guerchy and D’Eon had become separated never again to meet +on this earth; although their unprofitable bickerings had come to an +end and the time for recriminations was over, to cast each other into +oblivion was too impossible a task for either. Upon his return to France, +de Guerchy entered on a course of persecution, selecting for his victim +D’Eon’s aged mother, who was suddenly deprived of the enjoyment of +certain free tenures, while the taxes on her little estate at Tonnerre +where she was living in quiet retirement, were inordinately increased. +The poor lady was in fact hunted to misery and despair. + + ‘De Guerchy died at Paris in September 1767 in great anguish of + body and mind. May our merciful God spare his soul in heaven, + as I spared his body on earth!’[235] + +D’Eon had sent the count a final challenge in the form of a letter, dated +August 5, 1767, which reached him a few weeks only before his death, when +his youthful son swore that he would some day avenge his father. This +letter, in which all the events of the past were recapitulated, covered +copies of the indictment, of the writ of _certiorari_, and of other +documents connected with his trial in London, and called upon de Guerchy +to justify himself. + + ‘Three weeks or one month from the date hereof should suffice + to enable you to determine upon the line of conduct it is your + intention to pursue. There are but two courses—justice, or an + appeal to arms. Failing a reply at the expiration of the time + stated, I will be persuaded of the hardness of your heart, and + conclude that the world is to judge between us.’ + +No answer came, and D’Eon sent his letter to Amsterdam to be printed in +the form of a pamphlet by his friend Wan, the publisher. Whilst it was in +the press, Wan heard of de Guerchy’s death, and wrote (September 23) to +ask the Chevalier whether the publication was still to be proceeded with. +The reply was in the affirmative, because he owed a full and complete +justification to the King his master, to his country, to himself, to his +family, to his protectors, and to the position he had held in England. + + ‘The ashes of a dead man should not be disturbed, and I am + aware that to recall him to memory for the sake of retracing + his ignominy is the measure of barbarism; but if the evil he + wrought has influenced to such an extent the misfortunes of one + who has survived him, as to make it appear that his parched + bones perpetuate them even out of the depths of the tomb, + personal interest, which is the first law of nature, requires, + however reluctantly, that the corpse should be summoned to + appear before the tribunal of mankind, not for the purpose + of being defamed, but that the survivor may justify himself + against the reproach cast upon him. Did not the Egyptians, so + reverential towards their dead, summon, judge, and condemn the + manes even of their monarchs? Let the inevitable therefore be + answerable for whatever is done against M. de Guerchy, though + he be dead. Even in his grave he is guilty of the ills that are + being endured. Had he made any reparation his death would have + been respectfully considered, although his acts would have been + abhorred.’[236] + +_Hatred usually ends with the death of the one hated_, says Boccaccio; +it was not so, however, with D’Eon, who to the close of his days never +forgot, though he had long forgiven, the enemy that had been the cause of +all his troubles. + +[Sidenote: AN UNWAVERING WITNESS.] + +Treyssac de Vergy died at Blackheath in October 1774.[237] Two +magistrates, at the request of Sir John Fielding, attended to receive his +dying statements, when, after confirming the depositions he had made upon +oath, he said that being benevolently forgiven by the Chevalier D’Eon, +who was present, for all the injury he had done to him, he met death with +great pleasure. In his will, dated July 21 of the same year, and proved +at Doctors’ Commons on October 10, we find him strictly adhering to the +substance of the evidence he had given ten years previously. + + ‘... I declare that all which I have wrote and had printed + at London in 1763 against the Chevalier D’Eon, then Minister + Plenipotentiary of France to this court, I said it, wrote it, + and had it printed only in consequence of the orders and + money that were given to me by the Count de Guerchy, and in + consequence of the plot formed at Paris in July 1763 between + the Count de Guerchy and the Count d’Argental, and into which + plot the said Count d’Argental drew me at Paris, and the + above-said Count de Guerchy on his arrival at London. I declare + and protest that I persist, and always will persist, in the + truth of two depositions upon oath which I made and swore to, + November 12, 1764, before Mr. Justice Wilmot, judge of the + Court of King’s Bench of England, and November 27, 1764, before + Mr. Justice Yates, also judge of the Court of King’s Bench + of England, in which I have given a true and circumstantial + account of the said plot. In consequence of which I earnestly + beg the Chevalier D’Eon to forget, and to pardon me all the + wrong which I have done to him, to his fortune, to himself, + and to all his family, by being concerned in designs which + were so hurtful to him—designs whose blackness I was ignorant + of till the moment when the Count de Guerchy thought that the + destruction of the Chevalier D’Eon ought not to be retarded any + longer. The knowledge of this struck me with horror, restored + me to myself, and made me undertake my defence and that of the + Chevalier D’Eon....’ + +The Chevalier was firmly established as secret correspondent in London, +performing his duty loyally and competently, even though frequently +suffering from absolute want in consequence of his pension never being +paid with regularity, and always in arrears; and had it not been for the +hospitality of some of his English friends, foremost amongst whom was +the Marquis of Tavistock,[238] he would have had to endure many a sad +privation. The Duke de Broglie admits that D’Eon accomplished his task +as correspondent and newsmonger with considerable ability, and that he +was the precursor, if not actually the first of political reporters, +and the most trustworthy and wittiest, if not the most useful, of +correspondents. The contents of his letters, of which we give an example, +verified as they may be by the history of the times, testify clearly +enough to his qualities as a shrewd and correct observer, to the facility +with which he obtained information and the unlimited sphere of his +operations, and are probably unique, regard being had to the times in +which he lived, in their resemblance to the efficient productions of our +own modern newspaper reporters. + +[Sidenote: WHAT WAS PASSING IN LONDON.] + + _The Chevalier D’Eon to the Count de Broglio._ + + ‘London, March 15, 1766. + + ‘Sir,—You are perhaps astonished at my not having acknowledged + the receipt of your letter of the 4th inst. Let me give you my + reasons; I hope you will find them legitimate, and that you + will consider my silence to be the effect of my prudence. + + ‘The notorious question of _General Warrants_ for the arrest + of persons and seizure of their papers, has at last been + determined, and it is decided that in scarcely any instance + may a person and his papers be seized, except for high treason + against the king and country. But it has also been decided + that unauthorised persons, convicted of corresponding in + cypher with foreign countries, are liable to arrest and to + have their papers seized, and to be judged according to the + nature of their correspondence. This decision, which I cannot + but admit as being very just and very reasonable, has checked + my zeal, and has even caused me some alarm, and especially + since the rupture between Messieurs Pitt and Temple. The one + may, ere long, be called to the ministry, suspect me, and + cause me to be arrested for the sake of vexing the other; + add to this, that as Messieurs Pitt and Temple do not at any + time spare the ministers in office, I am equally liable to + being suspected and inconvenienced by the latter. You must be + aware of the evil results were I arrested with all the old + secret correspondence!... Under these circumstances I deemed + it wiser to keep still and thus remove the slightest cause + for suspicion.... What will most astonish is this, that the + ministers actually in office, in their anxiety for popularity, + have acted against the opinion, the wishes, and the orders of + the King, in causing the repeal, by the House of Commons, of + the Acts of Parliament whereby fresh taxes have been imposed + in America, the people having rebelled to a degree without + parallel in history; and they have had the assurance to make + use of their resources and favour at Court for the purpose of + securing votes! In this remarkable business they have made so + sorrowful a personage as his Britannic Majesty play a part + similar to that assigned in Virgil’s Æneid to King Latinus. + Truly, they treat the King as if he were a silly child, + incapable of discerning what is of advantage to the State, and + they do not in the least conceal their views in the matter.... + The King is incensed against his mother (the Princess of + Wales), and his favourite (Lord Bute); but they do not know + how to form a new ministry that will be well considered and + durable. The King will have nothing to do with Mr. Pitt just + now, and is even very angry with him in consequence of what he + has dared to say and substantiate in the House of Commons—that + the Americans were not rebels, seeing that the King, or the + late ministry and parliament, had broken faith with them; that + it was common justice to repeal the Acts of Parliament, which + he could not consider otherwise than as acts of fraud on the + Americans. At first every member in the House felt indignant + at these sentiments, and it was thought that his popularity + was gone; being henceforth no longer feared, he will no longer + be necessary. He was supported by four or five members only, + and his opponents expressed the opinion, in a full House, that + Mr. Pitt deserved to be sent to the Tower. He retired to the + country for eight days, and then returned to declaim before + the House more emphatically than ever, supporting his opinions + by all manner of arguments founded on natural, civil, and + political laws, even quoting the Holy Scriptures frequently, + that he might the more ably imitate the great seer, Cromwell. + He also pretended to be suffering from gout, that he might + enjoy the privilege of assisting at the deliberations at his + ease, holding forth, at one moment seated, at another standing, + wrapped up in a blanket; he would then fall into a swoon, or + sink into deep meditations. During this time, his friends and + a large number of city merchants having property in America or + interested in its trade, won over a crowd of partisans from + amongst the people, and proceeded to the House to sing aloud + the praises of Mr. Pitt. This political and periodical gout, + and all this _charlatanerie_, which does not fail to excite the + people, had so great an effect on the House of Commons that + nearly all the members have sided with Mr. Pitt, and the repeal + of the Act has already passed the House. Thus has the fault + strenuously charged against the distinguished patriot served to + crown him with glory, at least in the eyes of the people. + + ‘A few days ago the King and Queen dined with the Princess of + Wales, who is unwell. The after-dinner conversation between + the august personages became so animated, that the servants + in the ante-room overheard the discussions which were being + conducted with warmth far from royal. Although the King enjoys + an income of 120,000_l._ sterling, I know from Temple, who has + learnt it from his brother, lately paymaster at the Treasury, + who has verified the fact, that his personal debts, contracted + since he ascended the throne, amount to upwards of half a + million sterling, and this in consequence of having followed + the advice of Lord Bute, and distributed sums of money for the + sake of securing votes in Parliament and establishing royal + authority, all of which has turned out very amiss. These debts, + the wish to bribe, as well as the economical education given + him by the Princess of Wales, oblige him to live in London and + at Richmond with a niggardliness unworthy of royalty. He never + has any kind of supplies, but sends for six bottles of wine at + a time, and for one bottle of rum with which to brew punch, so + that he is the laughing-stock of all the city dealers, who are + great feeders, heavy drinkers, and whose jokes are as light + as their roast-beef. Numerous pamphlets and prints have been + published on the subject, and the matter has been turned into + jest on the stage. In his almost daily drives between London + and Richmond, the King takes for his body-guard a detachment + of five-and-twenty light horse of the _élite_ or of the + _bourgeois_; it is only a few days since a whole detachment of + these supposed guards was placed under arrest for playing at + highway robbery, pistol in hand. + + ‘Just fancy into what hands the King and the royal family + have fallen! It is whispered by profound politicians or great + enemies to Lord Bute, that the latter, who is allied to the + house of Stuart, is, from the bottom of his heart, deeply + attached to the Pretender; that he very ably serves this old + master whilst shaping the conduct of the King of England as he + does, which may in the end result in the Crown being lost to + the House of Hanover. God alone is able to search the heart of + this Scotchman. I consider Lord Bute to be as clever as he is + shrewd; I certainly consider him even more shrewd than he is + clever; but, notwithstanding his skill at intrigue, which I + admit, I do not think he has a very bad heart—were it so, we + should be forced to acknowledge that there never existed a more + cunning rascal. It must, however, be admitted that we find, + especially in the history of Scotland, traits of character + still more odious. Ambition or religion is capable of the + greatest crimes, even more than of the greatest virtues. You + may make what reflections you please on the above, but I think + it my duty to communicate to you the opening before me, upon a + subject of such importance. + + ‘I am, &c.’ + + ‘P.S.—A few evenings ago the Duke of York, not very particular + in his love affairs, was surprised with a lady by her husband, + a captain, who wounded him slightly on the shoulder with a + stroke of his sword, so that he has had to keep his room for + some days; but this affair was hushed up immediately. His + brother, the Duke of Gloucester, has fallen violently in love + with the young dowager Lady Waldegrave, and as it is feared he + might contract a secret marriage, it is arranged that he is + to travel abroad with the Duke of Brunswick, who will return + to England to conduct his consort to Germany. So far as this + duke is concerned, he does not live on good terms with the + Princess Augusta, his wife, who, however, is jealous of her + husband. Persons in the palace have assured my friend that the + prince’s love for his wife has cooled because he has discovered + that she has an issue on the leg, and that their two children + are already attacked with the King’s evil, that is to say, + scrofula, of which the King’s younger brother has lately died.’ + +De Broglio lost no time in replying. He desired D’Eon to seek to +discover, by diligent research, in which he was to observe the +greatest circumspection, what prospect there would be of success +were the restoration of the Stuarts to be attempted; and he further +wished to know whether it would be dangerous to sound Lord Bute as to +his secret intentions, or whether it would be better to watch and wait. +The Chevalier recommended the latter course, saying that according +to his judgment men and things were not sufficiently matured.[239] + +[Sidenote: THE CHEVALIER SLANDERED.] + +The number of D’Eon’s friends in every class of London society, clearly +exceeded that of his enemies who were seeking to discredit him in public +opinion, by resorting to the daily papers as a vehicle for their malice. +We may mention as an example, that in October of this year there appeared +in the ‘St. James’ Chronicle’[240] the announcement of a work preparing +for the press, and in due time to be published and _dedicated to +Parliament_, which would contain amongst other matter: ‘An Account of the +Chevalier D’Eon’s overtures to impeach three persons, by name, of SELLING +THE PEACE TO FRANCE—an Account of the Bill of Indictment found against a +great foreigner for a conspiracy to assassinate the Chevalier D’Eon—an +Account of the _nolle prosequi_ granted to stop proceedings against the +said foreigner—an Account of the attempt made to seize the person and +papers of the Chevalier D’Eon, on November 20, 1764, by a warrant from +the then ministry—an Account of the pension granted to Count Viri for +_his services_ in making the Peace—Extract of a letter from the Duke of +N——s to the Duke de Praslin, dated London, February 20, 1763.’ + +D’Eon’s indignant notification and protest at the liberty taken with his +name, and disowning all participation in the forthcoming pamphlet, was +prompt and conclusive, and inserted in the same paper in French with an +English translation. + + _To the Author of the ‘St. James’ Chronicle.’_ + + ‘Sir,—I have seen with much surprise, in your paper of the 7th + inst., an advertisement of a work said to be preparing for the + press, dedicated to your Parliament, containing, amongst other + extraordinary pieces, _An account of the Chevalier D’Eon’s + overtures to impeach three persons, by name, of selling the + Peace to the French_, and other papers of that nature. If I had + been the author, I should not have had the impertinence to have + dedicated them to your Parliament, nor to have inserted names + so respectable as those in your said advertisement. I declare + to you, sir, as well as to your public, upon my honour, that I + have no concern, directly or indirectly, in the impression of + any such work, nor in any other which may be published in my + name, or in any way insinuating that I have had, or will have + any concern therein. And to authenticate as much as possible, + this my declaration, I beg you will immediately print the above + in your paper.[241] + + ‘I am, Sir, + + ‘Your humble servant, + + ‘The CHEVALIER D’EON.’ + + ‘York, October 18, 1766.’ + +[Sidenote: DR. MUSGRAVE’S ADDRESS.] + +The author of the notice publicly disavowed by D’Eon was believed by +some to be a Dr. Musgrave,[242] who, availing himself three years later +of a general election, issued an _Address to the Gentlemen, Clergy, and +Freeholders of the County of Devon_, under date, Plymouth, August 12, +1769, which he caused to be extensively circulated about the kingdom. +In this document, intended in reality for the people of England, +Dr. Musgrave represented that whilst residing in Paris, in 1764, he +discovered that the Peace signed the previous year had been sold to the +French by some persons of high rank. He had at different times been +informed by Sir George Younge, Mr. Fitzherbert, and other members of +Parliament, that overtures were made to them during the summer of 1764, +in the name of the Chevalier D’Eon, imputing that he, the Chevalier, was +ready to impeach three persons, two of whom were peers and members of the +Privy Council, for selling the Peace to the French, Sir George Younge +having in particular told him that he understood the charge could be +supported by written as well as by living evidence. By direction of Dr. +Blackstone[243] he waited, May 10, 1765, on Lord Halifax, Secretary of +State, and delivered to him an exact narrative of the intelligence he had +received at Paris, with copies of four letters to and from Lord Hertford; +seven days after which interview, he was informed by Mr. Fitzherbert that +overtures were then being made to the Chevalier D’Eon to get his papers +from him for a stipulated sum of money. When pressed by Dr. Musgrave, at +a second interview, to inquire into the truth of the charge, Lord Halifax +objected to all public steps that might cause alarm, and asked him to +point out a way of prosecuting the inquiry in secret, and whether, in +so doing, there was any probability of obtaining positive proof of the +alleged facts. The Doctor urged Lord Halifax to send for the Chevalier +D’Eon and examine him upon the subject, to peruse his papers, and then +proceed according to proofs, it being well known that the Chevalier +had the negotiations on the part of the French, also the despatches +of the Duke de Nivernois. This his lordship refused to do; the Doctor +therefore took it upon himself to accuse the Secretary of State of wilful +obstruction of national justice in delaying inquiry, such obstruction not +only giving a temporary impunity to offenders, but tending also to make +the impunity perpetual, seeing that living witnesses were exposed to the +chances of mortality, and written evidence to the not uncommon casualty +of fire. The Doctor went on to say that the papers upon which the whole +of the written evidence depended were anything but secure—they were not +in safety. Did it not stand upon record that the Count de Guerchy had +conspired to assassinate the Chevalier D’Eon, a charge that had not been +either refuted or answered; which, not succeeding, a band of ruffians was +hired to kidnap that gentleman and carry off his papers! Lord Halifax’s +refusals did not deter him from carrying his own papers to the Speaker +to be laid before the late House of Commons. The Speaker was pleased to +justify his conduct by allowing that the affair ought to be inquired +into, although refusing to be instrumental in promoting the inquiry. +Dr. Musgrave concluded his address by submitting the prosecution of the +affair to the judgment of those for whom his message was intended, in +full confidence that the result of their deliberations would do honour at +the same time to their prudence, candour, and patriotism.[244] + +Dr. Musgrave’s paper was intended to persuade the people of England +that what many already believed was true—that the French Court had paid +immense sums of money to the Princess of Wales, Lord Bute, the Duke of +Richmond, Lords Egremont and Halifax, and Count Viri, towards bringing +about a general peace, a remonstrance which set the whole nation in a +flame. The Court of St. James, the Peace of 1763 and all who had a hand +in it, became the objects of universal hatred, and in 1770 Parliament was +obliged to take serious notice of the movement.[245] D’Eon, regardless +of expense, was not content to oppose Musgrave’s popular scandal and +that of a throng of writers, who, without any proof whatever, attempted +to support such rash and dishonourable reports, but he also, by his +depositions, in a great measure contributed to the discrediting of the +Doctor’s virulence, and the latter was reprimanded by the Speaker of +the House of Commons as the disturber of public tranquillity, D’Eon on +his part gaining the approbation of the two courts and of the people in +general.[246] + +[Sidenote: D’EON’S LETTER TO DR. MUSGRAVE.] + + _D’Eon’s letter to Dr. Musgrave._ + + ‘Sir,—You will permit me to believe that you never knew any + more of me than I have the honour of knowing of you, and if + in your letter of August 12 you had not made a wrong use of + my name, I should not now find myself obliged to enter into + a correspondence with you. You pretend that in the summer + of 1764, overtures were made in my name to several members + of Parliament, importing that I was ready to impeach three + persons, two of whom were Peers and members of the Privy + Council, of having sold the Peace to the French, and you seem + to found thereupon the evidence of a charge which you say you + carried yourself to Lord Halifax. I declare, therefore, here, + that I never made or caused to be made, any such overture, + either in the winter or the summer of 1764, nor at any other + time. I am on one side too faithful to the office I filled, and + on the other too zealous a friend to truth.... I assure you I + do not know either Sir George Younge or Mr. Fitzherbert, and + never authorised any person whatever to make in my name such + overtures, which the abhorrence alone I have for calumny would + make me detest. I call upon you, therefore, to lay before the + public the name of the audacious person who has made use of + mine to discover his own odious offers. The gentlemen whom you + have given as your witnesses cannot deny you this justification + of their own veracity and yours.... It appears to me an act of + the last imprudence, in an affair of so much weight, to build + upon report for naming publicly a person of my character, + without having previously consulted him. If you had recollected + the contradictions I gave in ‘St. James’ Chronicle’ of October + 25, 1760, No. 881, to an advertisement in the same paper, + No. 875, you had saved me the trouble of replying to you at + this time. What must be the result? The public will have read + greedily your letter; will have believed its contents because + you appeal therein to my testimony. But what will they think + now, when your own interest, my honour and truth oblige me to + deny all that you have advanced therein with respect to me. + It is the same with your pretence that about May 17, 1765, + Mr. Fitzherbert told you he knew that overtures had been made + to me, to sell for a sum of money the papers that were in my + hands.... I here certify to you, on my word of honour, and in + the face of the public, that I cannot be of any sort of use + to you, that I never entered into any treaty for the sale of + papers, and never either by myself, or any agent authorised on + my part, offered to make appear that the Peace had been sold + to France. If Lord Halifax or the Speaker had caused me to + be cited, he might have known by my answers what my thoughts + were, that England rather gave money to France than France to + England, to conclude the last Peace, and that the happiness + I had in concurring to the great work of peace, has inspired + me with sentiments of the justest veneration for the English + commissioners who had been employed in it, and with the most + lively esteem and sincerest admiration for the late Count Viri, + who, in his attachment to the welfare of the two nations then + at war, and thanks to his indefatigable zeal, had the glory + of bringing that peace to a happy conclusion.... In order to + enable you to be as prudent as patriotic, I sign this letter + and therein give you my address, that for the maintenance + of your own veracity you may furnish me with the means of + convicting publicly those slanderers who have dared to make use + of my name, in a manner still more repugnant to real facts than + the dignity with which I have ever supported my character.[247] + + ‘I have, &c., + + ‘The CHEVALIER D’EON.’ + + ‘In Petty France, Westminster.’ + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + + D’Eon and Wilkes—Fickle Louis XV.!—Literary labours—Doubts + raised as to D’Eon’s sex—Princess Dashkoff—Heavy gambling + transactions on D’Eon’s sex—Insult resented—Irritation at being + thought a female—Indignant denial of being concerned in the + bets made—State of penury—Offers of relief from Poniatovsky, + now King of Poland—Saves England from war—Officially reported + to be a female—Personal appearance—Death of Louis XV.—D’Eon’s + estimate of the late king—Count de Broglio’s report on D’Eon to + Louis XVI.—System of secret correspondence abolished—D’Eon to + continue his reports in cypher. + + +The expulsion of John Wilkes from the House of Commons and his trial +for libel, and D’Eon’s conviction on a similar charge, both of which +took place in 1764, were almost contemporary events, and although the +Chevalier abstained from taking any part in the riots of that year, he +never failed, when opportunity offered, to show his sympathy for _Wilkes +and Liberty!_ After the great agitator had returned to England in 1768, +and was undergoing his sentence of twenty-two months’ imprisonment in +King’s Bench for seditious libel and blasphemy, D’Eon one day sent him a +present of twelve smoked tongues, with a note in which he expressed the +wish that ‘the tongues might have the eloquence of Cicero and the nicety +of speech of Voltaire,’ to laud him worthily upon the anniversary of his +birth, which, in the future, would ever be regarded as that of English +liberty.’[248] + +A singular letter from Louis XV. to the Count de Broglio, dated February +12, 1767, commences thus:— + + ‘You know that D’Eon is a madman, and perhaps a dangerous one, + but there is nothing better to be done with madmen than to lock + them up, and certainly in England he is recognised as such, + and cannot be of any use to the English except to afford them + amusement, and enable them to make fun of M. de Guerchy. I do + not know what instructions M. de Fuentes has had, or expects + to receive, in regard to him.[249] For all that, all I have + promised him must be performed, but nothing more. I have a + deadly hatred to madmen....’ + +Yet the man who was considered insane only when it suited the King to say +so, was retained as secret agent enjoying the royal confidence, and upon +the Baron de Breteuil, nominated ambassador to Holland, being sent to +England in 1768 on a special mission, he was ordered ‘to see and confer +with D’Eon,’ which, however, he was to do ‘in the most secret manner +possible.’[250] + +[Sidenote: BRIEF LULLS.] + +For the next few years D’Eon beguiled his leisure in literary labours, +spending his summers chiefly at Staunton Harold, Earl Ferrers’ seat in +Leicestershire. He retired late and rose early, worked fifteen hours a +day, partook of one meal only, at two P.M., and refused to receive any +visitors except on Sundays. His ordinary residence from July 1769, when +he quitted 32 Brewer Street, and 1772, when he returned to those his old +quarters, was Petty France, Westminster, the house he occupied having +a garden bordering on the park, and to which he removed to be near his +friend, Mr. Cotes. He produced ‘Les Loisirs du Chevalier D’Eon, &c., in +thirteen volumes,[251] which he dedicated to his friend and protector, +the now disgraced and exiled Duke de Choiseul. + + ‘... It is, my lord, in the land of philosophy and liberty, + where one learns not to bestow praise except on virtue and + merit, that my mind, freed from prejudice, publicly exposes the + traits that characterise you.’ + +[Illustration: THE CHEVALIER D’EON. + +1770. + +_See Appendix._] + +Commenting on this dedication, a newspaper article thus eulogises D’Eon:— + + ‘There is as great a singularity in the character of the + Chevalier D’Eon, as _in our ignorance of his sex_. The rule + of his life is peculiar to himself; no other man or woman + would, in the same position, write and behave as he does. Is + it reason, virtue, or caprice that dictates his conduct, and + makes him in his manners the reverse of our men of fashion? Let + our readers judge from the following fact. Our courtiers adore + the man upon whom fortune smiles, and rail at him as soon as + he is no longer in favour; the Chevalier follows an unjustly + disgraced minister in his exile, and there pays him the tribute + of praise he refused him in the time of his prosperity. When + the French Court conceal their esteem for the Duke de Choiseul, + and bend the knee to the favourite they despise, to that duke + the Chevalier dedicates his “Loisirs”—him he openly dares to + commend! That oddity will not make a fortune at St. James’; it + cannot be applauded when folly holds the place of merit, and + immorality rides triumphant over the ruins of religion!’[252] + +The work was well received, and especially, it was said, at Berlin, where +the notices it contained on political administration, and particularly +that branch relating to finance, caused so favourable an impression on +the ministers, for they found therein a quantity of new and extremely +useful ideas, that his Prussian Majesty ordered they should immediately +be put into operation for the benefit of the public and of the +Government.[253] + +[Sidenote: FEMALE OR MALE?] + +The Chevalier’s popularity, chiefly amongst those who interested +themselves in the politics of the day, had never waned since his first +introduction into English society, much of the favour he enjoyed being +due to his genial and agreeable manners, his openness of character, and +the dignity and spirit of independence with which he bore his trials; +but in the year we have reached—1769—his name, somewhat more freely +canvassed, began to attain unenviable notoriety, for doubts were being +seriously entertained as to the nature of his sex, and what was at first +whispered from mouth to ear became openly revealed, until public opinion +had fairly fastened on the idea that the Chevalier D’Eon was not a man at +all but a woman! And when the Princess Dashkoff, who chanced to arrive +in England at this juncture, related that D’Eon, whom she perfectly well +knew at St. Petersburg, had been received and entertained by the Empress +Elizabeth with all the intimacy to which his believed in sex admitted +him, further doubts existed in the minds of a few only; and what had been +suspected was boldly advanced as a certainty, the Count de Châtelet, +French ambassador in London, among the number, writing to tell Louis +XV. he was persuaded that the Chevalier was a _fille_. According to a +biographical memoir in the ‘Gentleman’s Magazine,’ vol. liii., the first +indications that led to a suspicion of D’Eon’s sex was a wound received +in a duel. + +John Taylor, the author of ‘Monsieur Tonson,’ who had met the Chevalier +in advanced life, was assured by a very old friend of his father, +one well acquainted with D’Eon at this period, that his manners were +captivating and that he might have married most advantageously, as +several ladies of good family and with large fortunes had made overtures +to him at their country seats where he visited; but that upon all such +occasions he immediately left the house, whence it was inferred he +quitted the place on account of his being really of the female sex.[254] + +It was the fashion in England for all matters of dispute to become the +subject of betting, and gambling transactions attained extraordinary +proportions, the lead being taken at Brooks’s, White’s, and other clubs, +as Walpole relates in some curious anecdotes. The uncertainty of the +sex of a noted character was too fair an opportunity to be wasted, +and gambling policies of insurance were effected to large amounts, as +shown in the opposite statement, giving an idea of the extent to which +such transactions were carried within the first few months of their +being started, reaching, as they subsequently did, considerably larger +proportions. + + _Insurance on the Sex of Monsieur the Chevalier D’Eon._[256] + + DR. + + 1770. £ _s._ _d._ + March 28. To premium on 600_l._ at 15 gs. + per cent 94_l._ 10_s._ + Policy. 10_s._ 6_d._ + ------------------- 95 0 6 + March 30. To premium on 200_l._ at 15 gs. + per cent. 31 10 0 + Do. 300_l._ do. 47 5 0 + Do. 200_l._ do. 31 10 0 + Do. 100_l._ do. 15 15 0 + April 10. Do. 500_l._ do. 78_l._ 15_s._ + Policy. 10_s._ 6_d._ + ------------------- 79 5 6 + April 30. To premium on 500_l._ at 20 gs. + per cent. and Policy 105 10 6 + Do. 1,000_l._ at 10 gs. per cent. 105 0 0 + --------- ----------- + 3,400_l._ 510 16 6 + To profit 658 13 6 + ------------- + 1,169 10 0 + + CR. + + 1770. £ _s._ _d._ + June 19. By 300_l._ compromised at 50 per cent. 150 0 0 + ” 2,300_l._ sold at 40 per cent. 920 0 0 + ” 300_l._ sold at 20 per cent. 60 0 0 + ” 500_l._ sold at 20 per cent. 100 0 0 + --------- ------------- + 3,400_l._ 1,230 0 0 + Brokerage at 5 per cent. 60 10 0 + ------------- + 1,169 10 0 + + Whereof par ¼ of the profit is 164_l._ 13_s._ 4_d._ + +To add to the chagrin endured at the gross liberties taken with his name, +the Chevalier was reproached by his enemies with being an accomplice in +the scandalous jobbing affairs and a sharer in the plunder, charges he +indignantly repudiated when unburdening himself to his old friend the +count.[255] + + ‘... I am grieved to hear, and even to read in the English + papers, all the extraordinary reports that reach from Paris, + London, and even St. Petersburg, on the uncertainty of my sex, + and which gain ground in a country of enthusiasts such as + this, and to such an extent, that policies of insurance for + considerable sums are being publicly effected upon so indecent + a subject, both at Court and in the city. I held my peace for a + long time. My silence only served to increase suspicion and the + number of insurances. I consequently repaired, last Saturday, + to the Exchange and to the several neighbouring coffee-houses, + where all kinds of insurances and stock-jobbing take place, + and there, in uniform, walking-stick in hand, I obliged the + money-broker Bird, who was the first to start one of these + impudent insurances, to beg my pardon. Yielding the choice + of weapons, I challenged to fight anybody who might consider + himself the most incredulous, the bravest, or the most insolent + of the entire assembly, and several thousands were present. All + treated me with great courtesy, and in their amazement not one + of those male adversaries, in this great city, dared either to + cross sticks or to fight me, even though I remained in their + midst from noon until two o’clock, to afford them ample time to + decide amongst themselves. I took my leave, making my address + generally known in the event of any one changing his mind. This + is the way in which such people should be taken in hand and + silenced. They are most insolent in the liberties they take, + even with the greatest persons at Court, and the more reason + with me, a private individual whom they know to be exiled + from France, and lonely. Bird assured me, in the face of his + apologies, that he and his colleagues were able to effect the + most extraordinary insurances or wagers, even in regard to the + royal family, except, in observance of an Act of Parliament, + so far as concerned the life of the King, the Queen, and their + children, and that he was employed by a great lady, whose name + he refused to communicate, to effect an insurance on my sex....’ + + ‘... I beg of you, sir, not to be displeased with your old + aide-de-camp, if you read in the _Gazette_, or elsewhere, that + on the 7th of this month I broke my cane across two Englishmen + for taking impudent liberties with my name. My conduct has + been approved by military men and others alive to a sense of + honour. Since making my two visits to the city, nobody has + dared, either at court or anywhere about town, to make a wager, + publicly, on the nature of my sex, of which I have stamped + virile proofs on the faces of two insolent fellows....’ + + ‘Some of my discreet friends have recommended me to leave + London for a month or two, and travel quietly in Ireland under + an assumed name, for I am not known there. In spite of my + threats and the blows I have dealt, and of my conduct through + life, an inconceivable mania for effecting insurances to a + considerable amount on the uncertainty of my sex has again + taken hold of people in the city, and I am cautioned, from + several quarters, that some rich persons entertain the idea of + having me carried off, by artifice, force, or stratagem, so + that the point may be settled in defiance of me, a thing I will + not tolerate, and which, should the attempt be made, will place + me under the cruel necessity of killing somebody.... I can + declare to you, sir, upon my honour, that I am not interested + to the value of even one _sou_ in these bets and insurances.... + I am sufficiently mortified at being what nature has made me, + and that the dispassion of my natural temperament should induce + my friends to imagine, in their innocence, and this in France, + in Russia, and in England, that I am of the female sex. The + malice of my enemies has confirmed all this since the beginning + of my misfortunes, which I have not by any means deserved, and + of which I should have been rid long ago. I leave all to the + King’s and to your own kindness of heart....’[257] + +[Sidenote: ON THE DEFENSIVE.] + +The tone of swagger repeated in the above letters, would dispose to the +belief that D’Eon was exaggerating the degree of front he had shown to +those Englishmen who were taking unwarrantable liberties with his name; +but the measure of his veracity would appear to be out of the question. +In the ‘Public Advertiser’ of November 16, 1774, it was stated that— + + ‘the Chevalier D’Eon with justice complains of our public + prints; they are eternally sending him to France, when he is + body and soul fixed in this country; they have lately confined + him to the Bastille, when he fled to England as a country of + liberty, and they lately made a woman of him, when not one of + his enemies dared to put his manhood to the proof. He makes no + complaint of the English ladies.’ + +That the calumnies of which D’Eon continued to be the object were not +chargeable to all classes of society, is to be inferred from a notice +which appeared in the papers a few days later, announcing— + + ‘Earl Ferrers, Sir John Fielding, Messieurs Addington and + Wright, and other worthy magistrates and gentlemen, and their + ladies, did the Chevalier the honour to dine with him in Brewer + Street, Golden Square, a convincing proof that he is not + confined in the Bastille, as certain weak and wicked persons + have popularly asserted, ignorant of the justice and honour his + worth and merit have deserved.’ + +Being at dinner one day with his friend Angelo, D’Eon was informed of the +presence, in the next room, of a Jew named Treves who would, on condition +that he discovered his sex, on the instant pay him one thousand pounds; +when, says Henry Angelo, he flew into such a violent passion, that it was +with much difficulty his father could restrain him in his rage against +the Israelite. + +For the second time in his life the Chevalier found himself to be in +imminent peril of being kidnapped in the interests of those who had +heavy stakes on his sex, and were pressing for having the question +resolved off-hand. Leaving London, he wandered restlessly in the north, +until he saw in the papers that his disappearance was causing anxiety +to his friends, who were offering a handsome reward and the payment of +all reasonable expenses for any intelligence that should lead to his +recovery, if concealed or restrained of his liberty. He was described +as being dressed, upon leaving his home, in scarlet faced with green, +and wearing the cross of Saint Louis; he had a new plain hat with silver +button, loop and band, and his sword, but no cane. Inquired after and +sought, and no trace of him being obtainable, a _caveat_ was entered +at Doctors’ Commons against his goods, on the supposition that he was +dead. Hastening back he informed his friend, Mr. Fountain, of Litchfield +Street, who had been most active in searching after him, of his arrival +in London, in a note which appeared in the papers[258] the following +morning with the announcement:— + + ‘This night, about eleven o’clock, the Chevalier D’Eon, whose + extraordinary disappearance above six weeks ago has been the + subject of much conversation and inquiry, arrived in good + health at his house in Petty France, Westminster.’ + +[Sidenote: A PROTEST.] + +Then, in due course, he presented himself before Lord Mayor Crosby,[259] +as the most public way of testifying that he was alive, and made an +affidavit to the effect that— + + ‘he never had, and never would have any part, directly or + indirectly, in the policies of insurance made on his sex; that + he had never touched and never would touch a single guinea + from any person or persons, on account of the said insurances; + that he never would enter into any negotiations with any + person or persons, however considerable the sums that had been + offered to him, and which had amounted to 25,000_l._, to prove, + judicially, his sex.’ + +In reporting his proceedings to de Broglio the Chevalier wrote:— + + ‘I have only had time to travel over the North of England, + and a part of Scotland. Two important reasons prevented me + from going to Ireland as I had intended. 1. My funds were + insufficient. 2. Because, whilst on my travels, I noticed + in the English papers that the public, ever jealous of its + liberties, was much alarmed, and that my own friends were + greatly concerned at my supposed abduction, and that all + the doors of the house I occupy had been sealed. I returned + immediately to reassure the public and my friends, as well as + to attend to my private affairs. With regard to the cypher and + King’s papers, I had, as you are aware, insured their safety + before I went away, and they would not have been found, at + least not unless the house was razed to the ground. + + ‘By last Tuesday’s post I sent to you the “Public Advertiser,” + which contains the declaration I made, under oath, before + the Lord Mayor, that I am not interested to the value of one + shilling, directly or indirectly, in the policies of insurance + that have been effected on my person. It is not my fault if + the rage for betting, on all matters, is a national disorder + amongst Englishmen, who will frequently risk even more than + the fortune they possess on a single horse-race. I do not + care for all their policies of insurance, their articles, + newspapers, prints, or themselves either, and they are aware of + it. I have given proof, and will again do so to their hearts’ + content, that I am not only a man, but a captain of dragoons + with sword in hand. It is not my fault if the Court of Russia, + and notably, the Princess Dashkoff, has assured the English + Court that I am a female. It is not my fault if the Duke de + Praslin has caused secret, and almost public, inquiry to be + pursued in France to confirm this fact, whilst his friend de + Guerchy sneakingly spread the report at this Court that I am + a hermaphrodite! Anyhow, it is not my fault if I exist such + as nature formed me; perfectly or imperfectly formed, I have + ever, heart and soul, faithfully served the King in politics + as in war. I am in a condition to serve him better than ever, + and shall be at all times ready to fly, at his bidding, + whithersoever he may send me.’[260] + +[Sidenote: THE KING OF POLAND TO THE RESCUE.] + +D’Eon never allowed anything to interfere with his first object in +life, that of supplying his royal master with the fullest information +on every subject of interest; this, however, was not to be effected +without resources of some kind; and as it was his misfortune ever to be +left without funds, even to not receiving his pension with any degree +of regularity, he became fast involved in serious difficulties, which +obliged him to live in a state of misery that became a terrible burden +for one of his past life and habits to bear. He might have been the +possessor of thousands had he been less patriotic, less scrupulous, and +less resolved to put up with his every-day distressing privations. Patent +as the Chevalier’s condition was to everybody, still did he stand accused +of being a confederate in the dishonest transactions of which he was the +innocent cause. At length relief appeared to be at hand. Poniatovsky, +King of Poland, who had not forgotten the pleasant evenings he had +enjoyed at sword practice with D’Eon at St. Petersburg, wrote with his +own hand to offer him an asylum and employment, and for the second time, +driven by want and despair, did the faithful servant’s loyalty waver, for +he asked permission of his cruel master to accept the invitation. But +it was not to be, as de Broglio notified in his reply, approved in the +King’s hand. + + ‘... I am not surprised that the King of Poland should have + said such kind things to you through his chamberlain. This + prince is acquainted with you, has heard you well spoken of + in Russia, and knows how useful you might be to him; but + you should also bear in mind that you cannot serve the King + elsewhere so usefully as in London, especially under present + circumstances; nor is there any other place where you can be + in greater safety against the malice of your enemies than in + London. Continue, therefore, your correspondence with me and + his Majesty; it is the wish of the King, who again bids you not + leave England without his orders. But his Majesty approves of + the correspondence you have been invited to entertain with the + King of Poland. There is nothing to be apprehended in this. + Being convinced of your attachment and loyalty, his Majesty + authorises me to leave you at full liberty in this matter. I + have only to call your attention to all that may be of interest + to his Majesty, and to assure you that I shall have much + pleasure in bringing to the notice of the King your services + upon the present and upon all future occasions.’[261] + +Much of D’Eon’s correspondence with the King at this time was +pseudonymous, the assumed name being William Wolff. There is no +probability, whatever, of the subjects of it becoming generally known, +but it may be said that the Chevalier saved England, France, and Spain +from a ruinous war that was nearly taking place on account of the dispute +relative to the Falkland Islands. This was done through his secret +communications with Louis XV., to whom he represented the worthlessness +of those islands and their barrenness.[262] + +De Broglio’s letter of May 11, given above, was entrusted to Drouet[263] +for delivery to the Chevalier, the startling report he made upon quickly +returning to France, as the result of his interview with D’Eon, being +immediately communicated by de Broglio to Louis XV. + + ‘... I must not omit to inform your Majesty that the suspicions + entertained on the sex of this extraordinary personage are + well founded. M. Drouet, who had received my instructions to + do his best to verify them, has assured me, since his return, + that he has succeeded and is able to certify ... that M. D’Eon + is a female, and nothing but a female (_fille_), of which he + has all the attributes ... we must admit that this statement + forms the climax to his history.... He begged M. Drouet to keep + the secret, justly observing that if discovered his occupation + were gone. May I entreat your Majesty to be pleased to allow + that the confidence he has reposed in his friend be not + betrayed, and that he will have no cause to regret what he has + done....’[264] + +[Sidenote: PERSONAL APPEARANCE.] + +Let us here note that although D’Eon was described at this period as +having a rather effeminate countenance, blue eyes, small features, and +as being pale, he had a dark beard, wore a wig and cue, and ever appeared +in the same dress—that of an officer of dragoons, red with pea-green +lapels and silver lace. He stood about five feet seven inches, and was +rather inclined to corpulency.[265] + +Whether or no de Broglio and the King believed in Drouet’s bewildering +assertion, made with so much circumstance, it is certain that no action +was taken either to the prejudice or in favour of D’Eon, who was left +in trust of his old office, and again forced to appeal pitifully to the +count. + + ‘... I am in want ... having ceded to my mother the whole of my + patrimony, and pensioned my old nurse, and having to support + my nephews.... I venture to say, that had I been born actually + as weak and timid as I appear to have been destined by nature, + great evils would have been the consequences. I shall never + regret having sacrificed myself to save the counsellor from + sorrows and your family from troubles....’[266] + +D’Eon was sighing to leave England, and negotiations with a view to his +being permitted to return to France had been conducted from time to +time since the fall of de Choiseul (1770) by the new minister, the Duke +d’Aiguillon; but the Chevalier comprehensively notes, with reference to +that minister’s proposals—_Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes_.[267] When the +reiterated appeal for succour reached its destination, the count was +again in exile at his seat, Ruffec. + +In the early part of 1774, Versailles was visited by an epidemic which +ran through the palace, infecting some fifty or more of its inmates +(amongst them the King’s daughters, Adelaide, Victoire, and Sophie), and +of whom about a dozen, including Louis XV., were carried off.[268] Those +curious to know what were the last days of the profligate and careless +monarch will find, on consulting Sismondi, how a death-bed repentance was +wrested from him by his confessor, the unflinching and unimpeachable Abbé +Mandoux; how the old Marshal de Richelieu remonstrated angrily, and how +the _fils emancipé_ received absolution at the hands of the disconcerted +Cardinal de la Roche-Aymon, the _grand aumônier_, who read the royal +confession. + + ‘Although the King owes an account of his conduct to God + only, he declares that he repents having been the cause of + any scandal amongst his subjects, and that he wishes to live + solely for the maintenance of religion and the happiness of his + people.’ + +The interment was anything but royal, for the corpse of _le Bien-aimé_ +was hurried in the darkness of the night to the tomb—not its last +resting-place—amidst the execrations of the numbers who had turned out to +see the procession as it hastily passed their way, and who kept shouting +the late King’s favourite cry on the hunting field, _tayau! tayau!_—and +_hallali! hallali!_ his favourite cry at the death, as his remains were +being borne into St. Denis. + +Wishing to rid himself of a tipsy customer, the keeper of a drinking-shop +warned the troublesome fellow that the funeral of Louis XV. was about to +pass. ‘What!’ was the answer, ‘we were dying of hunger so long as _ce b—— +là_ lived, and are we to die of thirst now that he is dead?’[269] + +D’Eon’s faith in the good intentions of his master had never deserted +him, but now that master was dead; and yet, though the Chevalier lived +to see the country he loved so well reap what Louis XV. had sown, his +estimate of that monarch’s character never changed! + + ‘After having been so long concealed under the shadow of the + wings and of the secret protection of Louis XV., in losing him + I lost all. Soon after his death I became like a victim who + has been publicly sacrificed. An unjust idea has ever been + entertained of the character and talents of Louis XV. If the + truth were but known, it would be allowed that this prince was + endowed with great penetration, great judgment, and a profound + knowledge of men and things. The only quality in which he was + deficient, was the needed strength of character to control his + ministers and ambassadors as became a King. Had Heaven endowed + me with one-half the goodness of the King, my master, and my + master with one-half of my firmness, not one-half of all that + occurred would ever have come to pass. I need not be miserable + for the rest of my days, nor fancy that my honour is tarnished, + because Louis XV. would never disclose to his ministers the + nature of my extraordinary position, or openly uphold the + secret orders and instructions he caused to be secretly + conveyed to me.’[270] + +[Sidenote: THE COUNT DE BROGLIO AND LOUIS XVI.] + +Scarcely had Louis XVI. ascended the throne, than the Count de Broglio +addressed a memorandum to the new King, in which was recapitulated the +history of the late sovereign’s secret correspondence from the beginning, +and describing the mode in which it had been conducted. The count exposed +the anomaly of his position, then and during the two-and-twenty years +that he had been secretly employed by Louis XV.; suggested the probable +causes of his exile, maintained he had never fallen away from the royal +favour, and asked his Majesty’s instructions, for his guidance, under +the peculiar circumstances in which he found himself. The King’s +reply—laconic, formal, and unsigned—simply acknowledged the receipt of +the despatch, enjoined the count to continue to observe the strictest +secrecy, and informed him that inquiries should be made in the proper +quarter for the reasons that induced the late King to order him into +exile.[271] De Broglio followed up his memorandum with several letters, +soliciting permission in one of them to communicate certain matters with +which he considered it necessary his Majesty should become acquainted:— + + ‘... I will commence with what concerns the Sieur D’Eon. I + conceive it to be possible that your Majesty has heard him + unfavourably spoken of, and that you are therefore astonished + at finding him included amongst the number of those persons + honoured with the confidence of the late King. I cannot forbear + observing that he was initiated in the secret correspondence at + the time it was under the direction of the Prince de Conti. He + was sent to Petersburg by that prince in 1756, after which he + was specially chosen by the Dukes de Praslin and de Nivernois + for the negotiations for peace in London, in 1762; and the + late King having at that time important designs on England, + ordered him to make direct reports. He was then made Minister + Plenipotentiary in England, during the interval between the + Embassage of the Duke de Nivernois and the arrival of the + Count de Guerchy. It is evident that it was this special mark + of confidence which gave him reason to hope he would receive + support in his misplaced contentions with that ambassador, who, + on his part, exhibited perhaps too much hastiness at first, and + a little want of tact afterwards; but this does not excuse the + faults of the Sieur D’Eon, whose excessive hastiness was beyond + all bounds, and gave rise to unseemly incidents between persons + honoured as they were by the offices they respectively held. + The Duke de Praslin exercised such extreme severity upon that + occasion, that the Sieur D’Eon was not to be tranquillised, and + the latter, unable to return to France, and driven to despair + and into difficulties, was well-nigh failing in his allegiance + to his Majesty and about to divulge the secret confided to him, + which would have shockingly compromised the sacred name of the + late King, and especially in such a country as England. I was + for a long time in the greatest fear. I asked his Majesty what + I was to do, and took the liberty to represent to him that + anything was preferable to allowing the subject of the secret + correspondence to be known in England. I received orders to + send my secretary to England. He knew the Sieur D’Eon, and + appeased him a little, and it was at length arranged that + he should remain in London for the purpose of communicating + intelligence; but it was necessary to guarantee to him, in + the late King’s own hand, a monthly allowance of one thousand + livres, which he has enjoyed ever since.[272] + + ‘This singular being (because the Sieur D’Eon is a female) is, + more so than many others, a compound of good qualities and of + faults, and he carries the one and the other to extremes. It + will be necessary that I should have the honour of entering + into the minutest details on this subject, so soon as your + Majesty will have definitely decided in the matter of the + secret correspondence. In the meantime, I venture to take the + liberty to entreat that his case be not determined until I + shall have submitted my respectful observations thereon to your + Majesty. I must not conclude these observations on the Sieur + D’Eon without having the honour of stating that he occasionally + signs his letters, “William Wolff.” ...’[273] + +[Sidenote: ABOLITION OF THE SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.] + +All the details of the secret correspondence, as they were fully +treated upon by the Count de Broglio, proved entirely novel to the +King, who promptly put an end to the system. The money allowed for this +secret service by Louis XV. amounted to 120,000 livres annually, his +confidential agents, with one sole exception, being in the service of the +State, and in receipt of established salaries—as ambassadors, ministers, +residents or secretaries of Embassy; but to several, the reduction +of their emoluments by discontinuance of the secret correspondence +allowances would prove a serious inconvenience, the count therefore +submitted a plan for ensuring to his former colleagues, the faithful +depositaries of State secrets, a life-pension as a reward for their +loyalty and discretion. Approving the scheme, the King responded +liberally, and life-pensions, varying from 1,100 livres to 20,000 livres +per annum, were settled upon the various members of the abolished +department, D’Eon excepted, whose case necessitated special and careful +consideration. + +As to the count himself and his recall from exile, he insisted upon +a thorough investigation into his conduct, whether as regarded his +personal acts or his correspondence, both of which too clearly proved +how completely removed from the slightest taint had been his loyalty and +integrity of purpose. + + ‘I have found amongst the King’s effects,’ wrote Louis XVI., + ‘several maps and papers, such as you have intimated to me, + and have tied them together. I have since made every inquiry + respecting yourself, and find that in all you did you acted + in accordance with the King’s orders. You have therefore my + permission to return to Paris or to Court at Compiègne.... I + approve of your writing to the several ministers to instruct + them to discontinue the correspondence. I send you a rough + draft of the letters which you must send to me for my + signature. As regards yourself, sir, you will collect the whole + of your papers upon your arrival in Paris, for delivery to M. + de Vergennes, after which you may take your rest.’[274] + +[Sidenote: CLAIMS TO CONSIDERATION.] + +The Count de Vergennes had succeeded as Minister for Foreign Affairs[275] +upon the disgrace and exile of the Duke d’Aiguillon, the avowed enemy +of the de Broglios, and whose attitude towards D’Eon had been one of +dangerous hostility. Rejoicing in his fall and full of hope in the new +order of things, the Chevalier appealed to de Broglio for intercession in +his behalf with the young King. + + ‘His late Majesty and you have deigned to approve, by your + letters of August 22, 1766, &c., my conduct in delivering + to M. Durand and the Baron de Breteuil the secret papers + you required. You equally approved my conduct, by letter + of February 10, 1767, in communicating to the Prince de + Masseran[276] the discovery I had made of England’s design to + invade Mexico and Peru in the approaching war, on the plan + devised by the Sieur Caffaro, that is to say, the Marquis + d’Aubaret, for which he receives 600_l._ sterling per annum + from the English ministry.... You also approved, by letter of + September 23, 1769, my vigilance in giving you eight months’ + notice of the naval expedition projected by Russia against + the Turks, and of which you were a witness. His Majesty, as + also the King of England, deigned to approve my conduct in + the affair of Dr. Musgrave on the subject of the peace, which + created so great a sensation in London in 1769 and 1770. I + will not worry you by entering into particulars on the various + testimonies of approbation you have deigned to give me, on + behalf of his Majesty, as to my zeal in keeping you informed + of interesting events that have already occurred, that are now + passing, and are yet to take place. + + ‘It is time, after the cruel loss we have experienced of our + Counsellor-in-Chief[277] at Versailles, who, in the midst of + his own court, had less power than a king’s advocate at the + Châtelet; who, through incredible weakness, ever suffered his + faithless servants to triumph over his secret servants who + were true to him, and who had ever more largely favoured his + declared enemies rather than his real friends; it is time, I + say, that you should inform the new King, who loves truth, + and of whom it is said that he is as firm as his illustrious + grandfather was weak; it is time, for us both, that you should + inform this young monarch of your having been the secret + minister of Louis XV. during upwards of twenty years, and of + my having been under-minister, under his orders and yours; that + during the last twelve years I have sacrificed my fortune, + advancement, and happiness, in desiring to obey, to the + letter, his secret order of June 3, 1763,[278] and the secret + instructions relating thereto;’ ... + +that for particular reasons, known only to the late King, he thought it +his duty to sacrifice him, openly, to the wrath of his ambassador de +Guerchy, to that of his ministers, and to the hysterics of de Pompadour; +but that his sense of justice and kindness of heart had never, in secret, +allowed him to abandon him, but that he had, on the contrary, given him, +in his own hand his royal promise to reward and justify him in the future. + + ‘... Posterity could never believe in these facts, had not you + and I all the necessary documents to establish them, together + with others still more incredible.... Had the late good King + not expelled the Jesuits from his kingdom, and had he a + Caramuel or a Malagrida for his confessor, nobody would have + been surprised; but, thank God, I hope the new King will soon + deliver you and me out of our embarrassments. I trust that no + Jesuit will ever be his confessor, friend, or minister, whether + he be disguised as priest, chancellor, duke and peer, courtier + or courtesan.’[279] + +De Broglio had said much more in his favour to Louis XVI. than he chose +to tell D’Eon, and he now conveyed to him the King’s desire that he +should continue to make his reports in cypher, addressing all such +communications to the Count de Vergennes. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + + The Count de Broglio’s offers for the surrender of the King’s + papers—D’Eon’s conditions—Failure of the transaction—Proposal + of marriage to (Mademoiselle) D’Eon—Beaumarchais—The Madame + Dubarry scandal—De Vergennes’ instructions to Beaumarchais—That + minister’s high opinion of D’Eon—Beaumarchais’ success in + treating with D’Eon. + + +So far as the ministers were concerned, the Chevalier D’Eon was regarded +in the light of a rebel and traitor, when all of which he could have +stood convicted was, like poor Clinker, ‘hunger, wretchedness, and +want; but de Broglio and the King knew otherwise. The compromising +papers with the existence of which we have become so familiar, were +still in his possession, and their immediate recovery having become +an absolute necessity, the count was directed to arrange in a kindly +and generous spirit for their surrender. He accordingly sent to London +the Marquis de Prunevaux, an officer of distinction and a kinsman of +the Duke de Nivernois, to propose the following conditions:—D’Eon to +give up every document relating to the late King’s private or official +correspondence; to give his word of honour to abstain, ever thereafter, +from writing anything of a nature likely to awaken the recollections of +his contentions with de Guerchy and de Praslin, and to avoid all such +places where he would be liable to meet the Countess de Guerchy and her +children. In return, he should receive a life-pension of twelve thousand +livres,[280] have his military rank restored to him, all charges +pending against him should be withdrawn, and a safe conduct signed by +the King granted, enabling him to return to France and live in any part +of the country most agreeable to himself. But D’Eon had lost his beloved +master, whose slightest wish had ever been a law to him; he knew that +his occupation was gone, but he thought he might recover the position +he had lost if he played his cards well, and accordingly rejected the +terms, substituting his own instead, in which he asked—(1) that his +conduct should be purged of the calumnies imputed to it by the Duke de +Praslin and the Count de Guerchy, and that he should be reinstated in the +diplomatic rank and title he had held, as was done to the celebrated La +Chalotais;[281] and (2) that all sums and indemnities due to him during +the past twenty-one years, amounting altogether to 13,933_l._ sterling, +or 318,477 livres, should be paid to him in full. + +In urging his claims to a sum of such large proportions, the Chevalier’s +argument was a repetition of what he had advanced in days gone by, when +soliciting Louis XV. and de Broglio for pecuniary assistance:— + + ‘All the debts I have contracted in England are the natural + consequences of the orders I received from the King being + contradictory to those of the Duke de Praslin; a natural + consequence of the means to which I had recourse in defence of + my honour and of my life; a natural consequence of the measures + I adopted to prevent my person and papers from being carried + off out of England, and a natural consequence of the criminal + proceedings I was obliged to institute against the late Count + de Guerchy, for having poisoned me at his table, and for having + ordered and bribed de Vergy to assassinate me in London; also + for having sought to kidnap me—all atrocious crimes of which I + adduced proofs at the trial, notwithstanding the indignation + of the French Court, notwithstanding the presence of the + ambassador, who owed his escape from the punishment he richly + merited simply to a _nolle prosequi_ mercifully granted by the + King of England, in answer to his supplication, and to the + everlasting disgrace of the said ambassador.’[282] + +[Sidenote: NEGOTIATORS NONPLUSSED.] + +De Prunevaux remonstrated that the sum demanded was prodigious. + + ‘Prodigious for you,’ replied D’Eon, ‘who insist on crown + pieces doing duty in a country where guineas are fingered! + Prodigious in your native Morvan, where a horse costs two + louis, an ox six livres, and an ass a crown; but as for me, I + have been living for the last thirteen years in London, where a + turkey costs six livres before it is roasted!’ + +Notwithstanding a four months’ residence in London, De Prunevaux could +not prevail upon the Chevalier to leave England, for he insisted, after +the example of the brave and virtuous La Chalotais, on a temporary +re-establishment in his post of plenipotentiary which he occupied with +distinction, and from which Madame de Pompadour, with a cabal of the +great, by little and base intrigues expelled him; deeming all pecuniary +satisfaction beneath his honour, gold being but a means and not the +object of great souls.[283] + +De Broglio’s friendly remonstrances and reproaches were without effect +upon D’Eon, who became the more obdurate from the moment that de +Prunevaux resolutely, and once for all, refused to entertain any such +idea as his reinstatement to his former official position. De Prunevaux +was succeeded by Captain Pommereux of the Grenadiers, ordered to treat +with D’Eon on the basis of an indemnity; but the only concession the +Chevalier would make being to reduce his claim to 256,000 livres, de +Vergennes submitted to the King that since a high sum was still persisted +in, it would be unwise to underrate the importance of keeping on good +terms with the Chevalier, and recommended that for the present, at least, +his quarterly allowance should be paid as before, anticipating that +he would become more tractable with time, and if less importance were +attached to the recovery of the papers of which he was the depositary. +Louis XVI. approved, but said that he had never read a more impertinent +or ridiculous letter than D’Eon’s,[284] and were it not for the safety of +the documents, he should certainly send him about his business.[285] I +cannot conclude this paragraph without noticing that the gallant captain +became so thoroughly persuaded, during his stay in London, of the truth +of the reports on the presumed sex of the Chevalier, that he became +enamoured of the heroine, and actually proposed marriage before taking +his departure for France! + +[Sidenote: THE DUBARRY SCANDAL] + +There now appears on the scene a remarkable man, one who, relying upon +his abilities, of which he was singularly vain, was prepared to act as +mediator, and by pursuing a policy of something like oppression, bring +D’Eon to his bearings. This was no less an individual than Beaumarchais, +the watchmaker’s apprentice, lieutenant-general of the royal hunt, +champion of the Americans in revolt against Britain, and in the secret +service of Louis XVI., but more universally known, perhaps, as the author +of ‘Le Barbier de Seville,’ a play first published with the authority of +that sovereign, and unjustly condemned for a season as being a plagiary +on Molière’s ‘École des Femmes.’ When D’Eon and Beaumarchais met for the +first time, the latter was in London on a mission from the King, in which +D’Eon was likewise concerned, and it is scarcely to be doubted he was +under instructions from de Vergennes to make the Chevalier’s acquaintance +with a view to entering eventually into further relations with him. By +Beaumarchais’ management were shaped the destinies of D’Eon, who has +left a record of how they met and what their intercourse, in a written +statement he addressed to the Count de Vergennes, on May 27, 1776,[286] +and from which we quote the following passages:— + + ‘There was in 1773, and there still is, in England, a libelling + adventurer named Théveneau de Morande, the counterpart of + the Sieur Goudard described by me elsewhere. He had set up a + newspaper called “Le Gazetier Cuirassé,” a sort of laboratory + for defamation of character, in which he abused everybody and + dealt in slander. Before printing “Le Gazetier Cuirassé,” he + wrote to all those persons (including M. de Voltaire) whom it + was his intention to defame, to demand a certain sum of money + if they did not wish such abominations to be made public. The + Marquis de Villette, one of those to whom he had written, + replied:— + + ‘“You scoundrel! You demand fifty louis that you may not + publish certain facts in which I am concerned; if you give me + one hundred, I will supply you with many other facts far more + curious and private, which you can add to your manuscript. I + await your answer.” + + ‘2. In a letter dated July 6, 1773, Louis XV. and his secret + minister, the Count de Broglio, instructed the Chevalier D’Eon + to find out whether M. de Morande was really at work on “Notes + on the Life of Madame la Comtesse Dubarry,”[287] and what sum + would suffice to induce M. de Morande to give up his MS. and + the publication of it.’ + +To which the Chevalier D’Eon replied, under date of July 13-18, 1773:— + + ‘You could not have recourse to anybody more able to assist + and bring to a satisfactory termination the affair you have + mentioned to me, M. Morande being a countryman of mine, who + boasts of being connected with a branch of my family in + Burgundy.... For two months I refused to make his acquaintance + for very good reasons. He has so frequently called since, + that I have occasionally received him rather than be annoyed + by a young man of an exceedingly turbulent and impetuous + disposition, who knows no bounds, and without any respect for + things sacred or profane. Such is the man.... _Fœnum habet in + cornu, tu Romane, caveto._ This is why I keep him at a certain + distance.... + + ‘He is a man who swindles several rich people in Paris through + fear of his pen. He has produced the most outrageous libel + it is possible to conceive against the Count de Lauraguais, + with whom he picked a quarrel. The King of England (himself so + frequently attacked in the papers) asked, with reference to + this affair, what he thought of English liberty.’ + + ‘I have nothing to complain of, Sire,’ replied the count, ‘it + treats me like a King.’ + + ‘I am not aware that Morande is at work on the scandalous + account of the Dubarry family; but I have very strong + suspicions that such is the case. If it should be so, there + is nobody in a better position than I am to negotiate for + its being relinquished; he is very fond of his wife, and I + undertake to get her to do anything I wish.... I believe that + if he were offered 800 guineas he would be quite satisfied. I + know that he is in want of money just now, and I will do my + best to arrange for a smaller sum. But, sir, to tell you the + truth, I should be delighted if the money were given to him by + some other person, so that nobody will suppose that I have + made a single guinea by such a business.’ + + * * * * * + + ‘3. M. D’Eon is on the point of concluding the bargain in + consideration of the sum of 800_l._ sterling, M. Morande giving + his bond that he will pay 1,000_l._ sterling to the poor of the + parish, should he hereafter be convicted before a tribunal, of + having caused to be printed any work to the prejudice of the + late King, of his mistresses or ministers.’ + + ‘4. M. D’Eon receives another letter from the Count de Broglio, + dated August 26, 1773, approved by the King, in which he is + instructed to suspend his negotiations with Morande, seeing + that the celebrated Count Dubarry had taken other measures; but + he is to watch Morande and his publications.’ + + ‘5. Secret emissaries of police arrive in London for the + purpose of kidnapping Morande. The scheme fails, and the + frightened emissaries promptly make their escape to Paris.’ + + ‘6. Under censure of the Parliament of Paris, Beaumarchais is + on the point of being arrested, when he takes refuge in the + King’s wardrobe, an asylum worthy of such a personage.’ + + ‘7. M. de la Borde, the late King’s valet-de-chambre,[288] + confides to Beaumarchais, in the gloom of the wardrobe, that + the King’s heart is saddened by a rascally libel on the amours + of the charming Dubarry, in the course of being written in + London by the scoundrel Morande.’ + + ‘8. ... The Sieur Caron entertains hope of success in fawning + to his master’s love affairs, humbling his enemies and + increasing his own fortune. He communicates to la Borde his + design of going to London, and secretly bribing with gold the + already corrupted Morande. This project is communicated by la + Borde to Louis XV., who deigns to give his approval.’ + + ‘9. Accordingly, Beaumarchais arrives in London _incognito_, + escorted by the Count de Lauraguais _in publico_.’ + + ‘10. The day of their arrival, Morande calls on M. D’Eon to + inform him that two French noblemen had been to see him that + morning, with their pockets full of gold, to invite him to + suppress his work against the Countess Dubarry; but not wishing + to conclude any arrangement without first consulting M. D’Eon, + who was the first to commence negotiations on this business, + the two noblemen had remained in their coach at the corner of + the street, and desired to confer with him.’ + + ‘11. M. D’Eon asks Morande the names of these two French + noblemen, and whether they bring letters to him from Versailles + or Paris.... Morande declares they wish to preserve the + strictest incognito.’ + + ‘12. M. D’Eon replies that he has no wish to confer with + unknown individuals; they might be emissaries of police who + would induce him to say what he would rather leave unsaid; + that the love affairs of kings were ticklish matters to meddle + in.... The only advice he could offer to Morande, encumbered as + he is with a wife and family and debts, in so expensive a place + as London, and pursuing a dangerous avocation comparable to + that of a highwayman, would be to exact the largest sum out of + the richest gilt coach he might meet. His own coach could only + offer 800_l._ sterling for the suppression of the libel....’ + + ‘13. A few days later, M. D’Eon learns that the two unknown + nobles are, the unknown noble, Caron de Beaumarchais, and the + most illustrious and well-known noble, Louis François Brancas, + Count de Lauraguais, and that they had concluded an agreement + with Théveneau de Morande, in the name of Louis XV., for the + suppression of his libel in consideration of the sum of 1,500 + louis, in cash, and a life-pension of 4,000 francs, to be + reduced to a life-pension of 2,000 livres in favour of his + wife, should she survive him....’[289] + + ‘14. Morande not ceasing to trouble M. D’Eon with his obtrusive + visits, the latter was induced to tell him that he was curious + to make the acquaintance of such a man as Beaumarchais, because + the papers he had published gave him reason to suppose, judging + by the boldness of his style and opinions, that there was still + a man left in Paris.’ + + ‘15. ... Morande brought him to my house when he came to London + for the third time, and thus we saw each other, led no doubt + by a curiosity natural to extraordinary animals to meet one + another.’ + + ‘16. In May, 1775, I saw this rake whom I might call, without + offence, by the name of that animal who with his eyes turned + up, and his snout to the ground, searches for truffles in my + country. After several interviews and conferences, he became + acquainted with some of the circumstances of my political and + physical condition.’ + + ‘17. He was profuse in his offers to be of service at + Versailles, and I accepted. Like a drowning man abandoned, so + to say, by the late King and his private minister for high + reasons of state, to the current of an infected river, I hung + on for an instant to the boat of Caron as I would to a red-hot + rod of iron. Although I took the precaution to protect my hands + with gauntlets, I had my fingers burnt after all....’ + +[Sidenote: BEAUMARCHAIS’ HEART TOUCHED.] + +According to Loménie,[290] D’Eon _solicited the assistance of +Beaumarchais_, and that he might the more effectively enlist his +sympathies, confessed to him, with tears, that he was a female, which, +never doubting, and delighted at the prospect of obliging a woman become +interesting by her daring courage, political talents and misfortunes, and +wishing also to bring to a successful issue a somewhat difficult task, +Beaumarchais wrote some touching words to Louis XVI. in favour of his +client. + + ‘When it is considered that this creature, so persecuted, is of + a sex to which all is forgiven, the heart is moved with sweet + compassion.... I venture to assure you, Sire, that in treating + this wonderful creature with tact and gentleness, even though + she be soured by twelve years of misfortune, she will be easily + prevailed upon to submit herself, and give up the whole of the + late King’s papers on reasonable conditions.’ + +Having familiarised himself with D’Eon’s story, his difficulties and +necessities, Beaumarchais returned to Versailles, and exaggerating the +importance of the hidden secret correspondence, although he had not +seen any of it, pleaded the cause of his new client, and secured for +himself the congenial employment of treating for the King’s papers by +instructions contained in a letter from the Count de Vergennes, in which +allusion is made for the first time to the Chevalier’s change of sex, +although spoken of throughout in the masculine gender. + + ‘... You have the King’s authority to agree to every reasonable + guarantee upon which M. D’Eon may insist, for the regular + payment of his pension of 12,000 livres, on the understanding, + however, that he will not claim an annuity to that amount when + out of France; the capital to be devoted to the realisation of + this sum is not at my disposition, and I shall experience much + difficulty in obtaining it; but it is easy enough to convert + the pension into a life-annuity, of which the title-deed would + be given up. The liquidation of debts will be a difficult + matter, M. D’Eon’s claims in this respect being very great, and + he must reduce them considerably to enable us to come to terms. + As you are not to allow it to appear that you are sent to him + on a mission, you will enjoy the advantage of his having to + wait upon you, and you will thus be in a position to dictate + terms. M. D’Eon is of a violent disposition, but I believe him + to be an honest fellow, and I will do him the justice to say + that I am quite persuaded he is incapable of treachery. It is + impossible for M. D’Eon to take leave of the King of England; + the disclosure of his sex renders such a thing impracticable; + it would be casting ridicule upon the two Courts ... a + certificate will be granted, provided he remains satisfied + with the praise that his zeal, intelligence, and loyalty have + merited; but we cannot compliment him on his moderation and + submission, and in no case must there be any allusion to his + disputes with M. de Guerchy. You are an enlightened man, and + I have no misgivings that you will make a good bargain with + D’Eon, if such a thing is to be done at all. If you fail, then + we must take it for granted that we cannot expect to meet + with success, and make up our minds for the worst. Our first + feelings will be disagreeable, but the consequences will be + terrible to D’Eon. It is very humiliating to an exile to turn + traitor. He becomes an object of contempt.’[291] + +[Sidenote: STILL APPRECIATED.] + +Even though the Count de Vergennes was thus engaged in determining the +final disposal of D’Eon, such was the opinion continued to be entertained +of his devotion to his country, of his abilities and usefulness, that +we see him recommended by that minister to the new French ambassador in +London, as being a _man_ fully competent to obtain information of which +they stood in need, and this at a time that France was still guided by +a feeling of hostility towards the rebels against British authority in +America. + + _The Count de Vergennes to the Count de Guines._ + + ‘Versailles, June 23, 1775. + + ‘... You will be good enough not to neglect any opportunity for + assuring his Britannic Majesty of the King’s sentiments towards + him, and his wish for the establishment of the most perfect + understanding between them as sovereigns, on the basis of the + peace and friendship that so happily exists. The principles of + moderation and justice by which the King is constantly guided, + and which directs him in all his resolutions, should serve to + reassure his Britannic Majesty on the nature of our views, + sought to be misrepresented by the enemies to public peace. + Far from desiring to take advantage of England’s difficulties + under the present aspect of affairs in America, we would rather + be able to assist in extricating her. The spirit of revolt, + wherever it may break out, is always a dangerous example. + There are mental as well as physical maladies, and both may + become contagious.... We have no wish to carry our precautions + to such a point as to alarm the English. I request that you + will keep a strict watch over the changes we may expect to + see, and especially over what Lord Chatham might effect on the + mind of the King of England, should he yield, as reported, to + the solicitations of that prince for the purpose of drawing + him towards himself. Perhaps M. D’Eon will be able to procure + for you some interesting information on this subject. If you + believe in the possibility of entertaining direct relations + with him, I know that he will not refuse to be of service to + you. His heart is ever French, although his misfortunes and + hasty temperament seem sometimes to have estranged him. He has + friends in the opposition, which is by no means a bad channel + for obtaining information.’[292] + +To resume. Beaumarchais’ earliest success consisted in obtaining from +the Chevalier the keys of an iron safe said to contain the King’s secret +papers, and which Lord Ferrers was supposed to hold as security from +D’Eon for the loan of five thousand pounds. + + ‘... I place at your disposal, Captain D’Eon, a brave officer, + an accomplished diplomatist, and possessing all the virile + qualities of manhood so far as his head is concerned. I bring + to the King the keys of an iron safe securely sealed with my + own seal, and in safe deposit, and containing all the papers + it is necessary for the King to have. It is thus that I + served the late King in the case of another exile whose pen + was dreaded.[293] At any rate, the King and you may remain + perfectly well assured that matters in England will remain _in + statu quo_ during my absence, when completing with you the task + I have commenced with D’Eon.... I take advantage of the first + sure opportunity for having a letter posted at Calais to inform + you, without its being known in London, that I have placed in + the King’s hands certain papers, and an individual whom it was + sought, at any price, to employ against him ... people are + curiously inquiring what I am doing here!...’[294] + +[Sidenote: SUBMISSION!] + +The letter intimating to Beaumarchais, for the first time, that D’Eon +should, in the future, be considered a female, was succeeded two months +later by another ministerial despatch, in which allusion is made, also +for the first time, to the necessity for his complete change of sex by +the assumption of female attire; the Count de Vergennes, as will be +noticed, still referring to the Chevalier by employing the personal +pronoun of the masculine gender. + + ‘... However great my desire to see, to know, and to converse + with M. D’Eon, I do not conceal from you that I have one + cause for anxiety. His enemies are on the alert, and will not + easily forgive him for all he has said of them. Should he come + here, however prudent and circumspect he may be, they might + impute to him conduct in opposition to the reserve imposed by + the King; denials and justifications are always embarrassing + and odious to the well-meaning. Should M. D’Eon consent to + disguise himself, all would be well; it is a proposition that + can emanate from himself alone; but in his own interest it is + desirable that he should avoid, at least for some years, a + residence in France and necessarily in Paris. You may make such + use of these observations as you think proper.’[295] + +Having displayed his keys at Versailles, and assured de Vergennes +that four days would suffice to regulate affairs finally with D’Eon, +Beaumarchais returned to London, the first step he took being to inform +the Chevalier, in the clearest terms, that as the primary condition of +all future negotiations it was absolutely necessary she should agree +to resuming female attire. D’Eon became very noisy upon receiving +intimation for which he was so little prepared, and persistently refused +to assent; but the determined attitude and dictatorial bearing assumed by +Beaumarchais were not without effect, and for the first time in his life, +perhaps, he quailed, and in the end, yielded. + + ‘All this has afforded me the opportunity for becoming better + acquainted with the creature with whom I have to deal ... the + feeling of resentment against the late ministers and their + friends of thirty years’ standing is so strong in her, that + too great a barrier cannot be placed between the contenders. + Written promises to be prudent do not suffice to keep in + check one whose blood boils at the simple mention of Guerchy. + The positive declaration of her sex, and her promise to live + for ever after in female attire, will be the only means of + putting an end for the future to all kind of clamour and its + consequences. I have been resolute in exacting this, and have + succeeded.’[296] + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + + D’Eon surrenders the King’s papers—Earl Ferrers’ share in their + custody—Covenant between Beaumarchais and D’Eon, who receives + permission to return to France—and is ordered to resume female + attire. + + +The next few weeks were employed in arranging the terms of that Covenant +by which D’Eon irrevocably bound himself to renounce his style as a man, +and appear for ever thereafter in the character of a female, that being +the sex to which he more properly belonged. During this interval also +the iron safe was opened, and its contents declared by Beaumarchais to +be far from meriting the importance attached to them. D’Eon insisted, +on the contrary, that they were very precious, including, as they did, +the earliest instructions supplied to the Duke de Nivernois on his +proceeding to England; the earliest despatches of that minister giving +the secret details of the negotiations for peace; and the family pact of +the House of Bourbon, together with the secret convention—the whole of +which were made up into four bundles; but he admitted that the papers of +the greatest consequence were not in the iron safe at all. To produce +these he took Beaumarchais to his residence, led him into his bedroom, +and from beneath the flooring withdrew four parcels securely sealed and +directed: _Secret papers to be given to the King only_, which, he avowed, +completed the collection. D’Eon then drew up a list of the whole, in +detail, Beaumarchais affixing his initials and a numeral to each sheet as +he hastily perused it. + +In conferring with Lord Ferrers, whose name appeared on D’Eon’s list +as one of his principal creditors, Beaumarchais shrewdly observed that +either the debt owed to him was imaginary, or his debtor had been +imposing upon him, by obtaining large sums of money on the security of +papers held to be of considerable importance, but which papers had never +really been consigned to him, they having been concealed in his own +residence. To this Lord Ferrers replied that he regretted Beaumarchais +should seek to create a breach between his friend the Chevalier and +himself—he little cared to which sex he belonged—as he valued him for +the spirit he showed and for his virtues. He had not been deceived, he +said, on the nature of the papers in the iron safe, represented to have +been State papers, and having seen the inventory of them, signed by +Beaumarchais himself, he was more than ever convinced of the Chevalier’s +honesty and truthfulness, such papers being all he could have desired as +security for his money. Even had his creditor died, he might have easily +recovered what was owed to him, for the Court of France, or at any rate, +the British Court, would have paid ten times the sum he claimed, rather +than that publicity should be given to their contents. He was surprised, +he added, at the dishonourable treatment by the French Court and its +ministers of so extraordinary a person as the Chevalier D’Eon, who had +worthily served his country, and yet had been so badly used. + +Defending himself against the charge of having deceived Lord Ferrers, +D’Eon says:— + + ‘M. de Beaumarchais makes me aver, upon his own private + authority, what I never thought of or said. When I deposited + the iron safe with his lordship he never even asked to see the + outside coverings of the papers. He trusted entirely to my word + when I declared to him that it contained State papers, and the + detailed list signed by M. de Beaumarchais has proved to his + lordship that I told the truth.... I know how to conduct myself + abroad, and especially amongst the natural enemies of France, + with the prudence and policy acquired by long experience and + a residence of twenty-two years in foreign lands. Mine was + consequently an act of wisdom and prudence, in not revealing + to an admiral, an English peer allied to the royal family, the + fact of my holding secret correspondence with the King, and + that the said voluminous correspondence was hidden beneath the + flooring of my bed-chamber. It was for me alone to know this, + and that the papers were near a mine of gunpowder which would + have blown all into the air had any attempt been made to drive + me out of my last retrenchment. How can M. de Beaumarchais + distinguish by the name of deceit the reticence I have + necessarily observed towards everybody except himself, coming + to me as he did, in behalf of the King and of his minister? + Should he not rather blush at having betrayed to an English + nobleman, through a feeling of revenge, my secret, which was + that of the late King, who commanded me not to breathe a word + thereon to any living soul? But M. de Beaumarchais thinks that + all secrets, even the most important of State secrets, are but + green-room secrets.’[297] + +[Sidenote: BEAUMARCHAIS’ COVENANT WITH D’EON.] + +In the Covenant[298] between Beaumarchais and D’Eon, settling the terms +for the surrender of the King’s papers, and the return of the latter to +France, the emendations and alterations, as they appear in footnotes, are +written in the Chevalier’s hand. + + ‘We, the undersigned, Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, + specially entrusted with the private instructions of the King + of France, dated Versailles, August 25, 1775, communicated to + the Chevalier D’Eon in London, and of which a copy certified + by me shall be annexed to the present act—on the one part: + +[Sidenote: STIPULATIONS IN THE COVENANT.] + + ‘And Demoiselle Charles-Geneviève-Louise-Auguste-André-Timothée + D’Eon de Beaumont, spinster of age, hitherto known by the name + of the Chevalier D’Eon, squire, formerly captain of dragoons, + knight of the royal and military order of Saint Louis, + aide-de-camp to Marshal the Duke and to the Count de Broglio, + minister plenipotentiary from France at the Court of Great + Britain, late doctor of civil law and of canon law, advocate + in the Parliament of Paris, Censor Royal for history and + _belles-lettres_; sent to Russia with the Chevalier Douglas for + effecting the reconciliation of the two Courts, secretary of + Embassy to the Marquis de l’Hôpital, ambassador plenipotentiary + from France at the Court of her Imperial Majesty of all the + Russias, and secretary of Embassy to the Duke de Nivernois, + ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary from France to + England for the conclusion of the late peace, are agreed upon + what follows, and have subscribed our names: + + ‘Art I. That I, Caron de Beaumarchais, do require, in the + name of the King, that all official and private papers having + reference to the several political negotiations with which + the Chevalier D’Eon has been entrusted in England, notably + those concerning the peace of 1763, correspondence, minutes, + copies of letters, cyphers, &c., at present deposited with Lord + Ferrers, Earl, Peer, and Admiral, of Upper Seymour Street, + Portman Square, London, ever a particular friend of the said + Chevalier D’Eon in the course of his troubles and law-suits in + England, that the said papers, enclosed in a large iron safe + of which I have the key, be delivered to me after having been + initialled by me and by the said Chevalier D’Eon, and of which + the inventory shall be added and annexed to the present act, as + a proof that the said papers have been faithfully delivered. + + ‘Art. II. That all papers of the secret correspondence between + the Chevalier D’Eon, the late King, and the several persons + entrusted by his Majesty to entertain that correspondence, + designated in the letters by the names _deputy_, _solicitor_, + in the same way in which his Majesty himself was styled + the _counsellor_—which secret correspondence was concealed + beneath the flooring of the bed-chamber of the said Chevalier + D’Eon, whence it was withdrawn by him, on October 5 of the + present year, in my presence alone, being carefully sealed + and addressed, _To the King only, at Versailles_—That all the + copies of the said letters, minutes, the cyphers, &c., shall be + delivered to me, equally attested with initials, and with an + exact inventory, the said secret correspondence consisting of + five portfolios or thick volumes in quarto. + + ‘Art. III. That the said Chevalier D’Eon is to desist from + every kind of proceeding, judicial or personal, against the + memory of the late Count de Guerchy, his adversary, the + successors to his title, the members of his family, &c., + and undertakes never to revive any such proceedings under + whatsoever form, unless he be forced thereto by judicial or + personal provocation on the part of some relative, friend, or + adherent of that family; for which there can be no longer any + apprehension, his Majesty having, in his wisdom, taken every + necessary precaution to prevent the recurrence, in the future, + of any such unseemly quarrels, whether on the one side or on + the other. + + ‘Art. IV. And to the end that an insurmountable barrier be + for ever raised between the contending parties, and that + all ideas of law-suits or personal quarrels, no matter + whence they arise, be permanently nullified, I require, + in the name of his Majesty, that the disguise which has + to this day enabled a female to pass for the Chevalier + D’Eon, shall entirely cease, and without seeking to blame + Charles-Geneviève-Louise-Auguste-André-Timothée D’Eon + de Beaumont for a concealment of condition and sex, the + responsibility of which rests entirely with her relatives,[299] + and whilst rendering justice to the prudent, decorous, and + circumspect conduct she has at all times observed in the + dress of her adoption whilst preserving a manly and vigorous + bearing; I require, absolutely, that the ambiguity of her + sex, which has afforded inexhaustible material for gossip, + indecent betting, and idle jesting liable to be renewed, + especially in France, which his pride would not tolerate, + and which would give rise to fresh quarrels that could only + serve, perhaps, to palliate and renew former ones; I require, + absolutely, I say, in the name of the King, that the phantom + Chevalier D’Eon shall entirely disappear, and that the public + mind shall for ever be set at rest by a distinct, precise, + and unambiguous declaration, publicly made, of the true sex + of Charles-Geneviève-Louise-Auguste-André-Timothée D’Eon de + Beaumont before she returns to France—her resumption of female + attire settling for ever the public mind with regard to her; + with all of which she should the more readily comply just + now,[300] considering how interesting she will appear to both + sexes, all being in like manner honoured by the incidents of + her life, her courage, and her talents. Upon which conditions + I will deliver to her the safe-conduct on parchment, signed by + the King and his Minister for Foreign Affairs, which allows + her to return to France and there remain under the special and + immediate protection of his Majesty, who is desirous not only + of according protection and security under his royal word, + but who is good enough to change the yearly pension of 12,000 + livres, granted by the late King in 1766, and which has been + paid to her punctually to this day, into a life-annuity of the + same amount, with an acknowledgement that the capital for the + said annuity has already been provided and advanced by the + said Chevalier D’Eon in furthering the concerns of the late + King, besides other larger sums,[301] the total of which will + be remitted by me for the liquidation of her debts in England, + with a copy on parchment of the deed for the said annuity of + 12,000 livres tournois, dated September 28, 1775. + +[Sidenote: THE CHEVALIER’S CONDITIONS.] + + ‘And I, Charles-Geneviève-Louise-Auguste-André-Timothée D’Eon + de Beaumont, spinster of age, hitherto known as the Chevalier + D’Eon as above styled, submit to the whole of the above + conditions imposed in the name of the King, solely that I + may afford to his Majesty the greatest possible proofs of my + respect and submission, although it would have been far more + agreeable to me had he deigned to employ me again in his army + or in the diplomatic service, in compliance with my earnest + solicitations and in accordance with my seniority—And because, + excepting some exhibition of feeling rendered in a measure + excusable from a legitimate and natural desire to defend + oneself, and the most justifiable resentment, his Majesty is + pleased to allow that, as an officer, I have always behaved + with bravery, and that I have been a laborious, intelligent, + and discreet political agent. + + ‘I submit to declaring publicly my sex, to my condition + being established beyond a doubt, to resume and wear female + attire[302] until death, unless, taking into consideration my + being so long accustomed to appear in uniform, his Majesty + will consent, on sufferance only, to my resuming male attire + should it become impossible for me to endure the embarrassment + of adopting the other, after having tried to accustom myself + to it at the _abbaye-royale_ of the Bernardine ladies of + Saint-Antoine-des-Champs, Paris, or at any such other convent + as I might select, to which I wish to withdraw for some months + on arriving in France. + + ‘I declare that I entirely relinquish all proceedings, judicial + or personal, to the prejudice of the late Count de Guerchy and + of his successors, promising never to renew them unless forced + to such a step by judicial proceedings as above stated. + + ‘I further pledge my word of honour, that I will deliver to M. + Caron de Beaumarchais all official and secret papers, whether + concerning the Embassy or the above said secret correspondence, + without reserving or retaining to myself a single document, + upon the following conditions, to which I entreat his Majesty’s + approval:— + + ‘“1. Seeing that the letter of the late King, my most honoured + lord and master, dated Versailles, April 1, 1766, by which + he insured to me the annual pension of 12,000 livres until + such time as he should improve my position, is of no further + service to me so far as the said pension is concerned, which + has been changed, to my advantage, by the King his successor, + into a life-annuity of like amount—That the original letter + should remain in my possession as testimony of the honour the + late King deigned to bestow on my loyalty, my innocence, and + my irreproachable conduct during all my troubles, and in all + matters he deigned to confide to me, whether in Russia, whilst + serving in his army, or in England. + + ‘“2. That the original receipt given to me in London on + July 11, 1766, by M. Durand, minister plenipotentiary in + England,[303] in exchange for the secret order of the late + King, dated Versailles, June 3, 1763, delivered by me to him, + intact, and of my own free-will, shall remain in my possession, + as authentic testimony of the complete submission with which I + gave up the secret order in the own hand of the King my master, + which of itself justified the course of my conduct in England, + so often described as being obstinacy by my enemies, and which, + in their ignorance of my extraordinary situation in relation to + the King, they have even dared to qualify as high treason. + + ‘“3. That his Majesty will deign, as a special favour, to + satisfy himself at the expiration of every six months, as did + the late King, of my being alive and of my whereabouts, to + prevent my enemies from ever again being tempted to undertake + anything to the prejudice of my honour, my liberty, my person, + and my life. + + ‘“4. That the cross of Saint Louis, won by me at the peril of + my life, in combats, sieges, and battles in which I took part, + where I was wounded, and served as aide-de-camp to the general + and as captain of dragoons and of volunteers in Broglio’s army, + with bravery to which all those generals under whom I served + have borne witness, shall never be taken from me, and that the + right to wear it on any garments I may adopt shall be conceded + to me for life. + + ‘“And if I may be permitted to add a respectful demand to these + conditions, I would venture to observe that, at the moment I + am about to obey his Majesty in consenting to abandon for ever + my male attire, I am entirely destitute of everything—linen, + clothing, and apparel suited to my sex, and that I have no + money to procure even ordinary necessaries, M. de Beaumarchais + being well aware who is to receive the amount destined in part + payment of my debts, and of which I do not wish to touch one + sou. Consequently, although I have no right to expect further + favours from his Majesty, I do not refrain from soliciting at + his hands the gift of a sum of money for the purchase of my + female outfit, this unexpected, extraordinary, and compulsory + expense not being my own idea, but uniquely in obedience to his + orders.” + +[Sidenote: BEAUMARCHAIS’ CONCESSIONS.] + + ‘And I, Caron de Beaumarchais, still as above styled, I leave + with the said Demoiselle D’Eon de Beaumont the original letter + conferring so much distinction, which the late King wrote + to her from Versailles, April 1, 1766, when awarding her a + pension of twelve thousand livres in acknowledgment of faithful + services. + + ‘I further leave with her M. Durand’s original document. + Neither of these papers can be taken from her by me without + harshness that would ill accord with the benevolent and + equitable intentions at present entertained by his Majesty + towards the said Demoiselle D’Eon de Beaumont. As to the cross + of Saint Louis, which she desires to retain with the right of + wearing it in female attire, I must admit that, notwithstanding + the exceeding kindness with which his Majesty has deigned to + trust to my prudence, zeal, and intelligence in the conduct of + this affair, I am afraid I should be exceeding my powers in + determining so delicate a question. + + ‘Considering, on the other hand, that the cross of the royal + and military order of Saint Louis has ever been regarded + uniquely as the proof of, and reward for, valour, and that + several officers who were thus decorated, having abandoned + the military career for the church or the law, continued to + wear on their new garments this honourable evidence that they + had worthily performed their duties in a calling fraught with + greater dangers; I do not think that there can be any objection + to a like indulgence being granted to a valorous maiden who, + having been brought up in male attire by her parents, and + having courageously fulfilled all the perilous duties imposed + by the profession of arms, may not have been aware of the + impropriety of adopting the attire in which she had been + compelled to live, until it became too late to change, and is + therefore not in the least to blame for not having done so + until now. + + ‘Considering, also, that the rare example offered by this + extraordinary maiden is not likely to be followed by those + of her sex, and can have no consequences; that had Jeanne + d’Arc, who saved the throne and the states of Charles VII., + fighting in male attire, obtained during the war, as has the + said Demoiselle D’Eon de Beaumont, some military reward or + decoration such as the cross of Saint Louis; it does not appear + that, her task being completed, the King would have deprived + her of the honourable guerdon for valour when requiring her to + resume the garments of her sex, nor that any chivalrous French + knight would have considered the distinction as being profaned, + because it ornamented the breast and dress of a female who, on + the field of battle, had ever shown herself worthy of being a + man. + + ‘I therefore venture to take it upon myself, not in the quality + of envoy, lest I should abuse the power confided to me, but as + a man persuaded of the rectitude of the principles I have just + enunciated; I take it upon myself, I say, to leave with the + Demoiselle Charles, &c. D’Eon de Beaumont the cross of Saint + Louis, and liberty to wear it on her female attire, without, + however, its being understood that I bind his Majesty to this + act should he disapprove my conduct on this point; promising + only, in the event of any difficulty arising, that I will plead + with his Majesty in her behalf, and, if necessary, establish + her right thereto, which I believe to be legitimate, with all + the power of my pen and the strength of my heart. + + ‘With regard to the request made by the said Demoiselle D’Eon + de Beaumont to the King, for a sum of money to enable her + to procure a female outfit—although such a matter is not + included in my instructions, I will not delay taking it into + consideration, such an outlay being, as a fact, the necessary + consequence of the instructions of which I am the bearer, to + the effect that she is to assume the garments of her sex. I + therefore allow her, for the purchase of a female outfit, a sum + of 2,000 crowns, on condition that she will not bring away with + her from London any of her clothing, arms, or any male apparel, + lest the desire to wear them should at any time be stimulated + by the sight of them. I consent to her retaining one complete + suit of uniform of the regiment in which she has served, the + helmet, sabre, pistols, musket and bayonet, as souvenirs of + her past life, just as are preserved the relics of loved ones + now no more. Everything else will be given up to me in London, + to be sold, the proceeds to be disposed of in such way as his + Majesty may direct. + + ‘And this act has been made out in duplicate, between + us, Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, and + Charles-Geneviève-Louise-Augusta-André-Timothée D’Eon de + Beaumont, under private seal, giving to it, on one side and the + other, the most complete force and assent, and we have, each + of us, affixed the seals of our arms, in London, the fifth day + of October, 1775.[304] + + ‘(Signed) CARON DE BEAUMARCHAIS. + ‘D’EON DE BEAUMONT.’ + +[Sidenote: THE KING’S WARRANTS.] + +When the wording of this Covenant had been first agreed upon, +Beaumarchais went to Staunton Harold, paid a large portion of the sum +presumably owing to Lord Ferrers, then left for France, returning almost +immediately, bringing with him three warrants the production of which +was indispensable to the signing of the Covenant no longer delayed, +and effected on November 4. Those warrants, all bearing the same date, +we reproduce in full—the first confers on Beaumarchais full powers +to negotiate with D’Eon for the surrender of the official and secret +correspondence of Louis XV.—the second grants permission to D’Eon to +return to France—the third requires the Demoiselle D’Eon to reassume +female attire, the right to wear the cross of Saint Louis being at the +same time conceded to her. + + I. + + IN THE KING’S NAME. + + ‘His Majesty being informed that there are in the possession of + the Sieur D’Eon de Beaumont sundry papers relating to secret + negotiations and correspondence with the late King, his most + honoured grandfather, and with some of his Ministers of State, + and it being his Majesty’s desire that these papers should be + withdrawn, he has to this end empowered and commissioned by + these presents the Sieur Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais + to proceed to London, there to discover all the documents in + question, to withdraw them out of the hands or custody of + whoever may have them, to take charge of them, to bring them + to France, and to deliver them for his Majesty. His Majesty + authorises the Sieur Caron de Beaumarchais to make all such + arrangements and dispositions as he may deem necessary, with + the view of enforcing all the conditions that prudence will + suggest, for the complete execution of the commission confided + to him, his Majesty being pleased to trust to his intelligence + and zeal in this matter. And as assurance of his will, his + Majesty has of his own hand signed the present order, which he + has caused to be countersigned by me, Councillor, Secretary of + State for his commands and finance. + + [Illustration: L.S.] + + ‘LOUIS. + + ‘(Signed) GRAVIER DE VERGENNES.’ + + ‘At Versailles, August 25, 1775.’ + +To a certified copy of the above warrant was appended the following +affirmation:— + + ‘And upon the 4th day of November, 1775, all minutes and the + original ministerial correspondence during the embassage + of the Duke de Nivernois, and during the ministry of the + Chevalier D’Eon; the despatches, letters, memorandums, notes + and instructions of the Dukes de Choiseul and de Praslin, and + of the Ministers of the English Court, as well as the minutes + of the correspondence between the Chevalier D’Eon and the King, + Louis XV., from 1762 to 1774, have been faithfully delivered to + me.[305] + + ‘CARON DE BEAUMARCHAIS.’ + +[Sidenote: SAFE-CONDUCT GRANTED BY LOUIS XVI.] + + II. + + IN THE KING’S NAME. + + ‘His Majesty having been pleased to cause information to + be laid before him of the different commissions, both + public and private, which the late King, his most honoured + grandfather, heretofore most graciously confided for his + service, as well in Russia as in England and other places, + to Charles-Geneviève-Louise-Auguste-André-Timothée D’Eon de + Beaumont, and of the manner in which he executed them, as + also of the said D’Eon de Beaumont’s military service, his + Majesty was convinced that, as an officer and as a minister, + in politics, in war, and upon every occasion, he has given + such indisputable proofs of attachment to his country, and + of zeal for the King’s service, as render him worthy of the + protection which his Majesty is pleased to grant him; and his + said Majesty, willing that the said D’Eon de Beaumont should + partake of his royal favour, deigns to continue the pension + of twelve thousand livres per annum, which the late King, his + grandfather, granted to him in 1766, and which has been paid to + him to this day without interruption. His Majesty, moreover, + being willing that the unhappy quarrels which broke out so + publicly, to the scandal of Europe, should be for ever buried + in oblivion, imposes absolute silence for the future in that + respect, not only upon the said D’Eon de Beaumont, but also + upon all his officers and subjects; upon this condition his + Majesty grants permission to the said D’Eon de Beaumont to + return into his kingdom, to remain there, and to attend to his + affairs in full liberty, as also to choose any other country + which he shall think proper, according to the choice given him + by the late King, dated April 1, 1766. His Majesty, moreover, + willing that, upon no occasion, at no time, and in no place + whatever, the said D’Eon shall be troubled, disquieted, or + molested in his honour, his person, or his fortune, by any + of the ministers—past, present, or future, or by any other + person, either about the negotiations or commissions, whether + public or secret, with which the late King had honoured + him, or from any other cause resulting from his quarrels, + disputes, and law-suits, which by these presents are for ever + abolished, as hath been said above; is pleased to grant to the + said D’Eon de Beaumont safeguard and entire security for his + person, and to put him under his said Majesty’s special and + immediate protection and safeguard, charging the said D’Eon + de Beaumont to observe the strictest silence, and to demean + himself upon all occasions like a submissive, respectful, and + faithful subject; and as an assurance of the authenticity of + his royal will in this respect, his Majesty has signed this + order and safeguard with his own hand; and in order to prevent + all persons from pretending ignorance, hath caused it to be + countersigned and delivered to the said D’Eon de Beaumont by + me, Councillor, and Secretary of State for his Foreign Affairs, + and for his commands and finances.[306] + + [Illustration: L.S.] + + ‘LOUIS. + + ‘(Signed) GRAVIER DE VERGENNES.’ + + ‘At Versailles, the 25th day of August, 1775.’ + +[Sidenote: ORDERS TO RESUME FEMALE ATTIRE.] + + III. + + IN THE KING’S NAME. + + ‘Demoiselle Charles-Geneviève-Louise-Auguste-André-Timothée + D’Eon de Beaumont, spinster of age, hitherto known as the + Chevalier D’Eon, formerly captain of dragoons, knight of + the royal and military order of Saint Louis, and minister + plenipotentiary in England, &c., is hereby required to resume + immediately the garments of her sex, never again to lay them + aside, and she is forbidden, under pain of disobedience, to + reappear in France otherwise than in female attire. Upon this + condition only, and others fully set forth in the special + safe-conduct which we have this day granted to her, she may, in + perfect security on my royal word, return to her own country, + there to enjoy the freedom, the honours, favours, and benefits + that have been accorded to her by our illustrious and most + honoured grandfather, as well as by ourselves, in consideration + of her military and political services, without any fear of + molestation to her person, honour, and property by any of my + late, present, or future ministers, or by any other person of + whatsoever rank or quality. And his Majesty, desiring to mark + by special favour his sense of the public and secret services, + in war and in diplomacy, which the said Demoiselle D’Eon de + Beaumont has had the good fortune to render during upwards of + twenty consecutive years to the late King, his most honoured + grandfather, decrees that the cross of his royal and military + order of Saint Louis, won by the said Demoiselle D’Eon de + Beaumont at the peril of her life, in combats, sieges, and + battles in which she took part, when she was wounded and + employed as aide-de-camp to the general, also as captain of + dragoons and of volunteers in the army of de Broglio, with + bravery to which all the generals under whom she has served + have attested, shall never be taken from her, and that the + right to wear it in female attire shall belong to her until + death.[307] And as an assurance of the authenticity of his + will in this respect, his Majesty has of his own hand signed + the present order; and to prevent all persons from pretending + ignorance, hath caused it to be countersigned and delivered + to the said Demoiselle D’Eon de Beaumont by me, Councillor, + Secretary of State for his Foreign Affairs, and for his + commands and finances.[308] + + [Illustration: L.S.] + + ‘LOUIS. + + ‘(Signed) GRAVIER DE VERGENNES.’ + + ‘At Versailles, the 25th day of August, 1775.’ + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + + Revival of gambling policies on D’Eon’s sex—Renewed + protests—Admits being a female to the Count de + Broglio—Beaumarchais a hard master—He demands final + instructions from the King—Differences of opinion and angry + interchange of letters. + + +D’Eon’s burning desire to see his beloved France was at length about +to be gratified, and as these fresh news got bruited about, the press +announced that the Chevalier had been recalled, it being the King’s +intention to load _him_ (or _her_) with honours, and that the heroine +would be shortly leaving for her native land, where the French Court was +impatient to see her. Such rumours only served to revive all the old +squabbles over the policies on his sex, and bets ran seven to four that +D’Eon was a woman and not a man,[309] which, though fairly heavy odds, +showed that there still existed a pretty strong feeling in favour of his +being a man rather than a woman. He again became the subject of numerous +objectionable proposals, advances he repelled with infinite disgust, and +which he did his best to discountenance and discourage by a protest to +which he gave the greatest possible publicity. + +[Sidenote: FRESH PROTESTS.] + + ‘The Chevalier D’Eon desires, with most earnest entreaty, + the people of England, who hitherto have testified their + benevolence towards him, and have taken so great a part in his + misfortunes, not to renew any policies on his sex, since the + desire to discountenance those that were made in 1771 has + been the principal cause of his remaining four years longer in + England than intended. He is convinced that there are amongst + the great in France some that abuse the perfect knowledge they + have of his sex, so as to engage certain bankers in Paris to + correspond with certain bankers in London. Some of those great + men have a design, perhaps, to hurt his peace by what remains + of their impotent revenge, and think the people of England + would thereby become accomplices in their malice. The Chevalier + D’Eon cannot believe it, but, whatever are the grounds for + fresh reports, the Chevalier D’Eon publicly declares, as in + justice he ought, that he has recently refused great sums of + money which have been offered to him to be concerned in such + policies; offers that he could never hear of but with the most + sovereign contempt. He declares that he will never manifest + his sex till such time as all policies shall be at an end. If + that is impossible, the Chevalier D’Eon will be forced to quit + secretly a country which he deems second to his own, as it + has proved a bulwark against the persecution of his malicious + enemies; and this act would be so much the more painful, as + his Sovereign (who is as equitable as he is benevolent) has + just rendered to him a most signal act of justice, which will + soon be made public, as will his condition and extraordinary + situation with respect to the late King, a situation unknown + to this day to all the ministers and ambassadors, and to the + public. If after a desire and declaration so formal, that same + public will continue to deceive itself, they are entirely at + liberty to do as they please.[310] + + ‘THE CHEVALIER D’EON.’ + + ‘London, November 11, 1775, + ‘32 Brewer Street, Golden Square.’ + +In less than a month after the appearance of this address, by which it +might be inferred that if D’Eon was anything at all he was more probably +a man than a woman, his old chief and firmest of friends, the Count +de Broglio, received his humble confession that he was not a man but +a woman—a confession that could only have been to one of the count’s +discernment and sensibility but transparent veneer over the sarcasm the +letter was intended to convey. + + ‘It is time to undeceive you. For a captain of dragoons, + and aide-de-camp in war and politics, you have had but the + semblance of a man. I am only a maiden who would have perfectly + well sustained my part until death, had not politics and your + enemies rendered me the most unfortunate of women.... You will + admit, by the facility with which I separate myself from the + world, that I remained in it for your sake only; and since I + can no longer work or fight under your orders and under those + of the marshal, your brother, I will renounce without any pain + this deceitful world, which, however, has never deluded me, + except in my youth so sorrowfully spent. I no longer believe it + possible to die of grief, since I have the strength to endure + so much. I know not how long I shall be able to sustain this + cruel shock, as I have been confined to my bed through illness + for the last twelvemonth. + + ‘I am respectfully, Monsieur le Comte, your most humble and + most obedient servant (_serviteur_), + + ‘GENEVIÈVE-LOUISE-AUGUSTE D’EON DE BEAUMONT.’ + + ‘London, December 5, 1775.’ + + ‘P.S.—You seemed to be astonished, Monsieur le Comte, at M. de + Beaumarchais having meddled in my affairs; but you will cease + to be so when you know that this has been the will of the King + and of the Count de Vergennes, and that I had been enjoined not + to write to anybody upon the arrangement of my affairs until + all was settled. Everything soon will be, and very differently + to the extraordinary propositions made by the Marquis de + Prunevaux.’[311] + +This was the last letter of any consequence addressed by D’Eon to +the Count de Broglio,[312] who gave little encouragement to his +correspondent of many years’ standing, if we except one written in 1778, +and which will be touched upon in its proper place. + +[Illustration: _Facsimile of an autograph title-page in the Christie +collection of D’Eon M.S.S._] + +[Sidenote: BEAUMARCHAIS’ ARTIFICE.] + +Although the Covenant between Beaumarchais and D’Eon had been formally +signed, there still remained certain conditional clauses to be ratified. +Beaumarchais informed the Count de Vergennes that he had assured the lady +with whom he was in treaty, that if she were wise, discreet, silent, and +well conducted, he should give so good an account of her to the King’s +minister, and even to his Majesty himself, as to lead to the hope that he +should succeed in obtaining for her other benefits. He did not hesitate +to hold out such a promise, having a balance on hand of 41,000 livres +tournois, with which he purposed rewarding each submission she made, by +supposed concessions on the part of the King and of his minister; only, +however, as favours that were being granted, and not in satisfaction of +any claim. It was by such artifice only that he could expect to prevail, +and subdue the unruly and crafty creature. The triumph of Beaumarchais +was complete, for D’Eon, even in spite of himself, was effectively within +his grip; and he who had spent a lifetime in the direction of affairs, +and whose ambition and restlessness would never brook interposition, +became at length persuaded that his only chance in life—and yet at what +a fearful sacrifice—lay in meekly submitting to the only man who had +ever succeeded, being favoured by the most exceptional circumstances, in +daunting his rebellious spirit. + +Beaumarchais again left London, taking with him upon this occasion +his prize, the iron safe, which he delivered into the custody of de +Vergennes, tendering at the same time to that minister a series of +questions for the consideration of the King, who was entreated to +insert replies in his own hand, that he might be armed with further +incontestable authority for bringing his transactions with D’Eon to a +speedy termination. The text of the original, which is preserved, was +written by Beaumarchais himself and bears his signature, ‘the replies to +each question, on the margin, being in a small, tremulous, and undecided +hand, in which the letters _t_ and _v_ are scarcely indicated—it is the +writing of the good, weak, and unhappy monarch....’ + +There were other questions to which Beaumarchais sought for answer, but +as they are in connection with his enterprises in the American cause, and +entirely irrelevant to our story, we pass them over. + + ‘Essential points which I entreat the Count de Vergennes to + submit for the decision of the King, previous to my departure + for London, this 13th day of December, 1775. The replies to be + inserted in the margin:— + + ‘Does the King grant permission to the Demoiselle D’Eon to wear + the cross of Saint Louis in female attire? + + _In the provinces only._ + + ‘Does his Majesty approve of the gift of 2,000 crowns which I + have placed to the credit of that lady for her female outfit? + + _Yes._ + + ‘If in the affirmative, does his Majesty leave to her disposal + the whole of her male garments? + + _She must sell them._ + + ‘As the granting of these favours must depend upon a certain + frame of mind I would impose for ever on the Demoiselle D’Eon, + will his Majesty be pleased to leave me at liberty to concede + or refuse them, as I may deem most desirable to the interests + of his service? + + _Yes._ + + ‘Since the King cannot refuse to direct his Minister for + Foreign Affairs to furnish me with a receipt for all the papers + I have brought to him from England, I have requested the Count + de Vergennes to entreat his Majesty to have the goodness to add + at the foot of the said receipt a few words _in his own hand_, + expressive of his satisfaction at the manner in which I have + accomplished my mission. This reward, the dearest to my heart, + may some day prove of the greatest service to me. Should some + powerful enemy at any time hereafter call upon me to render + an account of my conduct in this affair, I should, with one + hand, show him the King’s order, and with the other tender + the certificate of my master, testifying that I executed his + orders to his satisfaction. All extraneous interference would + in such a case be futile, and people will be at liberty to say + what they please, without my being called upon to offer any + explanation or being in the least degree concerned.’ + + _Good._ + +In countersigning this document, de Vergennes added: ‘The marginal +replies are in the King’s own hand,’ and Beaumarchais was granted a +certificate to the effect that ‘the King was entirely satisfied with the +zeal he had exhibited on this occasion, and with the intelligence and +skill displayed in accomplishing the mission entrusted to him.’[313] With +these precious papers Beaumarchais took flight for the English capital, +where he arrived on December 29. + +[Sidenote: A TIFF.] + +D’Eon’s action in rushing into print during the absence of Beaumarchais, +was scarcely in accordance with the stipulations of the latter that she +should preserve a discreet and silent demeanour, and he told her so. In +justification, D’Eon said he should never have thought of having recourse +to the press had not several persons, he knew well, been at some pains +to revive the policies on his sex. Leaving his chair abruptly, and +putting on his hat in a passion, Beaumarchais qualified the notice she +had inserted in the ‘Morning Post’ as a badly-worded, stupid, senseless, +and impertinent production from beginning to end—to which sentiment +D’Eon responded by also rising and putting on his hat, and terminating +the interview by saying that the negotiations and such negotiators as he +was, might go to the d——l! The next morning he hired a post-chaise, and +leaving Beaumarchais to his own devices, went to Lord Ferrers’ seat in +Leicestershire, where we shall find him for the next two months. + +D’Eon had hardly left the room than Beaumarchais felt that he had gone +too far, and hastened to make some friendly advances. He was greatly +affected, he wrote, at the exhibition of feminine choler on her part, and +at the masculine terms of the compliment she had paid him. He reminded +her that she had always found him agreeable and cheerful, straightforward +and liberal in his dealings—and having said so much by way of apology, +he awaited with curiosity any explanations she might have to offer. None +came, and at the expiration of another week Beaumarchais again wrote, +to say that in whatever part of England she might be, she had had ample +time to answer his letter, and since she had not done so, he concluded +they were in future to consider themselves strangers to each other. He +was too gallant to differ with her on such a point! But she should not +fail to remember how greatly she was indebted to him for the many favours +the King had granted, and she was to beware lest she conducted herself +with ingratitude towards the King, as she had done towards himself. To +Lord Ferrers he also wrote, requesting his lordship to supply him with a +receipt in full for the money he had paid him,[314] a request, he said, +he had intended to prefer through M. D’Eon, but who suddenly disappeared +out of his sight without leaving word as to whither she had gone—and +this, simply because he had reproved her, as a matter of necessity, for +certain indiscretions committed during his, Beaumarchais’, absence. + +[Sidenote: UNAVAILING REGRETS.] + +Lord Ferrers replied—and we would draw attention, for future reference, +to that part of his letter we have italicised:— + + ‘I can only say that M. D’Eon arrived at Staunton on the 2nd, + feeling very unwell, and he is so still.... I do not find that + he has behaved ungratefully towards you, but I find that he has + not sufficient money _to pay what he owes me_. He has told me + of some differences of opinion with you in regard to an article + that has appeared in the papers, on the policies made as to his + sex, which, I hope, will not lead to any rupture between you.’ + +The surrender of the precious deposit which had constituted his strength +over the space of many years, and emboldened him in his seeming +insubordination and fearless demeanour towards the ministers of France, +had brought the affairs of D’Eon to a crisis, where the making or +unmaking of him for the remainder of his days depended almost entirely +upon submission to the man into whose hands was committed his destiny, +and in whom he himself pretended to confide. The Chevalier’s meekness +whilst settling terms with Beaumarchais was, it might be supposed, an +exemplification of the moral derived from La Fontaine’s fable— + + ‘Patience et longueur de temps + Font plus que force ni que rage.’ + +But D’Eon’s submission was a sham, for his mind was racked with positive +pain—suffering which grew in intensity the more completely he realised +the wretchedness of his situation. He had allowed himself to be +persuaded to admit that he belonged to the female sex, and to pledge +himself to the assumption, for life, of female attire; irrevocable +facts, under pain of forfeiting the only means of existence left to +him! Yet there remained matters touching his honour in which he knew he +should never be able to vindicate himself, from the moment it became +publicly established that the Chevalier D’Eon was no longer a man; +because it would be impossible for him, being a woman, to take the law +into his own hands as was his wont in certain cases. Whether he were a +male or a female, the King cared little enough, but the Chevalier was +to be put into petticoats by his orders, that the scandal in which a +late French ambassador in London had figured so objectionably, should +never by any possibility be revived. Beaumarchais had stated what was +perfectly true—D’Eon’s blood boiled at the bare mention of the name of +Guerchy—while the vehement longing of the young count to avenge his +father had never been gratified, and his tongue had not ceased openly +to slander the enemy he would chastise. D’Eon had so far failed also +in disabusing the public mind generally of the imputation of his being +concerned in the gambling policies on his sex, and had not succeeded +in lifting himself above the cloud that tarnished his reputation and +saddened his days. Moreover, in charging him with having failed to render +certain papers which were found to be missing, upon the verification of +the inventories at Versailles, Beaumarchais had exercised his authority +oppressively and offensively. D’Eon would have called him to account +for this, after an unmistakably manly fashion—but he bethought himself, +as being more to his advantage, of allowing that he still held some of +the secret correspondence,[315] hoping against hope that he might yet +prevail upon the pitiless King’s agent to yield to other demands, for +which he thought he had a right to press. Nevertheless, he did inflict +upon him a _gentle_ kind of punishment in the shape of a sorrowful +despatch, consisting of no less than thirty-eight pages—the first of a +series that was maintained well into the year 1778. + +[Sidenote: LETTERS TO BEAUMARCHAIS.] + + ‘Staunton Harold, Leicestershire, January 7, 1776. + + ‘... You will allow me to tell you that the tone of despotism + you have assumed since we signed our preliminary contract, and + since your return from Paris, is exceedingly revolting to me, + and causes you to be as intractable as was Mr. Pitt in 1761, + during the negotiations for peace.... You know how sensitive I + am, and you are losing your time and your pains in seeking to + alter my views on a matter that solely concerns my scruples on + personal honour. I am determined that upon no account, and not + for any money in the world, shall it be possible for people + to believe I am interested in the infamous policies on my + sex.... I cannot depart from the principles of honour I have + traced out for myself, and of which I told you before you left + for Paris.... It is possible that the wits and financiers of + Paris ridicule my article in the “Morning Post” of November + 13, and that they think my peculiar situation affords them the + opportunity for robbing the English. I will never consent to + anything of the sort, even should all France blame me.... I + prefer being taken for a stupid and senseless creature, rather + than for a thief and knave.... If what I say is right, I am + justified; if not, my error must be my excuse.... I am staying + with Lord Ferrers, who has invited me for a month past to come + here and recruit ... but I have also several affairs to settle + with his lordship.... I purpose taking advantage of my being + in the country to lay open to you my heart, and address you + with all the sensitiveness of Mademoiselle de Beaumont, and + the frankness of the Chevalier D’Eon. I will begin by making + some observations on the contents of your letter ...;’ and + here the Chevalière plied with the essence of flattery the + man she had already so successfully cajoled. ‘I can truly + swear that in the whole course of my life I have never come + across a more cheerful, better informed, and more agreeable + man in society than M. de Beaumarchais. As to your generosity + in matters of business, if by this you mean the favourable + reports you were good enough to make of me to the young monarch + and to his worthy minister; if you allude to the lofty, + energetic, pleasing, striking, and creditable composition of + our preliminary agreement of October 5, I admit with pleasure, + although with the pain, the shame, and the tears that the + avowal and admission of my own weakness have wrung from me, + that you alone were capable of producing such a document ... + but if you mean generosity in money matters, as the term you + employ would seem to imply, I confess to you my dear, my very + dear Beaumarchais, that with the exception of the Duke de + Praslin and his friend the late Count de Guerchy, I have never + found any person more tenacious of money than yourself.... You + will no doubt say that you have had the generosity to promise + in the King’s name, but on your own responsibility, the sum of + 2,000 crowns, equal to 250 guineas, for my female outfit, and + you thereby give yourself credit for extraordinary generosity! + My reply is—It is not I who have sought this metamorphosis; it + was the late King and the Duke d’Aiguillon, it is the young + King and the Count de Vergennes, it is you yourself in virtue + of your powers, it is the family of Guerchy which trembles at + all that remains to me from my baptism—the title of man, &c. + &c. Let the diplomatic appointment from which I was unjustly + removed before the eyes of all Europe be restored to me; let me + follow my military career; I ask for nothing else, and shall be + content. I shall feel in greater safety clad as a dragoon, than + in petticoats, for I should not be subjected to that kind of + conversation to which women are generally entertained.... This + malady is not of my making, and my past life bears witness that + I am more worthy of wearing a helmet than a cap, and of dying + on the field of battle than on a feather-bed in a nunnery. It + appears that fate is continually making sport of me, and my + resignation to its cruel decrees, more grievous to me than + death itself, is the most complete proof of my devotion and + entire obedience to the orders of the King.... I hope that so + just a King will give heed to me in so extraordinary a case.... + I cannot forgive the generous Beaumarchais, who knows that I + have often despised my sex, fortune, and death in the pursuit + of glory; no, I cannot forgive the generous Beaumarchais, who + knows how I have, upon six occasions, flown from one end of + the world to the other, travelling night and day to hasten, in + 1755 and 1756, the reunion of France and Russia, and arrange + for the marching of one hundred thousand Muscovites against the + common enemy; and that by secret orders from my master, unknown + to the great Choiseul, I caused the last war to be prolonged + by three years, and that I then toiled, day and night, towards + the conclusion of peace.... Alas! had it not been for the + insurmountable timidity of my late good master, Louis XV., so + fatal to my welfare, which kept him from openly avowing me, + whilst ever supporting me in secret ... he would have given + me two or three times the amount, for the outfit of a female + such as I am, with whose history he had been acquainted from + his accession to the throne; a maiden whose conduct has been + irreproachable at all times and in all places, in town or + country, in the north or in the south, on the field or in the + cabinet of princes, of ministers, and of ambassadors; a maiden + who never tickled the ears of her King but with her pen, or + his enemies but with her sword!... I think that this good King + would have been a hundred times more liberal than the generous + Beaumarchais, towards a person who has been girl, man, woman, + soldier, diplomatist, secretary, minister, author—according + to the exigencies of the public or secret service of his + master.... If through pure obedience to the orders of the King, + I condemn myself to life in a cloister with companions in + adversity, I too clearly foresee that I am likely to repent and + be unhappy; but it is apparently the will of Providence, and I + am left without means of escape!’ + +After charging Beaumarchais with failing to carry out Article IV. of +their Covenant, inasmuch as a portion only of her debts had been paid +and not the whole, the Chevalière points out that for the purpose of +legalising the document to which they had affixed their signatures, +it was essential that the sentence of outlawry passed upon herself, in +default, for the publication of the volume entitled ‘Lettres, Mémoires,’ +&c., should be rescinded, and that Beaumarchais should be relieved from +the ban of censure pronounced by the Parliament of Paris, the deprivation +of civil rights under which they were suffering rendering null and void +any and all their acts. + + ‘I have but one other request to make,’ she continued; ‘I beg + that the son of the Count de Guerchy will explain himself + clearly and honestly, through you, as I am about to do. I + am aware that, accompanied by his mother and by the Duke + de Nivernois, he called on the Counts de Maurepas and de + Vergennes, to give those ministers to understand that he felt + bound in honour to fight me; that those two ministers were + good enough to tranquillise Madame de Guerchy by saying that + they believed her son to be too just and honourable a man to + draw his sword upon a woman, whereupon she withdrew expressing + her thanks and greatly comforted. I now wish to give you my + true and unchangeable opinion on this matter. I have always + respected the birth, the qualities, and the virtues of the + Countess de Guerchy. Her son was so young at the time of + my differences with his father, that, far from wishing to + hurt that dear and only son, I should save his life were it + in danger, and in my power to do so. I will never think of + attacking him, but I will defend myself at any moment that he + may be the aggressor. Nothing can be more just or natural than + that the son should take to heart the defence of his father; + therefore, that he may feel perfectly easy—should he think + that he is in honour bound to vindicate the wickedness and the + crimes of the late Count de Guerchy, by resorting to arms, I + give him my word of honour that I shall have the pleasure of + fighting him whenever he pleases, provided he comes to England, + the theatre of the scenes of horror acted to my prejudice, and + the best field in Europe for such a proceeding, for you must + perfectly well understand that to meet in France, or elsewhere + than in my island, would be a delusion and a snare.... I + further give him my word of honour not to lay aside my + uniform, and will never, from lack of courage, look for + protection in the dress of my sex.... I await, through you, a + categorical answer, from him, upon a matter of such importance + to myself. Through life I have been as touchy on the subject of + military honour, as should be a maiden on her chastity....’ + +Referring to the intemperate language Beaumarchais had employed with +regard to the notice in the daily papers:— + + ‘Nobody has ever dared to speak to me in such terms. I hope + it will be the last time, unless you are inclined to fight me + before young de Guerchy makes his appearance....’ Then warming + up amorously—‘it would be a fearful blow to my feelings to + have to fight the one I love best, to confront him who calls + himself my deliverer, and this deliverer would never think of + fighting his little _dragonne_, however redoubtable she may + be in her uniform.... I repeat to you what Rosina is made to + say in your “Barber of Seville”—“You are made to be loved....” + Such contrasts in an irritable disposition, which, in spite + of me, exists in me and is precisely that of my mother and + sister, will no doubt provide material to such a philosopher + as yourself, for a thousand reflections on the unintelligible + character of women. Attribute everything to our hysterics and + weaknesses. _Quid levius fumo? Flamen. Quid flamine? Ventus. + Quid vento? Mulier. Quid muliere? Nihil...._’ + +Beaumarchais reminded Mademoiselle D’Eon, in his reply to this +interminable composition so full of recriminations, of his ceaseless +efforts in her behalf to obtain advantageous concessions from the King—he +called her to a sense of her duty, and allowed her eight days to express +her regret at what she had written. He bitterly reproached her for +allowing that she had not given up the whole of the King’s papers, since +she had signed a declaration to that effect. Confiding in her good faith, +which, however, had proved bad, he had given the deed for a life-annuity +of 12,000 livres, paid 128,000 livres in liquidation of her debts, and +supplied her with the safe-conduct.... + + ‘Far from placing to the King’s account the 120,000 livres I + have so foolishly handed over, I must acknowledge my culpable + excess of confidence, and as a matter of course reimburse his + Majesty, unless I avail myself of your situation. This I shall + be able to do by means of the very service I have rendered + to you, in causing a precarious pension to be converted + into a bond that is now absolutely your private property. + This beneficial change having freed you from dependence on + ministers, places you, as are all investors in this kingdom, + in dependence on the law and its tribunals. I shall forbid the + payment of dividends, and with your notes and Lord Ferrers’ + receipt in hand, shall enter an action against you and claim + the repayment of 120,000 livres disbursed on your account—this, + or the entire observance of the terms of our Covenant. You will + thus learn, to your cost, whether my acts are of weight in + France....’ + +Again a few passages from D’Eon’s lengthy rejoinders, also dated at +Staunton Harold, and we close, for a time at least, the ill-humoured +correspondence of two royal secret agents, who were simply practising +towards each other _ruse contre ruse_. + + ‘... I offer no reply to your reproaches nor to your misplaced + invectives. I consider them to be the effects of bad humour on + the part of the cleverest and most agreeable ape I have ever + met in my life.... I have already had the honour to inform you, + that so long as Art. IV. of our Covenant, which distinctly + states that you are to supply me with larger sums for the + liquidation of my debts, is not executed, I do not feel bound + to observe any of the terms in the transaction. You are the + contracting power, I am the executrix; it is therefore for + you to act and for me to execute.... Your reproaches on the + incomplete delivery of papers are badly founded; in the first + place, because neither you, nor any ministers—past, present, or + future—nor the Prince de Conti, not even the Count de Broglio, + can be aware of all that passed in 1755 and 1756, of a secret + nature, between the late King, the Empress Elizabeth and the + Grand Chancellor of Russia, Count Woronzoff. M. Tercier, the + Chevalier Douglas and I were alone engaged in this important + secret negotiation, of which M. Rouillé, at that time Minister + for Foreign Affairs, had not the slightest cognisance. It was + only in 1757 that the Count de Broglio was partly admitted into + the secret, and that he, by order of the King, associated me + in his own secret correspondence.... I have not deceived you, + because with twenty letters I have warned the Count de Broglio, + the minister at Versailles and you as well, that so long as the + sum to which I lay legitimate claim is not paid, I shall never + make a complete surrender of my papers.... When you will have + aged and become grey by long service in the army and diplomacy, + you will have learnt that where a third-class power treats for + peace with a first-class power, the third-class power always + secures the guarantee of two second-class powers for the + observance of the conditions.... Now, since I consider my power + to be the weakest, and least important on earth, as compared + to that with which I have the honour to treat, and that I am + unable to secure the guarantee of any power, great or small, + I entrust myself to my own prudence and experience. Consult + all good diplomatists at Versailles or elsewhere in Europe, to + find out whether I am in the wrong and as silly as you take + me to be.... Should his Majesty and his ministers persist in + the consummation of our Covenant, I will fulfil my part from a + sense of obedience, but you are equally bound to concede to me + my just demands....[316] + + ‘LE CHEVALIER ET CHEVALIÈRE D’EON.’ + +The astute and yet outwitted Beaumarchais had become thoroughly persuaded +that not only was the Chevalier a female, but also one of the most +unmanageable of her sex. For her own part, D’Eon was now as thoroughly +convinced that the end of Beaumarchais’ mission would be the consummation +of all her hopes, all her desires. She still needed a good sum of money +for satisfying her creditors, and yet, what prospect had she of obtaining +it from one whose harshness as taskmaster was only to be equalled by his +exceeding great parsimony as purse-bearer! However stern and unflinching, +Beaumarchais had seldom behaved otherwise than with consideration towards +the distinguished heroine with whom he had undertaken to treat, whose +past services and misfortunes had awakened in him a feeling of something +more than ordinary interest, and which, through vanity, he had not the +sense to dissemble. Keenly alive to all this, D’Eon was resolved to +profit by the favourable impression she had made, therefore, changing her +tone from bluster to gentleness, she coyly approached Beaumarchais:— + + ‘... I own that a woman sometimes finds herself in such an + unfortunate position, that the force of circumstances obliges + her to avail herself of services of which she is the first to + feel the absurdity, because she knows what prompts the offer + of them. The more clever and attentive the man who wishes to + serve her, the greater her danger. But what thoughts do not + these recollections awaken? They remind me that through blind + confidence in you and in your promises, I revealed to you the + mystery of my sex, that in token of gratitude I gave you my + portrait, and that you promised yours as a mark of your regard. + There never has been any other engagement between us. All you + have alleged in addition, on the subject of our approaching + marriage as related to me from Paris, cannot be considered + by me otherwise than as idle jesting on your part. If you + thought I was in earnest in offering a token of remembrance + and gratitude, your conduct is pitiful; it is contemptible + and faithless, such as no Parisian would forgive, however + accustomed she might be to the ways now in fashion amongst + husbands; how much less a maiden with so strict a sense of + virtue as is mine, and whose spirit is haughty when her + integrity and tender-heartedness is assailed. Why did I not + remember that men are only fit to deceive womankind!... So far, + I only thought of doing justice to your merits, admiring your + talents and your generosity; I no doubt already loved you—but + the feeling was so novel to me, and I was a long way from + believing that love could be begotten in the midst of distress + and pain....’ + +[Sidenote: RUMOURS OF MARRIAGE.] + +Beaumarchais had married three wives—and lost them, and was evidently a +man who sought after feminine sympathy, a craving that became manifest to +D’Eon, who deemed it worth her while to gratify it—and she succeeded. + + ‘Everybody tells me,’ he wrote to Vergennes, ‘that this insane + woman is in love with me. She fancies that I have slighted + her, and women never forgive an offence of that sort. I am far + from slighting her, but who the d——l would ever have supposed + that for the sake of serving my King zealously I should have + to become the gallant knight of a captain of dragoons? The + case is so ridiculous that I find it very difficult to write + seriously.’[317] + +That marriage was contemplated became a common topic in Paris, and while +none believed, few were prepared to doubt, or treat such gossip with +contempt. We are able to quote from two letters in which the subject is +mentioned by the writers, who had known D’Eon intimately during many +years. + + ‘Two pieces of news to communicate, my dear Chevalier! The + first is, that I have become a widow; the second, it is + reported in Paris, and word has been written to me from London, + that you wish Constance (her daughter) to be one also, you + being about to marry Caron de Beaumarchais. Really, this sort + of thing is never done....’[318] + +And her landlord, Mr. Lautem, in whose house she had lived almost +unintermittingly since the autumn of 1763, says to her:— + + ‘... Every letter from Paris gives us to understand that M. + Beaumarchais is come to London to be married to you. My reply + is that I do not consider him sufficiently handsome (_beau_). + M. de Morande told me this morning that M. de Beaumarchais was + about leaving, and would not be here upon your return. I told + him I had not heard from you....’[319] + +So long as Beaumarchais abstained from advancing the ‘other large sums’ +promised in Article IV. of the Covenant, so long did the Chevalière +refuse to carry out her engagement to discard her uniform for female +attire; a refusal adopted by the King’s envoy as his motive for +forbearing from taking any further interest in his refractory client. +Loménie argues that it was precisely because she could not be prevailed +upon to clothe herself in the garments of her sex, that no money was +forthcoming; but it may fairly be contended, upon D’Eon’s argument, +that Beaumarchais being the contracting power, were he to prove true +to his obligations, she, as executrix, would necessarily be obliged to +observe her engagements under pain of being deprived of the enjoyment +of her annuity. It is not easy to account for the meanness and want of +generosity displayed by Beaumarchais in his dealings with the Chevalière, +his penuriousness leading him even to neglect the bonds he had given to +Lord Ferrers, and upon the faith of which he was allowed to have the iron +safe. + +[Sidenote: BEAUMARCHAIS IMPUGNED.] + +Baser conduct in Beaumarchais was his participation in the interminable +and ever-increasing sex policies, the Chevalière entreating him, over and +over, to abstain from mixing himself up in affairs that sorely afflicted +her. Thoroughly persuaded that D’Eon was of the female sex, Beaumarchais +added insult to injury by offering her eight thousand louis d’or and a +share in all his profits, if she would submit herself to the verdict of a +qualified jury nominated for the purpose by the policy-holders—proposals +that were repelled with the contempt they deserved, and in the same +spirit in which similar advances were repulsed in 1771, when the +accommodation bribe amounted to fifteen thousand guineas. As bad was the +confederacy into which Beaumarchais suffered himself to be drawn, having +become associated in these foul speculations with the needy adventurer +Morande; and it being the Chevalier’s practice, with his _cacoëthes +scribendi_, to commit to paper every circumstance, every incident, small +or great, in which he chanced to be concerned, he drew up and afterwards +distributed a declaration, which was to show forth how Morande and +Beaumarchais had endeavoured, in defiance of him, to practise fraud in +their speculations on his sex. + + ‘We, the undersigned, Charles-Geneviève, &c. D’Eon de Beaumont, + formerly captain of dragoons, &c.; François de la Chèvre, of + Queen Street, Golden Square; Jacques Dupré, Esq., of New Bond + Street; and Jean de Vignolles, Esq., of Warwick Street, do + hereby declare on our word of honour, that being at dinner + with the Chevalier D’Eon, of Brewer Street, Golden Square, + on Thursday, April 11, of the current year, 1776, and being + in the company of the said Chevalier D’Eon and of M. Charles + Théveneau de Morande, Esq., of Duke Street, Oxford Road, whom + we know to be the intimate friend and confidant of M. Caron + de Beaumarchais, known to us as having been entrusted by the + King of France to treat with the said Chevalier D’Eon for his + return to France—the conversation turned on the revival, in + November 1775, of the policies in regard to the sex of the said + Chevalier D’Eon; that the said Chevalier D’Eon then declared to + us that M. Caron de Beaumarchais and M. de Morande, who were + present, had tried to induce him, the said Chevalier D’Eon, to + associate himself with them in the traffic of these policies, + representing to him that such a measure would infallibly lead + to the gain of large sums of money. The said M. de Morande + having eluded giving a categorical answer, the said Chevalier + D’Eon sharply called upon the said M. de Morande to declare, + frankly and clearly, whether he, Charles Théveneau de Morande, + had not proposed to the said Chevalier D’Eon, in October 1775, + at the time that M. Caron de Beaumarchais was in this country + engaged in his negotiations, that he should make common cause + with him in the policies on his sex? To which M. de Morande + gave an affirmative and unequivocal answer. Whereupon, the + Chevalier D’Eon having said that he had too much respect for + himself ever to have dreamt of participating in the infamy with + which the said Caron de Beaumarchais and the said de Morande + sought to cover him, inquired whether, notwithstanding his + refusal, he and his friend M. de Beaumarchais had not been + foolish enough to deal in the said policies on his sex—to + which we heard M. de Morande reply, that such, had in reality, + been his intentions; but, to avoid all risks, he had consulted + several eminent English lawyers as to whether, in the event of + those policies being won, the law would constrain the losers + to meet their liabilities, and that a unanimous reply in the + negative was alone the cause of his having abandoned the idea + of making money by the said policies; and he showed a good + deal of ill-humour at the persistent refusal of the Chevalier + D’Eon to countenance the disreputable transactions which he, de + Morande, and his confederate de Beaumarchais, contemplated, on + the female sex of the said Chevalier.[320] + + ‘JACQUES DUPRÉ. + ‘J. DE VIGNOLLES. + ‘DE LA CHÈVRE. + ‘LE CHEVALIER D’EON.’ + + ‘London, May 8, 1776.’ + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + + Beaumarchais’ reprehensible behaviour—D’Eon challenges + Morande—Miss Wilkes’ curiosity—Feeling against D’Eon—Fresh + difficulties with Beaumarchais—Speculators on D’Eon’s sex + seized with panic—Lord Mansfield’s decision on the policies + effected—D’Eon appears in public as a female—Leaves for + France wearing military uniform—The King’s second order to + reassume female attire—Marie Antoinette furnishes _Mademoiselle + D’Eon’s_ trousseau—Visits her native town—Rejoicings at + her appearance—Presented at Court as a lady—The Queen’s + household—Deportment in society—Another trial before Lord + Mansfield. + + +The breach was now complete. Beaumarchais had proved himself to be +perfectly indifferent in the matter of his reputation, so far as his +relations with the Chevalière were concerned, and it is certain, after +the admission made by Morande, that D’Eon would never have entered +into further negotiations, even to her own benefit, with the man who +was regardless of the injury he was causing, instead of affording his +protection by virtue of the powers with which he was invested. D’Eon sent +a copy of the declaration to de Vergennes, under cover of a letter, in +which, after recapitulating the shameless conduct of Beaumarchais towards +herself and Lord Ferrers, conduct by no means adapted to re-establish +the good name of a man who had fallen a victim to the passions of the +great, much less of a virtuous female, and his little scrupulousness in +betraying Court secrets, she informed the minister that she declined to +have further intercourse with one whose life in London, in the company of +his friend Morande, was licentious and discreditable to the last degree. +She entreated the count to be persuaded that, although a female, she had +all the qualities and the courage of the most fearless of men, and that +notwithstanding her refusal to consent to a verification of her sex, she +would be willing to do so as a favour or from necessity. This letter, +written throughout in the feminine gender, is signed, ‘Votre dévoué +Serviteur, le Chev. D’Eon.’[321] + +When de Vergennes had communicated to Beaumarchais its contents, so full +of abuse directed against him, the latter replied with resignation: ‘She +is a woman, and so horribly influenced, that I forgive her with my whole +heart; she is a woman, and this explains everything.’ + +But Beaumarchais’ words were inconsistent with his actions. In the first +place he had betrayed his trust in confiding to Morande the nature of his +private dealings with D’Eon, together with many particulars of D’Eon’s +past intercourse with the Court of France, details which Morande made it +his business to repeat in public, the gossip thus spread only serving +to increase the agitation in the public mind on the Chevalier’s sex. +Then, Beaumarchais and Morande having become thoroughly persuaded that +all hope of amassing riches at the expense of Mademoiselle had vanished, +and Beaumarchais being about to return to France, it was arranged that +Morande should publish a pamphlet in disparagement of D’Eon, to whom a +copy was sent by the writer, with the request for an interview at which +terms for permanent reconciliation between them might be agreed upon. +The Chevalier sent his brother-in-law O’Gorman, and his friend the +Chevalier de Piennes, with a message to the effect that the only place +where Mademoiselle D’Eon could meet Morande was in Hyde Park, those +gentlemen being at the same time instructed to invite him to appoint an +early day and the hour, and make his choice of weapons. Morande’s reply +was an outrage on all decency and the foullest insult that could be +offered to a woman;[322] and when D’Eon found himself bound over to keep +the peace in 200_l._, and two sureties in 100_l._ each, he became excited +beyond all control, and committed the fatal error of writing to Morande +in language very similar to that employed in the pamphlet. + +[Sidenote: BOUND OVER TO KEEP THE PEACE.] + +Morande having declined to fight a woman, O’Gorman took her place; but +Morande avoided the risk of an encounter by apprising the police of the +bellicose designs of the big Irishman, who was also, in his turn, bound +over to keep the peace. + +The widespread and unenvied notoriety that had rendered D’Eon’s situation +in London perfectly intolerable, was increasing in spite of himself, and +his yearning to leave the country and return to France became all the +greater as fresh dangers threatened the liberty of his person. He was the +centre of attraction, the chief object of public curiosity, and having +become more familiarly known to the multitude, was more liable to be +seized at some unguarded moment, to be maltreated and insulted by those +whose interests, heavily staked, demanded an expeditious solution of the +problem—Of which sex is the Chevalier? One pretty and innocent little +note from Miss Wilkes, daughter of the _patriot_, who had been brought up +in a French convent and knew the language perfectly, puts the question +point blank. + + ‘Miss Wilkes presents her compliments to Monsieur the Chevalier + D’Eon, and is very anxious to know if he is really a woman as + everybody asserts, or a man. It would be very kind of Monsieur + the Chevalier D’Eon to communicate the truth to Miss Wilkes, + who entreats, with all her heart, to be informed of it. It + would be still more kind of him if he would come and dine with + her and her papa, to-day or to-morrow, or, in fact, as soon as + he is able to do so.’[323] + +[Sidenote: THE COUNT DE VERGENNES’ EXPOSTULATIONS.] + +By some the Chevalier was accused of being a spy in disguise, who should +be made to appear in the garments proper to her sex. By others she was +suspected of being a natural daughter of Louis XV.; and one night a party +of stragglers broke the windows and wrenched off several bars of the +railing in front of her house in Brewer Street, violence repeated the +second night after, the perpetrators not being discovered, even though +D’Eon offered a reward of twenty guineas for their apprehension.[324] +His aversion to the assumption of female attire was insurmountable, +but he was pledged to it and had been strengthening his mind for the +inevitable, the essential point ever present to his imagination being +the driving of every bargain to his own special advantage. He sought +to resume the negotiations of 1774-1775 for his return from exile, by +direct communication with the Count de Vergennes, and claimed that if +he were absolutely required to dress as a female, there should at least +be inserted, in the written order to that effect, the words _as had +been required of her in the reign of the late King_, after the words, +‘to resume immediately the garments of her sex never again to lay them +aside.’ In making this request it was clearly the object of D’Eon, now +about to enter upon the world’s stage, openly and permanently, in the +character of a female, to shield _herself_ against the imputation of +having of _her_ own accord, and at any time disguised _her_ sex to pass +the life of a brave and distinguished man, and he shrank from accepting +the smallest responsibility in his approaching compulsory transformation. +The minister found it impossible to accede, and Beaumarchais was +instructed to explain to the Chevalière the impracticability of her +request being entertained, which he did, by repeating, textually, +the minister’s own words, after saying that he wished the Count de +Vergennes had employed some person less odious than he must be to her, to +communicate his reply:— + + ‘... Can the King of France grant to a female a safe-conduct + intended for an officer? Who is it that served the King? Is it + Mademoiselle or M. D’Eon? If his Majesty in learning, but too + late, the offences committed by her parents to the prejudice of + good manners and against the laws, is desirous of forgetting + the past and unwilling to impute to her the fault of having + wilfully persevered in such a course—is it to be expected that + the King’s leniency is to extend to laying to the charge of the + late King the ridicule that attaches to her indecent disguise, + by employing the words she has suggested?... Never has the + King’s service required that a female should usurp the title + of man, the uniform of an officer, the status of an envoy! It + is in thus increasing the number of her rash claims, that this + woman has succeeded in trying the King’s and my own patience + and the good-will of her partisans. Whether she remains in + England or goes elsewhere is, as you well know, a matter of + perfect indifference to us. As to her eagerness to return to + France, I gave her to understand, through you, it was the + King’s desire that she should not do so unless in the character + of her sex, and that she should here lead a quiet, virtuous, + and circumspect life, such as she should never have departed + from.’ + +Beaumarchais added, that for his own part he did not believe, more +than the minister, that any fresh claims she made could be of the least +advantage to her, and with many kind words expressed his readiness to +serve her as he had hitherto done, provided she did not persist in +creating further difficulties.[325] + +This refusal of Louis XVI. to accede to the request made by D’Eon, +reached him at a moment that Morande had successfully defeated all his +plans to punish him. Foiled in his purpose of chastising Morande by +resort to arms, the Chevalier sued him for libel, and Lord Mansfield +directed rule to be granted; but when it was shown that D’Eon had written +equally libellous matter to Morande, the Court discharged the rule, +and the Chevalier had the mortification of seeing his enemy reap the +advantage of his own imprudence. It was whilst smarting under a sense of +these failures that D’Eon wrote to his tormentor:— + + ‘I have not replied sooner to the letter you gave yourself + the trouble to write, because at the time you were writing + sweet things to me, you wrote to your protégé Morande in such + a way as to shake the phial or rather the pitcher of venom he + carries in his breast. This was neither honourable nor fair. + You even urged him to write libellous matter against me in + the papers.’... Then in his old spirit of derision: ‘You, + personally, have never been odious to me as you suppose; it was + your conduct, your speech, your actions, your letters to Lord + Ferrers and to myself that were odious to me. Good-night, too + dear M. de Beaumarchais; it is two o’clock in the morning, I + am tired and am going to bed inveighing against all those men + who have treated me so badly, and above all, you yourself, who + I truly esteemed and loved, and who have exasperated me beyond + measure by your own and Morande’s behaviour....’ + +[Sidenote: TRIAL ON THE LEGALITY OF SEX POLICIES.] + +In ever increasing anxiety to make his escape out of the difficulties and +threatening dangers by which he was surrounded, the Chevalier applied to +the Minister for Foreign Affairs to ask whether he might rely upon the +Government for protection, it being his intention to return shortly to +France. + + ‘... Had you not, Mademoiselle,’ replied the unflinching de + Vergennes, ‘abandoned yourself to feelings of mistrust, which, + I am persuaded, you did not maturely consider, you might have + been enjoying for some time past, in your own country, that + tranquillity which should now, more than ever, be the object of + your desires. If you are seriously thinking of returning, the + way is still open to you, and you know the conditions imposed. + The most absolute reserve on the past; every precaution to be + taken to avoid meeting those persons whom you regard as being + the cause of your misfortunes; and, finally, the resumption of + the garments of your sex. You can no longer hesitate, seeing + the publicity given to this in England. You are doubtlessly + aware that our laws do not tolerate such disguises. I have + only to add that if, after a trial, you do not feel at home + in France, there will be no objection to your proceeding + elsewhere to suit your own pleasure. I have written the above + in conformity with the King’s orders. Let me add that the + safe-conduct with which you have been supplied suffices, so + that you may now do as you please. If you decide upon pursuing + a wise course, I will congratulate you; otherwise, I shall only + be able to pity you for not responding to the good master who + offers you a helping hand. Set your mind at rest, because when + in France you will be able to communicate with me directly, + without the intercession of any person.’[326] + +D’Eon was unable to leave England unless he made some arrangement with +his creditors, still oppressed as he was by the liabilities he had +incurred in the furtherance of the late King’s service, and no sooner +had his imminent departure become extensively known, than something +like a panic seized upon all who had engaged in the speculations on +his sex. Three several actions were commenced in Easter term, against +three underwriters in the city, for the recovery of the respective sums +underwritten by them. Upwards of 120,000_l._ had been underwritten at +various times on this mysterious question, but rather than ‘risk a heat +over the Bacon course in Westminster Hall,’ several eminent merchants +forfeited sixty per cent., and even seventy per cent., to have their +names cancelled from the policies they had underwritten. + +One trial on the legality of these policies took place before Lord +Mansfield, on July 1, when it was believed that the sex of the Chevalier +was established beyond the possibility of a doubt. The action was brought +by Mr. Hayes, a surgeon in Leicester Fields, against Mr. Jacques, broker +and underwriter, for the recovery of 700_l_., the said Jacques having, +about six years previously, received a premium of fifteen guineas, on the +engagement to return one hundred guineas for every guinea, whenever it +should be proved that the Chevalier was actually a female. Mr. Buller, +as counsel for Hayes, opened the cause by stating the fairness of the +transaction and the justifiable nature of the demand, the plaintiff +believing himself to be in possession of sufficient proof to establish +the sex of the Chevalier. He called for his first witness a surgeon named +Le Goux,[327] who gave evidence to the effect that he had been acquainted +with the Chevalier D’Eon from the time that the Duke de Nivernois was +ambassador in London; that about five years previously he was called in +by the Chevalier to lend professional aid, when she was labouring under a +disorder which led to the discovery of her sex, of which he, Le Goux, was +able to give satisfactory testimony. Another witness was Morande, with +whom we are so intimately acquainted, who deposed that so far back as +July 3, 1774, the Chevalier had made to him a free disclosure of her sex, +even to displaying her bosom, and exhibiting her female wardrobe, which +consisted of sacks, petticoats, and other garments for feminine use. On +the part of the defendant, Mr. Mansfield pleaded that this was one of +those gambling, indecent, and unnecessary cases that ought never to be +permitted to come into a court of justice; that besides the inutility and +indecency of the case, the plaintiff had taken advantage of his client, +being in possession of intelligence that enabled him to lay with greater +certainty, although with such great odds on his side; that the plaintiff, +at the time of laying the wager, knew that the Court of France treated +with the Chevalier as a woman to grant her a pension, and that the +French Court must have some strong circumstances to imbibe that idea; he +therefore hoped that the jury would reprobate such wagers. + +[Sidenote: LORD MANSFIELD’S CHARGE TO THE JURY.] + +In charging the jury, Lord Mansfield expressed his abhorrence of the +whole transaction, and of its being brought into a Court of Justice when +it might have been settled elsewhere, and wished that their verdict +could so operate that neither party might be the winner; but, as the law +did not expressly prohibit, and the wager was laid, the question before +them was, who had won? His lordship observed that the indecency of the +proceeding arose more from the unnecessary questions asked than from +the case itself. There was every external proof that the defendant was +right in his conjecture. D’Eon was dressed as a man, would have fought +duels, was captain of dragoons, and had resided here as an ambassador; +therefore, to all appearances the defendant had the best of the wager. +On the part of the plaintiff there was a considerable difficulty. Suppose +him to have been right, yet the proof of the fact was not easy. It was +not in the power of any person to compel D’Eon to disclose her sex, +and was it known, the proof still rested on the plaintiff. It had been +thrown out that he was sure of the fact at the time he laid the wager. +The contrary has appeared, for he had no proofs in his power at the time +the contract was entered into.... The Court of France considered D’Eon +as a man; there were reasons afterwards to believe the contrary.... +It might have been difficult to prove the sex, if private quarrels of +the parties had not furnished collateral evidence as put the question +out of doubt. The witnesses were either perjured, or their testimonies +must be credited. As was the case in all wagers, both parties conceived +themselves certain of winning. His lordship called upon the jury to +consider all the circumstances, and if they thought that the bet was +fairly won to decide in favour of the plaintiff, for whom a verdict was +given, without any hesitation on the part of the jury—for 700_l._ and +forty shillings—a verdict awaited with intense interest, as numerous +sums on policies were depending on this suit. When, however, this policy +business came to be solemnly signed before Lord Mansfield, in the Court +of King’s Bench, the defendant pleaded a late Act of Parliament for the +non-payment of the policy he had underwritten, a statute which provided +that ‘no insurance shall be valid, where the person insuring cannot prove +an antecedent interest in the person or thing insured.’ The Chief Justice +having admitted the statute to be binding in the present instance, the +decision at once and for ever deprived all insurers in the ‘D’Eon +policies’ of the golden harvest they so long and patiently expected.[328] + +[Sidenote: LA CHEVALIÈRE D’EON!] + +D’Eon received the intimation that he was declared by the law to be a +female with perfect equanimity. ‘What does it matter to me that the +King’s Bench has proclaimed me to be a female! I am none the better or +the worse. I am in the same condition as before the war—_in eodem statu +ante bellum_.’ He had failed in his application for a postponement of +the trial until he should return from France, and having abstained from +taking any part in the proceedings, it was bruited about that such +discretion was to be rewarded with a bonus of twenty thousand pounds! + +D’Eon appeared in London in ‘her real character as a female, for +the first time on August 6, being dressed in an elegant sack, her +head-dress adorned with diamonds, and bedecked in all the other elegant +paraphernalia of her sex;’ but with the laudable desire of completely +disconnecting herself from the smallest suspicion of wishing to +countenance either of the contending parties in the gambling policies, +when the day fixed upon for her departure from London had arrived, she +drove off from her house in Brewer Street, in a neat post-chaise and +four, wearing her uniform with the cross of Saint Louis, and suitably +attended.[329] The whole of her effects remained in England, her stock of +wine, which was large and valuable, being left with her landlord to be +sold for the benefit of her creditors. + +Henry Angelo tells us that the first time he saw D’Eon dressed as a woman +was in Brewer Street. + + ‘To my surprise I beheld a lusty dame dressed in black silk, + the head-dress in rosed _toupet_ and laced cap. He had not + the least beard—a diamond necklace, long stays, and an + old-fashioned stomacher. My father leading me to the assumed + lady, I received, _à la Française_, a kiss on each cheek. Ever + afterwards, when he dined at our house, though dressed as a + woman, when the ladies retired he remained to enjoy the glass + and conversation. He always dressed in black silk, and when I + last saw him, looked like a woman worn out with age and care.’ + +Angelo was entertained to ‘an excellent dinner’ one day after D’Eon had +donned the petticoat, there being amongst the guests Bach, Abel, and +Cramer. + +The Chevalier left London on August 13, and in the ‘Morning Post and +Public Advertiser,’ &c., of the 15th, appeared her protest against the +malicious charge of being interested in the issue of the late trial. + + ‘I requested with the greatest earnestness the people of + England, who have always shown me the greatest respect, not to + renew any policies respecting my sex; I declared that I would + not agree to a judicial manifestation of it; requested there + should be no fresh policies entered into, and that the old + ones should be annulled, and that if this was not agreed to, I + should be obliged to quit a place which I regard as my second + country. The _auri sacra fames_ which possesses my enemies has + unhappily prevailed. They have not only renewed the ancient + policies, but have obtained a judgment in the Court of King’s + Bench, July 1, to determine my sex. In consequence, I with + regret keep my promise. I quit with grief my dear England, + where I thought to have found repose and liberty, to return + to my native country.... If those interested in the policies + would take my advice, it should be to pay nothing; because the + judgment in the King’s Bench was made without my participation, + and against my consent, which I opposed at the time of the + sitting of the Court, desiring it to be delayed till my master + should permit me again to return to England.... I would rather + perish than rise triumphant by the weakness of that sex which + I am accused to be of.... I here absolutely declare, and + probably for the last time, that if any person, whether in + France or England, can prove before any tribunal that I have + been interested to the value of one shilling, in any policies, + I will agree to distribute all I am possessed of to any public + charity the said tribunal shall name. + + THE CHEVALIER D’EON.’ + + ‘London, August 10, 1777.’ + +[Sidenote: AGAIN ORDERED TO RESUME FEMALE ATTIRE.] + +D’Eon’s residence in England had extended over fifteen years, and it +was with no inconsiderable feelings of emotion that he again touched +his native soil. Hurrying to Versailles, he presented himself, equipped +as a dragoon, before the Count de Vergennes, who received him affably +and with distinction, but at once enjoined him to execute the terms of +his Covenant, and not appear unless in female attire. D’Eon demurred, +pleading, first one thing, then another, but the minister was obdurate, +and soon the Chevalière was favoured with the following order:— + + IN THE KING’S NAME. + + ‘Charles-Geneviève-Louise-Auguste-André-Timothée D’Eon de + Beaumont is hereby commanded to lay aside the uniform of a + dragoon, which he has been in the habit of wearing, and resume + the garments of her sex, and is forbidden to appear in any part + of the kingdom in any other garments than those suitable to + females. + + ‘LOUIS. + ‘GRAVIER DE VERGENNES.’ + + ‘Done at Versailles, August 19, 1777.’ + +The Count de Vergennes had asked M. Genest, chief clerk at the Ministry +for Foreign Affairs, to receive his old friend the Chevalier in his own +house, and manage him as best he could. Upon hearing of his arrival, +the Queen sent word to Genest that he was to bring the Chevalier to +her. Genest, having informed the minister of her Majesty’s commands, +received instructions to accompany the Chevalier; but the count having +previously had a few minutes’ audience of the Queen, she left the room +with him, and finding Genest in the adjoining apartment, her Majesty +told him, smiling, that she was sorry to have given him any trouble, +the few words the count had just said to her having for ever cured her +of her curiosity.[330] And yet she did not remain unmindful of him. +When D’Eon sought to put off the evil hour of his transformation by +pitiably pleading that she had no suitable clothes in which to appear, +even the Queen’s eagerness for novelty and amusement seemed to conspire +against her. Her Majesty seized upon so exceptional an opportunity ‘for +exercising the nobility of her soul and the generosity of her heart, in +causing Mademoiselle Bertin, one of her ladies-in-waiting, to complete an +outfit which would have sufficed for any four girls of the royal house of +St. Cyr.’[331] + +D’Eon was delighted at the respite afforded by the time required for +preparing a trousseau in accordance with the Queen’s commands, and he +made the most of it by paying a visit to his mother, whom he had not +seen for many years. In acknowledging the receipt of the King’s order +of August 19, the Chevalier informed the minister that the few articles +of female attire he had by him were quite unsuitable for making his +appearance at Versailles. Mademoiselle Bertin had consequently undertaken +to procure the clothing necessary for his new condition of life, and +to turn him into a fairly modest and obedient woman; and to her, after +Heaven, the King, and his ministers, would belong the greatest merit in +connection with his miraculous conversion. His earnest desire to appear +irreproachable in the eyes of the King and of the Counts de Vergennes and +de Maurepas, sufficed to endue him with the strength required to overcome +himself, and adopt a sweetness of disposition in conformity with the new +existence into which he was forced.[332] This letter was signed, ‘The +Chevalier D’Eon for a little while longer.’ + +[Sidenote: RECEPTION AT TONNERRE.] + +D’Eon likens his reception at his home to that given to the prodigal +son. In transports of joy his mother calls all her friends together to +rejoice with her over the sheep that was lost, and was found again—her +daughter—who had been her son for a time only, but now was, and should +for ever be, a daughter to her! She holds three days’ feasting, to which +all the authorities of the town and neighbourhood are invited. The mayor +and aldermen, the ecclesiastical, monastical, military, and civil bodies, +and a deputation formed of the married and maiden ladies of Tonnerre, +call upon Madame D’Eon and overwhelm her with their congratulations. Each +evening, two casks of wine are placed at the gate of the house, and bread +and meat is distributed to the people, who give vent to their enthusiasm +by firing guns and crackers, and nearly causing a conflagration in the +stable-yard and granaries. It was only after these memorable incidents at +the place of her birth, that the Chevalier’s heart felt less heavy; but +he was very shortly ordered back by the ministers, and having returned +to Versailles, he bound himself, in a written declaration, never to +transgress the orders of the King, to whom he swore, in the presence of +the Counts de Maurepas and de Vergennes, that he should die, as in duty +bound, a female.[333] + +The choice of the day upon which, from Chevalier, D’Eon was to be +formally and effectively transformed into Chevalière, was made by his +relative, Christopher de Beaumont,[334] Archbishop of Paris, Madame +Louise[335] having greatly interested herself in his behalf. On the +morning of October 21, 1777, the Feast of St. Ursula, Mademoiselle D’Eon +having been deprived, by order of the King, of all her male attire, was +clothed by Mademoiselle Bertin in her new female habiliments, with the +injunction never to lay them aside, but to wear them to the end of her +days. She was anointed with fragrant perfumes, her hair was curled, and +a magnificent head-dress put on her; her gown, petticoats, and stockings +were of the richest materials, and she was adorned with bracelets, a +necklace, earrings, and rings. At the moment of her transformation, +apparelled like a bride for her bridegroom, she excelled the Queen of +Sheba herself, in all her glory. In this quality she was presented at +Court, and there compelled to remain two years, that she might become +moulded into her new condition. + + ‘I cannot express my repugnance, my grief, my pain, my troubled + state, my vexation, and my shame, at having to appear thus + publicly at Court in the dress and position of a female; but + the King’s council considered such a change indispensable.... + What appeared to some as extraordinary and degrading in an old + chevalier of Saint Louis, appeared to others as most natural, + reasonable, and noble, and the refrain of the ladies at Court + to the chevaliers of Saint Louis was to this effect: “Since + your Chevalier D’Eon is a female, it is but right she should + dress as one, and we wish it for our glory.” + + ‘My first duty on resuming female attire was to communicate + in the chapel of the Virgin behind the choir of the cathedral + at Paris; then at that of St. Sulpitius, where I had been + confirmed and had taken the name of Mary, and where I had also + communicated for the first time. I afterwards communicated in + the chapel of St. Geneviève in Paris, in the beautiful chapel + of the Virgin at St. Roch, and again in the church of the + sisterhood of St. Mary at Chaillot. In being stripped of man’s + estate and of my uniform, I am divested of every vice and of + every danger incidental to such a condition; and being invested + with the character of a female, am forced, in spite of myself, + to adopt the vocations and virtues incumbent thereon.’[336] + +[Sidenote: MARIE ANTOINETTE’S HOUSEHOLD.] + +Household of Marie Antoinette at the time of the Chevalière’s +introduction:— + + Madame Misery _First Lady-in-Waiting._ + Madame Campan[337] _Second Lady-in-Waiting._ + Mdlle. Adelaïde Genest[337] _Third Lady-in-Waiting._ + Guimard _Groom-in-Waiting to the late Louis XV._ + Lasone _Physician._ + +The Chevalière, we are told by those who saw her at this period, was +slow enough in adapting herself to the requirements of her sex; it would +be long, she used to say, before she became accustomed to them, and +would have continued to dress as a man had it been possible. At first +she laughed at her petticoats and cap, saying it was very hard to be +degraded from captain to a cornet! (_cornette_), and was altogether +careless in her demeanour. She was of a fair complexion, with fair +hair slightly grey, and having a handsome neck and bosom appeared to +advantage as a female; she had formerly made herself a beard, and her +chin being provided with some hairs, she employed herself in nipping +them. Wearing low, though somewhat large heels, her stature did not +exceed five feet four inches, and those who had not seen her in uniform, +could not conceive how she could have looked well in it.[338] Her accent +was peculiar, but not unbecoming as her voice was agreeable,[339] and +in making a courtesy she would bend her knees forward quickly without +otherwise moving her limbs. Being recommended to put on some rouge, she +replied that she had tried it, but it would not stick to her face; she +despised her body, she said, which she considered as the case or shell +only of her soul. + +[Sidenote: DEPORTMENT IN SOCIETY.] + +Being one day in a room where several gentlemen, strangers to her, +were present, a lady having remarked, ‘Chevalière, to the best of my +recollection when you were dressed as a man you had a very handsome leg!’ +‘Parbleu!’ replied D’Eon with vivacity, pulling up her petticoats, ‘if +you are curious to see it, here it is!’ Upon another occasion a lady +observed to her, ‘If you wished to demand satisfaction, would you not +regret your former condition and your arms?’ ‘I have already considered +this matter,’ she replied; ‘when I quitted my hat and sword, I own it +gave me some concern, but I said to myself, what does it signify? I may +do as much, perhaps, with my slipper?’ And to another lady who gave some +advice with regard to her behaviour, she said: ‘Madam, I shall always be +_sage_, no doubt, but I can never be modest.’ Upon the whole, however, +the Chevalière seldom appeared in public, limiting herself to dining with +her old friends. If she chanced, upon such occasions, to be in the same +room with some other knight who happened to be addressed as ‘Monsieur le +Chevalier,’ she would instantly turn round thinking she was meant, and +would equally forget herself in her assiduity towards the fair sex, never +failing to assist a lady to wine, when sitting at table, or rising with +alacrity to relieve her of her empty coffee cup.[340] She was a great +eater, and usually partook of every dish, even if she sent her plate away +directly after. + +Since D’Eon was not visible to the world at large in Paris, it became the +fashion to personate her at masquerades, and even at ordinary evening +parties, when Beaumarchais would also be brought into ridicule by the +pretended Chevalière relating, for the amusement of the company, the +incidents of her courtship with that individual. The tales told, however, +were not always harmless, and one report spread, was to the effect +that a portion of the money destined by the King for the Chevalière’s +use in England, and confided to Beaumarchais, had been appropriated +by the latter, who accordingly complained to de Vergennes of the base +accusation, charging D’Eon with being the author of it. He was at +once reassured by that minister, who wrote word that his Majesty’s +satisfaction at the correctness of the accounts he had rendered should +suffice to vindicate his character from any such attacks; and having +obtained permission to publish the minister’s letter, he sent a copy +to D’Eon under cover of some offensive and very angry lines. Calmer +judgments had certainly not as yet prevailed in the unsettled mind +that was ever craving after excitement; and in malicious enjoyment of +Beaumarchais’ participation in his own unenviable notoriety, D’Eon seized +the opportunity for indulging in his favourite recreation, by treating +the Minister for Foreign Affairs to one of the most tedious effusions of +which he had ever been guilty, but humorous and satirical withal. + + ‘Now that I have obeyed the King’s commands in resuming + female attire on the feast day of St. Ursula, patroness of + the eleven thousand virgins and martyrs in England; now that + I am living in tranquillity and peace in the uniform of a + vestal, and that I had completely forgotten Caron and his + boat, judge of my surprise in receiving an epistle from the + said Caron, enclosing copies, duly certified, of a letter he + addressed to you and of your reply.... What has he done for + me?... He has made me blush for my country by paying a sum + of money in the name of the State, in bills at six, twelve, + eighteen, and twenty-four months date, charging seven per cent. + discount, and finally swindling an English peer out of two + hundred and thirty-three louis.... Was it not M. Beaumarchais + who, unable to persuade me to be dishonest in supporting him + in his speculations on my sex, spread the report everywhere + in Paris that he was to marry me after I should have spent + seven months at the abbey of the Ladies of St. Anthony, when, + as a fact, he was within an inch of being espoused to my + cane, whilst in London?... Let me tell you that fictitious + Demoiselles D’Eon, wearing the cross of Saint Louis, have made + their appearance in more than one fashionable house in Paris. + They were jesters who said the most absurd things of the real + Chevalière, and chiefly with reference to the agreeable and + honourable Caron de Beaumarchais, who proposed marriage to + the Demoiselle D’Eon when on his late embassage in England; + and whose coming embassage to Congress in America is for the + purpose of importing snuff of a quality that will make the + entire audience sneeze each time his plagiary, the “Barber + of Seville,” is performed. The scene of the false Demoiselle + D’Eon was repeated, I am informed, last week, in a house where + Madame de F—— was hoaxed by Musson, the well-known painter, + who personated the Demoiselle at the time that I, lonely and + peaceful, was at work and asleep in my hermitage at Petit + Montreuil.... Does M. de Beaumarchais, so fond of hoaxing + others, desire to enjoy the exclusive privilege?... Let me + tell you, sir, that all the integrity of the four ministers + put together, adding to it that of their chief clerks, would + fail to make an honest man of Caron, so far as I am concerned. + People in England are convinced of this, for they have + nicknamed him _bon marché_.... + + ‘LA CHEVALIÈRE D’EON.’ + +Passing over the reply sent to Beaumarchais, we find ‘The Appeal of +Mademoiselle D’Eon to her Contemporaries,’ which also went through the +press:— + + ‘Where is the woman who, having read the famous letters of M. + Carillon[341] or Caron de Beaumarchais, of January 3 and 13, + addressed to the minister and to me, has not said, She will + reply!... He has sought, by base artifice, to deprive me of + that consideration so conducive to my peaceful existence. I + put him to confusion by ridiculing his impotent rage. He is + a Thersites who should be whipped, for having dared to be + insolent to his betters whom he ought to respect. I denounce + and abandon him to all womankind of my day, as one who would + fain have exalted himself at the expense of a woman, enriched + himself by sacrificing a woman’s honour, and avenged his + frustrated hopes by crushing a woman, who, of all others, has + at heart the triumph of her sex. + + ‘N.B.—Caron has certified to and signed the copies of the two + letters he has published; I cause copies of my two letters to + be certified and signed by Barth. Pille, surnamed La Grenade, + my valet, whose signature has always been respected.’ + + * * * * * + + ‘I certify that these two letters are true copies of the + originals in my hands, this 2nd day of February, 1778. + + ‘PILLE, surnamed LA GRENADE.’ + +Amongst the later causes tried in London for the recovery of sums +forfeited by the wagers on D’Eon’s sex, was that of Jones and Dacosta, +in which a verdict was given in favour of the plaintiff; but a motion +having been made in the Court of King’s Bench for an arrest in judgment, +Lord Mansfield delivered his opinion in its favour, in which all the +other judges concurred. The decision, he said, tended to indecency, and +to make the courts of justice subservient to the purposes of gamblers and +swindlers—a conclusion that was heartily approved by all right-minded +persons throughout the country. + +No sooner had the news reached D’Eon than he issued a ‘Second Letter to +Women,’ dated Paris, February 10, 1778, opening with these words:— + + ‘Victory! my contemporaries, victory! My honour, your honour, + triumphs. The Lord Chief Justice of England has himself, in + the presence of the twelve judges of England, rescinded and + annulled his own decisions on the validity of the policies + raised on my sex....’[342] + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + + Epistle to Lord Mansfield—Voltaire on D’Eon—Anxiety to get + quit of petticoats—Mademoiselle D’Eon de Beaumont in peaceful + retreats—Applies for active service in the fleet—Returns to + male attire, is arrested, and confined—Being liberated goes + home—Arrival in London—Fences before the Prince of Wales—Mr. + Angelo—Mademoiselle D’Eon and Phillidor at chess—Advertised + sale of library—Treatment by a British peer the cause + thereof—Earl Ferrers’ bond—Sale of jewellery. + + +There appeared at about this time in England the translation of a letter +in verse from D’Eon to Lord Mansfield, on the decision he had pronounced +in the late trial. In his preface the translator frankly states that he +has taken the liberty of deviating a little from the original, especially +where Mademoiselle, in her address to his lordship, and in the warmth of +her imagination, had seemed to have forgotten that she was in petticoats. +The title page is illustrated with a plate representing the Chevalière +in a double character, the right half of her body being in the dress of +a dragoon with drawn sword in hand, the left half appearing as a buxom +woman waving a fan.[343] + +A variety of similar grotesque likenesses made their appearance, one +by Bradel, in Paris, also representing the Chevalière in both sexes. +Other portraits, however, were in glorification of the heroine, the most +remarkable being that published in _mezzo-tinto_ by S. Hooper, of Ludgate +Hill, in which she appears as Pallas.[344] + +One of these prints having found its way to Voltaire, to whom D’Eon was +not entirely a stranger, the old sage wrote to his friend d’Argental:— + + ‘They have sent me a Chevalier D’Eon represented as Minerva, + and a supposed warrant of the King conferring a pension of + twelve thousand livres on this amazon, and commanding her + to observe the most respectful silence, as was enjoined on + the Jansenistes in other times. Here is a nice problem for + history. Some Academy of Inscriptions will prove the case to be + most authentic. D’Eon will be a Maid of Orleans who will not + have been burnt. It will be seen how we have improved in our + customs.’[345] + +D’Eon’s affected gaiety at length gave way; she fell into a state of +melancholy, and then became quite ill, physically and morally. The +Queen’s physician, Lasone, and the King’s physician, Lieutard, were +ordered to hold a consultation, and terminated their visit by saying to +the patient: ‘Be comforted, dear lady; yours is an incurable complaint, +and will disappear as it came.’[346] + +But it was not in D’Eon’s nature to repose in moody silence, and she +poured out her sorrows in pitiful appeals to the Counts de Sartines, de +Vergennes, and de Broglio, praying, for the sake of her health, which +was being seriously injured from want of exercise and the compulsory +abandonment of the active habits of a lifetime, that she should be +permitted to wear male attire, at least on Sundays and festivals; she was +ashamed and sick at heart to be in petticoats, idly enjoying a pension +instead of serving her King and country as she had been doing for so many +years; and, further, she asked to be employed in the war that was on the +eve of breaking out, France being about to become the active ally of the +Americans. + +[Sidenote: SIGHING FOR ENGLAND.] + +The Chevalière had been exerting herself to save France from meddling +in the War of Independence, undertaking to prove that the reasons +alleged in the manifesto of the French Court were not founded either on +philosophical or political arguments,[347] representations to which de +Vergennes, who was easily accessible to her, was disposed to give his +attention. But Beaumarchais had everything to gain by the prosecution of +the war, and secured to himself all access to the French Court, to the +exclusion of D’Eon, who found it impossible to approach either King or +ministers. Individually, de Vergennes’ treatment of D’Eon had always been +considerate, and at times indulgent, and since all her supplications to +the several ministers had been treated with callous indifference, she +imagined she might succeed in disburdening herself of the yoke imposed +upon her by getting back to London if she could but secure his interest +and influence. ’Tis said that James I. of England thought that if he +were ever to be confined in a prison, he should wish that prison to be +a library. D’Eon pleaded hard that her books and some valuable MSS., +all ‘so dear to her purse and to her heart,’ were in London, where +she desired to live in retirement with them for her companions. Her +metamorphosis, her long illness, the war, the almost sudden death of +Lord Ferrers, and the non-payment of monies legitimately due to her, had +despoiled her of health and fortune, and she reminded the minister that +the pledges contained in his letter of July 12, 1777, confirming the +intentions of the late King in his order of April 1, 1766, left her at +liberty to go whithersoever she would.[348] + +The reply, in his Majesty’s name, was a firm refusal. + +[Sidenote: ADDRESS TO THE LADIES OF ST. CYR.] + +If D’Eon had sinned, she was as surely suffering. There was no hope +whatever of escape from her bondage, and with her high spirit seemingly +humbled, she sought, or pretended to seek for comfort in the consolations +of religion. She retired, she says, speaking of herself, to different +convents, that she might acquire the customs, habits, occupations and +virtues which most became her, and if she had offered a bad example in +wearing the King’s uniform in time of war, she made ample reparation by +wearing, in time of peace, the Queen’s uniform amongst the ladies at +Court; then she adds, comically enough, that it was to the edification of +the Church and of her neighbours she retired frequently to the ‘Abbaye +Royale des Dames de Hautes-Bruyères,’ to the ‘Maison des Demoiselles de +St. Cyr,’ and to the ‘Monastère des Filles de Ste. Marie.’ In accepting +the invitation to visit the ladies at St. Cyr, D’Eon thus wrote to Madame +——, one of the inmates:— + + ‘I cannot in any other way acknowledge the kindness and + courtesy of yourself, Madame, of the Lady Superior, and of the + ladies of St. Cyr, than in giving you my word as a _chevalier_ + that I shall do myself the honour, and consider it my duty, to + be at St. Cyr on Monday next, the 14th, at such hour as may be + most convenient to you. I purpose going alone, so that nothing + shall divert my attention whilst on my way to the house of the + Lord’s elect, and that I may be the better able to benefit + by the holiness of your conversation, which is the living + expression of the peace that reigns in your hearts, and in the + purity of your existence. When I compare the happiness of the + solitude you enjoy, and in which I have ever delighted, without + being able to experience the pleasure of it, to my terribly + agitated existence in the several armies and European Courts + during the last forty years, I feel how much I have been + removed from the God of humility by the demon of glory; I feel + that if I had done for Him the hundredth part of what I had the + happiness to do for Louis XV. and for myself, instead of now + wearing a red ribbon, I might some day have worn, together with + yourselves, the crown of immortality which God has promised + to wise virgins. Like a foolish virgin, I have been running + after the shadow of things, whilst you, wise virgins, possess + the substance through steadfastly abiding in the house of the + Lord, and in the path of virtue. _Erravi a viâ justitiæ et sol + intelligentiæ non luxit in me._ My only consolation to-day is, + that I have had the happiness of preserving intact the flower + of purity, the pledge so precious and frail, alas! of our + existence and of our faith—and this in the confusion of camps, + battles, and sieges.... The only mercy I now ask of God is, not + to die in the hands of physicians, surgeons, and apothecaries, + but that a cannon ball may carry me off; otherwise, to let me + die in solitude.... I pray, Madame, that God may preserve all + of our sex from the passion for vain glory, and the love of + arms, which is the most serious and dangerous. I alone know + what it has cost me to rise above myself. Alas! what restless + nights have I not passed for the sake of a few bright and happy + days! Truly, it is better to admire from afar the example I + have given, than to imitate it. My happiness is nothing but + smoke, _fumus_, and I admit that all is vanity of vanities in + this world! Until I am able to present to you the original, + allow me to offer you the best portrait that has been issued of + me in England. I am represented as Pallas. Another is about to + be published in Paris, as announced in the “Gazette de France,” + and of which you shall have a copy....[349] + + ‘LA CHEVALIÈRE D’EON.’ + + ‘Versailles, Rue de Noailles, + ‘Pavillon Marjon, September 12, 1778.’ + +D’Eon’s strength of character enabled her to shape her deportment at the +several retreats she visited with honourable and scrupulous observance +of the rules of those institutions, conduct induced from prudential +considerations, and she spent her time in the profuse waste of paper, +writing prayers of her own composition, cunningly adapted to one in her +singularly anomalous position, _e.g._:— + + ‘God of armies, it was through Thy inspiration that I followed + the standards of the most Christian King, in the last war. It + was Thou who gavest me the shield of faith, the breast-plate + of chastity, the helmet of truth, the sword of justice, and + the courage _du dragon_. I earnestly long to rejoin the army + in this new war; give me the prudence of Judith, the wisdom + of Deborah, the courage of Jeanne d’Arc, and the valour of + Jeanne Hachette, so that it may be said that by the weakness + of my arm Thou hast wrought great things. _Quia fecisti mihi + mirabilia!_’[350] + +At each of the homes where she stayed the Chevalière was supplied with +formulas of prayer in MS., copied for her own special edification, as +stated on the title-page of each pamphlet:—‘Oraisons de l’Eglise pour +tous les temps de l’année Mpt. copié pour Mademoiselle D’Eon pendant +sa retraite, en 1778, à l’Abbaye Royale des Dames de Hautes-Bruyères, +dépendante de la célèbre Abbaye de Fontevrault fondée l’an 1100, par le +bien-heureux Robert d’Arbrissel. Réflexions Morales. Sentiments de Piété. +Sentiments sur l’Oraison Mentale.’ + +[Sidenote: A VOLUNTEER FOR SERVICE AFLOAT.] + +It is clear that the Chevalière was by no means yielding to the supposed +advantageous influences by which she was surrounded, no benefit being +conferred on her agitated mind by the religious austerity in the midst +of which so many of her days were being passed. The profound meditations +in which she indulged with others were not those of the cloister, her +thoughts being too actively engaged in evolving to herself scheme after +scheme for obtaining freedom from the restraint imposed by her hated +petticoats, chafing as she was to join the King’s forces. It is true +that the war being necessarily a naval one, it was not the soldiers of +France who were called to the strife; but D’Eon showed herself equal to +the occasion when addressing herself, this time to the Count de Maurepas, +president of the council, more pathetically and entreatingly than to any +of the other ministers:— + + ‘... I must represent to you most humbly and most firmly + that the year of my female novitiate having expired, it is + impossible for me to continue a profession of that sex. The + expenses are beyond my means, and my income is too limited.... + This very sedentary life is completely ruining the elasticity + of my body and mind.... I renew this year my entreaties that + you will obtain the King’s permission for me to re-enter + his service, and there being no fighting on land, that I be + allowed to serve as a volunteer in the fleet of the Count + d’Orvilliers.[351] I have managed to live in petticoats in time + of peace, from a desire to obey the orders of the King and of + his ministers, but I find it impossible to do this in time of + war.... Assist me, Monseigneur, to escape out of the lethargic + state into which I have been plunged ... it is _a matter of + great moment to the glory of the house of de Guerchy that I + should be allowed to continue my military career; at least such + is the general opinion in the army in France, and I might say + all over enlightened Europe; whereas my present inconsistent + course of life gives cause for the gravest misconstructions, + and affords material to the maliciously disposed_. I have + always thought and acted as did Achilles. _I am not at war with + the dead_, and I do not destroy the living _unless they are the + first to attack me_. You have my written word of honour for + this.... You are not aware that it is I who support my mother, + my sister, my brother-in-law, and my three nephews in the + King’s service; that I am still in debt in London, where I have + left the whole of my library and my papers in chambers, for + which I am paying 24 francs a week.... You must be aware that + to play the part of a maid at Court is one of the most stupid + imaginable, so long as I am still able to play that of a lion + in the army....’[352] + +D’Eon must have been fully persuaded that escape out of her state of +wretchedness was impossible, and that the pen and ink agitation, in which +she was repeating so much sad nonsense, would prove fruitless, for, in +writing, on the very next day, to her nephews who were about leaving to +take part in the war, she playfully observed that the King, or rather his +presiding minister, absolutely refused to allow her to join the forces, +through fear, no doubt, that the indomitable English who in other days +had burned, in Normandy, the Maid of Orleans, might now be guilty of +drowning, in America, the Maid of Tonnerre! Whatever the intentions of +the ministers with regard to the epicene D’Eon, her allusions to the de +Guerchy family, and her ill-concealed desire to avenge herself on the son +of her old and deceased enemy, could only have served to confirm them in +their earliest resolution that she should not, under any circumstances, +be liberated from the thraldom into which she had yielded her person. + +[Sidenote: AT HOME!] + +Neglected by all at Court, and perhaps despised, as she conceived +herself to be, the Chevalière resolved upon throwing off the badges of +her servitude, and again appearing as a captain of dragoons; but she +was immediately arrested and conveyed to the castle of the old Dukes of +Burgundy, at Dijon, where she remained confined during the space of two +months. Consenting to take things in a more philosophic spirit, and +return to her laces and skirts, she was permitted to reappear in Paris, +and there, on September 20, was confirmed, by order of the King and +the Count de Vergennes, the draft of a deed granting a life-annuity of +twelve thousand livres, out of the funds of the Department for Foreign +Affairs, unto ‘Charlotte-Geneviève-Louisa-Augusta-André-Timothée D’Eon de +Beaumont, formerly known as the Chevalier D’Eon;’ this being the first +occasion upon which she was officially styled by her new appellations. +After this D’Eon completely disappeared from society, having gone to live +with her aged mother at Tonnerre, where travellers, impelled by natural +curiosity, made it a point to see her if they could. In this way she +entertained at her table Prince Henry of Prussia, brother to Frederick +the Great, who had met her in Germany during the war. + +D’Eon does not appear to have absented herself from Tonnerre until +about the middle of 1785, when she went to stay with the Duchess de +Montmorency-Bouteville, and at the Hôtel des Dames de France, in the +Rue de Baume, Paris. France and England being again at peace, since +September 1783, she was maturing her plans for obtaining permission +to return to London, where she was anxious to recover the money that +was owed to her, and save from dispersion the property she had left in +charge of her landlord, who, unable to obtain any advance upon the rent +due, had already, upon one occasion, publicly advertised for sale the +‘valuable library and curious manuscripts of the Chevalière D’Eon, to +refund himself for the space occupied by the said library in his house +during seven years’—a sale the Chevalière succeeded in arresting by some +arrangement with her creditor.[353] It was not, however, until the +rulers of France conceived the right moment had arrived, and they were +as good as their word, that D’Eon received official intimation of her +movements being relieved from all restriction, with freedom to leave +France if she chose, and with scarcely a day’s delay she made her exit +from Paris in a post-chaise, attended by her maid, arriving in London on +November 17, and putting up at her old chambers in Brewer Street. She was +well received by her friends of former days, amongst whom are specially +named Lord Tamworth, Colonel Kemys Tynte,[354] and Mrs. Church. + +[Sidenote: CARLTON HOUSE.] + +With no other resources but the modest pension of 12,000 livres, D’Eon +was hard pushed for very existence in the face of her liabilities, many +of ancient date, notwithstanding the five thousand pounds sterling paid +by Louis XVI. to extricate her out of her difficulties, for the monetary +transactions between the French Chevalière and the English peer resulted +in grievous distress to the former, as we shall presently see. Forced +by reason of this to live in strict seclusion, we almost lose sight of +her until April 9, 1787, the day appointed for an assault-at-arms in +the presence of the Prince of Wales at Carlton House, and to which, +as a fencer of distinguished reputation, she was invited. D’Eon and +Mr. Angelo, Sen., were nominated by his Royal Highness judges for the +occasion, there being present several of the most accomplished fencers +of the day, such as the mulatto, the celebrated Saint-George, and his +companions Fabien and de la Motte; also Angelo, Jun., Nogee, Reda, +Rolland, and Goddard. The novelty of a lady in petticoats engaging the +most experienced and able masters excited much mirth, even those who had +known her _en culottes_ being not a little surprised at the skill she +displayed in fencing with Saint-George. Her petticoats did not incommode +her in the least, but it was clear that the late captain of dragoons +proved herself to be more expert at the _risposte_ than a courtesy, and +at handling a foil more gracefully than she did a fan. Quoting from +another newspaper:— + + ‘The most remarkable occurrence of the fencing match at Carlton + House was the assault between Monsieur de Saint-George and + Mademoiselle D’Eon, the latter though encumbered, as she + humorously declared herself, with three petticoats, that + suited her sex much better than her spirit, not only parried + skilfully all the thrusts of her powerful antagonist, but even + touched him by what is termed a _coup de temps_, which all + his dexterity could not ward off. We hear that a celebrated + painter has undertaken to hit off the semblance and attitude + of the hero and heroine in this very interesting scene.[355] + Mademoiselle D’Eon had modesty enough, on her hitting Monsieur + de Saint-George, to set it down to his complaisance; but the + latter candidly declared that he had done all in his power + to ward against it. A gentleman present assures us that + nothing could equal the quickness of the repartee, especially + considering that the modern Pallas is nearly in her sixtieth + year, and had to cope with a young man equally skilful and + vigorous.’ + +Upon another occasion of the Chevalière’s appearing before the Prince of +Wales, this time at the King’s Theatre, she was dressed in armour, with a +casque and feather, representing Minerva or the Maid of Orleans.[356] + +When Mr. Angelo died near Eton, in 1801, D’Eon deplored the loss of one +of her oldest and best friends, for they had known each other fifty-five +(_sic_) years, and she was indebted to him for many acts of kindness. +The Chevalière, Wilkes, and the elder Sheridan were frequent guests at +Angelo’s table, in his house in Carlisle Street, Soho Square, where they +often sat for hours over the bottle, in lengthened arguments upon the +politics of the day. D’Eon was Angelo’s most constant guest and bosom +friend, staying at his house sometimes for weeks, and materially assisted +him in his Treatise on Fencing. It was there that old Hone and Cosway met +her. She had experienced the greatest pleasure in teaching young Angelo +how to handle a foil, until at last they became strong antagonists, the +latter, after reaching manhood, often taking much pains to put her out +of humour. Speaking of her as a _maître d’armes_, Angelo found that _he_ +was violent and _bien opiniâtre_, though by no means a _ferrailleur_. +Whatever _he_ executed was correct and scientific. + +Other announcements in the papers of the day show how the Chevalière +turned to equally good account her skill in chess. + + MADAME LA CHEVALIÈRE D’EON. + + CHESS CLUB, PARSLOE’S HOUSE, ST. JAMES’ STREET. + + This day, at two o’clock precisely, Mr. Phillidor will play + three games at once against three good chess-players, two + of them without seeing the boards, and the third on looking + over the table. He most respectfully invites the members of + the chess-club to honour him with their presence. Ladies and + gentlemen who are not members of this club may be provided with + tickets at five shillings each at the above-mentioned house to + see the match. Madame la Chevalière D’Eon will be one of Mr. + Phillidor’s adversaries.[357] + +In 1788, when the country was sorrowing at symptoms of aberration in +George III., the Chevalière issued an ‘Epître aux Anglais dans leurs +tristes circonstances présentes’ (8vo. 48 pp.), complimentary to the +Prince of Wales, which was well received and quickly reached a second +edition. + + CATALOGUE OF THE SCARCE BOOKS AND VALUABLE MANUSCRIPTS OF + THE CHEVALIÈRE D’EON, formerly MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY from + _France_ to _England_ at the Peace of 1763, &c. &c. + + Who is about to quit LONDON, and to return to PARIS, + + containing + + A great number of curious MANUSCRIPTS, both Ancient and Modern, + and a very large Collection of DICTIONARIES and FRENCH BOOKS, + and many in the GREEK, LATIN, and ENGLISH, and also in the + ORIENTAL Languages, collected by herself, in the course of her + Travels. + + Which will be publicly sold by AUCTION, + + BY MR. CHRISTIE, + + At his GREAT ROOM in PALL MALL, on Thursday, the 5th of May, + and following days, 1791.[358] + + At the same time will be sold her MAHOGANY BOOK CASES, her + PRINTS, HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, SWORDS, TRINKETS, JEWELS, and, in + general, all her WEARING APPAREL, constituting the WARDROBE of + a CAPTAIN of DRAGOONS and a FRENCH LADY. + + Quale decus rerum, si Virginis AUCTIO fiat, + Balteus, et Manicæ, et Cristæ, Crurisque sinistri + Dimidium Tegmen!... + ... Tu felix, Ocreas vendente Puella.—JUV. + + N.B.—Mr. CHRISTIE assures the Public that the name of the + Chevalière D’Eon is written with her own hand, in the first + page of every one of her Books; and that the Preface to the + Catalogue of them contains AN INTERESTING NARRATIVE OF THE VERY + EXTRAORDINARY CASE OF Mdlle. D’Eon. The Catalogue has been + divided into Six different Parts, to facilitate the transport + of it into Foreign Countries: they are now united in one + catalogue. + + Price ONE SHILLING. + + CATALOGUES may be had at the Place of Sale; at Mr. DEBRETT’S, + _Piccadilly_; at Mr. SEWELL’S, in _Cornhill_; and at M. DE + BOFFE’S, _Gerard Street_. + + Printed by T. SPILSBURY & SON, No. 57, _Snow Hill, London_. + M.DCC.XCI. + +[Sidenote: A SAD TALE.] + +We pass over the intermediate years until 1791, when the Chevalière burst +upon London with the sudden announcement that her precious books and +MSS. were about to be sold by public auction. The catalogue, prepared by +herself, opens with an address to the Public,[359] in which are given +the reasons which place her under the necessity of disposing, during +her lifetime, of all she possesses. She had returned to London in 1785 +for no other purpose than that of paying her creditors and collecting +what was due to her, but she had been unable to succeed in this double +object of her wishes. The reigning King of France, she went on to say, +sensible of her military and political services, as well as of her +innocence and the misfortunes she had experienced, had generously caused +to be remitted to Washington, Earl Ferrers, through M. de Beaumarchais, +on October 17, 1778, the sum of 5,000_l._ sterling, to be employed by +the said Earl Ferrers, according to his promise, towards the discharge +of her debts, so that she might be in a position to leave England +honourably. Notwithstanding, however, the earl’s honour and probity, +and his friendship for the Chevalière, he discharged a part only of her +debts, and without first asking her consent, kept 3,000_l._ for his own +private use, undoubtedly with the intention of returning the money, D’Eon +having asked him to settle with her creditors, and especially with Mr. +Duval, the King’s jeweller, who had advanced several sums during the +Chevalière’s law-suits and distresses in London. Being urged to satisfy +these claims, his lordship acknowledged that he had applied 3,000_l._ +towards completing the furniture of his seat,[360] the working of a +lead-mine, and of a lime-pit in his park of Staunton Harold, which +had since produced an income of 600_l._ Being dissatisfied with this +employment of her money, D’Eon wrote from London to entreat that upon +his lordship’s return to town, he would afford to herself and to her +creditors some security for the speedy reimbursement of the money. Lord +Ferrers replied in three separate letters. + +[Sidenote: BREACH OF TRUST.] + + ‘Staunton Harold, December 24, 1775. + + ‘I have so much business to settle here that if I am not + obliged to go to London on account of the Duchess of Kingston’s + trial,[361] I think I shall not come there before the month of + May; and it being requisite for you to have some voucher to + produce for the money you have in my hands, in case anything + should happen to me, you will be pleased to let me know your + Christian name, in order that I may send you by the stage a + bond for the sum due to you, which bond will bear an interest + of five per cent. And having been disappointed with respect to + a sum of money which was to be paid to me last month for an + estate sold for the purpose of settling my affairs, I should + take it as a particular favour of you to leave this money in + my hands for one year at the above-mentioned interest. It is + all the same to me, as I receive of others the same interest + I pay you. Should you in the interim want any money for the + settlement of your affairs, you may draw on me whenever you + please, which indeed seems to me to be much better than to + remit you at present in bank notes, for reasons which I once + told you. The gout has left me; I find myself, thank God, very + well, and am, + + ‘Your sincere and very affectionate, + + ‘FERRERS.’ + + * * * * * + + ‘... You inform me of your coming here very soon; as you know + that I shall always be happy to see you, there is no occasion + for me to say anything on that subject.... Newcomb[362] is + at present in Derby, and had some time ago the misfortune of + breaking his arm.... This has prevented me from sending you + the hundred guineas you want for the present, but shall remit + you this sum in the course of next week. I have at present no + money in the hands of my bankers in London, having withdrawn + the same from them to have here a ready supply of cash for the + mine, which proves already richer than I expected.... Having no + furnace built, I cannot yet make money of it. This has rendered + me very poor at present, that is to say, until the time when I + shall receive my rents.... Farewell, and be assured of my being + your sincere friend, + + ‘FERRERS.’ + + * * * * * + + ‘... Since the time I had the honour of seeing you last, I have + been very ill, the gout having attacked my lungs so seriously + that I did not know what to think of it. I have by this time + deposited the bond of 3,000_l._ with Mr. Woty[363] for you, in + case I should die. It has been ready this great while, and is + dated December 26, 1775, bearing interest of five per cent. + for that time.... If the gout permits I shall in a month be in + London.... Assuring you that I am, + + ‘Your very faithful, + + ‘FERRERS.’ + +[Sidenote: A PEER’S BOND.] + +Alarmed at this intelligence, D’Eon repaired to the seat of his +lordship,[364] who, fearing he should die, had signed a bond at five per +cent. interest, payable at the expiration of five years instead of one +year, as he had promised. D’Eon was not greatly pleased at this fresh +delay, but finding there was no alternative, she accepted this bond, +dated December 26, 1775, and payable in 1780, and transferred it, jointly +with Lord Ferrers, to Mr. John Duval, on August 11, 1777, as security +for the Chevalière’s debt to him, Lord Ferrers binding himself, verbally +also, to be punctual to his engagement. + + _Earl Ferrers’ Bond._ + + ‘Know all men by these presents, that I, the Right Honourable + Washington, Earl Ferrers, am held and firmly bound to Charles + Genovesa Louisa Augusta Andrea Timothea D’Eon de Beaumont, + Knight of the Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis, now of + Brewer’s Street, Golden Square, in the County of Middlesex, + in the penal sum of Six Thousand Pounds, of good and lawful + money of Great Britain, to be paid to the said Charles Genovesa + Louisa Augusta Andrea Timothea D’Eon de Beaumont, or his + certain Attorney, Executors, Administrators, or Assigns. For + which payment to be well and faithfully made, I bind myself, my + Heirs, Executors, and Administrators, firmly by these presents. + Sealed with my Seal; dated this twenty-sixth day of December, + in the sixteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George + the Third, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France, and + Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, and so forth; and in the + year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five. + + ‘The condition of this obligation is such, that if the above + bounden Washington, Earl Ferrers, his Heirs, Executors, and + Administrators, shall and do well and truly pay or cause to + be paid to the said Charles Genovesa Louisa Augusta Andrea + Timothea D’Eon de Beaumont, his certain Attorney, Executors, + Administrators, or Assigns, the full sum of Three Thousand + Pounds, of good and lawful money of Great Britain, on or + before the twenty-sixth day of December, which will be in + the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty, + with interest for the same after the rate of five pounds _per + centum_, per annum, then this obligation to be void, or else to + remain in full force. + + [Illustration: L.S.] + + ‘(Signed) FERRERS.’ + + ‘Sealed and delivered (being first duly stamped) in the + presence of + + ‘(Signed) W. WOTY. + ‘(Signed) JOHN NEWCOMB.’ + + ‘Passed by order of Mr. John Duval and Son, at London, August + 11, 1777. + + ‘(Signed) THE CHEVALIER D’EON.’ + +Relying upon his lordship’s honour and Mr. Duval’s probity, D’Eon left +London for France with her mind quite at ease. The following year Lord +Ferrers died, as did also Mr. Duval. It was impossible for D’Eon to +return to England to obtain payment of the bond and reimburse the heirs +of Mr. Duval, the King’s ministers having ordered his detention in +France, and it was not until 1785 that she was able to attend to the +affair in person. Being then again in England, she prevailed upon a +common friend to treat with Robert, Earl Ferrers, brother and heir to the +late earl, to obtain payment, but finding that his lordship only wished +to gain time and keep her out of her money, she was obliged to bring an +action against him in the Court of Common Pleas at Westminster, which she +gained, on February 6, 1787, the funds for conducting the prosecution +having been supplied by Lord Tamworth, in entire disapproval of his +father’s conduct. Two months later this earl, who, according to Walpole, +‘deserved his ancient honours,’ died, referring to which event a daily +paper observed:— + + ‘The death of Lord Ferrers, announced in the papers a few + days ago, will, in all likelihood, prove an unfortunate + event for the Chevalier D’Eon. The principal object of her + return to England was to solicit the payment of four thousand + pounds, deposited, by order of the present King of France, in + the hands of the late Earl Ferrers to pay the debts of the + Chevalière, which hath not been effected to this day. The son, + Lord Tamworth, now Earl of Ferrers, who, to his honour be it + said, highly blamed the legal contestation maintained on this + subject by his late father, will, by putting an end to all + further delay, derive great credit from this act of justice in + favour of so extraordinary a character, whose concerns cannot + but be warmly espoused by all who are acquainted with her, + and the sufferings she has undergone, after having fought the + battles of her country, and managed its interests as an able + negotiator.’[365] + +[Sidenote: AN HEIR’S FAITHLESSNESS.] + +The will of the late earl contained directions that all his late +brother’s and his own debts should be paid, and although the new earl, +as Lord Tamworth, had befriended D’Eon and made handsome promises, +he no longer thought it his duty, after succeeding to the title, to +discharge the debt of honour. It should be stated that the only sums +received by the Chevalière from the day that Washington, Earl Ferrers, +had appropriated the 3,000_l._ in 1775, to the year 1791, amounted to +150_l._, paid in three instalments of 50_l._ each, between April 21 and +November 26, 1776. After her return from France, she endeavoured to +recover her money or the interest due; but all was in vain, and being +determined that her creditors should not be the sufferers, she felt +obliged to offer even her beloved library for sale, resolved ‘to carry +nothing with her out of the island but her integrity and her regret at +leaving it.’ + +It is impossible not to feel some sympathy for the unfortunate Chevalière +in this ignoble treatment by a succession of British peers, with all of +whom she had long been on terms of intimate friendship, even though the +moral to be deduced by the circumstances is, that the would-be biter +herself became the bitten one! Turning back a few pages to the time when +Beaumarchais was conducting the mission entrusted to him by Louis XVI., +Lord Ferrers appears as a creditor of D’Eon for 5,000_l._, and as if to +give colour to the claim, it was represented by the supposed creditor +and debtor that the iron safe filled with important documents had been +deposited with the English nobleman in security for the debt, a story +that cannot be regarded otherwise than as a pure invention. It is clear +enough that in her anxiety to secure a sufficiently large advance out of +the funds supplied by the King, who was fully disposed to liberality, but +with which Beaumarchais was most unwilling to part, D’Eon had secured +the earl’s sanction to the entry, in her list of liabilities, of this +imaginary debt. Never for a moment doubting the genuineness of the claim +after his first suspicions had been removed, or suspecting complicity +in any kind of deception, Beaumarchais paid the money, but instead +of immediately passing on the whole to D’Eon’s creditors, as he had +promised to do, his lordship boldly retained 3,000_l._ for his own use +and benefit, in the conviction that the Chevalière would be in no hurry +to expose her own share in the double dealing, by publicly resenting the +breach of trust of which he had been guilty. The Chevalière discovered, +but too late, the blunder she had committed in trusting to her would-be +friend, and submitted tamely enough to the earl’s shameless and unfeeling +settlement, by which she was required to wait five years for her little +capital, and not one year as originally convened. + +[Sidenote: DONE!] + +The breach of trust became something worse as years rolled by, and none +of Washington, Earl Ferrers’ successors, after having adorned themselves +with the coronet, cared to recognise their obligation towards the needy +and ill-used knight. D’Eon had awaited the pleasure of the several +earls during fifteen years, before making the fearless exposure of +their conduct and giving public expression to her feelings thereon, in +the preface to her catalogue. When bitterly tried, a decade later, by +fresh reverses of fortune, she renewed her efforts (October 1802) to +recover what was her own, this time through Admiral Shirley, a brother +of the deceased earl, Washington. She sent to him a copy of the bond, +a calculation of the interest due on her capital of 3,000_l._ during +twenty-seven years, and a proposal for the final adjustment of the +affair. The encumbered condition of the Ferrers’ estates would have +rendered nugatory any further promises, even if any such had been held +out to the Chevalière, who reduced her demands to a minimum by asking +for 500_l._ wherewith to pay pressing calls, and a yearly allowance of +100_l._ for the remainder of her days, no great exaction, seeing that +she was then in her seventy-fifth year! Upon these conditions she was +prepared to surrender the bond to the admiral, to be disposed of as he +might think proper. It does not appear what notice was taken of this +proposition by the deceased earl’s brother, but it is very certain that +so late as January 1805, the Chevalière had not received one farthing +from the Ferrers family![366] + +Scarcely had the distribution of D’Eon’s Catalogue taken place, than +sympathising friends made up a purse to meet her immediate necessities; a +subscription list was opened at Mr. Hammersley’s, the banker, Pall Mall, +where, in a very short time, the sum of 465_l._ 5_s._ was collected, +100_l._ being a contribution from the Prince of Wales. Another expression +of feeling was a public entertainment given for D’Eon’s benefit, on June +29, 1791, by the managers of Ranelagh,[367] ‘in consideration of her +having been deprived of a considerable part of her fortune by the odious +detention of a deposit.’ + +[Sidenote: SALE OF JEWELLERY.] + +The troubles with which France was being agitated found an echo in the +heart of the unfortunate Chevalière. The news of the King’s flight, and +the abolition of all orders of chivalry by the National Assembly, she +received as sure warnings of coming distress to herself; and when the +Legislative Assembly summoned all emigrants to make their appearance in +France by a certain date, under pain of death if they disregarded the +decree, she quickly made up her mind to obey the national will and return +to her country. In the midst of her many apprehensions there seemed to be +one gleam of comfort—for she became persuaded that the hour was at hand +when she should be liberated from her state of womanhood. The sale of +some of her property took place on February 17, 1792, when were disposed +of at Mr. Christie’s, in Pall Mall, seventy-three lots of ‘valuable and +elegant jewels, a few fine prints, valuable coins, medals, plate, &c., +the property of Mademoiselle the Chevalière D’Eon,’ which realised the +sum of 348_l._ 17_s._ 7_d._, some of the more valuable lots having been +bought in. + +The latter included— + +A pair of single drop brilliant earrings of _singular beauty, colour and +perfection_, 155_l._ + +A diamond cross and chain, _the stones of matchless beauty and +perfection_, 110_l._ + +A pair of single drop brilliant earrings, 109 guineas. + +A tortoise-shell lined snuff-box mounted in gold with miniature, and +cypher on the reverse side (the gift of the Empress Elizabeth), 2½ +guineas. + +The personal ornaments sold comprised five pairs of gold drops, one pair +in brilliants; eleven pairs of earrings, one pair in brilliants and one +pair in roses; two crosses, one being in diamonds, with chain; five +necklaces; one bracelet with miniature of the Chevalière in military +uniform; two hoop brilliant rings; three watches, one being set in +brilliants.[368] + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + + D’Eon (_la citoyenne Geneviève_) offers her services + to the Legislative Assembly—Is ordered to join + General Dumouriez—Detained in England—Her English + friends—Fences in public—Is seriously wounded—Distressing + times—Last days—Death—Autopsy and appearance of the + body—Administration of property—General character—Pursuits + and habits late in life—Maxims on religion—Coldness of + temperament—Reflections—Fugitive pieces. + + +Having satisfied some of her creditors with the proceeds of the sale, +D’Eon occupied herself in packing the remainder of her effects in fifteen +cases for conveyance to France. War had been declared, and the Citoyenne +Geneviève at once sent her nephew O’Gorman to Paris, with the offers +of her services in the form of a petition addressed to the Legislative +Assembly, an extract from which was read at a sitting of that body. It +stated that although she had worn the dress of a woman for fifteen years, +she had never forgotten that she was formerly a soldier; that since the +Revolution she felt her military ardour revive, and demanded, instead +of her cap and petticoats, her helmet, sabre, horse, and the rank in +the army to which her seniority, her services, and her wounds entitled +her; and she also requested permission to raise a legion of volunteers. +Unconnected with any party, she had no desire to brandish her sword in +procession in the streets of Paris, and wished for nothing but actual +service—war nobly made and courageously supported. + + ‘In my eager impatience,’ she continued, ‘I have sold + everything but my uniform, and the sword I wore in the last + war, which I wish again to wear in the present. Of my library + nothing remains but the shelves,[369] and the MSS. of Marshal + Vauban, which I have preserved as an offering to the National + Assembly, for the glory of my country, and the instruction + of the brave generals employed in her defence. I have been + the sport of nature, of fortune, of war, of peace, of men and + women, of the malice and intrigue of Courts. I have passed + successively from the state of a girl to that of a boy, from + the state of a man to that of a woman. I have experienced the + strange vicissitudes of human life. Soon, I hope, with arms in + my hand, I shall fly on the wings of liberty and victory to + fight and die for the nation, the law, and the King.’ + +This petition, the reading of which was interrupted by repeated bursts +of applause, was ordered to be honourably mentioned in the minutes, and +referred to the military committee.[370] + +[Sidenote: UNDER THE ORDERS OF THE REPUBLIC.] + +Early in the following year the Citoyenne Geneviève, in a transport of +delight, informed her friend, M. Beauvais,[371] that in consequence +of instructions received from the Minister of War for the Republic of +France, she was about to proceed to Paris, thence to join the army of +General Dumouriez,[372] and begged leave to forward to his care six cases +for despatch to France, _viâ_ Rouen or Havre de Grace, as she might +determine after her arrival in that country. Nine other cases were at +the same time sent to Mr. Christie, who had promised to find room for +them. She was also invited by the ladies of Paris to return to them, +the invitation, dated in the month of April, having been entrusted for +personal delivery to her old friend, Captain Arden, of the Royal Navy. +The Chevalière did not return to France, having been detained in all +probability by her creditors, who would have acted with greater wisdom +and profit to themselves had they trusted to her honour, and left her +free to seek for better days under the changed fortunes of her country. +It was doubtlessly her late surrender of State papers, and the nature +of their contents,[373] that had influenced the administrators of +the Republic in her favour; but her right to a pension was no longer +recognised under the new form of Government in France, her property +had been confiscated, and she was thus left without resources of any +description, now verging on her sixty-fifth year. The Chevalière appears +to have existed at this time chiefly upon the hospitality of her friends, +there being amongst those who entertained her more frequently the names +of Lady Constable, Mr. Christie, Lord and Lady Glencairn, Lady Wallis +(sister to the Duchess of Gordon), Colonel and Mrs. Kemys-Tynte, General +Melville, General Rainsford, at whose house she met Horne Tooke and +Paine; Mr. Fitzmaurice (brother of Lord Lansdowne), Colonel Macbean, of +the Artillery; Mr. Lockhart, banker, Pall Mall; Mr. Dent, banker, Clarges +Street; Sir William Ffloyd, Count Zenobio, envoy from Venice; Colonel du +Bathe, M. Hirsinger, Chargé d’Affaires from France, &c. &c. + +By the end of the year 1792 the Chevalière’s remaining means and credit +were completely exhausted, and there was no alternative but to make +public exhibition of her pre-eminent skill in fencing, a resolution +in which she appears to have been supported by Mrs. Bateman, the +noted actress and female fencer. Her first appearance, in a series of +performances, was at a _déjeuner_ given by Mrs. Bateman in her house, +Soho Square, to a party of English and French officers of both services, +several ‘literary characters, and gentlemen of first-rate stage talents,’ +upon which occasion, as announced in the papers, + + ‘Sir George Kelly pushed _carte_ and _tierce_ with Mademoiselle + D’Eon to the great entertainment of the company. An assault + between Captain Walmsley and Mademoiselle D’Eon concluded this + scientific display, and it was astonishing to observe with + what vigour the captain’s repeated thrusts were repulsed. + The assault lasted nearly fifteen minutes, during which time + Mademoiselle D’Eon did not appear to be out of breath; she only + once exclaimed, “_Ah! mes jambes!_” which was when the conflict + had subsided. This celebrated character cannot be termed + _Madame Egalité_, for in this, as in any other country, she has + not her equal.’[374] + +_January 22._—She was next invited to an _Assaut d’armes_ with Captain +Walmsley, at Mr. Towneley’s house in Devonshire Place, when one hundred +guests were present, nearly all of whom were Roman Catholics. + +[Sidenote: ‘CUTTING HER BREAD WITH HER SWORD.’] + +_February 11._—Fenced Captain Walmsley at the Club d’Armes, Brewer +Street, and although very much indisposed, astonished numerous spectators +with her science and activity. The captain was foiled four or five +times successively, and it was not till the female Chevalier was nearly +exhausted that he had the opportunity of a retort. Confident of success, +Mademoiselle D’Eon refused the mask, of which her opponent availed +himself.[374] + +_May 30._—Fences at the Haymarket on Mrs. Bateman’s benefit night. Never, +since the death of Garrick, had the house been so full. + +_June 26._—Fences at the Ranelagh, in the presence of the Prince of Wales +and Duke of Gloucester. + +_August 23._—Fences with Mr. Bateman and his son. + +_September._—Fences with Mrs. Bateman and an English officer, under the +patronage of the Prince of Wales, who sat in the stage box (Brighton +theatre) with Mrs. Fitzherbert and Miss Piggot. + +_October 19._—Fences at her own benefit in the theatre, Margate, a +prologue being spoken by Mrs. Bateman. + +_November 2._—Fences at the Assembly Rooms, Deal. + +_November 11_ and _21_.—Fences at the theatre, Dover. + +_November 30._—Fences at the Fountain Inn, Canterbury. + +After which, Mrs. Bateman[375] and the Chevalière, who had been on a +professional tour together, returned to London. + +In the Chevalière’s journals, from which the above dates are taken,[376] +there appear two entries only during the year 1794 of her having publicly +exhibited—at Ranelagh on May 26, and at the Brighton theatre on August 8. +In 1795, she fenced at the Lower Rooms (Bath?) on April 24, at Birmingham +on July 6, and at Worcester on August 13. In January 1796, she performed +in the Lower Rooms, Bath, under the patronage of the colonel and officers +of the Essex Dragoons, whose band was in attendance, Bath still being +what it had been for many years, incomparably the most fashionable and +favourite watering-place in England, and frequented by people of all +classes of society. After giving four performances, D’Eon travelled to +Oxford for April 22 and three other evenings, thence to Southampton to +keep an engagement on August 26, when an unlucky accident brought to an +end, for ever, these exhibitions of her skill. + +[Sidenote: A DANGEROUS WOUND.] + +In receiving a thrust from her adversary that evening, the foil broke +off, inflicting a serious wound, by which she was completely disabled. It +is well to reproduce her address to the public upon that occasion, and +the surgical certificate given to satisfy that public; the first, because +it so very clearly, and in her own words, exposes her sad necessities; +the second, because it is evident that the physician and surgeons who +examined the wound were satisfied with regard to the sex of their patient. + + ‘Mademoiselle D’Eon takes this Opportunity of returning her + sincerest and respectful Thanks to the Benevolent Gentry of + the Town and Neighbourhood, for having honoured her with their + Presence at her late GRAND ASSAULT D’ARMES; and also for the + kind Interest they were so good as to take in the dangerous + Wound she received that Day. Alas! She is now obliged _to cut + her Bread with her Sword_; which is indeed to her a Bread full + of Repugnancy and Bitterness, that Necessity alone can make her + swallow. But preferring that Shift so unfit for her sex, and + so against her Feelings, at the Age of Sixty-nine, to a State + of Dependence, whilst she has Strength to hold a Sword she is + forced to make it useful, to the Support of an unhappy and + injured Woman; bathed, as it often may be with Truth said, with + her Tears. Her Misfortunes began with her Birth, and are only + likely to end with her Life. The Friends Prosperity had given + her, Adversity has deprived her of.’ + + * * * * * + + ‘WE CERTIFY, _that having been present at a_ Grand Assault + d’Armes, or Fencing-Match, _exhibited by Mademoiselle D’Eon in + public, on Friday, August 26, at the Long Rooms, Southampton, + we witnessed her receiving a dangerous Thrust from the Foul + of her Antagonist, the Button having broken off, unperceived, + about an Inch from the Extremity. On Examination, the Wound + was found to be situated in the Arm-pit, on the Right Side, + extending itself laterally about four Inches. The muscular + Irritation, in Consequence of this Accident, occasioned intense + Pain for some Days, which she sustained with the utmost + Fortitude, Patience, and Resignation._[377] + + ‘J. MACKIE, M.D. + ‘P. BERNARD. + ‘H. CORBIN. Surgeons.’ + + ‘Southampton, September 6, 1796.’ + +D’Eon had to keep her bed for four months, and after being removed to +London was confined, through great debility, to the house, which she +left four times only during the next four years, and then only in a +coach. She spent her long convalescence with Mrs. Mary Cole[378] at her +own invitation, an old friend from whom she never again parted, and +these two thereafter shared alike in each other’s sorrows, for of joys +they had none! ‘My life was spent in eating, drinking, and sleeping, +praying, writing, and at work with Mrs. Cole, repairing linen, gowns, and +head-dresses.’ + +The Chevalière was in the habit of pawning her diamonds from time +to time when hard pressed, taking care to redeem and keep them in +reserve until she could dispose of them at a fair price. In 1799, being +absolutely obliged to part with those jewels, after failing to treat +with Rundell and his friend Sharp, the well-known jewellers, she made +some satisfactory arrangement with a Mr. Moses, who called to see them. +After this, it may be said that D’Eon lived entirely upon charity. +Forced to give up the chambers she had occupied in Brewer Street during +thirty-three years, she went to stay for a time with Colonel Thornton, on +the Surrey side of the Thames, and then took up her residence permanently +with Mrs. Cole, first at 33 Westminster Bridge Road, then at 5 Mead’s +Place, opposite to the Apollo Gardens, and near the Asylum, Lambeth, and +finally at 26 New Milman Street, Foundling Hospital. Her two nephews, +Major O’Gorman, and Captain Augustus O’Gorman of the 18th regiment of +foot, called to see her occasionally, but it does not appear that they +ever afforded any relief or comfort to their aged aunt, who had been in +the habit of assisting them very materially in their younger days. + +[Sidenote: PASSPORT TO FRANCE.] + +D’Eon had never abandoned the idea of possibly returning to France, the +Treaty of Amiens and the First Consulate seeming to afford a glimmer of +hope. She had made some kind of declaration before M. Otto, the French +minister plenipotentiary, on the 7th Fructidor (August 24), 1802, which +resulted in her being supplied with a passport to Paris and Tonnerre, +good for three decades (thirty days), dated the 25th Brumaire (November +15) of the same year, and she received five pounds from Mr. R. Slade +‘to enable her to return to her country;’ but she remained hopelessly +involved, as appears from several touching entries in her note-book, +of which we quote two. M. Blacher, the exiled _curé_ of St. Martin le +Gérard in the diocese of Constance, called at the house of the sheriff’s +officer for Surrey, on November 15, 1804, and inquired if it was true +that Mademoiselle D’Eon was in detention. Upon learning that she had been +in custody five months, and only just set at liberty, the _curé_ asked +to see her, and being shown into the Chevalière’s chamber, said that he +had come at the instance of an English lady to know the particulars of +her arrest. On taking his leave, and pleading that he also was an exile +and poor, he quietly placed on the table a gold seven-shilling piece +which he refused to take up again, although pressed to do so by D’Eon. +Acknowledging the receipt of ten guineas from the Marchioness Townshend, +D’Eon wrote, July 18, 1805:— + + ‘This relief is a gift from Heaven which comes to me at the + right moment, in the sorrow of my great age and of the great + revolution that has taken place in my country, and which has, + at one blow, swallowed up my little property in Burgundy, and + the pensions I had received from Louis XV. and Louis XVI.’ + +The note was signed: _Chevalier D’Eon, who has not quitted his bed, his +room, or his house nine times during the last nine years_. + +Writing to Major Clive, M.P.,[379] she complains of her reduced +circumstances, and of having lost her all by the French Revolution, she +cannot say, why? + + ‘It is a secret hidden, I will not say in the womb of + Providence, but in the foolishness of the French, who, like + weather-cocks, turn to every wind.’[380] + +Amongst those who occasionally supplied her with funds, or whose +attentions the Chevalière more particularly appreciated, were Mrs. +Crawford, of Hertford Street, Mayfair, a daughter of Mrs. Holland; the +Misses Dodwell; Mrs. Tryon, of Glaston, Uppingham; Colonel Kemys-Tynte; +and Miss Shirley, a natural daughter of Admiral Shirley. The good Queen +Charlotte had never forgotten her, and she enjoyed an annuity of fifty +pounds from the Duke of Queensberry. + +[Sidenote: DEATH.] + +For the two last years of her life, D’Eon was almost bed-ridden through +infirmity, but affectionately nursed and tended by Mrs. Cole. About a +year before her death she sent for Père Elisée, formerly surgeon to +the ‘Pères de la Charité’ at Grenoble, who was enjoying a comfortable +allowance from the Duke of Queensberry as his grace’s physician, and with +whom he dined almost daily.[381] Elisée and Dr. Perigalese attended her +as her strength failed from day to day, and until she quietly expired at +10 P.M. of May 21, 1810. + +When the last offices were being performed to the remains of her +deceased friend, Mrs. Cole learnt for the first time, and to her +utter astonishment, that her late most intimate companion was a man. +Upon making his appearance the following morning, Père Elisée equally +expressed his great surprise, and at once recommended the expediency +of the Chevalier’s sex being professionally determined; the body was +accordingly dissected in the presence of several medical gentlemen, the +Earl of Yarborough, Sir Sidney Smith, the Honourable Mr. Lyttleton, Mr. +Douglas, and other persons of consideration, the following certificate +being forthwith made public:— + + ‘I hereby certify that I have inspected and dissected the body + of the Chevalier D’Eon, in the presence of Mr. Adair, Mr. + Wilson, and Le Père Elisée, and have found the male organs in + every respect perfectly formed.[382] + + ‘(Signed) ‘T. COPELAND, + ‘Surgeon, Golden Square.’ + + ‘May 23, 1810.’ + +In the Slade collection of autograph papers at the British Museum is +preserved this letter:— + + ‘My dear Sir,—Introduced by a friend of the late Chevalier + D’Eon, I attended in the evening of yesterday at lodgings in + two pair of stairs at No. 26 New Milman Street, Foundling + Hospital, and being permitted to inspect the corpse, can assure + you that the late Chevalier, called when living, Mademoiselle + D’Eon, had the visible organs of generation of a male, and + was a very man. Mrs. Cole, with whom he lived for many years, + being as well as the Chevalier aged above eighty, assured me + that it was with the utmost astonishment that she received + the information, just after her companion’s death, that he, a + Mademoiselle D’Eon as she called him, was discovered to be as + I saw him—a man—that she did not recover the shock for many + hours. The above, being interesting to you, as you can have no + doubt of its authenticity, I have sent in writing. The Prince + de Conti, &c. &c. had attended on the same day at the lodgings. + + ‘Yours very truly, + + ‘GEO. SILK, + ‘Notary Public.’ + + ‘Doctors’ Commons, May 27, 1810. + + ‘Robert Slade, Esq.’ + +The body was privately interred in the churchyard of St. Pancras on the +morning of May 28, the coffin being inscribed, ‘Charles Geneviève Louis +Auguste André Timothée D’Eon de Beaumont. Né 17 Octobre, 1727, mort 21 +Mai, 1810.’ + +Before the devastating spade and shovel of the Midland Railway Company +had commenced its work in 1868, to make a cutting through the churchyard +at St. Pancras, a slab, _in situ_, was to be seen bearing this +inscription: + + CHARLES GENEVIEVE LOUISE AUGUSTE ANDRE + TIMOTHEE D’EON DE BEAUMONT, + DIED, MAY 21; BURIED, MAY 28, 1810, + AGED 83 YEARS.[383] + +but, like numerous other monuments, it has disappeared,[384] ‘and the +place thereof shall know it no more.’ + +[Sidenote: APPEARANCE OF THE BODY.] + +A cast was taken after death, of which an engraving was made, and a +tinted engraving of the _torso_, from a drawing by C. Turner, was also +published, with the surgical attestation as to sex. The body presented +unusual roundness in the formation of limbs; the appearance of a beard +was very slight, and hair of so light a colour as to be scarcely +perceptible on the arms, legs, and chest. The throat was by no means +masculine; shoulders square and good; breast remarkably full; arms, +hands, and fingers, those of a stout female; hips very small, and legs +and feet corresponding with arms. + +So early as 1763, D’Eon had a tendency to being round-shouldered, a +deformity induced by much sedentary work, but that did not greatly +increase with years, or interfere with his carriage, which was good. The +low body, in red cloth, lined with coarse canvas, of one of the last +gowns he wore, exhibits dimensions showing the obesity of his condition +at death. + + Circumference at the breast 38 inches. + ” at the waist 31 ” + Depth of centre whalebone in front 16½ ” + ” ” ” at the back, pierced for lacing 14 ” + Diameter of arm-hole 9 ” + +This garment is stiffened with seven whalebones; three being in front, +one upon each side, from arm-pit to waist, and two behind for lacing.[385] + +D’Eon left a holograph will of some length, preceded by a preamble, and +appointed Sir Sidney Smith to be his executor, but the will was unsigned. +The preamble is headed, _Soli Deo Gloria et Honor_, and the testament +commencing, _Mors mihi lucrum_, ends with these four lines:— + + ‘Nu du ciel je suis descendu + Et nu je suis sous cette pierre, + Donc pour avoir vécu sur terre, + Je n’ai ni gagné ni perdu.’ + +The preamble directs:— + + ‘When God will have received my soul, inter my body within the + coffin upon which I sleep. There you will find the articles + with which I wish to be buried, viz., a large woollen blanket + in which to wrap me up according to custom in England. If I + die in London, bury me at St. Pancras near my cousin D’Eon de + Mouloise, who died in 1765 in London, whither he was sent by + the late Count de Broglio to watch over my person and papers. + If I die in Switzerland, I desire to be buried in the garden + of the Hermitage at Friburg. If I die in Paris, I desire to be + buried in the cemetery of the old church of St. Geneviève, my + patroness. If I die at Tonnerre, I desire to be buried in my + mother’s grave. Being in my coffin, place my New Testament near + my heart, and between my hands joined together in supplication, + my Christ, and my Imitation of Jesus Christ, whom I have so + badly imitated.’ + +After bequeathing his estates (?) at Chambeaudon, Tissey, and at the +chapel Flogny, to his native town, Tonnerre, for a certain purpose +distinctly specified, he leaves to his three nephews O’Gorman the sum of +sixty thousand livres, owed to him by their father, his brother-in-law, +the Chevalier O’Gorman. + +[Sidenote: ADMINISTRATION OF EFFECTS.] + +On August 14, 1811, administration of the goods and chattels (value +300_l._) of the Chevalier D’Eon, bachelor, deceased, was granted to +Thomas William Plummer, Esq., the lawful attorney of Lewis Augustus +O’Gorman, residing at Cadiz, the nephew and one of the next of kin of the +deceased. The sale of his library, which included five hundred editions +of Horace (see note, p. 323), was held at Mr. Christie’s rooms on +February 19, 1813, the proceeds amounting to 313_l._ This library and his +own MSS. included all the Chevalier’s possessions. The latter, refused +in all probability by Mr. O’Gorman at Cadiz, on account of the expense +that would be entailed in their transport, appear to have been divided +amongst Père Elisée, Mr. Christie, and others who had most befriended the +destitute exile. + +What further remains to be said of the Chevalier D’Eon will be briefly +and exhaustively done. + +Writing to the Bishop de Langres, Seigneur de Montmorin, D’Eon sums up +very curtly a sketch of himself:— + + ‘Whatever my troubles, I never despair. I am inflexible in + my principles, which I believe to be those of honour and of + virtue. As a rule, I submit myself in all things to the will + of God. Summer succeeds winter, night is followed by day, + after a storm comes a calm! Of what use would my faith be, did + I not live in hope? I will strive to be a man of character, and + practise perseverance, and I shall meet with solace in good + time.’[386] + +Let us now turn to one of his contemporaries and to those personally +acquainted with him, and see what they have recorded. + + ‘This ambiguous creature,’ says Lacretelle, ‘had been by + turns and sometimes simultaneously, a diplomatist, student, + statesman, jurisconsult, and soldier. Few of his contemporaries + devoted themselves so much to study and manly exercise. His + mind was reasoning and profound, without being elegant; he + was of a robust constitution and endured to all kinds of + fatigue; his face was repulsively coarse. Of an unmanageable + disposition, he was a pertinacious quarreller. There was one + blemish in his courage—it was restless impatience that had + constituted him almost a professed duellist.’[387] ‘As a + soldier,’ says his intended biographer,[388] ‘his personal + courage and thorough knowledge of the military profession + had distinguished him on many occasions, and in the art of + fencing his skill was eminently conspicuous. His political + reputation was sufficiently established, not only by the public + missions in which he was employed, but also by the confidential + situations he maintained in the secret correspondence of Louis + XV., whose private protection and support he continued to + enjoy, even during the inveterate persecution he experienced + from the ministers of the French Court. In private life D’Eon + was much esteemed, not only as a man, but during his assumed + character of a woman; and though his natural inclinations, and + the restraint he must ever have felt himself under, on account + of his concealed sex, led him very much into retirement, yet + in those societies where he did mix, his suavity of manner + and obliging disposition always rendered him a welcome guest, + whilst his various attainments, and the discordant characters + he had sustained, gave to his person, especially as a supposed + female, a degree of interest rarely excited by any individual. + The shades in his character were, most inflexible tenacity of + disposition, and a great degree of pride and self-opinion; + general distrust and suspicion of others, and violence of + temper which could brook no opposition. To these failings may + be traced the principal misfortunes of his life; a life of much + labour and suffering, mixed with very little repose.’[389] + +John Taylor had met the Chevalier in his advanced life at Mr. Angelo’s, +when he found that his former captivating manners must have undergone +great alteration, for, although dressed as a woman, he spoke and acted +with all the roughness of a veteran soldier. He was generally considered +to be most intelligent, full of anecdote and fertile conversation, and it +was believed that his name and extraordinary appearance would never be +forgotten. + +[Sidenote: TASTES AND HABITS.] + +As to the tastes and habits of our subject, he certainly through life +eschewed low society of whatsoever class. He was fond of good living, and +in his palmy days kept his cellar well stocked with expensive Burgundies +and Champagnes. He was hospitable and charitable, never forgetting more +especially his poor relations; but it does not appear that he ever had +the generosity to admit a fault to his neighbour, although frequently +confessing his imperfections to God. He was an accepted free-mason at +the Lodge of Immortality at the Crown and Anchor in the Strand, not very +zealous in his attendance. As a woman he rarely left the house except +when socially called, was a confirmed smoker, and no doubt employed +cosmetics and wore feminine garments other than stays, as we are led to +believe by the numerous cuttings of newspaper advertisements he has left +behind. (A small red cross marked every piece of linen.) He spent his +leisure indulging largely in writing, and in the study of his favourite +authors, such as Cicero, Lucretius, Sallust, Virgil, Horace, Ovid, +Juvenal, Tacitus—La Fontaine, Boileau, Racine, and Voltaire—Swift, and +Addison from whom I have found quoted the apothegm that must have been +like salve to his turbulent spirit: ‘A disturbed liberty is preferable +to quiescent slavery.’ He was fond of reading the Psalms, frequently +transcribing passages adapted to his changed condition and circumstances, +and had perhaps realised—but how much too late!—his neglect of the +admonition: ‘Put not your trust in princes’ ... when, in writing his +will, he expressed the hope that he might be able to retire to the +Hermitage at Friburg, there to forget the world, and devote himself +solely to God, ‘alone worthy of his homage.’ + + ‘In religion,’ continues the intended biographer, ‘the + Chevalier was a sincere Catholic, but divested of all bigotry; + few were so well acquainted with the biblical writings or + devoted more time to the study of religious subjects.’ + +[Sidenote: SENTIMENTS ON RELIGION.] + +A few extracts from the voluminous MSS. on sacred subjects in the +Christie collection, should suffice to persuade us that D’Eon had indeed +studied the Holy Scriptures, and faithfully interpreted, generally +speaking, the doctrine of our Lord; but without entirely divesting +himself of some of the teachings of the Church of Rome, upon whose +servants he unsparingly casts obloquy similar to that heaped upon their +successors at the present day, in both hemispheres; for there is no +exaggeration whatever in asserting that it is in Great Britain alone, +where the spirit of ‘fair play’ rules every heart, that the Romish +priesthood enjoys anything like consideration at the hands of its fellow +subjects at large. + + ‘1. I trust that wise measures will be taken for diminishing + the large number of religionists of both sexes, who are + depopulating the State to people monasteries, and that mankind + will at last be persuaded of the preferableness of serving + their King and country, to becoming voluntary eunuchs, + unserviceable to the world, and frequently useless in the cause + of religion. + + ‘2. It is entirely repugnant to common sense, to the Word + of God, and to custom in the primitive church, that public + prayers should be offered up in public places, in a tongue not + understood by those assembled for prayer. + + ‘3. Were every priest, every confessor, an angel upon earth, I + should advise everybody to confess; but as the greater number + are demons, and men-wolves disguised in lamb-skins, I do not + recommend men to do so—still less women—and still less again, + young girls. Let all read the gospels, and especially the + epistles of St. Paul; let them retire into their innermost + chamber, let them confess their sins to God, abase themselves + before Him, repair their faults, and exhort themselves to lead + a better life. + + ‘4. In Catholic countries, priests and apothecaries alike tease + the sick. + + ‘5. I see in the Church of Rome a chronological succession of + the apostles of Jesus Christ, but I do not see the hereditary + succession to their virtues. If Catholic priests are the + precious depositaries of faith, it is to be found on their lips + rather than in their hearts, or else they conceal the treasure + so effectually that it is impossible to discover it in their + conduct. Thus their faith, as well as their charity, is dead + rather than living. + + ‘6. Did religion not exist, independently of priests and monks, + it would have been annihilated long since. + + ‘7. Although he is the head of the Church, the Pope will soon + be obliged to remain satisfied with his spiritual power, and + renounce all temporal power so incompatible with the maxims of + Christ. + + ‘8. Ecclesiastics have no difficulty in reminding themselves + that they are but men, and thus forget they are priests. + + ‘9. The study of the Holy Scriptures cannot be too strongly + recommended, for it is the quickest and safest mode of + becoming acquainted with the New Testament by means of the Old + Testament, and with the Old Testament by means of the New, + which is the fulfilment of prophecy. I have spent a portion of + my life in reading commentaries on the Bible, chiefly those on + the New Testament, and have found that commentators express + themselves a hundred times less lucidly and with less force, + than does the text itself, of the evangelists and apostles. Of + what use, therefore, can be the piles of commentaries in the + libraries of the Vatican, at Paris, Vienna, Madrid, London, + Oxford, Cambridge, &c., except for burning, if they only serve + to guide us by their obscure light, and are pernicious to the + text.’[390] + +About the year 1764 D’Eon wrote:— + + ‘Since the time when I discovered that Love, the comforter of + the human race, the regulator of the universe ... Love, that + ruler of hearts, that soul of our soul, to be worth no more + than a kiss and twenty kicks ... I have never wished for wife + or mistress.’ + +And later, in 1777, upon assuming the garb of a female:— + + ‘... I have never mixed myself up with those fond of dancing + and similar amusements, and have never had anything to do with + people of light character, who conduct themselves indiscreetly, + and give way to their passions, following the maxims of the + world.’[391] + +The most perfect stranger to Charles XII. was Love! They had never +nudged one another! This was not the case with the Chevalier D’Eon, +who resembled Swift perhaps in more ways than one. In Mademoiselle +Constance de Courcelles and the Countess de Rochefort (the latter, by +the way, was a young widow), D’Eon had his Stella (short of wedlock) and +Vanessa. Of the scenes of their love, we know nothing. He may have had a +dozen Varinas, but I very much doubt it. Of Mademoiselle de Courcelles’ +letters he preserved a large packet for twenty years, and it may be, +for longer, after their correspondence had ceased upon his assuming +female attire. The Duke de Nivernois was in the habit of teasing him by +introducing the name of the Countess, but this was the shortest-lived +flirtation of the two, because the Chevalier remained in England and +the Countess resided chiefly in France. Without actually avoiding the +society of ladies, he never sought it—_he could not speak of that he did +not feel_—and was never known, in the course of his career, to have been +engaged in any amorous adventure or affair of gallantry as it was termed, +whether at Court or in the camp, and this in an age when courtiers, like +their sovereigns, were strangely given to profligacy. The old Marquis +de l’Hôpital, an antiquated debauchee, who will be remembered as French +ambassador at St. Petersburg, frequently twitted D’Eon on his cold +temperament, but the latter preferred close application to his duty, +working early and late, with fencing for recreation, to any kind of +unsavoury indulgence. He never sought to wrong the decencies of life. + +[Sidenote: DISPASSIONATE TEMPERAMENT.] + +I am not aware that Swift’s unfeeling treatment of the two women he after +a fashion loved has ever been satisfactorily explained; whereas D’Eon +himself, upon various occasions, assigns to physical causes his state of +insensibility. Two examples will probably suffice:— + + ‘I am sufficiently mortified at being what nature has made + me, and that the dispassion of my natural temperament should + induce my friends to imagine in their innocence, and this in + France, in Russia, and in England, that I am of the female sex. + The malice of my enemies has confirmed all this....’ ‘If the + Great Master of the universe has not endowed me with all the + external vigour of manhood, He has amply made amends by gifting + my head and heart. I am what the hands of God have made me; + satisfied with my weakness, I would not exchange it for the + dangerous strength of Marshal Saxe, even were it in my power to + do so.’[392] + +Most accounts agree, the one being taken from the other, that D’Eon’s +attainments included an acquaintance with ancient and modern languages. +That this was not the case is evidenced by the contents of his library +and the almost complete absence, amongst his MSS., of any note or +quotation except in French or Latin; while forty years’ residence in +England did not suffice to teach him English. + +[Sidenote: REFLECTIONS.] + +A few reflections, written at intervals of time, might assist us in +passing judgment on a life of so rare adventure, for t’were well, if +we would be just, to estimate each touch of character at its true +proportions, for entry whether on the credit or on the debtor side of the +moralist’s ledger. + + ‘1. So long as a kingdom is under the domination of a woman, + all will go well. Why? Because it is then that men will govern. + (Written at St. Petersburg.) + + ‘2. Nothing so much shows the sound judgment of a man, as to + know how to choose between two evils. + + ‘3. Freedom may be preserved, even where there is esteem and + regard. + + ‘4. An energetic will suffices to put into execution an object + in view, but should anything chance to check it, force must + absolutely be resorted to; and when I speak of force, I mean + the force that is to be obtained from the consideration in + which one is held, by those very persons who have occasioned + the wrong sought to be remedied, and of which they cannot + deprive you since it already belongs to you, notwithstanding + any personal dislike they may entertain, and which has arisen + solely because of the opposition to their wishes. + + ‘5. It is the destiny of popular governments to be believed in + only when they make themselves felt; and it is often to their + interest and honour rather to make themselves believed in than + felt. + + ‘6. Power in a people is to be deplored, since they do not + consider themselves answerable even for acts they commit in + spite of us. + + ‘7. Does familiarity with great dangers accustom us to be ready + in resources? Well, do brilliant motives, glory, exertions, + great sights, the destiny of nations in one’s power, raise + humanity and elevate the soul by the vigorous exercise of all + its faculties?’ + +And here we have a reflection after Raphael Aben-Ezra’s own heart! + + ‘8. ’Tis said, truthfully enough, that death makes all men + equal; but it might also be said, with even greater truth, + that it is his origin should humiliate man; for we are nothing + but vile insects, more agile and more fortunate than thousands + of millions of other similar insects, who have succeeded in + insinuating ourselves into worthless vehicles where we have + grown, and where we have become worthy of receiving from God a + soul, that raises us to the dignity of humanity. + + ‘9. The absent are ever in the wrong, and untruths told with + assurance easily silence truths told with disdain. + + ‘10. He who writes is certain to have as many judges as + readers; but among this great number of judges, how many, may + it be said, are really competent? + + ‘11. A master-mind looks upon minor incidents as victims to be + sacrificed to affairs of greater importance. + + ‘12. To be above the caprice of fortune, not to be moved by her + smiles or frowns, is to be high-souled. They who too easily + betray their joy or sorrow, according to circumstances, possess + neither strength of character nor courage, whatever their other + merits. + + ‘13. In France, we can construct perfectly good ships of war, + but we cannot turn out efficient naval officers. This is the + great misfortune in our country, which will ever give to the + English the superiority at sea, through the excellence of + their seamen and naval officers. In England, the son of the + wealthiest and greatest nobleman will commence life as a sailor + in a vessel of war under a good officer—but notwithstanding his + influence, the king of France will never be able to do away + with the prejudices and pride of our nobles, who aspire to + being sea officers without knowing how to sail, even on fresh + water.’ + +[Sidenote: FUGITIVE PIECES.] + +From the first moment when society, not in England only, stood perplexed +at the enigma presented in the person of the Chevalière D’Eon, a variety +of fugitive pieces, some acrimonious, others laudatory, of which she +was the subject, appeared in the public prints on both sides of the +Channel. With the necessarily limited selections for which we can find +space, because we believe they form a fit sequel to the history of our +archetype, we gratefully take leave of the reader, who will have had the +kindness to accompany us thus far. + + +_Verses believed to have been written by an eminent Doctor of Divinity of +the University of Oxford, and addressed to a friend of the Chevalier._ + + Exul ades, nimium felix! tu victima veri, + Causa boni, patriæ facta, D’Eone, tua est. + Curia quondam habuit magnum Romana Catonem: + Majorem sed habet jam Gallicana suum. + + _Political Register_, 1768. + + +_A Mademoiselle —— qui s’était déguisée en homme._ + + Bonjour, fripon de Chevalier, + Qui savez si bien l’art de plaire, + Que, par un bonheur singulier, + De nos beautés la plus sévère + En faveur d’un tel écolier, + Déposant son ton minaudier + Et sa sagesse grimacière, + Pourrait peut-être s’oublier, + Ou plutôt moins se contrefaire. + Mon cher, nous le savons trop bien: + (Le ciel en tout est bon et sage) + Pour un si hardi personnage, + Dans le fond vous ne valez rien. + Croyez-moi: reprenez un rôle + Que vous jouez plus sûrement: + D’un imposteur déguisement + Que votre sexe se console; + Du mien vous faites le tourment; + Et le vôtre, sur ma parole, + Vous doit son plus bel ornement. + Hélas! malheureux que nous sommes! + Vous avez tout pour nous charmer: + C’est bien être au-dessus des hommes + Que de savoir s’en faire aimer! + + M. D’ARNAUD. + _Almanach des Muses_, 1771. + + +_Lines on hearing a greyheaded lady called Miss._ + + In humdrum, ancient days, the pretty name + Of Miss at twenty was exchang’d for _Dame_, + But these wise times to compliment exhort ye, + For modern Misses are full _five-and-forty_. + + ELEVEN’S A NICK. + _The Westminster Gazette_, + October 8-12, 1776. + + +_Quatrain pour le buste de Mademoiselle D’Eon, exécuté par Madame +Falconet._ + + Ce marbre, où de D’Eon le buste est retracé, + A deux femmes assure une gloire immortelle; + Et par elles vaincu, l’autre sexe est forcé + D’envier à la fois l’artiste et le modèle. + + M. BLIN LE SAINMORE. + _Almanach des Muses_, 1781. + + +_Impromptu sur Mademoiselle D’Eon, qui lui a été remis à Londres par M. +Angelo, père, maître d’armes de la famille Royale d’Angleterre._ + + D’EON, ce double habit, qui frappe nos regards, + Semble nous annoncer ton double caractère. + Oui, tu sus dans la paix, au milieu des hazards, + Cultiver d’une main politique et guerrière + L’olive de Minerve, et les lauriers de Mars. + + Ch. MSS. + + +_On Mademoiselle D’Eon’s skill in fencing._ + + A prodigy! this Chevalier, + A most unrivalled peerless Peer + Is surely Monsieur D’Eon; + In arts of peace and war renown’d, + As well as politics profound, + And brave as Cœur-de-Lion. + + In vain may time his page explore, + To find a precedent of yore, + As yet out-done by no man; + Let Britain boast her warlike sons, + Or Asia of her amazons, + While France can boast a woman. + + Both sexes’ admiration thou, + A female and a manly brow, + At once so oddly met; + Say, can ye sages yet decide + Which, best or both, can D’Eon guide, + The camp or cabinet. + + _Old Newspapers._ + + + + +ARGUMENT. + + ‘Toute histoire qui n’est pas contemporaine est suspecte.’—PASCAL. + + +Two events in the career of the Chevalier D’Eon, undisputed by his +contemporaries, but controverted of late years, must ever give cause for +despair to biographers, so long as they seek to determine, by written +evidence alone—(1) That D’Eon went to St. Petersburg for the first +time in 1755, appearing there in the disguise of a female. (2) That he +declared himself to be a female, and permanently adopted female attire in +the year 1777, solely in obedience to the commands of Louis XVI. and his +ministers. + +The objections raised by the non-contents to these earliest traditions is +based uniquely on the complete absence of any documents in their direct +support; how far such documents are indispensable the reader will judge +in the face of much incidental evidence in their favour. + +Boutaric (i. 81), writing in 1866, says: ‘About the year 1755 (_vers_ +1755) was conducted a negotiation (during the interrupted diplomatic +relations between France and Russia), from which the Count de Broglie +was excluded, but wherein took part a personage whose name has become +celebrated, the Chevalier D’Eon.’ It was with no greater precision, that +the Archivist of the Empire was enabled to fix the date of the Chevalier +Douglas’ departure for Russia (no great matter for surprise) seeing that +_neither amongst the national archives, nor at the ministry for foreign +affairs, are to be found any papers whatever relating to Douglas’ first +journey to Russia!_[393] A deficiency, however, that has been supplied +by Vandal (p. 263), and at p. 12 of this book upon the authority of the +British ambassador at St. Petersburg, the arrival at the Russian capital +of the King of France’s secret agent having unquestionably taken place in +October, 1755. That D’Eon went with Douglas appears from several of the +Chevalier’s indirect statements to that effect, and by some fortuitous +but very forcible testimony. + + +D’EON. + + To the Duke de Praslin, August 28, and September 13, 1763. + Appeals earnestly for pecuniary assistance to enable him to pay + off a loan he had contracted _nine years previously_, to enable + him to proceed to Russia on duty for the King, upon his first + journey with the Chevalier Douglas, which was the origin of all + the negotiations of the Court of Versailles with that of St. + Petersburg. (See also ‘Covenant,’ p. 246.) + + In the _Note_ to the Count de Guerchy, 1763, D’Eon styles + himself as having been ‘_sent to Russia with the Chevalier + Douglas for the reunion of the two Courts_,’ and being + afterwards secretary of Embassy at the Court of Elizabeth. + + In the ‘Discours Préliminaire’ to the ‘Lettres, Mémoires,’ + &c., published in 1764. ‘_Towards the end of the year 1755, my + destiny dragged me into diplomacy_, although I was inclined + rather for a soldier’s life.’ + + To Beaumarchais, January 7, 1776. (See pp. 267 and 271.) ‘You + know how I have upon six occasions flown from one end of the + world to the other, travelling night and day, _to hasten in + 1755 and 1756 the reunion of France and Russia_.’ + + Note written in 1776. ‘I know how to conduct myself abroad ... + with the prudence and policy acquired by long experience and _a + residence of twenty-two years in foreign lands_,’ see p. 243. + + To the Count de Vergennes, May 28, 1776. ‘... None but those + concerned were informed of this political intrigue, _commenced + in 1755 by the Prince de Conti and Tercier, and executed by the + Chevalier Douglas and myself only_.’ + + +OTHER AUTHORITIES. + + La Messalière, p. 74. ‘_Douglas awaited at Anhalt the arrival + of D’Eon from Paris_, and on reaching St. Petersburg they + pretended to be merchants of low degree,’ &c. + + Flassan, vi. 110. ‘Woronzoff and _D’Eon were the intermediaries + in the correspondence between Louis XV. and Elizabeth_.’ + + The Marquis de l’Hôpital to the Duke de Choiseul, August 23, + 1760. ‘The services of M. D’Eon in foreign affairs are well + known. _He has not a little contributed to the renewing of the + alliance with Russia._’ + + The Chevalier Douglas to M. Rouillé, St. Petersburg, 1756, ‘I + am very greatly pleased at the arrival of M. D’Eon. _I have + been long acquainted with his intelligence, his zeal, and + attachment to his work._’ + + ‘Gazette d’Utrecht,’ No. xlii., 1757. ‘_M. D’Eon de Beaumont + who has been at work under the Chevalier Douglas, Minister + Plenipotentiary for France, during the whole time of his + negotiations with this Court, &c._ The Empress’ gift of 500 + ducats is the result of the esteem and good-will he has gained + for himself at this Court during his stay.’ _St. Petersburg + Correspondence._ + + The Duke de Nivernois to M. de Bertin, Controller-General of + Finance, October 12, 1762. ‘_M. D’Eon has already been employed + upon several occasions at the Court of Russia, under critical + and most important circumstances._’ + + Royal warrant of August 25, 1775, granting permission to + Mademoiselle D’Eon to wear the cross of St. Louis in female + attire. ‘His Majesty desiring to mark by special favour + his sense of the public and secret services, in war and in + diplomacy, _which the said Mademoiselle D’Eon de Beaumont has + had the good fortune to render during upwards of twenty years, + consecutively, to the late King,’ &c._, see p. 254. + +I would add under this head, for what it is worth, that the anecdotes +related by D’Eon concerning himself in Russia have been taken from a +note-book, ‘Recueil de mes Pensées,’ dated 1754. + +The non-contents maintain, that until he became secretary of Embassy, +nothing was known of D’Eon. I ask in reply: How came a young, untried, +and unknown individual to be appointed secretary to the French Embassy in +Russia, during a crisis in the affairs of the two countries? + +A first incitement to the persuasion that D’Eon’s earliest introduction +at St. Petersburg was in the character of a female, exists in the +portrait by La Tour. When D’Eon was in his twenty-fifth (or more probably +twenty-seventh[394]) year, La Tour was a greatly esteemed and general +favourite; he had painted a full length picture of Louis XV., and +portraits of Madame de Pompadour and many others at Court, and as it +is scarcely credible, from what we know of his circumstances in those +days, that D’Eon was in a position to employ an artist of established +reputation to paint a fancy portrait of himself for himself, and this +apart from his known innate dislike to any such travesty, we perhaps see +personified in the comely young woman at page 14, a representation of _le +petit D’Eon_, as he was expected, by the Prince de Conti, shortly to make +his appearance at the Russian capital. + +In recapitulating his services to the Duke de Praslin (June 5, 1763) +D’Eon showed that when sent to Petersburg by M. Rouillé, in 1756, for +secret and important motives, reasons of policy required that certain +views entertained with regard to himself, and for which he felt some +repugnance, should be abandoned; whereupon he received the minister’s +orders to remain with Douglas until the arrival of the new ambassador. +What but a repetition of the part he played in 1755 is to be understood +from his repugnance to perform duties assigned to him! It was quite +beyond D’Eon’s power to endure from others any allusion to his effeminate +appearance or physical defects, and he studiously eschewed all reference +to his assumption of female attire, by rarely specifying his first visit +to St. Petersburg as having been in 1755, preferring to allude in general +terms to his ‘earliest journeys to Russia.’ Instances there are, as we +have shown, to the contrary, but this was at a time when there no longer +existed any object in concealing the past so very carefully, and when +admission to that effect was only too likely, as he thought, to turn to +his advantage. See p. 247 note, and p. 267. + +It was not his fault, he told the Count de Broglio, if the Princess +Dashkoff assured people in England that he was a female; and it is true +that _after the arrival of that lady in London, fresh reports were +circulated tending to confirm the suspicions already entertained that the +Chevalier was indeed a woman_. + +There is preserved in the public library at Tonnerre a note from the old +Marquis de l’Hôpital to D’Eon, written in a spirit of pleasantry, and +although undated, is obviously of the last half of 1759, or of the first +half of 1760. + + ‘Noon. + + ‘However great my pleasure would be at seeing you, I have + no wish, _ma chère Lia_, to have to reproach myself with + committing another folly. Therefore remain shut up until your + eyes are quite well again.... I shall perhaps call to see you, + some day after to-morrow, so soon as my lame courier will have + left. This will depend upon what the Chancellor is going to do, + and on my fancy. Adieu, _ma belle de Beaumont_. I embrace you. + + L’HÔPITAL.’ + + ‘A Monsieur D’Eon, St. Petersburg.’ + +Could Lia have been the name adopted by D’Eon during his disguise +in 1755, or are we to believe that it was playfully applied by the +ambassador to the secretary suffering from ophthalmia, because ‘Leah was +tender-eyed?’ + +The secret autograph order of Louis XV., dated October 4, 1763 (p. +104), is sufficiently significative, and can only have reference to +the Chevalier’s earliest connection with Russia, because from August, +1756, he was officially recognised as secretary of Embassy, until his +final departure for France in August, 1760, after which he fell ill of +small-pox. Early in 1761 he joined the army in the field, served as +aide-de-camp to the de Broglios throughout the campaign of that year, and +upon his return to France went on leave, whilst awaiting the appointment +of minister plenipotentiary to Russia, which, he wrote to tell his +colonel, the Marquis d’Autichamp, would take him to St. Petersburg for +the fourth time. See ‘Lettres, Mémoires,’ &c. + +Madame Campan had frequently heard the Chevalier repeat to her father, +M. Genest, the contents of Louis XV.’s order, in which that monarch +separated his individuality from the person of the King of France. She +had special opportunities afterwards, as lady-in-waiting to the queen, +for becoming acquainted with D’Eon’s character during his two years’ +residence at the Court of Marie Antoinette and in its precincts, and she +long survived him, dying in 1822; we may therefore legitimately assume +that had his veracity been generally mistrusted, or had she doubted +the existence of such an order, she would assuredly have qualified his +statement, unless she had cause to be satisfied that the order, which it +is pretty certain she never saw, was indeed in the King’s own hand. + +Dutens’ version is to this effect. The King had a secret minister at the +several Courts, who carried out his views without the knowledge of his +ambassador. This was the position at the Court of Russia of the Chevalier +D’Eon, sent thither upon the recommendations of the Prince de Conti, who +was not even aware of his sex. He spent several months at St. Petersburg, +and was clever enough to secure presentation to the Empress Elizabeth in +the character of a female, and conclude in fifteen days an affair upon +which the ambassador had been for a long time engaged. + +The earliest intimation of D’Eon’s somewhat familiar intercourse with +Elizabeth appears in the work of de la Fortelle, of whom the Chevalier +says:—‘Il m’a élevé un monument de gloire dans son grand ouvrage.’ +According to this author, D’Eon was received at the Russian Court in a +secret capacity, and having succeeded in making himself agreeable in +the sight of the Empress, and secured the good-will of her favourite +minister, his consummate tact enabled him to approach the sovereign, +to converse with and gradually interest her, and having secured her +Majesty’s confidence, he prepared her mind to receive impressions +favourable to the cause he had at heart. + +Did D’Eon permanently adopt female attire in 1777, solely in obedience to +the commands of Louis XVI. and his ministers? + +In Kirby’s ‘Wonderful and Eccentric Museum’ is quoted from the ‘Gazette +de Santé,’ a periodical of the day, an article that appeared soon after +the Chevalier’s decease, and which we feel bound to give at length. + + It is singular enough that while all Europe was making a + woman of this dubious character, there existed in Paris many + unimpeachable witnesses who would have vouched for his manhood + long before it was put in question. We have had the following + details from the Baron de Cleybrocke, who has authorised us to + publish them:— + + ‘The Chevalier D’Eon received his first education at M. + Tarnier’s, the schoolmaster, Rue de Nevers, Paris; there was + in that school an usher, M. Vicaire, since rector of the + University, and previously tutor to young Cleybrocke, to whom + he had often affirmed, when the question was started in London + on the sex of the Chevalier, that he had many a time conducted + D’Eon to bathe with his other scholars, and was positive that + he was a man. What reason then could have induced Government + to condemn a soldier who had obtained military orders, and + a respectable diplomatic character, to assume the dress of + a woman, when his boldness, his propensities, his constant + habits, his love intrigues, and even his beard and his figure, + gave the lie to his dress! Some politicians think that they + have found the reason of this strange conduct on the part of + the Government in the means that intriguing character had made + use of to succeed in his secret diplomacy, and which were + such, they say, that the discovery of his real sex might have + lowered the dignity of the French Government, and disturbed + the peace, as well as sullied the honour of many families, in + which D’Eon had been received with that unbounded confidence + which women grant to a woman only. They strengthen their + opinion by the report current in Paris, when the Chevalier was + ordered to assume female attire, that he had the alternative + of obeying, or ending his days in the Bastille, in consequence + of the irregularities he had committed under cover of the sex + to which he had pretended to belong, to ensure the success + of his secret diplomatic negotiations. This conjecture is + still further confirmed by the testimony of two of his former + schoolfellows, who, on hearing a report which they were + positive was unfounded, were impelled by curiosity to visit + D’Eon. They found him in bed. “What will you have me do?” said + he, when they had explained the object of their visit; “they + have ordered me to be a woman, and I wear petticoats by command + of the King.”’ + +From this kind of declaration D’Eon never swerved, always maintaining +that he was forced to pass for a woman, and it will be remembered +that when resisting the pressure put upon him by Beaumarchais, he +reminded that unyielding negotiator that it was Louis XV. and the Duke +d’Aiguillon, Louis XVI. and the Count de Vergennes, and the de Guerchy +family who demanded his metamorphosis. + +The theory put forward by Gaillardet, that D’Eon himself confirmed the +general belief in his being a female, is based upon two passages in +letters to Beaumarchais: ‘I admit with pleasure, although with the +pain, the shame, and the tears that the avowal and admission of my own +weakness have wrung from me,’ and, ‘I have made known to you the mystery +of my sex.’ That Beaumarchais seriously believed D’Eon to be a woman +is beyond any manner of doubt, but that D’Eon confessed so much to him +spontaneously, the idea having emanated from himself, is anything but +proved, if proof rests solely on the above two short extracts. Dutens, +styled by D’Eon, ‘mon honorable ami,’ and who was well acquainted +with Beaumarchais (‘j’ai beaucoup connu Beaumarchais’), was told by +the dramatic writer that he was perfectly assured of the sex of the +extraordinary woman—but that was all! And he relates, as he had heard it, +the cause which led to the Chevalier’s change of sex. + +The Countess de Guerchy attributed the death of her husband to grief, +consequent upon the ridicule with which he had been covered by the +Chevalier D’Eon, and she warned the Count de Maurepas that if D’Eon dared +to land in France, her son should await him at Calais to fight him, and +if her son fell, she had a son-in-law ready to take his place. Greatly +amused at hearing this, D’Eon was reported to have said: ‘Very well, I +will put an end to all this. I declare I am a woman.’ Unfortunately, +Dutens does not give his authority for this story, the latter part of +which is entirely inconsistent with the impatience we have seen exhibited +by D’Eon to fight young de Guerchy, and to afford him the opportunity for +avenging his father. + +If we look at the order of Louis XVI., dated August 25, 1775, instructing +Beaumarchais to recover the papers out of D’Eon’s hands, we find the +latter named in the masculine gender; and although Beaumarchais +distinctly individualises D’Eon as being a woman, in none of de +Vergennes’ despatches is he spoken of otherwise than as if he were a +man, and that minister goes so far as to say that if the Chevalier would +disguise himself—‘si M. D’Eon voulait se travestir’—all should be well. +(See p. 239.) + +The author of the attractive and somewhat laborious work, ‘Beaumarchais +et son Temps,’ calls attention to the piquancy in D’Eon’s letters to +Beaumarchais, acting admirably, as he does, the part of a woman concealed +under the guise of a man; at the same time adopting an ambiguous style, +as if with the view of making it clear at any such time eventually as +his fraud would be discovered, that he had been duping so astute a man +as the author of ‘Le Barbier de Seville,’ and that whilst duping him, to +his face, he was also making fun of him, without his being sensible of +it. On the other hand, Beaumarchais amused himself at the expense of the +love-sick _vieille dragonne_, becoming the more confirmed in his error, +as D’Eon continued to counterfeit the wrath of an offended old maid. + +The Chevalier’s letters to Louis XVI. (Ch. MSS.) make it sufficiently +clear that the King could not have been positively assured on his +sex. In one letter D’Eon informs his Majesty that he continued to +maintain silence in respect to his position, which was so singular and +extraordinary, as to be without parallel in ancient or modern history. +He had kept his secret profoundly, because it was the secret of secrets +of the late King, and he entreated his Majesty either to allow two +Councillors of State, in whom he had implicit confidence, to write down +his depositions and the proofs to them, before he returned to France, or +permit him to publish his defence. + +In another letter, the King is told that the question of sex will soon be +decided, after the Court will have restored the honour and money due to +him. ‘I can then think of settling down, and in marrying, make known to +which sex I belong.’ + +In a third letter, the Chevalier points out that negotiations for his +return to France were conducted from 1770 to 1775, and that his letter +to the Count de Broglio of January 1775, was sent under flying seal to +the Count de Vergennes, to enable that minister to become well acquainted +with the validity of some of his arguments, and communicate them for his +Majesty’s consideration. + +Lacretelle, Taylor, and others, are unable to account for the Chevalier’s +change of sex, otherwise than that it was produced by some unexplained +intrigue, and that he was directed by the French Government to appear as +a woman, for reasons which have never been satisfactorily determined. +Voltaire wrote, that the whole affair puzzled him. He was unable to +picture to himself either D’Eon, or the ministers of his day, or the acts +of Louis XV., or what was passing then (1777). He knew nothing of any of +them. In returning, however, to the pages of Madame Campan, we seem to +find the key to the situation. + + ‘This strange personage,’ says that lady, ‘had for a long time + solicited permission to return to France, but it was considered + necessary to spare the family (de Guerchy) he had offended + the insult it would feel were he to make his appearance; he + was therefore compelled to resume the costume of a sex to + which everything is forgiven in France. Anxiety to see his + native country no doubt influenced him in submitting to such + a condition; but he had his revenge, for, whilst wearing a + gown with its long train, and a triple row of sleeves, he bore + himself and behaved like a grenadier, giving himself an air of + unmistakable vulgarity.’ + +Might not every secret in which this mystery was involved have been +hidden in the _valise_ containing ‘papers that had belonged to the King +and Court,’ given to the French minister plenipotentiary by D’Eon, on +February 1, 1792? (See note, p. 264, p. 324.) + +The Count de Vergennes, the minister immediately responsible for the +ludicrous innovation, confessed to Beaumarchais his concern lest D’Eon +should make his appearance in France as a man, his enemies being on the +alert, and not likely to forgive him easily for all he had said of them; +and when writing to the Chevalier, two years later, he impressed upon him +the conditions, should he think of returning to his native land. (See p. +283.) + +The question has also arisen—Granted that D’Eon was obliged to appear as +a woman, by command of King and ministers, such being the stipulation +for his receiving the royal grant of twelve thousand livres, annually; +why, after the fall of the monarchy and having lost all by the French +Revolution, did he continue in the anomalous character of a female? +We, in England, are able to understand, that to one who had spent so +many years of his life in this country, and had become familiar with +the sentiments and susceptibilities of English men and women, there was +no choice. It had long been known and admitted that the Chevalière had +been treated by French ministers with peculiar harshness, and she was +seen to be reduced to absolute want at the advanced age of sixty-four! +Under circumstances such as these, he must have felt that so long as +he was believed to be a female, commiseration and assistance were to +be expected; but to declare himself a man, after having adopted female +attire and been admitted into the intimacies of female society over a +period of sixteen years, would have been to expose himself—to summary +castigation? That he did not fear; but to what would have been dreaded +infinitely more than famine by one with his antecedents—the ridicule and +scorn of all who knew anything about him; and so he elected to continue +to the end of his days, dressing, writing, and speaking as if he were a +woman, but otherwise conducting himself in all respects with the freedom +belonging to a man. + +We adhere to our engagement not to judge the individual who presents +such startling episodes in his life, and contrasts in his character. +It has hitherto been his fate to be classed, it may be said, amongst +the adventurers of which the last century was sufficiently prolific; +these pages will perhaps assist to remove him out of that order and +place him where he should stand—alone, as a physiognomical marvel. We +would in a measure plead for him, in Johnson’s words in behalf of poor +Goldsmith—‘Let not his failings be remembered’—for his faults were but +failings. Of this victim to envy, malice, and all uncharitableness, we +have read clearly enough how sinned against he was, far more than he had +ever himself sinned against others. All he suffered he had to endure +for serving an ungrateful King too faithfully, oblivious that _promesse +des grands n’est pas héritage_, while his attachment to his country +was sublime, entitling him amongst his countrymen at home to Florian’s +epitaph, + + Il vécut toujours _en Angleterre_, + Mais son cœur fut toujours ici. + +Loyal beyond compare, he ever continued true to one and the other, +frequently under unexceptionably trying circumstances, repeating and +again repeating: ‘Comme Français, je puis regarder le sacrifice de ma +fortune comme la dette de mon amour pour le Roi. Comme militaire et +Chevalier de Saint Louis, je dois même lui sacrifier ma vie; mais pour +celui de mon honneur, il n’est pour personne!’ + + + + +WORKS AND PUBLICATIONS BY THE CHEVALIER D’EON DE BEAUMONT. + + +Eloge de Marie d’Est, Duchesse de Penthièvre. In the _Année Littéraire_. + +Eloge du Comte d’Ons-en-Bray, Président de l’Académie des Sciences à +Paris. In the _Année Littéraire_. + +Situation de la France par rapport aux Finances sous le règne de Louis +XIV. et la Régence du Duc d’Orléans. 1753. 8vo. + +Mémoire sur la Vie et les Ouvrages de Lenglet Dufresnoy. In the _Année +Littéraire_, 1755. + +Considérations Historiques sur les Impôts des Egyptiens, des Babyloniens, +des Perses, des Grecs, des Romains, et sur les différentes situations de +la France, par rapport aux Finances, depuis l’établissement des Francs +dans la Gaule jusqu’à présent. 2 tomes. 1758. 12mo. + +Les Espérances d’un bon Patriote (dans une lettre à M. Fréron, et publiée +dans son _Année Littéraire_, 1759, tom. vi.). + +Note remise à son Excellence Monsieur le Comte de Guerchy, par Monsieur +le Chevalier D’Eon. 1763. + +Lettres, Mémoires et Négotiations Particulières du Chevalier D’Eon, +Ministre Plénipotentiaire de France auprès du Roi de la Grande Bretagne; +avec Mrs. les Ducs de Praslin, de Nivernois, de Sainte-Foy, et Regnier de +Guerchy, etc. etc. Vita sine litteris mors est. A Londres, M.DCC.LXIV. In +4to and 8vo. + +Pièces Relatives aux Lettres, Mémoires et Négotiations Particulières du +Chevalier D’Eon, Ministre Plénipotentiaire de France auprès du Roi de la +Grande Bretagne, contenant La Note, Contre-Note, Lettre à Mr. le Duc de +Nivernois, et Examen des Lettres, Mémoires, etc. A Londres, M.DCC.LXIV. +8vo. + +Pièces Autentiques pour servir au Procès Criminel intenté au Tribunal +du Roi d’Angleterre par le Chevalier D’Eon de Beaumont, Ministre +Plénipotentiaire de France, contre Claude Louis François Regnier, Comte +de Guerchy, Ambassadeur Extraordinaire de France auprès de Sa Majesté +Britannique. Le trône a-t-il été pour vous associé à l’iniquité? Vous +qui vous servez de l’autorité qui vous a été conférée pour exercer des +injustices. A Londres, 1765. 12mo. + +Dernière Lettre du Chevalier D’Eon à M. le Comte de Guerchy, en date du 5 +Août 1767, avec l’extrait de la Procédure en bonne forme. Le sacrifice de +ma vie a été et sera pour mon roi et ma patrie; celui de mon honneur ne +sera pour personne. A Londres, 1767. 4to. + +Les Loisirs du Chevalier D’Eon de Beaumont, Ancien Ministre +Plénipotentiaire de France, sur Divers Sujets importans d’Administration +etc., pendant Son Séjour en Angleterre. Eruditio inter prospera +ornamentum, inter adversa refugium.—LAERTIUS. A Amsterdam, M.DCC.LXXIV. +13 tom. 8vo. + +Recueil des Pièces relatives aux Démêlés entre Mademoiselle D’Eon et M. +de Beaumarchais, imprimées à Londres, 1778. 12mo. + +Epître aux Anglois dans leurs tristes Circonstances présentes. 1788. 8vo. + + +MSS. + +Vade Mecum, ou Dictionnaire Portatif de la Créance des Saints Pères, +puisé dans les livres mêmes des Ministres Protestans. Divisé par +Chapîtres et digéré par ordre alphabétique. Ou, Manuel des Chrétiens +catholiques; ou Nomenclature Théologique. pp. 454, 8vo. + +Mémoires, Documens, Remarques, Extraits et Notes Instructives, recueillis +par la Chevalière D’Eon, pour servir à la Vie du Comte de Vauban né le 12 +Mai 1633, mort Maréchal de France, à Paris, le 30 Mars 1707, âgé de 74 +ans. + +La chevalière D’Eon s’est occupée long-tems de ce grand Travail; mais +ses anciennes Occupations militaires, politiques et littéraires, sans +compter les querelles d’Allemans et la guerre civile et incivile qu’elle +a soutenue pendant des longues années en Angleterre, ont consommé et +consumé ses plus belles années. Après 36 ans de Travaux militaires et +politiques, elle ne se trouve pas assez riche, et elle est trop vieille +aujourd’hui, pour entreprendre et finir un Ouvrage aussi savant et aussi +considérable etc. etc. etc. + + + + +APPENDIX. + + +They who have seen the face of the _eiserne jungfrau_ in the dread +dungeon of the Inquisition at Nuremberg, even though by the lurid light +of the keeper’s candle-stuffs, will experience little difficulty in +figuring to themselves the habitual expression of the Chevalier D’Eon’s +features, where every sentiment implanted by nature and conveyed in the +open face, intelligent eyes, and well-shaped nose, was subjugated by the +agitated spirit of sarcasm and disdain that kept rippling, as it were, +out of the spacious brow, and overspreading the otherwise attractive +countenance. + +In the various portraits herewith described, the Chevalier or Chevalière +D’Eon is represented in female attire except in those marked *. + +1. Angelica Kauffmann after Latour. Francis Haward, R.A., sculpsit +(_mezzo-tinto_) published (by the engraver), January 18, 1788, from the +picture in the collection of George Keate, Esq. + +Carola Genovefa Louisa Augusta Andrea Timothea D’Eon de Beaumont, Knight +of the Royal and Military Order of St. Louis, Captain of Dragoons and the +Volunteers of the Army, Aide-de-Camp to the Maréchal Duke and Count de +Broglio, Minister Plenipotentiary from the King of France to the King of +Great Britain in 1763. Born at Tonnerre, October 5, 1728. Painted in her +twenty-fifth year. (See p. 14, from a photograph by C. Prætorius.) + +To represent D’Eon de Beaumont as a Chevalière of the Royal and Military +Order of Saint Louis at the age of twenty-five, is an anomaly. The cross +in this picture may have been introduced by Angelica Kauffmann[395] when +she copied La Tour’s portrait, or it may have been added many years after +its execution, by La Tour himself, before Angelica Kauffmann saw it. His +biographer gives authority for such a conjecture where he says: ‘Towards +the close of his life, the mind of this artist began to give way. He +vitiated a large number of his works by retracing them, under the pretext +that in a portrait everything should be sacrificed to the head.’ + +2. *Mackenzie sc. LE CHEVALIER D’EON (beardless). + +3. Printed for S. Hooper, 25 Ludgate Hill, 25 January, 1771 +(_mezzo-tinto_, full length). The Discovery or Female Free-mason, Lady +Charles Louis Cezar Augustus Alexander Timotheus D’Eon de Beaumont +(here follow style and titles) and accepted free-mason at the lodge of +Immortality at the ‘Crown and Anchor’ in the Strand. + +4. *Huquier, pinxt; Burke, fect. Published as the Act directs, August 7, +1771, by I. Wesson. THE CHEVALIER D’EON. (See p. 208, from a photograph +by C. Prætorius.) + +5. Published as the Act directs by S. Hooper, Ludgate Hill, 20 March, +1778 (_mezzo-tinto_). Represented as Minerva, with lance and shield, +upon the latter this legend: At nunc dura dedit vobis discrimina Pallas. +On one side: Impavidam ferient ruinæ. A long inscription in English, +concludes: Læsæ sed invictæ Palladi, per bella, per acta publica +in patriæ suæ honorem et famam inclytæ, cujus virtutes nec inimici +vituperare, pauci homines imitari possunt. Exul mi Deone, ne quidem ossa +patria habeat! In perpetuum amoris monumentum offerebant amici sociales +milites. + +6. Dessiné et Gravé par J. B. Bradel d’après nature et les Originaux +communiqués par Mademoiselle D’Eon à ce Seul Artiste. Charlotte Geneviève +Louise Auguste Andrée Timothée D’Eon de Beaumont (here follow style and +titles) Ætatis 35.[396] A la Mémoire des Héroines Françoises, Jeanne +D’Arc, Jeanne Hachette, etc. etc. + +7. Frontispiece to ‘La Vie Militaire, Politique et Privée de Mademoiselle +D’Eon de Beaumont, etc.’: by de la Fortelle, 1779. LA CHEVALIÈRE D’EON DE +BEAUMONT, Née en 1728. + +8. A. Stöttrup sc. 1779. Same as 7. + +9. Painting in oils, life size. CHEVALIER D’EON, 1782. (See Frontispiece, +from a photograph by Arthur King.) + +In a short biographical notice of the Chevalier D’Eon, dated 1812 (?), +at the back of this canvas, allusion being made to the trial on sex +policies, it is asserted—‘Sir Joshua Reynolds was in Court during the +trial and requested the Chevalier to pay him a visit, which he did in +female attire on 4 August, 1777, when this Sketch was taken of the +Chevalier by Sir Joshua, and presented by him in 1782 to his friend Sir +Wm. Chambers.’ + +According to this statement, the signature to which is indistinct, +the sketch of the Chevalier was taken when in his fiftieth year, and +completed in 1782, the date inscribed by the artist to the left of the +figure, whilst the Chevalière, then in her fifty-sixth year, was residing +in France! + +This picture is now the property of General Meredith Read, New York, +U.S.A. + +10. Dupin (Pierre?) artist and engraver. +Charles-Geneviève-Louis-Auguste-César-André-Timothée D’Eon de Beaumont, +née à Tonnerre, en 1728 (here follow style and titles). A Paris chez +Esnauts et Rapilly. + +11. Peint par Ducreux, de l’Académie Impériale et Royale de Vienne. Gravé +par Cathelin, de l’Académie Royale de Peinture et Sculpture à Paris. Læsæ +sed invictæ Palladi. Name, style, and titles close with.... plus célèbre +encore par sa Vertu que par son nom. Pensionnaire de Louis XV. et de +Louis XVI. Née à Tonnerre, le 5 8ᵇʳᵉ, 1728, Ætatis 58. + +12. Cosway, R.A., 1787. Thos. Chambers sculpsit. Published July 12, 1787. +LA CHEVALIÈRE D’EON. + +13. Painted by Robineau. Engraved by V. M. Picot. From a picture of +Robineau’s in the possession of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. +Published June 20, 1789, by V. M. Picot. Dedicated by Permission to His +Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. The assault or Fencing-Match which +took place between Mademoiselle La Chevalière D’Eon de Beaumont and +Monsieur de Saint-George, on the 9th of April, 1787, at Carlton House, +in the presence of His Royal Highness, several of the Nobility, and many +eminent Fencing Masters of London. + +14. J. Condé delin. et sculp. LA CHEVALIÈRE D’EON, née à Tonnerre, le 5 +8ᵇʳᵉ, 1728. + +15. Published by I. Sewell, March 1, 1791 (for the ‘European Magazine’). +Same as 14. + +16. Medallion portrait. Vigil audax—by J. Condé, published June 24, 1791, +upon the occasion of the entertainment given by the Managers of Ranelagh +for the benefit of the Chevalière D’Eon ... deprived of a considerable +part of her fortune by the odious detention of a deposit. Minerve +Gauloise, née a Tonnerre, le 5 8ᵇʳᵉ, 1728. Proprio Marte Tuta. The French +artist who engraved this plate designed it for a monument of English +generosity and French gratitude. + + Dic mihi, Virgo ferox, cum sit tibi cassis et hasta, + Quare non habeas Ægida? Cæsar habet. + Pax est fœminei generis, dat fœmina pacem; + Quæ Bellona fuit nunc Dea pacis erit. + +17. Dance, R.A., 26 May, 1793. Engraved by William Daniell, August 15, +1810. THE CHEVALIÈRE D’EON. This profile, to the left, was drawn at the +request of Mr. W. Seward, F.R.S. + +18. Robert Cooper sculp. Published July 2, 1810, by J. Bell, Southampton +Street, Strand. Engraved for La Belle Assemblée. Same as 14. + +19. From a Cast taken after death. Engraved by C. Turner from the Cast +taken May 24, 1810, in the presence of J. C. Carpuc, Esq. and Dr. +Pearson. Published June 29, 1810, by C. Turner. THE CHEVALIER D’EON. + +A tinted engraving of the _torso_, from a drawing by C. Turner, was +published with the surgical attestation (see p. 331) by C. Turner, June +14, 1810. This print was never sold publicly, and was not to be obtained +without an order from a magistrate. + + +CARICATURES. + +In September 1777 was executed for the ‘London Magazine’—Mademoiselle +de Beaumont, or the Chevalier D’Eon. Female Minister Plenipo., Capt. of +Dragoons, etc. etc.—a full-length figure, the right half being a lady +holding a fan, and the left half a man in uniform, with hat under the arm. + +In Paris was published a print similar to the above, illustrating both +sexes, inscribed—Dédié aux dragons de l’armée. + +Another sketch that appeared in London, in 1778, represented the right +half of a dragoon, with drawn sword in hand, back to back with the right +half of a lady. + + Hail! Thou production most uncommon, + Woman half-man and man half-Woman! + +In a caricature, by Gillray, of the Assaut d’armes at Carlton House in +April 1787 (see pp. 308, 367), we see ‘the Chevalière D’Eon making a +successful thrust and hitting Saint George in his right arm. A railing +divides the combatants from a highly select audience, in which the Prince +of Wales occupies the post of honour, while Mrs. Fitzherbert sits on his +right hand, and a crowd of political and fashionable worthies exhibit the +greatest interest in the contest.’ + +Other ludicrous drawings of this fencing-match made their appearance at +about the same time. + +Needless to observe that the Chevalière D’Eon did not escape being made +the subject of foul and obscene illustrations, in the same way in which +it had become the fashion to treat the most distinguished and highest in +the land! + + + + +FOOTNOTES + + +[1] Accused of being a fanatic, Eon de l’Estoile was committed to prison +by the Council of Rheims on March 22, 1148, and died a few days later of +the ill-treatment to which he was subjected by those in whose charge he +was placed. See De Bois de la Chesnaye’s _Genealogical Dictionary_, for +the D’Eon family. + +[2] Ch. MSS. 161. + +[3] Ch. MSS. + +[4] De la Fortelle, 126. + +[5] Ch. MSS. + +[6] Rede’s _Anecdotes and Biography_. London, 1779. + +[7] Valcroissant obtained his liberty after a twelvemonth’s confinement, +through the instrumentality of D’Eon. _Lett. Mém._ &c. 1, 5. + +[8] _Russia Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[9] Gaill. 373-377. + +[10] This correspondence, arranged by Woronzoff and D’Eon, was not fully +commenced until 1757. See _Mémoire_ on the Secret Correspondence in +Russia, 1757-1774, by the Count de Broglio. Boutaric, ii. 465. + +[11] D’Eon to the Count de Vergennes, May 28, 1776: _Archives des +affaires étrangères_. Gaill. 23. D’Eon to Louis XVI.: Ch. MSS. 861. + +[12] _Russia Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[13] See Argument. + +[14] _Russia Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[15] Campan, i. 190 + +[16] Note Book, dated 1754: Ch. MSS. + +[17] Elizabeth was much prepossessed in favour of the English. Being a +great admirer of their fashions, and wishing to introduce them at her +Court, she had dolls sent to her in the various dresses worn, and which +were fitted by Miss Church of St. James’s Street. + +[18] _Russia Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[19] A tradition exists to the effect that Count Woronzoff’s palace in +the Sadovaya Oulitza, St. Petersburg, now occupied by the Corps des +Pages, was constructed with English guineas. Later, in 1758, the count +received a gratuity of fifty thousand roubles from Louis XV. + +[20] In acknowledging the receipt of despatches of May 12 and 18, brought +to Paris by Michel the merchant, M. Rouillé warmly congratulates Douglas, +in the name of the King, by letter dated June 18, on the distinction +with which he had been received by the Ministers of Russia and even the +Empress herself.—Copies of _French Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[21] _Russia Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[22] _Lett. Mém._ &c., iii. 6. + +[23] Copies of _French Correspondence_ in _Russia Correspondence_, Public +Record Office. + +[24] Prince Tcheckbatoff says of Apraxin: The field-marshal was entirely +devoid of military talents. Whilst awaiting orders at Riga he astonished +the people by his display of wealth, and when moving with the army +indulged in all the comforts and luxuries to be found only in a large +city, and this in the midst of the sound of arms or in fatiguing marches. +His tents extended over the space of a small town, five hundred horses +being required to transport his baggage. Apraxin was a heavy, unwieldy +man, fond of ladies’ society. Apraxin is described by Sir Hanbury +Williams as very corpulent, lazy, luxurious, and certainly not brave. + +[25] M. Wolkhoff to D’Eon, April 15/27, 1757. _Lett. Mém._ &c. iii. 6. +_Gazette d’Utrecht_, xiii. 1757. + +[26] D’Eon to the Count de Broglio, June 12, 1775: _Archives des affaires +étrangères_. Gaill. 71. + +[27] _Lett. Mém._ &c. i. 48. + +[28] Boutaric, i. 222, 223. + +[29] Poutaric, i. 86, 224. Vandal, 307. + +[30] _Napoléon I. auteur du testament de Pierre le Grand_: par G. +Berkholz. (Bruxelles, à l’Office de Publicité, 1863.) + +[31] Terms not understood. + +[32] _Lett. Mém._ &c. iii. 9. + +[33] Vandal, 327. + +[34] _Russia Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[35] This is the fifth or sixth minister who is anxious to make my +fortune. Fortune, however, unhappily wears a wig, and is continually +slipping away from my grasp. The next time we meet I shall seize her by +the hair.—Note by D’Eon. + +[36] _Lett. Mém._ &c. iii. 11. + +[37] De la Fortelle, 33. + +[38] Note-book, dated 1754: Ch. MSS. + +[39] Loménie, i. 414. + +[40] Ch. MSS. In his _Mémoires Secrets_, &c. (London, 1781), Petit de +Bachaumont states that D’Eon was sent as fencing-master to the Grand-Duke +Peter, who had wished for one; a piece of information he obtained in all +probability from the Count de Guerchy, who told George III. a similar +story. He adds that D’Eon was at the same time entrusted to arrange +with the grand-duke for the reception of a French ambassador at St. +Petersburg; as manifest an absurdity, there being at the Russian Court no +person more hostile to French interests than Peter. + +[41] La Messalière, 77. + +[42] _Lett. Mém._ &c. iii. 14. + +[43] Gaill. 74. + +[44] _Lett. Mém._ &c. iii. 15. + +[45] An English version of portions of this work appeared in the +_Political Register_ for 1766, &c. + +[46] Vandal, 348 _et seq._ + +[47] Duke de Choiseul to Count Bernstorff, July 29, 1759. ‘Si j’étais +maître,’ de Choiseul used to say, ‘nous serions vis-à-vis de l’Angleterre +comme l’Espagne vis-à-vis des Maures; si l’on prenait ce parti, +l’Angleterre serait détruite d’ici à trente ans.’ Louis XV. thought +differently. + +[48] Private, from the Duke de Choiseul to the Marquis de l’Hôpital, +October 2, 1759. Vandal, 360. + +[49] D’Eon to Louis XVI.: Ch. MSS. 861. + +[50] D’Eon to Beaumarchais, January 7, 1776. Gaill. 406. + +[51] Secret instructions to the Baron de Breteuil, April 1, 1760. +_Affaires étrangères_, Vandal, 373. + +[52] Ch. MSS. + +[53] Vandal, 265 _et seq._ + +[54] Flassan, vi. 289. + +[55] Flassan, vi. 190. + +[56] A distinguished physician at the French Court, sent by Louis XV. to +attend upon the Empress, who had complained to the King of her physical +sufferings. + +[57] _Lett. Mém._ &c. iii. 17. + +[58] _Lett. Mém._ &c. iii. 19-20. + +[59] De la Fortelle, 40. Writing under the persuasion that D’Eon was of +the female sex, Flassan, vi. 110, says:—‘Woronzoff and D’Eon were the +intermediaries in the correspondence between Louis XV. and Elizabeth.’ +Capefigue, _Louis XV. et la Société du XVIIIᵐᵉ Siècle_, Paris, 1842, +says, iv. 32: ‘By means of his renown, D’Eon was enabled to accomplish +the most delicate and most difficult missions ... his correspondence with +Louis XV. is eminently remarkable ... he was chiefly instrumental in +arranging the treaty of alliance between France and Russia.’ + +[60] French ambassador at Vienna, afterwards created Duke de Praslin. + +[61] _Lett. Mém._ &c. iii. 24. + +[62] Louis XV. to the Count de Broglio, May 31, 1761. Boutaric, i. 265. + +[63] De Broglie, i. 384. + +[64] See _Scots Mag._ vol. xxiii. for Marshal de Broglio’s account of +this action. + +[65] _Lett. Mém._ &c. i. 145. + +[66] D’Eon to the Duke de Choiseul, January 12, 1764, and MS. notes. +_Lett. Mém._ &c. i. 145. + +[67] Louis XV. to Marshal de Broglio. De Broglie, i. 438. + +[68] I would here say what I have said to my generals, that the +success of this little enterprise is due chiefly to the Chev. de la +Tulley, Captain of the de la Ferronaye dragoons, and to M. Casette, +formerly Lieutenant of the d’Autichamp dragoons. Note by D’Eon, _Pièces +Relatives_, &c. 31. + +[69] The Count de Broglio to Louis XV., February 19, 1762, and March 24, +1758. De Broglie, ii. 5; i. 300. + +[70] The Marquis de l’Hôpital had retired the preceding autumn. + +[71] Louis XV. to Tercier, June 1, June 19, July 28, 1762. Boutaric, i. +274, 275, 277. D’Eon received a gratuity of three thousand livres from +the King (probably as a salve to the disappointment he must have felt at +missing promotion). Louis XV. to Tercier, August 31, 1762. _Ibid._ i. 278. + +[72] D’Eon to the Count de Broglio, July 1, 1762. De Broglie, ii. 105. +Peter III. was assassinated July 14, 1762. + +[73] Madame Campan, the contemporary who notices the employment of D’Eon +as reader to Elizabeth, employs the term _lecteur_. I do not know on what +equally reliable authority the duke uses the word _lectrice_. + +[74] De Broglie, ii. 607. I have not been able to consult the original +work. + +[75] Peter III. + +[76] _Lett. Mém._ &c. i. 382. + +[77] Countess Catherine Woronzoff was the maiden name of this lady. + +[78] _Lett. Mém._ &c. i. 104. + +[79] _Lett. Mém._ &c. MS. notes, 99, 101. + +[80] The Duke de Choiseul, during whose ministry (1764) the Jesuits were +expelled from France, the Order being wisely suppressed by Clement XIV. +in 1773. + +[81] _Lett. Mém._ &c. MS. note, i. v. Junius taunts the Duke of Grafton +on his wife’s infidelity. This lady, a daughter of Lord Ravensworth, +obtained a divorce from the duke in 1769, and was afterwards married to +the Earl of Ossory. + +[82] The Duke de Nivernois to the Duke de Praslin, January 12, 1763. De +Broglie, ii. 107. Gaill. 92. + +[83] _European Mag._ vol. xiv. + +[84] The Duke de Nivernois to the Duke de Praslin, October 2, November +14, 1762. _Lett. Mém._ &c. i. 246. + +[85] The signatories were—the Duke of Bedford, the Duke de Praslin, and +the Marquis Grimaldi. + +[86] D’Eon left London with the ratifications of the definite treaty on +February 23rd, and delivered them to the Duke of Bedford on the 26th. +_France Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[87] The Duke de Nivernois was little aware that he was saying a great +truth. Note by D’Eon. + +[88] The Duke de Nivernois Correspondence. _Lett. Mém._ &c. + +[89] The Duke de Nivernois Correspondence. _Lett. Mém._ &c. + +[90] _France Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[91] January 8, 1763. _Lett. Mém._ &c. iii. 74. + +[92] The Duke de Nivernois Correspondence. _Lett. Mém._ &c. + +[93] _Mém. de la Chevalière D’Eon._ Gaill. 115. + +[94] De Pompadour. + +[95] Ch. MSS. 951. + +[96] De Broglie, ii. 105. + +[97] Written _circa_ 1806. The Count de Broglio died in 1781. + +[98] Ch. MSS. 814, 767. ‘Preamble to Will.’ + +[99] This highly esteemed order, instituted in 1693 by Louis XIV., fell +in abeyance in 1830. + +[100] The presents, valued at fifty thousand crowns, consisted of his +Majesty’s portrait set in diamonds, a costly Savonnerie carpet, and +superb Gobelin tapestry. They were shown by Lord Bute to the King, who +considered they were magnificent, and the letter charming. + +[101] De Broglie, ii. 97. + +[102] Boutaric, i. 295. + +[103] July 27, 1763; _ibid._ i. 297. + +[104] ‘His brain of whipped cream enclosed within a head of Rouen +porcelain, relates pleasantly a quantity of tittle-tattle, accompanied +by little nothings.’—D’Eon on the Duke de Choiseul. Ch. MSS.: ‘Comparing +what has passed between the Duke de Choiseul and us at different times, +there does not appear to have been the same frankness and veracity in the +latter part of this negotiation as we had hitherto experienced in that +minister.’—Duke of Bedford to the Karl of Egremont, Paris, February 16, +1763. _France Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[105] _Tête de dragon._ + +[106] May 17, 1763. De Broglie, ii. 119. + +[107] Boutaric, i. 293. + +[108] Regnier, Count de Guerchy, was frequently admitted into the +private apartments of the Pompadour. He never missed the opportunity for +replacing on her foot her fallen slipper, or carrying her candlestick to +her small boudoir or private closet. Such little services were of great +weight in the mind of de Pompadour and of every Messaline at Court. Ch. +MSS. ‘Preamble to Will.’ + +[109] Gaill. 117. The Duke de Broglie maintains (_Le Secret du Roi_, ii. +138) that not a word of this pretty tale can be accepted as true—in the +first place, because in the year 1763, de Pompadour, already in failing +health, enjoyed in appearance only the honours to which she had been +accustomed; and because the discovery of the secret by de Pompadour, on +becoming known to Tercier, would have been immediately communicated by +that gentleman to the Count de Broglio, amongst whose papers is not to +be found the least trace of any reference to so important an incident. +The duke’s assumptions, unsupported by counter-evidence, do not appear to +justify his unqualified rejection of the story. His Grace deplores more +than once the want of other papers, for the absence of which he is unable +to account. + +[110] Later, in the Musée des Souverains. + +[111] _Mém. de la Chevalière D’Eon._ Gaill. 117. + +[112] _France Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[113] D’Eon to the Count de Broglio, July 21, 1763. De Broglie, ii. 125. + +[114] Treyssac de Vergy to the Duke de Choiseul, p. 25. _Pièces +Relatives_, &c. + +[115] De Praslin, who was exceedingly lean, took a great dislike to fat +people. The first time he saw Favier, secretary to the Count de Broglio, +a man of stout proportions, he said, ‘You appear to me to be a worthless +fellow, for you are very fat.’ This fat and a good appetite was the cause +of all that worthy man’s misfortunes at the hands of Praslin.... The +best thing he can do to recover the good graces of the duke is to die of +consumption. Note by D’Eon. See Boutaric, for de Praslin’s persecutions +of this man. + +[116] The Duke de Nivernois Correspondence. _Lett. Mém._ &c. + +[117] A Testament _ab irato_ is one drawn up under the influence of +choler; it is not only null and void according to custom and written law, +but it is rescinded and destroyed in the Parliament of Paris. Note by +D’Eon. + +[118] ‘Eight’ in 4to. and 8vo. editions of _Lett. Mém._ &c.; altered by +D’Eon to ‘nine.’ Ch. MSS. + +[119] De Broglie, ii. 122. + +[120] The mistress of the Prince de Conti, and aspiring to be his wife. +Walpole describes her as being an Anglomane. + +[121] Ch. MSS. 977. + +[122] _Lett. Mém._ &c. i. + +[123] _France Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[124] Autograph letter. Boutaric, i. 298. + +[125] Campan, i. 190. + +[126] De Broglie, ii. 139. + +[127] D’Eon MSS. Gaill. 128. + +[128] _France Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[129] Ch. MSS. 782. + +[130] ‘You will see by my letter of yesterday that I was aware of the +Sieur D’Eon’s recall....’—Louis XV. to Tercier, October 12, 1763. +Boutaric, i. 299. It seems clear enough that the order of recall did not +originate with the King. How just were the Chevalier’s conclusions! + +[131] Ch. MSS. 789, 769, 946. + +[132] Ch. MSS. + +[133] _Lett. Mém._, &c. xxxiii. MS. notes. + +[134] No authorised duel had taken place in France since the reign of +Henri II., when La Châteigneraie was killed in single combat with Jarnac. +A decree of the Legislative Assembly, dated September 17, 1792, abolished +prosecution for duelling, and rescinded all punishments for duels fought +after July 14, 1789. Since 1832-33, the Court of Cassation has decreed +death at a duel to be murder anticipated by the law. + +[135] ‘High words arose at a nobleman’s house in Great George Street +between two foreign gentlemen, and some hard expressions dropping, a +challenge ensued; but the company present interposing, and a party of the +Guards being sent for, further mischief was prevented.’ _Scots Magazine_, +vol. xxv.; _Daily Advertiser_, October 28, 1763, and other newspapers. + +[136] _Note_, &c. 16. + +[137] _Lettre d’un Français à M. le Duc de Nivernois à Paris_ (October +1763, by M. Goudard.) 2. _Lettre à M. de la M——, Ecuyer_, &c. (by M. +Treyssac de Vergy, November 19, 1763) D’Eon sent copies to the Duke de +Choiseul, ‘that he might have an idea of the real liberty enjoyed in +England.’ + +[138] The Count de Guerchy to the Duke de Choiseul, November 12, 1763.—De +Broglie, ii. 151. + +[139] See p. 76 for these terms. + +[140] D’Eon acquits the Countess of having had any part in the plot +against his life. Of a house rendered illustrious by its virtues and +courage, she would never have consented to such an act. Was she to be +reproached for having married an unknown poisoner? She was, perhaps, +to be reproached for avarice and ugliness, but for this, nature was to +blame. As for her soul it was pure and Christian.—‘Preamble to Will.’ Ch. +MSS. + +[141] Ch. MSS. 737. + +[142] Boutaric, i. 299-310. + +[143] Boutaric, i. 302, 303. + +[144] Boutaric, i. 302-304. + +[145] De Broglio, ii. 148. + +[146] Ch. MSS. 786. + +[147] _France Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[148] Ch. MSS. 669. So late as September 1764, the Chevalier made a +declaration before his friend Sir John Fielding, and other magistrates, +to the effect that with the support of a band of men he was retaining for +the purpose, he should resist by force any attempt on the part of the +French constables to kidnap him. The house, 32 Brewer Street, remains +unchanged. + +[149] _Lett. Mém._ &c. i. 109. + +[150] ‘D’Eon has replied by putting it (the order) into his +pocket.’—Louis XV. to Tercier, December 30, 1763. Boutaric, i. 310. + +[151] Boutaric, i. 307. + +[152] Boutaric, i. 309. + +[153] _France Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[154] Old newspapers. + +[155] See p. 53. + +[156] The Count de Broglio to Louis XV., December 6, 1763. De Broglie, +ii. 155. + +[157] Chevalier, or as he was sometimes called Doctor, O’Gorman, related +to the Thomond family, was married in 1757 to D’Eon’s sister, whose dowry +was a valuable property in Burgundy. O’Connell maintained he had thereby +spoiled his pedigree. Roche, who was well acquainted with him, describes +his stature as exceeding six feet five inches. O’Gorman spent his time +in genealogical studies, when not more profitably employed in Ireland, +selling the produce of his wife’s vineyards. + +[158] _Lett. Mém._ &c. i. 124. + +[159] De Broglie, ii. 153. + +[160] See p. 119. + +[161] _Note remise à Son Excellence Monsieur le Comte de Guerchy, par +Monsieur le Chevalier D’Eon_ (November 30, 1763). + +[162] Lines on the Duke de Choiseul, to whom D’Eon was much attached, +written after his exile:— + + ‘Dans ses traités et dans sa vie + Régnent la droiture et l’honneur; + L’Europe connaît son génie, + Et les infortunés son cœur. + Comme tout autre dans sa place, + Il dut avoir des ennemis; + Comme nul autre, en sa disgrâce + Il acquit de nouveaux amis.’—(Ch. MSS.) + +[163] _Contre-Note ou Lettre à Monsieur le Marquis L——, à Paris_ (by M. +Goudard, December 1763). + +[164] Ch. MSS. + +[165] Ch. MSS. 667. + +[166] Walpole to the Earl of Hertford, March 27, 1764, and more besides +in a letter to Charles Churchill, Esq., March 27, 1764. + +[167] D’Eon to the Duke de Nivernois, February 15, 1764, and to the Duke +de Choiseul, same date. Gaill. 163. + +[168] See p. 76. + +[169] Colonel Nardin had been employed by Louis XV. to watch over the +security of D’Eon and his papers. + +[170] According to the terms of the late treaty, the town and port +of Dunkirk were to be restored to the state fixed by the treaty of +Aix-la-Chapelle and other treaties, and particularly the lunette should +be destroyed immediately after the exchange of ratifications, as well as +the forts and batteries which defended the entrance from the sea. The +work proceeded so slowly, that it was considered it would take seven +years to complete; eventually all the fortifications were demolished by +September 1764. + +[171] This offer amounted to 20,000_l._ + +[172] Boutaric, i. 313. + +[173] Louis XV. to Tercier, December 30, 1763; March 25, 1764. Boutaric, +i. 311, 316. + +[174] Louis XV. to Tercier, December 30, 1763. _Ibid._ 311. + +[175] ‘This letter was addressed to the Rev. Father Loris, Rue du Regard, +and was sent to me by his Majesty on April 5, 1764.’ Endorsement in the +hand of Tercier. Loris was probably a fictitious name. _Ibid._ 317. + +[176] ‘The Sieur de Nort will leave for England as soon as he receives +my orders to that effect through the Count de Broglio, and he will +strictly comply with the instructions he will receive from him in my +name, and in behalf of my service, so that he may be guided in his +proceedings, whether as regards the Sieur D’Eon, or the Count de Guerchy, +my ambassador. He will also execute whatever he may receive by word of +mouth, or in writing, from the Sieur Tercier on this subject, and will +preserve the most profound silence on this mission towards everybody, +without any exception, but the persons above named.’—Louis XV. to M. de +Nort, Versailles, April 9, 1764. Boutaric, i. 319. + +[177] In 1769, after the destruction of the Bastille, D’Eon wrote a +letter to Lord Stanhope, as President of the Revolution Society, and +presented him with a stone from its ruins. + +[178] Plans for the invasion of England. + +[179] The Marquise de Pompadour died April 15, 1764, ‘d’une maladie de +cœur,’ says Guizot. + +[180] _Mém. de la Chevalière D’Eon_, Ministère des affaires +étrangères.—De Broglie, ii. 173. + +[181] ‘The foreign ministers agreed, as to be sure you have been told, +to make Monsieur de Guerchy’s _cause commune_.’—Walpole to the Earl of +Hertford, April 20, 1764. See _Pièces Relatives_, &c. p. 218. + +[182] ‘I do not wish that any steps should be taken to arrest the +judicial proceedings commenced.’—Louis XV. to Tercier, May 1, 1764. +Boutaric, i. 322. + +[183] May 15, 1764. _Mém. de la Chevalière D’Eon._—De Broglie, ii. 174. + +[184] _Examen des Lettres, Mémoires, et Négotiations Particulières +du Chevalier D’Eon, Ministre Plénipotentiaire de France auprès du +Roi de la Grande Bretagne, dans une Lettre à M. N——_, 1764, pp. 52. +Goudard received twenty guineas from the ambassador for his work, and +was arrested at the instance of Becket, printer, in the Strand, for +non-payment of expenses! + +[185] Ch. MSS. + +[186] Ch. MSS. + +[187] De Guerchy’s treatment of D’Eon de Mouloise, lieutenant of cavalry, +a cousin of D’Eon, one of the secret agents sent by Louis XV. to watch +over the safety of the Chevalier and his papers, was scandalous and cruel. + +[188] Lords of the Treasury to Lord Halifax, May, 1, 1764.—_France +Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[189] Lord Halifax to Lord Hertford, July 5, 1764.—_France +Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[190] D’Eon to the Count de Broglio, June 8, 1764.—Ministère des affaires +étrangères. De Broglie, ii. 175. + +[191] When in Paris Walpole saw this beast, which he declared to be a +wolf of enormous proportions. + +[192] Ch. MSS. 480. + +[193] This was a singular case of kidnapping. The Marquis de Fratteau had +been carried out of France and imprisoned in Spain on account of some +family quarrel, but having made his escape, he fled to England. On March +27, 1752, a marshal’s court officer called at his apartments in London, +and presented a writ. Having consulted the French pastor, who recommended +him to go quietly, since some mistake had surely been made, he did so. +Upon his disappearance becoming known, Justice Fielding granted a warrant +on the supposition that the marquis was murdered, and an application was +also made to prevent his being carried out of the kingdom. It was all +to no purpose, for he was put on board of a small vessel at Gravesend, +conveyed to Calais where he was landed during the night of the 29th, and +thence sent on to the Bastille.—_Scots Magazine_, xiv. 212. + +[194] _The Times_, May 26, 1810, and old newspapers. + +[195] Ch. MSS. + +[196] _Gentleman’s Magazine_, vol. xxxiv. and old newspapers. + +[197] De Guerchy left for France under pretence of reviewing the regiment +of which he was colonel. + +[198] _France Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[199] _France Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[200] _Scots Magazine_, vol. xxvi.; from London papers. + +[201] _Gentleman’s Magazine_, vol. xxxv. It was absurdly reported that +D’Eon was to be delivered to France in exchange for Wilkes. + +[202] _Lettre aux Français, par M. Treyssac de Vergy, en réponse à une +Note, Contre-Note, etc., et servant à la justification de M. D’Eon_: +Londres, 16 Décembre, 1763. + + _Dicere verum quis vetat,_ + _Spectatum admissi risum teneatis amici?_ + +Londres: Se vend chez W. Nicoll, St. Paul’s Churchyard. + +[203] _Seconde Lettre à Monseigneur le Duc de Choiseul, Ministre et +Secrétaire d’Etat en France; par M. Treyssac de Vergy, Avocat au +Parlement de Bordeaux_. ‘_Solventur risu tabulæ, tu missus abibis._’ +Hor.—1764, pp. 38. De Vergy was sworn before William Bridgen Major, Lord +Mayor of London, by George Schuts, Notary Public, on October 11, 1764, +that he was the author of two letters in manuscript addressed to the Duke +de Choiseul—which letters, with the attestations of the Lord Mayor and +Notary Public, were afterwards published for general circulation. + +[204] _France Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[205] The interlineations were in sympathetic ink. + +[206] The French ambassador had been in France on leave of absence. + +[207] Boutaric, i. 322. + +[208] _France Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[209] _France Correspondence_, Public Record Office. + +[210] Afterwards minister under Louis XVI. + +[211] Boutaric, i. 334-337. + +[212] Louis XV. to Tercier, January 14 to February 6, 1765. Boutaric, i. +334-339. De Broglie, ii. 188. + +[213] Ch. MSS. + +[214] _Gentleman’s Magazine_, vol. XXXV. + +[215] David Hume was doing duty as secretary of Embassy in Paris. + +[216] The Count de Broglio to Louis XV., March 22, 1765. De Broglie, ii. +194. + +[217] This arrangement requires explanation. At the time of the Hugonnet +incident, de Broglio, full of concern lest the history of the secret +correspondence, in which he was the most prominently concerned, should +become generally known, and rather than that any such other accident +should occur, expressed to the King his readiness to proceed to London, +and to guarantee, by a mortgage on his own estates, the annual pension +to D’Eon of 12,000 livres, by way of effectually obtaining from him the +desired papers. Louis XV. had the meanness to approve of this security on +his royal word, and this proposed settlement being communicated to the +Chevalier, he readily acquiesced, save that he required the mortgage to +extend to the estates of the countess, which were larger than those of +her husband. + +[218] D’Eon to the Count de Broglio, April 1, 1765. De Broglie, ii. 194. + +[219] The Duke and Duchess of Burgundy, father and mother of Louis XV., +died of the measles (?) within six days of each other; it was long +believed they had been poisoned. + +[220] Preamble to Will. Ch. MSS. + +[221] Letter 387, April 22, 1765. + +[222] D’Argental’s words to de Vergy as they appear in the brochure, +p. 25, are: ‘Je l’ai assuré [de Guerchy] que vous vous prêteriez à ses +projets; et que, suivant les circonstances, vous vous serviriez aussi +bien de l’épée que de la plume.’ + +[223] _Political Register_, September 1767. _London Evening Post_, and +other old newspapers. The Duke de Broglie gives a different account of de +Guerchy’s extrication out of his difficulty. + +[224] D’Eon to the Duke de Choiseul, July 4, 1767, published with +_Dernière Lettre du Chevalier D’Eon à M. le Comte de Guerchy, &c._ + +[225] The seat of Humphrey Cotes, Esq. + +[226] Ch. MSS. 695. + +[227] _Ibid._ 298. + +[228] July 22, 1765. De Broglie, ii. 198. + +[229] _Archives des affaires étrangères._ Gaill. 182. De Broglie, ii. 204. + +[230] These papers were afterwards lodged with Earl Ferrers. + +[231] _France Correspondence_, Public Record Office. John Rice, a London +broker, having absconded in December 1762, was arrested at Cambray, and +being taken to England was tried for forgery, convicted, and executed at +Tyburn the following May. + +[232] Ch. MSS. 36. + +[233] See p. 77. + +[234] De Broglie, ii. 199. + +[235] Preamble to Will. Ch. MSS. Of de Guerchy’s father D’Eon relates +the following anecdote: At Madame de Sévigné’s house in Paris one +evening, the guests entertained each other by telling their dreams of the +preceding night. ‘I dreamt’, said the old count, who was a very wealthy +man, ‘that I was the Golden Calf.’ ‘J’en suis persuadée,’ observed the +hostess, ‘il n’y a que la dorure de trop.’ + +[236] _Dernière lettre du Chevalier D’Eon à M. le Comte de Guerchy, en +date du 5 Août, 1767, avec l’extrait de la Procédure en bonne forme_ [qui +a été imprimé en un vol. in 4to en 1765, le Comte de Guerchy étant alors +Ambassadeur de France à Londres]. _Le sacrifice de ma vie a été et sera +pour mon roi et ma patrie; celui de mon honneur ne sera pour personne. A +Londres, 1767._ The words in brackets are in D’Eon’s hand, on the copy +consulted by the author. + +[237] De Vergy’s body, enclosed in a leaden coffin, was kept at the +undertaker’s in Church Street, St. Ann, and not interred at St. Pancras +_until the following March_! He desired that his remains should be +removed to the family vault at Bordeaux, but his widow, although in easy +circumstances, persisted in refusing to supply the necessary funds. + +[238] By the untimely death of this nobleman in the hunting-field, in +March 1767, the Chevalier lost a kind and sympathetic supporter. He was +the author of the epitaph inscribed on the Marquis’ tomb at Chenies. + +[239] _Archives des affaires étrangères._ Gaill. 388. + +[240] October 7-9, 1766. + +[241] Paper of October 23-25, 1766. + +[242] Dr. Musgrave had practised in Paris, and was known for the +publication of some tragedies of Euripides. ‘A weak and credulous man.’ +He died in 1780. + +[243] Solicitor to her Majesty the Queen, and later, Lord Chief Justice. + +[244] _Gentleman’s Magazine_, vol. xxxix. + +[245] The charges were declared in Parliament to be ‘frivolous’; yet Lord +Camden was not to be persuaded, even when years had passed, that there +had been no foundation whatever for them. + +[246] _European Magazine_, 1791. + +[247] _Gentleman’s Magazine_, vol. xxxix. + +[248] B.M. MSS. + +[249] An incident in Spanish affairs further explained by D’Eon in his +letter to the Count de Broglio of July 7, 1774, which see. + +[250] Louis XV. to the Count de Broglio, May 5, 1768. Boutaric, i. 354, +361. + +[251] _Les Loisirs du Chevalier D’Eon de Beaumont, ancien +Ministre Plénipotentiaire de France, sur divers sujets importants +d’Administration, &c._, 13 vols. 8vo., Amsterdam, 1774. + +[252] _The Public Advertiser_, March 21, 1774. + +[253] _London Evening Post_, July 21-23, 1774. + +[254] _Records of my Life_, i. 338. London, 1832. + +[255] The Count de Broglio had been at the head of the Secret +Correspondence Department since the death of Tercier in January 1767. + +[256] B.M. MSS. + +[257] March 25, April 16, May 7, 1771. These letters, all in cypher, were +addressed to M. Koppfing, banker, Rue Quincampoix, Paris. _Archives des +affaires étrangères._ Gaill. 190. + +[258] Of June 20, 1771. + +[259] On June 29, 1771. + +[260] London, July 5, 1771. _Archives des affaires étrangères._ Gaill. +194. + +[261] May 11, 1772. Boutaric, i. 430. + +[262] _European Magazine_, vol. xix. The Falkland Islands were taken +possession of by Captain Byron in 1765, and garrisoned in the following +year. Spain demanded their evacuation in 1769, which, not being complied +with, the English in occupation were attacked and made prisoners. War was +averted by the King of Spain disowning the acts of his commander. + +[263] For this name, see p. 175. + +[264] De Broglie, ii. 556, note. + +[265] Angelo, ii. 53. + +[266] This letter, dated September 24, 1773, was signed William Wolff. +Gaill. 197. Boutaric, ii. 442. + +[267] Ch. MSS. 734. + +[268] Louis XV. died May 10, 1774. His three daughters were more +familiarly known as nicknamed by their father, _Loque_, _Chiffe_, and +_Graille_, interpreted into English, as Rag, Tag, and Bobtail. + +[269] _Hist. des Français_, xxix. 507. Dutens, ii. 55. _Vie privée de +Louis XV. &c._ iv. 195. + +[270] Ch. MSS. 117, 961, 975, 948. + +[271] May 23, 1774. This letter is not in Boutaric. It was found amongst +the count’s papers by the Duke de Broglie. De Broglie, ii. 525. + +[272] See p. 185. + +[273] The Count de Broglio to Louis XVI., May 30, 1774. Boutaric, ii. 392. + +[274] De Broglie, ii. 533. + +[275] This minister was admitted to the secret correspondence of Louis +XV. in 1755, on appointment as ambassador at Constantinople. + +[276] Spanish ambassador in London. + +[277] Louis XV. + +[278] See p. 77. + +[279] July 7, 1774. Boutaric, ii. 434. + +[280] This was the largest pension about to be conferred upon any of the +secret agents, with one exception, that of General Mokronosky, ‘a Polish +patriot,’ who was awarded twenty thousand livres a year. + +[281] La Chalotais, _procureur-général_ of the Parliament of Brittany, +arrested on a charge of having written seditious letters to the King. +Although falsely accused, he was exiled by Louis XV., but recalled and +reinstated by Louis XVI. + +[282] Ch. MSS. 859. + +[283] _London Evening Post_, April 18-20, 1775. + +[284] Containing a detailed statement of his claims. + +[285] Boutaric, ii. 444-445. + +[286] ‘The Campaigns of the Sieur Caron de Beaumarchais in England +during the years 1774, 1775 and 1776; or, a Summary of what preceded and +followed the singular proceedings of M. Caron de Beaumarchais during his +pretended Negotiations in London with the pretended Chevalier D’Eon de +Beaumont.’—_Mém. de la Chevalière D’Eon_, ii. 179. _Archives des affaires +étrangères._ Gaill. 218. + +[287] Madame Dubarry became the favourite of Louis XV. in 1769, five +years after the death of de Pompadour. According to Boutaric the title of +the pamphlet was: _Secret Memoirs of a Courtesan_. + +[288] The King’s head valet enjoyed the privilege of being in constant +communication with the sovereign, frequently playing the part of a spy at +Court. The coveted office was held in the preceding reign by the Marquis +de Termes, who was in great favour with Louis XIV. + +[289] Morande gave up six thousand impressions of this pamphlet, the +whole of which, with one exception, were destroyed in a glass-house at +_Marybone_. The one copy preserved was cut into two parts, one part being +kept by Beaumarchais, the other by Morande, for the purpose of verifying +other editions should the issue of them be attempted. Had any appeared, +Morande would have forfeited his pension. + +[290] _Beaumarchais et son temps_, i. 416. + +[291] June 21, 1775. Loménie, i. 419. + +[292] _Archives des affaires étrangères._ Gaill. 214. + +[293] Morande. + +[294] Beaumarchais to the Count de Vergennes, July 14, 1775. Gaill. 231. + +[295] August 26, 1775. Loménie, i. 421. + +[296] Beaumarchais to the Count de Vergennes, October 7, 1775. Loménie, +i. 422. + +[297] Note by D’Eon, written in 1776(?). + +[298] ‘Dictated by M. de Beaumarchais, then corrected by him and the +Chevalier D’Eon.’—Note by D’Eon. + +[299] ‘Father and uncle.’ + +[300] ‘Seeing that his/her (_son sexe_) sex has been proved by witnesses, +physicians, surgeons, matrons and legal documents.’—Inserted in the +margin by D’Eon and cancelled by Beaumarchais. + +[301] Tardy admission of the justice of D’Eon’s claims against the State, +vainly urged during many years. + +[302] ‘That I have already worn upon several occasions known to his +Majesty.’—Inserted by D’Eon and cancelled by Beaumarchais. + +[303] See p. 185. + +[304] ‘This Covenant was not actually signed until November 4, after the +return of Beaumarchais, who had brought from Paris the instruments of his +authority. But M. D’Eon having been born on October 5, 1728, and as the +said Covenant endowed him with an existence conformable to his sex, M. de +Beaumarchais wished to pay Mademoiselle D’Eon the compliment of dating +this document, which was to her a sort of new baptismal certificate, with +the same date as that of her birth.’—Note by D’Eon. + +[305] Gaill. 399. + +[306] From a leaflet printed in English and French for circulation by +D’Eon, who added: ‘N.B.—This judgment given by the King himself serves +to authenticate the justice of Chevalier D’Eon’s cause, and ought not to +leave him a single enemy under the reign of Louis XVI., when the choice +of ministers seems to characterise the monarch’s virtues, and to proclaim +that the brave and virtuous citizen is assured of a protector.’ + +[307] One English and ten French ladies are decorated with the cross of +the Legion of Honour at the present time. + +[308] Gaill. 402. + +[309] _Morning Post and Daily Advertiser_, &c., November 10-11, 1775. + +[310] _Morning Post and Daily Advertiser_, &c., November 13-14, 1775. +_The Morning Post_, established in 1772, was already having a large +circulation. + +[311] Gaill. 249. + +[312] The Count de Broglio remained passive. ‘He is not a genius of the +first water, but lively, and sometimes agreeable,’ said Walpole, who met +the count in Paris, to the Hon. H. S. Conway. + +[313] Loménie, i. 428, 518. + +[314] The Chevalier’s debt to Lord Ferrers was represented as amounting +to 5,333_l._ minus interest, &c. Beaumarchais paid the earl about +5,000_l._, and gave a bill for the balance, which, however, he failed to +meet. D’Eon stated his liabilities to be 13,933_l._ + +[315] It is certain that D’Eon did not deliver every paper of importance. +Having dined with M. Hirsinger, French Chargé d’Affaires, on February 1, +1792, she consigned to that minister ‘a _valise_ containing papers of the +Court and King.’—_Journal for 1792._ D’Eon MSS. B.M. + +[316] Gaill. 414. + +[317] Loménie, i. 432. + +[318] Madame de Courcelles to D’Eon, January 1, 1776. Gaill. 396. + +[319] February 3, 1776. B.M. MSS. + +[320] _Déclaration qui prouve que les Sieurs Morande et de Beaumarchais +voulaient absolument, et malgré le Chevalier D’Eon, s’établir une fortune +par les polices sur son sexe._ B.M. MSS. ii. 341. + +[321] This, and subsequent correspondence between Beaumarchais, D’Eon, +and the Count de Vergennes was published under the title:—_Pièces +relatives aux démêlés entre Mademoiselle d’Eon de Beaumont, Chevalière de +l’Ordre Royal et Militaire de Saint-Louis, et Ministre Plénipotentiaire +de France, &c., et le Sieur Caron dit de Beaumarchais, &c._, 1778 (12mo). +B.M. MSS. ii. 341, and reproduced in de la Fortelle’s latest edition +(1779) of _La Vie Militaire, Politique, et Privée de Mademoiselle, &c., +D’Eon de Beaumont, &c._ + +[322] _The Westminster Gazette_, August 6-10, 1776. + +[323] Gaill. 196. + +[324] _Public Ledger_, August 24, 1776. + +[325] Beaumarchais to D’Eon, August 18, 1776. Loménie, i. 518. + +[326] _Archives des affaires étrangères._ Gaill. 292. + +[327] Le Gueux would have been a more suitable name, as the sequel will +show. + +[328] _Gentleman’s Magazine_, vol. xliv. + +[329] _Scots Magazine_, vol. xxxix. + +[330] Campan, i. 190. + +[331] Ch. MSS. + +[332] _Archives des affaires étrangères._ Gaill. 296. + +[333] Preamble to Will. Ch. MSS. + +[334] This was the prelate who supported the curé of Saint-Sulpice in his +refusal to inter the remains of Voltaire. + +[335] Marie Louise, daughter of Louis XV., was received into the Convent +of St. Denis. + +[336] Ch. MSS. 954, 1,154. + +[337] Daughters of M. Genest, at whose house the Chevalière was residing. + +[338] I will quote from one among the several sensational descriptions +of D’Eon’s personal appearance, scarcely thinking it necessary to remind +the reader that she was not a colonel, nor had she been at Fontenoy. ‘... +He was at the period referred to about forty-seven years of age, tall +and muscular, swarthy, sunburnt, weather-beaten, scarred, having been +wounded in several engagements, since, as a youth of fifteen, he began +his career at Fontenoy.... For many years this bold colonel of dragoons +has been known as the Chevalier Eon de Beaumont.... From under the shade +of his thick shaggy eyebrows gleam a pair of bright bold-looking eyes +... in his triple row of ruffles, _mantelet à la reine_, and _bonnet à +la baigneuse_ surmounting a row of grizzly curls, he looks a very odd +figure of fun.’—_French Court and Society, Reign of Louis XVI. and First +Empire_, by Catherine Charlotte, Lady Jackson. 1881. + +[339] Gudin, quoted by Loménie, i. 417, says it was ‘une voix de femme.’ + +[340] _Gentleman’s Magazine_, vol. xlviii. _Scots Magazine_, vol. xl. + +[341] In allusion to Beaumarchais’ early apprenticeship. + +[342] _Pièces Relatives_, &c. 243. + +[343] _An Epistle from Mademoiselle D’Eon to the Right Hon. L——d M——d, +C——f J——e of the C——t of K——g’s B——h, on his determination in regard to +her sex._ London, 1778. + +[344] See Appendix. + +[345] March 17, 1777. + +[346] Ch. MSS. + +[347] Ch. MSS. 719. _European Magazine_, 1791. + +[348] Bibliothèque de Tonnerre. Gaill. 310-316. + +[349] Bibliothèque de Tonnerre. Gaill. 307. + +[350] Ch. MSS. + +[351] A drawn battle was fought between Keppel and d’Orvilliers off +Ushant, in July 1778, previous to which the French admiral in command +of the combined squadrons of France and Spain, consisting of sixty-five +ships of the line, besides frigates, &c., had ridden master of the +Channel for a considerable time. + +[352] This unpublished letter, dated Rue de Noailles, Versailles, +February 8, 1779, in the Egerton Collection at the B.M., appears to be +the original. At the top of the first page is written in another hand: +‘Parler à M. le Comte de Vergennes.’ How did it get into the Egerton +Collection? + +[353] Ch. MSS. _Courier de l’Europe_, November 9, 1784. + +[354] Of Kavenmally, near Newport, Monmouthshire. Lord Mount Edgecumbe +humorously observed one day, that ‘D’Eon was her own widow!’ + +[355] Robineau, a French artist, executed a painting on this subject, +from which a print was published. + +[356] Ch. MSS. Old newspapers. + +[357] D’Eon played Mr. Phillidor at another great match on April 13, +1793. Phillidor, a composer of music, was one of the greatest chess +players who ever lived, and founder of a school which has proved itself +second to none. He died almost literally in a garret. He was the author +of a _Treatise on Chess_, 1749. + +[358] This sale was held on May 24, 1793. + +[359] To the Public. An Historical Account of the Facts, Motives, and +Reasons which lay Mademoiselle la Chevalière D’Eon under the necessity of +making, in her lifetime, a public sale of all she possesses in London, +_in order to satisfy and pay her creditors, before her departure_ for +Paris.—_Justitiæ Soror Fides!_ + +[360] Earl Ferrers had rebuilt the mansion of Staunton Harold according +to a plan of his own, and lived to see it nearly finished. + +[361] This lady was put upon her trial for bigamy. + +[362] His lordship’s superintendent. + +[363] His lordship’s secretary, residing at Loughborough. + +[364] See p. 262. + +[365] _Morning Post_, April 23-27, 1787. + +[366] Ch. MSS. + +[367] ‘I am a great friend to these public amusements, sir,’ said Dr. +Johnson, (who often went to Ranelagh, which he deemed a place of innocent +recreation) to Boswell; ‘they keep people from vice.’ And a few years +later we read of Walpole’s four nieces being at Ranelagh the night of the +Gordon riots, together with the Duke of Gloucester. + +[368] Catalogue of sale. + +[369] By a strange contradiction, D’Eon purchased later in the year, at +Christie’s rooms, the Mead and Douglas collections of Horace in 8vo, 4to, +and folio; for which she paid 100_l._, having herself assisted in the +preparation of the catalogue. + +[370] _Scots Magazine_, vol. liv. _Gentleman’s Magazine_, vol. lxii. + +[371] M. Beauvais, _père_, Jermyn Street, January 12, 1793. Ch. MSS. + +[372] Beaten at Nerwinde, on March 18. It was said of this general under +the Republic: ‘Qu’il cherchait à sauver sa tête en négociant au dehors +avec le Général Cobourg, et dedans avec la faction d’Orléans.’ + +[373] See Note, p. 264. + +[374] Old newspapers. + +[375] John Taylor freely expresses it as his opinion that D’Eon disgraced +_his_ character by exhibiting _himself_ with Mrs. Bateman in fencing +matches at several provincial towns. In March 1794, D’Eon wrote to ask +Warren Hastings, with whom he was well acquainted, for a letter of +introduction to Mr. Peter Speke, of the Supreme Council at Calcutta, +in behalf of the Batemans, who were proceeding to India to claim some +property. After Mr. Bateman’s death, his widow was married to Mr. Ester, +and died at Calcutta in 1801. + +[376] B.M. MSS. + +[377] D’Eon Papers. B.M. + +[378] Mrs. Cole, a native of Lorraine, born in the same year as D’Eon, +was the widow of Mr. W. Cole, pump maker to the Royal Navy, and an +ingenious inventor. She had long been on intimate terms of friendship +with Mrs. Robinson, of Denston Hall, Suffolk, the daughter of Lord Clive. + +[379] D’Eon had sold to Major Clive, in 1794, Marshal Saxe’s sword, a +huge sabre and a large carbine, for which she received sixty pounds. + +[380] B.M. MSS. + +[381] Ch. MSS. + +[382] _The Times_, May 25, 1810. + +[383] See Cansick’s interesting and painstaking work, _A Collection of +curious and interesting Epitaphs ... in the Ancient Church and Burial +Grounds of St. Pancras_. London, 1869. ‘It is lamentable,’ says the +author, ‘to see the dilapidated state of the monuments in this ground, +belonging to wealthy and well-known families, which for a few pounds +might be restored and made a credit to the churchyard.’ + +[384] The Baroness Burdett-Coutts who is here, there, and everywhere in +the practice of benevolence, not unmindful of the desecration to which +the remains of the illustrious dead had been subjected, caused to be +erected at considerable expense, in St. Pancras churchyard, a monument +which bears the names of those whose ashes lie scattered about the parish +playground. + +[385] In the possession of Mr. Christie. + +[386] Ch. MSS. + +[387] _Histoire de France pendant le dix-huitième siècle._ Paris, 1819. + +[388] Mr. Thomas William Plummer, intimately acquainted with the +Chevalier, had undertaken, in 1804, to translate the ample material +placed at his disposal, and produce a biography. From some unexplained +cause this was never done. + +[389] _History and Topography of the Parish of St. Pancras._ London, +1729-1830. + +[390] Ch. MSS. + +[391] _Ibid._ + +[392] See p. 213. D’Eon to the Count de Broglio, February 10, 1775. +Broglie, ii. 563, also pp. 218, 235. + +[393] Vandal, 264. + +[394] Frequent errors have been made in the Chevalier’s age. The date of +birth on his coffin-plate was October 17, 1727; and the Duke de Broglie +imputes to him forty-three years, _bien sonnés_, in 1775. + +[395] Angelica Kauffmann was for a long time a neighbour of the +Chevalier, her residence being in Golden Square. + +[396] This is an error. Bradel was born in 1750. + + + + +INDEX. + + + Abel, Ch. Fred., musician, 288 + + Adair, Mr., 331 + + Addington, Mr., 214 + + Aiguillon, Duke d’, Minister for Foreign Affairs, hostility to D’Eon, + 219, 224 + + Angelo, Mr., at Carlton House, 308; + friendship for D’Eon, 310; + lines on D’Eon, 346 + + Angelo, Henry, at Carlton House, 308; + on D’Eon’s fencing, 310 + + Apraxin, Marshal the Count, at Gross Jägersdorff, 22; + retreat, 22, 36; + character, 22 _note_ + + Arden, R. N., Captain, 324 + + Argental, Count d’, designs on D’Eon’s life, 164-166, 194; + letter from Voltaire, 300 + + Aubaret, Marquis d’, 225 + + Augusta, H.R.H. the Princess (Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel), 119, 198 + + + Bach, Jean Christ., composer, surnamed _l’Anglais_, 288 + + Bateman, Mrs., actress and fencer, _déjeuner_ at Soho Square, 325; + her professional tour, 325-326 + + Bathe, Colonel du, 324 + + Beaumarchais, P. A. Caron de, 230; + share in the Dubarry scandal, 231-235; + impression made by D’Eon, 235, 278; + instructions from de Vergennes to mediate with D’Eon, 236; + first success, 238; + recovers secret papers, 241; + Earl Ferrers, 242; + covenant with D’Eon, 243-251; + payment to Earl Ferrers on account of D’Eon, 251; + instructions from Louis XVI., 251; + delivers secret papers to de Vergennes, 259; + Louis XVI.’s final instructions regarding D’Eon, 260-261; + breach with D’Eon, 261; + and subsequent correspondence, 262-273; + his vanity, 273; + reported marriage with D’Eon, 273-274; + interest in the D’Eon sex policies, 274-276; + insulting proposal to D’Eon, 275; + reprehensible conduct, 278; + final correspondence with D’Eon, 281, 295 + + Bedford, Duke of, Ambassador at Versailles, signatory of the Treaty + of Peace, 63 _note_; + mistaken opinion of de Guerchy, 66; + report on de Choiseul, 76 _note_; + consulted by de Guerchy, 147; + popular feeling against him, 152 + + Belle-Isle, Marshal de, Minister for War, 4; + reception of D’Eon, 26 + + Bernis, Abbé, afterwards Cardinal de, Minister for Foreign Affairs, 4; + reception of D’Eon, 26; + despatches him to Russia, 29-30; + approves his refusal to serve Russia, 33 + + Bertin, Mademoiselle, furnishes Mademoiselle D’Eon’s outfit, 290; + and clothes her in female attire, 292 + + Bestoujeff-Riumin, Count, grand chancellor, hostility to France, 15, + 16; + to Prussia, 15; + devotion to Peter and Catherine, 16; + ignorance of Vice-Chancellor’s secret action, 19; + in secret correspondence with Prussia, 29; + estimate of D’Eon, 30; + is arrested, his treatment and exile, 32-33; + designs on Douglas and D’Eon, 32; + treasonable conduct explained, 32 + + Blackstone, Dr. (later, Lord Chief Justice), 201 + + Blosset, Marquis de, in diplomatic charge, complaint to Lord Halifax + against D’Eon, 162 + + Boufflers, Countess de, at Strawberry Hill breakfast, 83; + entertained by D’Eon, 96 + + Breteuil, Baron de, minister plenipotentiary to Russia, 42; + secret instructions from Louis XV., 43; + unequal to the circumstances, 54; + removed to Stockholm, 55; + on special mission to England, 207 + + Broglio, Marshal the Duke de, receives D’Eon as aide-de-camp, 48; + fastidious in the selection of his staff, 48; + at the battle of Villinghausen, 51, 70; + is exiled, 52; + testimonial to D’Eon, 53; + his occasional correspondent, 71; + D’Eon’s admiration for him, 71 + + Broglio, Count de, French Minister to Poland, 25; + serves in the campaign of 1761, 48-52; + exiled, 53; + letters of remonstrance to Louis XV., 53; + recommends D’Eon as minister plenipotentiary to Russia, 54; + D’Eon’s esteem for him, 72; + scheme for the invasion of England, 74; + nickname in secret correspondence, 76; + anxiety for the safety of the King’s papers, 76, 77, 84, 126, 133, + 143, 179 _note_; + sympathy for D’Eon, 133; + recalled from exile, 143; + conciliatory letters to D’Eon, 148, 183, 185; + remonstrance from D’Eon, 153; + ministers’ designs against him, 166; + conducts, by order, a farce at the Bastille, 176; + expostulates with Hume, 179; + threatens to disclose the secret correspondence, 189; + on the restoration of the Stuarts, 199; + informs Louis XV. that D’Eon is a female, 218; + in exile, 219; + communicates history of secret correspondence to Louis XVI., 221; + and D’Eon’s share in it, 222; + and that he is a female, 223; + recalled from exile, 224; + treats with D’Eon for the King’s papers, 227; + the Dubarry scandal, 231; + D’Eon’s confession to being a female, 257; + last letter from D’Eon, 300 + + Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, Duke of, 198 + + Burdett-Coutts, the Baroness, 333 _note_ + + Bute, Earl of, First Lord of the Treasury, 58; + interest in D’Eon, 66, 68; + unpopularity, 152; + consulted by D’Eon, 160; + George III.’s displeasure, 196; + attachment to the Stuarts, 198; + character by D’Eon, 198; + de Broglio’s desire to know his secret intentions, 199 + + + Camus, C. E. Louis, academician, 96 + + Catherine of Anhalt-Zerbst, grand-duchess, friendly towards England + and intercourse with Sir Hanbury Williams, 16, 57; + what Elizabeth said of her, 16; + refused permission to proceed to Germany, 32; + accession as Catherine II., 55; + portrait by D’Eon, 56; + pretended ignorance of D’Eon, 57; + his acquaintance with her, 58 + + Charles, Prince (Duke of Courland), 31 + + Charlotte, H.M. Queen, 197, 331 + + Châtelet, Count de, ambassador in London, reports to Louis XV. that + D’Eon is a female, 209 + + Chesterfield, Earl of, on the true bill against the French + ambassador, 180; + his error, 181 + + Chétardie, Marquis de la, ambassador to Russia in 1744, 5, 15 + + Choiseul, Duke de, Minister for Foreign Affairs, then Minister for + War, ignorance of Louis XV.’s secret policy, 37; + hostility to England, 37, 38 _note_; + change of policy, 38; + instructions to de l’Hôpital, and censure for neglect, 38, 39; + peace policy secretly opposed by D’Eon, 40; + requires de l’Hôpital’s recall, 42; + recommends D’Eon as minister to Russia, 54; + expulsion of Jesuits, 60 _note_; + nickname in secret correspondence, 76; + Duke of Bedford’s report, 76 _note_; + offers D’Eon’s restoration to the army, 137; + lines on his exile, 137 _note_; + complains of no justice in England, 173 + + Choiseul, Count de, attention to D’Eon at Vienna, 48. + _See_ Duke de Praslin + + Christie, Mr., friendship for D’Eon, 323, 324; + acquisition of the Chevalier’s MSS., 335 + + Church, Mrs., 308 + + Clive, M. P., Major, 330 and _note_ + + Cole, Mrs., companion to Mademoiselle D’Eon, 328-331; + astonishment at the Chevalière’s sex, 331 + + Condamine, La. _See_ La Condamine + + Constable, Lady, 324 + + Conti, Prince de (grand-nephew of the great Condé), recommends D’Eon + for secret service, 6; + secret correspondence with Russia, 11; + conditionally promised the command of Russian army and principality + of Courland, 24, 26; + ambitious designs, 24; + rupture with de Pompadour, 26 + + Conti, Prince de, son of the above, 332 + + Copeland, T., surgeon, attestation on D’Eon’s sex, 332 + + Cosway, R. A., 310 + + Cotes, Humphrey, of Byfleet, 183; + takes charge of secret correspondence, 186 + + Courcelles, Constance de, 273, 341 + + Cramer, Ch. Frederick, man of letters, 288 + + Crawford, Mrs., 331 + + Crosby, Lord Mayor, D’Eon sworn before him, 215 + + + Dashkoff, Princess, intimately known to D’Eon, 58; + who she intimates is a female, 209, 216 + + Daun, Marshal, defeats Frederick, 22 + + Dent, Mr., banker, 324 + + Déon de Beaumont, Françoise, mother of the Chevalier, 2; + consecrates her child to the Virgin Mary, 3; + letter from de l’Hôpital, 46; + involved in her child’s misfortunes, 133; + letter from the Chevalier, 134-136; + de Guerchy’s persecution, 191 + + Déon de Beaumont, Louis, father of the Chevalier, 2; + requires the child to adopt male attire, 3; + death, 4 + + Déon. _See_ Eon + + Dodwell, the Misses, 331 + + Douglas, _alias_ Mackenzie, the Chevalier, who was he? 6; + instructions as secret envoy to Russia, 6-11; + not obtaining presentation at Russian Court, returns to France, + 12-13; + complains of English ambassador’s treatment, 13; + second journey to Russia, 18; + interview with vice-chancellor and presentation at Court, 18; + delight at D’Eon’s return to Russia, 19; + accredited chargé d’affaires, 21; + success in Russia, 24; + recalled, to please the grand chancellor, 30; + Bestoujeff’s designs against him, 32 + + Douglas, Mr., 331 + + Drouet, M., private secretary to Count de Broglio, sent to the + Bastille, 175; + threatens disclosures and is liberated, 177; + report on D’Eon’s sex, 218 + + Dubarry, Madame, a publication on her life stopped, by Louis XV., + 231-234 + + Duclos, Ch. Pireau, academician, 96 + + Durand, M., secret agent, to assist in survey of England, 75; + nickname in correspondence, 76; + minister plenipotentiary in London, 185; + recovers from D’Eon, King’s secret instructions, 187 + + Duval, Mr. John, the king’s jeweller, 313, 315-316 + + + Egremont, Earl of, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, + unpopularity, 152 + + Elisée, Père, physician, attends D’Eon, 331-332; + acquisition of the Chevalier’s MSS., 335 + + Elizabeth, Empress of Russia, friendly towards France, 5, 14; + delay in ratifying Treaty with Great Britain, 13; + admirer of English fashions, 14 _note_; + what she said of Catherine, 16; + writes privately to Louis XV., 17; + invites D’Eon to enter her service, 17, 33; + and return to Russia, 47; + renews relation with France, 20, 21; + disregards Treaty with England and joins French-Austrian Alliance, + 21, 37; + indignation at Frederick, 21; + Apraxin’s recall, 23; + gift to Voltaire, 23; + to D’Eon, 23, 47; + invited to correspond with Louis XV., 29; + Bestoujeff’s arrest and exile, 32; + death, 54 + + Eon de Beaumont, C.G.L.A.A.T. d’, parentage and early years, 1-2; + dedicated to the Virgin Mary, 3; + education and abilities, 3-5; + an accomplished fencer, 5; + secret envoy, with Douglas, to Russia, 6; + secret correspondent to Louis XV., 11; + received by the Empress, 13; + personal appearance and anecdote, 14; + dislike to Russia, 14, 34, 41; + triumph of French party, 17; + invited to enter the service of Russia, 17; + returns to Versailles, 17; + second journey to Russia, 19; + secretary of legation, 21; + and to conduct the secret correspondence, 21; + second return to Versailles with State papers, 23; + importance of services in Russia, 23, 45-47, 267; + presents from the Empress, 23, 47; + success in Russia, 24; + trait of character, 24; + message to Prince de Conti, 24, 26; + reaches Paris with a broken leg, 25; + honours and rewards, 26, 35, 48, 54 _note_, 66, 185; + appointed lieutenant of dragoons, 26; + _mémoire_ on Russia, 27; + applies to join his regiment, 28, 42; + Bestoujeff’s treachery, 29; + third journey to Russia, 29; + repartee on Admiral Byng’s execution, 31; + Poniatovsky’s bribe, 31; + favourite at Russian Court, 31; + Bestoujeff’s designs, 32; + again invited to serve Russia, and reasons for refusing, 33, 34; + promoted to captain, 35; + share in the war, 39-40; + opposes the policy of ministers, 40; + his advice to the ambassador approved by Louis XV., 40; + failing health, 41, 45; + secret orders from Louis XV., 44; + who approves his services, 44; + de l’Hôpital’s high opinion of D’Eon, 45-46; + reception by Louis XV., 48; + aide-de-camp to Marshal and Count de Broglio, 48; + dashing services during the campaign of 1761, 49-53; + selected as minister plenipotentiary to Russia, 54; + portrait of Catherine II., 56; + of Lord Sandwich, 59; + of the Duke de Nivernois, 60, 98; + secretary of embassy in London, 60; + smart pieces of work, 61-63; + abilities appreciated, 63, 65; + takes Treaty of Peace to Paris, 64; + Lord Bute’s favour, 66, 68; + created a Knight of Saint Louis, 66, 72; + suspected of attachment to the de Broglios, 69; + de Soubise and de Broglio at Villinghausen, 70; + esteem for the de Broglios, 71; + brings presents to Count Viri, 72; + chargé d’affaires in London, 73; + secret correspondent to Louis XV., and employed on survey of + England, 74; + nickname in secret correspondence, 76; + cautioned on safety of the King’s papers, 76, 84; + Louis XV.’s secret orders, 77; + fate determined by de Pompadour, 78; + and why? 85; + minister plenipotentiary, 82; + indifference to advancement, 83; + a favourite in England, 83; + debt incurred on the King’s service, 85; + embarrassed circumstances, 86; + protected by a Letter of State, 87; + appeals for repayment, 86, 88; + impudent letter to de Praslin, 92; + to de Guerchy, 94; + mistaken ministers, 97; + portrait of Lord Hertford, 102; + superseded and recalled, 103-107; + Louis XV.’s order to resume female attire, 104; + reported insanity, 105, 119, 130; + Lord Halifax, 109; + refusal to surrender the King’s papers, 110, 136; + scene at Lord Halifax’s dinner-party, 111, 115; + frightens a duellist, and is summoned by a magistrate, 117-118; + letter to Louis XV. on de Guerchy, 119-121; + is drugged, 121; + warned by Louis XV. of demand for his extradition, 125; + which is not acceded to, 127; + in peril of being kidnapped, 128, 149, 159-161, 214, 279; + mines his apartments and measures of defence, 128, 129 _note_, 146, + 148, 159, 243; + scares away an attaché, 129; + forbidden the Court, 132; + letter to his mother, 134; + offered restoration to the army, 137; + warned for his safety, 137, 160; + publishes correspondence of ministers and ambassadors, and + justification, 138-140, 147; + seeks expatriation, 143, 217; + threatens to disclose the King’s secret, 144-146; + proof against bribery, 145, 152; + patriotism, 152, 216, 237-238; + tried for libel, 154; + chastises a scurrilous scribe, 155; + letters to Lord Mansfield, Lord Bute, Mr. Pitt, Lord Temple, + 160-161; + found guilty of libel, in default, searched, and outlawed, 161-163; + conspiracy against his life, 163-168; + challenges de Guerchy, 170; + note of intimidation to de Broglio, 179; + to Louis XV. on de Guerchy, 180; + admiration for Louis XV., 184, 221; + a pension conferred by the King, 185; + surrenders the King’s secret orders, 187; + reported disguise as a female, 189; + second challenge to de Guerchy, 191; + the first of political reporters, 194; + Mr. Pitt, 195-197; + slandered and public protests, 199-200; + conduct in Musgrave affair, 202, 225; + letter to Dr. Musgrave, 203-205; + sympathy for Wilkes, 206; + at rest! 207; + popularity, 209; + doubts raised as to sex, 209; + captivating manners, 209; + policies of insurance on sex, 210-216; + allusions to physical failings, 213, 219, 342; + protests, 215, 257, 288; + Poniatovsky’s offers of succour, 217; + saves England from war, 218; + Drouet’s report on D’Eon’s sex, 218; + personal appearance, 219; + his case laid before Louis XVI., 222-226; + to continue secret correspondence, 226; + refuses terms for surrender of the King’s papers, 227-230; + offer of marriage, 230; + the Dubarry scandal, 231-235; + impression on Beaumarchais, 235, 278; + surrenders the King’s papers, 241; + covenant with Beaumarchais, 243-251; + Louis XVI.’s permission to return to France, 252; + and orders to resume female attire, 254; + fresh policies on sex and new protests, 256-257; + confesses to being a female, 257; + breach with Beaumarchais, 261; + aversion to resuming female attire, 263-271, 280, 289, 290, 292, + 300, 305, 306; + consignment of State papers to the French minister, 264 _note_; + reported marriage to Beaumarchais, 273; + challenges a foul libeller, 279; + personal liberty in danger, 279; + public feeling, 280; + de Vergennes’ conditional protection in France, 283; + trial on sex policies and proved to be a female, 283-287; + appears in public as a female, and leaves for Paris in uniform, + 287-289; + renewed protest against sex policies, 288; + Louis XVI.’s order to resume female attire, 289; + Marie Antoinette supplies her outfit, 290; + reception at Tonnerre, 291; + dressed by Mademoiselle Bertin and presented at Court, 292; + deportment as a lady, 293-295; + personated at social gatherings, 295; + the last of Beaumarchais, 295-297; + addresses her contemporaries, 297, 298; + other trials on sex policies, and decision of Lord Mansfield, + 297-298; + epistle to Lord Mansfield, 299; + grotesque and other portraits, 299, and Appendix; + on the War of Independence, 301; + anxiety to return to England, 301, 305; + at various ladies’ retreats, 302-304; + volunteers for service afloat, 305; + the Maid of Tonnerre! 306; + resumes her uniform and is arrested, 306; + released and goes home, 307; + a royal guest, 307; + quits France and arrives in London, 308; + fences at Carlton House, 308-309; + plays Phillidor at chess, 310; + on George III.’s illness, 311; + advertised sale of library, 311, 312; + transactions with the House of Ferrers, 311-319; + public sympathy, 320; + sale of jewellery, 320-321; + preparations for France, 320, 322; + offers to serve the Republic, 322; + ordered to join General Dumouriez, 323; + deprived of every source of maintenance, 324; + English friends, 324; + exhibits in public as a fencer, 325-327; + dangerously wounded, 327; + hard times, 328-331; + obtains a passport to France, 329; + last days, death and burial, 331-333; + autopsy of the body, 333-334; + will, and directions for burial, 334-335; + administration of effects, 335; + sale of five hundred editions of Horace, 335; + character, 335-337; + habits and occupations, 337-338; + a free-mason, 337; + sentiments on religion, 338-340; + coldness of temperament, 340-342; + reflections, 342-344; + fugitive pieces, 344, 346; + publications, 361 + + Eon de l’Estoile, 1 + + Eon de Mouloise, Chevalier d’, 77, 84, 156 _note_. + _See_ Déon + + + Fabien, a noted fencer, 308 + + Fermor, Field-Marshal, beaten by Frederick, 36 + + Ferrers, Washington, 5th Earl, 214; + entrusted by D’Eon with the King’s papers, 238; + his interest (?) in their custody, 242; + receives 5,000_l._ on account of D’Eon’s creditors, 251, 262, 311; + what he did with the money, 311-316; + death, 316 + + Ferrers, Robert, 6th Earl, sued by D’Eon and result, 316; + death, 317 + + Ferrers, Robert, 7th Earl, his faithlessness, 317 + + Ffloyd, Sir William, 324 + + Fielding, Sir John, D’Eon summoned before him, 118; + receives his declaration, 129 _note_; + and de Vergy’s depositions, 193; + entertained by D’Eon, 214 + + Fitzherbert, Mr., M.P., 201, 204 + + Fitzherbert, Mrs., 326 + + Frederick the Great, his sarcasms, 21; + secret correspondence with the grand-duke, 29 + + + Genest, Mr., chief clerk at Ministry for Foreign Affairs, receives + D’Eon in his house, 289; + Marie Antoinette and D’Eon, 289 + + Geneviève, la Citoyenne. _See_ D’Eon de Beaumont + + George III., His Majesty, entrusts Treaty of Peace to D’Eon, 64; + inquiry respecting de Guerchy, 102; + displeased with Lord Bute, 196-198; + his debts and economy, 197 + + Glencairn, Lord and Lady, 324 + + Gloucester, Duke of, 198, 320 _note_, 326 + + Goddard, a noted fencer, 308 + + Gorman. _See_ O’Gorman + + Grafton, Duchess of, 60 + + Grenville, George, First Lord of the Treasury, actor in the scene at + Lord Halifax’s, 111, 115-116 + + Grey, William de, solicitor-general, 181 + + Grimaldi, Marquis, signatory to the Treaty of Peace, 63 _note_ + + Guerchy, Count de, lieutenant-general, conduct in action, 49; + ambassador to Great Britain, and the Duke of Bedford’s report on + him, 66; + character, 67; + de Praslin’s estimate of him, 67; + nickname in secret correspondence, 76; + insulting letter to D’Eon, 94; + what de Broglio and de Nivernois thought of him, 68, 76, 99; + arrival in London and deportment towards D’Eon, 102; + delivers D’Eon’s letters of recall and urgent for his departure, + 103, 109, 110; + conduct at Lord Halifax’s dinner-party, 111, 115-116; + scene at his residence, 113; + publishes pamphlets defamatory of D’Eon, 119, 136, 138; + efforts to kidnap D’Eon, 128, 149, 160; + complaint to Louis XV., 130; + prosecutes D’Eon for libel, 154; + in collision with English authorities, 156-157; + design on D’Eon’s life, 164-168, 194; + groundless charge against de Vergy, 169, 173; + declines to fight D’Eon, 170; + prosecuted for inciting to murder, 171; + true bill found, 178; + Attorney-General refuses to certify in his favour, 181; + is mobbed, 182; + reception upon his return from leave, 183; + superseded, 187; + persecutes Madame D’Eon, 191; + his death, 191; + D’Eon’s second challenge, 191; + anecdote of his father, 191 _note_ + + Guerchy, Countess de, her disposition, 121 _note_ + + Guines, Count de, ambassador in London, instructed to communicate + with D’Eon, 237 + + + Halifax, Earl of, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, receives + D’Eon at an interview, 109; + invites him to take leave of the King, 111; + scene at his residence, and the Guards summoned, 111, 115-116; + refuses to surrender D’Eon to France, 127; + unpopularity, 152; + Dr. Musgrave’s story, 201-202 + + Hammersley, Mr., banker, 320 + + Hastings, Warren, 326 _note_ + + Henry of Prussia, Prince, visits D’Eon at Tonnerre, 307 + + Hertford, Earl of, at the French Embassy, 96; + portrait by D’Eon, 102; + ambassador to France, 102 + + Hirsinger, M., French Chargé d’Affaires, receives from D’Eon a packet + of State Papers, 265 _note_; + hospitality to her, 324 + + Hone, _old_, 310 + + Hôpital, Marquis de l’, Ambassador Extraordinary to Russia, 24; + applies for D’Eon as Secretary of Embassy, 29-30; + receives the Ministry’s instructions, consults D’Eon, neglects them + and is censured, 38-39; + the King’s approval, 40; + high estimate of D’Eon, 45-46; + letter to D’Eon on the Empress Catherine and Princess Dashkoff, 58 + + Hume, David, at the French Embassy, 96; + secretary of Embassy at Versailles, 178; + conversation with de Broglio respecting D’Eon, 179 + + + Jumilhac, M., governor of the Bastille, required by Louis XV. to + violate his trust, 176 + + + Kaunitz, Prince, Austrian Minister, sends news of the battle of + Prague to Count Staremberg, 25; + copy of his instructions to Count Esterhazy, supplied to D’Eon, 29 + + Kelly, Sir George, 325 + + Kemys-Tynte, Colonel, hospitality to D’Eon, 308, 324, 331 + + Kynaston, Mr., Justice of the Peace, sends a summons to D’Eon, 118 + + + La Condamine, Ch. Marie de, the traveller, 96 + + Lalande, J. J. le Français de, the astronomer, 96 + + Lauraguais, Count de, 232-234 + + Lestocq, Count, a favourite of Elizabeth, tortured and exiled, 15 + + Lewald, Field-Marshal, beaten at Gross Jägersdorff, 22 + + Lincoln, Earl of, 183 + + Lockhart, Mr., banker, 324 + + Louis XV., friendly advances to Russia, 5, 18; + secret intercourse with Elizabeth, 11, 21, 23; + desire to correspond with the Empress, 30; + treaty with Maria Theresa, 37; + secret diplomacy, 40; + approves D’Eon’s advice to the ambassador, 40; + secret instructions to de Breteuil, 43; + to D’Eon, 44; + declines correspondence with Catherine, 55; + reception of D’Eon, 66; + orders for the survey of England, and his own precautions, 74-75; + nickname in secret correspondence, 76; + secret orders to D’Eon, 77; + outwitted by de Pompadour, 78-81; + grants Letter of State to D’Eon, 87; + orders him to resume female attire, 104; + D’Eon’s letters of recall, 106; + does not believe in his insanity, 123; + admits de Guerchy to the secret correspondence, 124; + letter of warning to D’Eon, 125; + anxiety for his papers in England, 132, 149, 151; + confidence in D’Eon, 146; + his pusillanimity, 151; + uneasiness at Guerchy’s situation, 174; + humiliating position, 175-177; + confers a pension on D’Eon, 185; + his fickleness, 206-207; + death and funeral, 219-220; + D’Eon’s admiration for him, 184, 221; + the King’s anxiety to suppress the Dubarry _mémoires_, 231 + + Louis XVI., informed by de Broglio that D’Eon is a female, 223; + abolishes the secret correspondence system, 223; + recalls de Broglio from exile, 224; + instructions to Beaumarchais, 251, 260-261; + grants D’Eon permission to return to France, having resumed female + attire, 252-255; + renews order to D’Eon to resume female attire, 289; + refuses her permission to proceed to England, 302 + + Lyttleton, Honourable Mr., 331 + + + Macbean, Colonel, of the Artillery, 324 + + Mansfield, Lord, Chief Justice, consulted by D’Eon, 161; + tries him on a charge of libel, 161; + tries the legality of sex policies, 285; + final decision on those policies, 298 + + March, Earl of, 95, 96 + + Maria Theresa, treaty with Louis XV., 37 + + Marie Antoinette, curiosity to see D’Eon, 289; + orders her outfit, 290; + the Queen’s household, 293 + + Masseran, Prince, Spanish Ambassador in London, 225 + + Maurepas, Count de, president of the Council, letter from D’Eon, 305 + + Melville, General, 324 + + Michel, M., French banker at St. Petersburg, 13; + takes despatches to France, 18 _note_ + + Mokronosky, General, a Polish patriot, in the secret correspondence, + 227 _note_ + + Monin, M., employed in the secret correspondence, 12; + betrays D’Eon, 79, 125; + memorandum to Louis XV., on His Majesty’s secret papers, 131 + + Montmorency-Bouteville, Duchess de, 307 + + Motte, De la, a noted fencer, 308 + + Musgrave, Dr., address to the Freeholders, &c., of Devon, 200-203 + + + Nardin, Colonel, secret agent, to protect D’Eon and his papers, 144, + 147 + + Neville, Richard Neville, secretary of Embassy, takes Treaty of Peace + from Paris to London, 63; + resident, 81; + minister plenipotentiary, 82 + + Nivernois, Duke de, Ambassador Extraordinary to Great Britain, 58; + portrait by D’Eon, 60, 98; + personal appearance, 61; + high opinion of D’Eon, 62, 63, 65, 68; + invests him with the cross of Saint Louis, 72; + receives a degree at Oxford, 73; + nickname in secret correspondence, 76; + offensive letter to D’Eon, 97; + exertions in his favour, 99; + private letters published, 138 + + Nivernois, Duchess de, 70 + + Nogee, a noted fencer, 308 + + Nort, Chevalier, aide-de-camp to Marshal de Broglio, 70; + secretary to Count de Broglio, hurried away to treat with D’Eon, + 148; + Louis XV.’s instructions, 149; + returns to Paris discomfited, 154 + + Norton, Sir Fletcher, attorney-general, refusal to certify in favour + of de Guerchy, 181 + + Norton, Sir Henry, solicitor-general, against the extradition of + D’Eon, 127; + on the charge against de Vergy, 169 + + + O’Gorman, Chevalier, 135 _note_, 279 + + O’Gorman, Major, 329 + + O’Gorman, Captain Augustus, 329 + + O’Gorman, Lewis Augustus, 335 + + Ons-en-Bray, Count d’, 4, 92 + + Otto, M., French minister plenipotentiary, 329 + + + Paine, Tom, 324 + + Perigalese, Dr., 331 + + Peter the Great, life by Voltaire, 23; + will, 27-28 + + Peter of Holstein Gottorp, grand-duke, indifference to Russia, 15; + secret correspondence, 29; + a fencer, 31; + accession as Peter III. and alliance with Frederick, 54; + disappearance, 54 + + Phillidor, the chess player, 310-311 + + Piggot, Miss, 326 + + Pitt, William, consulted by D’Eon, 160; + report on his proceedings, 195-197 + + Plummer, Thomas William, attorney, administrator of D’Eon’s effects, + 335; + his intended biographer, 336 _note_ + + Poissonnier, M., physician to Elizabeth, 45 + + Pommereux, Captain, sent to treat with D’Eon for the King’s papers, + 229; + proposes marriage to Mademoiselle D’Eon, 230 + + Pompadour, Marquise de, the subject of Frederick’s sarcasms, 21; + hostility to the de Broglios, 52, 78, 85, 110; + on D’Eon’s mission from England, 66; + discovers the secret correspondence, 78-81; + cause of D’Eon’s ruin, 78, 137, 229 + + Poniatovsky, Prince, Polish envoy to Russia, attempt to bribe D’Eon, + 31; + a fencer, 31; + King of Poland offers succour to D’Eon, 217 + + Praslin, Duke de, Minister for Foreign Affairs, applies to himself a + portrait by D’Eon, 59; + high opinion of him, 61, 62, 66; + signatory to the Treaty of Peace, 63 _note_; + estimate of de Guerchy, 67; + dislike to office, 68; + suspicions of D’Eon’s loyalty to himself, 69; + nickname in secret correspondence, 76; + dislike to fat people, 89 _note_; + offensive letter to D’Eon, 91; + recalls him, 103; + hostility towards him, 105, 149, 150; + reports him as insane, 105, 119; + demands his extradition, 124; + private letters published, 138; + his efforts to kidnap D’Eon, 128, 149, 159; + no justice in England! 173; + ‘played the fool with,’ 174-177; + remonstrance to the Duke of Richmond, 187; + duped, 190 + + Prunevaux, Marquis de, sent to treat with D’Eon for the King’s + papers, 227; + failure, 229 + + + Queensberry, Duke of, 331 + + + Rainsford, General, 324 + + Reda, a noted fencer, 308 + + Richmond, Duke of, Ambassador at Versailles, unpopularity, 152; + urged to surrender D’Eon, 187 + + Rochefort, Countess de, 341 + + Rolland, a noted fencer, 308 + + Rosière, Marquis de la, officer of Engineers, his reputation and + employment in the survey of England, 74-75; + under D’Eon’s protection, 77; + sent to France to conceal the King’s papers, 128 + + Rouillé, M., Minister for Foreign Affairs, supplies Douglas with + private credentials, 18, 20 + + + Saint George, Chevalier, a distinguished fencer, Mademoiselle’s + antagonist at Carlton House, 308-309 + + Sandwich, Earl of, a secretary of State, portrait by D’Eon, 59; + at Lord Hertford’s, 95; + an actor in the scene at Lord Halifax’s, 111, 114-116 + + Sartines, Count de, chief of police, required by Louis XV. to violate + his trust, 175-177; + his perplexing situation, 190 + + Saxe, Marshal, his sword, 330 _note_ + + Schouvaloff, Count Ivan, a favourite of Elizabeth, attachment to + France, 16, 17 + + Sheridan, Thomas, 310 + + Shirley, Admiral, the Honourable Thomas, 319 + + Shirley, Miss, 331 + + Silk, Mr. George, attorney, report on D’Eon’s body, 332 + + Slade, Mr. Robert, 329, 332 + + Smith, Sir Sidney, at the autopsy of D’Eon’s body, 331; + named as executor, 334 + + Soltikoff, Prince, at Künersdorff, 36 + + Soubise, Prince de, at the battle of Villinghausen, 51; + D’Eon’s evidence thereon, 69-71 + + Stanhope, Earl, president of the Revolution Society, 149 _note_ + + Staremberg, Count, Austrian Ambassador at Versailles, 25 + + + Tamworth, Lord, hospitality to D’Eon, 308; + supports her in her action against his father, 316. + _See_ Robert, 5th Earl Ferrers + + Tavistock, Marquis of, friendship for D’Eon, 194 + + Temple, Earl, consulted by D’Eon, 160 + + Tercier, chief clerk at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and in + charge of secret correspondence, 11, 21; + influence over Louis XV., 43; + letters from Louis XV., 26, 75, 132, 146, 149, 174, 175, 177; + nickname in secret correspondence, 76; + cautions D’Eon on his insecurity, 137, 142; + D’Eon’s letters to him, 144-146, 147, 158; + admitted secretly to the Bastille, 176; + death, 210 _note_ + + Thornton, Colonel, 329 + + Tooke, Horne, 324 + + Towneley, Mr., 325 + + Townsend, Mr. C., 61 + + Townshend, the Marchioness, 330 + + Tryon, Mrs., 331 + + + Valcroissant, Chevalier de, secret envoy to Russia, imprisoned, and + liberated through D’Eon, 5 and _note_ + + Vergennes, Count de, Minister for Foreign Affairs, 224; + necessity for humouring D’Eon, 230; + instructions to Beaumarchais for treating with D’Eon, 236; + requires D’Eon’s disguise and resumption of female attire, 239, + 283, 289; + receives the King’s secret papers, 259; + defence of Beaumarchais, 295; + general treatment of D’Eon, 301; + confirms her annuity, 307 + + Vergy, Treyssac de, calls at the French embassy in London, 112; + a guest of de Guerchy, 112; + gives warning to D’Eon, 113, 114; + hostile message, 114; + humbled by D’Eon, 117; + confession of designs on D’Eon’s life, 163-168; + sworn depositions, 171, 173, 193; + death and will, 193 + + Viri, Count, Sardinian envoy in London, his interest in D’Eon, 66; + share in the restoration of peace, 72, 204; + presents from Louis XV., 72 + + Voltaire, a gift from Elizabeth, 23; + threatened with defamation, 231; + on a portrait of D’Eon, 300 + + + Waldegrave, Countess (later, married to the Duke of Gloucester), 198 + + Wales, H.R.H. the Princess of, mother to George III., 152, 196, 197 + + Wales, H.R.H. the Prince of, 308, 320, 326 + + Wallis, Lady, 324 + + Walmsley, Captain, 325 + + Wilkes, John, _the patriot_, 156, 206, 310 + + Wilkes, Miss, note to D’Eon, 280 + + Williams, Sir C. Hanbury, ambassador to Russia, refuses to present + Chevalier Douglas, and caution to Swedish minister, 12, 13; + intercourse with Catherine, 16, 57; + designation of D’Eon, 17; + deceived by Woronzoff, 19; + dignified message to the Count, 19; + D’Eon’s repartee on Admiral Byng’s execution, 31 + + Wilmot, Mr. Justice, 173, 194 + + Wilson, Mr., 332 + + Wolff, Baron, British Consul-General, 19 + + Wood, Mr., Under Secretary of State, act of indiscretion, 61 + + Woronzoff, Count Michel, vice-chancellor, 11; + leader of the French party, 13, 17; + receives the French secret envoy, 18; + deception practised on English ambassador, 19; + message from Sir Hanbury Williams, 19-20; + message to Prince de Conti, 24; + grand chancellor, 33; + regret at losing D’Eon, 47; + congratulates him on promotion, 83 + + Wright, Mr., 214 + + + Yarborough, Earl of, 331 + + Yates, Mr. Justice, 173, 194 + + York, Duke of, 198 + + Younge, Sir George, M.P., 201, 204 + + + Zenobio, Count, envoy from Venice, 324 + + LONDON: PRINTED BY + SPOTTISWOODE AND CO., NEW-STREET SQUARE + AND PARLIAMENT STREET + + + + +STANDARD BIOGRAPHICAL WORKS. + + +THE LIFE AND LETTERS OF LORD MACAULAY. 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+} + +.x-ebookmaker img { + max-width: 100%; + width: auto; + height: auto; +} + +.x-ebookmaker .poetry { + display: block; + margin-left: 1.5em; +} + +.x-ebookmaker .blockquote { + margin: 1.5em 5%; +} + +/* Poetry indents */ +.poetry .indent0 {text-indent: -3em;} +.poetry .indent2 {text-indent: -2em;} + +/* Illustration classes */ +.illowp100 {width: 100%;} +.illowp54 {width: 54%;} +.x-ebookmaker .illowp54 {width: 100%;} +.illowp58 {width: 58%;} +.x-ebookmaker .illowp58 {width: 100%;} +.illowp65 {width: 65%;} +.x-ebookmaker .illowp65 {width: 100%;} + + </style> + </head> +<body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75668 ***</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_i"></a>[i]</span></p> + +<h1><span class="smaller">THE CHEVALIER</span><br> +D’EON DE BEAUMONT</h1> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_ii"></a>[ii]</span></p> + +<p class="center smaller">LONDON: PRINTED BY<br> +SPOTTISWOODE AND CO., NEW-STREET SQUARE<br> +AND PARLIAMENT STREET</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp58" id="illus1" style="max-width: 34.375em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/illus1.jpg" alt=""> + <figcaption class="caption"><p>FRONTISPIECE.</p> + <p>LA CHEVALIÈRE D’EON.<br>1782.</p> + <p>From a Painting in the possession of <span class="smcap">Charles Liston</span>, Esq.<br> + (<span class="allsmcap">LATE THE PROPERTY OF CHARLES READE.</span>)</p> + <p class="right"><i>See Appendix.</i></p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iii"></a>[iii]</span></p> + +<p class="titlepage larger"><span class="smaller">THE</span><br> +STRANGE CAREER<br> +<span class="smaller">OF THE</span><br> +CHEVALIER D’EON DE BEAUMONT</p> + +</div> + +<p class="center">MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY FROM FRANCE TO GREAT BRITAIN<br> +IN 1763</p> + +<p class="titlepage"><span class="smaller">BY</span><br> +CAPTAIN J. BUCHAN TELFER, R.N.<br> +<span class="smaller">F.S.A., F.R.G.S.<br> +AUTHOR OF ‘THE CRIMEA AND TRANSCAUCASIA’ ‘THE BONDAGE AND<br> +TRAVELS OF JOHANN SCHILTBERGER’ ETC.</span></p> + +<div class="tp"> + +<p>‘L’homme d’esprit a dans sa plume +un juge toujours prêt à le venger des +affronts qu’on lui fait’—<span class="smcap">D’Eon</span></p> + +</div> + +<p class="titlepage gothic">With Portraits and Facsimile</p> + +<p class="titlepage">LONDON<br> +LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO.<br> +1885</p> + +<p class="titlepage smaller"><i>All rights reserved</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iv"></a>[iv]</span></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_v"></a>[v]</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smaller">A</span><br> +LA VILLE DE TONNERRE</p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vi"></a>[vi]</span></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vii"></a>[vii]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="PREFACE">PREFACE.</h2> + +</div> + +<p>The Secret Correspondence established by Louis XV. +in 1750-1752, originally for the purpose of gratifying +the Prince de Conti’s ambition for sovereignty, in the +interests of Poland, and of securing the alliance and +co-operation of several of the smaller Powers, against +the aggression of Austria and Russia, proved, in course +of years, of inestimable benefit to the King, personally. +Insuperable timidity, and the consciousness of a lack of +self-confidence, were weaknesses that ill-befitted an +absolute monarch, for Louis XV. could never summon +courage to confront his ministers. The Chevalier D’Eon +de Beaumont very tersely portrays the besetting sin of +his sovereign, where he describes it as a deficiency in the +needed strength of character to control, as became a +king, his ministers and ambassadors, all of whom he +mistrusted and avoided, making reparation in secret for +the follies they committed publicly. ‘Après nous le +déluge’ are the well-known words of comfort offered by +the Marquise de Pompadour, into whose hands the +direction of affairs was lapsing, when seeing the King +sorely oppressed with grief upon learning the news of +the disaster at Rosbach; and perhaps it is true that the +secret correspondence, of the existence of which the +favourite was entirely ignorant, was useful in averting<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_viii"></a>[viii]</span> +the coming storm during the term of his reign. Selfish +and self-indulgent almost beyond conception, Louis XV. +had no spirit to grapple with difficulties where they +presented themselves, except in regard to the relations +of France with Foreign Powers, when he could perfectly +well rouse himself to action; not openly, lest the views +of his ministers should be in opposition to his desires, +but covertly and frequently to their confusion. It was +the duty of the secret agents at the several capitals of +Europe, who were always connected in some way with +his Embassies, to keep his Majesty informed of all that +was passing, and it became his custom to instruct them +to bring about the realisation of his policy, regardless +of the directions of his ministers. Louis XV. took an +interest and a delight in foreign affairs, therefore to him +the secret correspondence had its uses; otherwise—it +was leading to destruction.</p> + +<p>One of the earliest and most remarkable of the +King’s secret agents, for his employment as such dated +from the year 1754 or 1755, was D’Eon de Beaumont, +who, as a diplomatist, evinced spirit equal to that of +Lord Whitworth under circumstances that have passed +into history, and exhibited much of the bravery and +daring of the famous Hugh Elliot, without, however, the +similar advantage of being enabled to deal all his blows +by the light of day, his training from youth having +been in the direction rather of intrigue.</p> + +<p>Since no history of Louis XV. can have any pretensions +to completeness if the name of D’Eon de Beaumont +be excluded, it is not a little surprising that the +individual acts, as well as the official services of so<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_ix"></a>[ix]</span> +extraordinary a personage have never been brought +together before the world. This blank the author +endeavours to fill.</p> + +<p>In 1836, Gaillardet published a memoir of the +Chevalier D’Eon, meretricious and spurious in its details, +which speedily reached a second edition, and attained a +popularity that caused it to be pirated and reproduced, +very extensively, in ‘Un Hermaphrodite,’ Louis Jourdan +indiscreetly lending his name for its authorship! Although +Gaillardet announced that his book was produced +out of material supplied by the D’Eon family at +Tonnerre, its contents proved to be in great measure +scandalous fabrications. Feeling himself, as he advanced +in years, called upon to make some kind of reparation, +this author gave, in 1866, a new edition under the title +‘Mémoires sur la Chevalière D’Eon. La Vérité sur les +Mystères de sa Vie,’ in the preface to which, styled +‘Un Acte de Contrition, &c.,’ he candidly avows that +his first edition was in great part a fiction. In this +later edition Gaillardet reproduces, together with other +interesting matter, numerous documents that are preserved +at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, where, by +rare good fortune, he obtained permission to search the +archives; and that so distinguished an academician as +the Duke de Broglie (familiar to Englishmen as having +been first minister in the Conservative days of the +French Republic), as well as other well-known authors, +should have availed themselves of this work, may be +accepted as sufficient guarantee of its worth and reliability. +As becomes a conscientious biographer, Gaillardet +allows the documents he produces to speak for<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_x"></a>[x]</span> +themselves, without himself undertaking to pass judgment +on his subject; a safe course adopted in the +following pages, where scrupulous care is taken to +authenticate all that is adduced.</p> + +<p>In his engaging work, ‘Le Secret du Roi,’ the Duke +de Broglie treats at some length on the part taken by +D’Eon in the secret correspondence of Louis XV. Unhappily, +the Duke seems desirous of avenging the agony +of mind his ancestor the Count de Broglio must have +endured, upon certain occasions of the threatening +attitude assumed by the Chevalier, and he evidently +finds it impossible to forgive the Minister Plenipotentiary, +D’Eon, for being more clever, abler, and +readier-witted than the French Ambassador with whom +it was his misfortune to be connected; for his Grace +takes frequent occasion to traduce him, and calls +attention to his ‘assertions mensongères,’ without +clearly substantiating the grave charges—a hard +measure where the person assailed is beyond the possibility +of vindicating the accusation. The fact is that +D’Eon related unpleasant truths, and exposed startling +facts, as will be manifested in due course.</p> + +<p>Few persons, in all probability, have left behind +them so much matter in MS. as did the Chevalier +D’Eon, if we except perhaps the Duke of Berwick and +the noted Saint-Simon, of whom Chateaubriand said: +‘... il avait heureusement un tour à lui; il écrivit +à la diable pour l’immortalité.’ Like Saint-Simon, the +Chevalier sketched admirable portraits, and like Saint-Simon +too, he commenced in early youth to write his +impressions, keeping to himself, through life, all he had<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xi"></a>[xi]</span> +written. There is evidence, amongst the papers the +author has consulted, that D’Eon never contemplated +an autobiography. ‘It has ever been my opinion,’ he +wrote, ‘and I am even persuaded, that it is impossible +for an author to write a just history of his own life; for +he is either lifted to the height of vanity by pride so +inseparable from the human heart, or else feigned +modesty debases him to hypocritical humility. There +are, at Versailles, public depôts of the Ministries for +War and for Foreign Affairs, and Louis XV. has left his +private papers of the Secret Correspondence. It is +there that the faithful historian should seek the truth if +he has the courage to tell it.’ Unfortunately, there is +reason for apprehending that many MSS., some of consequence, +are lost. Père Elisée, the Chevalière’s medical +attendant, had a large number of his papers, which +were seen in the possession of M. Nicolas de Chenart, +about the years 1824-1828, by a correspondent, in +‘Notes and Queries.’ They may now possibly form a +part or the whole of the collection of D’Eon MSS. at +the British Museum, and at Tonnerre where they are +numerous. Another large portion passed into the +hands of Mr. Christie, to whom the Chevalière was +indebted for many favours. The first and last of these +collections have been well sifted by the author, +the chief difficulty experienced being the making a +judicious selection. It was quite possible to have enlarged +on the acts and writings of the Chevalier or +Chevalière D’Eon, by the introduction of additional +portraits, anecdotes, and letters of interest, but—happy +is the biographer who escapes the charge of tedious<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xii"></a>[xii]</span> +prolixity! The author feels that although the material +at his disposal has been greatly condensed, the thread +of the narrative is maintained in its completeness, +without the omission of any incident of importance +in the life of the most singular and of one of the most +extraordinary individuals of the last century.</p> + +<p>There can be no exaggeration in the assertion that +the life of the Chevalier or Chevalière D’Eon de Beaumont +is unique in the history of the world. At any rate, +the author is prepared to confess his ignorance of any +record of its equal.</p> + +<p>Cases of females having occupied the position of +men, whether for a limited period or during their entire +existence, are without number, striking instances of +both, within the recollection of the present generation, +being those of Captain (Marie Jeanne) Dubois, who +served in Napoleon’s Russian campaign, and of a +medical officer in the service of Her Most Gracious +Majesty the Queen, who have passed away of late +years. Upon the other hand, few men have disguised +themselves as females, the most notable example of the +kind, perhaps, being that afforded by the Comtesse des +Barres, who for thirty years led a dissolute and discreditable +life, but was perfectly well known to be the +Abbé de Choisy. The biographer of this creature, +Thoulier d’Olivet, says of him: ‘But what sort of a +hero is he whose portrait I am to describe? A Court +Abbé? ... what do I say? A Court Abbé! A +coquette who had one thousand times greater taste for +beauty spots and ribbons, one thousand times more the +desire to please, than any professional coquette. It<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xiii"></a>[xiii]</span> +may be said that Nature made a mistake, and that it +was her intention to create a female;’ then, quoting a +lady’s estimate of the Abbé: ‘... male or female, +ever carrying matters to extremes, whether absorbed +in studies or in trifles. Deserving of esteem, because +of undaunted courage, contemptible because of the +coquetry of a young maiden, and in whichever character, +at all times engaged in the pursuit of pleasure.’ +The Chevalier D’Eon, whose ambiguity of sex was +suggested in infancy and maintained until death, cannot +be classed with either of the above. Female or male, +D’Eon appeared as either in obedience to command, +having done good service to King and Country, and we +have the authority of John Britton, who was in the +habit of meeting the Chevalière almost daily, during a +period of three years, that she was respectable and +respected, and of refined manners. The uncertainty +of her sex occupied every mind. In branding the tale +of Pope Joan as being <i>false</i> and deserving the name, +Gibbon shows himself to be at fault with regard to +D’Eon. ‘... I would not pronounce it (the tale) incredible. +Suppose a famous French chevalier of our +own times to have been born in Italy, and educated in +the Church instead of in the army; <i>her</i> merit or fortune +<i>might</i> have raised her to St. Peter’s chair; her amours +would have been natural....’</p> + +<p>D’Eon’s immediate ancestors were in the habit, it +would appear, of writing their family name, Déon. +Upon being accredited Resident, and afterwards Minister +Plenipotentiary at the Court of Great Britain, +Louis XV. was pleased to distinguish the Chevalier’s<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xiv"></a>[xiv]</span> +name by substituting E for e, changing Déon to D’Eon, +orthography the author has observed with reference to +the Chevalier. Late in life, the Chevalière wrote her +name, occasionally d’Eon, at other times D’eon, until +the French Revolution, when, for a season, her signature +appears as Déon, bearing the prefix, La Citoyenne +Geneviève.</p> + +<p>In concluding these introductory remarks, the author +has one pleasant duty left, that of offering his acknowledgments +to Mr. <span class="smcap">James H. B. Christie</span>, of Framingham, +Norwich, and King Street, St. James’, and of expressing +his obligations to that gentleman for the liberality and +freedom with which he has been permitted to consult +the interesting MSS., short of which it would have been +simply impossible to produce, in its present form, the +account of this Strange Career.</p> + +<p class="mt2"><span class="smcap">London</span>, <i>December, 1884</i>.</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xv"></a>[xv]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS.</h2> + +</div> + +<table class="contents"> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td class="tdpg smaller">PAGE</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER I.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Birth of D’Eon de Beaumont and registry as a male child—Parentage—Consecrated + to the Virgin Mary and admitted to the Sisterhood—Pursues + studies as a boy—Early display of abilities—As secret + agent, is sent to Russia by Louis XV.—Reception at St. Petersburg—Enemies + and friends—Leaves for Versailles—Invited to + enter the service of Russia</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">1</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER II.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Sir Hanbury Williams and Count Woronzoff—The Empress Elizabeth’s + message to France—Chevalier Douglas, French Chargé d’Affaires + in Russia, with D’Eon as Secretary—Commencement of the Seven + Years’ War—Count Apraxin’s defection—D’Eon leaves for Versailles—Trait + of character—Reception by Louis XV. and Ministers—Proceeds + to Russia—The will of Peter the Great—Bestoujeff’s + opinion of D’Eon—Poniatovsky and his diamond—D’Eon as a + fencer—Bestoujeff’s arrest—D’Eon again invited to take service in + Russia</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">18</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER III.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Progress of the war—The Duke de Choiseul’s designs against England—Change + of policy—D’Eon’s advice to the French Ambassador—Approved + by Louis XV.—D’Eon’s failing health—The Marquis de + l’Hôpital—Baron de Breteuil admitted to the secret correspondence—The + King’s secret orders to D’Eon—Testimonies to his abilities—Leaves + Russia for the last time—Gift from the Empress—On the + staff of the Marshal and Count de Broglio—Distinguished services + during the campaign of 1761—Exile of the de Broglios—Death of + Elizabeth</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">36</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER IV.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Portrait of Catherine II.—Her opinion of D’Eon and its fidelity—Portrait + of Lord Sandwich—Of the Duke de Nivernois—D’Eon Secretary + of Embassy in London—Two ‘smart pieces of work’—Kindness<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xvi"></a>[xvi]</span> + to French prisoners—Treaty of Peace with England—D’Eon takes + the ratifications to Versailles—Delight of King and Ministers—The + Marquise de Pompadour—The Count de Guerchy nominated Ambassador + at St. James’—The Duke de Praslin’s estimate of his + qualities—The Duke tests D’Eon’s loyalty towards himself—The + Prince de Soubise at Villinghausen—D’Eon’s respect for the de + Broglios—Is invested with the Cross of Saint Louis</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">56</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER V.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>D’Eon becomes Resident and Chargé d’Affaires at the British Court—Also + the King’s special secret agent—Plans for the invasion of + England—Nicknames to secret correspondents—Louis XV.’s letter + to D’Eon on the survey of England—De Pompadour discovers the + secret correspondence—The King’s vexation—D’Eon advanced to + be Minister Plenipotentiary—How he received his new honours—De + Broglio’s anxiety for the safety of the King’s papers—De Pompadour’s + conspiracy to ruin D’Eon—Claims against the Crown—Letter + of State in favour of D’Eon</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">73</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER VI.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>D’Eon charged with extravagance at the Embassy—Irritating correspondence—Influx + of French visitors—Odious proposal to D’Eon—Is + to return to subordinate duties on being superseded—His remonstrances—The + Earl of Hertford—The Count de Guerchy’s arrival + in England, and D’Eon’s letters of recall—Secret despatch from + Louis XV.—Official recall on the plea of mental alienation—Disregard + of the Ministerial orders</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">90</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER VII.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>D’Eon’s interview with the Earl of Halifax—Refuses to surrender the + King’s papers to de Guerchy—Declines to take leave of the King + of England—A scene at the French Embassy—Another at Lord + Halifax’s residence—A third at D’Eon’s—Summoned by a magistrate—De + Guerchy’s hostile measures—D’Eon is dangerously + drugged at the table of the French Ambassador—Designs against + his liberty—Removes to Brewer Street, Golden Square—Childishly + annoyed—His extradition demanded—Warned to that effect by + Louis XV</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">109</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER VIII.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Refusal of the British Government to deliver D’Eon—A force organised + to kidnap him—Mines and garrisons his house against intrusion—De + Guerchy reports to Louis XV. his failure to obtain the secret + papers—D’Eon’s letter to his mother—Publication of official and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xvii"></a>[xvii]</span> + private letters of Ministers, Ambassadors, &c.—Consternation produced + in consequence—Applies to enter the service of a foreign + State—Appeals to de Broglio and Tercier on his situation—A conciliatory + letter the result</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">127</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER IX.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>D’Eon’s intricate situation—Popular indignation in England at the late + peace—Letter of gratitude to Louis XV.; of reproach to the Count + de Broglio—Sued for libel—Retains the King’s papers as security + for his person—Illegal proceedings on the part of the French Ambassador—Out-of-door + precautions against being kidnapped—English + sympathy for D’Eon—Is found guilty of libel, absconds, is + searched after, and outlawed—Confession of Treyssac de Vergy—De + Guerchy’s charge against de Vergy</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">150</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER X.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>D’Eon challenges the French Ambassador—Institutes legal proceedings + against him—Strong appeal to the Count de Broglio, and indifference + of the latter—De Guerchy <i>v.</i> De Vergy—De Vergy’s affidavits—Secret + correspondence in danger—Undignified conduct of Louis + XV., who ‘feels he is in a mess’—True bill against the French + Ambassador for inciting to murder—D’Eon’s disregard of his King’s + intervention—De Guerchy applies for a <i>nolle prosequi</i>—Attorney-General + refuses a certificate—Miscarriage of justice, and state of + public feeling—Count de Broglio’s conciliatory proposals—A royal + pension conferred on D’Eon—De Broglio’s advice—D’Eon surrenders + his secret orders from the King</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">170</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER XI.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>D’Eon continues in the royal confidence—Secret correspondence again + in peril—D’Eon’s mother persecuted—De Guerchy’s death—D’Eon’s + last letter to him—De Vergy’s dying deposition—His will—D’Eon + as secret correspondent—His public protest—The Musgrave scandal</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">189</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER XII.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>D’Eon and Wilkes—Fickle Louis XV.!—Literary labours—Doubts + raised as to D’Eon’s sex—Princess Dashkoff—Heavy gambling + transactions on D’Eon’s sex—Insult resented—Irritation at being + thought a female—Indignant denial of being concerned in the bets + made—State of penury—Offers of relief from Poniatovsky, now + King of Poland—Saves England from war—Officially reported to + be a female—Personal appearance—Death of Louis XV.—D’Eon’s + estimate of the late King—Count de Broglio’s report on D’Eon to + Louis XVI.—System of secret correspondence abolished—D’Eon + to continue his reports in cypher</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">206</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xviii"></a>[xviii]</span></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER XIII.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>The Count de Broglio’s offers for the surrender of the King’s papers—D’Eon’s + conditions—Failure of the transaction—Proposal of + marriage to (Mademoiselle) D’Eon—Beaumarchais—The Madame + Dubarry scandal—De Vergennes’ instructions to Beaumarchais—That + Minister’s high opinion of D’Eon—Beaumarchais’ success in + treating with D’Eon</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">227</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER XIV.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>D’Eon surrenders the King’s papers—Earl Ferrers’ share in their custody—Covenant + between Beaumarchais and D’Eon, who receives permission + to return to France—and is ordered to resume female attire</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">241</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER XV.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Revival of gambling policies on D’Eon’s sex—Renewed protests—Admits + being a female to the Count de Broglio—Beaumarchais a hard + master—He demands final instructions from the King—Differences + of opinion, and angry interchange of letters</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">256</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER XVI.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Beaumarchais’ reprehensible behaviour—D’Eon challenges Morande—Miss + Wilkes’ curiosity—Feeling against D’Eon—Fresh difficulties + with Beaumarchais—Speculators on D’Eon’s sex seized with panic—Lord + Mansfield’s decision on the policies effected—D’Eon appears + in public as a female—Leaves for France, wearing military uniform—The + King’s second order to resume female attire—Marie + Antoinette furnishes <i>Mademoiselle D’Eon’s</i> trousseau—Visits her + native town—Rejoicings at her appearance—Presented at Court as + a lady—The Queen’s household—Deportment in society—Another + trial before Lord Mansfield</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">277</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER XVII.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Epistle to Lord Mansfield—Voltaire on D’Eon—Anxiety to get quit of + petticoats—Mademoiselle D’Eon de Beaumont in peaceful retreats—Applies + for active service in the fleet—Returns to male attire, is + arrested, and confined—Being liberated, goes home—Arrival in + London—Fences before the Prince of Wales—Mr. Angelo—Mademoiselle + D’Eon and Phillidor at chess—Advertised sale of library—Treatment + by a British peer the cause thereof—Earl Ferrers’ + bond—Sale of jewellery</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">299</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xix"></a>[xix]</span></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER XVIII.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>D’Eon (<i>la citoyenne Geneviève</i>) offers her services to the Legislative + Assembly—Is ordered to join General Dumouriez—Detained in + England—Her English friends—Fences in public—Is seriously + wounded—Distressing times—Last days—Death—Autopsy and + appearance of the body—Administration of property—General + character—Pursuits and habits late in life—Maxims on religion—Coldness + of temperament—Reflections—Fugitive pieces</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">322</a></td> + </tr> + <tr class="pad-top"> + <td>ARGUMENT</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#ARGUMENT">347</a></td> + </tr> + <tr class="pad-top"> + <td>APPENDIX</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#APPENDIX">365</a></td> + </tr> + <tr class="pad-top"> + <td>INDEX</td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#INDEX">369</a></td> + </tr> +</table> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="ILLUSTRATIONS"><i>ILLUSTRATIONS.</i></h2> + +</div> + +<table class="contents"> + <tr> + <td><span class="smcap">Portrait of La Chevalière D’Eon, 1782</span></td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus1"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><span class="smcap">Arms of the Chevalier D’Eon de Beaumont</span></td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus2"><i>p.</i> xxii</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><span class="smcap">Portrait of D’Eon de Beaumont, aged 25</span></td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus3"><i>to face p.</i> 14</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><span class="smcap">Portrait of the Chevalier D’Eon, 1770</span></td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus4"><span class="ditto">”</span> 208</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><span class="smcap">Facsimile of an Autograph Title-page in the Christie Collection of D’Eon MSS.</span></td> + <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus5"><span class="ditto">”</span> 258</a></td> + </tr> +</table> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xx"></a>[xx]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="Erratum"><i>Erratum.</i></h2> + +</div> + +<p><i>For</i> 32 Brewer Street, Golden Square, as being the residence in London of +the Chevalier D’Eon during thirty-three years, <i>read</i> 38 Brewer Street, Golden +Square.</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxi"></a>[xxi]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="WORKS_REFERRED_TO_IN_THE_FOOTNOTES"><i>WORKS REFERRED TO IN THE FOOTNOTES.</i></h2> + +</div> + +<div class="hanging"> + +<p>B.M. MSS., <i>D’Eon MSS. at the British Museum</i>.</p> + +<p>Ch. MSS., <i>D’Eon MSS. in the possession of Mr. Christie</i>.</p> + +<p>Angelo, Henry, <i>Reminiscences of—with Memoirs of his late Father and +Friends</i>. London, 1828. 2 vols.</p> + +<p>Boutaric, M. E., <span class="smaller">Archiviste aux Archives de l’Empire.</span> <i>Correspondance secrète +inédite de Louis XV. sur la politique étrangère, etc.</i> Paris, 1866. 2 vols.</p> + +<p>Broglie, Le Duc de, <i>Le Secret du Roi, correspondance secrète de Louis XV. +avec ses agents diplomatiques, 1752-1774</i>. 3ᵉ édition. Paris, 1879. 2 vols.</p> + +<p>Campan, Madame, <i>Mémoires sur la vie privée de Marie-Antoinette, etc.</i> +Paris, 1822. 3 vols.</p> + +<p>Dutens, Louis, <i>Mémoires d’un Voyageur qui se repose, contenant des +Anecdotes Historiques, Politiques et Littéraires, relatives à plusieurs des +principaux personnages du siècle.</i> Londres, 1806. 3 vols.</p> + +<p>Flassan, Raxis de, <i>Histoire Générale et Raisonnée de la Diplomatie +Française, etc. etc.</i> Paris, 1811. 2 vols.</p> + +<p>Fortelle, De la, <i>La Vie Militaire, Politique et Privée de Mademoiselle +Charles Geneviève Louis Auguste Andrée Timothée D’Eon de Beaumont, etc. +etc.</i> <span class="smaller">O quam te memorem Virgo!</span> Paris, <span class="allsmcap">MDCCLXXIX</span>.</p> + +<p>Gaillardet, Fred., <i>Mémoires sur la Chevalière D’Eon, etc.</i> Paris, 1866.</p> + +<p>Kirby, R., <i>Wonderful and Eccentric Museum, etc.</i> London, 1803.</p> + +<p>Lacretelle, Chas., <i>Histoire de France pendant le dix-huitième siècle, etc.</i> +Paris, 1819. 6 vols.</p> + +<p>La Messalière, <i>Voyage à Pétersbourg, etc.</i> Paris, 1803.</p> + +<p><i>Lettres, Mémoires, et Négociations Particulières du Chevalier D’Eon, etc. +etc., with MSS. Notes by D’Eon.</i> Londres, 1764.</p> + +<p>Loménie, Louis de, <i>Beaumarchais et son Temps, etc.</i> 4ᵉ édition. Paris, +1879. 2 vols.</p> + +<p>Mémoires de la Chevalière D’Eon, <i>MSS. work addressed to the Count de +Vergennes by the Chevalière, and preserved at the Ministère des Affaires +Étrangères.</i> Quoted by Gaillardet and De Broglie.</p> + +<p><i>Pièces Relatives aux Lettres, Mémoires et Négociations Particulières du +Chevalier D’Eon, etc. etc.</i> Londres, <span class="allsmcap">MDCCLXIV</span>.</p> + +<p>Rede, L. T., <i>Anecdotes and Biography, etc.</i> London, 1799.</p> + +<p>Roche, James, <i>Critical and Miscellaneous Essays by an Octogenarian, etc.</i> +Cork, 1850. 2 vols.</p> + +<p>Taylor, John, <i>Records of my Life, etc.</i> London, 1832. 2 vols.</p> + +<p>Vandal, Albert, <i>Louis XV. et Elizabeth de Russie, etc.</i> Paris, 1882.</p> + +<table> + <tr> + <td>24 livres tournois</td> + <td>=</td> + <td>1<i>l.</i> 1<i>s.</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>3 ditto</td> + <td>=</td> + <td>1 écu</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>1 écu</td> + <td>=</td> + <td>2<i>s.</i> 7½<i>d.</i></td> + </tr> +</table> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxii"></a>[xxii]</span></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxiii"></a>[xxiii]</span></p> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp65" id="illus2" style="max-width: 21.875em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/illus2.jpg" alt=""> +</figure> + +<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smaller"><span class="smcap">Charles-Geneviève-Louis-Auguste-André-Timothée</span><br> +<span class="smcap">Charlotte-Geneviève-Louisa-Augusta-Andrée-Timothée-Marie</span></span><br> +D’EON DE BEAUMONT.</h2> + +</div> + +<p class="center">Doctor of Civil and of Canon Law, and Advocate of the Parliament of Paris.<br> +Censor Royal for History and Belles-Lettres.<br> +Sent to Russia, first secretly, then officially, with the Chevalier Douglas<br> +for the Purpose of re-establishing friendly Relations between that Country and France.<br> +Secretary of the Embassy Extraordinary at the Court of Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Elizabeth.<br> +Captain of Dragoons and Aide-de-Camp to Marshal the Duke and to the Count de Broglio.<br> +Secretary of the Embassy Extraordinary from France to Great Britain for concluding the Peace of 1763.<br> +Knight of the Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis.<br> +Resident, and afterwards Minister Plenipotentiary from France to Great Britain,<br> +and, finally,<br> +a Lady at the Court of Marie Antoinette,<br> +and an occasional and honoured Inmate<br> +at<br> +L’Abbaye Royale des Dames de Hautes Bruyères,<br> +La Maison des Demoiselles de St. Cyr,<br> +and at the<br> +Monastère des Filles de Ste. Marie.</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_1"></a>[1]</span></p> + +<h1><span class="smaller">THE CHEVALIER</span><br> +D’EON DE BEAUMONT.</h1> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<p>Birth of D’Eon de Beaumont and registry as a male-child—Parentage—Consecrated +to the Virgin Mary and admitted to the Sisterhood—Pursues +studies as a boy—Early display of abilities—As secret agent, is +sent to Russia by Louis XV.—Reception at St. Petersburg—Enemies +and friends—Leaves for Versailles—Invited to enter the service of +Russia.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘The deeper the search in the annals of my family,’ wrote the +subject of this Memoir, ‘the purer, more stainless, and more +distinguished will it prove to be. One member only, Eon de +l’Étoile,<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> was condemned by the Council of Rheims in the year +1148; but how many emperors, kings, and men of letters have +been condemned and proscribed by popes and councils, legally +or illegally. There is a vast difference between condemnation +by the priesthood for gross errors in matters of religion, and +condemnation by judges for the crimes of high treason, assassination, +murder, and poisoning.</p> + +<p>‘The possession of a name and noble descent, of which the +origin is lost in obscurity, has ever been considered amongst +civilised nations a more respectable title than one of recent date, +owed to the favour of a king—favour accorded more frequently +to weakness than to courage, to vice than to virtue. We know +the secret motives by which kings are guided in their public<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_2"></a>[2]</span> +acts, since the time that they have become attended by valets, +mistresses, ministers, cabinet ministers, and historiographers.’<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>On the first page of a well-thumbed devotional +pamphlet in MS., given to D’Eon de Beaumont upon +his entering the Collège Mazarin, at Paris, in 1740, +appears the following in that person’s own hand:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I was born on the 5th, and baptised on October 7, 1728, +at the parish church of Notre Dame, Tonnerre. I was confirmed +in front of the high altar of the parish church of St. Sulpitius in +Paris; and on Thursday, June 18, 1744, I communicated for +the first time in the chapel of the Virgin at the parish church +of St. Sulpitius, Paris.’<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>The baptismal certificate is as follows:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘On October 7, 1728, was baptised Charles-Geneviève-Louis-Auguste-André-Thimothée, +son of the noble Louis Déon de +Beaumont, director of the King’s demesnes, and of dame Françoise +de Charenton, his father and mother legitimately married, +born on the 5th of the present month. His godfather is M. +Charles Regnard, advocate of Parliament, bailiff of Cruzy; and +godmother, dame Geneviève Déon, wife of M. Mouton, wine +merchant at Paris, all of whom affix their signatures:—</p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 9em;">‘<span class="smcap">G. Déon.</span></span><br> +<span style="margin-right: 7em;">‘<span class="smcap">C. Regnard.</span></span><br> +<span style="margin-right: 8.5em;">‘<span class="smcap">Mouton.</span></span><br> +‘<span class="smcap">Bordes</span>, Dean of Tonnerre.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">PARENTAGE AND EARLY YEARS.</div> + +<p>Louis Déon de Beaumont was advocate in Parliament, +King’s counsellor, sub-delegate of the Intendance +of the generality of Paris, and for some time mayor of +Tonnerre. His brothers were André-Thimothée Déon +de Tissey, advocate in Parliament, censor-royal, chief +secretary of police in Paris, and principal secretary to +H.R.H. the Duke d’Orleans; Jacques Déon de Pommard, +advocate in Parliament, one of the first secretaries to +the Count d’Argenson, Minister of War; Michel Déon<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_3"></a>[3]</span> +de Germigny, knight of the Royal and Military Order of +St. Louis, one of the twenty-five gentlemen of the King’s +Scottish Guard. They were the four sons of André +Déon, advocate in Parliament, who died in 1720; whose +father was Louis Déon, lord of Ramelu, esquire, captain +of infantry: all of whom lie interred within the church +of L’Hôpital Notre Dame de Fontenilles, at Tonnerre.<a id="FNanchor_4" href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a></p> + +<p>In the preamble to her holograph will, headed ‘Soli +Deo Honor et Gloria,’ in which she styles herself +Charlotte-Geneviève-Louise-Augusta-Andrée-Timothea-Marie +D’Eon de Beaumont, it is stated:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Although already provided with six names, my mother +having in her special devotion consecrated me in my infancy to +the Virgin, the additional name of Marie was given to me at +my confirmation by Panquet de Gersy, archbishop of Seurre. +This name has become precious to me, because Marie has +become my protectress in heaven, as Marie Antoinette was my +queen protectress on earth, after my return to France.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>In another place D’Eon states that when in her +fourth year she was publicly consecrated to the Virgin +Mary, in front of the high altar, at a solemn service held +for the occasion. She wore the robe of the sisterhood +of the Virgin Mary until her seventh year, when she +resumed boy’s apparel by direction of her father. To +her mother’s fervent devotion and enlightened piety in +the protection of the Virgin Mary was attributed the +safety of the ‘disguised daughter’ in all the perils she +encountered in the course of her extraordinary career—by +sea and by land, at foreign courts, at sieges, in combats +and in battles.<a id="FNanchor_5" href="#Footnote_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></p> + +<p>From the age of seven to twelve D’Eon remained in +charge of M. Marceney, curé of the Church of St. Peter,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_4"></a>[4]</span> +and was then sent to the Collège Mazarin. He completed +his studies with considerable credit, obtaining +the degrees of Doctor of Civil and of Canon Law, and +being subsequently called to the bar of the Parliament +of Paris. He also became royal censor for works on +history and belles-lettres. In 1749, whilst serving as +secretary to M. Bertier de Savigny, he had the misfortune +to lose in the course of five days his father, an +uncle, and an income of fifteen thousand livres. Louis +Déon had rendered himself so beloved by the poor in +his district that for some time after his death they used +to resort in crowds to his grave and weep over it, and +lament the loss of their friend and benefactor. It is +related of him that when on his death-bed, and after +having received the last sacrament, he sent for his +daughter (afterwards the Chevalier), and taking her by +the hand, said tenderly, ‘Do not be uneasy, my daughter—it +is as natural to die as it is to live. I am quitting a +bad for a better land. I have been at much pains to +teach you how to live, and I must likewise teach you +how to die.’ And giving her his blessing, he expired.<a id="FNanchor_6" href="#Footnote_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></p> + +<p>Although D’Eon had lost his father, he was not left +friendless; for he remained under the protection of +several persons of influence, who had known the relatives +he had lost, there being amongst them the Prince +de Conti, the Abbé de Bernis (subsequently Minister for +Foreign Affairs), the Marshal de Belle-Isle (afterwards +Minister for War), also the Duchess de Penthièvre and +the Count d’Ons-en-Bray, whose funeral eulogiums, inserted +in the ‘Année Littéraire,’ were the earliest products +of his pen. These writings were succeeded by an<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_5"></a>[5]</span> +historical essay on finance in France, and ‘Notes on the +Life and Works of the celebrated Abbé Lenglet de +Fresnoy,’ printed in the ‘Année Littéraire’ for 1755, +literary labours which served to bring him into notice +at an early age as a thoughtful and careful writer.</p> + +<p>D’Eon was passionately fond of study, and would +only quit his books for what became his sole recreation +in life—the art of fencing, in which he proved a great +expert, as shown by his election to the superintendence +of the School of Arms. D’Eon’s tastes inclined him to +a military life, rather than to what the necessities of his +situation were calling him; but his destiny summoned +him to take a part in the political transactions of his +country, with what success it is the object of this work +to show.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FRENCH ENVOYS TO RUSSIA.</div> + +<p>In his desire to renew with Russia the friendly relations +interrupted since the day when the Marquis de la +Chétardie was unceremoniously escorted to the frontier +(June 13, 1744), Louis XV. had dispatched to St. Petersburg, +in the year 1754, the Chevalier de Valcroissant on +a secret mission for that purpose—a mission, however, +that came to an untimely end; for the Chevalier, being +unprovided with any kind of credential or letter of +recommendation, was taken up on suspicion of being a +French spy, and confined in the fortress of Schlusselburg, +on the Ladoga, whence it was not deemed prudent, for +the time being at least, to seek to liberate him.<a id="FNanchor_7" href="#Footnote_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> The +Empress Elizabeth had already made advances of a +friendly nature to the French Court, and in view of her +possible treaty of subsidies with England, the King resolved +upon another effort towards reconciliation, taking +more effectual precautions to ensure success.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_6"></a>[6]</span></p> + +<p>The person selected for this important, secret, and +even hazardous service, was a native of North Britain, +named Mackenzie, but known as the Chevalier Douglas, +who represented himself as having followed the fortunes +of the Pretender and obliged to seek refuge in France, +bringing with him ‘nothing but his nobility,’ when in +reality he was a Jesuit in disguise, had lived at Liège +during the late war, employed as a spy by Holland, and +had afterwards entered the service of the Prince Waldeck.<a id="FNanchor_8" href="#Footnote_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> +When invited to proceed to Russia he was tutor +in the family of the Intendant of Paris, and passing under +the name of Michel.</p> + +<p>The importance and delicate nature of the negotiations +upon which Douglas was about to be employed—and +not Douglas only, but D’Eon also, sent with the +King’s approval, at the strong recommendation of the +Prince de Conti (whose special <i>protégé</i> he was), to +accompany Douglas—will best be estimated upon knowledge +of the instructions—widely though they differed—supplied +for their respective guidance. They show that +whilst Douglas was secretly to watch and note events +as an apparently indifferent observer, it was intended +that D’Eon should pass his time in closest intimacy with +such Russian ministers as might be favourably disposed +towards France, and reach, were it possible, even the +Empress herself.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE CHEVALIER DOUGLAS’ INSTRUCTIONS.</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>Instructions to the Chevalier Douglas on proceeding to Russia.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘June 1, 1755.</p> + +<p>‘The general situation of Europe, the troubles in Poland +during the past year, others apprehended in the same quarter, +the part taken in them by the Court of Petersburg, the probability +that it is about to conclude, shortly, a treaty of subsidies<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7"></a>[7]</span> +with England through the Chevalier Williams, appointed Ambassador +by his Britannic Majesty to the Emperor of Russia; +everything points to the necessity for watching the proceedings +and attitude of that Court with the closest attention.</p> + +<p>‘His Majesty has not been represented there by any ambassador, +minister, or even a consul, for a long time past, so +that its condition is almost entirely unknown, especially as the +character of the people, and the jealous and suspicious despotism +of their ministers, disallows such correspondence as is customary +in other countries.</p> + +<p>‘It is considered desirable to despatch a competent person, +with the view of obtaining reliable information on what is passing +at the Court of Russia; he will not let it appear that he is +in any public or private capacity, and will return immediately +to make his report. A Frenchman would not answer the purpose. +Notwithstanding the friendship which the Empress of +Russia is supposed to entertain towards his Majesty, and her +partiality towards the French nation, a subject of the King +would be watched too closely by the ministry in Russia to be of +any service, under whatsoever pretext he might cloak the object +of his journey. It is on this account that —— has been +chosen, who, being a subject of the King of Great Britain, will +not excite suspicion. The favourable reports that have been +received of his intelligence and zeal give reason to hope that he +will execute this commission with success.</p> + +<p>‘It is intended that he should take his departure in the +quietest manner possible, as a gentleman travelling solely for +his health and amusement. Such is the custom amongst many +of his countrymen, so that he will not attract attention. He +must not appear to have any relations with his Majesty’s +ministers, whether in France or in the course of his travels, and +he must not see any of them at the several places through which +he will pass. He will be supplied with an ordinary passport. +To avoid being interrogated at any of the great courts in +Germany, his presence perhaps exciting curiosity, it is desirable +that he should enter Germany through Swabia, whence he will +pass into Bohemia under pretext of visiting for his own instruction +the several mines in that kingdom. His acquaintance +with mineralogy will afford a pretext for this journey. From<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8"></a>[8]</span> +Bohemia he will pass into Saxony, visiting the mines at Freiberg +for similar reasons. Having there satisfied his curiosity, he will +go on to Dantzig, either by way of Silesia, Warsaw, and Thorn, +or by Brandenburghian Pomerania, proceeding to Frankfort-on-the-Oder, +and thence to Dantzig by such route as may best suit +him. He will make a stay of some days in this city for the +purpose of thoroughly examining the causes that have led for +some years past to the continued strife between the chief magistrate +and the burgesses, and to discover, if possible, the cause +of these dissensions, what it is that foments them, and if they +are encouraged by any foreign power. Thence he will continue +his journey through Prussia and Courland, where he will also +make a stay under pretext of needing rest; but for the purpose +of learning the state of that duchy, what the nobles think of the +exile and deposition of the Prince of Courland, and the views of +the Russian Ministry for the government of that principality. +He will also make himself acquainted with the manner in which +justice and the revenues are there administered, and the number +of Russian troops in occupation. From Courland he will pass +into Livonia, and follow the high road to St. Petersburg. His +first care on arrival will be to make known, without any affectation, +the reasons for undertaking his journey, which is one of +pure curiosity. He will endeavour to make the acquaintance +of those able to supply him with the information of which he is +in search. He cannot observe too great caution in his mode of +procedure to obtain information; he must not evince partiality +for any one nation more than for another. Although the causes +that have necessitated his departure from England would appear +to prevent him from making the acquaintance of the Chevalier +Williams; still, if as he asserts, he is quite unknown, he might +make it a point to see him as every Englishman would his +minister. He will make himself acquainted as secretly as possible +with the success of that minister’s negotiations for the +troops with which England is to be supplied, and with the +number of troops that Russia has actually at command; with +the condition of her fleets, her ships and galleys; with the state +of her finance, commerce, and the disposition of the nation +towards the present ministry; the degree of Count Bestoujeff’s +influence; that of Count Woronzoff; of the Empress’ favourites,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9"></a>[9]</span> +whether in affairs of State or in the pursuit of pleasure; their +probable influence on ministers; the concord or jealousy that +exists amongst ministers, and their bearing towards the +favourites; with the fate of Prince Ivan, the late Tzar, and +of the Duke of Brunswick, his father; the affection of the +nation towards the Grand Duke of Russia, and especially +since the birth of his son; whether Prince Ivan has secret +partisans, and if they are supported by England; the desire +of the Russians to live in peace, and of their disinclination +for war, more especially in Germany; the views of Russia in +regard to Poland, for the present, and in whatsoever eventuality +in the future; with her projects on Sweden; with the +impression produced by the death of the Sultan Mahmoud, and +Osman’s accession to the throne; with her conduct in regard to +the Porte; with the causes that have led to the recall from the +Ukraine of Count Razoumoffsky, hetman of Cossacks; with +what is thought of the loyalty of those people, and the manner +in which they are treated by the Court of Petersburg; with the +Empress’ sentiments towards France, and those with which she +is in all probability inspired by her ministry, to prevent her +from renewing correspondence with his Majesty; with the +factions by which the Court may be divided; with those of her +subjects, male or female, in whom the Empress is able to confide; +with her sentiments and those of her ministers towards the +Courts of Vienna and London; with all, in short, that can be +of interest to his Majesty’s service, and satisfy his curiosity. +He will obtain all this information so far as such an uncommunicative +country will allow him to. He will take notes on all +these subjects to serve for a memoir which he will draw up, and +send to France only after he will have quitted Russia, unless the +Swedish minister at Petersburg, who will receive instructions to +forward despatches to Stockholm by courier, should send any to +Sweden. He must never risk anything through the ordinary post +except notice of his arrival, and a report of the progress he is +making in obtaining information as required above; and to do +this he must employ, in a few words, figurative language, agreed +upon beforehand, and send his letters to addresses with which he +will be furnished.</p> + +<p>‘So soon as he feels that he has fairly well obtained all the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10"></a>[10]</span> +required information, he will make a report to that effect, and +will then receive orders to return to France, either by the same +route or through Sweden, again under pretext of visiting mines, +that he may continue to conceal the real object of his journey. +On the manner in which he will execute so important and +delicate a commission, will depend the prospect of his Majesty +again making use of his talents and zeal, as also the favours +with which his Majesty will mark his appreciation of his +services.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">SECRET AGENT TO LOUIS XV.</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>Figurative language to be employed by the Chevalier Douglas +in his correspondence committed to the ordinary post.</i></p> + +<p>‘The basis of the figurative language will be the purchase +of furs. The “black fox” will signify the Chevalier Williams; +if he succeeds, the “black fox” will be dear, because orders to +purchase have been received from England.</p> + +<p>‘The words “ermine is in demand,” will signify that the +Russian party dominates, and that consequently no foreigners +are in favour. If, on the contrary, the Austrian party, at the +head of which is M. de Bestucheff, preponderates, word must be +sent that the “lynx” is also in demand.</p> + +<p>‘To designate the waning influence of M. de Bestucheff, +this phrase is to be employed: “the price of <i>sobols</i> or sables is +falling;” or “they stand at the same price,” to indicate that +his influence continues the same. “Squirrel skins” are to +signify troops in the pay of England. To understand this +clearly, the number of skins to be sent will always be augmented +by two-thirds to signify the number of troops, so that +ten skins will signify thirty thousand men, and twenty, sixty or +seventy.</p> + +<p>‘—— will not write to say that he will send the furs, but +he will simply advise that he will bring them with him upon +his return.</p> + +<p>‘In passing through Dantzig —— will send one of his +servants to Graudenz, a small town in Polish Prussia, there to +post a letter, in which he will advise as to what he may have +learnt at Dantzig on the subject of the existing dissensions +between the chief magistrate and the burgesses. This letter to +be addressed to ——.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11"></a>[11]</span></p> + +<p>‘These letters will be in the form of bills of exchange, and +according to the greater or less success in the inquiries made, +upon which will depend the length of stay; notice should be +given whether or no remittances are needed. If nothing can +be done, —— will report that the climate is injurious to his +health, and that he is in want of a remittance to enable him to +go elsewhere.</p> + +<p>‘If —— is not to go to Sweden, he will receive for answer +that since his health suffers, it is considered to his advantage +that he should return directly. If, on the contrary, it is +deemed expedient that he should proceed, the same will be +intimated to him in the form of advice. If it is considered +necessary that he should return, the remark will be made to +him that a muff has been obtained here, and that consequently +he is requested not to purchase one.</p> + +<p>‘The whole of this, written in small characters and epitomised, +will be placed by —— in the false bottom of a tortoise-shell +snuff-box, which will not induce any suspicion.’<a id="FNanchor_9" href="#Footnote_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>The duties confided to D’Eon were entirely distinct +and of a more intimate nature. He was supplied by +M. Tercier, chief clerk at the Foreign Office and in +charge of the King’s secret correspondence, with a +quarto copy of Montesquieu’s ‘Esprit des Lois,’ the +binding, in double boards, being cunningly devised to +hold papers. The documents thus concealed and entrusted +to D’Eon included private letters from the King +to the Empress Elizabeth; a cypher for the intelligence +of her Imperial Majesty and Count Woronzoff, +the Vice-Chancellor, in their correspondence with +Louis XV.;<a id="FNanchor_10" href="#Footnote_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> a cypher for D’Eon’s own correspondence +with the King and Tercier, and another cypher for +D’Eon’s use in communicating with the Prince de Conti,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12"></a>[12]</span> +Tercier, and M. Monin. He received strict injunctions +that none of the King’s ministers, not even any ambassador +his Majesty might have at St. Petersburg, +should be allowed to entertain the slightest suspicion of +this secret intercourse; he was ordered to furnish the +King with copies of all letters received from the Minister +for Foreign Affairs, together with the Ambassador’s +replies, noting thereon his own observations, and he was +further required to thwart clandestinely any transactions +on the part of the King’s ministers, so long as +they were in opposition to the secretly known royal will +and pleasure.<a id="FNanchor_11" href="#Footnote_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a></p> + +<p>Douglas then left Paris in the summer of 1755 as a +British tourist, an amateur geologist travelling in search +of health and amusement, and having got to Anhalt, he +there waited until D’Eon joined him. Proceeding on +his journey, Douglas strictly followed the route traced +out in his instructions, and when at Dantzig, where as +at Amsterdam and Leipzig he had large credits, he announced +his intention to visit the mines in Sweden; but +suddenly changing his mind, he started for St. Petersburg, +where he arrived in the earliest days of October. +He lost no time in making his appearance at the British +embassy, and introducing himself as a subject of the +King and a relative of the Earl of Morton, requested Sir +Hanbury Williams to present him at Court. This the +British Ambassador refused to do unless he was properly +assured of his identity. Scarcely was Douglas gone, +than the Swedish minister called to ask Sir Hanbury +whether he objected to his presenting the Chevalier +Douglas at Court. Sir Hanbury promptly replied that +he did not see what business the Swedish minister had<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13"></a>[13]</span> +to present the King’s subjects, and if he ever attempted +such a thing, he would take it very ill; upon which the +Swedish minister said that he should no longer meddle +in the affair. Douglas then went to see Count Esterhazy, +the Ambassador from Vienna, whose suspicions he +immediately awakened by explaining his presence at +St. Petersburg as due to the advice of his physicians +that he should seek a cold climate for the benefit of his +health. Finding all access to the Russian Court thus +closed against him, Douglas precipitately left the capital +and returned to France, bitterly complaining of Sir Hanbury’s +treatment in every town through which he passed.<a id="FNanchor_12" href="#Footnote_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">AT THE COURT OF RUSSIA.</div> + +<p>We are left quite in the dark as to the means by +which D’Eon succeeded in obtaining admission at Court, +but the matter was doubtless arranged by the Vice-Chancellor +Woronzoff, friendly to France, through the +Swedish minister, to whom Douglas had brought letters +of introduction from the Swedish minister at Paris, or +possibly through Michel, a French banker, as stated by La +Messalière. There is good evidence in support of the tradition +that D’Eon was received by the Empress in female +habiliments, that in this disguise she ingratiated herself +with her Majesty, gained her confidence, and interesting +her in the object of his mission, had succeeded in reviving +her old feelings of attachment towards France and towards +Louis XV., her suitor of days gone by.<a id="FNanchor_13" href="#Footnote_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> It is certain +that the ill-humour and coldness of the Russian Court +towards England in the course of the year 1756, was of +much earlier date than the Neutrality Convention +between Prussia and England (January 16, 1756), and +this was attributed by Sir Hanbury, together with the +Empress’s delay in signing the ratifications to her +Treaty of Subsidies with Great Britain, entirely to the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14"></a>[14]</span> +success of French influence after Douglas had first made +his appearance;<a id="FNanchor_14" href="#Footnote_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> but Douglas not being at all in Russia +between the end of October 1755, and the end of April +1756, such exercise of French influence could only have +been due to elaborate intrigues on the part of D’Eon +during the several months he spent at Court as reader +(<i>lecteur</i>) to the Empress,<a id="FNanchor_15" href="#Footnote_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> an appointment conferred +upon him, perhaps, with the design of cloaking his real +profession.</p> + +<p>In early life D’Eon was of peculiarly prepossessing +appearance; his manners were gentle and engaging, +his disposition soft and amiable, all of which, with his +general physique, eminently adapted him to personify a +female; and if there is no direct proof in substantiation +of the oft-told tale that D’Eon appeared at the Court of +Elizabeth in female attire, there is at least valuable +evidence in support of it.</p> + +<p>It may be mentioned in regard to D’Eon’s looks, that +during his second stay at St. Petersburg, when secretary +of Embassy, a Russian officer one day observed to +him that with his hair so neatly powdered he greatly +resembled the infant Jesus. D’Eon, who throughout +his career showed the greatest aversion to any kind of +remark on his feminine appearance, and disliked, besides, +all that was Russian, very pertly replied: ‘Yes, you +are right, for I happen to be in a very dirty manger.’<a id="FNanchor_16" href="#Footnote_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a></p> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp58" id="illus3" style="max-width: 34.375em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/illus3.jpg" alt=""> + <figcaption class="caption"><p class="right"><i>To face page 14.</i></p> + <p>D’EON DE BEAUMONT.<br><span class="smcap">Aged 25.</span></p> + <p class="right"><a href="#APPENDIX"><i>See Appendix.</i></a></p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<p>During Douglas’ absence D’Eon was putting his +intelligence and tact to the best use in the service of +his master, his task being rendered somewhat easier by +Elizabeth’s kindly feelings towards France and the +French, which had never entirely changed,<a id="FNanchor_17" href="#Footnote_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> even though<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15"></a>[15]</span> +her two favourites, the Marquis de la Chétardie and the +Count Lestocq, had long since been disposed of; the +first, as already stated, by being thrust out of the +empire, the latter—of whom in allusion to his treachery +her Majesty said: ‘If Lestocq could have poisoned all +Russia with one dose, he would assuredly have done so’—by +being tortured and exiled to Oustouk. D’Eon had +wisely commenced by insinuating himself in the good +graces of the Vice-Chancellor, whose predilections were +completely French, and who being married to the +Countess Skavronsky, a cousin of the Empress, proved +his powerful support and shield against the Grand +Chancellor Bestoujeff Riumin, the known leader of the +Prussian party hostile to France.</p> + +<p>But five years before this Bestoujeff had so effectually +prejudiced the mind of Elizabeth against Prussia, that +her ambassador, Gross, very hastily and unceremoniously +took his departure one morning from Berlin, +without in the least troubling himself to announce his +intentions to anybody. Since that time, Bestoujeff +fancied he saw good cause for changing his views.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE GRAND-DUCHESS CATHERINE.</div> + +<p>Peter, the son of Anna Petrovna, by her marriage +with Charles Frederick, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, could +never forget his German birth and parentage, and even +after being created a Grand Duke of Russia, he continued +to attach far greater importance to his title of +Holstein-Gottorp, remaining perfectly indifferent to the +interests of the Russian people, and maintaining about +him a suite and retinue consisting entirely of Germans. +His consort, Catherine of Anhalt-Zerbst (afterwards +Catherine II.), sought, on the contrary, to identify herself<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16"></a>[16]</span> +with the country of her adoption, embracing the +religion, and following the manners and customs of the +people. Politically, she desired a good understanding +with England, entirely deprecating alliance with France +and Austria; and when the report of the probable +arrival of a French ambassador was gaining ground, +she expressed her uneasiness to Sir Hanbury, saying she +should act up to anything he might suggest to prevent +such a thing. Sir Hanbury reminded Catherine that +her known confidence in Bestoujeff had made the +Schouvaloffs her secret enemies; but that the latter, in +themselves, had neither sense, courage, nor money +enough to do any harm to her succession, although the +arrival of a French ambassador might change the scene, +for he would do all in his power, sparing neither pains +nor money, to injure her. Catherine’s feelings were +perfectly well known to Elizabeth, who used to say of +her that ‘she was a clever woman, only she prided herself +on being more clever than anybody else.’ The +most powerful man at Court because the greatest +favourite was Ivan Schouvaloff. He was fond of everything +that was French, understood their language, followed +all their fashions, and was known to have always +wished that a French ambassador might arrive at St. +Petersburg. Small causes produce great effects, and +the reconciliation proceeding between Russia and France +was partly owing to the caprice of that young man.<a id="FNanchor_18" href="#Footnote_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">RETURN TO VERSAILLES.</div> + +<p>Bestoujeff, foreseeing the more probable course of +events, seized the opportunity for turning his coat, and +assuring the grand-duchess of his devotion to her person +and to her views, and for expressing to the grand-duke, +her husband, his own desire for the maintenance of +good relations with Prussia. English, French, Austrian,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17"></a>[17]</span> +and even Prussian gold was being freely scattered at +St. Petersburg,<a id="FNanchor_19" href="#Footnote_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> but in the end D’Eon, Schouvaloff, and +Woronzoff obtained every advantage over the grand-ducal +party. Consenting to receive a French representative +at her Court, Elizabeth wrote privately to Louis +XV. to that effect, the letter being carried to its +destination by D’Eon, in his volume ‘Esprit des Lois,’ +after Douglas’ return from Versailles. We cannot +undertake to fix the date of D’Eon’s departure from +St. Petersburg nearer than that a letter of June 12, +1756, from Sir Hanbury Williams to the Earl of +Holdernesse, announces ‘a creature of the Vice-Chancellor +is soon to set out from hence to Paris to +negotiate this affair.’ In parting with D’Eon, the +Empress invited him to enter her service, promising +honourable and lucrative employment; but D’Eon was +too deeply attached to his own country to entertain such +a proposal; and resisting the offer, said that the renewal +of friendly relations between the two countries, the +advantages of which he had already pointed out, would +afford him the opportunity for serving the interests of +Russia without neglecting those of the Court of France; +a reply which served to increase the esteem already +entertained for him by Elizabeth.</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18"></a>[18]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<p>Sir Hanbury Williams and Count Woronzoff—The Empress Elizabeth’s +message to France—Chevalier Douglas, French Chargé d’Affaires in +Russia with D’Eon as secretary—Commencement of the Seven Years’ +War—Count Apraxin’s defection—D’Eon leaves for Versailles—Trait of +character—Reception by Louis XV. and ministers—Proceeds to Russia—The +will of Peter the Great—Count Bestoujeff’s opinion of D’Eon—Prince +Poniatovsky and his diamond—D’Eon as a fencer—Bestoujeff’s arrest—D’Eon +again invited to take service in Russia.</p> + +</div> + +<p>Leaving Paris under the name of Léonard, for the second +time as the King’s secret envoy to Russia, but armed +upon this occasion with private credentials from M. +Rouillé, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and ‘a great deal +of money to dispose of,’ Douglas passed through Dantzig, +and Riga where he falsely represented himself as envoy +extraordinary from France to Russia, and was accordingly +received as such by the governor of that town. +With equal disregard to the truth, he made it his +business upon this journey to spread the report that in +the treaty concluded between England and Prussia there +was a secret article whereby the former Power was to +pay to the latter an annual subsidy of 200,000<i>l.</i>! He +arrived at St. Petersburg on April 22 (N.S.), requested +an interview of the Vice-Chancellor at 9 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span> for the +same evening—obtained it—and forthwith delivered a +letter from M. Rouillé, with friendly messages on the +part of the King. Shortly afterwards he was presented +at Court as a Scottish gentleman in the service of France, +to the delight of Louis XV. and his ministers.<a id="FNanchor_20" href="#Footnote_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19"></a>[19]</span></p> + +<p>When questioned by Sir Hanbury Williams, the Vice-Chancellor +admitted that Douglas was entrusted with a +commission from the King of France, although not in an +official capacity. He could give no information on the +nature of that commission, but Sir Hanbury might rest +assured that the Court of Russia would not enter into +anything with France that could be prejudicial to the +interests of England. It was not the first time, he said, +that France had made overtures to Russia, but he was +too well acquainted with the French nation ever to be +their dupe, and he should not fail to give further information +when in a position to do so. Within twenty-four +hours of this conversation, the Chancellor Bestoujeff +declared to Sir Hanbury that he was kept quite out of +the secret, and knew nothing of Douglas’ return until +his arrival at Riga.<a id="FNanchor_21" href="#Footnote_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">SECOND JOURNEY TO RUSSIA.</div> + +<p>When D’Eon again made his appearance at St. +Petersburg, Douglas was simply delighted. ‘I am very +greatly pleased at the arrival of M. D’Eon,’ he wrote to +M. Rouillé; ‘I have been long acquainted with his intelligence, +his zeal, and attachment to his work. He will +be very useful to me, and also of good service to the +King. He is steady and prudent....’<a id="FNanchor_22" href="#Footnote_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a></p> + +<p>Chancing to call one morning on Count Woronzoff, +the British ambassador was not admitted. In the +court-yard was Douglas’ coach. The next day Woronzoff +sent for Baron Wolff, to tell him the reason he had +not received Sir Hanbury was because Douglas being +with him, he did not know whether the English ambassador<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20"></a>[20]</span> +would have liked to meet him. Sir Hanbury, +who naturally looked upon Douglas as a rebel of the +first water, since he was actually in the service of +England’s enemies, replied that if such was the message, +the excuse was worse than the fault, for he refused to +be put upon a level with such a fellow as Douglas.</p> + +<p>The Treaty of Versailles (May 1, 1756) had placed +Douglas and Count Esterhazy upon an entirely new +footing. Their lengthened conferences, at first held +secretly in a third place, and their growing intimacy, +prevented Sir Hanbury from conversing any longer with +the Austrian minister on matters of business. French +subjects were invited to consider themselves under the +protection of the Empress-Queen’s ambassador, and +Russia’s ministers at foreign courts were instructed to +live on good terms with those of France. Such were +the political changes in progress, when Elizabeth openly +professed her desire to renew diplomatic relations with +the King of France.</p> + +<p>M. Rouillé’s courteous letter of February 9, presented +to the Vice-Chancellor by Douglas upon the same +evening of his arrival at St. Petersburg, and in which, +by way of precaution, should the letter have miscarried, +the secret envoy was spoken of as being a librarian, was +as courteously answered under date of April 20 (O.S.). +A long ‘Mémoire,’ also handed to Douglas for transmission +to the French minister, in reply to the friendly +advances made by Louis XV., and in which are expressed +her Imperial Majesty’s views on drawing closer +together the improving relations between Russia and +France, contains this passage:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘It would be very agreeable to her Imperial Majesty if the +Chevalier Douglas was more fully authorised or accredited as +Chargé d’Affaires, so as to render it possible for both sides to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21"></a>[21]</span> +treat with greater authority on the other matters included in +his instructions, and serve not only to the glory and to the +mutual advantage of the two Courts, but also to their prompt +reunion. Yet, notwithstanding the insufficiency of the Chevalier’s +authorisation, he will continue to be treated with distinction, +and listened to with consideration, as being a person sent +to this country on the part of his Most Christian Majesty.’<a id="FNanchor_23" href="#Footnote_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">APPOINTED SECRETARY OF LEGATION.</div> + +<p>In July, Douglas was accredited Chargé d’Affaires +to the Court of Russia, taking up his residence at the +Apraxin Palace, near the Summer Palace, D’Eon being +appointed Secretary of Legation, and entrusted with the +secret correspondence; communicating with the Prince +de Conti, and with the King through Tercier, and still +the medium of intercourse between the Empress and +Woronzoff on the one hand, and Louis XV. on the +other; by which arrangement Douglas was enabled to +entertain uninterrupted relations with Elizabeth and +Woronzoff on subjects of a nature to be kept concealed +from Bestoujeff Riumin.</p> + +<p>As the Treaty of Subsidies, an acknowledged fact +between England and Russia, was set at naught by +England’s Neutrality Treaty with Prussia, so did Elizabeth +cast the former to the winds, and in due course +unite herself to the French-Austrian alliance, in +spite of all that Catherine and Bestoujeff could do to +prevent such a thing. Frederick’s sarcasms had no +more spared the Empress of Russia and the Empress-Queen +than Madame de Pompadour, and the licentious +Elizabeth thought it worth her while to retaliate by +expressing her indignation at the King of Prussia’s little +concern in matters of religion. ‘He does not believe +in God! He never goes to Church! There is nothing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22"></a>[22]</span> +that is sacred in his eyes!’ Some years had passed +since she uttered those words; she had not forgiven +him, now she was joining the coalition against that +monarch, and so was about to begin what is known as +the Seven Years’ War.</p> + +<p>The eighty thousand men for whom Sir Hanbury had +bargained were assembled in Livonia under Count +Apraxin,<a id="FNanchor_24" href="#Footnote_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a> the firm friend of Bestoujeff, when they +shortly entered Poland. The war was commenced by +the Austrians, the first to receive Frederick’s fire and +under Marshal Daun to defeat him at Kolin (June 18), +afterwards marching upon Berlin and bearing away all +the tribute money they could collect. Their German +allies invaded Prussia from Saxony, the Swedes not +long delaying in entering Pomerania, and the French +attacking out of Hanover after having occupied Embden +(July 3). Hearing that Apraxin had taken Memel, +Frederick sent Field-Marshal Lewald with twenty-five +thousand men to keep him in check, and a battle was +fought at Gross-Jägersdorff near Königsberg (August +30), in which the Russians overpowered the enemy +simply through force of numbers. Frederick being left +with about twenty thousand men only, began to fear +that all was lost, when the astounding intelligence +reached him that the Russians, ‘who were more easily +killed than beaten,’ were withdrawing towards their +own frontier—a movement executed during the illness,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23"></a>[23]</span> +believed to be serious, of Elizabeth, who no sooner heard +of Apraxin’s strange doings, than she ordered him to +be recalled and his conduct investigated. But the +field-marshal did not long survive his return, and why +he failed to follow up the advantages he had gained by +the most complete of victories, was never explained by +himself. Later, his reasons were guessed!</p> + +<div class="sidenote">SECOND RETURN TO VERSAILLES.</div> + +<p>D’Eon had quitted St. Petersburg in April, entrusted +by the Empress with private letters to Maria Theresa +and Louis XV.; he was the bearer to the Courts of +Vienna and Versailles of Elizabeth’s friendly assurances +that the Treaty of Subsidies with England was no longer +of effect, and that the eighty thousand men she had +assembled in Livonia and Courland should henceforth +act in concert with the forces of Austria and France. +He was also charged to deliver the ratification to the +Treaty of Versailles, the plan to be pursued by the +Russian army in its operations with the Austrian and +French troops, and other papers of considerable importance +relating to secret transactions in which he had +borne a part; and, further, he was commissioned by +Count Schouvaloff to take with him fifty thousand livres +in gold, being a gift from the Empress to Voltaire, who +had received her Majesty’s commands to write the life +of Peter—specie D’Eon lodged with the bankers Hermani +and Dietrich, at Strasburg, on his way through that town.</p> + +<p>In her letter to the King, Elizabeth referred to D’Eon +in flattering terms as having been instrumental in conducing +to the happy results which necessitated the +journey he was about to take, and ‘as a mark of her +favour’ she presented him with a gratuity of three +hundred ducats.<a id="FNanchor_25" href="#Footnote_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24"></a>[24]</span></p> + +<p>When D’Eon first went to Russia, one commission +entrusted to him was to obtain for the Prince de Conti, +from the Empress, the command-in-chief of the Russian +army and the principality of Courland; the secret aim +of the prince being, through such means, to work his +way gradually to the throne of Poland, and to that of +Russia by marrying Elizabeth. Douglas and D’Eon had +met with success on the two first points, which alone +had been mooted to the Empress, and D’Eon’s errand +to Versailles included the Empress’ and Woronzoff’s +assurances to the prince that he should have the command +of the army and the principality of Courland, if +the King would....<a id="FNanchor_26" href="#Footnote_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> The rest is obliterated by +D’Eon in his letter.</p> + +<p>One result of Douglas’ and D’Eon’s labours was the +appointment of an ambassador to the Court of Russia in +the person of the Marquis de l’Hôpital; but a whole +year having elapsed between that minister’s nomination +and departure for his post, it so happened that when +D’Eon got to Bieloyēstok on his way to Vienna, the two +met, to the great advantage of the marquis, as he himself +subsequently avowed; for he was supplied with so +much useful practical information, upon a country of +which he knew literally nothing, as a somewhat hurried +interview would allow.</p> + +<p>It was nightfall on the day that D’Eon got to the +gates of Vienna, where a little incident occurred which +serves to illustrate at least one trait in his character.</p> + +<p>Although provided with passports that should have +assured freedom from all kind of molestation or delay, +the Customs’ officers refused to allow him to enter the +city without first searching his effects. Obstinately<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25"></a>[25]</span> +objecting to submit to what he considered a gross indignity, +but feeling himself under the circumstances to +be the weakest, he made up his mind to pass the night +outside the walls. A sergeant of hussars going his +rounds offered the stranger a shelter in the guard-room. +There being no French ambassador at Vienna, D’Eon +sent, in the early morning, an account of his night’s +adventure to Baron de Toussaint, a favourite of the +Emperor, which resulted in the dismissal of the two +Customs’ officers and the promotion of the sergeant to +the rank of lieutenant.<a id="FNanchor_27" href="#Footnote_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">TIMELY ARRIVAL AT VIENNA.</div> + +<p>At Vienna D’Eon found the Count de Broglio, +French minister to Poland, who had received orders to +pass through that capital, and there concert such alterations +as might be considered advisable in the plan prepared +by Marshal D’Estrées for the ensuing campaign; +a measure facilitated by D’Eon’s timely appearance +with the Russian plan of operations and his intimate +knowledge of Russian affairs, which proved of invaluable +service to the count. During his hurried stay at +Vienna, news were received of the battle of Prague +(May 6), ‘the bloodiest battle of the age,’ as Frederick +called it, and de Broglio at once despatched him to carry +the gratifying intelligence to Versailles. The hot haste +in which he had travelled from St. Petersburg was not +to be compared to the diligence he employed in bearing +such additional good tidings; he managed to outstrip +by thirty-six hours the special courier sent by Prince +Kaunitz to Count Staremberg, Austrian ambassador at +Paris, although he reached his destination with a +broken leg, caused by the overturning of the coach in +his headlong journey; the accident and its cause only +serving to intensify the interest already felt in the young<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26"></a>[26]</span> +secretary, who was attended by the King’s own surgeon +immediately upon arrival.</p> + +<p>D’Eon met with a most flattering reception by the +Cardinal de Bernis, Foreign Minister, and Marshal de +Belle-Isle, Minister of War, and a month or two later he +received a handsome gold snuff-box, with portrait, from +the King, inside which he found a gratuity from the +privy purse, and, what he prized most, a commission +as lieutenant of dragoons.</p> + +<p>D’Eon’s employment being still secret, and chiefly so +in the King’s service, as well as public in the quality of +Secretary of Legation, he was bound to apply for permission +to convey to the Prince de Conti the message +entrusted to him at St. Petersburg. It was granted by +the King.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>Louis XV. to Tercier.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘July 20, 1757.</p> + +<p>‘Since M. D’Eon is commissioned by M. Woronzoff to see +Prince de Conty, he must see him, but he is to give you an +exact account of the Prince de Conty’s reply. As this will +some day become publicly known, I must be informed of it by +other means than these....’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="date">‘August 7, 1757.</p> + +<p>‘... The Sieur D’Eon must not communicate to anybody +what he knows of the secret....’<a id="FNanchor_28" href="#Footnote_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>D’Eon had several interviews and some secret correspondence +with the Prince de Conti upon the success +of his mission to St. Petersburg; but the Prince and +Madame de Pompadour were no longer on good terms, +she being too exacting to suit his pride, and the King +would or could not make up his mind in favour of his +kinsman.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>Louis XV. to Tercier.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘Fontainebleau, September 15, 1757.</p> + +<p>‘... If the Empress of Russia really summons the Prince +de Conty to the command of her armies, and desires to give him<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27"></a>[27]</span> +Courland, until something better turns up, I shall be very glad; +but for the present I can no longer take a direct part other +than that of not offering any opposition, and give my consent +when nothing else will be wanted.... I approve of your +giving a cypher to the Sieur D’Eon, if he has not yet left....’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="date">‘September 21, 1757.</p> + +<p>‘... When I am morally satisfied that the Empress of +Russia destines him (the Prince de Conti) for the command +of her army and for Courland, I will give all authority and permission +required of me. Until then I am quite averse to it, +for fear of taking a false step, which might do us more harm +than good....’<a id="FNanchor_29" href="#Footnote_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>D’Eon was anxious to take to Russia a decided +answer of some sort, and when on his next journey he +halted five days at Strasburg by desire of the Prince, +who hoped to overtake him there with some favourable +settlement of his case. But nothing came.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE WILL OF PETER THE GREAT.</div> + +<p>D’Eon never wasted his time. Whilst laid up under +surgical treatment, enduring no little suffering from the +resetting of a broken limb, he worked at collating a +mass of useful information he had obtained in Russia +from various sources, producing a valuable ‘Mémoire,’ +upon which he was complimented by King and ministers. +In this ‘Mémoire,’ Gaillardet includes a document which +has been the subject-matter of frequent controversy, +its authenticity being discredited and derided—the will +of Peter the Great; but he negligently omits to state +where he consulted the copy of the will in D’Eon’s own +hand, and as we have been unable to verify the existence +of such a copy we forbear reproducing it, because otherwise +it has no place here, and leave the task to some +one more favoured than we could expect to be, in +searching amongst the French archives.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28"></a>[28]</span></p> + +<p>In a monograph which appeared at Brussels in 1863,<a id="FNanchor_30" href="#Footnote_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> +the author fathers the will of Peter the Great on Napoleon +I., and ascribes the earliest publication of it to +Lesur in his ‘Des Progrès de la puissance Russe, depuis +son origine jusqu’au commencement du XIXᵐᵉ siècle,’ +printed in 1812 under the immediate superintendence of +the French Government, at the time that the Emperor +was preparing for the invasion of Russia. In this +pamphlet Gaillardet (in whose fanciful story of the +Chevalier D’Eon, edition of 1836, the author read the +will) is charged with having reproduced the will from +the pages of Lesur.</p> + +<p>On receiving his commission in the army D’Eon +applied for active service, having grown tired and +become disgusted with the intrigues of a life at Court, +and the sight of troops in Courland, Prussia, Silesia, and +Moravia, when upon his journey from Russia, having +‘only served to inspire him with martial ardour.’ But +he was too precious and too useful in Russia to be +allowed to have his own way. The Marquis de l’Hôpital +was pressing him to return to St. Petersburg. ‘My +dear little fellow, I have learnt with pain of your accident, +and with great pleasure of your interviews with +the Old and New Testaments.<a id="FNanchor_31" href="#Footnote_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a> Come, live out the +Gospel with us, and rely upon my friendship and esteem.’ +To which Douglas added: ‘I also embrace you, my dear +cripple, and hope you will have left before the arrival +of this letter to join your worthy protector, who will be +a father to you.’ Over and above all, the King’s +ministers expressed the wish that D’Eon should return +to Russia with the least possible delay to perform a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29"></a>[29]</span> +particular piece of service, for which he was specially +qualified.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THIRD JOURNEY TO RUSSIA.</div> + +<p>It so happened that D’Eon had discovered the +existence of a secret correspondence between the grand-duke, +assisted by Bestoujeff, and the King of Prussia, +whose interests they preferred to serve, Apraxin and +Todleben, the Empress’s two generals in command of +her army on the field; the design being to keep the +Russian troops in a state of inaction, and thus deprive +the newly-allied Courts of the advantages to be derived +from the treaties so happily brought about by Douglas +and himself. D’Eon alone seemed to have knowledge +of this surreptitious intercourse, and being required to +bring it to light it was manifest that he should return to +Russia.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>Cardinal de Bernis to the Marquis de l’Hôpital.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘Compiègne, July 24, 1757.</p> + +<p>‘Sir,—The King has been pleased to take into favourable +consideration your request that M. D’Eon de Beaumont should +serve under your orders as First Secretary to your Embassy, and +his Majesty has the more willingly resolved upon so doing, as +the knowledge acquired by M. D’Eon on the government and +administration of Russia, gives just grounds for assuming that +he will be of great use to you and to the King’s service....’<a id="FNanchor_32" href="#Footnote_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>In September D’Eon left Paris, again as the sole +confidential correspondent of Louis XV. He was supplied +with copies of the instructions sent to the French +ambassador at St. Petersburg and of those from Prince +Kaunitz to Count Esterhazy, and he was ordered to concert +measures with Count Woronzoff for disclosing to +the Empress the Grand Chancellor’s treachery. He also +took with him a letter to Woronzoff, in which Tercier<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30"></a>[30]</span> +repeated the King’s desire to entertain a secret correspondence +with the Empress.<a id="FNanchor_33" href="#Footnote_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> Douglas was at the same +time on his way to Versailles, having been recalled at +the request of Bestoujeff, who was informed by the +French ambassador that the recall was an accomplished +fact, done as a favour to him.<a id="FNanchor_34" href="#Footnote_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>Cardinal de Bernis to the Marquis de l’Hôpital.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘Fontainebleau, September 13, 1757.</p> + +<p>‘I send to you, my dear ambassador, our dear little D’Eon, +with whom I hope you will be pleased. He is most intelligent, +zealous, and of a highly amiable disposition. His +fortune<a id="FNanchor_35" href="#Footnote_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a> lies in his hands as it does in yours. If you are as +satisfied with his conduct and diligence as I hope and wish you +may be, he may depend upon my being careful to, &c....’<a id="FNanchor_36" href="#Footnote_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>The announcement of D’Eon’s approaching arrival +was received with ill-concealed concern by the Grand +Chancellor, who suggested to the Marquis de l’Hôpital +the desirability of this appointment being cancelled. +He represented D’Eon to be a dangerous person whom +they would not cease to mistrust, for they believed him +capable of overturning the empire; an unguarded speech, +producing a result contrary to what was desired by +Bestoujeff, for de l’Hôpital only called the more loudly +for his new secretary, whose presence was feared by the +Prussian party.<a id="FNanchor_37" href="#Footnote_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a></p> + +<p>D’Eon was now in Russia for the third time.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31"></a>[31]</span></p> + +<p>Meeting the English ambassador at dinner one evening, +the conversation turned upon the trial and execution +of Admiral Byng. D’Eon observed that for his part he +was very sorry for the admiral. ‘Why?’ inquired the +ambassador. ‘Because,’ replied D’Eon, ‘he was a great +friend to France: he never did her any harm!’</p> + +<p>Invited upon another occasion to join in an English +dance, D’Eon said that his business at St Petersburg was +not to dance English dances, but to make the English +jump!’<a id="FNanchor_38" href="#Footnote_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">PRINCE PONIATOVSKY’S DIAMOND.</div> + +<p>D’Eon relates an incident that occurred in November, +shortly after his arrival at St. Petersburg. Prince +Poniatovsky, envoy extraordinary from Poland, wrote +to ask him for certain information on events then passing, +his letter being accompanied by a diamond of the +value of eight thousand livres. As a matter of course +D’Eon handed over the letter and the bribe to the +ambassador, by whom the gem was immediately returned +to the Polish minister, who got into such a +passion that he threw it into the fire. De l’Hôpital reported +the circumstance to the Cardinal de Bernis, and +the King’s promise was made that such an act of fidelity +should be rewarded by the presentation to the secretary +of a sum of equal value to the diamond; but Bernis’ +disgrace and exile caused the matter to be forgotten.<a id="FNanchor_39" href="#Footnote_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a></p> + +<p>D’Eon was well known to Poniatovsky, who did not +forget him in after years, his proficiency in the art of +fencing being one of the accomplishments that rendered +him a favourite with those at Court, and he frequently +dined with the grand-duke, with Prince Charles (for a +time Duke of Courland), or with Poniatovsky, the +evenings being spent in fencing. If pressure of work<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32"></a>[32]</span> +prevented him from accepting the invitations he received, +the French ambassador was scolded by those personages +for having detained him at the Embassy.<a id="FNanchor_40" href="#Footnote_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a></p> + +<p>On February 24, 1758, the Grand Chancellor, Bestoujeff +Riumin, was arrested by order of Elizabeth, whilst +presiding at a council of ministers. Amidst his papers, +which were all seized, was found a scheme for disposing +of certain persons obnoxious to him, amongst whom +were included Douglas and D’Eon.<a id="FNanchor_41" href="#Footnote_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a> He was charged +with high treason, the French and Austrian ambassadors +being loud in their condemnation of his criminal purposes. +At the same time were arrested several other +persons having constant access to the Grand-Duchess +Catherine, such, for instance, as her secretary, her tutor +in the Russian language, jeweller, &c., and she herself +became the object of so great obloquy that she demanded +permission to withdraw to Germany, a step the +Empress refused to sanction.</p> + +<p>The conjectures formed to account for Bestoujeff’s +perfidy were various, but it was generally accepted that +Elizabeth, having been seriously indisposed and her +death apprehended, the Grand Chancellor was anxious to +secure Catherine’s favour by withholding the Russian +forces from taking part in further hostilities against +Frederick. He also aimed at securing the succession of +her child to the exclusion of the grand-duke, his father, +with the nomination of herself to the regency, or even<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33"></a>[33]</span> +her own elevation to the throne. This view of the case +received confirmation in after years, for Bestoujeff was +never permitted to return from exile until the accession +of Catherine.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE ARREST OF COUNT BESTOUJEFF.</div> + +<p>When under arrest, Bestoujeff was treated with unusual +consideration, notwithstanding the general feeling +against him from his known intimacy with Apraxin, the +cause of so much national disgrace. He was detained +for a time a prisoner in his own house, escaping the +tortures to which others, equally compromised with +himself, had been subjected; and, although designated +‘a traitor grown old in iniquity,’ it was decreed in the +imperial manifesto ordering his trial, that ‘no severity +was to be employed for the purpose of exacting his +evidence or confession; but whatever he chose to say +was to be noted.’</p> + +<p>Bestoujeff was exiled to one of his estates, and +Woronzoff succeeded him as Grand Chancellor.</p> + +<p>After the Bestoujeff affair, the Empress renewed her +efforts—this time through his superiors—to induce +D’Eon to enter her service.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>The Marquis de l’Hôpital to the Cardinal de Bernis.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘St. Petersburg, June 29, 1758.</p> + +<p>‘... I have proposed to M. D’Eon, in compliance with +your wishes, again to attach him to the Court of Russia; but +he says that he will not serve other master than the King for +all the gold in the world; that he is sensible of his obligations +towards you, and that he is too respectfully devoted to you to +think of seeking elsewhere the rewards you will bestow upon +him for serving under your orders and to your satisfaction as he +is now doing.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>The Cardinal’s Reply.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘Versailles, August 1, 1758.</p> + +<p>‘I cannot do otherwise than approve the motives which +induce M. D’Eon to refuse employment offered to him by the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34"></a>[34]</span> +Court of Russia. They are the results of his zeal to the King’s +service, and of his attachment towards yourself....’<a id="FNanchor_42" href="#Footnote_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>M. D’Eon to M. Tercier.</i></p> + +<p>‘I have given the Marquis de l’Hôpital to understand all +my reasons, and this without any difficulty. I am satisfied, +considering his friendship towards me, that he would be sorry +were I to leave him, and in forfeiting his friendship I should +gain his secret contempt. I have therefore declared to him, +not on political grounds, but with all the candour and truth +of which a Burgundian is capable, that I will never leave the +service of France for that of all the emperors and empresses in +the universe, and that no motives can cause me to change my +way of thinking—neither honours nor riches. I tell you what +I think. I prefer to live from hand to mouth in France to being +in the enjoyment of an income of one hundred thousand livres in +fear and bondage. <i>Regnare nolo, dum liber non sum mihi.</i> This +is the profession of my faith. I am satisfied that neither the +Abbé de Bernis nor you will take my way of thinking amiss. +Had I a bastard brother, be assured I should prevail upon him +to accept such an offer, but for myself, who am legitimate, I +am glad to die like a faithful dog in a ditch in my native +land.’<a id="FNanchor_43" href="#Footnote_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>M. D’Eon to the Cardinal de Bernis.</i></p> + +<p>‘... Whilst having the honour of thanking you for your +good intentions, and the prospects you have in view in my +behalf, I entreat you at once to do me the favour to dismiss +me from your memory whenever there is a question of my +destiny removing me entirely from France. Since I came to +St. Petersburg, my maxim has ever been to keep my back +turned upon Siberia, too happy to have escaped being sent +there. I long for and look towards my native country....’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>The Cardinal de Bernis to M. D’Eon.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘Versailles, August 1, 1758.</p> + +<p>‘... You will be informed by the Marquis de l’Hôpital +that, far from being distressed at your refusal to accept the post<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35"></a>[35]</span> +offered to you at the Court of Russia, the motives which induce +you not to accept it meet with entire approbation. Continue +to serve his Majesty with the same zeal you have hitherto displayed. +It will at all times be a pleasure to me to bring to the +favourable notice of the King your services, your labours, and +your abilities.’<a id="FNanchor_44" href="#Footnote_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">HONOUR AND REWARD.</div> + +<p>It was not at the hands of the Empress of Russia +that D’Eon cared to receive honours. For his important +services at the Court of that monarch he was promoted +by Louis XV. to the rank of captain of dragoons, and +awarded a pension of two hundred ducats, to be paid by +the Count de Broglio out of the secret service money.</p> + +<p>In the course of this year D’Eon found time to +publish a work, in two volumes, entitled ‘Confédérations +Historiques sur les Impôts des Egyptiens, des Babyloniens, +des Perses, des Grecs, des Romains, et sur les +différentes situations de la France, par rapport aux +Finances, depuis l’établissement des Francs dans la +Gaule jusqu’à present.’<a id="FNanchor_45" href="#Footnote_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36"></a>[36]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<p>Progress of the war—The Duke de Choiseul’s designs against England—Change +of policy—D’Eon’s advice to the French ambassador—Approved +by Louis XV.—D’Eon’s failing health—The Marquis de l’Hôpital—Baron +de Breteuil admitted to the secret correspondence—The King’s +secret orders to D’Eon—Testimonies to his abilities—Leaves Russia for +the last time—Gift from the Empress—On the staff of the Marshal +and Count de Broglio—Distinguished services during the campaign of +1761—Exile of the Broglios—Death of Elizabeth.</p> + +</div> + +<p>Apraxin’s defection was a fine thing for Frederick. Two +great events followed—the humiliating defeat of the +French at Rosbach (October 31), by Seidlitz and +his cavalry, shall we say? and the battle of Leuthen +(December 5), in which eighty thousand Austrians were +worsted by thirty thousand Prussians. And thus ended +the campaign of 1757. The following year Field-Marshal +Fermor, Apraxin’s successor, entered Eastern Prussia, +occupied Königsberg, and was beaten by Frederick at +Zorndorff (August 25, 1758). Prince Soltikoff, who replaced +Fermor, was also about to lose a battle at Künersdorff +(August 12, 1759); but the day ended happily for +him, his ninety thousand men having almost annihilated +the forty-eight thousand Prussians by whom he +was opposed.</p> + +<p>This much of what the Russians did, and we shall +have got to the end of 1759, after an illustration, from +concurrent testimony, of D’Eon’s share in the progress +of the war.</p> + +<p>Let us first turn to the pages of Vandal.<a id="FNanchor_46" href="#Footnote_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37"></a>[37]</span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">FRENCH DESIGNS ON ENGLAND.</div> + +<p>On December 30, 1758, was signed by Louis XV. +and Maria Theresa a treaty in confirmation of their +previous treaty still in force, except that it determined +with greater precision respective obligations; +France, for instance, binding herself to keep an army of +100,000 men in Germany. Elizabeth was invited to +join, and she did so. Of this matter the Duke de +Choiseul, for some months Minister for Foreign Affairs, +was completely ignorant. There was a time, it was but +short, when the duke in his patriotic desire to recover +influences lost to France through the feeble administration +of the Cardinal de Bernis, his predecessor, had +determined upon not entertaining any idea of capitulating +with England, so long as soldiers, guns and ships +remained, and on prosecuting the war against Prussia +until France met with success. A partisan of Austria, +his feelings towards Russia were of a different nature, +but he was wisely inclined to turn to the best account +the alliance with those Powers. As regards Russia, he +instructed the ambassador at St. Petersburg (January 9, +1759) to tell Woronzoff, for the information of the +Empress, that if the King were to desire peace for the +happiness of his people and the repose of Europe, it +should only be on conditions honourable to his Majesty +and his allies, and which would ensure general tranquillity; +but that so far from contemplating such a +thing, every arrangement was made for effectively +continuing the war during the present and a succeeding +campaign, to the end of bringing the enemy to just and +reasonable terms. That the Empress might have undoubted +proofs of his Majesty’s sentiments on the +subject, and to do away with every possible misunderstanding, +the King was disposed to conclude, jointly +with the two Empresses, or with the Empress of Russia<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38"></a>[38]</span> +alone, such convention as might be considered necessary +for strengthening their union, thereby giving fresh +assurances that his Majesty would only act in concert +with his allies, communicating with them on all points +with that entire confidence which should exist between +Powers bound by friendly ties, and whose interests +were in common.</p> + +<p>Unable to cope with Great Britain on the seas, the +Duke de Choiseul formed a plan of invasion, in which +he sought the co-operation of Russia and Sweden, whose +spheres of action would be the Scottish coast. ‘Should +fifty thousand men perish in the first expedition,’ he +wrote to Count Bernstorff, ‘the King has signed the +determination to send other fifty thousand, and we shall +not be discouraged so long as we have men in France.’<a id="FNanchor_47" href="#Footnote_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a> +The hesitations of those Powers, the destruction of the +French fleets in the East Indies, off Cape Lagos, and +in Quiberon Bay, and of the flotilla prepared for the +invasion of England, upset the whole of the duke’s +schemes, and gave him good cause to change his tactics. +He would now hail peace if he could. He turned to +de l’Hôpital (July 8, 1759), and desired him to seize an +early opportunity for feeling his way with the Grand +Chancellor, and suggesting to that minister, as a private +opinion of his own, the desirability of Russia’s mediation +between Austria and Prussia, whereby she would secure +to herself the gratitude of Europe. De Choiseul believed +that if the Germanic Powers could but arrange +their differences, Russia might become useful in bringing +about an understanding between France and England.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39"></a>[39]</span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE DUKE DE CHOISEUL AT FAULT.</div> + +<p>De l’Hôpital—gouty, good-natured, and easy-going—had +made it a practice never to act without first consulting +his confidential secretary. That secretary, at the +present time, was D’Eon, who recommended that no +notice whatever should be taken of the minister’s letter. +De l’Hôpital agreed. At the expiration of a couple of +months de Choiseul again wrote, this time impatiently +and reproachfully.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Allow me to tell you, my dear Marquis, that you amuse +yourself somewhat too much at playing the ambassador, and +that you do not sufficiently attend to its responsibilities. My +despatch, No. 48, will have given you some idea of the King’s +system, which, however, you have not as yet turned to profit. +Apparently, you have not been able to do so, but you should +have informed me whether you understand, and how you understand +his Majesty’s instructions upon a project as delicate as it +is advantageous. Reflect seriously upon it; I speak to you as +a friend, I unfold to you our system, and if you are not so +thoroughly satisfied with it as we are, you are too good a +servant to the King not to say so; and in such a case, since you +do not wish to change your ideas, t’were far better that you +should, under pretext of illness, give up your Embassy rather +than be employed in a task, of the advantages of which you are +not persuaded. This avowal on your part would, I assure you, +please the King as much as your success, for which we hope, in +the negotiations. The Marchioness de l’Hôpital has spoken +to me of your desire to be created a duke; I wish with all my +heart I could serve you. Enable yourself to solicit this favour +by the obligations under which the King will be to you. I tell +you simply this: there are but two ways; either to carry out +the views contained in the despatch No. 48, and in this private +letter, or come away. I prefer the first to the last, but the last +will also succeed if you promptly give up the first, for I shall +certainly represent that you cannot return without receiving +some special reward.’<a id="FNanchor_48" href="#Footnote_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40"></a>[40]</span></p> + +<p>We will let D’Eon lift the veil of Louis XV.’s diplomacy +in his own words:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘In 1759, the Duke de Choiseul had prevailed upon the +Empress of Russia, by means of negotiations through the Marquis +de l’Hôpital, to offer her mediation towards securing peace, +when I at the same time received the King’s orders to use my +best efforts with the Empress, and the Grand Chancellor Woronzoff, +to prevail upon her Majesty to withdraw her mediation, +and to exhort her to continue the war, without allowing the +Duke de Choiseul or the Marquis de l’Hôpital to know what I +was about—all of which I executed to the great satisfaction of +the King, as I can prove by evidence bearing his signature; +and for these incontestable facts I appeal to the reliable testimony +of the Count de Broglio.’<a id="FNanchor_49" href="#Footnote_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a> ‘... It was I, who, by +secret orders from my master, unknown to the great Choiseul, +caused the late war to last three years longer.’<a id="FNanchor_50" href="#Footnote_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>Turning again to Vandal, we find the King’s approval +of D’Eon’s counsel to de l’Hôpital, and verification +of the former’s statement in the paragraph above +quoted.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘No reference is here made, either to the instructions sent to +the Marquis de l’Hôpital, directing him to enter upon negotiations +for terminating the German war, by means of, and by the +mediation of the Empress of Russia, or to what has prevented +them. The inconvenience which might have resulted from the +influence and dangerous preponderance which Russia would in +this way have acquired, and the real advantages she would have +procured for herself, are too well known to be repeated here. +It is, therefore, a matter for congratulation, so far as the interests +of the King are concerned, that the Marquis de l’Hôpital, +yielding in this instance to the prudent advice of the Sieur +D’Eon, had allowed the opportunity to slip, which he had been +eagerly enjoined to seize.’<a id="FNanchor_51" href="#Footnote_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41"></a>[41]</span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">DISLIKE TO RUSSIA.</div> + +<p>Four years of anxious and hard toil in a climate +which did not suit him had told on D’Eon’s health, +until he felt seriously inconvenienced from scurvy and +an affection of the eyes, and his return to France became +but a question of time. He was longing for home. +Apart from his dislike to life at Court, where he felt +that ‘it was impossible for a simply virtuous, non-intriguing +and dispassionate man to succeed,’ he had made +up his mind that Russia was not a country for a freeman +to live in. He could not forget that he and five other +officers attached to the Embassy had to lay aside their +uniforms, to avoid the insults offered by soldiers and +people of the lower class, at times when France was +meeting with reverses, such as those at Rosbach and +Minden; and the mortification he endured at hearing +the Empress’ words of comfort to his chief, the French +ambassador. It was reported that D’Eon had determined +upon not remaining in Russia because he had +seen the daughter of Pope Urban X. (<i>sic</i>), who was +married to the gardener of a boyar, receive twenty +blows with a stick for several days consecutively; and +because the said boyar and thirty other boyars were +broken on the wheel, two years afterwards, for their +share in some Court broil. He mentions this report of +himself without adding any comment, but relates an +anecdote which clearly confirms his unfavourable +opinion of the country he was in. A Russian nobleman +said to him one fine summer’s day:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Sir, all Europe is exasperated against us; but look around, +where you will, and you see beautiful fertile plains teeming with +corn and game.’ ‘Prince,’ replied D’Eon, ‘I see a crow yonder +on the plain, and I regret that I have not my gun with me. I +would shoot it off-hand, because, having wings, it remains in a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42"></a>[42]</span> +country of slavery, instead of making use of them and flying +away into Poland, a land of liberty!’<a id="FNanchor_52" href="#Footnote_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>D’Eon applied for permission to resign on the score +of ill-health, and to be allowed to join his regiment, but +his departure was necessarily postponed until a suitable +successor could be found. For his own part de Choiseul +became convinced that de l’Hôpital was no longer fitted +for the post of ambassador at St. Petersburg, an opinion +shared by the King for quite different reasons, which +need not be entered into here. De l’Hôpital, however, +was an old and faithful servant to the Crown and deserving +of every consideration, so that it was felt to be +impossible to recall him abruptly, and such a step was +likely to give offence to the Empress, who had taken a +fancy to him, and received him at her Court with favour +and distinction. As a solution of the difficulty, de +Choiseul conceived the idea of appointing a colleague +to the marquis with subordinate rank, who should +eventually succeed him on his resignation, which, considering +his age and increasing infirmities, could not long +be delayed. This colleague should be a personal friend of +his own, to whom he might confide and entrust his policy +and intentions, and he nominated the Baron de Breteuil, +a young man of twenty-seven, of distinguished appearance +and refined manners. The Count de Broglio, however, +also had his candidate, M. Durand, a gentleman +attached to the Embassy at Warsaw, the King’s secret +agent in that capital, initiated in the system, well conversant +in Russian affairs, and therefore eminently qualified +to serve the King’s private interests at the Court of +Russia in the room of D’Eon. This nomination the duke +resolutely refused to entertain. He had undeniably<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43"></a>[43]</span> +good cause to suspect the existence of some occult influence +to his disadvantage, having already found himself +thwarted in his plans, in various quarters, without being +able to trace the obstruction to its source, and had +determined upon carrying his point, which he completely +succeeded in doing, by prevailing upon the King to sign +the Baron de Breteuil’s credentials as minister plenipotentiary. +No sooner had the minister’s choice become +an irrevocable fact, than the Count de Broglio and +Tercier urged upon the King the expediency of admitting +the baron to the secret correspondence, and informing +him that he should best be pleasing his master +by not carrying out the orders of the minister. The +King had great objection to the admission of new +disciples, but there appeared to be no alternative, and +after a little hesitation his Majesty yielded to the +recommendations of his advisers.<a id="FNanchor_53" href="#Footnote_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE BARON DE BRETEUIL.</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>Louis XV. to the Baron de Breteuil.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘February 26, 1760.</p> + +<p>‘Monsieur le Baron de Breteuil,—In consideration of the +favourable reports I have received with reference to yourself, I +have decided upon nominating you my minister plenipotentiary +in Russia, and admitting you to a secret correspondence with +me, which I have never wished to conduct through my Minister +for Foreign Affairs. The Count de Broglio, who will deliver to +you this letter, and M. Tercier, are alone concerned in the +management, and you will accept whatever they may say to you +as coming from me. You will deliver to them the instructions +you have already received, and which you will yet receive from +the Duke de Choiseul before your departure, and you will communicate +to them any verbal instructions you may have received +from him, upon the subject of your mission, so that being +acquainted thereupon, they may prepare special and secret +instructions, from their knowledge of my wishes, on the affairs<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44"></a>[44]</span> +of Russia and Poland. Those instructions will be supplied to you +with all despatch, so soon as I shall have approved them.</p> + +<p>‘In the meantime, I order you to postpone your departure +until you receive them, under any pretext convenient to yourself, +and I charge you, at your peril, to keep this secret from +everybody, no matter who, with the exception of the Count de +Broglio and M. Tercier, and I rely upon your fidelity and your +obedience.<a id="FNanchor_54" href="#Footnote_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a></p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Louis.</span>’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>Louis XV. to M. D’Eon.</i></p> + +<p>‘Sieur D’Eon,—Reasons of a private nature, in addition to +my confidence in the abilities of the Baron de Breteuil and in +his zeal for my service, have induced me to make known to him +the direct correspondence I hold with Russia, unknown to my +Minister for Foreign Affairs, and to my ambassador. He is +also informed of your having been admitted to this secret, for +the purpose of facilitating the correspondence, as well as for +communicating to me, directly, such particulars as you may +consider it necessary to lay before me. The exactitude with +which you have acquitted yourself of this duty, so far as your +position and the distances that divide places have enabled you, +satisfies me that you will afford me fresh proofs of your zeal +during the stay of the Baron de Breteuil at the Court of Petersburg. +I have given him to understand it is my intention that +you should serve under his orders as secretary, for the sole +purpose of carrying on the secret correspondence. You will +receive a salary of three thousand livres from the Minister for +Foreign Affairs, to which I will add two hundred ducats annually, +as a mark of my satisfaction at the manner in which you +have served me, and because I rely upon your continuing to do so. +You will communicate to the Baron de Breteuil, with the greatest +exactitude of which you are capable, laying aside partiality and +prejudice, all the ideas you have formed on the character of the +Empress of Russia, of her ministers, and of those who are +employed in public affairs. You will also communicate your +views on the conduct pursued from the commencement of the +war to the present time, and what you believe might have been +done to ensure success to the common cause, and what it is that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45"></a>[45]</span> +has retarded it. You will write out the whole of this in a +memorandum which you will give him, sending to me a copy, in +cypher, by the earliest safe opportunity; in fact, you will communicate +to him everything that you may consider of benefit to my +service, whether as regards the past or the future. You will, +however, await the information he will give you upon the subject +of his secret instructions, that you may supply yourself +with a copy, and take into consideration the best means to be +adopted for their being carried out successfully. They will +serve as your guide in all you will say, whether as regards what +has been done or what is to be done.</p> + +<p>‘This, my mark of confidence in the Baron de Breteuil, is a +proof of how fully I am persuaded that he will execute my +orders with zeal and ability. Notwithstanding the sincerity of +his intentions, which I do not doubt, it is just possible that he +may err as to the means to be adopted for giving effect to my +secret instructions; you will in such a case expose to him, +deferentially, your views.<a id="FNanchor_55" href="#Footnote_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a></p> + +<p>‘In the King’s hand. Approved 7th March, 1760.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">FAILING HEALTH.</div> + +<p>On August 23, 1760, de l’Hôpital informed the +Minister for Foreign Affairs that M. Poissonnier,<a id="FNanchor_56" href="#Footnote_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a> the +Empress’s private physician, had recommended D’Eon’s +instant departure from Russia, his ailments threatening +serious consequences.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I have already had the honour of acquainting you with +M. D’Eon’s services and abilities. I entreat that you will be +good enough to recommend him to the favourable notice of the +King, and ask his Majesty to reward his services and zeal by +granting him a pension equal to the whole or part of the annual +salary he has enjoyed since he has been with me.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>In a private communication to the same minister, +de l’Hôpital reminded the duke that D’Eon’s services in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46"></a>[46]</span> +foreign affairs were well known; he had not a little +contributed to a renewal of the alliance with Russia, and +had exerted himself with zeal equal to his activity and +intelligence. Such men were deserving of the protection +of ministers such as he was, and of the favours he +had a right to expect.... The state of poor D’Eon’s +health was unsatisfactory, and his private affairs were +in a bad condition; and yet his family had long and +usefully served the King and State.<a id="FNanchor_57" href="#Footnote_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I cannot write in too high terms of his merits, his industry, +and integrity,’ said de l’Hôpital in a letter to the Minister for +War; ‘he seems bent on following a military career.... He +is anxious to serve in a regiment of foot by purchase of a +captain’s commission.... You must remember that in 1757 +he brought to you a treaty and the news of the battle of +Prague, with a broken leg, and diligence that astonished you.... +I will answer for it that M. D’Eon will never disgrace his +supporters....’</p> + +</div> + +<p>The old marquis followed up these strong recommendations +of his young friend with a graceful tribute +to his mother at Tonnerre.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Madame,—I send back to you a son worthy of all your +tenderness; I feel that I should give him back to you, so that +we may preserve him for the King’s service, for yourself, and +for me.... I could not part with your son without giving +you a proof of my sincere friendship and esteem for him....’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>The Baron de Breteuil to the Duke de Choiseul.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘St. Petersburg, August 2, 1760.</p> + +<p>‘... This secretary was sent here secretly by M. Rouillé +together with the Chevalier Douglas, at the commencement of +the negotiations with this Court. M. de l’Hôpital is greatly +concerned. I have known him only since my arrival here, but<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47"></a>[47]</span> +he appears to me to be steady, clever, and talented, and one +who has applied himself with advantage to political affairs, and +to special acquaintance with this country.... He has gained the +esteem and friendship of a great many persons at this Court.’<a id="FNanchor_58" href="#Footnote_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">FINAL DEPARTURE FROM RUSSIA.</div> + +<p>Previous to quitting the capital, D’Eon went to +Peterhof to take leave of the Empress, who required he +should promise to return to Russia so soon as he had +recovered his health. In parting from Woronzoff, the +colleague with whose aid he had accomplished so much, +the Grand Chancellor said:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I am sorry you are going away, even though your first trip +here, with Douglas, cost my Sovereign more than two hundred +thousand men and fifteen million roubles.’ ‘I agree,’ replied +D’Eon, ‘but your Excellency should at the same time admit, +that your Sovereign and your Excellency yourself have thereby +acquired fame and glory that will last as long as the world.’<a id="FNanchor_59" href="#Footnote_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>D’Eon carried away with him a souvenir from the +Empress, consisting of a snuff-box with her cipher in +diamonds.</p> + +<p>Sick and faint, D’Eon left St. Petersburg for the +third and last time in August 1760, taking with +him the ratifications to the Treaty of December 30, +1758, and the ratifications to the Maritime Convention +concluded between Russia, Sweden, and Denmark. +Travelling through Finland, Livonia, Courland, Poland, +and Hungary, as fast as horses could carry him, he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48"></a>[48]</span> +reached Vienna completely exhausted and scarcely able +to move. His friend, the Count de Choiseul,<a id="FNanchor_60" href="#Footnote_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a> received +him in comfortable quarters and supplied all his wants; +but he was restless and impatient to complete his +journey, which he did in equally imprudent haste. +Sickening of small-pox at Paris, a long illness and convalescence +entirely unfitted him during several months +for any kind of employment.</p> + +<p>Upon his recovery, D’Eon was received by the King, +who was pleased to confer upon him a life pension of +two thousand livres, under warrant dated December 24, +1760, ‘in acknowledgment of his zeal and ability as +secretary of Embassy in Russia, a post he has held for +several years,’<a id="FNanchor_61" href="#Footnote_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a> and by the following February he was +well enough to be able to realise his dearest and long-deferred +wish, that of active service on the field. He +requested the Minister for War to transfer him from his +own regiment, the dragoons of the Colonel-General, +doing duty on the coasts of France, to the regiment of +dragoons of the Marquis d’Autichamp, in the army on +the Upper Rhine, and applied for permission to serve as +aide-de-camp to the Marshal and the Count de Broglio, +with both of which solicitations the Minister readily +complied, the King specially approving of D’Eon’s being +on the staff of those officers, remarking that they should +know where to find him if he were wanted.<a id="FNanchor_62" href="#Footnote_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a> This appointment +was a great compliment, for the marshal was +intractable in the selection of officers to serve on his +staff, and most punctilious in surrounding himself with +scions of the noblest families.<a id="FNanchor_63" href="#Footnote_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49"></a>[49]</span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">DISTINGUISHED MILITARY SERVICES.</div> + +<p>We first hear of D’Eon after joining the army as +having been present at the battle of Villinghausen,<a id="FNanchor_64" href="#Footnote_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a> +then with the French force that crossed the Weser on +August 19. He was under orders that day to remove +the powder waggons to a place of safety on the opposite +side of the river, and this under the heavy fire of the +enemy—‘a perilous operation,’ as allowed by the Duke +de Broglie; and being across he was to find the Count +de Guerchy, and deliver to that officer a written order +from the marshal.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘The Marshal requests the Count de Guerchy to cause the +immediate distribution by the storekeeper, amongst the brigades +of infantry on the right bank of the Weser, of four hundred +thousand cartridges, deposited in a place that M. D’Eon, the +bearer of this note, will point out.</p> + +<p>‘Done at Höxter, August 19, 1761.</p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">The Count de Broglio.</span>’</p> + +<p>‘P.S.—It is desirable that a staff officer should at once +accompany M. D’Eon to effect this distribution to the troops +under your orders.’<a id="FNanchor_65" href="#Footnote_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>Had de Guerchy promptly carried out the marshal’s +instructions the ammunition would have been instantly +removed, the enemy’s fire would have ceased, and the +lives of one officer and several grenadiers, occupying a +redoubt which covered the two bridges of boats on the +Weser, to the right and left of Höxter, would have been +spared. But upon reading the note the general preferred +to gallop out of the way, shouting, as he went: +‘If you have a supply of ammunition, you have only to +remove it to a park of artillery you will find at half a +league’s distance.’ D’Eon gave spur after him, saying,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50"></a>[50]</span> +that since he did not wish to, or was unable to execute +the marshal’s order, he might return it, and he should +do his best to execute it or cause it to be executed. +‘Take the order, sir,’ said de Guerchy, returning the +note, ‘and carry it out according to your own judgment.’ +The enemy’s fire being largely directed to where +the powder waggons had been removed, and there being +no time to lose, D’Eon took it upon himself to distribute +the cartridges, with the assistance of several officers of +artillery who had volunteered their services.<a id="FNanchor_66" href="#Footnote_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a></p> + +<p>D’Eon was next engaged in a reconnaissance and +action at Ultrop, where he was wounded in the head and +thigh; and later (November 7), when at the head of the +grenadiers of Champagne and of a body of Swiss, he +dislodged the Scottish highlanders in the gorge of the +mountain at Einbeck, near Meintos, and pursued them +to the English camp; a service he performed with the +greatest difficulty, owing to the tenacity of the enemy in +keeping up a rapid fire. In the latter engagement he +carried the following despatch:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>The Count de Broglio to the Marshal de Broglio.</i></p> + +<p>‘On nearing the village of Eime, I found the Marquis de +Lostanges watching the advanced posts of the enemy, which he +took to be their rear-guard, with the cavalry, carabineers, and +other troops he had with him during the night. I united him +with M. Despies and the six battalions of grenadiers. We +agreed upon the plan for attacking this pretended rear-guard, +and drove it back beyond the village of Meintos. M. de +Lostanges, who commanded the right column, was the first to +perceive the enemy’s camp in two lines, masking the two roads +to Vikensen and Kapelagen on a level with Furvol; this +retarded our projects. It being already late and the days now<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51"></a>[51]</span> +short we purpose retreating. I send M. D’Eon to withdraw the +Swiss and grenadiers of Champagne, who are holding in check +the Scottish highlanders lining the wood on the crest of the +mountain, whence they have caused us much annoyance. I +say no more, because M. D’Eon, who will afterwards give you +this note, will himself relate the incidents of this attack. I +send him off at once that he may have time to look for you and +find you before night.</p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">The Count de Broglio.</span>’</p> + +<p>‘Written on the field of battle near the village of Meintos, in +the gorge of the mountains of the camp of Einbeck, November 7, +1761.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>At Osterwiek, some six to seven hundred Frankish +Prussians having intercepted communication with Wolfenbüttel, +which was being besieged by Marshal Xavier +de Saxe, M. de Saint-Victor was ordered to dislodge +them from their position with a few volunteers, twenty +hussars, and eighty dragoons of the regiment of d’Autichamp +and of de la Ferronaye, in charge of D’Eon. +The little detachment of horse was bravely led, and the +exploit proved a brilliant one, for the enemy’s battalion +was completely routed and every man made a prisoner.</p> + +<p>The dispute between the Marshals de Soubise and de +Broglio as to who was in the right and who in the +wrong at the battle of Villinghausen, had never come +to an end; for de Broglio, as became the first soldier of +France, refused to be put on a par with the hero of +Rosbach. The campaign of 1761 being virtually over, +de Broglio felt it was quite time the matter were +resolved; and having obtained permission to return to +Versailles, hoping to justify his conduct in person, he +delivered to the Duke de Choiseul, now Minister for +War, for delivery to the King, a lengthy statement +particularising the events of July 15 and 16; but<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52"></a>[52]</span> +the Marquise de Pompadour had taken care that her +favourite should not be the sufferer, and nothing the +marshal could have urged was likely to serve his cause, +or alter de Pompadour’s determination to punish him. +His Majesty disapproved of the marshal’s ‘Mémoire’ as +being contrary to the interests of his service and a bad +example in his kingdom, and ordered him to retire to his +country seat, there to remain until further notice.<a id="FNanchor_67" href="#Footnote_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a></p> + +<p>On leaving Cassel for Versailles, the Marshal and +Count de Broglio were accompanied by their aide-de-camp +D’Eon, who separated himself from the army +never to return to it, through no fault, however, or wish +of his own. Short as was his military career, it was at +least brilliant, the qualities he displayed of a brave +soldier meeting with the high commendation of his +superiors, to whom he had become so closely attached +by the nature of his duties.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘We certify that M. D’Eon de Beaumont, captain of the +regiment of dragoons of d’Autichamp, formerly Caraman, has +served under our orders as our aide-de-camp; that during the +whole of the campaign of 1761 we very frequently employed +him in carrying the orders of the general, and that he has, +upon several occasions, given proofs of the greatest intelligence +and of the greatest valour; notably at Höxter, in executing, in +presence of, and under the fire of, the enemy, the perilous +operation of removing the powder and other stores of the King; +at the reconnaissance and at the battle of Ultrop, where he was +wounded in the thigh; and near Osterwiek<a id="FNanchor_68" href="#Footnote_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a> where, as second +captain of a troop of eighty dragoons, under the orders of M. de +Saint-Victor, commanding the volunteers of the army, they +charged the Frankish Prussian battalion of Rhes with such<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53"></a>[53]</span> +effect and determination that they took them prisoners of war, +notwithstanding the superior number of the enemy.</p> + +<p>‘In testimony whereof, we have delivered to him this certificate, +signed with our hand, countersigned by our secretary, +and have affixed thereunto our seals.</p> + +<p>‘Done at Cassel, December 24, 1761.</p> + +<p class="right">‘L.S. The Marshal Duke de Broglio.<br> +<span style="margin-right: 3.75em;">‘L.S. The Count de Broglio.</span></p> + +<p class="right">‘By Order, <span class="smcap">Drouet</span>.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>It was the fate of the Count de Broglio, for no +ostensible reason, to share the exile of his brother, but +with that spirit of contradiction and fickleness inherent +in Louis XV., he was retained on the staff of the secret +correspondence and ordered to continue his customary +duties, the King telling Tercier he was <i>forced</i> to act as +he did. The truth is that the King could scarcely do +without him, and had felt the force of the remonstrance +the count had the courage to offer when on the point +of leaving Paris for the family estate. ‘Your Majesty +may recollect that for several years past I have foreseen +the storm which to-day bursts over me. The very +marks of your Majesty’s favour have gathered it about +me,’—words that were but the echo of others the +count had addressed to the King years before, when +similarly misunderstood and suspected by his Majesty’s +ministers.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... I only know how to obey, and I should never have +been placed in the position of upholding, even in the smallest +degree, the reputation I have gained for obstinacy and hardness +of heart, were I not obliged to execute secret instructions that +are frequently in opposition to direct orders, with which it is +difficult to reconcile them....’<a id="FNanchor_69" href="#Footnote_69" class="fnanchor">[69]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>We are purposely dwelling on these murmurings of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54"></a>[54]</span> +the Count de Broglio that we may be the better able to +show hereafter that he was not the only victim, amongst +the confidential correspondents and agents, to the King’s +caprice and selfish indifference.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ACCESSION OF CATHERINE II.</div> + +<p>The new year opened with an event—perhaps upon +the whole unfortunate for France—the not altogether +unexpected death of Elizabeth (January 5); and the +accession of Peter III. was the signal for a cessation of +hostilities and a complete change of front on the part +of Russia. The new Tsar agreed with Frederick to a +truce, which developed into an alliance, and afforded +him the opportunity for gratifying his tastes for all that +was German, and further alienating the respect and +sympathy of his people. In her struggle against her +husband, for liberty and even life, Catherine turned to +France for succour—a circumstance that called for +decision and steadfastness of purpose on the part of the +French representative at her Court; but the Baron de +Breteuil proved himself unequal to the occasion by his +pusillanimity and hesitation,<a id="FNanchor_70" href="#Footnote_70" class="fnanchor">[70]</a> and Catherine effected her +will independently of French support. The disease was +quickly acknowledged and the remedy as quickly found. +De Breteuil was to be replaced by D’Eon upon the recommendations +of the Duke de Choiseul and of the Count +de Broglio, although on different grounds; the King +readily approving, because in him would be combined +with the minister plenipotentiary what was of greatest +importance to his Majesty—a well-tried secret correspondent.<a id="FNanchor_71" href="#Footnote_71" class="fnanchor">[71]</a> +Other events, however, bid fair to change +these plans. The Emperor was disposed of, and Catherine,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55"></a>[55]</span> +in grasping the sceptre, said: ‘If I go to war it will +be to suit my own convenience, and not to please others, +as was the case with the Empress Elizabeth.’ From +various causes Louis XV. refused to continue with +Catherine the secret correspondence he had entertained +with her predecessor, and D’Eon’s services were consequently +no longer required at the Russian capital. +De Breteuil was suffered to remain at his post until, +too glad to escape the ever-increasing difficulties of his +position, he was removed, at his own request, to Stockholm.</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56"></a>[56]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<p>Portrait of Catherine II.—Her opinion of D’Eon and its fidelity—Portrait +of Lord Sandwich—Of the Duke de Nivernois—D’Eon, secretary of +Embassy in London—Two ‘smart pieces of work’—Kindness to French +prisoners—Treaty of Peace with England—D’Eon takes the ratifications +to Versailles—Delight of King and Ministers—The Marquise de +Pompadour—The Count de Guerchy nominated ambassador at St. +James’—The Duke de Praslin’s estimate of his qualities—The Duke +tests D’Eon’s loyalty towards himself—The Prince de Soubise at +Villinghausen—D’Eon’s respect for the Broglios—Is invested with the +Cross of Saint Louis.</p> + +</div> + +<p>Among D’Eon’s acquirements was accuracy in the delineation +of portrait character, amusement in which he +freely indulged. Describing Catherine II. during the +last days of Peter’s short reign, he says:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘The Empress is of prepossessing appearance; she is generally +of an amiable disposition, although very cunning, intriguing, +and vindictive. Her greatest ambition is to control affairs +of importance; she is competent for administration. Her +sympathies are entirely English, although she speaks French +with great facility of expression. She is very fond of reading, +and most of her time, since her marriage, has been spent in devouring +the works of such modern French and English authors +as treat most vigorously and most liberally on morality, nature, +and religion. A work condemned in France is sure to meet +with her entire approval. She is never without the works of +Voltaire, ‘De l’Esprit’ of Helvetius, encyclopædias, and the +writings of Jean Jacques Rousseau. She prides herself on her +courage, on being strong-minded and a philosopher; in a word, +she is by nature a little <i>savante</i>. She suggests to her husband<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57"></a>[57]</span> +changes that may result in the fall of this Emperor of apes, +in the hope of reigning in his stead as regent.’<a id="FNanchor_72" href="#Footnote_72" class="fnanchor">[72]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>Notwithstanding the sagacity and exactitude, to use +the Duke de Broglie’s own words, with which this +portrait is drawn, testifying to a certain amount of +personal knowledge of the subject, the duke, in support +of his theory that D’Eon could not at any time have +been reader (<i>lectrice</i>)<a id="FNanchor_73" href="#Footnote_73" class="fnanchor">[73]</a> to Elizabeth, reproduces a letter +of questionable accuracy from Catherine II. to Grimm, +to show how complete a cipher he must have been at +the Russian Court. It is dated April 13, 1778.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘The Empress Elizabeth never had a reader’ (<i>lectrice</i>) +wrote her Majesty, ‘and M. or Mademoiselle D’Eon was not +better known to her than to me, who have only known him as a +sort of political drudge (<i>galopin politique</i>) in the service of the +Marquis de l’Hôpital and of the Baron de Breteuil.’<a id="FNanchor_74" href="#Footnote_74" class="fnanchor">[74]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">CATHERINE’S DEPRECIATION OF D’EON.</div> + +<p>We need not stop to inquire why the Empress +Catherine, attached as she was, when grand-duchess, +to the party against which all D’Eon’s assaults, by command +of his sovereign, were directed; and who sat up +for nights, translating into French from the Russian, +for the edification of Sir Hanbury Williams, all such +decisions of the Council as were favourable to France, +should have thus expressed herself with regard to the +secretary of a brilliant French Embassy; and this in his +adversity, twenty-two years after his certain appearance +at the Court of Russia for the first time. Apart from +D’Eon’s own observation that he dined occasionally at<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58"></a>[58]</span> +the table of the grand-duke, there exists a letter which +tends to controvert the assertion of her Majesty.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>The Marquis de l’Hôpital to M. D’Eon.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘Plombières, August 13, 1762.</p> + +<p>‘... And so the bully<a id="FNanchor_75" href="#Footnote_75" class="fnanchor">[75]</a> has ceased to exist! What a page +he will fill in history! Now let us see to the new Catherine. +She has all the courage and the qualities requisite for making a +great Empress, and I have agreeable recollections of having +heard you frequently say so; her firmness, on certain occasions, +has always been to your taste. It should also be admitted that +you discovered the hidden virtues of the Princess Dashkoff; it +is true that you have known her and cultivated her friendship +since her earliest youth, and that you and the Chevalier Douglas +encouraged her romantic temperament.’<a id="FNanchor_76" href="#Footnote_76" class="fnanchor">[76]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>We have here, at any rate, the testimony of the +French ambassador to D’Eon’s personal knowledge of +the Empress Catherine, and of his intimacy with the +Princess Dashkoff,<a id="FNanchor_77" href="#Footnote_77" class="fnanchor">[77]</a> of whom we will have something to +say hereafter.</p> + +<p>In taking leave of Russia and its concerns, as we +must now do, we are brought to the close of the +Seven Years’ War, and our attention turns for a time to +the relations of France with Great Britain during the +administration of Lord Bute.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE EARL OF SANDWICH.</div> + +<p>The preliminaries of the notable peace of 1763, +between France and England, were signed at Fontainebleau +on November 3, 1762, the ambassador selected +to conduct the negotiations in England being the Duke +de Nivernois, once ambassador at Rome, and sent to +Berlin in trying circumstances (1756) to endeavour to +treat with Frederick. Gaillardet and the Duke de<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59"></a>[59]</span> +Broglie fall into the same singular error in attributing +to this nobleman a portrait by D’Eon, the latter adding +disdainfully—‘the portrait was in all probability one +that pleased D’Eon, for in his official correspondence +the same is applied, word for word, to Lord Sandwich.’ +That it was intended for the libertine English peer, of +whom it was said</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Search earth, search hell, the devil cannot find</div> + <div class="verse indent0">An agent, like Lothario, to his mind,</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">is clear enough, although even upon its first appearance +the Duke de Praslin thought fit to apply the sketch to +himself, and showed his resentment towards the author +of it in a very tangible manner.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Sincerity and cheerfulness are the chief characteristics of +this minister, who in every office and embassage enjoyed by +him has always appeared, like Anacreon, crowned with roses +and singing of joys in the midst of the most arduous labours. +He is by nature inclined to idleness; nevertheless, he toils as if +unable to live at rest, and abandons himself to this easy and +idle life so soon as he feels he is free. His natural capacities +and his happy state of cheerfulness, his sagacity and his activity +in affairs of importance, never give him cause for uneasiness, +nor do they produce <i>wrinkles on his forehead</i>; and although it +is necessary to have lived a long time with a minister to be able +to describe his character, to say what degree of courage or weakness +he possesses, how far he is prudent or cunning, I am able +to say, from the present moment, that —— is shrewd and +discerning without being deceitful or crafty. He is but little +susceptible to hatred and to friendship, although on several +occasions he has appeared to be completely under the influence +of the one or the other; for, on the one hand, he is separated +from his wife, he hates her and does her no harm; on the other, +he has a mistress, he cherishes her and does her no great good. +Upon the whole, he is certainly one of the merriest and most +agreeable ministers in Europe.’<a id="FNanchor_78" href="#Footnote_78" class="fnanchor">[78]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60"></a>[60]</span></p> + +<p>Repudiating the charge of the Minister for Foreign +Affairs, D’Eon says:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Unable to apply to himself all the good in this portrait, +the Duke de Praslin has applied to himself all the evil as suiting +him best; such, for instance, as the wrinkles or horns on +his forehead, weakness and knavery, the little loved wife, the +much loved mistress, neither of which is the better nor the worse +in consequence. M. D’Eon will learn by this how circumspect +one should be. He will take it as a rule that every time the +portrait of a ridiculous man at a foreign court is depicted, there +will always be somebody at Versailles to resemble him.’<a id="FNanchor_79" href="#Footnote_79" class="fnanchor">[79]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>D’Eon has not left us without a rough outline of the +Duke de Nivernois, to whom he was devotedly attached.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... His only fault is the coquetry to please everybody; +coquetry which often secures to us more enemies than true +friends, but which, notwithstanding, has never chilled the sentiments +of admiration and gratitude that I have vowed to him.... +Is any greater proof needed of the coquetry and desire to +please everybody than this <i>exemplum</i>?</p> + +<p>‘In Paris the duke houses and boards a Jesuit, who dines +regularly every day at his table; and yet he is a friend of +thirty years’ standing of the destructor of the Order of Jesuits.<a id="FNanchor_80" href="#Footnote_80" class="fnanchor">[80]</a> +Whilst in London he absolutely wished to be a friend at Court +and in favour in the city; a friend of the party in the majority, +and of the party in the minority; he also sought, comically +enough, to reconcile the Duke of Newcastle and Lord Bute, +Mr. Pitt and the Duke of Bedford. He was enamoured of thirty +thousand maidens, and pretended to be dying of love whenever +he met the charming Duchess of Grafton, and this because the +duke, her husband, was one of the leaders of the Opposition.’<a id="FNanchor_81" href="#Footnote_81" class="fnanchor">[81]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61"></a>[61]</span></p> + +<p>D’Eon would have preferred a soldier’s career had +he been free to choose. Ministers combined to dissuade +him, the Duke de Praslin bidding him ‘hang up his sword,’ +there being nothing for him to do in the army, and the +Duke de Nivernois invited him to become his secretary +of Embassy in London. D’Eon felt that four years’ service +as secretary in Russia, ‘under critical and most important +circumstances,’ to use de Nivernois’ own words, +entitled him rather to advancement, and in accepting +the post in London purely from personal regard for the +duke, he took the liberty of making it a condition that +he should return to France with the ambassador at the +termination of his mission.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND.</div> + +<p>Accompanied by this secretary the duke crossed +the Channel in September. When his lean figure +appeared at the place of embarkation at Calais, an +English sailor said to his mate, ‘I say, d’ye see how +thin that duke is? I remember him as a fine fat fellow. +This is how we’ve skinned the French swells in the war.’ +And so greatly struck by his appearance was an English +gentleman (Mr. C. Townsend, one of the <i>Flag</i> party) +on seeing him for the first time that he exclaimed: +‘What! the French have sent over the preliminaries +of a man to sign the preliminaries of peace!’</p> + +<p>In the course of the transactions on the Treaty of +Peace, D’Eon executed a somewhat adroit, though entirely +indefensible act, which caused no little mirth and secret +joy at Versailles. The negotiations so happily commenced +met with an obstacle, and being checked in +their progress a sort of crisis supervened, when Mr. +Wood, Under Secretary of State, called on the Duke de +Nivernois to confer on certain contested points, and +having his portfolio with him was indiscreet enough to +say that it contained the final instructions and ultimatum<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62"></a>[62]</span> +which Lord Egremont had directed him to transmit to +the Duke of Bedford, the King’s ambassador at the Court +of Versailles. Upon hearing this the duke looked at +D’Eon, and then cast his eye on the portfolio. D’Eon +quickly caught at the sense of this pantomime. It would +be a matter of great importance to the French Court to +know the nature of the instructions and the terms of +this ‘fatal ultimatum.’ He made a sign to the duke, who +at once invited Mr. Wood to stay to dinner and talk +over matters. He wished him, he said, to taste some +samples of good wine from Tonnerre.... The bait took, +and whilst the duke and Mr. Wood were enjoying their +bumpers, D’Eon extracted from the portfolio Lord Egremont’s +despatches, caused exact copies to be taken, and +forwarded them instantly to Versailles, the French +courier arriving twenty-four hours earlier than Mr. +Wood’s. When the Duke of Bedford called to broach +the subject, de Choiseul and de Praslin, already apprised +of the difficulties about to be raised, and of the British +ambassador’s final instructions, were readily enabled to +come to terms. This was a smart piece of work in de +Nivernois’ opinion,<a id="FNanchor_82" href="#Footnote_82" class="fnanchor">[82]</a> and de Praslin declared there was +nobody like D’Eon, and that he was quite deserving of +all the King’s favours.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A HARD-WORKING SECRETARY.</div> + +<p>D’Eon was instrumental in smoothing away another +difficulty. The Duke de Nivernois had altered several +articles in the ultimatum of the treaty, an act which +gave umbrage to the English ministers, and Count Viri +apprised him that if he did not withdraw the alterations +he might as well leave the country; to which the duke +replied that neither his honour nor dignity would allow +of his withdrawing an ultimatum given in the name of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63"></a>[63]</span> +the King. Matters were looking serious, when D’Eon +proposed that the duke should tell Lords Bute and +Egremont of his secretary’s excess of zeal in making +alterations unknown to himself. ‘Every tongue will rail, +every mouth open upon me,’ continued D’Eon. ‘With +all my heart; and if you choose you may also say that +you will send me back to France.’ The duke caught +at the idea, and had the generosity to explain to de +Praslin and to the King his indebtedness to D’Eon.<a id="FNanchor_83" href="#Footnote_83" class="fnanchor">[83]</a></p> + +<p>The conduct of the secretary of Embassy during +progress of the negotiations was all that his superiors +could desire, and he earned the gratitude of many a +French prisoner by his exertions in administering to +their comfort. Scarcely a letter left the ambassador +that was not replete with the highest encomiums.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>The Duke de Nivernois to the Duke de Praslin.</i></p> + +<p>‘D’Eon is at work as usual from morning to night. I +cannot sufficiently extol his zeal, vigilance, amiability of disposition, +and activity.... When the state of my health will +force me to quit this country, in the spring, I will, with your +permission, leave our little D’Eon until my successor is appointed, +and I promise that he will do well and be favourably +received. He is very active, very discreet, never exhibiting +curiosity or officiousness; never giving cause for mistrust or +acting defiantly, <i>quod est inveniendum</i>, because here the majority +of men are like the most unmanageable of horses....’<a id="FNanchor_84" href="#Footnote_84" class="fnanchor">[84]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>On February 10, 1763, Mr. Richard Neville Neville +left Paris for London with the Treaty of Peace signed +that same evening by the plenipotentiaries of Great +Britain, France, and Spain;<a id="FNanchor_85" href="#Footnote_85" class="fnanchor">[85]</a> a treaty that compelled<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64"></a>[64]</span> +France to part with all the territory she had acquired +in Germany, England retaining the whole of Canada, +Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, the Gulf and River of St. +Lawrence, Grenada, St. Vincent, Dominica, Tobago, +Senegal, some territory to the east of the Mississippi, +and Minorca. Spain received Louisiana from France in +exchange for Florida, given up to England, France being +permitted to retain Belle-Isle, Martinique, and Guadaloupe—also +Chandernagor and Pondicherry, on condition +that they should not be fortified, and further engaging +to demolish the defences at Dunkirk.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Such were the results,’ says an eminent French writer of +our times, ‘of the Seven Years’ War. Fortunate for England +and Prussia, of little cost to Austria, to whom an irreparable +loss was simply made too evident; of no moment to Russia, +who had availed herself of it for training her army, but most +fatal to France, which had entrusted her colonies, her navy, her +finances, and her military honour, to her debased nobles.... +The minister himself who signed the Treaty of Paris will in +time be considered too intelligent and too proud to be the +servant of Louis XV. when France, falling a step lower, will +have passed out of the hands of Madame de Pompadour into the +still viler hands of Madame Dubarry.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">TAKES TREATY OF PEACE TO FRANCE.</div> + +<p>It was an unprecedented mark of favour on the +part of George III. to confide to D’Eon the ratifications +to the Treaty for conveyance to his Majesty’s ambassador +at Versailles.<a id="FNanchor_86" href="#Footnote_86" class="fnanchor">[86]</a> In announcing to de Praslin the +approaching departure of his secretary on the proud +mission, de Nivernois claimed for him, in accordance +with usage, a gratuity of equal value—one thousand +crowns—to that about to be received from his own +Government by Mr. Neville for having brought the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65"></a>[65]</span> +Treaty to London. De Praslin insisted that no English +minister would ever think of entrusting such precious +documents to a foreigner; it would be contrary to rule +and custom, and it would therefore be idle to expect +that D’Eon should be selected for the duty. It was the +duke’s anxiety, he said, to serve his secretary, that had +blinded him to facts and precedent. D’Eon was still +young enough to be of good service, and he should take +care to afford him the opportunity for earning distinction. +When, later, the Foreign Minister had to acknowledge +his mistake, he considered the choice of D’Eon to be +a very straightforward proceeding on the part of the +King of England and of his ministers, who were giving +proofs of the nobility of their sentiments, and inspiring +the desire and hope for the establishment and maintenance +of good relations and lasting concord between +the two Courts. ‘I am very glad you were stupid +enough<a id="FNanchor_87" href="#Footnote_87" class="fnanchor">[87]</a> to believe it impossible that the French secretary—my +little D’Eon—should be the bearer of the +King of England’s ratifications,’ wrote De Nivernois in +reply.<a id="FNanchor_88" href="#Footnote_88" class="fnanchor">[88]</a></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>The Duke de Nivernois to Louis XV.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘London, February 17, 1763.</p> + +<p>‘Sire,—M. D’Eon, Captain in the d’Autichamp regiment of +dragoons, and my Secretary of Embassy, takes to the Duke of +Bedford the ratifications to the Treaty of Peace; it is a compliment +on the part of the King of England. This prince +avails himself with pleasure of a Frenchman for so honourable +and important a mission, and I consider such a step, which is +out of the usual course, as striking evidence of his desire for +unity and cordial relations. I cannot refrain, Sire, upon this +occasion, from bearing witness to the zeal and abilities of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66"></a>[66]</span> +M. D’Eon, and I must truthfully assure your Majesty that he is +in every way most worthy of your Majesty’s protection and +favour as a diplomatist and soldier.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>D’Eon attributed his good luck to the kindness of +the King of England, of Lord Bute, Count Viri, the Duke +de Nivernois, and to his own <i>savoir-faire</i>. ‘He brings +me luck,’ said Louis XV., who received him warmly, and +shortly afterwards conferred upon him the Cross of the +Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis, a gratuity of six +thousand livres, and raised his salary to the maximum +of one thousand crowns. De Praslin was delighted, said +D’Eon was a good-looking fellow, a hard worker who +had performed his mission with great diligence, and +awarded him a gratuity of two thousand crowns. Even +the Marquise de Pompadour expressed her satisfaction, in +a letter to de Nivernois, at seeing one who it was said +was an excellent person, and had served his King in +several countries, employed to bring the Treaty to +France. She considered it a great act of politeness on +the part of the English to entrust him with the Treaty. +She liked the King of England, who was full of candour +and humanity, and possessed every virtue that constituted +a good king.<a id="FNanchor_89" href="#Footnote_89" class="fnanchor">[89]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE COUNT DE GUERCHY.</div> + +<p>It had been arranged from the beginning that the +Duke de Nivernois’ embassage should end with the +completion of the negotiations, the minister nominated +to succeed him being the Count de Guerchy, with whom +we are already acquainted. ‘I must do him the justice +to say,’ wrote the British ambassador in Paris, ‘that +de Guerchy has a universal good character as a soldier +and a man of honour.’<a id="FNanchor_90" href="#Footnote_90" class="fnanchor">[90]</a> But the Duke of Bedford was +greatly led into error in this estimate of the character<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67"></a>[67]</span> +of a nobleman who was selected regardless of any qualification +but that of rank, his strongest recommendation +being his marriage with a lady of the House of Harcourt, +and his only claims to the highest ambassadorial post in +the gift of the King being the favour of the Marquise de +Pompadour and a short period of obscure service in the +war. He is described by Gaillardet as one of those +gentlemen who live nobly in noble idleness, who are +charitable until their own purse is touched, ostentatious +until called upon to spend, ambitious of high office for +the sake of the title, and of the title for the sake of the +emolument; esteeming a good estate preferable to a good +education; and persuaded that one always knows enough +when of good birth, in good health, and possessing a good +income. De Praslin’s own opinion of the man he was +about to employ as ambassador in London is best +gathered from what he says of him to de Nivernois:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I am still very much concerned about de Guerchy. I am +not sure, however, that we are doing him good service by +appointing him ambassador in London. He is not liked in this +country. I dread his despatches like fire, and you know how +defective despatches disparage a man and his office. A minister +is often judged less by the manner in which he conducts business +than by the account he gives of it. I believe that our dear +friend will do well. I do not think I have anybody better +fitted. But he cannot write at all; we must not deceive ourselves +on this point.’<a id="FNanchor_91" href="#Footnote_91" class="fnanchor">[91]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>De Nivernois was out of health when he accepted +the mission to England at the urgent instance of the +King and of his old friend the Count de Choiseul, shortly +afterwards created Duke de Praslin, and he never ceased +to complain of his physical sufferings from the day he +began to live in a climate that did not suit him. He had<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68"></a>[68]</span> +always hoped to leave ‘his little D’Eon’ in charge until +de Guerchy’s nomination was officially notified. He +trembled for that poor novice in politics when he +thought of the difficulties he should experience in a +country where people were far from being like ordinary +men; for this envoy of an absolute monarch, puzzled +and perplexed in all probability at the large distribution +of political power in England, and the number of +those who shared in the responsibilities of government, +gave it as his opinion that to conduct negotiations in the +country to which he had been accredited was nothing +short of hard labour!</p> + +<p>We cannot resist quoting here, in their place, a few +lines from a letter of de Praslin to his friend in London, +which serve to expose, with what has already been +said, the worth and honesty of purpose of the men who +were directing the affairs of France.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘You make me ill, my dear friend, in continually telling +me that you are so.... it is true that we are both engaged in +a calling that does not suit us; you will soon be out of it, and +I assure you that I should be pleased had I a similar prospect.’<a id="FNanchor_92" href="#Footnote_92" class="fnanchor">[92]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">THE DUKE DE PRASLIN’S SUSPICIONS.</div> + +<p>The opportunity for leaving D’Eon in charge on the +departure of the ambassador seeming to be lost, de +Nivernois recommended him for appointment as Resident, +an arrangement desirable in the interests of the King’s +service, and one which would enable de Guerchy to +receive such valuable assistance as no other person but +the secretary of Embassy was qualified to render, for +he was fully competent to continue the work he, the +ambassador, had commenced. D’Eon’s presence was +preferable to that of a stranger. Lord Bute had taken +a fancy to him, which was saying a great deal, and was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69"></a>[69]</span> +a piece of luck that might not fall to a new-comer. On +the other hand, D’Eon was being informed by M. Sainte +Foy, senior clerk at the Foreign Office, that it was +earnestly desired he should remain with de Guerchy, +and yet de Praslin was slow in paying the smallest +attention to de Nivernois’ frequent recommendations +in his favour. De Praslin had his reasons; he doubted +D’Eon’s loyalty towards himself, and suspected him of +being in correspondence with the exiled de Broglios. +He should put him to the test, and how this was accomplished +shall be related in D’Eon’s own words:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘One evening about midnight, towards the end of March, +the Duke de Praslin put me through a kind of interrogatory. +Sainte Foy was a witness. The duke said: “You were at the +battle of Villinghausen, M. D’Eon; tell me all you saw and all +you know with regard to that action.” I did so conscientiously, +relating to him all I saw with my own eyes. My recital not +being either to his taste or to that of the Count de Guerchy, his +satellite, who was present, he interrupted me frequently by +stamping his foot; and rising from his chair he said to me several +times: “I know it to have been the contrary to what you say, +and this from one of my intimate friends who was also there.” +He alluded to the Count de Guerchy. He then looked at +Sainte Foy. At every reply I made, the duke looked cross and +gave a sardonic smile. “But, my dear D’Eon, you surely did +not witness all you relate?” I persisted in assuring him, as I +should do to my life’s end, that I had perfectly well seen and +heard what I had told him. The duke concluded by saying: +“It is your attachment to the de Broglios that makes you speak +as you do.” “Faith, sir!” I replied; “it is my attachment to +the truth. You question me, and I can only tell you what I +myself know.” After we had left the minister, Sainte Foy +scolded me in a friendly way for my want of policy. “My dear +D’Eon,” he said, “I fear you will never make your fortune in +this country. Be off to England as quickly as you can.” “I +wish for nothing better,” was my reply.’<a id="FNanchor_93" href="#Footnote_93" class="fnanchor">[93]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70"></a>[70]</span></p> + +<p>Eighteen years after the battle of Villinghausen, +D’Eon wrote:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I maintain in 1779 what I asserted in 1763 at Versailles; +yes, I say and maintain, notwithstanding my regard for the +Prince de Soubise, notwithstanding my contempt for the Marquise,<a id="FNanchor_94" href="#Footnote_94" class="fnanchor">[94]</a> +notwithstanding my indifference as to the good or evil +the Choiseuls may do to me, that had Soubise’s army actually +attacked the enemy on the morning of July 16, 1761, in compliance +with the Marshal de Broglio’s urgent request on the +nights of July 15 and 16 (of which the Chevalier Nort, aide-de-camp +to the Marshal, was the bearer), after the important +advantage obtained by the Marshal at Villinghausen the evening +of the 15th, it was clear to the whole of de Broglio’s army, +with the exception of the cowardly fawners to the party at that +time in power at Court; I say it was clear that the English +and Hanoverian army would have been beaten and irremediably +routed. I am far from being wanting in gratitude to my protectors +and from entertaining the slightest feeling of hatred +towards the Prince de Soubise. I respect his heart-bred virtues +as I do his distinguished birth. Had he been as great a general +as he is brave and attached to his King and country, and generous +towards his friends and enemies, he would be worthy of +being at the head of all the armies of Europe. Too much kind-heartedness, +too much faith in the ignorant and in those intriguers +who were obsequious to him, restrained him a hundred +times, as on the morning of July 16, from executing what he +had wished and what he had already ordered; that is to say, to +advance on the enemy, to attack and defeat him in concert with +the Marshal de Broglio.’<a id="FNanchor_95" href="#Footnote_95" class="fnanchor">[95]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>A few days after his interview with de Praslin, +D’Eon was asked confidentially by the Duchess de +Nivernois if he was not in correspondence with M. de +Broglio. ‘No, madam,’ said D’Eon, ‘and I am sorry +for it, as I am very fond of the Marshal de Broglio, but +I do not wish to trouble him with my letters; I am +satisfied with writing to him on each New Year’s Day.’</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71"></a>[71]</span></p> + +<p>‘I am very glad to hear this for your sake, my dear +little friend,’ continued the duchess. ‘Let me tell you in +confidence that intimacy with the House of de Broglio +might be of injury to you at Court, and in the mind of +de Guerchy, your future ambassador.’</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE PRINCE DE SOUBISE.</div> + +<p>D’Eon had not strayed from the truth, for it was the +Count de Broglio, whose name had not been mentioned in +the two conversations just related, who was his frequent +correspondent, and not the marshal, with whom he communicated +but seldom, supplying him with the news +of the day, but chiefly with Court gossip. Speaking of +de Soubise in a letter to the marshal, D’Eon says:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘’Twere well if the prince fought the enemy single-handed, +because this athlete before girding himself for the fight was +anointed with Court oil only, and it is not adapted to ward off +the blows of an enemy. It might be said—there is a chance of +luck, because the fate of arms is uncertain. This is not true. +The fate of arms is uncertain to a great captain; but to a bad +captain it is always certain.’<a id="FNanchor_96" href="#Footnote_96" class="fnanchor">[96]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>Referring in after years to his interview with de +Praslin, on the subject of the battle of Villinghausen, +we find D’Eon saying:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘They tried to induce or to force me to speak ill of the +Marshal de Broglio and his campaigns. I could not have done +so even had I wished it, because I have always known the +Marshal and his brother to be solely engaged in the interests of +the King’s service, and in all such plans and operations as +should best accrue to the advantage and to the glory of the +French arms, and of those of their allies. The Marshal practised +every military virtue in his own person, and it was an +admirable thing to witness that, although beyond the reach of +all competitors, he contested with himself for glory of which he +sought to deprive his earlier actions, by the performance of still +more brilliant deeds. I have always been devotedly attached to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_72"></a>[72]</span> +the late dear Count de Broglio,<a id="FNanchor_97" href="#Footnote_97" class="fnanchor">[97]</a> not so much because he liked +me and because he was the secret minister of Louis XV., but +because I ever found in him the <i>vir probus et propositi tenax</i> +of whom Horace speaks; and this, notwithstanding his numerous +enemies, or, rather, the number of those who envied him +for his merits. Ever as brave in the Cabinet as on the field, he +was at all times faithful to God, the King, his country, his brave +soldiers and his word. When, in days gone by, we were serving +together, and he called me the <i>Chevalier Bayard sans peur et +sans reproche</i>, he did so because he did not know me as +thoroughly and as well as I knew him.’<a id="FNanchor_98" href="#Footnote_98" class="fnanchor">[98]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>On March 30 D’Eon arrived in London, and was +on the same day invested with the Cross of the Royal +and Military Order of Saint Louis<a id="FNanchor_99" href="#Footnote_99" class="fnanchor">[99]</a> by the Duke +de Nivernois, at his own request as had been pre-arranged. +He had brought with him some costly +presents from his royal master to the Count Viri, Envoy +Extraordinary from the King of Sardinia (well known +in English history as being engaged in secret negotiations +with Lord Bute), in recognition of his valuable +services, being the first to mediate for peace between +Great Britain and the two illustrious Houses of Bourbon, +the King’s thanks being conveyed to the Sardinian +minister in a letter from de Praslin.<a id="FNanchor_100" href="#Footnote_100" class="fnanchor">[100]</a></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_73"></a>[73]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<p>D’Eon becomes Resident and Chargé d’Affaires at the British Court—Also +the King’s special secret agent—Plans for the invasion of England—Nicknames +to secret correspondents—Louis XV.’s letter to D’Eon on +the survey of England—De Pompadour discovers the secret correspondence—The +King’s vexation—D’Eon advanced to be Minister Plenipotentiary—How +he received his new honours—De Broglio’s anxiety for +the safety of the King’s papers—De Pompadour’s conspiracy to ruin +D’Eon—Claims against the Crown—Letter of State in favour of D’Eon.</p> + +</div> + +<p>The appointment, dated April 17, of the Chevalier +D’Eon as Resident and Chargé d’Affaires, relieved de +Nivernois of his functions and left him free to return +to his home and ‘get rid of the violent and well-seasoned +cold from which he was suffering—an English +cold that seemed to have no end;’ but he delayed his +departure for the purpose of proceeding to Oxford and +receiving the degree of Doctor, <i>in facultate juris</i>. The +duke, who had never been in England before, declared +the journey had been most instructive to him. He saw +some of the finest things in the world, was greatly +astonished at the general high state of cultivation, and +at the absence of poor people in the districts through +which he travelled—the poorest seemed well to do, and +would pass for burgesses in any small French provincial +town. De Nivernois left London in May, travelling +leisurely to Dover, chiefly in consequence of the state of +his health, but also from a wish to see places on the +road, and especially Chatham dockyard, and was no doubt +the identical French ambassador of whom Smollett, who +posted over the same ground a week or two later, relates<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74"></a>[74]</span> +in one of his letters that he was charged forty pounds +by a knave of a publican at Canterbury for a supper +that was not worth forty shillings!</p> + +<p>On leaving for England, D’Eon had become the +secret correspondent of Louis XV., with whom and +with the Count de Broglio and Tercier he was to communicate, +in cypher or otherwise, as occasion might +require, his instructions being similar in every particular +to those he received when on his earliest journey to St. +Petersburg in 1755.</p> + +<p>The first duty upon which the Chevalier was engaged +in the capacity of secret agent was to assist in the perfection +of a scheme for the invasion of England, devised +by the Count de Broglio, approved by the King, whose +hatred towards England had greatly intensified since the +conclusion of peace, and a task ultimately accomplished +to the satisfaction of his Majesty in the face of numerous +difficulties. Two persons were selected by de Broglio +to effect, in concert, the great work in hand—one, the +active agent, was a young officer of Engineers of considerable +ability and established reputation, Carlet de la +Rosière, who had served during the war, and had been +attached for a time as aide-de-camp to the Duke de +Broglio. A prisoner of the Prussians, Frederick refused +to sanction his exchange. ‘When an officer of distinction +is taken,’ said that monarch, ‘he is retained as long +as possible.’<a id="FNanchor_101" href="#Footnote_101" class="fnanchor">[101]</a> The other, the passive agent, was de la +Rosière’s kinsman, the Chevalier D’Eon. The undertaking +was to be completed without the knowledge of +any of the King’s ministers, and besides the two named, +one other person only was admitted into the secret, +according to the King’s will.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75"></a>[75]</span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">SURVEYS FOR THE INVASION OF ENGLAND.</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘M. Durand,—The Count de Broglio having communicated +to me the ideas you have originated as to the more desirable +means to be employed for resisting the ambition and arrogance +of the English nation, I have approved of the plans he has proposed +to me on this subject, and have ordered him to proceed +with the work. I have enjoined him not to communicate on +the matter with anybody except the Sieur D’Eon and Tercier. +But as I am aware of the knowledge you possess with regard to +this object, and of the service you can render, I desire to send +direct word to you, that you are to work in concert with the +Count de Broglio and the Sieur Tercier in all that concerns this +affair, and that you will communicate to them all you may find +having reference thereto, in the depôt of foreign affairs of which +you are in charge. You will continue to maintain the most +profound secrecy towards everybody, no matter who, with the +exception of the persons named above.<a id="FNanchor_102" href="#Footnote_102" class="fnanchor">[102]</a></p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Louis.</span>’</p> + +<p class="date-l">‘June 5, 1763.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Every conceivable precaution was taken to avoid discovery +and ensure success, and that de la Rosière might +not incur the smallest risk of detection by papers of a +compromising character being found about his luggage +or person, he was ordered to make his periodical reports +orally, if possible, to the Chevalier D’Eon, who was to +note and retain them within the inviolable precincts of +the Embassy, of which he was the <i>genius loci</i>. The King +was not indifferent to his own safety.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>Louis XV. to M. Tercier.</i></p> + +<p>‘... The Sieur de Rozières runs the risk of being arrested +in the course of his researches and travels; I do not wish that, +in such a case, anything in my hand should be found in his +possession; it is my desire, therefore, that he leaves everything +with the Sieur D’Eon, who, being officially accredited, cannot be +arrested in the same manner.’<a id="FNanchor_103" href="#Footnote_103" class="fnanchor">[103]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>The special cypher to be employed being considered<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76"></a>[76]</span> +scarcely sufficient security, a nickname was assigned to +each person likely to be named in the correspondence:</p> + +<table> + <tr> + <td>The King</td> + <td class="tdr"><i>The counsellor.</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Count de Broglio</td> + <td class="tdr"><i>The deputy.</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>M. Tercier</td> + <td class="tdr"><i>The solicitor.</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>M. Durand</td> + <td class="tdr"><i>Prudence.</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Duke de Nivernois</td> + <td class="tdr"><i>The honey-tongued.</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Duke de Praslin</td> + <td class="tdr"><i>The bitter-mouthed.</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Duke de Choiseul</td> + <td class="tdr"><i>The red lion, or porcelain.</i><a id="FNanchor_104" href="#Footnote_104" class="fnanchor">[104]</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Count de Guerchy</td> + <td class="tdr"><i>The novice, ram, or horned sheep.</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Chevalier D’Eon</td> + <td class="tdr"><i>Intrepidity, or the dragoon’s head.</i><a id="FNanchor_105" href="#Footnote_105" class="fnanchor">[105]</a></td> + </tr> +</table> + +<p>The Chevalier’s instructions were contained in the +following letters:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>The Count de Broglio to the Chevalier D’Eon.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘May 17, 1763.</p> + +<p>‘I have to thank you for your zeal and friendship towards +my brother and myself, for which we are very grateful; we are +only afraid lest you should follow the impulse of your heart and +be led into taking some step or forming some design that +might prove prejudicial to you, and which we should deeply +regret. Be sure to observe the greatest prudence on this +point.... I need not speak to you of the new ambassador +with whom you have to do, for it appears to me that you have +already formed a pretty correct estimate of his character. I will +only add that he is the most astute man I know, and at the same +time the most mistrustful; you therefore cannot be too much +upon your guard against his suspicious and uneasy disposition. +You must make such arrangements in the house in which you<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77"></a>[77]</span> +are living as will secure you from being surprised by him or by +any other person, at such times as you may be engaged in the +secret affairs entrusted to you by the King. Every precaution +should be taken to keep all papers connected therewith entirely +separate from others; and provision should be made for their +safety in case of death or other accident.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>The count recommended D’Eon to invite his cousin, +D’Eon de Mouloise, to stay with him, so that in the +event of any unforeseen circumstance he might give him +charge of the correspondence, with the strictest injunctions +not to pass it on to any person whatsoever, and +more especially not to de Guerchy. The count concluded +by recommending to D’Eon’s protection the +Marquis de la Rosière—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="noindent">‘whose governor I appoint you.... It only remains for +me to testify to the pleasure I experience in having you for one +of my lieutenants, on service of such importance as is likely to +contribute to the prosperity and glory of the nation....’<a id="FNanchor_106" href="#Footnote_106" class="fnanchor">[106]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>Louis XV. to the Chevalier D’Eon.</i></p> + +<p>‘The Sieur D’Eon will receive through the Count de Broglio +or M. Tercier, my orders on the surveys to be made in England, +whether on the coasts or in the interior of that country, and he +will comply with the instructions he will receive to that end, as +if he received them direct from me. It is my desire that he +shall observe the greatest secrecy in this affair, and that he will +not make any communications thereon to any person living, not +even to any ministers wheresoever they may be.</p> + +<p>‘He will receive a special cypher for corresponding on this +subject, under cover of addresses to be indicated to him by the +Count de Broglio or the Sieur Tercier, and he will communicate +to them, by means of this cypher, all the information he is able +to obtain on the designs of England, as regards Russia and +Poland, the North, and the whole of Germany, so far as will, in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_78"></a>[78]</span> +his opinion, conduce to the interests of my service, of his zeal +and attachment to which I am sensible.’<a id="FNanchor_107" href="#Footnote_107" class="fnanchor">[107]</a></p> + +<p class="date-l">‘Versailles, June 3, 1763.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>De Praslin failed, as we have seen, to incriminate +the Chevalier in a correspondence with the exiled de +Broglios, but it so happened that shortly after receiving +the duke’s report of his midnight interview with D’Eon, +on the subject of the battle of Villinghausen, de Pompadour +obtained certain information tending to confirm +her suspicions, without, however, affording sufficiently +tangible evidence. Unsuccessful in securing this, whichever +way she directed the scrutiny of those at Court +too pliant to her will, her spirit of malevolence impelled +her not to stop short of anything in the attainment of +her wishes.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘The delightful discovery,’ says D’Eon, ‘was made by the +fair Marquise de Pompadour, who, one evening in June 1763, +relieved the pocket of her lover, as he lay fast asleep, of several +papers, amongst which was a letter from me in cypher, deciphered, +signed <i>Auguste</i>. To rid himself of the importunate questions of +this second Maintenon, Louis XV. simply replied: “It is from +a woman of letters who is of no importance in England, and +who has my permission to give me special news.” This new +Herodias—inquisitive, restless, jealous and piqued—with the aid +of the enlightened Duke de Choiseul fixed her suspicions on +me; and as she could not have my head brought by her +daughter on a charger, had recourse to one of her worthless +adulators,<a id="FNanchor_108" href="#Footnote_108" class="fnanchor">[108]</a> who readily undertook to dispose of me by poison, +and thus possess himself of all my letters as he would have the +right to do, in the position of ambassador which he was about to +occupy in London.’</p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79"></a>[79]</span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">BETRAYED TO THE MARQUISE.</div> + +<p>D’Eon attributed de Pompadour’s attention being +directed towards himself to the action of an informer +with whom he had long been acquainted. We quote +his own narrative:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘During the time that the negotiations in support of the +pretensions of the Prince de Conti to the throne of Poland and +to the hand of the Empress Elizabeth were being conducted, +a secret correspondence had been organised between the King, +the Prince, M. Tercier, the Count Woronzoff, the Chevalier +Douglas, and myself. The Sieur Monin, private secretary to +the Prince de Conti, was not only privy to it, but was also the +most active agent at work with the Chevalier Douglas, in behalf +of myself, and of M. Tercier who had unlimited confidence in +him. M. Tercier, the most honest of men, and who fancied +that everybody else was like himself, had concealed nothing +from friend Monin. He had frequently shown him, in my +presence, the various communications received from ambassadors +and ministers, whether in Poland or in Russia. Unhappily, +friend Monin had formerly been tutor to the Count de Guerchy, +who had received from him his fine education, and in token of +gratitude to the Prince de Conti, the Count de Guerchy turned +this counsellor over to him. Monin, in his turn, wishing to +testify to his own gratitude, considered it his duty to apprise +the Count de Guerchy of what he knew concerning me, so soon +as his pupil had become an ambassador and he himself was +aware of the inquisition instituted by Madame de Pompadour. +He declared to de Guerchy that I had been for a long +time in secret correspondence with the King, and that he +strongly suspected me of being a link in the mysterious +chain which united the House of Broglio to the sovereign. +Count de Guerchy lost no time in communicating his conjectures +to his friend of thirty years’ standing, the Duke de +Praslin, who passed them on to Madame de Pompadour. She +resolved upon verifying them, and employed every effort to +ascertain the truth; but neither the woman’s cunning, nor the +caresses of the mistress, nor the stratagems of ministers, were +able to wrench the secret from the King, and de Pompadour +determined upon resorting to other measures. She had noticed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_80"></a>[80]</span> +that Louis XV. habitually carried about him the small golden +key of an elegant piece of furniture, a sort of escritoire, in his +private apartments. Never could the favourite succeed, even +in moments of her greatest influence, in obtaining access to +this piece of furniture. It was a kind of sanctuary, a holy ark, +the refuge, as if a place of exile, of the sovereign’s wishes. +Louis XV. no longer reigned except over this escritoire. He +remained king of this article of furniture only; it was the sole +portion of his states wherein he had not allowed the courtesan +to trespass and defile; the only jewel of his crown he had not +laid at her feet. “It contains State papers!” This was his +reply to her frequent questions, his laconic and decisive refusal +to all her solicitations. Now those were no other papers than +the Count de Broglio’s and my own correspondence. The +Marquise was mistrustful. Besides, it was enough that access +to the escritoire should be forbidden to make her the more +anxious to get at the inside of it. To her policy and hatred +was united the feeling of curiosity; forbidden fruit has irresistible +charms to a woman. This is a fact since the beginning +of the world, and will be to the end.’<a id="FNanchor_109" href="#Footnote_109" class="fnanchor">[109]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">THE MARQUISE’S CURIOSITY SATISFIED.</div> + +<p>After relating de Pompadour’s act for satisfying her +cupidity, the Chevalier continues:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘From that day my ruin was resolved upon. I was pointed +out to the Duke de Praslin and the Count de Guerchy as an +enemy, and I should, no doubt, have incurred immediate +disgrace if the favourite’s first object had not been to possess +herself of the correspondence and papers in my possession. +From that time were lavished upon me delusive attentions<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81"></a>[81]</span> +alternately with real vexations, the preludes of the enormities +and villainies about to follow. The Count de Guerchy had been +recommended to practise dissimulation until such time as he +should be with me in England; but the inexperienced diplomatist +was unable to restrain himself from being overbearing +and insulting towards a man whom he considered as hopelessly +lost. The secret confided to him showed itself through all the +wretched vexations with which he annoyed me upon the slightest +pretext, and I should have guessed it, had not M. Tercier spared +me the trouble, in making the following revelation, under date +of June 10: “The King sent for me this morning; I found him +very pale and very agitated. He told me in an unusual tone +of voice that he feared the secret of our correspondence had +been violated. He related that having sat down to a <i>tête-à-tête</i> +supper with Madame de Pompadour a few days ago, he became +drowsy after having slightly indulged, the Marquise, he thought, +not being altogether innocent in the matter. She took advantage +of his nap to relieve him of the key of a particular piece +of furniture<a id="FNanchor_110" href="#Footnote_110" class="fnanchor">[110]</a> which his Majesty keeps closed to everybody, +and in this way made herself acquainted with your relations +with the Count de Broglio. His Majesty suspects this from +the state of confusion in which he has found his papers. I am +accordingly commanded to require you to observe the greatest +prudence and the greatest discretion in your intercourse with +his ambassador, who is about to leave for London and who, he +has reason to believe, is entirely devoted to the Duke de Praslin +and Madame de Pompadour. His Majesty has also declared +most positively that he should never have decided upon sending +him to England if he had not entirely relied upon you.”’<a id="FNanchor_111" href="#Footnote_111" class="fnanchor">[111]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>The Chevalier’s nomination as Resident at the Court +of St. James’ was succeeded by that, on May 31, of +Mr. Neville, in succession to the Duke of Bedford, as +Resident and Chargé d’Affaires at the French Court, the +same rank with which D’Eon was invested, and with +whom Neville was placed in every respect on the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82"></a>[82]</span> +same footing. D’Eon had been received by George +III., but when, in due course, Neville demanded an +audience, he was informed by the ‘Introducteur des +Ambassadeurs’ that there never was an instance of a +resident having had an audience to present his credentials. +Neville pressed his rights until, finding it impossible +to approach the King, he reported the difficulty of +his situation. De Praslin had in the meantime given +official intimation to the above effect to Lord Egremont +through D’Eon, and afterwards suggested as a means +out of the dilemma that Neville should be accredited +minister plenipotentiary, the lowest rank that could be +received at the French Court. Lord Egremont quickly +reminded the French ministers that since a resident +could not be received in audience at the Court of France, +they should have better considered their action when +making such an appointment. The error was theirs, +and it was for them to rectify it by being the first to +appoint a minister plenipotentiary, in which case +England could reciprocate. An active interchange of +letters between the two ministers, from June 13 to +July 22, resulted to the great advantage of D’Eon, who +received new credential letters giving him the character +of minister plenipotentiary, in which quality he was +again presented to the King of England; after which, +other credentials were furnished to Neville, then for the +first time received by his Most Catholic Majesty.<a id="FNanchor_112" href="#Footnote_112" class="fnanchor">[112]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A FAVOURITE IN ENGLISH SOCIETY.</div> + +<p>We have reached that period of D’Eon’s life—he +was but in his thirty-fifth year—when he had become +minister plenipotentiary from France at the Court of +Great Britain; he had obtained the coveted knighthood +of Saint Louis; he was the secret correspondent of +Louis XV., and the secret agent of his Majesty and of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83"></a>[83]</span> +the Count de Broglio in the drafting of plans for the +invasion of England. Numerous congratulations poured +in upon him, among them being those of Count Woronzoff +and the Marquis de l’Hôpital, his fellow-workers in +Russia. How he took his promotion appears in the +following letter—a free and outspoken denunciation of +what he felt might be in store for him—to the man he +most esteemed and loved.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>D’Eon to the Count de Broglio.</i></p> + +<p>‘Providence rewards me above my merits; it is useless for +me to shut out fortune; she razes walls to get at me. When +I say fortune, I do not mean wealth, for you know that our +minister is more than economical; but by fortune I mean honour, +preferment. You are aware of my latest promotion in the +diplomatic service, for which I neither sought nor asked. A +fortuitous chance gave birth to it, another chance will destroy +it. I will be none the less the slave of events. You will take +notice that I frankly speak the truth when necessary, and +whether it be found good or bad, I will go on my own way, and +it is quite immaterial to me whether I be retained or sent about +my business. I look upon fortune as my waiting-woman, and +on truth as my mistress, and it will ever make me sick at heart +to have to do my duty under certain chiefs; you understand +me. They would turn the course of events to their own special +advantage, or to their private views; it is precisely in this that +lies what is revolting to my sense of truth, and many take for +pride what is but integrity of heart and purpose.’<a id="FNanchor_113" href="#Footnote_113" class="fnanchor">[113]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>The Chevalier was greatly liked in English society, +and had become a favourite of good George III. We +find him included by Horace Walpole amongst the distinguished +guests at the Strawberry Hill breakfast given +to Madame de Boufflers, and his countrymen were proud +of their representative; but a storm was gathering +which was about to engulf him, and turn the tide of his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84"></a>[84]</span> +fortunes, so brilliant at the outset, in a completely different +direction.</p> + +<p>The Count de Broglio’s apprehensions for the safety +of de la Rosière’s reports and other private papers of the +King, increased as the time of de Guerchy’s departure +for England drew nigh. In his restless anxiety, he +instructed D’Eon to remove himself and every private +document in his charge from the French Embassy, +before the ambassador made his appearance, to apartments +where they should be absolutely beyond his +interference and reach. Any excuse would do to +account for his change of residence, and he was recommended +to take to live with him either of his kinsmen, +D’Eon de Mouloise or Carlet de la Rosière, who would +be valuable protection against any attempt at a surprise, +and trusty substitutes in the event of any unforeseen +accident to himself; in fact, every precaution was to be +taken to prevent the secret correspondence from falling +into the hands of strangers, and especially of the King’s +ambassador and ministers. In a few days the precious +documents were securely deposited in a house in Dover +Street, to which D’Eon removed immediately upon the +arrival of the Count de Guerchy.</p> + +<p>So thoroughly was the secret maintained that after +four months even the late ambassador, the Duke de +Nivernois, who was on the most intimate and friendly +terms with all at Court, expressed his surprise at D’Eon’s +having quitted the Embassy. ‘Why do you always +wish to live by yourself and remain in loneliness?’ he +wrote; ‘how can you live separated from your work, +and where can your work be, but under the ambassador’s +roof?’ The Chevalier quotes Psalm cii. 7, +and adds cynically: ‘I prefer the solitude of my little +library to the society of the great. Men are not good<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85"></a>[85]</span> +for much. Knaves or fools; so much for three-fourths +of them; as for the other fourth, they stay at home.’</p> + +<div class="sidenote">D’EON’S FALL DECREED.</div> + +<p>The Marquise de Pompadour had condemned the +Chevalier D’Eon for acts he had not committed—he had +not betrayed his connection with the de Broglios, he refused +to betray the King his master—both ever existing +grievances in her mind, and she decreed his fall and +disgrace. Men willing to stoop to do her will, and +sufficiently powerful to carry it out, were not wanting +at Versailles. With such as the Duke de Praslin, the +Count d’Argental, and the Count de Guerchy, pretexts +could never fail, and the Chevalier’s epistolary dissensions +with de Praslin on certain monetary claims +against the State, which he honestly persisted in making, +as also his just resentment of de Guerchy’s censures +on what the latter considered excessive outlay at his +expense, during the term of D’Eon’s office as French +representative in London, readily made up the sum of +heavy charges wherewith to crush him. We would +avoid anticipating events, but let us say here, that +designs even on the life of the minister plenipotentiary +were contemplated by two, at the least, of the triumvirate +which had bound itself to wreck him.<a id="FNanchor_114" href="#Footnote_114" class="fnanchor">[114]</a></p> + +<p>When D’Eon was first sent on secret service to +Russia, he had to contract a loan of ten thousand livres +on his own account to meet his expenses. Ordered by +M. Rouillé, Minister for Foreign Affairs, when despatched +to Russia for the second time officially, to remain with +the Chevalier Douglas until the arrival of the ambassador, +Douglas considered it desirable, in view of +the coming changes, that D’Eon’s application for +reimbursement should not be made except to his own<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_86"></a>[86]</span> +Court, feeling persuaded that sooner or later his claim +would be acknowledged by the latter. Acquiescing in +this, D’Eon deferred pressing for money, and contented +himself by zealously carrying out what he knew to be the +wishes of M. Rouillé, who had frequently and authoritatively +promised him promotion and rewards, should the +mission upon which he was employed turn out a success; +but upon his return to France that minister was +no longer in office, and when he solicited the Cardinal +de Bernis and the Duke de Choiseul for a settlement, was +met by each with the reply, ‘You should have obtained +payment of my predecessor.’</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CREDITORS KEPT AT BAY.</div> + +<p>From the time that de Praslin, as Count de Choiseul, +had succeeded his cousin, the Duke de Choiseul, in the +Ministry for Foreign Affairs, D’Eon took frequent occasion +to remind him of his entangled situation, arising +from having to pay interest on the original loan of ten +thousand livres expended in the interests of the Crown. +His debt had increased to fifteen thousand livres, and +he found himself seriously compromised and threatened +by his creditors, with no prospect whatever, considering +his own limited resources, of being able to satisfy their +just demands. Having settled his small property on +his mother, he was entirely dependent on his own exertions, +and, notwithstanding the estimation in which his +services were held, he had always been kept a poor +man. His salary as secretary of Embassy in Russia +never exceeded three thousand livres, and even that +was reduced to one thousand crowns upon the Duke de +Choiseul assuming office. When on leave of absence +from his regiment, awaiting orders to proceed to St. +Petersburg, his pay was stopped; and as secretary of +Embassy in London he was in receipt of three thousand +livres only. ‘Three thousand livres a year,’ wrote de<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87"></a>[87]</span> +Nivernois to de Praslin, when pressing the Chevalier’s +claims to greater consideration, ‘does not go so far in +London as would fifteen thousand livres in Paris. These +are but the wages of an ordinary clerk ... his salary +should be more in accordance with the style of living +in England, where everything is singularly expensive.’ +De Praslin was not to be moved, and yet what stronger +proof was needed of his sense of the wrongs under +which D’Eon was suffering, and of the recognised +serious nature of his embarrassments, than is to be +found in the singular document supplied to him as protection +in France against arrest and detention, at a +moment when he was required to proceed to Versailles, +with the ratifications to the Treaty of Peace.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i><span class="smcap">Letter of State</span>, in favour of the Sieur D’Eon de Beaumont.</i></p> + +<p>‘<span class="smcap">Louis</span>, by the grace of God, King of France and of Navarre, +to our well-beloved and trusty Councillors, the bodies holding +our Courts of Parliament, the Grand Council, the Court of Aids, +ordinary Requests of our House and of our Palaces, Bailiffs, +Seneschals, Prevosts, Judges, their Lieutenants, and all other our +Officers and Justiciaries whom it may concern, Greeting. Our +dear and well-beloved Charles, Geneviève, Louis, Auguste, +André, Timothée D’Eon de Beaumont, captain in the regiment +of the d’Autichamp dragoons, Censor Royal, and Secretary of our +Embassy in England, being at present in London in the performance +of the functions of his office, and unable, in consequence, +to attend to his own private affairs: We desire and +command by these presents, signed with our hand, that all and +each of the actions at civil law instituted, or about to be +instituted before you, in which he shall appear, whether as +plaintiff or as defendant, shall be holden by you, as they are +holden by Us, in their present state and in suspension for the +space of six months, during which time We very expressly forbid +you to have any knowledge thereon, or that you take any +proceedings thereon, under pain of nullity, annulment of procedure +and of all expenses, damages, indemnities, and interests.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_88"></a>[88]</span> +We also desire and require that all processes moved, or about +to be moved, in our Council concerning his civil interests, be +and remain in suspension for the said term, during which we +also forbid his accusers, under the said penalties, to take any +proceedings; nevertheless, it is not our intention to derogate in +the least degree, by these presents, from the declaration of the +twenty-third December, one thousand seven hundred and two, +containing general instructions as to Letters of State, and which +we require to be observed and executed according to their form +and tenour. We command our principal usher or sergeant, +upon being required, to issue in execution of these presents all +summonses, notification, and other requisite and necessary acts +without asking further leave or permission. For such is our +pleasure. Given at Versailles, the twenty-second February, in +the year of grace one thousand seven hundred and sixty-three, +and the forty-eighth of our reign.</p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">Louis.</span>’</p> + +<p>‘In the King’s name.</p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">Choiseul, Duke de Praslin.</span>’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">A ‘CHURLISH’ LETTER.</div> + +<p>Pursued and worried by his creditors at home and +abroad, and in despair at the extremities to which he +was being reduced, the Chevalier lost all control over +himself in his communications with the Foreign Minister, +who, he considered, had failed to keep his word.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘You were good enough to hold out hopes of payment being +made to me, when I was leaving for Paris with the ratifications +to the Treaty of Peace. I have been paying interest for +nearly nine years, on the money I borrowed to enable me to +serve the King in the extreme north, when nobody dared to go +there.... The appointment of Minister Plenipotentiary, for +which I never asked, has certainly not turned my head, thanks +to a little philosophy; it has only involved me in heavier expenses.... +If the affairs of the King are in a bad state, mine +are going from bad to worse.... Soon I shall complete ten +years’ service as a diplomatist, without having become richer or +sharper.... I have incurred debts to the amount of 20,000 +livres for having dabbled in politics.... I entreat you to decide +upon my present and future prospects, and upon the favours I +am to expect from your sense of justice; otherwise, I admit to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89"></a>[89]</span> +you frankly, Monsieur le Duc, it will be impossible to carry on +the war at my expense, during a time of peace.... If you are +not good enough to think of me, I will die of consumption<a id="FNanchor_115" href="#Footnote_115" class="fnanchor">[115]</a> instead +of dying of molten grease as was the case with ——. I +do not ask to be fattened at the King’s expense; I only wish +for sufficient flesh to keep body and soul together.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>A friendly note of reproof from his late chief, de +Nivernois, for having written so ‘churlish’ a letter to +de Praslin, was met by D’Eon’s regret that his ‘churlish’ +letter had given cause for vexation. The truths he +exposed, and the integrity of his demands, were not +intended to vex two just and enlightened ministers.... +He respectfully demanded justice of a minister he respected +... he respected the minister’s economy that +refused to pay his debts, but he respected much more +his justice that should pay them. So soon as he received +the money, he would become as meek as a +paschal lamb.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘If you are curious to know,’ continued the Chevalier, ‘what +is passing in this country, the accounts are too long to repeat +here, see my letters to the Duke de Praslin, and if you can then +say I am an idle fellow, I will ask nothing more of the minister. +When one serves the King well, one should at least have the +wherewithal to meet the little liabilities incurred in unbounded +zeal for his service.’<a id="FNanchor_116" href="#Footnote_116" class="fnanchor">[116]</a></p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 2.5em;">‘<span class="smcap">D’Eon</span>,</span><br> +‘<i>Ne variatur</i>.’</p> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90"></a>[90]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<p>D’Eon charged with extravagance at the Embassy—Irritating correspondence—Influx +of French visitors—Odious proposal to D’Eon—Is to return to +subordinate duties on being superseded—His remonstrances—The Earl +of Hertford—The Count de Guerchy’s arrival in England, and D’Eon’s +letters of recall—Secret despatch from Louis XV.—Official recall on +the plea of mental alienation—Disregard of the ministerial orders.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">IRRITATING CORRESPONDENCE.</div> + +<p>Simultaneously with the griefs that were being so +vigorously laid before de Praslin, the Chevalier was +indulging in a brisk interchange of letters with de +Guerchy, in which he vindicated himself with no little +dexterity against the charges of wanton extravagance +as host at the embassy in London, for the general maintenance +of which the count was solely responsible, the +liberal allowance of a minister at one of the first Courts +in Europe being enjoyed by him, though only ambassador +<i>in petto</i>, and not by the minister plenipotentiary +<i>in situ</i>. The spirit of satire and sarcasm in which D’Eon +had latterly indited his letters to both those ministers +was more than either could bear with; but, forgetting +their dignity in the face of what, after all, was gross +insubordination, they gave way to a feeling of resentment, +the former in admonitions and threats, after +receipt of the ‘churlish’ note; the latter, by being +offensive and insulting, and persisting in peevish and +unbecoming lamentations on the frequent requisitions +to which his pocket was subjected. We cannot undertake +to reproduce in full the mutual recriminations, +brimming with scorn, that brought to a close the unseemly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91"></a>[91]</span> +paper war which irrevocably sealed the fate of +the Chevalier D’Eon; but we must at least find room +for a few of the ugly things that were said by the strong, +as well as by him who was on the defensive, and whom +they were deliberately luring to his destruction.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>The Duke de Praslin to the Chevalier D’Eon.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘Paris, September 17, 1763.</p> + +<p>‘Sir,—I never could have believed that the title of Minister +Plenipotentiary would cause you so quickly to forget the point +whence you have started, and I had no reason to expect that +your aspirations would increase in proportion as you received +new favours.... I cannot conceive the necessity for the +extraordinary outlay at the expense of the Count de Guerchy, +and which is quite out of place. I do not conceal from you my +displeasure at your having involved in so great expenditure one +to whom I am attached, and in whom I take such an interest, +and who trusted in you on my recommendation.... I hope +that you will take better care of other people’s money for the +future, and that you will endeavour to be as useful to him as +you have been to the Duke de Nivernois, &c. &c.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>This and much more was irritating matter enough, +and might perhaps have been borne with patience by +the Chevalier; but one other paragraph there was +which placidly gave him the lie, and banished all hopes +of relief out of his financial difficulties, so long as de +Praslin remained at the Foreign Ministry.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I gave you no reason to expect the reimbursement of your +former journey to Russia, because three of my predecessors upon +whom you made a similar demand had not, it appeared, found it +legitimate.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">CLAIMS UPON THE STATE.</div> + +<p>It was not in D’Eon’s nature to receive this prevaricating +statement with composure. He was not +sufficiently cool-headed to make a perfectly good<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92"></a>[92]</span> +courtier. Smarting under insult and what he considered +undeserved injury, he relieved his agitated mind +in emphatic language such as this:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="date">‘London, September 25, 1763.</p> + +<p>‘I received, the day before yesterday, the private letter you +did me the honour to write to me on the 17th inst.; I can only +look upon it as a Testament <i>ab irato</i>.<a id="FNanchor_117" href="#Footnote_117" class="fnanchor">[117]</a> <i>The point whence I +started</i>, when very young, was my native town, Tonnerre, where +I have a small property and a house fully six times larger than +that occupied in London by the Duke de Nivernois. <i>The point +whence I started</i>, in 1756, was the Hôtel d’Ons-en-Bray, Rue de +Bourbon, Faubourg St. Germain. I am the friend of the owner +of that mansion, and I left him, against his will, to make three +journeys to Russia and to other Courts in Europe, to join the +army, to come to England, to bring four or five treaties to Versailles, +not as a courier, but as a man who had contributed to +the framing of them. I have frequently travelled although +sick to death, and upon one occasion with a broken leg; nevertheless, +I am prepared to return to <i>the point whence I started</i>, if +such be my fate. I can only certify, as a geometrician, that all +points proceed from and should meet in a common centre. +<i>The points whence I started</i> are those of being a gentleman, a +soldier, and a secretary of embassy; all so many <i>points</i> which +naturally lead to becoming a minister at foreign courts. The +first gives a claim, the second strengthens consciousness and +endues with the necessary firmness for such a post, but the +third is the school for it. I acquitted myself so creditably in +the latter, according to your own judgment, Monsieur le Duc, +as to merit reward.... But whatever may have been <i>the point +whence I started</i>, the King, my master, having chosen me to +represent him, I should have forgotten everything, and kept in +sight only the <i>point</i> I have reached. This is my rule of right, +and you will remind me of it if I forget it.... I venture to +assure you, that you were good enough to promise that you +would again inquire into the matter of my first journey to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93"></a>[93]</span> +Russia, and that you should do me justice.... At Vienna you +told me that were you minister I should very soon be paid ... +you repeated your promise the last time I had the honour of +dining with you at Versailles ... the Duchess was present.... +I reminded you that I had been paying interest for nearly +nine<a id="FNanchor_118" href="#Footnote_118" class="fnanchor">[118]</a> years on 10,000 livres borrowed for my first Muscovite +journey. The Duchess’ heart was touched, and she said to you: +“Really you should see that poor M. D’Eon, who has served his +King so well, is paid.” You, also, were touched, and kindly +replied: “I will make inquiries. I should be very glad to see +that he is paid, but how is it to be done!” That same evening +I left for England, and have remained crushed ever since under +the burden of my debts.... It is no proof that my claims are +groundless, because your predecessors failed to do me justice. +They succeeded each other in office with such rapidity, as rarely +to have had time to inquire into the many matters on hand, and it +is precisely because they failed in their justice towards me, that +I seek it at your hands.... Whether you be pleased or displeased, +Monsieur le Duc, I will respectfully continue to appeal +to your sense of justice ... and I will not cease to serve the +King with my wonted zeal.... I respect your economy which +is not disposed to pay my debts, but I have greater regard for +your justice, which should pay them ... for mercy’s sake let +me be paid my first expenses to Russia, that I may satisfy my +creditors ...;’ then, defending himself against the charge of +extravagance, he says: ‘Life and style of living in Paris is very +different to what both are in London ... my accounts should +be seen and examined.... I defy any housekeeper to find in +my accounts a single item of useless expenditure of fifteen or +twenty guineas throughout.... I have never been at the head +of any house except that of my father, and in a twelvemonth it +came to grief.... If you desire to know me, Monsieur le Duc, +I tell you frankly that I am of use only for thinking, imagining, +questioning, reflecting, comparing, reading, writing, or to +run from east to west, from north to south, to fight on hill +and dale. Had I lived in the time of Alexander or of Don +Quixote, I should certainly have been Parmenion or Sancho<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94"></a>[94]</span> +Panza. If you remove me out of my element, I will squander +the entire revenue of France in the course of a twelvemonth +without committing a single folly, and afterwards present you +with an able treatise on economy....’</p> + +</div> + +<p>One extract, I think, suffices as an illustration of the +general character of de Guerchy’s letters to D’Eon:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="date">‘Jouy, September 4, 1763.</p> + +<p>‘... The Duke de Nivernois informs me that he has lately +written to you on the subject of your communication, having +reference to the position to which chance has called you, and +to your wishes therewith so soon as I shall have arrived in +London.... I have shown the accounts you have sent to the +Duke de Praslin ... we find the expenditure excessive, the +half of my emoluments having been consumed ... nobody +here expects you to keep up any state.... I do not approve of +the numerous gratuities with which I am charged, and do not +hold myself responsible for them....’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">PLENIPOTENTIARY <i>v.</i> AMBASSADOR.</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>D’Eon’s Reply.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘London, September 25, 1763.</p> + +<p>‘... I take the liberty of observing to you on the subject +of <i>the position to which chance has called me</i>, that Solomon said a +long time ago—everything here below was chance, opportunity, +good luck, happiness, and misfortune, and that I am more than ever +persuaded Solomon was a great preacher. I will modestly add +that <i>the chance</i> which gave the title of minister plenipotentiary +to a man who has negotiated successfully during the past ten +years, was in probability not one of the most mistaken. What +has come to me by <i>chance</i> might come to another by <i>good luck</i>. +He who becomes a minister or ambassador by <i>chance</i> can never +countenance arrangements repugnant to himself, without giving +but a poor idea of his heart and mind.... I am sorry that the +expenditure should seem heavy, but it has been indispensable.... +I appeal to ample written testimony to this effect ... +there is a large staff here to be paid and boarded at the expense +of the coming ambassador ... the <i>chance</i> which created me a +minister should have been at the same time charitable enough<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95"></a>[95]</span> +to guarantee to me some kind of condition, because a minister +who keeps no state is a being that has never existed.... I +have been obliged to assume to myself certain state, just as all +bodies take position according to respective gravitation. Not +feeling the least remorse, I must be proof against reproach.... +A man, no matter who, can only form an estimate of himself, +even so far as his opinion goes, by comparing himself to one or +more other men. There are several proverbs which serve to +prove the truth of this. It is commonly said: <i>He is as stupid +as any thousand—he is as wicked as any four—he is as shabby +as any ten—men.</i> This is the only scale by which we can be +guided, except in certain cases where men measure themselves +by women. An ambassador, no matter who, may be worth half +a man, a whole man, twenty, a thousand, or ten thousand men. +It is necessary to determine how a minister plenipotentiary, +who is a captain of dragoons, and has completed ten political +campaigns (without counting campaigns in the field), stands +relatively to an ambassador who is a lieutenant-general, and is +making his début. Admitting proportions to be one to ten, the +assessment would always be in favour of the minister plenipotentiary, +papers being at hand, C.Q.F.D. Everybody will +understand that domestics, horses, and secretaries have consumed +and continue to consume the same amount of food under +the management of the Plenipotentiary D’Eon as under that of +the Duke de Nivernois. They have remained ever since under the +same sky and with an equally good appetite.... There are +occasions upon which gratuities must be distributed.... I had +to do so on delivering my credentials, first as resident, then as +minister plenipotentiary—on the King’s birthday, the day the +Queen gave birth to Prince Frederick, and on the anniversary +of the King’s coronation. You must give people something, +otherwise they refuse to leave the door, make an abominable +row, and end with obscene dances. Happily, I am a bachelor; +but you will have to see to this when you arrive....’</p> + +</div> + +<p>In another letter to de Guerchy, the Chevalier +writes:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I dined with Lord Hertford to-day and met the diplomatic +corps, Lords Sandwich and March, and several other noblemen....<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_96"></a>[96]</span> +Yesterday, the day of St. Louis, Lords Hertford and March +did me the honour to call at the embassy with several illustrious +Scotsmen, amongst them David Hume, who will ever be +the ornament and glory of his country. Some members of +the diplomatic corps had thought proper to tell me that they +would call at the French Embassy to celebrate the day of St. +Louis. I did not invite, I did not refuse to receive them, and +I gave no extraordinary reception. If the minister finds fault +with this, I am not to blame.... I could not have acted otherwise.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Unyielding as the Duke de Broglie shows himself to +be in his general condemnation of D’Eon, we find him +admitting<a id="FNanchor_119" href="#Footnote_119" class="fnanchor">[119]</a> that French persons of distinction abounded +in London during several months after the re-establishment +of peace, all eager to visit the country so little +known and until then so little understood, and whose +customs and literature had only just been brought into +fashion by Voltaire and Montesquieu. It became the +rage, as sometimes happens with society in Paris; and +the idea that they were rendering homage to conquerors +did not restrain any of the generation of that day, more +interested in political and philosophical innovations +than in national honour. The Countess de Boufflers<a id="FNanchor_120" href="#Footnote_120" class="fnanchor">[120]</a> +had given the signal, arriving with a number of literary +people in her train.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I was obliged,’ again wrote D’Eon, ‘to acquit myself of my +duty to the Countess de Boufflers, a thousand times more of a +philosopher and more learned than I am, and quite a match for +any academician; as well as to other persons of quality in +London, without including Duclos, de la Condamine, Le Camus, +Lalande, &c.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">AN ODIOUS PROPOSAL.</div> + +<p>Mistrustful, too, of the Chevalier’s veracity, the Duke<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_97"></a>[97]</span> +de Broglie informs his readers that until he had seen +the original letter to de Guerchy, dated September 25, +in the official archives, he could not believe in the +authenticity of the copy published by D’Eon himself in +his ‘Lettres, Mémoires et Négotiations Particulières,’ +the work to which we are frequently having recourse. +The duke’s, and our own readers, will perhaps feel +inclined to sympathise with his grace’s amazement at +D’Eon’s audacity in holding such language towards his +superiors, until they learn the vantage afforded by a +vitiated and unscrupulous minister, when he again insulted +the Chevalier by seeking his co-operation in an +odious and dishonourable transaction. De Guerchy’s +complaints of the Chevalier’s extravagance as his <i>locum +tenens</i> became so loud and frequent that an idea—a most +foul idea—was conceived by de Praslin for making good +the supposed losses sustained by his old friend. Incredible +as it appeared at the time, de Nivernois lent +something more than his countenance in support, for it +was he who first proposed it to D’Eon. His letter bore +three dates, September 9, 10 and 11, which the Chevalier +interpreted by saying that the late ambassador’s hand +had refused its office twice, even his ink-horn had +shrunk from him, until at last his noble heart had +humbled itself to please old friends—the minister and +ambassador.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... Give me leave to tell you, my dear friend,’ wrote de +Nivernois after a three days’ struggle with his conscience, ‘that +you are wrong in dissipating nearly one-half of M. de Guerchy’s +monthly allowances. But it is not enough to find fault, we +must appeal to facts and find a remedy.... I think that a +gratuity, be it in your name or in that of M. de Guerchy, but +in either case for his benefit, will serve to fill up the gap made +by your dinners, and nothing more will be said on the matter....’ +‘There are remedies that are worse than the disease,’<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_98"></a>[98]</span> +was the Chevalier’s reply, also of September 25: ‘Are not those +you propose, Monsieur le Duc, of this kind? ... <i>application to be +made to the King for a gratuity in my behalf, but which is to be +for the benefit of another man’s pocket</i>! I could not conscientiously +agree to such an expedient, unless I were furnished with +a duly legalised receipt; for I am a man of order, and think it +preferable to leave open the gap made by my dinners rather than +to stop it up with such a plug.... I will never consent to the +King being asked for a gratuity in my name for the benefit of +another....’</p> + +</div> + +<p>So far as the Chevalier was personally concerned, +he felt that all he had to reproach in the Duke de +Nivernois was the Italian shrewdness of his great-uncle the +Cardinal Mazarin, and the extreme weakness and tenderness +of his poor nerves and understanding. He thought +the duke must have been endowed to a marvellous +extent with a natural fund of honesty, for it was a +wonderful fact that, although he had been the friend of +three illustrious rascals during the past thirty years, +the purity of his soul had never become contaminated +by so long and so close a friendship, by so foul and +unnatural an alliance. The astounding virtue of the +amiable duke reminded him of that of St. Ives. <i>Sanctus +Ivo erat advocatus et non latro. O res miranda!</i><a id="FNanchor_121" href="#Footnote_121" class="fnanchor">[121]</a></p> + +<p>One other mortification, the climax to the persecution +he was undergoing, the Chevalier was about +to endure, and when we shall have become acquainted +with it, there will no longer be room for surprise at the +bold and unflinching attitude he had been assuming, +and at the factious spirit in which he had been addressing +his superiors.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">DISCOURAGING INTELLIGENCE.</div> + +<p>When the Chevalier’s credentials as Resident reached +England, de Nivernois, perceiving that his <i>protégé’s</i> +mission was to end with the appearance of a new ambassador,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_99"></a>[99]</span> +took occasion to express himself in unmistakable +terms to de Praslin on the unfairness of the +arrangement, and urged, considering the past valuable +services of his secretary and the conditions upon which +he had accepted his appointment the preceding autumn, +that promotion, to which he was fully entitled, should be +permanent. Never ceasing to concern himself in all that +related to ‘his little D’Eon,’ de Nivernois, although +no longer ambassador, continued his exertions long +after returning to France, with the success only of receiving +intimation from the minister that the Chevalier +was shortly to become minister plenipotentiary, when +he should have to abandon his old claim to travelling +expenses in Russia; but that upon de Guerchy’s arrival +he must return to his duties as secretary of Embassy. +Whatever the occasion, however, of the ambassador’s +absence from his post in the future, D’Eon should be +left in charge with the temporary rank of resident; and +this was all he could expect. Feeling how unpalatable +such news would be, de Nivernois earnestly recommended +the Chevalier to accept the situation and hope +for better days. It was true that in again becoming +secretary after having been minister plenipotentiary, he +was descending from a bishopric to become a miller, +but millers who had been bishops were not to be found +by the dozen! He warned him against further disposition +to rebel, repeating what he had already said more +than once: ‘I know the man with whom you will have +to deal’—an opinion of de Guerchy much of the same +substance as that expressed by the Count de Broglio.</p> + +<p>It was very singular, thought the Chevalier, that +when engaged in war he was at peace with everybody, +but since he had toiled at the re-establishment of peace, +he seemed to be at war with everybody.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_100"></a>[100]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>The Chevalier D’Eon to the Duke de Nivernois.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘August 1, 1763.</p> + +<p>‘... This is a difficult and an impossible negotiation, and +when I had the honour to tell you that I considered the rank +of Minister Plenipotentiary to be a misfortune, rather than a +benefit, I was right. I never sought the title nor did I wish +for it. It was bestowed upon me, and having been obliged to +assume it, I cannot again become a secretary, then minister, +again secretary, and so on.... I should be a general laughing-stock, +and no longer in a position to serve the King usefully.... +Should my letters of recall not be sent, and I am permitted to +retain my title, without, however, discharging the office except +at certain intervals, I shall remain and cheerfully do my duty +under the Count de Guerchy’s orders, and the Duke de Praslin +may allot any such salary as he thinks proper. <i>I am tractable +as regards money, but intractable on points of honour.</i> ... I +have made every effort to please you, the Duke de Praslin and +the Count de Guerchy, and after mature reflection and having +well weighed every circumstance, I cannot but be persuaded that +what is demanded of me is an impossibility and not in my +power to agree to, without compromising the dignity of the +King, a matter of great moment to me, and without compromising +the title of Minister Plenipotentiary.... I shall certainly +serve the Count de Guerchy with zeal and attachment +equal to that I entertain towards the Duke de Nivernois, +because when I serve, I do not say with the priests, <i>ad utilitatem +quoque nostram</i>. I serve solely for honour and for the greater +glory of the King.... My heart is deeply touched at the +trouble you have been kind enough to take, and at the advice +you give ... your counsels may be useful at Versailles, but +suffer me to say that they will not do in London.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>D’Eon further informed the duke that his loins were +not sufficiently supple to enable him to vault politically, +at one time on the mule of a bishop, at another on the +ass of a miller!</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AN UNENVIABLE SITUATION.</div> + +<p>Without seeking to justify the Chevalier’s conduct<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_101"></a>[101]</span> +in addressing such flippant letters to his superiors, even +to those he loved so well, some indulgence may be +claimed under provocation of no ordinary character. +His pension, ever in arrear, was irregularly paid; his +salary as resident was fixed at the inadequate sum of +12,000 livres, and he was to live at the charge of the +ambassador, whose pocket, by desire of de Praslin and +de Nivernois, should be spared to the utmost, and for +whose sole benefit a gratuity was to be obtained from +the King, by a fraud in which it was expected he would +connive. It was too true that de Guerchy was totally +unfitted for the high office he had been called upon to +fill, but ‘little D’Eon, experienced, zealous, and useful,’ +would be retained to do the work, and steer the count +clear of all eventual troubles; not, however, with the +title of minister or resident, to which he had been +raised, but as secretary of Embassy, to which he would +have to descend, resuming the former rank at such +times only as the ambassador might be absent from his +post. ‘Little D’Eon, an easy, good-natured fellow,’ +would have peaceably resigned himself almost to any +arrangement in accordance with the pleasure of ministers; +but the prospect of degradation to secretary, at the same +Court at which he had become plenipotentiary, was +more than his proud spirit could bear. This was the +open wound that never healed.... He had been +directed by the King to receive his instructions from +Tercier as if they came from himself; he accordingly +wrote to Tercier for guidance, received expressions of +sympathy and confessions of indignation, and being +supported by further secret orders from his sovereign, +he determined on his course of action.</p> + +<p>For several months past an ambassador to France +had been talked about, and so early as April 14, D’Eon<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_102"></a>[102]</span> +had intimated to de Guerchy that it was commonly +believed Lord Hertford would be named, accompanying +the information, as was his custom, with a sketch of that +nobleman. The earl was a Knight of the Garter, the +father of six sons and six daughters all living, without +counting those to come, for her ladyship was still young +and in an interesting condition. His lordship spoke +French well, and was just the man to preserve the peace +so happily arranged between the two nations. He was +a very courteous and amiable man, and of the same +illustrious family as the beautiful Seymour, one of the +empty-headed wives of a heartless king—he alluded to +Henry VIII.<a id="FNanchor_122" href="#Footnote_122" class="fnanchor">[122]</a></p> + +<p>The official notification of the Earl of Hertford’s +appointment, September 29, as ambassador to the Court +of France, was quickly followed by the official nomination, +October 3, of the Count de Guerchy. Speaking of +the new minister, George III. asked the French plenipotentiary +if he was a good officer as general of infantry, +to which D’Eon replied that he was so good as never to +have harmed anybody, and although a general of infantry +he considered him better qualified to command cavalry, +because at the battle of Minden he recommended the +cavalry to be placed in the centre and infantry on the +wings. De Guerchy arrived in London on October 17, +and put up at Lord Holland’s. The Chevalier hastened +to wait upon his new chief, and the two men stood face +to face, not for the first time in their lives, de Guerchy +at once betraying the spirit by which he was animated, +in expressing his surprise at D’Eon not being present +when he alighted from his coach, and then asking +whether he did not regret having written to him his +letter of September 25. ‘No, sir, and were you to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_103"></a>[103]</span> +write me such another letter as that of September 4, +from Jouy, I should be obliged to send you a similar +reply.’ De Guerchy added that he should preserve the +original as long as he lived; to which D’Eon replied +that if he feared to lose it he begged to offer copies in +quadruplicate, with his own attestation <i>ne variatur</i>! +And so ended the first interview in England between +these two men, whose malignant hatred of each other +was not even swallowed up in death.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LETTERS OF RECALL.</div> + +<p>In the course of the evening, de Guerchy informed +D’Eon that he had brought his letters of recall. ‘A la +bonheur (<i>sic</i>), Monsieur le Comte!’ said the latter. ‘I +will call for them in the morning, and at the same +time hand over all papers likely to be of consequence +to you.’ The following day, after de Guerchy had +received the Embassy archives and assumed official +charge, the Chevalier demanded his letters of recall. +The ambassador, strangely agitated, searched drawers, +portfolios, and elsewhere, and finding them at last in +his pocket, gave them to D’Eon, at whose quiet acceptance +of them he seemed disconcerted. D’Eon believed +that the pretended search was to give him time to +make some kind of apology for the past.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>The Duke de Praslin to the Chevalier D’Eon.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘Versailles, October 4, 1763.</p> + +<p>‘Sir,—The arrival of the King’s ambassador putting an end +to the commission entrusted to you by his Majesty as his +Minister Plenipotentiary, I send to you your letters of recall, +which you will deliver to his Britannic Majesty according to +custom, and with the least possible delay. You will herewith +find a copy of that letter. You will quit London immediately +after your audience, and you will at once proceed to Paris, +whence you will report your arrival, and where you will await +my instructions without coming to Court.’<a id="FNanchor_123" href="#Footnote_123" class="fnanchor">[123]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_104"></a>[104]</span></p> + +<p>The Chevalier was recalled, and yet expressly forbidden +to appear at Court! There was apprehension +lest he should bring to light the iniquities of which he +was the victim! He was greatly moved at the contents +of this letter, for even the despatch he had received +some days previously, through the hands of a secret +courier, had scarcely prepared him for so overwhelming +a blow.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>To the Chevalier D’Eon, my Minister Plenipotentiary, London.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘Versailles, October 4, 1763.</p> + +<p>‘You have served me as usefully in the guise of a female as +in the dress you now wear. Reassume it immediately, and +withdraw into the city. I warn you that the King has this day +signed, not with his hand, but with the stamp, the order to +compel you to return to France; but I command you to remain +in England, with all your papers, until such time as you receive +further instructions from me. You are not in safety at your +residence, and here you will find powerful enemies.<a id="FNanchor_124" href="#Footnote_124" class="fnanchor">[124]</a></p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">Louis.</span>’</p> + +</div> + +<p>‘I have frequently heard the Chevalier D’Eon repeat +to my father,’ says Madame Campan, ‘the contents +of this letter, in which Louis XV. thus separated his +individuality from the person of the King of France. +The Chevalier or Chevalière had kept all the King’s +letters ...’<a id="FNanchor_125" href="#Footnote_125" class="fnanchor">[125]</a> yet the Duke de Broglie refuses to acknowledge +its authenticity, and labours to prove that +it is an imposture.<a id="FNanchor_126" href="#Footnote_126" class="fnanchor">[126]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">FORSAKEN?</div> + +<p>No sooner had the Chevalier read de Praslin’s letter +than it fell from his hands. He began to suspect, +for the first time, the evils that menaced him. What +was he to hope from the strength of character of a +monarch who deserted him when he had done nothing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_105"></a>[105]</span> +but obey his commands, and whose only exhibition of +courage consisted in signing away his downfall with the +stamp instead of with the sign-manual. Unable to adopt +and digest the idea that the King would submit himself +to the will of others, and sacrifice one who was dear to +him and whom he supported in secret, the Chevalier +concluded that the affixing of a stamped signature +could only have been an act of momentary weakness, +a concession to temporary necessities, and he felt that +he should be the more surely justified, from having +been so unjustly condemned. Reflections such as these +gave him courage and hope; he resumed his habitual +gaiety, his usual indifference, and resolved upon adhering +to all the King’s instructions, whatever the +damaging situations in which they might place him. +He did not, however, resign himself to this sort of +humiliation without a struggle, being specially sensitive +on points of honour and self-esteem, feelings to which +he was prone, and which were readily excited within +him.... He awaited his enemies with resignation, +having made up his mind to yield, step by step, inch +by inch, and make them pay dearly for a triumph he +some day hoped to avenge.<a id="FNanchor_127" href="#Footnote_127" class="fnanchor">[127]</a></p> + +<p>It had become de Praslin’s object to crush the +Chevalier, first by degrading him, then seizing his +person, when he would have thrown him in all probability +into the Bastille. To effect this, he showed +D’Eon’s two letters of September 25 to the King—the +one to himself, the other to de Guerchy—and maintained +that both sufficiently betrayed aberration of +wind in the plenipotentiary, who could not possibly +continue at a foreign court. It was under pressure +such as this that Louis XV., feigning to believe in the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_106"></a>[106]</span> +imputation, suffered the despatch of the letter of recall, +signed, not with his hand, but with the stamp.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>Louis XV. to George III.</i></p> + +<p>‘Sir, my Brother,—The arrival of the Count de Guerchy, my +ambassador at your Court, causing the functions of my Minister +Plenipotentiary to cease, I do not delay to divest him of his +office, and to require his immediate presence in France; but as +he is not in a condition to present his letters of recall, in person, +I instruct the Count de Guerchy to deliver them to you, and to +renew to you upon this occasion the assurances of the inviolable +friendship with which you have inspired me, and of my sincere +desire to render it for ever durable.<a id="FNanchor_128" href="#Footnote_128" class="fnanchor">[128]</a></p> + +<p>‘I am Sir, my Brother,</p> + +<p class="center">‘Your good Brother,</p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">Louis</span>.’</p> + +<p class="date-l">‘Fontainebleau, October 3, 1763.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>‘Instead of bringing the Chevalier to trial and proving +his guilt, de Praslin contented himself by causing +forged letters of recall to be presented to the King of +England by the Count de Guerchy. There was nothing +in this to manifest the majesty of ministerial justice—it +was the feeble apology of a desperate cause.’<a id="FNanchor_129" href="#Footnote_129" class="fnanchor">[129]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">KING, MISTRESS, AND MINISTERS.</div> + +<p>It was enough for the Chevalier to have learnt from +the King himself that his letters of recall were not signed +with the sign-manual; he felt assured that his Majesty +could not be prevailed upon to sign away, with his own +hand, his perdition, whilst want of firmness and feebleness +of character had precluded him from fairly interposing +in the action of his minister, and he refused to +recognise the authenticity of the document.<a id="FNanchor_130" href="#Footnote_130" class="fnanchor">[130]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_107"></a>[107]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘My letters of recall in the form of disgrace,’ he wrote, ‘not +having been preceded on the part of the Duke de Praslin by +necessary investigation, inquiry, or complete knowledge of all +circumstances, whence the decision may be imputed to his own +free act and will, are manifestly obreptitious, void, and of no +effect. A decision of so great gravity would never have prevailed +if truth, in seeking to approach the throne, had not been +checked by innumerable obstacles. To have the right to persecute, +one should be in the right, and to be in the right, it is +sufficient not to be in the wrong. Ministers, like priests, are +never in the wrong, and especially when they are strong +enough to prove that they are in the right. Pompadour, who +imagined that Louis XV. was unable to think, without her permission—those +great ministers at Versailles who fancied that +the King could do nothing without them, would be greatly +astonished were I to prove to them, as clearly as is the light of +the sun, and in the King’s own handwriting, that he mistrusted +them all as he would a band of robbers; that he avoided them +as he would a body of spies; and wishing to enjoy a little +domestic peace, he allowed them to go the way of their own +follies, for which he would afterwards try to make amends +secretly. He had a hundred times more esteem, friendship, +and real confidence in the intelligence, wisdom, and probity of +the Count de Broglio, and in the valiant qualities of his little +D’Eon, than in the whole of his mistresses and ministers put +together, the majority of whom he kept about him from the +same force of habit, largeness of heart, and regal grandeur, +which induced him to keep other strange animals in his menagerie. +When, under a despotic monarch, ministers and other +great people at Court are corrupt and of prejudiced minds, no +other alternative is left to oppressed innocence than an appeal +to the King and to God. Under a republic, it is possible to +appeal to God, to the people and to the sword; this last appeal +being frequently attended with success, when battalions are +strong, well disciplined, and artillery is well served.’<a id="FNanchor_131" href="#Footnote_131" class="fnanchor">[131]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>Had D’Eon gone on to state how injured innocence +was to reach a despotic monarch, his experience would<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_108"></a>[108]</span> +have been of service to many, even in this the last but +one decade of the nineteenth century; for the absolutism +of his adored master, his Most Christian Majesty +Louis XV., is not to be compared to that of one Christian +ruler of these our times, the Imperial ruler, who, +whatever the disposition of his heart, is condemned by +tradition and long custom to spend his days in lonely +grandeur, invisible and unapproachable to all but one +or two dissembling and unfaithful ministers, too often +shunned by even his nearest relatives, and therefore +unjustly mistrusted and despised by his subjects of +every class.</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_109"></a>[109]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<p>D’Eon’s interview with the Earl of Halifax—Refuses to surrender the King’s +papers to de Guerchy—Declines to take leave of the King of England—A +scene at the French Embassy—Another at Lord Halifax’s residence—A +third at D’Eon’s—Summoned by a magistrate—De Guerchy’s hostile +measures—D’Eon is dangerously drugged at the table of the French +ambassador—Designs against his liberty—Removes to Brewer Street, +Golden Square—Childishly annoyed—His extradition demanded—Warned +to that effect by Louis XV.</p> + +</div> + +<p>With his usual alacrity and wariness in anticipating +difficulties, by strengthening the position into which he +sometimes fancied he was forced by chance, the Chevalier +took occasion to represent to Lord Halifax, at a special +interview for which he had asked, that he could not +consider his letters of recall as authentic. In the first +place, they had been brought by the Count de Guerchy, +which was absolutely contrary to all precedent, and in +these letters he was styled, simply, Minister Plenipotentiary, +the titles of Knight of the Order of Saint Louis +and Captain of Dragoons being omitted, although they +appeared in his credentials; and what was of most importance, +they were not signed with the King’s own +hand. Lord Halifax expressed surprise at these informalities, +and said that any English minister rash +enough to make use of the King’s signature under +similar circumstances would be doing so at the risk of +his head; the King of England signed with his own +hand all letters to foreign princes, and all special instructions +to his ministers. Such an expression of +opinion was exactly what the Chevalier wanted.<a id="FNanchor_132" href="#Footnote_132" class="fnanchor">[132]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_110"></a>[110]</span></p> + +<p>The Embassy archives received by de Guerchy were +contained in the same four despatch-boxes in which +they had been delivered to D’Eon by de Nivernois, and +consisted only of the official cypher and ordinary correspondence; +but on taking leave of Madame de Pompadour +and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, de Guerchy +had engaged to secure, not only the Chevalier’s person, +but every scrap of paper in his possession. Failing to +obtain them coaxingly, he imperiously demanded, in +the many angry altercations on the subject, that all the +documents which had passed into his hands during his +term of office, should be immediately and unconditionally +given up! D’Eon quietly persisted in his refusal to +surrender all such other papers as he conceived he had +a right to retain, unless he received orders to the +contrary <i>direct from the King</i>, and on October 23 he +furnished the ambassador with this decision in writing.</p> + +<p>The nature of the papers they coveted was a mystery +to de Pompadour, de Praslin, and de Guerchy, except +that it was believed they incriminated D’Eon in a correspondence +with the proscribed de Broglios. Such +would certainly have been the case, but they also included +the detailed plans for an invasion of England, +contemplated, as we are aware, and being completed +during the few months that had transpired since the +treaty of peace had been signed.</p> + +<p>Finding D’Eon intractable and resolute, de Guerchy +was urgent in requiring him to present his letters of +recall and return to France with the least possible +delay; and meaning to hasten his departure, he requested +the Secretary of State to obtain an audience for +the minister plenipotentiary on the earliest day possible. +The following communication was the result:—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_111"></a>[111]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Lord Halifax presents his compliments to the Chevalier +D’Eon, and has the honour to inform him that, in consequence +of unforeseen pressure of business, it will be more convenient to +the King to grant an audience to M. D’Eon to-morrow, Wednesday, +than on Friday next.’</p> + +<p class="date-l">‘St. James’, October 25, 1763.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘This note is a sufficiently genuine proof,’ wrote D’Eon a +few months later, ‘that my presence at this Court was a terrible +burden on the shoulders of M. de Guerchy. We are in the +month of February, 1764, and I have not yet had my audience +for taking leave.... Judging by appearances, M. de Guerchy +will show the example.... The English minister wrote to me +on October 25, and on the 24th I had received from the Duke +de Choiseul a letter of the 18th of the same month, that is to +say, fourteen days later than the date of the pretended letter of +recall, in which I received fresh assurances of the satisfaction, at +Court, with the manner in which I performed my duties, and +requiring me to continue my correspondence. On that same +day, the 24th, I received another letter, dated October 15, that +is to say, eleven days after the doubtful letter of recall, in which +the Controller-General entrusted me, in the King’s name, with +fresh work.... Lord Halifax’s note might have influenced me +to comply with Guerchy’s wishes, had I not believed it to be my +duty to remain inflexible to his entreaties.’<a id="FNanchor_133" href="#Footnote_133" class="fnanchor">[133]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">‘AWAITING FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS.’</div> + +<p>D’Eon declined the Secretary of State’s invitation +to take leave of the King on the 26th, but he attended +his Majesty’s levée on that day, and a dinner party in +the evening at Lord Halifax’s, where the company included +Mr. Grenville, the Prime Minister, Lord Sandwich, +and others, and several foreign representatives. +Scarcely had he entered the room at Lord Halifax’s, +than de Guerchy, advancing rapidly towards him, +asked why he had not taken leave of the King at the +appointed audience. The Chevalier made his usual +laconic reply: ‘Because I am awaiting further instructions,’<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_112"></a>[112]</span> +which led to an agitated and unseemly disputation, +until D’Eon brought it to a close by addressing +himself to the three English ministers who happened to +be conversing together. ‘The Count de Guerchy forces +me to the honour of declaring to your Excellencies, +that I do not take leave at any audience, because I am +awaiting further instructions,’ which little speech ‘de +Guerchy confessed he was quite unable to comprehend, +being himself a novice in diplomatic matters.’ Lord +Halifax showing some inclination to take de Guerchy’s +part, D’Eon drew from his pocket the invitation to +dinner he had received, and said to his lordship: ‘Your +Excellency has invited the minister plenipotentiary to +dinner; I entreat that it be not delayed. It is late, +and personally, I wish to avail myself peaceably of the +honour you have done me. I do not come here to +excite a disturbance but to bring peace.’ For such +bold words as these, Lord Halifax, who as yet knew but +little of D’Eon, was scarcely prepared; but they sufficed +to put him on his guard, as the sequel will show, for he +was beginning to discover that he had to do with a +somewhat strange, perhaps violent, and at any rate very +singular character.</p> + +<p>There called at the French Embassy one day in +August, a tall, lean Frenchman, who announced himself +as M. Treyssac de Vergy, a great friend of the Duke de +Praslin and the Count de Guerchy, and other French +ministers, and as having come to England to visit a +country of which so little was known. The Chevalier +D’Eon received him politely, but reminded him that it +was customary to bring letters of introduction to a +minister, and hoped that he would make it his business +to do so; to which de Vergy replied that he did +not consider such letters at all necessary from his being<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_113"></a>[113]</span> +on terms of great intimacy with the Count de Guerchy, +whom he had met at supper at the house of the Marquises +de Villeroy, de Lirré, &c., and who was sure to +embrace him on both cheeks the next time they met. +He repeated his calls, still without producing any letters, +until the Chevalier gave him clearly to understand, in +the presence of several members of the Embassy, that +he should have to refuse him admittance if he again +made his appearance without some kind of recommendation.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A MYSTERIOUS VISITOR.</div> + +<p>On October 23 the Chevalier dined with de Guerchy, +and in the course of the evening M. de Vergy was +announced. The Countess de Guerchy asked D’Eon, +aside, if he knew him. ‘No, Madame, but I have my +suspicions about him.’ ‘Hush! M. D’Eon; pray do +not speak so loud.’ De Guerchy then inquired of +D’Eon if he was acquainted with de Vergy. ‘No, +Monsieur le Comte, and I have already informed him +that he must bring letters of recommendation.’ Then, +turning to de Vergy, he said: ‘Here is the Count de +Guerchy who you know so well, and with whom you +have supped at the Marquise de Villeroy’s. I do not +see that he flies to embrace you.’ An awkward silence +of some moments was broken by de Guerchy: ‘Monsieur +de Vergy, I do not know you at all, nor have I +met you at supper at the Marquise de Villeroy’s, although +I have the honour of knowing that lady, and have frequently +supped at her house.’ Foolish de Guerchy! +How dearly this utterance cost him, so untrue was it. +De Vergy fixed his eyes steadily on the ambassador, +made a profound obeisance, and said: ‘I beg your Excellency’s +pardon, I thought I had the honour of being +acquainted with you.’ Then, turning to D’Eon: ‘I +have heard it said that you were a polite man; there<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_114"></a>[114]</span> +never was a greater mistake. <i>You do not know, M. +D’Eon, the fate that awaits you in France.</i>’ These last +words he repeated a second time. The Chevalier, who +was a perfect stranger to de Vergy’s business in England, +took the latter by the arm. ‘My politeness does +not extend to lying in behalf of others. I do not give +you the lie, because you do not know what it is to tell +the truth.... I have nothing with which to reproach +myself, and am by no means anxious as regards my +fate, in France or elsewhere.... Were we not in the +presence of the ambassador and of his lady, I should +very soon prove to you that I am not afraid of your +threats.’ Other visitors being announced, the ambassador +authoritatively put an end to the altercation, and +to D’Eon’s great surprise, de Vergy was permitted to +spend the evening in the general company.</p> + +<p>On the morning of the 26th, whilst the Chevalier +was absent from home attending the King’s levée, de +Vergy called at his residence in Dover Street, and being +informed, in answer to his inquiries, that D’Eon was +always at home at nine o’clock, left word that he should +call at that hour the following day, fully expecting to +find him in. D’Eon took in the significance of this +message, and in the evening, after dinner at Lord +Halifax’s, he privately related to his lordship the whole +of the de Vergy incidents, and the challenge openly +left at his house that morning. For once, the Chevalier +neglected his measures of prudence. Lord Halifax had +scarcely time to forget the mild reproof D’Eon found +the courage to administer to him that evening, before +being unconcernedly told of an intended breach of the +peace by one in whose own country duelling was forbidden +under pain of death.<a id="FNanchor_134" href="#Footnote_134" class="fnanchor">[134]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_115"></a>[115]</span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE GUARDS TURNED OUT.</div> + +<p>Lord Halifax thanked the plenipotentiary for the +information he had communicated, and shortly invited +the French ambassador into another room, where they +remained closeted for some minutes, and on coming out +again the two joined Mr. Grenville and Lord Sandwich +in close conversation. Lord Halifax then asked the +Chevalier to abandon his intention of meeting de Vergy. +‘I have no intention of going in search of de Vergy, +but since he has appointed an hour to see me, I shall +certainly await him.’ ‘Well, then,’ said Lord Halifax, +‘were you even the Duke of Bedford, I should have +to give you in charge of the Guards.’ ‘I have not the +honour of being the Duke of Bedford; I am M. D’Eon, +and can take perfectly good care of myself;’ adding, +wishing to escape all further interference: ‘I have an +engagement at the play-house this evening, and beg to +take leave of your Excellency.’ On turning to leave +the room he was surprised to find the door locked, and +said somewhat testily to the ministers, that he never +could have believed it possible for a minister plenipotentiary +from France to find himself a prisoner in +England, in the house of a Secretary of State; whereupon +Lord Halifax handed him a slip of paper, with the +request that he would attach his signature to what was +written on it. D’Eon read the note, and as he persisted +in refusing to sign it, although repeatedly pressed to do +so by the ministers, the door was thrown open, and a +detachment of the Guards, with bayonets fixed, occupied +the room in which the company was assembled, and +the adjoining chambers as well. There were no means<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_116"></a>[116]</span> +of retreat. On seeing the officer, D’Eon said: ‘Do your +duty and I will do mine. If it is to see me home that +you have come I need no soldiers, for I can go perfectly +well alone and on foot.’ Then, addressing the ministers, +he intimated that when his regiment again looked upon +the uniform he was wearing, it should either be unsullied +or drenched in blood! A compromise was +effected, the soldiers were withdrawn, and the Chevalier +signed the following declaration ‘in obedience to +orders.’</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘The Chevalier D’Eon gives his word of honour to the Earls +of Sandwich and Halifax that he will not fight M. de Vergy +or insult him in any way, without previously communicating +his intention to the said earls, in order that they may be able to +prevent any evil consequences resulting from the Chevalier +D’Eon’s intentions and conduct.</p> + +<p class="right">‘(Signed) ‘The Chevalier <span class="smcap">D’Eon de Beaumont</span>,</p> + +<p class="hanging">‘By order and through the respect I owe to +the ambassador of the King my master.’</p> + +<p class="right">‘(Signed) <span class="smcap">‘Dunk Halifax.</span><br> +<span style="margin-right: 2em;">‘<span class="smcap">Sandwich.</span></span><br> +<span style="margin-right: 2.5em;">‘<span class="smcap">Guerchy.</span>’</span></p> + +<p class="date-l">‘Great George Street, October 26, 1763.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Beyond reporting the circumstance of the Guards +being summoned during the evening of October 26 to +keep the peace, the daily papers gave no details of what +passed in the reception-rooms of one of the King’s +ministers;<a id="FNanchor_135" href="#Footnote_135" class="fnanchor">[135]</a> a variety of inaccurate versions found easy +credence, and one other blunder was added to the acts +of a blundering ministry.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AN IMMATURE DUELLIST.</div> + +<p>De Vergy was true to his tryst. ‘Here am I, sir,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_117"></a>[117]</span> +in fighting trim, only let me ask you a question. Are +you minister plenipotentiary or a captain of dragoons? +because if you are a minister I retire.’ ‘I am delighted +to see you, for I have been expecting you. To you, I +am simply a dragoon.’ D’Eon then secured the door, +intending to detain his visitor until he had sent word to +the Embassy that de Vergy was with him. ‘Do not +touch me!’ cried de Vergy in alarm; ‘do not touch +me!’ ‘What!’ said D’Eon smiling, ‘you come to me +in fighting trim, and are afraid lest I should touch you? +No. I merely intend that you shall be arrested.’ Then, +leading him into his bed-chamber where were writing +materials: ‘I require you to read this note, and sign it +in duplicate.’ De Vergy started at seeing a brace of +cavalry pistols and a sabre. ‘Do not kill me!’ D’Eon +lay a pistol on the floor, and putting his foot on it said: +‘There, it won’t bite you. Now, sign with a will.’</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I, the undersigned, promise the Chevalier D’Eon, Captain +of Dragoons, on my word of honour, that I will produce at the +French Embassy in London, in the course of fifteen days, or at +the furthest, one month, proper letters of recommendation from +persons well known, or in office, at Versailles or Paris; failing +which, I again give my word of honour to M. D’Eon that I +shall never in future make my appearance before the Count and +Countess de Guerchy, except as a very great, one of the greatest +of adventurers.’</p> + +<p class="date-l">‘London, October 27, 1763,<br> +At a quarter past ten in the morning.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>De Vergy quickly put his name to both slips, and +was making for the door when D’Eon stopped him. +‘I must trouble you to leave by the back way; my +friends only pass through that door. Tell me who you +are, or I shall hand you over to the Embassy.’ ‘M. +D’Eon, do not detain me here or I am a lost man.’<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_118"></a>[118]</span> +‘Well, Mr. Adventurer, you may go; I do not wish for +the death of a sinner, but rather for his conversion. If +you bring letters and prove to me that you are an +honest man, I shall be a good friend to you.’ D’Eon at +once sent the duplicate of de Vergy’s declaration to the +ambassador, who complimented him upon his honourable +behaviour; and de Vergy, having made the best +of his way to the police-court, to lodge a complaint +against the man who had been bullying him that +morning, the Chevalier received the following notice in +the course of the day:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Mr. Kynaston, Justice of the Peace, presents his compliments +to the Chevalier D’Eon, and has to inform him that M. de +Vergy has sworn information against him for wishing to break +the peace. Mr. Kynaston therefore requests that M. D’Eon +will appear before him at six o’clock precisely, this evening, at +Sir John Fielding’s, Bow Street, Covent Garden, to answer the +charge of the said M. de Vergy.’<a id="FNanchor_136" href="#Footnote_136" class="fnanchor">[136]</a></p> + +<p class="date-l">‘Bow Street, Covent Garden, October 27, 1763.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>No notice was taken of this summons by the +Chevalier, in the first place because it was not authenticated +by any signature, and because as minister plenipotentiary +he did not consider himself bound to answer +it. The matter went no further.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE COUNT DE GUERCHY BALKED.</div> + +<p>Regardless of his dignity, the ambassador continued +to importune D’Eon for the surrender of his papers, +advances that were now met in that spirit of defiance the +Chevalier thought himself safe in assuming, armed as +he was with the King’s secret commands. De Guerchy +was furious at D’Eon’s obstinacy and intractability, and +resorted to endless expedients for injuring him in public +and private estimation. Acting as he did, in concert<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_119"></a>[119]</span> +with de Praslin, his first care was to circulate the report +of the Chevalier’s insanity, which he even carried to +the Princess Augusta at Court. He caused two damaging +pamphlets to be published,<a id="FNanchor_137" href="#Footnote_137" class="fnanchor">[137]</a> and further annoyed +him in a hundred different ways, even to the jeopardy +of his person, hoping to drive him out of the country +and back to France. De Guerchy, however, was no +match for his dexterous subordinate, and he so far +forgot himself as to entreat the Duke de Choiseul to +write a flattering and coaxing letter to the Chevalier, +under the title of minister plenipotentiary, to invite him +to repair to Versailles and lay his grievances before the +King. ‘You will perhaps think me a fool for asking +you to resort to means so little consonant with your +character, but I do not see my way to anything else +for the present.’<a id="FNanchor_138" href="#Footnote_138" class="fnanchor">[138]</a></p> + +<p>The Chevalier did lay his grievances before the King, +but in a manner very different to that intended by de +Guerchy, for he reported in a long despatch, taken to +Versailles by his kinsman and collaborator, de la Rosière, +the treatment he had received at the hands of the ambassador, +and his own conduct under the circumstances. +We give a few extracts only, such as are indispensable +to our narrative:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>Secret and Important. To the Counsellor and his Deputy.</i><a id="FNanchor_139" href="#Footnote_139" class="fnanchor">[139]</a></p> + +<p class="date">‘London, November 18, 1763.</p> + +<p>‘M. de la Rosière will give you an account of all the +tricks, entreaties, threats, promises, &c., to which the Count de<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_120"></a>[120]</span> +Guerchy has resorted, in his endeavours to discover the secret +motives of my conduct. He will also inform you of the manner +in which I have eluded all his questions, and the little importance +I have attached to his promises and threats. I do not +think it possible to carry matters further than I have done, nor +for any ambassador, or indeed for any man in the world to be +more humiliated and mystified than is the Count de Guerchy. +As to his threats, I scorn them; I have told him personally +that I am firmly determined to resist him, and that should he +make his appearance with another detachment of the Guards, I +would not attack him, but if he cared to call upon me, he +should see how I received him at my door. My door is narrow, +and only sufficiently wide to enable one person to enter at a +time. I am still Minister Plenipotentiary, for I have not +taken leave, and if I choose, I shall take my stand on political +grounds, for the next twelve months, before I apply for an +audience of leave. All I need is sufficient to meet the expenses +of my lodgings and board. La Rosière will tell you that I have +prepared eighteen points of defence, which must be carried +before I can be compelled to take my leave. I alone, and +La Rosière, if he remembers them, know what are those points +of defence, and when the Count de Guerchy and Lord Halifax +attacked me for the first time, I unmasked one redoubt, and +they met with a reverse. M. de Guerchy, S——, and M—— +being greatly irritated at my stay at this Court, where the +King, the Queen, and the royal family continue to treat me +with the same consideration as hitherto, and at a loss to know +to what saint they should offer a vow to ensure my retirement, +have resorted to the darkest and most iniquitous expedients.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">ANGUIS IN HERBA.</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘On Friday, October 28, the Count de Guerchy was dining +with Lord Sandwich, and I went to dine at the French Embassy, +where the company included the Countess de Guerchy, +her daughter, M. de Blosset, the Count d’Allonville, and M. +Monin. Soon after dinner, the Countess went out with her +daughter, and I remained with the gentlemen who chattered +like magpies. I began to feel unwell and very drowsy. On +leaving the house, the use of a sedan-chair at the door was offered +me, but I refused, preferring to walk home, where, in spite of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_121"></a>[121]</span> +myself, I fell sound asleep in my easy chair. Feeling worse, and +as if my stomach were on fire, I went to bed early, and although +in the habit of rising at six or seven, I slept soundly until +midday, when La Rosière awoke me by violently kicking at the +door. I have since discovered that M. de Guerchy, who has a +physician in his house, caused opium to be put into my wine, in +the belief that I should fall into a deep sleep after dinner, when +I would have been placed in a chair, and instead of being taken +to my own home, carried to the Thames, where it appears there +was a boat in readiness to take me away. La Rosière will +corroborate what I say.<a id="FNanchor_140" href="#Footnote_140" class="fnanchor">[140]</a></p> + +<p>‘The following evening M. Monin came to dine with me. +I spoke to him of my indisposition, and he told me that he had +experienced similar, but not so serious symptoms. Several +days elapsed, and the Count de Guerchy, accompanied by his +two aides-de-camp, came to me before nine in the morning. +They inspected my rooms, and the ambassador asked what ailed +me. I replied with Burgundian candour: “I have been very +unwell since I dined at your Excellency’s table on the 28th; it +would appear that your scullery maids are not careful to scour +their pots and pans. This comes of keeping a large establishment; +one is poisoned without knowing or wishing it.” The +Count de Guerchy then said: “I have ordered my butler to +keep a better eye on the kitchen department, for these gentlemen +and M. Monin have also felt unwell. We are going to +walk to Westminster, and had you not been indisposed, I +should have asked you to accompany us....”</p> + +<p>‘Two days subsequently to the ambassador’s visit, a locksmith +called to fit some screws to my door. I guessed what +was to happen, but admitted the man, and feigning to be at +work at my writing table, kept my eye on him. He oiled the +lock, removed the key from inside to outside the door, and in +doing so very smartly took a wax impression of it. I contained +myself sufficiently to ask what I owed him for his labour.’</p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_122"></a>[122]</span></p> + +<p>These incidents, the attempts made to bribe his +servants, the fact of a sedan being continually stationed +at his door, although it was not ordered, convinced him +of some bold design on his person and papers, and he +resolved upon leaving his apartments in Dover Street, +which he did on November 9, removing to the house of a +Mr. Lautem, wine merchant, 32 Brewer Street, Golden +Square, which became his abode for many years after.</p> + +<p>A puerile annoyance to which D’Eon had been subjected +during the last few days of his stay in Dover +Street, was a rapping and plaintive sounds at two +o’clock every morning, which proceeded from the flue +of a chimney communicating between his own bedroom, +and the apartments in the floor below occupied by +L’Escallier, private secretary to the ambassador, who, +as the zealous auxiliary in the plots of his master, employed +a young sweep to ascend the chimney and make +‘ghostly noises.’ The count was trying very hard to +pass off D’Eon for a madman, and that he might obtain +evidence to that effect, had conceived this bright idea +for frightening the Chevalier, imagining that such +noises and groans in the dark would terrify him, cause +him to leave his bed and summon the servants. Monin, +the count’s old tutor, who lodged in the room above +L’Escallier and the other dependants devoted to him, +would be able to depose that nothing was found; that +there was no cause for alarm, and thus prove the +minister plenipotentiary’s insanity, or at any rate his +being a visionary, which would go far towards completing +the success of the scheme for having him +arrested and confined as a lunatic. ‘This incident of +itself suffices to illustrate the meanness and wickedness +of the count and his party.’<a id="FNanchor_141" href="#Footnote_141" class="fnanchor">[141]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_123"></a>[123]</span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">MAD, OR NOT MAD?</div> + +<p>Although a good deal of trouble was taken to persuade +Louis XV. that his minister plenipotentiary in +London was demented, he does not appear ever to +have seriously believed in the accusation. After seeing +D’Eon’s letters of September 25 to de Praslin and +de Guerchy, we find the King writing to Tercier, +October 11, 1763:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘ ... D’Eon has written several singular letters; it is +apparently his office of Minister Plenipotentiary that has turned +his head. M. de Praslin has in consequence proposed that he +should be made to come here, when his condition will be inquired +into. If he is mad, be on your guard lest he should +divulge anything....’ In another letter, dated October 12:—‘... +You will see D’Eon upon his arrival in Paris, and I +authorise you to concert with him for taking every precaution +that the secret be guarded....’ Again, October 21:—‘... +You may send the letter to D’Eon if you are quite certain that +he has not already taken his departure....’ Finally, December +30:—‘... M. D’Eon is not mad, but he is proud and a very +extraordinary person....’<a id="FNanchor_142" href="#Footnote_142" class="fnanchor">[142]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>It is possible that the representations of the French +ministers on D’Eon’s mental condition, received some +support from Walpole’s chit-chat to the Earl of Hertford, +ambassador in Paris.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘D’Eon is here still,’ wrote the former, on November 25, +1763; ‘I know nothing more of him, but that the honour of +having a hand in the peace overset his poor brain. This was +evident on the fatal night at Lord Halifax’s; when they told him +his behaviour was a breach of the peace, he was quite distracted, +thinking it was the <i>peace</i> between his country and this.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>As Walpole was not present at Lord Halifax’s the +evening of October 26, he probably obtained these +details from his friend de Guerchy.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_124"></a>[124]</span></p> + +<p>Thwarted at all points by the Chevalier, who was +proving himself to be his superior in shrewdness and +audacity, and indeed in every other quality that the +circumstances during their sensational disputes necessitated, +and dreading the certain exposure, by his +intended victim, of the criminal act of which he had +been guilty, the ambassador, miserably perplexed, +entreated his valued friend de Praslin to extricate him +out of a position which had become quite unendurable. +The result was a joyous one to de Guerchy, a special +courier having brought a request to the British Government +for the extradition of D’Eon and the seizure of all +his papers; but with his habitual foresight and caution, +the King took care to forestall the ministers by despatching +a secret messenger with written instructions +to his ambassador and to his minister plenipotentiary, +neither of whom was to be made aware of the communication +received by the other.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>Louis XV. to the Count de Guerchy.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘Fontainebleau, November 4, 1763.</p> + +<p>‘Monsieur le Comte,—The Duke de Praslin transmits to +you, this day, a demand for extradition addressed by us to the +ministers of our brother, his Majesty the King of Great Britain, +having reference to the person of the Sieur D’Eon de Beaumont. +If, as we think, his Britannic Majesty accedes to our demand, +it will be particularly agreeable to us that you retain the papers +you will find in the possession of the Sieur D’Eon, without communicating +their contents to anybody. It is our will that they +be kept entirely, and without exception, secret, and that the +said papers being previously carefully sealed, shall remain in +your keeping until you take your next annual trip, when you +will deliver them to ourselves in person. We have learnt that +M. Monin, your secretary, has some knowledge of the place +where these papers are likely to have been deposited by the +Chevalier D’Eon. If it is true that M. Monin has any idea of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_125"></a>[125]</span> +the sort, we request you to make the same known to us, after +having communicated to him the contents of this letter in our +hand. In thus doing, we shall be specially pleased.</p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">Louis.</span>’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>Louis XV. to the Chevalier D’Eon.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘Fontainebleau, November 4, 1763.</p> + +<p>‘I warn you that a demand for extradition, having reference +to your person and signed with my stamp, has this day been +addressed to Guerchy to be transmitted by him to the ministers +of his Britannic Majesty, the said demand being accompanied +by police officers to assist in its execution. If you cannot make +your escape, save at least your papers, and do not trust M. +Monin, Guerchy’s secretary and your friend. He is betraying +you.<a id="FNanchor_143" href="#Footnote_143" class="fnanchor">[143]</a></p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">Louis.</span>’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Thus was the Chevalier about to be dealt with as an +ordinary malefactor for having braved the fury of de +Praslin and of the ambassador, losing also his best friend +de Nivernois, in his intense devotion to the King whose +secret correspondence and interests in England he was +protecting; and because his freedom was imperilled by +the ministers of France, the selfish, vacillating, and +weak monarch was secretly scheming for the transfer +of the compromising papers into the custody of the +very man from whom it had cost D’Eon so much to +withhold them, and for doing which he had been fast +ensuring his own ruin. The King was feeling that the +step he had taken threatened imminent danger to the +other secret agents immediately concerned—the Count +de Broglio and Tercier, but his conscience was easily +relieved, and in addressing a few words of explanation +and comfort to the latter, he fancied he was justifying +his course of action, and reassuring those who were +serving him far more faithfully than he deserved.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_126"></a>[126]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I am writing to Guerchy, and order him to keep the secret +from everybody. I am instructing him to keep all the papers +sealed, until his return to Paris upon the annual trip he proposes +taking.... If Guerchy betrays the secret, he betrays me, <i>and +will be a lost man</i>. If he is a man of honour, he will not do +so; if he is a knave, he deserves to be hanged. It is very clear +that you and the Count de Broglio are uneasy. Be reassured, +I am much more unconcerned.... Having so freely entrusted +Guerchy with the secret, he will keep it.... The case is different +with Madame de Guerchy. I hope he will not tell his +wife anything about it....’<a id="FNanchor_144" href="#Footnote_144" class="fnanchor">[144]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>De Broglie was of an entirely different opinion. +Upon hearing of what the King had done, he declared +to Tercier, in a note he wrote from his place of exile, +that de Guerchy would assuredly divulge the secret, +and that his wife was as assuredly already acquainted +with it.<a id="FNanchor_145" href="#Footnote_145" class="fnanchor">[145]</a></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_127"></a>[127]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<p>Refusal of the British Government to deliver D’Eon—A force organised to +kidnap him—Mines and garrisons his house against intrusion—De +Guerchy reports to Louis XV. his failure to obtain the secret papers—D’Eon’s +letter to his mother—Publication of official and private letters +of ministers, ambassadors, &c.—Consternation produced in consequence—Applies +to enter the service of a foreign State—Appeals to de +Broglio and Tercier on his situation—A conciliatory letter the result.</p> + +</div> + +<p>In hastening to make a formal demand for the arrest +of D’Eon and seizure of all his papers, the French +ambassador was feeling satisfied that the days of his +obnoxious subordinate were numbered, but ‘one of +the qualities of a great general is the glance, in war, +that reveals to him the advantages and disadvantages +of the field on which the contest is about to take place. +Had General de Guerchy known this, would he ever +have selected the ground of liberty in London and Westminster +to wage an unjust and despotic war against the +Chevalier D’Eon? But this would not be matter for +surprise, when it was once known that at the battle +of Minden he gave the marvellous advice to place +cavalry in the centre and infantry on the wings. The +result of the two actions could not but be similar.’<a id="FNanchor_146" href="#Footnote_146" class="fnanchor">[146]</a></p> + +<p>The Chevalier was perfectly safe. Lord Halifax +sent the case, ‘which was of a very extraordinary kind +and without any known precedent,’ for the consideration +of the Advocate and Solicitor-General, and eventually +had to inform the French ambassador that,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_128"></a>[128]</span> +‘according to the law of the kingdom, it would be +impossible to justify the seizure either of the person or +of the papers’ of the Chevalier D’Eon.<a id="FNanchor_147" href="#Footnote_147" class="fnanchor">[147]</a></p> + +<p>Since he could not be legally apprehended, the +attempt was to be made, under de Guerchy’s authority, +to kidnap the Chevalier, and for this purpose some +twenty-five to thirty French police officers and spies, in +charge of an officer, and who had already been some +days in London, were watching a favourable opportunity +for seizing and putting him into a six-oared boat +in readiness at Westminster, whence he was to be conveyed +to a small vessel, manned by twenty armed men, +lying at Gravesend.</p> + +<p>The Chevalier was fully aware of the proceedings of +his enemies, and took his precautions accordingly. The +security of the King’s papers being his first care, he +confided a portion of them to de la Rosière, and actually +sent him to France, there to remain, at least for a time. +Then, to ensure himself from the abduction with which +he was now threatened by an organised force, having +concealed the remainder of the papers in his apartments, +he converted them into a stronghold after the +following manner:—His bedroom, sitting-room, and +study on the first floor were mined, also the staircase, +which he further intrenched. He kept a lamp burning +throughout the night, and had a red-hot poker at his +side during the day. His arsenal included four brace +of pistols, two guns, and eight sabres. The garrison +consisted of several dragoons of his old regiment, for +whom he had sent, and some deserters he picked up in +London, all trusty men, who occupied the basement +with orders to admit the police officers should they at +any time seek to enter, and then cut off their retreat<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_129"></a>[129]</span> +while he defended the intrenchment. It was arranged +that, in the event of his being worsted, he should make +a preconcerted signal to intimate that they were to run +for their lives, whilst he fired the mine.<a id="FNanchor_148" href="#Footnote_148" class="fnanchor">[148]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">‘NOT SO BLACK A DEVIL.’</div> + +<p>Thus prepared, D’Eon resolutely awaited eventualities. +De Guerchy made one other advance, after +failure of the demand for extradition. He sent a conciliatory +letter to the Chevalier, by one of the gentlemen +at the Embassy, in which he renewed application for the +surrender of the King’s papers. The reception with +which the attaché met may well be gathered by the +nature of D’Eon’s reply:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="date"><span style="margin-right: 3em;">‘London, December 1, 1763,</span><br> +‘At four o’clock in the morning.</p> + +<p>‘Sir,—M. Prémarets fled from my house in such a hurry last +night that he gave me no time, either to read the whole of your +Excellency’s letter or to speak to him. I invited him, however, +to dinner, and to drink some good wine from Tonnerre; but he +became unnecessarily alarmed, and insisted upon running away. +Although a dragoon, I am not so black a devil as people would +make me, and if your Excellency could see into my heart, you +would find a very pure and a very clear conscience.... With +regard to the King’s papers for which you ask me, it is with an +aching heart that I am obliged to tell your Excellency I cannot +have the honour of delivering them without an express order +from the King, and I beg that you will communicate this to +those at Court. If you have such an order, be good enough to +send it to me by my friend M. Monin; he has known me long, +and must be fully persuaded that I will not only obey the orders +of my master, but will die for him if needs be. I value my life +at four <i>sous</i>, and those four <i>sous</i> I give to the poor. Your Excellency +requires no length of time to obtain an order from the +King, and if in the interim you should require any information<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_130"></a>[130]</span> +in the interests of the service, I will give all it is in my +power to communicate. Do not judge me hastily, and do not +condemn me as yet; the future may teach you something. I +repeat to you my entreaty to be thoroughly persuaded, that I +have never wished to fail in my respect towards the Duke de +Praslin and towards yourself; but bear in mind that I am determined +to be otherwise, if you persist in continually seeking +to force me to forget my duty, my sense of honour, of equity, +and of liberty. Recollect, that when St. Peter was asleep on +the Mount of Olives, he was thus reproached by his Master: +“<i>Spiritus quidem promptus est, caro vero infirma.</i>” I therefore +beg of you, sir, to allow me to sleep in peace in London, where +I will firmly await the spies that have been sent to watch +me....’<a id="FNanchor_149" href="#Footnote_149" class="fnanchor">[149]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>The Chevalier was thus proving himself to be more +than a match for the ambassador, who was finally +obliged to confess to the King his complete failure in +every effort he had made to execute his Majesty’s +commands.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>The Count de Guerchy to Louis XV.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘London, December 6, 1763.</p> + +<p>‘Sire,—I have been expecting to execute the orders contained +in the letter your Majesty did me the honour to address +to me from Fontainebleau on November 4, before replying to it; +but I have found it quite impracticable to do so, notwithstanding +the various means employed. Your Majesty will have been +informed, by my despatch, of the obstacles with which I meet +in my endeavours to possess myself of D’Eon’s papers, for he +persistently refuses to deliver them to me, in spite of the order +he has received from M. de Praslin in the name of your Majesty.<a id="FNanchor_150" href="#Footnote_150" class="fnanchor">[150]</a> +This is one of the peculiarities of his insanity, which, however, +does not affect him on all points. Your Majesty will also have +been informed that the Court of London has authoritatively +refused my request, in saying that it was against the laws of the +country. At any rate, the King of England and his ministers<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_131"></a>[131]</span> +are very anxious to get rid of this individual. I have not been +able to seize upon his person, either by force or by stratagem, +because he is no longer with me, nor has he been here since +going to such extremes. I have communicated to Monin your +Majesty’s commands as directed; he tells me he has good reason +for believing, as the result of several questions he has put to +D’Eon, that no papers concerning your Majesty, personally, +have been brought to London, and he thinks it more probable +that they have been left in Paris.... I deem it expedient to +send this letter by M. le Bel. I am deeply grieved, Sire, at not +being able to furnish your Majesty upon this occasion with proofs +of the fervent zeal by which I will be actuated through life.’</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Enclosure.</span><br> +<i>Memorandum from M. Monin to the King.</i></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A FAITHFUL DEPOSITARY.</div> + +<p>‘In consequence of his Majesty’s commands signified to +Monin, he has been doubly diligent in devising means for +recovering the papers his Majesty desires to possess. The +glimmers of hope he has sometimes entertained, warranted as +they were by a certain air of confidence and openness of heart +on the part of M. D’Eon, have vanished, and all those means to +which the ambassador has had recourse have proved unavailing. +Monin has restricted himself to seeking to discover where the +papers are kept or concealed. M. D’Eon has admitted to having +deposited them in different places without naming them, but of +one fact Monin is certain, and it is this. Previous to M. de +Guerchy’s departure for England, M. D’Eon lodged a box, containing +papers, with M. Tercier, where he, Monin, saw it; and +so soon as he had learnt of M. D’Eon’s recall, he deemed it his +duty, as a faithful and zealous subject, to recommend to M. +Tercier that he should obtain his Majesty’s instructions as to +its contents. I have no doubt [<i>sic</i>] that M. Tercier, who considered +the recommendation as expedient and important, has +acted accordingly; this portion of his Majesty’s secrets should +therefore be in his hands.’<a id="FNanchor_151" href="#Footnote_151" class="fnanchor">[151]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>We have been obliged to reproduce, almost at length, +the communications received by the King from de<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_132"></a>[132]</span> +Guerchy, because they show how successfully D’Eon +was keeping at bay, or misleading all those, whose hands +he considered were lifted against him. ‘I have at last +received a letter from M. de Guerchy with Monin’s +memorandum enclosed, which I send to you,’ wrote +Louis XV. to Tercier; and then the King betrays his +uneasiness and restless anxiety for the safety of his +papers, and yet his objection to having them in his own +possession or anywhere about him, fearing perhaps a +repetition of the scene in the month of June. ‘Take +care of the Sieur de la Rosière, or rather of his papers, +for it is known that he is here, and if he were visited all +might be discovered.’<a id="FNanchor_152" href="#Footnote_152" class="fnanchor">[152]</a></p> + +<p>De Guerchy’s next step was to submit to Lord +Halifax, so far as the wording was concerned, and with +the desire that it should be inserted in the official newspaper, +a paragraph to the effect that the Chevalier was +to be excluded, in the future, from the British Court.<a id="FNanchor_153" href="#Footnote_153" class="fnanchor">[153]</a> +His request was complied with, and an exact translation +of the notice, under date of the ambassador’s letter, +appeared in an early number of the <i>Gazette</i>:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="date">‘St. James’, December 6.</p> + +<p>‘The Most Christian King having, upon his Ambassador +Count de Guerchy’s arrival here, sent to the Chevalier D’Eon +de Beaumont, who had the character of Minister Plenipotentiary +to this Court, his revocation from hence, with a letter +addressed to his Britannic Majesty; and having been informed +that M. D’Eon persisted in refusing to pay obedience to his +orders, and to present the King his master’s letter; his said +Most Christian Majesty therefore wrote a second letter to the +King, and commanded his Ambassador to present the same +immediately, which, having been accordingly done, his Majesty +has been pleased to declare that the said M. D’Eon has no longer +any character here, and has forbid him the Court.’<a id="FNanchor_154" href="#Footnote_154" class="fnanchor">[154]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_133"></a>[133]</span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE COUNT DE BROGLIO’S ALARM.</div> + +<p>Thus divested of his dignity, the Chevalier was also +declared guilty of high treason, and all arrears of +emoluments due to him were forfeited to the Crown—a +pitiful situation naturally evoking very warm sympathy +on the part of his old chief and well-wisher, the Count +de Broglio, who himself had long been paying the +penalty of his devotion to their mystery-loving royal +master.<a id="FNanchor_155" href="#Footnote_155" class="fnanchor">[155]</a> But, apart from personal considerations for +D’Eon, the dangers to be apprehended from such +limitless persecution were considerable, as the count took +immediate occasion to remind the King.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘It is an incontestable fact that the Sieur D’Eon is driven +to despair; that without your Majesty’s favour he will meet +with a miserable fate in France, and that he possesses sure +means of making a large fortune in England.... If, in revenge +for the bad treatment he is experiencing, and impelled by the +necessity of obtaining a living, he should publish your Majesty’s +instructions, which he holds, were he even to communicate them +to English ministers, what might not be the unfortunate results? +Should we not have to apprehend that the sacred person of your +Majesty would be compromised, and that a declaration of war +on the part of England would be inevitable?’</p> + +</div> + +<p>The count concluded his letter by enjoining that +the ambassador should leave D’Eon in peace, and that +one of his friends should be sent with an order signed +by the King, requiring him, in warm-hearted terms, to +return to France, with the special assurance that royal +protection should not fail him.<a id="FNanchor_156" href="#Footnote_156" class="fnanchor">[156]</a></p> + +<p>The calamity which befell the Chevalier did not +visit him alone; it encompassed his mother and other +relatives, and even their dependants at home. He was +tenderly attached to his only parent, upon whom he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_134"></a>[134]</span> +had long since settled his little property, yet to her +solicitude and gentle warnings he replied with all the +vehemence of his strong and stormy nature.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">‘TO MY DEAR MOTHER.’</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>To Madame D’Eon de Beaumont, Tonnerre.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘London, December 30, 1763.</p> + +<p>‘I have received, my dear mother, all the woeful and piteous +letters you have taken the trouble to write to me. <i>Why weepest +thou, woman of little faith?</i> as it is said in Scripture. Remember +that our Lord, in the famed Temple of Jerusalem, said to +his mother: <i>Woman, what have I to do with thee?</i> yet the +mother was older than the Son. How this word <i>woman</i>, &c., +caused the Scribes and Pharisees to laugh, and has shocked all +the Doctors of the New Law, even those of Sorbonne! I will +say to you with greater tenderness: my mother, what is there +in common between your affairs at Tonnerre, and my political +affairs in London? Do go on planting your cabbages in peace, +weeding your garden and enjoying its fruit; drink the milk of +your cows and the wine of your vines, and leave me in peace to +the foolish sayings at Paris and Versailles. Dry up your tears, +which grieve without comforting me. I am not in need of +consolation, because I am not in the least sad.... I do my +duty, and my adversaries, who call themselves great men, do not +perform theirs—being guided in their actions by caprice and +personal interests, and not in the least degree in the interests of +justice, and for the welfare of the King and country. Let them +do as they please, I will do as I think proper.... I do not fear +the thunderbolts of these little Jupiters, be they far or near. +This is all I have to say, therefore have your mind at ease, as is +mine, and if you come to see me in London I shall be delighted, +and I will take as good care of you as I do of the Court papers, +which M. de Guerchy will not have except on good grounds, with +colours flying, match alight, ammunition at hand, and drums +beating. He shall not even have the envelopes of the letters, I +swear it to you by all that is sacred, unless he brings to me an +authentic order from the King, my master and his, and this +is what he has not been able to effect hitherto.</p> + +<p>‘Do not believe I am insane, because reports to that effect<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_135"></a>[135]</span> +have reached Paris. I can assure you that my acts, in my +supposed state of madness, would be acts of wisdom on the part +of certain ambassadors. I am, and shall continue to be, the +faithful servant of the King, but I am not, nor do I wish to be, the +sordid servant of certain nobles, his worthless varlets. To those +who tell you that your son is a wild animal reared in the forests +of Burgundy or of Champagne (M. de Guerchy has already said +this to me), reply as I and my friend Jean Jacques do, that nature +treats all animals abandoned to her care with a certain predilection +that seems to show how jealous she is of this right. The +horse, the cat, the bull, and even the ass, should they become +ambassadors, are usually taller, of a more robust constitution, +more vigorous, stronger, and more courageous in forest-land than +when living amongst us; they lose half these advantages in +becoming domesticated; and it might be said that all our concern +in well treating and feeding those animals, only tends to +degenerate them. It is the same with man; in becoming social +and the slave of the great, or of those who ape to be so, he +becomes weak, timid, servile, and his inactive and effeminate +style of living suffices to unnerve his strength and courage.... +As to my huge brother-in-law, Mr. Gorman,<a id="FNanchor_157" href="#Footnote_157" class="fnanchor">[157]</a> let him attend to +his own affairs in Paris, I do not need his advice or that of any +other person.... Let everybody mind his own business. I +know my own affairs, not a soul in the world shall poke his nose +into them, or I will singe his moustache.... Since you cannot +voler as birds do, as great ladies and great gentlemen do, I will +turn over to you, with great pleasure, my pension of 2,000 livres +on the privy purse, which, in addition to what you possess, will +enable you to live comfortably in some convent near Paris.... +If you wish to do what is best, remain quietly in your charming +retreat at Tonnerre, and do not return to Paris unless the Court +pays your travelling expenses in some surer way than it has +mine, and remember, that whether men praise or blame you,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_136"></a>[136]</span> +you are none the better or the worse. <i>The glory of the righteous +is in their conscience, and not in the praise of man.</i> I +embrace you tenderly.... If you continue to weep, I shall +have to supply you with some of the English East India Company’s +pocket-handkerchiefs, and you will no longer be my +mother if you are not the virtuous woman spoken of by Solomon, +and which I have not as yet been able to find anywhere.... +Be at ease—these enemies are harmless as sheep; they are +mischievous rather than dangerous.’<a id="FNanchor_158" href="#Footnote_158" class="fnanchor">[158]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>D’Eon’s determination not to deliver any of the +papers in his possession, left no alternative to de +Guerchy other than to obtain from him an official +statement in writing of his refusal to obey the King’s +orders. This was effected at the residence of the +Chevalier, who, ever apprehensive of treachery on the +part of the ambassador’s emissaries, whenever and +wherever he met them, held himself in readiness armed, +and levelling his gun at the witnesses, cried, ‘It is at +the end of this that you will find the King’s papers; +come and take them.’<a id="FNanchor_159" href="#Footnote_159" class="fnanchor">[159]</a></p> + +<p>Mention has been made of the publication of a +couple of pamphlets by direction of de Guerchy, as being +one of the measures to which his Excellency resorted +for bringing the Chevalier into disrepute.<a id="FNanchor_160" href="#Footnote_160" class="fnanchor">[160]</a> They had +reference to the scene at Lord Halifax’s house on the +evening of October 26, and to the minister plenipotentiary’s +intercourse with Treyssac de Vergy. D’Eon +never missed the opportunity for committing pen to +paper, and in his turn published a lengthened statement, +likewise in the form of a pamphlet.<a id="FNanchor_161" href="#Footnote_161" class="fnanchor">[161]</a> It was a faithful +recital of facts, and as such, he immediately forwarded +a copy to his good friend the Duke de Choiseul, who,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_137"></a>[137]</span> +not being one of the executive triumvirate engaged in +doing the will of the Marquise de Pompadour, had but +a few weeks previously offered the Chevalier his protection +and restoration to the army.<a id="FNanchor_162" href="#Footnote_162" class="fnanchor">[162]</a> On issuing the ‘Note,’ +he wrote to the King and to his secret confidants that +he was avenging his honour thus infamously attacked, +and hoped to receive orders which he had no desire to +see nullified by any precipitate conduct on his part.... +Great was his dismay at the nature of Tercier’s communication +in reply.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="date">‘Versailles, December 27, 1763.</p> + +<p>‘Your enemies have become all-powerful; far from diminishing, +their influence over the King has increased, and they rule +him completely. You are not unaware that Madame de Pompadour +is the cause of all your troubles. You and the Count +de Broglio are lost, if you do not avail yourself of all the courage +and all the prudence with which you are endowed by Heaven, to +save yourself from being compromised, or from having your +person seized and your papers carried off. You and the Count +de Broglio have only to rely, but in secret, upon the King who +cannot abandon you, but whose policy would sacrifice you +entirely, perhaps, to his mistress and to his ministers, notwithstanding +his great regard for you. Rely upon my unalterable +devotion.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Such is the language of one of those in whose words it is +his Majesty’s pleasure that I should place the most implicit confidence!’ +observes D’Eon. ‘I weigh it with all the respect due<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_138"></a>[138]</span> +to the throne. The safety of the King’s correspondence, of +that of the Count de Broglio, and of my own, is entrusted to +me, to my prudence and to my courage. Secretly, my King +will support me if I escape out of the hands of his ministers, +who will exact from him, though to his regret, the sacrifice of +my person. What could be more outrageous! No matter, my +mind is made up. My enemies invite me into the arena; I will +rush upon them and overwhelm them if I can; but I will not +contend except with my own weapons, and I will not expose my +sovereign. I am recommended to be bold and prudent. My +answer to the Count de Guerchy’s “Contre-Note” will be the +publication of my “Letters and Memoirs.” I avenge every imputation +and crush my adversary; so much for courage. My +chiefs, my relatives, my protectors and my friends speak in my +favour by their letters and by mine, and if the base and ridiculous +character of my adversary becomes thus revealed, he will +only owe the exposure to the pure and simple publication of his +friends’ and his own letters; so much for prudence.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>The ‘Contre-Note’<a id="FNanchor_163" href="#Footnote_163" class="fnanchor">[163]</a> was a third pamphlet de Guerchy +had the weakness to employ Goudard to write, in vindication +of himself and in severe condemnation of D’Eon; +it was a retort to the ‘Note’ that had been addressed to +him. D’Eon kept his word. The ‘Lettres, Mémoires,’ +&c., which made their appearance, in quarto and octavo +editions, are frequently referred to in this work. The +volume, divided into three parts, opens with a violent +and virulent attack on the French ambassador, giving +rise, in due course, to an action for libel, and is followed +by the Chevalier’s correspondence with the Dukes de +Praslin and de Nivernois, M. de Sainte-Foy, the Count +de Guerchy, and others. Part II. relates to D’Eon’s +personal interests during his residence in London, and +Part III. gives some particulars of his services, with copies +of certificates, despatches, and letters, all favourable to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_139"></a>[139]</span> +himself. The epigraph consists of three lines borrowed +from Voltaire:—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">‘Pardonnez; un soldat est mauvais courtisan.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nourri dans la Scythie, aux plaines d’Arbazan,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">J’ai pu servir la cour, et non pas la connaître.’</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="noindent">The motto is <i>Vita sine litteris mors est</i>, and the post +face at the end of Part II. is inscribed:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘If the precious selection that forms this little correspondence +greatly offends the authors of the injustice from which I +am suffering, I will give a second edition of Letters, without extracts +and without blanks; the text will be as genuine as the +book of Genesis, where the points of the Massorets will not be +employed.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>The Chevalier was at no loss to justify himself for +having thus exposed the private correspondence of +French ministers. When he saw that de Guerchy and +de Praslin made it their business to despatch courier +after courier to each other, and secretly spread reports +upon the subject of his affairs, he made up his mind to +publish what disconcerted their measures. Nobody was +able to conceive how a young captain of dragoons could +have the temerity to be the first to impugn an old lieutenant-general, +Knight of the King’s Orders, his Majesty’s +Ambassador Extraordinary, a friend of thirty years’ +standing of the Ministers of France, a favourite of the +King, and allied to several powerful houses; but everybody +was able to perceive, without any difficulty, that it +was the lieutenant-general and favourite ambassador +who had commenced the attack, and that the captain, +minister plenipotentiary, was obliged to defend himself. +Was there cause for libel in writing against a poisoner, +an assassin, who commenced by hiring scribblers to +tarnish his reputation? Was there cause for libel in +publicly defending, when openly and publicly assailed,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_140"></a>[140]</span> +one’s honour, life, and liberty? Every law, human and +divine, justifies such defence. In every suit, in every +contention, in every quarrel, the aggressor is specially +to be distinguished from the aggressed, the oppressor +from the oppressed! Offensive war is the act of a +tyrant; he who defends himself is justified. Had the +count given the Chevalier good wine at his table, in +the place of poison, there never would have been any +dissension between them. The chief cause of the +Chevalier’s falling into disgrace with the French +ambassador, lay in the former’s evil or good luck, in +seeing the latter take to flight on the right bank of the +Weser, when, being under fire of the English and +Hanoverians at the passage of that river, the Marshal +de Broglio’s order was delivered, directing him to give +his support and distribute ammunition to the troops. +The recollection of that incident must have been exceedingly +disagreeable to the count, for when the +Chevalier reminded him, upon the memorable evening +at Lord Halifax’s, that they had served together during +the war, de Guerchy told Lord Halifax, in the presence +of the other English ministers, that he had never met +D’Eon, nor was he at all concerned to know who were +the aides-de-camp to the Count and the Duke de Broglio. +In reply, D’Eon maintained that he might perhaps remember +having entertained him at his head-quarters +upon more than one occasion, to discuss the hot pastry +for which his cook was famous, and that when retreating +from Einbeck, his column having missed its way, he had +put it on the right road to Northeim.<a id="FNanchor_164" href="#Footnote_164" class="fnanchor">[164]</a></p> + +<p>The giving his volume to the world produced the +greatest consternation amongst those of the ruling +powers whose private letters, several of an exceedingly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_141"></a>[141]</span> +delicate nature, had thus been made public, and in +exposing the secrets of ministers, D’Eon spared his +friends as little as he did his bitterest enemies, the +King only, in whom his faith was implicit, being held +sacred by his daring spirit. The publication was no +leap in the dark, but an ill-considered act, an irreparable +blunder which brought upon him the extreme of +gratuitous misery, and desertion by all those in authority.</p> + +<p>No sooner was this book out of the printer’s hands +than the Count de Guerchy secured a copy, and sat for +several hours with his wife poring over its contents. +Some satirical passages on their love of economy having +led to a quarrel between the two, they threw the +volume at each other’s heads. ‘Could I have foreseen +such a thing,’ said the Chevalier upon being informed +of the circumstance, ‘I should have issued the book in a +wooden binding!’<a id="FNanchor_165" href="#Footnote_165" class="fnanchor">[165]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">HORACE WALPOLE.</div> + +<p>As the publication caused a panic at Versailles, so +was the sensation in London enormous. This is what +Walpole had to say about it:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘D’Eon has published (but to be sure you have already +heard so) a most scandalous quarto, abusing Monsieur de +Guerchy outrageously, and most offensive to Messieurs de Praslin +and Nivernois. In truth I think he will have made all three +irreconcilable enemies. The Duke de Praslin must be enraged +as to the Duke’s carelessness and partiality to D’Eon, and will +certainly grow to hate Guerchy, concluding the latter can never +forgive <i>him</i>. D’Eon, even by his own account, is as culpable as +possible, mad with pride, insolent, abusive, ungrateful, and dishonest—in +short, a complication of abominations, yet originally +ill-used by his Court, afterwards too well; above all, he has +great malice, and great parts to put that malice in play. +Though there are even many bad puns in his book, a very uncommon<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_142"></a>[142]</span> +fault in a French book, yet there is much wit too. +Monsieur de Guerchy is extremely hurt.... I could write +pages to you upon this subject, for I am full of it—but I will +send you the book. The Council have met to-day to consider +what to do upon it. Most people think it difficult for them to +do anything. Lord Mansfield thinks they can’—Walpole disliked +the judge, and adds—‘but I fear he has a little alacrity on +the severe side in such cases.’<a id="FNanchor_166" href="#Footnote_166" class="fnanchor">[166]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>As I shall have occasion to return to Walpole, or +rather to his letters, I would limit myself in the interests +of this history, seeing that the opinions to which +he gave expression were immatured except by his own +specious judgment, hastily and prematurely formed, to +quoting Macaulay’s estimate of that <i>gentleman usher at +heart</i>. ‘He sneered at everybody, put on every action +the worst construction which it could bear,’ and we are +told, further, that he ‘spelt every man backward.’</p> + +<div class="sidenote">DRIVEN TO SEEK EXPATRIATION.</div> + +<p>A painful sense of oppression was produced on +D’Eon by Tercier’s letter of December 27, and nothing, +not even his vigorous mind, could rouse him out of the +state of despondency into which he had fallen. To his +kindest of protectors, the Duke de Nivernois, he said, +‘... all my trust is in your tender friendship for me, +and all my fear lies in your weakness for your friends.’ +If the power of his enemies was too great, he continued, +to enable the duke to break asunder the chain +of error, of falsehood, and of iniquity, he should only +ask permission, for himself and his two cousins, to enter +the service of a foreign State, a request they made with +their hearts plunged in the bitterest grief; for there were +none more ready than they to shed the last drop of +their blood for the King they adored, and their native +land which they cherished.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_143"></a>[143]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... Since my zeal, my services, and my disinterestedness +have incriminated me in my own country, I must, in spite of +myself, seek a country where I shall be at liberty to lead the +life of a good citizen. That country is found for me, Monsieur +le Duc, this you know, and I will not hide it from you....’</p> + +</div> + +<p>In an enclosure, under flying seal, addressed to his +other good friend the Duke de Choiseul, he thus expressed +himself:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... Your cousinship to the Duke de Praslin, and private +reasons, will no doubt have prevented you from rendering to me +that justice which is my due, and which exists in your heart.... +Forced as I am, by the revolting injustice I am experiencing, +by the suppression of my pension out of the privy purse, +and by the numerous enemies that my zeal, blind no doubt in +the cause of my country, or that the envy of traitors to that +same country have excited against me; I find myself under the +grievous necessity of entreating you to do me the favour, to +send the King’s permission that I, and two of my cousins, may +enter the service of a foreign Power....’<a id="FNanchor_167" href="#Footnote_167" class="fnanchor">[167]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>To D’Eon’s surprise, these letters remained unnoticed. +He appealed to the King, to the Count de +Broglio, to Tercier, for support in his perplexing situation, +but nothing came. All were silent. Yet, for his +own sake, the count had never been callous to the cries +of the Chevalier, nor was he so now, for D’Eon’s doom, +were the designs against him carried to a successful issue, +would be the harbinger of his own fate. He followed +up his suggestion of December 6 to the King, by proposing +that his secretary, the Chevalier Nort, should be +sent to England to conciliate D’Eon. The King approved, +but with his customary dilatoriness nothing was done. +Then were brought the news of the recall from exile of +the de Broglios, and of the moribund condition of the +Marquise de Pompadour, and wearisome darkness, the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_144"></a>[144]</span> +poor proscribed one thought, would give place to light, +and relief be at hand! Still nothing came, though +weeks had passed; to remain thus disregarded and +treated with silent contempt was more than the +Chevalier’s nature could endure. He again addressed +himself to Tercier, this time openly throwing the gauntlet, +with what results will be known hereafter.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PROOF AGAINST CORRUPTION.</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>To the Solicitor.</i><a id="FNanchor_168" href="#Footnote_168" class="fnanchor">[168]</a></p> + +<p class="date">‘London, March 23, 1764.</p> + +<p>‘Sir,—Although the recall of the Marshal and of the Count +de Broglio should be as useful and as necessary to the King’s +service as to the ends of justice, in the settlement of my affairs, +I cannot conceal from you my surprise at the complete silence +of yourself and of the Count de Broglio, in the cruel position +into which the wickedness, to say nothing more, of the Count +de Guerchy has plunged me, and his enmity, particularly to the +house of Broglio, which is the real origin of my misfortunes.</p> + +<p>‘Your silence and my position are such, that I send M. +Nardin<a id="FNanchor_169" href="#Footnote_169" class="fnanchor">[169]</a> to Paris, to his friend la Rosière; he will relate to him, +in person, all that has taken place since his departure, and the +latter will deliver to you this letter, to request urgently that +you will give me a categorical reply as to what I am or am not +to expect, so that I may be guided accordingly. It is very +sad, that after having sacrificed myself so willingly for the +benefit and honour of the King’s service, I should have recourse +to such explanations, or rather to such extremities. +You must feel all the force of what I wish to say. I will never +be the first to desert the King or my country, but if, unhappily, +the King and my country should think proper to sacrifice me +by deserting me, I shall be obliged, in spite of myself, to +abandon the latter, and in doing so, I will justify myself before +the whole of Europe, and nothing will be easier to me, as you +are well aware. I admit that such a sacrifice will be hard for +me, but it will also cost France dearly, and the very idea of this<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_145"></a>[145]</span> +makes me shed tears. Yet, such are the extremes and the fatal +resolutions which might be engendered by the ingratitude and +intrigue that sustains an ambassador, so unworthy of the title +as is the Count de Guerchy.</p> + +<p>‘I will not conceal from you, sir, that the enemies of +France, believing they may be able to take advantage of the +cruel position in which I find myself, have invited me to enter +their service. Whatever the benefits they offer, I cannot be +influenced, and I shall be guided under these circumstances by +my honour only; I have answered as became me, and have said +that I could not enter into any engagement, as I still considered +myself in the service of the King; and my King abandons me! +And yet, from the very first, I have only acted in conformity +with his great secret project, and his written orders which I +will defend with my life.</p> + +<p>‘You ought to know that scarcely had the Count de Guerchy +superseded me here, than the subject was broached to him of +the second demolition of the lunette and other works at Dunkirk, +and that this second demolition, which I had successfully +averted and set aside during the period of five months, was +accomplished to the shame and prejudice of France.<a id="FNanchor_170" href="#Footnote_170" class="fnanchor">[170]</a> I am +truly ashamed for my country.</p> + +<p>‘The leaders of the opposition have offered me any money I +require, on condition that I deliver to them my papers and +letters, under seal, promising to return them to me in exactly +the same state when the money is brought to me.<a id="FNanchor_171" href="#Footnote_171" class="fnanchor">[171]</a> I unbosom +myself to you, and you must feel how repugnant to me must be +such an expedient. And yet, if I am forsaken, what would you +have me do? As to the papers of the Counsellor and of his +deputy, I guard them more jealously than ever; I have them +all, also Rosière’s. The cypher alone I burnt in his presence, +and the whole are so well concealed in my study, that by means<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_146"></a>[146]</span> +of a mine I have myself contrived, and several trains that lead +to it from different parts of my room, I can in an instant blow +my little study, the would-be rescuers, the papers and my own +self, fifty feet into the air. But, if I am entirely forsaken, and +if, between this and April 22, Easter Sunday, I do not receive +a promise, signed by the King or by the Count de Broglio, to +the effect that reparation will be made to me for all the ills I +have endured at the hands of M. de Guerchy, then, sir, I declare +to you formally and authentically, I shall lose all hope, +and in forcing me to embrace the cause of the King of England, +of his ministry and of the Houses of the Lords and Commons, +<i>you must make up your mind to a war at no distant period, of +which I shall surely be but the innocent cause, and this war will +be inevitable</i>. The King of England will be driven into it by +the nature of circumstances, by the voice of the nation, and by +the opposition which is gaining, rather than losing, in strength. +Here, sir, is my confession, and here are all the evils that will +have been prepared by M. de Guerchy and his gang. Behold +your great project, so glorious for the King and so advantageous +to France, turning against you. Your reply, sir, fully authentic, +and signed by the Counsellor, or at least by his deputy, will +inform me if, by next Easter at the latest, I am to remain an +honest Frenchman, or become, in spite of myself, an honest +Englishman.’<a id="FNanchor_172" href="#Footnote_172" class="fnanchor">[172]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>The King took the matter coolly enough. He knew +his man, and must have been full well persuaded that +he could safely rely upon his loyalty and attachment to +his person, and that there was consequently no immediate +cause for alarm. When informed for the first +time of the tempting offers made to the Chevalier in +England, he merely said: ‘I do not believe that D’Eon +will become an Englishman, for he has nothing to gain +from the ministry, and what will he do if he joins the +opposition? Send him two hundred ducats ...’ and +then he wrote word to Tercier, ‘... I have nothing to +say as regards the Sieur D’Eon. I doubt that we should<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_147"></a>[147]</span> +have war, no matter what he were to say; but we must +prevent such an exposure.’ Still, as if impressed with +the obvious necessity for being wise in time, his +Majesty added, ‘I approve of the despatch of the Sieur +de Nort; make every necessary arrangement accordingly.’<a id="FNanchor_173" href="#Footnote_173" class="fnanchor">[173]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">PUBLICATION OF ‘LETTRES,’ ETC., JUSTIFIED.</div> + +<p>It is possible that Tercier, who was in the habit of +keeping D’Eon informed of all that was passing at +Court, so far as he was concerned, had told him before +their correspondence was interrupted that the King +‘did not at all care to see the “Mémoires” in print.’<a id="FNanchor_174" href="#Footnote_174" class="fnanchor">[174]</a> +At any rate, in a second letter in which he pressed his +case, and which quickly followed the first, we find the +Chevalier offering some passing words of explanation on +the course he had pursued.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="date">‘London, March 27, 1764.<a id="FNanchor_175" href="#Footnote_175" class="fnanchor">[175]</a></p> + +<p>‘Sir,—I hope that M. Nardin, whom I despatched on the +morning of the 23rd to rejoin his friend La Rosière, and to +cause to be remitted to you through him a very urgent letter +from myself, is actually with you, and in a position to relate to +La Rosière all that has occurred here during the last four +months. The Count de Guerchy having thought proper to publish +a lying apology for his conduct, or what is rather a libel against +myself, full of wickedness and slander, I patiently waited awhile, +and was then obliged to reply to it by unanswerable statements +and letters. I have consequently published what I had to say, +and have expressly made a bulky volume of it, that the project +of our great secret affair may be the more completely screened.</p> + +<p>‘Our poor ambassador, quite at his wit’s ends, has no idea +beyond that of blind vengeance; he has been to his friend the +Duke of Bedford, a man even more violent than himself; he has<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_148"></a>[148]</span> +been to all the other ministers to get them to see the book; but +all this has only turned to my advantage. He is at present +moving heaven and earth, together with the Duke of Bedford, +to have me seized by force or by stratagem, that I may be sent +to France. I was warned last night by a friend of the Duke of +Bedford, that the Count de Guerchy has not left a stone unturned +to excite the duke’s wrath against me. This same +person also warned me yesterday morning that at a council +held at St. James’, the ministers had deliberated upon the +means to be employed for arresting me and handing me over to +France; but he could not tell me to what decision they had +arrived. This, sir, is of the greatest consequence, and it is important +that his Majesty should be good enough to order the +Count de Guerchy to leave me in peace. I give you notice, +most earnestly, that the first person who comes to my house, or +attacks me in the street, will at once fall, no matter who he is, +and I am quite indifferent as to the consequences. I again give +you notice, that several leaders of the opposition send daily to +see whether I am safe, and at the first attempt at violence +against me, the embassy and all that it contains will be torn to +pieces by what is here known as the mob, that is to say, the +mariners and rabble from the city, who are at the call of the +opposition. You are sensible of all the disasters about to take +place. The Count de Guerchy ignores the whole of this; he is +not bright enough to apprehend all that is going on, and even +if he were, he would not report, but rather conceal from the +King what he knew. You are aware that I have never deceived +you; I should be loth to do so under such important and pressing +circumstances, and I must not conceal from you, that if I +am once taken, after having so long and carefully cautioned +you, and the King affords no relief, in such a case I will no +longer consider myself bound to preserve the secret, and shall +be obliged, thus driven to extremities, to justify my conduct; a +still greater misfortune than the firing of the French embassy +by the people.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">THE PERSECUTING DUKE DE PRASLIN.</div> + +<p>These resolute letters had their consequences. M. +Nort was hurried off to London with the King’s secret +instructions, taking with him a conciliatory letter from<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_149"></a>[149]</span> +the Count de Broglio, a sum of money for D’Eon, and +special directions to effect an arrangement, if possible, +between the ambassador and the turbulent captain of +dragoons.<a id="FNanchor_176" href="#Footnote_176" class="fnanchor">[176]</a> De Praslin, on his part, had sent his own +agent to England, with orders to take D’Eon <i>alive</i>, above +everything, it being his intention to confine him when +secured, in the Bastille.<a id="FNanchor_177" href="#Footnote_177" class="fnanchor">[177]</a> ‘You must admit that his +private letters are deserving of this,’ said Louis XV. to +Tercier; ‘but it is more essential that he should be +conciliated and my papers recovered.’</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_150"></a>[150]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<p>D’Eon’s intricate situation—Popular indignation in England at the late +peace—Letter of gratitude to Louis XV.; of reproach to the Count de +Broglio—Sued for libel—Retains the King’s papers as security for his +person—Illegal proceedings on the part of the French ambassador—Out +of door precautions against being kidnapped—English sympathy for +D’Eon—Is found guilty of libel, absconds, is searched after, and outlawed—Confession +of Treyssac de Vergy—De Guerchy’s charge against +de Vergy.</p> + +</div> + +<p>We may well pause awhile to recapitulate, and realise +the parts that were being severally played by King, +minister, ambassador, and late minister plenipotentiary, +in this most extraordinary political drama. In the first +place we see the late minister plenipotentiary as the +custodian, not only of the King of France’s written +secret instructions and correspondence, extending over +a series of years, but also of highly compromising +documents, the property of his Majesty,<a id="FNanchor_178" href="#Footnote_178" class="fnanchor">[178]</a> of which, had +their signification been known to the people of England, +still agitated and discontented at the terms of the late +peace, would inevitably have plunged the two countries +in afresh and sudden war. Then we find the French +Minister for Foreign Affairs, the willing instrument of +the King’s malicious mistress, employing his old friend, +the ambassador in London, to carry out her bidding +by seeking to obtain the whole of the plenipotentiary’s +papers, first by authoritatively demanding them, then +by gentle measures, and afterwards at any hazard. The<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_151"></a>[151]</span> +plenipotentiary and King’s secret agent proves true to +his trust in refusing to make any surrender, without +the express orders of his sovereign, whose secret commands +to that effect he holds. Of this the Minister for +Foreign Affairs knows nothing. The plenipotentiary +cannot serve two masters, and elects to submit himself +to the King’s will, of which he alone is cognisant. For +refusing to yield to his superiors in office he is regarded +as a rebel, then a traitor, is degraded, disgraced, and +to be treated as if he were a common criminal, and this +through orders wrested from the King by his minister! +Thus Louis XV., a cowardly stranger to every emotion +of the heart, suffers his name to be used as the authority +for dishonouring the most faithful of his servants, and +because apprehensive of the fate of his papers, and +fancying he is no longer able to protect the custodian of +them, secretly puts him on his guard, and although he +recommends him to save himself if he can, remains carelessly +indifferent to what might befall him; turns to +his ambassador, admits him into the secret as the sole +alternative that presents itself for ensuring himself +from being compromised, directs him to secure the +papers, to keep their existence and his possession of +them a profound secret, and retain them until such +time as he shall return to France, when he is to +deliver them in person; this ambassador being the +very man who, from the beginning, was the confidant +and tool of de Pompadour and de Praslin, and against +whose acquisition of the royal documents the plenipotentiary +had long and successfully struggled, braving +the hostility of ministers until he had effected his own +ruin.</p> + +<p>Had D’Eon been so inclined he might, solitary outcast +as he was, have constituted himself master of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_152"></a>[152]</span> +situation, and dictated his own terms. Offers amounting +to forty thousand pounds were now made, if he would say +what he knew regarding the late peace. Lords Bute, +Egremont, and Halifax, the Duke of Richmond, Count +Viri, and even the Princess of Wales, were accused, in +the general excitement, of having received bribes from +the French Court for their share in the negotiations; +so great indeed was the popular indignation against the +Duke of Bedford, who had conducted them at Versailles +as the King’s ambassador, that he seldom dared to +appear in the streets of London, where he had been +hissed, and worse might have befallen him. It was +believed, and with good reason, that the Chevalier D’Eon +was in a position to settle any doubts on the matter, +and it was sought to take advantage of his abandoned +and penniless situation by tempting him with plenty; +but the love of lucre was not a trait in the Chevalier’s +character. ‘I am intractable as regards my honour,’ +he wrote more than once; and even though his royal +master, for whom he was enduring all things, should +forsake him in time of greatest need, he loved his +country too well to expose it to danger and to the scorn +of the world, by betraying the King.</p> + +<p>No sooner had the Chevalier received from M. Nort +the Count de Broglio’s letter and substantial succour +from the King—for it should be remembered that his +emoluments and pension were stopped—than, brimful +of emotion, and believing that in this material assistance +he saw fresh earnest of interest in his behalf on the +part of the monarch, now no longer trammelled by de +Pompadour,<a id="FNanchor_179" href="#Footnote_179" class="fnanchor">[179]</a> he expressed his heartfelt gratitude in +these words:—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_153"></a>[153]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Sire,—I am innocent, and have been condemned by your +ministers; but from the moment that your Majesty wishes it, I +place my life, and the recollection of every outrage I have experienced +from the Count de Guerchy, at your Majesty’s feet. +Be persuaded, Sire, that I will die your faithful subject....’</p> + +</div> + +<p>His behaviour was very different towards the Count +de Broglio, in whose letter he found no reference whatever +to his contentions with de Guerchy; his solicitations +for redress against the injuries he had suffered at +the hands of the ambassador remained unheeded, nor +was there one word of encouragement that might be +construed into probable consideration of the services he +had rendered, privately to the King, and to his country. +It simply contained a proposition that he should +surrender the papers in his possession for a sum of +money not stated, and as to his prospects in the future, +they were left undetermined. He returned the count’s +letter to Nort, under cover of a written declaration that +he refused to consider it.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I gave him to understand that I was not being dealt with +fairly, that the turn the count was pleased to give to my affairs, +in connection with the King, was by no means agreeable to me, +and not in the least in conformity with facts and with the consequences +of the secret order of June 38, 1763, and secret +instructions relating thereto, which had obliged me not to take +my leave at an audience, but to remain in London. The count +passes over, with inconceivable indifference, the complaints I +have laid at the foot of the throne against M. de Guerchy, +treating them as petty quarrels, money matters, delicate questions +to arrange, when he conscientiously knew the contrary to +be the case.... I was being innocently sacrificed to policy and +expediency. The count was leaving me, like the goat in the +fable, at the bottom of the well into which the King’s and his +own political orders, and the mutual hatred of the Broglios and +Guerchiens had cast me; but I was delighted to see him, like +the fox, climb on to my shoulders to escape from exile, and out<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_154"></a>[154]</span> +of the precipice in which I remained, awaiting with confidence +and steadiness the pleasure of God and the King.’<a id="FNanchor_180" href="#Footnote_180" class="fnanchor">[180]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>The French ambassador having been advised that +the language employed in the Introduction to the +‘Lettres, Mémoires,’ &c. was libellous, immediately instituted +proceedings against D’Eon, in which he was +supported by the whole diplomatic corps in London.<a id="FNanchor_181" href="#Footnote_181" class="fnanchor">[181]</a> +The trial<a id="FNanchor_182" href="#Footnote_182" class="fnanchor">[182]</a> was pending, and D’Eon, deserted and friendless, +was careful to keep himself armed at all points, so +far as lay in his power, against the coming struggle. +He was satisfied that, provided he had custody of the +papers, he was comparatively safe from any very great +harm. Nort had brought to him no promise of protection, +at a time that his liberty was in hourly peril; he should +therefore continue to keep the papers until security of +his person was guaranteed to him. Finding it impossible +to treat with the Chevalier, Nort returned to +Paris from his bootless errand, defeated and empty-handed.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Were you in my place,’ wrote D’Eon to de Broglio, ‘you +would not do otherwise ... nothing in the world will induce +me to give up these papers, so long as M. de Guerchy is ambassador +in England. Should his Majesty determine upon +appointing you, Monsieur le Comte, or the marshal, as ambassador, +I can truly assert that considering the marshal’s great +reputation in England, the affairs of France would at once take +an entirely new direction. The action against me would break +down, I should surrender my papers, and all would be well.’<a id="FNanchor_183" href="#Footnote_183" class="fnanchor">[183]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_155"></a>[155]</span></p> + +<p>Apart from his action for libel, the ambassador +caused yet another pamphlet to be written and published +by Goudard<a id="FNanchor_184" href="#Footnote_184" class="fnanchor">[184]</a> (who wrote, says D’Eon, <i>pro fame</i> +rather than <i>pro fama</i>), a vicious criticism on the volume +of ‘Lettres, Mémoires,’ &c. The Chevalier ‘would not +take the trouble to reply to this senseless rather +than discriminating disquisition on his book, but availed +himself of the opportunity afforded him on Easter Day, +1764, in chancing to meet Goudard in the Green Park, +St. James’, to give him a sound caning in the presence +of several respectable witnesses, to which the mercenary +scribe never made any answer;’ and Goudard having +boasted in a coffee-house that he had completely rebutted +every argument advanced in the work, D’Eon +gave out that since he had thus proved the vigorous +nature of his jaw, he should borrow that ass’s jaw +whenever he would have to combat <i>des Philistins des +Guerchiens et des chiens de Guerchy</i>.<a id="FNanchor_185" href="#Footnote_185" class="fnanchor">[185]</a></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘My enemies maintain that I am ambitious and delight in +honours only, and this they say, because I became Minister +Plenipotentiary at an early age without having sought the rank. +The fact is, I have never nourished in my heart other than that +noble emulation which spurs a man on to action. During my +military and political career I have always aspired to the highest +rank, without any idea of injuring anybody, and without feelings +of envy or jealousy. The spirit of emulation is not forbidden by +any law, Divine or human. The oak that reaches to the sky and +raises its branches to the clouds, had once been but an acorn in +the bowels of the earth. If the grass and the neighbouring +small trees were to complain to Jupiter against this oak, would +their murmurs be regarded? Thus should it be with those men<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_156"></a>[156]</span> +who, born without common sense, unreasonably grudged me my +elevation.’<a id="FNanchor_186" href="#Footnote_186" class="fnanchor">[186]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>At the time of which we write, the trial of John +Wilkes at the Old King’s Court had already taken place, +and the country was convulsed by what are known as +the Wilkes’ riots.</p> + +<p>The Chevalier was increasing in popularity, ‘for it +is engraven in the hearts of the English to take part +with the oppressed,’ at a time that de Guerchy’s conduct +was not of a nature to gain for him the esteem of +the ministers or people of England. He had come into +disagreeable collision with the authorities, and found +pleasure in persecuting several of his own countrymen +in London,<a id="FNanchor_187" href="#Footnote_187" class="fnanchor">[187]</a> who refused to be tyrannised over by him +in a manner that was offending the sensibilities of the +liberty-loving people amongst whom they lived, and +especially at a time when that people believed they were +engaged in a struggle for liberty, represented in their +idol of the day—John Wilkes.</p> + +<p>Some weeks previous to de Guerchy’s arrival, D’Eon +wrote to apprise him that he might rely upon exemption +from duty in accordance with the privileges of an +ambassador, on all such goods as he might require to +pass into the country, provided it was indisputably +shown that they were for his sole use and benefit. +The abuse of this privilege upon more occasions than +one, after his arrival in England, called forth a strong +remonstrance from the department concerned, to which +de Guerchy replied by the assertion of privilege; the +matter was consequently referred to the Lords of the +Treasury, who terminated the discussion by informing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_157"></a>[157]</span> +Lord Halifax that their lordships would not enter into +the consideration of all that had passed on the subject +since his Excellency’s arrival, although, if it were necessary, +they could produce instances which would be +sufficient to convince his lordship that their officers +were not to be charged with any unusual strictness in +their treatment of his Excellency; neither would they +enforce the necessity of the exact observance of the +laws, or the propriety of the orders lately given for the +strict execution of them, showing the many and notorious +abuses which had been committed under pretence of +the privilege; for they were only desirous to prevent +the evil for the future, and not to complain of what was +past.<a id="FNanchor_188" href="#Footnote_188" class="fnanchor">[188]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">FRENCH AMBASSADOR’S ABUSE OF PRIVILEGE.</div> + +<p>Upon another occasion, three constables were sent +to the French Embassy to arrest the ambassador’s +‘gentleman of the horse,’ for having threatened the life +of a woman and to set her house on fire, when the +ambassador caused the gate to be closed, his servants +assaulted the constables and confined them, and he +himself tore up the warrant they presented. This outrage +was followed up by de Guerchy’s complaint of the +violation of the privileges of an ambassador, in the +attempt to arrest his <i>écuyer</i> within the court-yard of his +Excellency’s house. The law officers of the Crown having +been consulted, the Foreign Secretary informed the +King’s ambassador at the French Court that—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="noindent">‘the Attorney-General was doubtful whether the ambassador’s +privileges had been violated, but it was clear that his Excellency’s +conduct in the transaction had been highly improper and +illegal.’<a id="FNanchor_189" href="#Footnote_189" class="fnanchor">[189]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_158"></a>[158]</span></p> + +<p>It was George III.’s birthday (June 4), and de +Guerchy being recognised in the streets was insulted, +and the windows of the Embassy were broken.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘M. de Guerchy maintains that it is I who excited the +people, because they rather like me, and publicly drink my +health and that of Wilkes. Nothing is more false.’<a id="FNanchor_190" href="#Footnote_190" class="fnanchor">[190]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>Writing to Tercier upon these events, D’Eon says:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘De Guerchy has written to tell his friend (de Praslin) that I +have threatened to thrust him out of the sanctuary afforded +him by the embassy, which he profanes. This is absolutely +false, but were it even true, is it not still more true that he has +openly violated the dignity of the position confided to him by +the King—(1) in causing a detachment of grenadiers to be +summoned to arrest me, a minister of France, and in whose +house? In that of the minister of the King of England. (2) In +causing me to be poisoned, two days later, at his own table, to +which he had invited me; (3) in wishing to pass me off for a +lunatic; (4) in converting the embassy into a store for contraband +goods. If our Lord chastised the Scribes and Pharisees, +if He scourged the dealers out of the temple, if our holy father +the Pope justly fulminates against the enemies and profaners +of things sacred, does not de Guerchy deserve to be driven back +all the way to Dover at a gallop, with a whip made of ass’s +hide? I have read in the papers that the King has sent into +the Gévaudan M. Antoine with a good pack of harriers to take +the wild beast of Gévaudan.<a id="FNanchor_191" href="#Footnote_191" class="fnanchor">[191]</a> I entreat you to represent to +him that it would be worthy of his good heart to send hither a +second M. Antoine, with a good pack of hounds, to drive out of +England the Count de Guerchy, a thousand times more cruel +and more dangerous than the monster of Gévaudan. Indeed, I +cannot conceive how it is that the English, who have destroyed +all the wolves in England, suffer this new man-wolf to exist in +their midst.’<a id="FNanchor_192" href="#Footnote_192" class="fnanchor">[192]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_159"></a>[159]</span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">IN DANGER OF BEING KIDNAPPED.</div> + +<p>The spies and officers of police sent by the French +minister and acting under the directions of de Guerchy, +continued to watch every movement of the Chevalier, +who they no doubt still hoped to kidnap, as had been +the Marquis de Fratteau<a id="FNanchor_193" href="#Footnote_193" class="fnanchor">[193]</a> some years previously. Five +were lodged in Gerrard Street, close to Brewer Street, +where he resided. His precautions he describes to an old +friend, Captain Pommard, in Paris. When he went out, +as he did daily, it was with all the vigilance a captain +of dragoons should observe in time of war. His own +spies were about. He had met his enemies, and had any +attempt been made against his person, they would have +been cut to pieces by the party he led. Every evening +he reconnoitred at Ranelagh and Vauxhall; but acts of +violence were not to be apprehended in England, and +he was more on his guard against the stratagems of +those with whom he was unacquainted, and of his false +and therefore dangerous friends. That French emissaries +were actually on the look-out to seize the Chevalier +and carry him off to France in a vessel appointed +for the purpose, does not appear to have been generally +credited in London, judging by the obituary notices +which appeared in the newspapers, where it is stated +that if the Chevalier was not the author of the reports to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_160"></a>[160]</span> +that effect, he at any rate believed in them.<a id="FNanchor_194" href="#Footnote_194" class="fnanchor">[194]</a> Were +official confirmation of the plan for his abduction +needed, it is to be found in de Guerchy’s handwriting, +and in the instructions he asks, under date June 23, +1764, as to whether D’Eon is to be seized before or +after his trial for libel.</p> + +<p>The Chevalier’s case met with a good deal of sympathy, +which found its way into the papers, and +exhibited itself in anonymous letters cautioning him to +be wary against his countrymen. His unknown correspondents +recommended him to withdraw to Oxford, +Bath, or other distant town, taking care not to allow +even his most discreet friend to know the time of his +departure or his destination.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... The people are already agitated, and favourably, in your +behalf, and the greater the agitation the more will the people +be on the <i>qui vive</i> to protect you against any kind of abduction, +by stratagem or by force. Even the ministry will be obliged, +in the interests of the public, to watch against any such attempts +as are contrary to the rights of persons and the laws of the +country....’</p> + +</div> + +<p>He should not leave his house unless accompanied +by some trustworthy person who spoke English and +knew London well, and he should never think of going +out at night.... Were any scoundrel sufficiently rash +and villainous to dare to attack him, he should pitilessly +shoot him or cut him in two with his sword.<a id="FNanchor_195" href="#Footnote_195" class="fnanchor">[195]</a> That the +Chevalier would have killed the first man who dared to +lay hands upon him was no bombast on his part. He had +written to Lord Mansfield, to the Earl of Bute, Mr. Pitt, +and Earl Temple, to represent what were the designs +of the French ambassador, the risk he hourly incurred +of being kidnapped, and to seek their advice.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_161"></a>[161]</span> +He informed Lord Mansfield that he did not contract any +debts, and avoided everything that could possibly lead +him to an infringement of the laws. If, therefore, the +law would appear to arm itself against his liberty, he +must necessarily conclude it did so under a false pretence, +being won over by the hatred of his enemies to deliver +him to them. Such being the case, might he presume +to ask his lordship, he who was the administrator of +those laws which but interpreted primitive and natural +laws, might he presume to inquire whether the necessity +for self-defence did not place him in the position +of repelling force by force? He ventured to think +that his lordship’s heart contemplated such extreme +measures with dread; but his equity, as was natural, +would readily forgive any evils resulting therefrom. +Such was his position, which he was obliged to bring +to notice, in the hope that his lordship’s equity +would offer some counsel that he was able to follow, +and which should be equally in conformity with the +requirements for his safety and with the laws of a +country he loved and to which he owed so much.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">TRIAL FOR LIBEL.</div> + +<p>Towards the end of June, the Chevalier received +notice of the charges upon which he was to be tried, +and a summons to appear on July 9, that being the +end of Trinity term. He made an affidavit asking +for adjournment to another term, to enable him to +produce four witnesses who had been expelled the +country by orders of the French ambassador. His +application was refused, and it being simply impossible +for his counsel, who knew nothing of French, to read +and digest in the course of eight days his book of six +hundred pages in quarto, he made up his mind not to +appear. The trial came on before Lord Chief Justice +Mansfield at the King’s Bench bar on the day appointed,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_162"></a>[162]</span> +upon information filed against him by the King’s command, +as author of a libel on the Count de Guerchy, +and in default was found guilty.<a id="FNanchor_196" href="#Footnote_196" class="fnanchor">[196]</a></p> + +<p>D’Eon disappeared, and although not readily found, +was by no means idle, for in this same month, July, the +Marquis de Blosset, in diplomatic charge during de +Guerchy’s absence on leave,<a id="FNanchor_197" href="#Footnote_197" class="fnanchor">[197]</a> made application to Lord +Halifax that the Chevalier might be compelled to cease +printing certain papers which he believed to be the +‘Négotiations,’ in which his cousin, D’Eon de Mouloise, +and M. la Rochette were also concerned. The English +minister replied that it was impossible to stop the +printing of books when the subject was not known, +and on suspicion only;<a id="FNanchor_198" href="#Footnote_198" class="fnanchor">[198]</a> and here the matter dropped. +After a time, a clue having been obtained to the Chevalier’s +place of concealment, the Solicitor-General was +consulted on the legality of force being employed for +arresting him and bringing him to the bar of the Court +of King’s Bench to receive sentence upon the conviction. +Sir Henry Norton gave it as his opinion that +the officer having the paper process of the Court of +King’s Bench for apprehending the Chevalier D’Eon, was +thereby authorised and might legally break open the +doors of a house though within the verge of the Court +or of any other house, in order to take the Chevalier, +if, upon request, the doors of such house should +be refused to be opened; and it being believed that the +house in which D’Eon was secreted stood within the +verge of the Court, the Solicitor-General ruled that any +objection on that account might be easily obviated by<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_163"></a>[163]</span> +a proper application for the purpose.<a id="FNanchor_199" href="#Footnote_199" class="fnanchor">[199]</a> No time was +lost, and on the evening of the same day, November 20, +a house in Scotland Yard, Whitehall, occupied by a +Mr. Eddowes, was entered by an officer and five men, +who said they had come with orders to seek and arrest, +or take, dead or alive, the Chevalier D’Eon. They spent +an hour on the premises, bursting open every door, not +excepting even that of the room in which Mr. Eddowes, +many years bed-ridden, was lying; and they were about +to force open a closet and bureau, but that Mrs. Eddowes +cautioned them against so doing, as the room +contained papers and money belonging to the King. +D’Eon was nowhere about the house, and she had not +seen him for more than two months. The officer, +whose conduct had been outrageous, then left with the +search party.<a id="FNanchor_200" href="#Footnote_200" class="fnanchor">[200]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">OUTLAWED.</div> + +<p>Having absconded from justice and failed to surrender +himself to the Court of King’s Bench to receive +judgment, the Chevalier was in due course, that is to +say, on June 13, 1765, declared to be outlawed by +judgement of the coroners for the county of Middlesex.<a id="FNanchor_201" href="#Footnote_201" class="fnanchor">[201]</a></p> + +<p>The story must go back a few pages, that we may +become the better acquainted with Treyssac de Vergy +with whom we parted at the door of D’Eon’s back +premises, through which he was ignominiously made to +pass on the morning of October 27, 1763, when he had +presented himself to settle an affair of honour pending +between himself and the Chevalier. Whatever the +latter’s hiding-place for several months after his conviction, +it is very certain that de Vergy found him out the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_164"></a>[164]</span> +following September, and to his great astonishment +favoured him one day with a call. Smitten with remorse +and driven by despair, de Vergy had a confession +to make which throws all the light needed on +the designs of the triumvirate at Paris against the +liberty and life even of the Chevalier D’Eon.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘You must be surprised, sir, at this visit,—D’Eon admitted +he was, greatly so—‘but when you are acquainted with the +reason for it, I hope I shall regain in your estimation some of +the respect I justly forfeited upon the occasion of our last +interview. I am a miserable wretch, and you will greatly +despise me for all I am about to say, unless you give me credit +for the remorse I feel and the heroic repentance which compels +me to speak. May my latest acts make amends for the past!’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">BLOOD-THIRSTY MINISTERS.</div> + +<p>De Vergy then placed before the Chevalier the necessary +papers to prove his identity, as he promised he should +do in the declaration he had signed when they last met. +He described himself as being a man of good birth, an +advocate of the parliament of Bordeaux, and son-in-law +to the Baroness Fagan; but having squandered his own +and his wife’s fortune in riotous living, had tried his +hand at literature, and published, in 1762, a work entitled +‘Les Usages,’ which brought him into favour with +the Count d’Argental, not altogether, perhaps, the most +desirable of patrons; still, he was an intimate friend of +de Praslin, and as de Vergy was a candidate for any +employment he could get, his friends advised him to +stick to the count, since he had chanced to please +him. De Vergy did so, and asked for his interest with +de Praslin to obtain a nomination as consul or secretary +of Embassy, which resulted in an introduction to de +Guerchy, the new ambassador to London, through +whom he was informed he might possibly obtain the +secretaryship of Embassy, in the room of D’Eon, who<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_165"></a>[165]</span> +had given displeasure at Court. De Guerchy referred +him to d’Argental, and the latter, in a somewhat long +interview they had, told de Vergy that he might have +to pay for such an appointment, in case of need, with +personal courage and blind devotion to the orders of +the Count de Guerchy.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I have made myself responsible to M. de Guerchy for your +discretion, and have assured him that you will fall in with his +views, and that you will serve him as readily with your sword as +with your pen, according to circumstances.’</p> + +<p>‘I cannot understand that a secretary of Embassy need +resort to the first.’</p> + +<p>‘You do not know but that you may find yourself in a +position to have to do so.’</p> + +<p>‘I do not understand this mystery; pray, sir, explain yourself.’</p> + +<p>‘Do you know D’Eon?’</p> + +<p>‘No, sir.’</p> + +<p>‘They are displeased with him at Court.’</p> + +<p>‘Am I to be specially instructed on this point?’</p> + +<p>‘He must be ruined.’</p> + +<p>‘But is he not already ruined, since he has incurred displeasure +at Court?’</p> + +<p>‘It is not this ... it is something else....’</p> + +<p>‘I do not understand you.’</p> + +<p>‘It is necessary that he should commit himself so seriously....’</p> + +<p>‘But how is this to be managed?’</p> + +<p>‘I cannot say.’</p> + +<p>‘I think, sir, you should express yourself more clearly.’</p> + +<p>‘I thought you understood me.’</p> + +<p>‘It is really difficult to do so.’</p> + +<p>‘Well, then, M. de Guerchy is under orders to bring D’Eon +into disgrace; but a stranger and a skilful hand must do this.’</p> + +<p>‘Do you mean to say, sir, that the man about to replace +him should commit a base action?’</p> + +<p>‘I do not mean anything; you misunderstand me....’ +An awkward silence of some moments ensued, and the count,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_166"></a>[166]</span> +rising from his chair and steadily eyeing de Vergy, said, ‘I was +under the impression, de Vergy, that you were ambitious, and +that you were to be relied upon.’</p> + +<p>‘You are not mistaken, sir, but I cannot stray from what I +owe to honour and to my name.’</p> + +<p>‘But you are not required to do anything wrong, only lend +yourself to whatever may arise, and take honourable advantage +of it. Go to London, await there the ambassador, and see him +when he arrives. The secretaryship is yours, but you will have +to make yourself worthy of it. You are clever, and I have +explained myself.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>De Vergy went on to say that he was persuaded +from this ambiguous language and the few words de +Guerchy had said to him, that he was required to take +part in some machinations, but to what end he could +not conceive. He explained his dilemma to d’Argental, +who put him at his ease by assuring him that he had +nothing to fear, and as he was literally starving, he +overcame his scruples and consented to leave for England +where he preceded de Guerchy by several weeks. +He was to assist in encompassing the ruin of D’Eon, +and through him of the Count de Broglio; he was to +spread reports injurious to the Chevalier’s reputation; +if possible, to pick a quarrel with him, and write a +pamphlet to his prejudice. It was thus that advantage +was to be taken of his necessitous situation. It was his +conscience, not his courage, that made him wince +whilst doing the will of the ambassador, and when he +had said to the Chevalier the evening they met at the +Embassy, <i>You do not know the fate that awaits you in +France</i>, it was his conscience that spoke and would +warn him, and had the Chevalier replied in an encouraging +and conciliatory manner, de Vergy would +have confessed all to him. But he was depending +upon the Count de Guerchy for his very existence.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_167"></a>[167]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘At five-and-twenty,’ he said, ‘the stomach is an integral +part of the conscience. It has a deliberative voice in its internal +decisions, and when to its sharp cry is added the hoarse and +hollow sound from the bowels, their voices united generally +have the preponderance.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">DE VERGY’S CONFESSION.</div> + +<p>‘I could not help laughing,’ notes D’Eon, ‘at this +theory in explanation of the verdict of our conscience, +and de Vergy laughed quite as heartily.’</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘The more pliable to his will did the ambassador find me,’ +continued de Vergy, ‘the more exacting did he become. After +having in vain attempted many things against you, even to +poisoning (for let me tell you, sir, that you were poisoned with +opium; I know it from the ambassador himself, and I now tell +you so), it was proposed that I should waylay and assassinate +you. This infamous proposition was made to me at a moment +when all the money I had borrowed for my current expenses +was exhausted, and not having as yet received anything from +the ambassador, I was in the greatest distress. I had given +promissory notes to my landlord for lodging and board since my +arrival in London, notes I hoped to meet with the salary I +expected to receive. Their term had expired, and unless the +money was forthcoming I was in danger of imprisonment. The +Count de Guerchy knew this, and offered me a purse with one +hand, and with the other—a dagger. I rejected the purse and +the dagger. I am a wretch, a villain if you will, but not an +assassin. In a few days I was arrested and imprisoned for debt. +In vain did I appeal to him who made me leave France and +attach myself to his service. My entreaties and my threats +were equally powerless. The first he rejected because he made +sure of your being carried off by the men sent for the purpose, +and I could therefore no longer be of use to him; he scorned +the latter, because I was in confinement and precluded from +doing him harm. But if I could no longer see and speak to +him, I was at least free to write, and I did so. Having heard +of the action against you, I prepared, whilst in prison, a “Lettre +aux Français”<a id="FNanchor_202" href="#Footnote_202" class="fnanchor">[202]</a> in your vindication. The printing of it was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_168"></a>[168]</span> +secretly undertaken by Haberkorn of Grafton Street, when a +fellow-prisoner betrayed me. My manuscript was taken from +the printer in virtue of an order from the Chevalier Norton, and +your judge, Lord Mansfield. A warrant was issued for my removal +to Newgate, where I should have found myself amongst +thieves and murderers; but thanks to the assistance of my relatives +and friends I obtained my liberty, and the first use I make +of it is to place myself at your service. The Count de Guerchy +has broken the engagements by which he was in honour bound +to me, and released me from mine. His Excellency has dared +to summon you before the tribunals; make any use you please +in self-defence of the disclosures I have made. I am at your +disposal. I will admit my own faults, and prove your innocence +in London, Paris, or Versailles, over the whole earth if necessary. +Happy, indeed, shall I be to make reparation, by some little +good, for a part of the injury I have caused you!’</p> + +<p>‘Are you prepared,’ inquired D’Eon, deeply impressed by +these revelations, ‘to affirm and attach your signature to all you +have been saying to me?’</p> + +<p>‘I am prepared to affirm the same, before God and man, to +sign with my hand and seal with my blood.’</p> + +<p>‘Very well, M. de Vergy. Do you recollect my last words +to you on October 27, 1763. “If you prove to me that you are +an honest man, I will be the best of your friends.” You have +given me this proof, and henceforth I will keep my word.’ +D’Eon took his hand, and the young man’s eyes filled with +tears.</p> + +<p>‘My friends wish me to return to Paris; I have no means +of existence in London, but I will get on as best I can, and +remain with you until the time of your trial.’</p> + +<p>‘Be it so. You shall share my bread with me.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Indeed, D’Eon had nothing but a piece of bread to +offer, being himself in sore need; a refugee from the +world!<a id="FNanchor_203" href="#Footnote_203" class="fnanchor">[203]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_169"></a>[169]</span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">CHARGES AGAINST DE VERGY.</div> + +<p>Whilst preparing his ‘Lettre aux Français’ for the +press, de Vergy enclosed extracts to de Guerchy, and +threatened its immediate publication unless his Excellency +would consent to buy it off by sending him the +sum of eighty guineas and granting him some other +favours, and he employed an attorney named Grojan to +call at the Embassy, receive the money, and give a +receipt for it. Such, at least, was de Guerchy’s statement, +eventually unsupported as will appear in the +sequel; but this circumstance being brought to the +notice of Lord Halifax, the matter was placed in the +hands of the Solicitor-General, by whom it was submitted +that de Vergy’s attempt to extort money from +the French ambassador by threats and vilifying his +Excellency and his Court if his demands were not complied +with, was highly criminal, and he might be legally +prosecuted for the same, either by indictment or by information +in the name of his Majesty’s Attorney-General, +and if convicted upon the trial would be brought to +condign punishment. Lord Halifax immediately instructed +the Attorney-General to prosecute M. de Vergy +by way of information in his name, and at the expense +of the King, giving at the same time notice to this effect +to the French ambassador.<a id="FNanchor_204" href="#Footnote_204" class="fnanchor">[204]</a> Actions for libel, however, +were of such ordinary occurrence at this period of social +disorder, that as many as two hundred informations were +filed against printers and others in the course of the +year.</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_170"></a>[170]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<p>D’Eon challenges the French ambassador—Institutes legal proceedings +against him—Strong appeal to the Count de Broglio and indifference +of the latter—De Guerchy <i>v.</i> De Vergy—De Vergy’s affidavits—Secret +correspondence in danger—Undignified conduct of Louis XV., who +‘feels he is in a mess’—True bill against the French ambassador for +inciting to murder—D’Eon’s disregard of his King’s intervention—De +Guerchy applies for a <i>nolle prosequi</i>—Attorney-General refuses a certificate—Miscarriage +of justice, and state of public feeling—Count de +Broglio’s conciliatory proposals—A royal pension conferred on D’Eon—De +Broglio’s advice—D’Eon surrenders his secret orders from the King.</p> + +</div> + +<p>Provided with de Vergy’s statement in writing and +bearing his signature, the first step taken by the +Chevalier was to call upon de Guerchy to settle their +differences by recourse to arms, as became two soldiers. +The latter objected to draw swords with a fencing-master. +The Chevalier observed he was right, and +proposed, to ensure perfect equality, that the ambassador +should choose his own fire-arms and they +should fight on horse-back, if he objected to do so on +foot; and further intimated to him, through his seconds, +that if he promised to meet him on the ground with a +good grace, he gave his word of honour, privately, that +he should wound him only; whereas de Guerchy would +be at liberty to do his worst. The count’s reply to this +was that D’Eon must be a fool to suppose a general +would agree to fight a simple captain of dragoons, which +persuaded the Chevalier that it would be as impossible +for such a man to perform an act of courage and of +justice, as it is to extract oil from stones. De Guerchy<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_171"></a>[171]</span> +could not be prevailed upon to fight! Then, ‘out of consideration +for the Court of France and for the count’s +family, D’Eon was careful to lay at the feet of his august +master his private wrongs on the subject of poisoning, +assassination, kidnapping, and other not generally +known dark designs against his honour, his life, his +person, and his papers. This he did before appealing to +the tribunals of England for that liberty and the safety +of his person and papers which the law could ensure to +him.’ It does not appear that Louis XV. took any +notice of these representations, and D’Eon determined +on having de Guerchy prosecuted for a craven-hearted +criminal, and he took proceedings accordingly.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PROSECUTION OF THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR.</div> + +<p>A copy of de Vergy’s deposition was sent to the +Duke de Choiseul, and another to the Count de Broglio +under cover of one of the most pitiful of appeals.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="date">‘London, November 2, 1764.</p> + +<p>‘Sir,—I have the honour to enclose for your sole information,</p> + +<p class="smaller">‘The<a id="FNanchor_205" href="#Footnote_205" class="fnanchor">[205]</a> horrible plot is at last disclosed. I can now say to M. de Guerchy what the Prince de</p> + +<p class="noindent">copy of my last letter to the Duke de Choiseul, and of that</p> + +<p class="smaller noindent">Conti said to the Marshal de Luxembourg before the battle of Steenkerque: “Sangaride! this is a great</p> + +<p class="noindent">of M. de Montmorin, Bishop of Langres, who is intimately acquainted</p> + +<p class="smaller noindent">day for you my cousin! You will be a fine fellow if you get out of the mess!” None are more concerned</p> + +<p class="noindent">with my family, and has known me since childhood.</p> + +<p class="smaller noindent">than you and the marshal, in employing all means for protecting yourselves against the</p> + +<p class="noindent">He is good enough to employ his interest in my behalf with the</p> + +<p class="smaller noindent">enemies of your house. The King cannot but be persuaded now of the truth; it is as clear as daylight.</p> + +<p class="noindent">Dauphin, who has great regard for him. I am aware that the</p> + +<p class="smaller noindent">I am taking my own measures. I have informed the Duke of York and his brothers of the</p> + +<p class="noindent">Bishop of Langres is a strong partisan of the marshal; you may</p> + +<p class="smaller noindent">truth and atrociousness of the conspiracy against you, the Marshal de Broglio, and myself. They will</p> + +<p class="noindent">therefore, sir, recommend my case to the Bishop with perfect</p> + +<p class="smaller noindent">inform the King, the Queen, and the Princess of Wales. M. de Guerchy, who has been unfavourably</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_172"></a>[172]</span></p> + +<p class="noindent">safety, and he will be delighted to support your good-will in my</p> + +<p class="smaller noindent">received since his return,<a id="FNanchor_206" href="#Footnote_206" class="fnanchor">[206]</a> is disturbed beyond conception, notwithstanding his audacity, and I know</p> + +<p class="noindent">behalf. I have the honour to be, with profound respect,</p> + +<p class="smaller noindent">that the King of England is disposed to be just towards the marshal and myself. Do your part, do</p> + +<p class="center">Sir,</p> + +<p class="smaller noindent">something and do not desert me as you seem to be doing. I will defend myself to the last drop of my</p> + +<p class="center">Your most humble,</p> + +<p class="smaller noindent">blood, and fearlessly serve your house in spite of you! You desert me! You send me no money,</p> + +<p class="center">and most obedient servant,</p> + +<p class="smaller noindent">whereas I am struggling in your behalf. Do not desert me and do not drive me to despair. Send me</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">D’Eon</span>.’</p> + +<p class="smaller noindent">sufficient money to enable me to fight your battles and mine, unless you wish to be crushed under the +weight of injustice. I have expended more than twelve hundred pounds in carrying on my war, and +you send me nothing. It is abominable, and allow me to say that I should never have believed it!’<a id="FNanchor_207" href="#Footnote_207" class="fnanchor">[207]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>A long time had elapsed since the date of de +Broglio’s last letter to the Chevalier, and now his reply +was laconic enough. He declined, in the future, to +submit to the King any of his letters in which allusion +was made to de Guerchy, but he would take extracts +and show them to his Majesty. D’Eon remained +puzzled at this system of neutrality, having noticed that +the very dispatches which informed him that any reference +he might make to his squabbles with de Guerchy +should not be seen by the King, were approved with the +own hand of the sovereign, who must consequently have +been aware of the correspondence on this particular +subject being concealed from him.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">QUALMS OF CONSCIENCE.</div> + +<p>The reports on the threatening attitude assumed by +D’Eon and the probable use he would make of de Vergy’s +deposition, caused no little alarm in the mind of de +Guerchy and at the French Court. It became a matter of +greater moment than ever to the ambassador that he +should rid himself of the hateful Chevalier, and he urged +upon Lord Halifax, in pressing terms, that de Vergy,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_173"></a>[173]</span> +who was making common cause with D’Eon, should be +prosecuted as his lordship stated might be done. To +his old friend de Praslin he represented that nothing +in D’Eon’s past villainous conduct could be compared +to his latest fabrications, which were enough to make +one shudder. De Praslin (?) and de Choiseul were so +firmly persuaded of de Vergy’s criminality, that they +angrily complained to Lord Hertford of the difficulty +de Guerchy and they experienced in obtaining justice +in England; to which they received assurances that the +measures pursued and pursuing against D’Eon and de +Vergy, were fully sufficient to repair the insult offered +to the King of France in the person of his representative; +but scarcely had this explanation been given than the +impatient de Guerchy, apprehensive and insecure, importuned +the English minister to take steps against de +Vergy in accordance with the opinion of the Attorney-General. +This affair, however, eventually fell to the +ground. De Guerchy failed to make out his case, and +was in the end informed by Lord Halifax that the +affidavits made did not suffice for entering an action.<a id="FNanchor_208" href="#Footnote_208" class="fnanchor">[208]</a></p> + +<p>De Vergy had, in the meantime, made other depositions +upon oath, in which he gave ‘a true and circumstantial +account of the plot against the life of the +Chevalier D’Eon’—the one on November 12, before +Judge Wilmot, of the Court of King’s Bench; the other +on November 27, before Judge Yates, also of the Court +of King’s Bench; and he sent a report of his proceedings +to the Duke de Choiseul, dated November 15.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... Last Monday, I made an affidavit at the King’s +Bench against M. de Guerchy, and proved by his words and +certain circumstances to which I swore, that he ordered me to +assassinate M. D’Eon, assuring me that the opium he had caused<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_174"></a>[174]</span> +to be given to him at dinner, on Friday, October 28, had had no +effect. This circumstance was made known at the time by +M. D’Eon’s complaint to his Excellency himself, that he had +been poisoned at his table. In meeting this charge by saying +that I am mad, that I have lost my senses, M. de Guerchy condemns +himself, and if I am flattered at the compliment, believe, +sir, in my regret at not being able to return it. I show myself +in London publicly. I am to be seen everywhere, at the promenades, +at the play, in coffee-houses; yet M. de Guerchy does +not sue me before the law. Do you know, sir, the reason why? +Because by the law of retaliation and English justice, M. de +Guerchy not having it by any means in his power to convict +me of making false statements, would have the honour of being +sent to the pillory and transported, were he to accuse me of +perjury.’<a id="FNanchor_209" href="#Footnote_209" class="fnanchor">[209]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>De Guerchy’s hour of retribution was at hand, and +the Chevalier was satisfied. Louis XV., ever selfish and +unconcerned, but ill concealed his uneasiness at the +serious aspect of affairs, and gladly approved of the +Count de Broglio’s offer to proceed to London and bring +D’Eon to his senses, to arrange with him for the surrender +of the compromising papers, and mediate between him +and his tormentor. One difficulty presented itself to +the King, who asked Tercier: ‘On what plea is the +despatch of the Count de Broglio to England to be +proposed to M. de Praslin?’—but ere this new design +could be matured it had to be abandoned, an awkward +incident that had the effect of seriously disturbing the +King’s equanimity, having well-nigh led to disclosures +which would certainly have unravelled the mystery of +the long- and well-maintained secret.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE SECRET CORRESPONDENCE IN DANGER.</div> + +<p>D’Eon’s valet, a man named Hugonnet, had been +for some time employed carrying despatches on the +King’s secret service between the two countries. Long<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_175"></a>[175]</span> +suspected of being engaged in this duty, orders were +issued by the ministry to the police at Calais to watch +for him, and arrest him if they at any time found +sufficient cause. On January 10, as he was preparing +to return to England, he was taken up, and in his +possession was found a letter in the handwriting of +M. Drouet, private secretary to the Count de Broglio. +It was intended, ostensibly, for D’Eon de Mouloise in +London, bore no signature, but contained the names +of Tercier and Durand, and allusions to the Counsellor, +the deputy, &c. Drouet was in consequence also +arrested and his papers seized, and the two were lodged +in the Bastille. Being kept promptly informed by de +Broglio of what was passing, and fearing that all was +surely about to be discovered, Louis XV. resorted to +the only expedient left to him—to secure the co-operation +in his cause of the officials in charge of the prisoners. +He immediately sent for M. de Sartines,<a id="FNanchor_210" href="#Footnote_210" class="fnanchor">[210]</a> officer of +police, and had to endure the humiliation of admitting +him into his confidence, and asking him to lay hold of +all such papers as were likely to compromise, in the +sight of his ministers, those of his secret agents he +named.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I have unburdened myself and confided in him (de Sartines). +He seemed pleased, and we must hope that his discretion and +this mark of confidence will guide him aright. If we are disappointed, +we will see what is to be done, and write to de +Guerchy. Have your mind at ease.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>So wrote Louis XV. to Tercier; and again, in a day +or two:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I am afraid that we are getting into a mess. I have instructed +M. de Sartines to send for you and see you secretly,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_176"></a>[176]</span> +and that you will give him the fullest particulars.... You +cannot possibly be present at the investigation and the patching +up of this business, but tell de Sartines everything, arrange +matters with him, and let him make his report to me.... At +the preliminary inquiry M. de Praslin said he treated them with +contempt, but what passed between him and de Sartines should +suffice to tranquillise you.... I am quite sure that Drouet is +in a mess, but he will get out of it (I rather feel that I am +getting somewhat into a mess).’<a id="FNanchor_211" href="#Footnote_211" class="fnanchor">[211]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">A PLAY AT THE BASTILLE!</div> + +<p>De Sartines found himself painfully embarrassed at +the peculiar position into which he was forced by the +King, and showed no little diffidence and hesitation in +his action. ‘I find him a very timid man,’ was de Broglio’s +remark to the sovereign, ‘and yet I do not see what he +has to fear, having received his master’s orders.’ Louis +XV. was little apprehensive that the police officer would +fail in his duty towards himself, for he had already received +from him a bundle of recovered papers. Fortunately +for the royal schemes in hand, de Praslin was at +Versailles with the Court, and although he had announced +his intention of being present at the examination +of the prisoners, the day was not fixed. Advantage +was taken of this respite by the sneaking monarch to +corrupt yet another of his officials, so urgent was he in +seeking to lift, at least his own self, out of the mire. +His Majesty authorised M. Jumilhac, Governor of the +Bastille, to admit Tercier to a conference with Drouet +and Hugonnet, thereby requiring him to violate his +trust! Every precaution was to be taken that Tercier +might enter and leave the prison unnoticed, for fear +that some busybody should carry the tale to the +ministers. De Broglio was to appoint to each actor in +the farce about to be played his part for misleading<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_177"></a>[177]</span> +de Praslin. Drouet was to declare that he had been +acting on his own responsibility and to oblige a friend; +Hugonnet would insist that he was employed by Drouet, +and by him alone, without reference to any other +person; the titles had reference to certain friends of +D’Eon; and, finally, de Sartines was to countenance +these fanciful declarations and not conduct too searching +an interrogatory. ‘I have been at work for fifteen +hours consecutively, wrote de Broglio to the King, +‘preparing material for the investigation, the replies +to be given by the Sieur Drouet, the depositions to be +made by Hugonnet, all of which will be in keeping with +what has already transpired, and I have prepared a +sort of interrogatory for M. de Sartines.’</p> + +<p>‘They are playing the fool with me!’ said de Praslin +to de Sartines, peevishly, as he went away at the close +of the investigation, and on making his report the following +day, Sunday, at a Cabinet Council, he insisted +that Drouet had not been telling the whole truth.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘There is some truth in this!’ observed the King, in communicating +de Praslin’s impressions to Tercier. ‘Drouet is to +undergo another examination, and will be discharged from prison +towards the end of this week. Hugonnet will be detained a little +longer, but I hope we see the end. Everything went off well +at the council, and there was no distrust. I did not think it +desirable to order Drouet’s liberation, so as not to excite any +suspicion.’<a id="FNanchor_212" href="#Footnote_212" class="fnanchor">[212]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>Drouet did get away, having threatened to disclose +everything if detained in durance, and so he had nothing +for which to thank the King whom, as was the case +with others, he was serving but too faithfully. Hugonnet’s +detention was a cruelly long one.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_178"></a>[178]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Could there be a greater act of despotism than that of detaining +at the Bastille, for over a twelvemonth, the valet of the +Chevalier D’Eon?... Guerchy had written to ask his friend +Praslin to arrest Hugonnet; he distrained the effects the man +had left behind, and refused to give them back until one hundred +guineas had been paid to L’Escallier, his secretary; and further +gave orders, that neither Hugonnet nor his wife should be +allowed to attend the services at the chapel in the Embassy.’<a id="FNanchor_213" href="#Footnote_213" class="fnanchor">[213]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>I have said that D’Eon was about to institute proceedings +against the French ambassador on a criminal +charge. Those proceedings had commenced and followed +their course. De Guerchy was indicted on +February 12, and on March 1, following, a true bill was +found against him by the grand jury of Middlesex, +at Hick’s Hall, for a conspiracy against the life of the +Chevalier D’Eon—a verdict that greatly perplexed the +ministry; for, by the law of England, a person accused +upon oath of any criminal offence must take his trial +for the same when the bill of indictment is found against +him by a grand jury; but by the law of nations, ambassadors +are exempted from the ordinary forms of law +in the countries where they are resident. The most +eminent lawyers had been consulted, but the decision +was left to the wisdom of the two courts.<a id="FNanchor_214" href="#Footnote_214" class="fnanchor">[214]</a></p> + +<p>The Duke de Broglie asserts that ‘this audacious +verdict was received in London with a sort of stupor;’ +but if the English papers of the day are consulted, this +will scarcely be found to have been the case, for de +Guerchy was by no means a favourite with the general +public. At Versailles, on the contrary, the sensation +caused was immense. The Count de Broglio and M. de +Beauvau talked themselves hoarse one evening in trying +to make Hume<a id="FNanchor_215" href="#Footnote_215" class="fnanchor">[215]</a> feel that, independently of the quality of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_179"></a>[179]</span> +the accusers, and the little similarity in the depositions +they had made, it was inconceivable that an ambassador +could be subjected to any other jurisdiction than that of +his own master. Hume kept repeating in reply that +the laws of England in this respect were immutable, and +that the authority of the King would not suffice to +effect any alteration.<a id="FNanchor_216" href="#Footnote_216" class="fnanchor">[216]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">TRUE BILL AGAINST THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR.</div> + +<p>The Chevalier sought to improve the occasion by +sending what may be regarded as a note of intimidation:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Considering the actual state of affairs, it is absolutely necessary +that the arrangement<a id="FNanchor_217" href="#Footnote_217" class="fnanchor">[217]</a> proposed by you should be at once +concluded, and that you should be here without loss of time, say +by the 20th of this month. This is the last letter I shall have +the honour of writing to you on the subject of the poisoner, the +villain Guerchy, who would have been broken alive on the wheel +in France, did he meet with his deserts. But, thanks be to God, +he will only be hanged in England, as was the case with Count +de Sea in Cromwell’s time.... All the intriguing powers of +France will not prevail in favour of Guerchy against the power +of the laws of England, when their execution is confided to +independent arbiters. I give you my word of honour, that +very shortly Guerchy will be arrested as he leaves court, and +taken to the prison for criminals in the city of London. His +friend Praslin will come to deliver him, if he can; it is more +likely that the friend to deliver him will be the executioner.’<a id="FNanchor_218" href="#Footnote_218" class="fnanchor">[218]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_180"></a>[180]</span></p> + +<p>D’Eon was satisfied that his bitter enemy was in his +power, and had made up his mind that nothing should +induce him to alter his determination to run him to +earth. ‘He should either triumph through the evidence +in favour of his innocence and the strength of the laws, +or know how to bear himself nobly on the scaffold.’</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘When my good Louis XV. asked me not to hunt his +ambassador to death, and that, for the honour of France, he +should not be hanged in London, I replied to my august master: +“I am ready to obey you in all things but this, for I am bound, +before God and man, to have him hanged for the salvation of +France, and it would be the duty of a most Christian King to +assist me to hook on, and not unhook off, the forked gibbet, a +notorious poisoner. If, Sire, you had had the courage to hang +those who poisoned the Dauphin and Dauphiness,<a id="FNanchor_219" href="#Footnote_219" class="fnanchor">[219]</a> I should not +have been poisoned in London, nor would many others have been +poisoned at Versailles, Paris, and elsewhere.”’<a id="FNanchor_220" href="#Footnote_220" class="fnanchor">[220]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>Writing to his son, in allusion to the subject that +was engrossing the mind of the public throughout the +kingdom, the Earl of Chesterfield<a id="FNanchor_221" href="#Footnote_221" class="fnanchor">[221]</a> says:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘You inquire about M. de Guerchy’s affair, and I will give +you as succinct an account as I can of so extraordinary and perplexed +a transaction; but without giving you my opinion of it +by the common post. You know what passed at first between +M. de Guerchy and M. D’Eon, in which both our ministers and +M. de Guerchy, from utter inexperience in business, puzzled +themselves into disagreeable difficulties. About three or four +months ago, M. de Vergy published in a <i>brochure</i> a parcel of +letters from himself to the Duke de Choiseul, in which he positively +asserts that M. de Guerchy prevailed with him (Vergy) +to come over into England to assassinate D’Eon. The words +are, as well as I remember: ‘Que ce n’était pas pour se servir<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_181"></a>[181]</span> +de sa Plume, mais de son Epée, qu’on le demandait en Angleterre.’<a id="FNanchor_222" href="#Footnote_222" class="fnanchor">[222]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>Lord Chesterfield was wrong. De Vergy went to +London to be secretary to de Guerchy, and was desired, +solicited, commanded to assassinate D’Eon, not hired to +do so, as the price for the appointment he coveted.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FAIR ADMINISTRATION OF ENGLISH LAWS.</div> + +<p>The indictment against de Guerchy was afterwards, +in Easter term, at the instance of the Attorney-General, +removed from the Old Bailey by writ of <i>certiorari</i> into +the Court of King’s Bench. The ambassador applied +to the King for a <i>nolle prosequi</i>, and an order of reference +was made to the Attorney-General, Sir Fletcher Norton, +and the Solicitor-General, William de Grey, Esq., who +issued summons on April 26, to the prosecutor and his +witnesses, to attend at Lincoln’s Inn at eight o’clock in +the evening of the following Tuesday, the 30th, to show +cause why the <i>nolle prosequi</i> should not be granted; +and upon hearing counsel on both sides and witnesses, +the proofs appeared so clear against de Guerchy, that +the Attorney-General refused to certify to the King in +favour of the ambassador or of a <i>nolle prosequi</i>, so that +the indictment for the intended murder of the Chevalier +D’Eon, minister plenipotentiary, undefended, undischarged, +and open to further proceedings, remained on +record among the archives as a lasting monument of +the villainous designs of the French ambassador. A +correspondent in a newspaper of the day observed that +the verdict ‘was a remarkable instance of the spirit of a +grand jury of the city of London, as well as of fair +administration of our laws.’<a id="FNanchor_223" href="#Footnote_223" class="fnanchor">[223]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_182"></a>[182]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Such a fact suffices of itself to characterise the justice and +virtue of the young monarch and of his magistrates. No less +honour is due to him than was due of old to Philip of Macedon, +who, being besought by a courtier that his case should not be +tried, very pertinently replied, that it was better the courtier +should lose his suit than the King his reputation.... Tiberius +declared before the Senate one day, during the first ten years +that he reigned with justice, and not with tyranny: <i>Nec utendum +imperio, ubi legibus agi posset</i>—and that the pardon of great +criminals was more insupportable than their crimes. Salvien +declares that the punishment of persons of distinction should be +the more severe, inasmuch that besides being criminals, they +dishonour their blood. The code of Westphalia expressly decrees +that persons enjoying dignities, or who have been raised +to the magistracy, should be executed on a gibbet seven feet +higher than others.’<a id="FNanchor_224" href="#Footnote_224" class="fnanchor">[224]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR MOBBED.</div> + +<p>The London papers testify to the public discontent +at this miscarriage of justice, and when it became +generally known that Chazal, the ambassador’s butler, +suspected by D’Eon of having administered opium to +him by direction of de Guerchy, at the Embassy +dinner, had fled, leaving behind him his youthful wife +to whom he had just been married, the people no +longer hesitated to resort to violence. De Guerchy was +mobbed whilst out driving, and owed his safety simply +to the declaration that he was not indeed the French +ambassador but only his secretary; the crowd nevertheless +followed the coach, and would have entered the +court-yard of the Embassy had not the iron gates been +immediately closed. Failing to reach his Excellency, +the people somewhat relieved their feelings by breaking +every window they were able to reach with missiles +from the street.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_183"></a>[183]</span></p> + +<p>To the storm succeeded a calm. De Guerchy, too +glad to get out of the way, proceeded on leave of +absence, leaving in triumph the Chevalier, who spent +the summer at Byfleet<a id="FNanchor_225" href="#Footnote_225" class="fnanchor">[225]</a> in Surrey, where he was a +welcome guest the chief part of the two succeeding +years. When de Guerchy returned to England in the +autumn, he found his way to London without receiving +any of the honours that were strictly paid to the +French King’s ambassadors. Not a gun was fired, not +a soldier was in attendance upon him, either at Dover +or at Canterbury.<a id="FNanchor_226" href="#Footnote_226" class="fnanchor">[226]</a></p> + +<p>Meeting D’Eon one day, Lord Lincoln said to him: +‘How is it that the Count de Guerchy has again returned +to weary us with his sad countenance?’ ‘Ma +foi! my Lord, indeed I cannot say. He must be like a +top; the more it is whipped the better it goes!’<a id="FNanchor_227" href="#Footnote_227" class="fnanchor">[227]</a></p> + +<p>At this juncture, de Broglio bethought him of +making fresh proposals to the Chevalier. He invited +him to forget the past, to desist in the future from all +allusion to de Guerchy, whether for good or for evil—to +forget the action for libel—the trial for attempt to +murder, &c. &c.; and upon these conditions he should +obtain the King’s sanction to entrust him anew with the +secret correspondence, whereby he would be required +to report on the state of public opinion in England, +and what the members of the opposition were about. +This species of capitulation coming from no less a +person than the Count de Broglio, served to swell still +more the Chevalier’s sense of his own importance, and +he replied:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Your friendship for me is as great as my assurance in +maintaining a secret correspondence in the position in which I<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_184"></a>[184]</span> +happen to be. You risk nothing in enlisting my zeal, whereas +I risk a great deal in following the natural inclinations of my +inviolable fidelity to the sacred person of his Majesty. But it is +as sad, as it is inconceivable, that you should forbid me, in the +name of the King, to complain of having been poisoned.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>D’Eon concluded by insisting that de Guerchy +should be permanently recalled, and that in his stead +should be appointed an ambassador to whose hands he +might confidingly entrust what he still held in his +charge.<a id="FNanchor_228" href="#Footnote_228" class="fnanchor">[228]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">TARDY JUSTICE.</div> + +<p>But even before de Broglio’s, had come a letter +from Louis XV. D’Eon, ever generous towards the +shortcomings of the monarch he adored, thus accounts +for the King’s having refrained from any kind of interference +or expression of opinion during the period of +his own grave strife with the ambassador:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I knew the man, and was not deceived in attributing this +affected reserve to approbation that was not to be denied to me, +but which was not either to be accorded to me. Louis XV. +liked that his thoughts should be guessed. His silence was +speech, it was necessary to know how to take it, and I was not +long in finding out that I had conjectured rightly. On June +25, 1765, that is to say, some weeks after I had covered his +ambassador in London with shame and infamy, his Majesty +abruptly broke the silence he had been pleased to maintain for +a time, and wrote to tell me that “he approved of my resuming +and continuing with him my secret correspondence.” On November +9 he sent word that he was “well pleased with me,” and +on December 4 that I was “an instrument useful to my country.” +These expressions of manifest satisfaction drew on one side, at +last, the curtain that had so long concealed the royal thought. +His Majesty crowned them with the greatest and most genuine +testimony of his approbation, by sending to me soon afterwards +the subjoined certificate, written entirely and signed with his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_185"></a>[185]</span> +own hand, and which will be for me and my family the most +eloquent and precious memorial of my innocence and loyalty.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘As a reward for the services rendered to me by M. D’Eon +in Russia, in my army, and in the execution of other trusts, I +am pleased to bestow upon him a yearly allowance of twelve +thousand livres, which I shall cause to be paid to him punctually +at the expiration of every six months, wherever he may be, +except in a country with which I am at war; and this until +such time as I may think proper to nominate him to some post, +the emoluments of which will greatly exceed the present allowance.</p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">Louis.</span>’</p> + +<p class="date-l">‘Versailles, April 1, 1766.’</p> + +<p>‘I, the undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of the King at +this Court, hereby certify upon my honour and upon oath, that +the above promise is really written and signed with the own +hand of the King my master, whose orders I have received to +deliver it to M. D’Eon.</p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">Durand.</span>’</p> + +<p class="date-l">‘London, July 11, 1766.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘With reference to this royal avowal,’ continues D’Eon, ‘the +Count de Broglio wrote to me: “Your stay in England rendered +necessary an extension of the King’s generosity. But you will +perceive that the proof he has himself been pleased to give you, +and which remains in your keeping, will for ever be to you a +glorious title-deed.... When your mind is at rest, and the +noise you have made and are still making in the world will have +subsided, we will see to arranging some plan whereby your services +may prove still more useful to your country and to the +best of masters. Conduct yourself prudently and wisely; win +over the prejudiced; do not be minister or captain of dragoons +any longer; give up the romantic; assume the attitude +and speech of a quiet and sensible man—thus, and in course of +time, your talents will be remembered, your old friends will +return to you, your enemies will forget you, and your master +will find a subject worthy of serving him, and worthy of the +benefits he has already conferred upon him. Like yourself, and +even more than yourself, I have experienced reverses; I have +felt that it was quite possible for a private individual to be sacrificed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_186"></a>[186]</span> +in the general vortex; I have never supposed that this +would entail the principal misfortune, that of incurring the just +displeasure of his Majesty. I have ever had confidence in his +justice and goodness, and I am fortunate enough to experience +the effects of this at present.... With an honest heart and a +spirit a little daring, but not fierce or violent, one may hope to +overcome the hatred and envy of the whole universe.”’<a id="FNanchor_229" href="#Footnote_229" class="fnanchor">[229]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>D’Eon thanked the count for his friendly advice +and good wishes, and took occasion to remind him of +the undertaking that the stipulated pension should be +paid with regularity; then, making up a sealed packet +of the papers in his possession, he entrusted them to +the custody of his friend, Mr. Cotes,<a id="FNanchor_230" href="#Footnote_230" class="fnanchor">[230]</a> who unceasingly +urged him to become a British subject, and give up +France, a country in which nobody was certain of sleeping +in his own bed.</p> + +<p>Testimonials such as that received from the King, +and his continued employment in matters necessitating +the greatest tact and circumspection, should suffice to +acquit the Chevalier of having been a half-witted adventurer, +as we find asserted by some writers. However +impetuous, and of almost ungovernable passions, +D’Eon was not a fool, nor, in the course of his history +does it appear that any of his contemporaries seriously +thought him one, if we except the exasperated de +Guerchy, who thus sought to brand him, after having +failed in his ‘blind authority,’ to ‘beat with a staff the +child that might have led him.’</p> + +<p>Whilst D’Eon was receiving from the King of +France the highest marks of his royal confidence and +favour, ministers at Versailles were officially, but clandestinely, +seeking to secure his person; and so late as +November 1765, de Praslin, in conversation with the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_187"></a>[187]</span> +Duke of Richmond, the British ambassador, remonstrated +upon England not surrendering the Chevalier to +whom the Christian King had a hundred times a greater +right, than had England to John Rice, ‘a thief of the +Publics,’<a id="FNanchor_231" href="#Footnote_231" class="fnanchor">[231]</a> who was given up by France. Ever watchful, +D’Eon was perfectly conscious of all that was +passing.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘These poor ministers have read somewhere, and have heard +it said, that Cardinal Richelieu had caused several members of +his ministry to be assassinated and poisoned, and yet, notwithstanding, +posterity considered him a great man. They have +imagined they might do likewise, and also be taken for great +men, but one cannot deceive one’s self, there being nothing in +common between them but the dagger and poison?’<a id="FNanchor_232" href="#Footnote_232" class="fnanchor">[232]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">A GRUMBLING FRENCH MINISTER.</div> + +<p>De Guerchy having quitted England ‘on leave,’ +Durand succeeded him as minister plenipotentiary, by +royal warrant dated June 8. One of the King’s old +correspondents on secret service, Durand was well +known to D’Eon, with whom he had had frequent intercourse +in former days. Recalled from Poland by +the Duke de Choiseul, who suspected him of being +upon intimate terms with the Count de Broglio, we now +see him minister in England, specially charged, though +secretly, by the King, as had been de la Rosière, +Nardin, and Nort, to watch over and protect D’Eon. +De Guerchy was virtually superseded.</p> + +<p>Durand was not long in coming to terms with +D’Eon, upon whom he prevailed to give up that most +compromising of all papers, so far as the King was personally +concerned—His Majesty’s secret instructions of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_188"></a>[188]</span> +June 3, 1763,<a id="FNanchor_233" href="#Footnote_233" class="fnanchor">[233]</a> and for which the Chevalier received, in +exchange, the royal warrant granting him an annual +pension. Durand’s written report was as follows:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘In compliance with the orders of the King, which I hold, +M. D’Eon, late minister plenipotentiary from France at this court, +has this day delivered into my own hands the private and secret +order of the King, written and signed with his own hand, and dated +June 3, 1763, addressed to the Sieur D’Eon. I further certify +that the said order has been given to me in good condition, +folded in a parchment cover addressed to his Majesty, and that +it was shown to me enclosed and cemented within a brick +adapted for the purpose, removed from the walls of the cellar +and afterwards replaced.’</p> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_189"></a>[189]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<p>D’Eon continues in the royal confidence—Secret correspondence again in +peril—D’Eon’s mother persecuted—De Guerchy’s death—D’Eon’s last +letter to him—De Vergy’s dying deposition—His will—D’Eon as secret +correspondent—His public protest—The Musgrave scandal.</p> + +</div> + +<p>Once again was D’Eon admitted into the royal confidence—he +had never lost the royal favour—without +any knowledge thereof on the part of the King’s +ministers, and this by means of the very representative +they had themselves nominated to the Court of Great +Britain! A few weeks elapsed, and there occurred an +incident which seemed pregnant of import to the Duke +de Praslin, who put his whole heart into any action +that had for its object the pursuit of those rash enough +to resist his authority. The event proved to be of +passing moment only, but merits notice as receiving +importance from the Chevalier’s subsequent history.</p> + +<p>It was brought to the knowledge of the duke by a +French woman named Dufour who kept furnished +apartments in London, that the Chevalier D’Eon had +been concealed for some days in her house, disguised +as a female; that he had been in the habit of corresponding +with the Count and the Marshal de Broglio, +and receiving money from them. Upon being informed +by Tercier, in behalf of the King, of these fresh indications +of a possible exposure of their secret transactions, +the Count de Broglio flew into a violent passion, and +was well-nigh making a clean breast of the matter and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_190"></a>[190]</span> +admitting his share in them, regardless of all consequences. +He wrote to Tercier on October 22:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘It must be confessed that in executing the orders which it +is the King’s pleasure to convey to us, we encounter the most +unforeseen and embarrassing difficulties, but the secret we are +keeping is his Majesty’s, and nothing is easier than to make it +known, should he desire to do so. One word from him will put +an end to the inquisitiveness of his ministers, inquisitiveness +of which he not only knows the particulars, but also the motives. +Well! supposing M. de Choiseul were to know to-morrow that +we are in correspondence with D’Eon! Supposing he were to +know that I have elaborated, by order of the King, a plan for +the invasion of England, what else could happen but that his +Majesty would forbid all reference to the subject? They would +no doubt be jealous and uneasy at the confidence with which +he would appear to honour us, but I see no harm in this.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>De Sartines had been directed by de Praslin to +inquire into the statements made by Dufour, saying, +‘Nothing essential is to be omitted this time!’ The +officer of police insisted that the woman was of very +doubtful reputation; no evidence, therefore, she was +able to adduce could be accepted, and before involving +persons of so high consideration, as were the de +Broglios, in an affair of this kind, it would be necessary +to obtain a written order from the King that he +himself, at least, might be protected against all responsibility. +Such pleas were worthy of a poor perplexed +detective, for since the Hugonnet business, de Sartines +felt himself bound, whatever his proper sense of duty, +to consult, in the first place, the sovereign’s private +interests and obey his secret commands, and he discerned, +plainly enough, that the present was an instance +which called for the exercise of his utmost discretion and +prudence. Too well persuaded, on his part, of the +futility of applying to the King for the order suggested<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_191"></a>[191]</span> +by the officer of police, de Praslin had to content +himself with a simple re-examination of Dufour, from +whom nothing more was to be learnt, and the summoning +of Hugonnet, who declared his incompetence to +supply any kind of information, as the woman was +entirely unknown to him, nor had he ever heard of +her. At the close of the inquiry, de Praslin said: ‘I am +not being duped, because, as a fact, this affair causes +me very little anxiety. It is not D’Eon who will ruin +the State.’<a id="FNanchor_234" href="#Footnote_234" class="fnanchor">[234]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">DEATH OF THE COUNT DE GUERCHY.</div> + +<p>Although de Guerchy and D’Eon had become +separated never again to meet on this earth; although +their unprofitable bickerings had come to an end and +the time for recriminations was over, to cast each other +into oblivion was too impossible a task for either. +Upon his return to France, de Guerchy entered on a +course of persecution, selecting for his victim D’Eon’s +aged mother, who was suddenly deprived of the enjoyment +of certain free tenures, while the taxes on her little +estate at Tonnerre where she was living in quiet retirement, +were inordinately increased. The poor lady was +in fact hunted to misery and despair.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘De Guerchy died at Paris in September 1767 in great +anguish of body and mind. May our merciful God spare his +soul in heaven, as I spared his body on earth!’<a id="FNanchor_235" href="#Footnote_235" class="fnanchor">[235]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>D’Eon had sent the count a final challenge in the +form of a letter, dated August 5, 1767, which reached +him a few weeks only before his death, when his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_192"></a>[192]</span> +youthful son swore that he would some day avenge his +father. This letter, in which all the events of the past +were recapitulated, covered copies of the indictment, of +the writ of <i>certiorari</i>, and of other documents connected +with his trial in London, and called upon de +Guerchy to justify himself.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Three weeks or one month from the date hereof should +suffice to enable you to determine upon the line of conduct it is +your intention to pursue. There are but two courses—justice, +or an appeal to arms. Failing a reply at the expiration of the +time stated, I will be persuaded of the hardness of your heart, +and conclude that the world is to judge between us.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>No answer came, and D’Eon sent his letter to +Amsterdam to be printed in the form of a pamphlet by +his friend Wan, the publisher. Whilst it was in the +press, Wan heard of de Guerchy’s death, and wrote +(September 23) to ask the Chevalier whether the publication +was still to be proceeded with. The reply was +in the affirmative, because he owed a full and complete +justification to the King his master, to his country, to +himself, to his family, to his protectors, and to the +position he had held in England.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘The ashes of a dead man should not be disturbed, and I +am aware that to recall him to memory for the sake of retracing +his ignominy is the measure of barbarism; but if the evil he +wrought has influenced to such an extent the misfortunes of +one who has survived him, as to make it appear that his parched +bones perpetuate them even out of the depths of the tomb, +personal interest, which is the first law of nature, requires, +however reluctantly, that the corpse should be summoned to +appear before the tribunal of mankind, not for the purpose of +being defamed, but that the survivor may justify himself against +the reproach cast upon him. Did not the Egyptians, so +reverential towards their dead, summon, judge, and condemn +the manes even of their monarchs? Let the inevitable therefore<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_193"></a>[193]</span> +be answerable for whatever is done against M. de Guerchy, +though he be dead. Even in his grave he is guilty of the ills +that are being endured. Had he made any reparation his +death would have been respectfully considered, although his +acts would have been abhorred.’<a id="FNanchor_236" href="#Footnote_236" class="fnanchor">[236]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p><i>Hatred usually ends with the death of the one hated</i>, +says Boccaccio; it was not so, however, with D’Eon, +who to the close of his days never forgot, though +he had long forgiven, the enemy that had been the +cause of all his troubles.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AN UNWAVERING WITNESS.</div> + +<p>Treyssac de Vergy died at Blackheath in October +1774.<a id="FNanchor_237" href="#Footnote_237" class="fnanchor">[237]</a> Two magistrates, at the request of Sir John +Fielding, attended to receive his dying statements, +when, after confirming the depositions he had made +upon oath, he said that being benevolently forgiven by +the Chevalier D’Eon, who was present, for all the injury +he had done to him, he met death with great pleasure. +In his will, dated July 21 of the same year, and proved +at Doctors’ Commons on October 10, we find him +strictly adhering to the substance of the evidence he +had given ten years previously.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... I declare that all which I have wrote and had +printed at London in 1763 against the Chevalier D’Eon, then +Minister Plenipotentiary of France to this court, I said it, +wrote it, and had it printed only in consequence of the orders<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_194"></a>[194]</span> +and money that were given to me by the Count de Guerchy, and +in consequence of the plot formed at Paris in July 1763 between +the Count de Guerchy and the Count d’Argental, and into +which plot the said Count d’Argental drew me at Paris, and +the above-said Count de Guerchy on his arrival at London. I +declare and protest that I persist, and always will persist, in +the truth of two depositions upon oath which I made and swore +to, November 12, 1764, before Mr. Justice Wilmot, judge of the +Court of King’s Bench of England, and November 27, 1764, +before Mr. Justice Yates, also judge of the Court of King’s +Bench of England, in which I have given a true and circumstantial +account of the said plot. In consequence of which I +earnestly beg the Chevalier D’Eon to forget, and to pardon me +all the wrong which I have done to him, to his fortune, to +himself, and to all his family, by being concerned in designs +which were so hurtful to him—designs whose blackness I was +ignorant of till the moment when the Count de Guerchy thought +that the destruction of the Chevalier D’Eon ought not to be +retarded any longer. The knowledge of this struck me with +horror, restored me to myself, and made me undertake my +defence and that of the Chevalier D’Eon....’</p> + +</div> + +<p>The Chevalier was firmly established as secret correspondent +in London, performing his duty loyally and +competently, even though frequently suffering from +absolute want in consequence of his pension never +being paid with regularity, and always in arrears; and +had it not been for the hospitality of some of his +English friends, foremost amongst whom was the +Marquis of Tavistock,<a id="FNanchor_238" href="#Footnote_238" class="fnanchor">[238]</a> he would have had to endure +many a sad privation. The Duke de Broglie admits +that D’Eon accomplished his task as correspondent and +newsmonger with considerable ability, and that he was +the precursor, if not actually the first of political reporters, +and the most trustworthy and wittiest, if not<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_195"></a>[195]</span> +the most useful, of correspondents. The contents of his +letters, of which we give an example, verified as they may +be by the history of the times, testify clearly enough to +his qualities as a shrewd and correct observer, to the +facility with which he obtained information and the +unlimited sphere of his operations, and are probably +unique, regard being had to the times in which he lived, +in their resemblance to the efficient productions of our +own modern newspaper reporters.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">WHAT WAS PASSING IN LONDON.</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>The Chevalier D’Eon to the Count de Broglio.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘London, March 15, 1766.</p> + +<p>‘Sir,—You are perhaps astonished at my not having acknowledged +the receipt of your letter of the 4th inst. Let me give +you my reasons; I hope you will find them legitimate, and +that you will consider my silence to be the effect of my +prudence.</p> + +<p>‘The notorious question of <i>General Warrants</i> for the arrest +of persons and seizure of their papers, has at last been determined, +and it is decided that in scarcely any instance may a person and +his papers be seized, except for high treason against the king +and country. But it has also been decided that unauthorised +persons, convicted of corresponding in cypher with foreign +countries, are liable to arrest and to have their papers seized, +and to be judged according to the nature of their correspondence. +This decision, which I cannot but admit as being very just and +very reasonable, has checked my zeal, and has even caused me +some alarm, and especially since the rupture between Messieurs +Pitt and Temple. The one may, ere long, be called to the +ministry, suspect me, and cause me to be arrested for the +sake of vexing the other; add to this, that as Messieurs Pitt +and Temple do not at any time spare the ministers in office, I +am equally liable to being suspected and inconvenienced by the +latter. You must be aware of the evil results were I arrested +with all the old secret correspondence!... Under these +circumstances I deemed it wiser to keep still and thus remove +the slightest cause for suspicion.... What will most astonish<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_196"></a>[196]</span> +is this, that the ministers actually in office, in their anxiety for +popularity, have acted against the opinion, the wishes, and the +orders of the King, in causing the repeal, by the House of +Commons, of the Acts of Parliament whereby fresh taxes have +been imposed in America, the people having rebelled to a degree +without parallel in history; and they have had the assurance to +make use of their resources and favour at Court for the purpose +of securing votes! In this remarkable business they have made +so sorrowful a personage as his Britannic Majesty play a part +similar to that assigned in Virgil’s Æneid to King Latinus. +Truly, they treat the King as if he were a silly child, incapable +of discerning what is of advantage to the State, and they do not +in the least conceal their views in the matter.... The King +is incensed against his mother (the Princess of Wales), and his +favourite (Lord Bute); but they do not know how to form a +new ministry that will be well considered and durable. The +King will have nothing to do with Mr. Pitt just now, and is +even very angry with him in consequence of what he has dared +to say and substantiate in the House of Commons—that the +Americans were not rebels, seeing that the King, or the late +ministry and parliament, had broken faith with them; that it +was common justice to repeal the Acts of Parliament, which he +could not consider otherwise than as acts of fraud on the +Americans. At first every member in the House felt indignant +at these sentiments, and it was thought that his popularity was +gone; being henceforth no longer feared, he will no longer +be necessary. He was supported by four or five members +only, and his opponents expressed the opinion, in a full House, +that Mr. Pitt deserved to be sent to the Tower. He retired +to the country for eight days, and then returned to declaim +before the House more emphatically than ever, supporting +his opinions by all manner of arguments founded on +natural, civil, and political laws, even quoting the Holy Scriptures +frequently, that he might the more ably imitate the great +seer, Cromwell. He also pretended to be suffering from gout, +that he might enjoy the privilege of assisting at the deliberations +at his ease, holding forth, at one moment seated, at another +standing, wrapped up in a blanket; he would then fall into a +swoon, or sink into deep meditations. During this time, his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_197"></a>[197]</span> +friends and a large number of city merchants having property +in America or interested in its trade, won over a crowd of +partisans from amongst the people, and proceeded to the House +to sing aloud the praises of Mr. Pitt. This political and +periodical gout, and all this <i>charlatanerie</i>, which does not fail to +excite the people, had so great an effect on the House of +Commons that nearly all the members have sided with Mr. Pitt, +and the repeal of the Act has already passed the House. Thus +has the fault strenuously charged against the distinguished +patriot served to crown him with glory, at least in the eyes of +the people.</p> + +<p>‘A few days ago the King and Queen dined with the Princess +of Wales, who is unwell. The after-dinner conversation between +the august personages became so animated, that the +servants in the ante-room overheard the discussions which were +being conducted with warmth far from royal. Although the +King enjoys an income of 120,000<i>l.</i> sterling, I know from +Temple, who has learnt it from his brother, lately paymaster at +the Treasury, who has verified the fact, that his personal debts, +contracted since he ascended the throne, amount to upwards of +half a million sterling, and this in consequence of having followed +the advice of Lord Bute, and distributed sums of money for the +sake of securing votes in Parliament and establishing royal authority, +all of which has turned out very amiss. These debts, +the wish to bribe, as well as the economical education given him +by the Princess of Wales, oblige him to live in London and at +Richmond with a niggardliness unworthy of royalty. He never +has any kind of supplies, but sends for six bottles of wine at a +time, and for one bottle of rum with which to brew punch, so +that he is the laughing-stock of all the city dealers, who are +great feeders, heavy drinkers, and whose jokes are as light as +their roast-beef. Numerous pamphlets and prints have been +published on the subject, and the matter has been turned into +jest on the stage. In his almost daily drives between London +and Richmond, the King takes for his body-guard a detachment +of five-and-twenty light horse of the <i>élite</i> or of the <i>bourgeois</i>; it +is only a few days since a whole detachment of these supposed +guards was placed under arrest for playing at highway robbery, +pistol in hand.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_198"></a>[198]</span></p> + +<p>‘Just fancy into what hands the King and the royal family +have fallen! It is whispered by profound politicians or great +enemies to Lord Bute, that the latter, who is allied to the house +of Stuart, is, from the bottom of his heart, deeply attached to the +Pretender; that he very ably serves this old master whilst shaping +the conduct of the King of England as he does, which may +in the end result in the Crown being lost to the House of Hanover. +God alone is able to search the heart of this Scotchman. +I consider Lord Bute to be as clever as he is shrewd; I certainly +consider him even more shrewd than he is clever; but, notwithstanding +his skill at intrigue, which I admit, I do not think he +has a very bad heart—were it so, we should be forced to acknowledge +that there never existed a more cunning rascal. It must, +however, be admitted that we find, especially in the history of +Scotland, traits of character still more odious. Ambition or +religion is capable of the greatest crimes, even more than of the +greatest virtues. You may make what reflections you please on +the above, but I think it my duty to communicate to you the +opening before me, upon a subject of such importance.</p> + +<p class="right">‘I am, &c.’</p> + +<p>‘P.S.—A few evenings ago the Duke of York, not very particular +in his love affairs, was surprised with a lady by her +husband, a captain, who wounded him slightly on the shoulder +with a stroke of his sword, so that he has had to keep his room +for some days; but this affair was hushed up immediately. His +brother, the Duke of Gloucester, has fallen violently in love with +the young dowager Lady Waldegrave, and as it is feared he +might contract a secret marriage, it is arranged that he is to +travel abroad with the Duke of Brunswick, who will return to +England to conduct his consort to Germany. So far as this +duke is concerned, he does not live on good terms with the +Princess Augusta, his wife, who, however, is jealous of her husband. +Persons in the palace have assured my friend that the +prince’s love for his wife has cooled because he has discovered +that she has an issue on the leg, and that their two children are +already attacked with the King’s evil, that is to say, scrofula, of +which the King’s younger brother has lately died.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>De Broglio lost no time in replying. He desired<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_199"></a>[199]</span> +D’Eon to seek to discover, by diligent research, in +which he was to observe the greatest circumspection, +what prospect there would be of success were the restoration +of the Stuarts to be attempted; and he further +wished to know whether it would be dangerous to sound +Lord Bute as to his secret intentions, or whether it +would be better to watch and wait. The Chevalier +recommended the latter course, saying that according +to his judgment men and things were not sufficiently +matured.<a id="FNanchor_239" href="#Footnote_239" class="fnanchor">[239]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE CHEVALIER SLANDERED.</div> + +<p>The number of D’Eon’s friends in every class of +London society, clearly exceeded that of his enemies +who were seeking to discredit him in public opinion, +by resorting to the daily papers as a vehicle for their +malice. We may mention as an example, that in October +of this year there appeared in the ‘St. James’ +Chronicle’<a id="FNanchor_240" href="#Footnote_240" class="fnanchor">[240]</a> the announcement of a work preparing for +the press, and in due time to be published and <i>dedicated +to Parliament</i>, which would contain amongst other matter: +‘An Account of the Chevalier D’Eon’s overtures to +impeach three persons, by name, of <span class="smcap">selling the Peace +to France</span>—an Account of the Bill of Indictment found +against a great foreigner for a conspiracy to assassinate +the Chevalier D’Eon—an Account of the <i>nolle prosequi</i> +granted to stop proceedings against the said foreigner—an +Account of the attempt made to seize the person +and papers of the Chevalier D’Eon, on November 20, +1764, by a warrant from the then ministry—an Account +of the pension granted to Count Viri for <i>his services</i> in +making the Peace—Extract of a letter from the Duke +of N——s to the Duke de Praslin, dated London, +February 20, 1763.’</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_200"></a>[200]</span></p> + +<p>D’Eon’s indignant notification and protest at the +liberty taken with his name, and disowning all participation +in the forthcoming pamphlet, was prompt +and conclusive, and inserted in the same paper in +French with an English translation.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>To the Author of the ‘St. James’ Chronicle.’</i></p> + +<p>‘Sir,—I have seen with much surprise, in your paper of the +7th inst., an advertisement of a work said to be preparing for +the press, dedicated to your Parliament, containing, amongst +other extraordinary pieces, <i>An account of the Chevalier D’Eon’s +overtures to impeach three persons, by name, of selling the Peace +to the French</i>, and other papers of that nature. If I had been +the author, I should not have had the impertinence to have +dedicated them to your Parliament, nor to have inserted names +so respectable as those in your said advertisement. I declare +to you, sir, as well as to your public, upon my honour, that I +have no concern, directly or indirectly, in the impression of any +such work, nor in any other which may be published in my +name, or in any way insinuating that I have had, or will have +any concern therein. And to authenticate as much as possible, +this my declaration, I beg you will immediately print the above +in your paper.<a id="FNanchor_241" href="#Footnote_241" class="fnanchor">[241]</a></p> + +<p>‘I am, Sir,</p> + +<p class="center">‘Your humble servant,</p> + +<p class="right">‘The <span class="smcap">Chevalier D’Eon</span>.’</p> + +<p class="date-l">‘York, October 18, 1766.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">DR. MUSGRAVE’S ADDRESS.</div> + +<p>The author of the notice publicly disavowed by +D’Eon was believed by some to be a Dr. Musgrave,<a id="FNanchor_242" href="#Footnote_242" class="fnanchor">[242]</a> +who, availing himself three years later of a general +election, issued an <i>Address to the Gentlemen, Clergy, +and Freeholders of the County of Devon</i>, under date, +Plymouth, August 12, 1769, which he caused to be<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_201"></a>[201]</span> +extensively circulated about the kingdom. In this +document, intended in reality for the people of England, +Dr. Musgrave represented that whilst residing in Paris, in +1764, he discovered that the Peace signed the previous +year had been sold to the French by some persons of +high rank. He had at different times been informed by +Sir George Younge, Mr. Fitzherbert, and other members +of Parliament, that overtures were made to them during +the summer of 1764, in the name of the Chevalier +D’Eon, imputing that he, the Chevalier, was ready to +impeach three persons, two of whom were peers and +members of the Privy Council, for selling the Peace to +the French, Sir George Younge having in particular +told him that he understood the charge could be supported +by written as well as by living evidence. By +direction of Dr. Blackstone<a id="FNanchor_243" href="#Footnote_243" class="fnanchor">[243]</a> he waited, May 10, 1765, +on Lord Halifax, Secretary of State, and delivered +to him an exact narrative of the intelligence he had +received at Paris, with copies of four letters to and +from Lord Hertford; seven days after which interview, +he was informed by Mr. Fitzherbert that overtures +were then being made to the Chevalier D’Eon to get +his papers from him for a stipulated sum of money. +When pressed by Dr. Musgrave, at a second interview, +to inquire into the truth of the charge, Lord Halifax +objected to all public steps that might cause alarm, +and asked him to point out a way of prosecuting the +inquiry in secret, and whether, in so doing, there was +any probability of obtaining positive proof of the alleged +facts. The Doctor urged Lord Halifax to send for the +Chevalier D’Eon and examine him upon the subject, to +peruse his papers, and then proceed according to proofs, +it being well known that the Chevalier had the negotiations<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_202"></a>[202]</span> +on the part of the French, also the despatches of +the Duke de Nivernois. This his lordship refused to +do; the Doctor therefore took it upon himself to accuse +the Secretary of State of wilful obstruction of national +justice in delaying inquiry, such obstruction not only +giving a temporary impunity to offenders, but tending +also to make the impunity perpetual, seeing that living +witnesses were exposed to the chances of mortality, and +written evidence to the not uncommon casualty of fire. +The Doctor went on to say that the papers upon which +the whole of the written evidence depended were anything +but secure—they were not in safety. Did it not +stand upon record that the Count de Guerchy had conspired +to assassinate the Chevalier D’Eon, a charge that +had not been either refuted or answered; which, not +succeeding, a band of ruffians was hired to kidnap that +gentleman and carry off his papers! Lord Halifax’s +refusals did not deter him from carrying his own +papers to the Speaker to be laid before the late House +of Commons. The Speaker was pleased to justify his +conduct by allowing that the affair ought to be inquired +into, although refusing to be instrumental in promoting +the inquiry. Dr. Musgrave concluded his address by +submitting the prosecution of the affair to the judgment +of those for whom his message was intended, in full +confidence that the result of their deliberations would +do honour at the same time to their prudence, candour, +and patriotism.<a id="FNanchor_244" href="#Footnote_244" class="fnanchor">[244]</a></p> + +<p>Dr. Musgrave’s paper was intended to persuade the +people of England that what many already believed +was true—that the French Court had paid immense +sums of money to the Princess of Wales, Lord Bute, +the Duke of Richmond, Lords Egremont and Halifax,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_203"></a>[203]</span> +and Count Viri, towards bringing about a general peace, +a remonstrance which set the whole nation in a flame. +The Court of St. James, the Peace of 1763 and all who +had a hand in it, became the objects of universal hatred, +and in 1770 Parliament was obliged to take serious +notice of the movement.<a id="FNanchor_245" href="#Footnote_245" class="fnanchor">[245]</a> D’Eon, regardless of expense, +was not content to oppose Musgrave’s popular +scandal and that of a throng of writers, who, without +any proof whatever, attempted to support such rash +and dishonourable reports, but he also, by his depositions, +in a great measure contributed to the discrediting +of the Doctor’s virulence, and the latter was reprimanded +by the Speaker of the House of Commons as the disturber +of public tranquillity, D’Eon on his part gaining +the approbation of the two courts and of the people in +general.<a id="FNanchor_246" href="#Footnote_246" class="fnanchor">[246]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">D’EON’S LETTER TO DR. MUSGRAVE.</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>D’Eon’s letter to Dr. Musgrave.</i></p> + +<p>‘Sir,—You will permit me to believe that you never knew +any more of me than I have the honour of knowing of you, and +if in your letter of August 12 you had not made a wrong use of +my name, I should not now find myself obliged to enter into a +correspondence with you. You pretend that in the summer of +1764, overtures were made in my name to several members of +Parliament, importing that I was ready to impeach three persons, +two of whom were Peers and members of the Privy Council, of +having sold the Peace to the French, and you seem to found +thereupon the evidence of a charge which you say you carried +yourself to Lord Halifax. I declare, therefore, here, that I never +made or caused to be made, any such overture, either in the +winter or the summer of 1764, nor at any other time. I am on +one side too faithful to the office I filled, and on the other too +zealous a friend to truth.... I assure you I do not know<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_204"></a>[204]</span> +either Sir George Younge or Mr. Fitzherbert, and never authorised +any person whatever to make in my name such overtures, +which the abhorrence alone I have for calumny would +make me detest. I call upon you, therefore, to lay before the +public the name of the audacious person who has made use of +mine to discover his own odious offers. The gentlemen whom +you have given as your witnesses cannot deny you this justification +of their own veracity and yours.... It appears to me +an act of the last imprudence, in an affair of so much weight, +to build upon report for naming publicly a person of my character, +without having previously consulted him. If you had +recollected the contradictions I gave in ‘St. James’ Chronicle’ +of October 25, 1760, No. 881, to an advertisement in the same +paper, No. 875, you had saved me the trouble of replying to you +at this time. What must be the result? The public will have +read greedily your letter; will have believed its contents because +you appeal therein to my testimony. But what will they think +now, when your own interest, my honour and truth oblige me +to deny all that you have advanced therein with respect to me. +It is the same with your pretence that about May 17, 1765, Mr. +Fitzherbert told you he knew that overtures had been made to +me, to sell for a sum of money the papers that were in my +hands.... I here certify to you, on my word of honour, and +in the face of the public, that I cannot be of any sort of use to +you, that I never entered into any treaty for the sale of papers, +and never either by myself, or any agent authorised on my part, +offered to make appear that the Peace had been sold to France. +If Lord Halifax or the Speaker had caused me to be cited, he +might have known by my answers what my thoughts were, that +England rather gave money to France than France to England, +to conclude the last Peace, and that the happiness I had in +concurring to the great work of peace, has inspired me with +sentiments of the justest veneration for the English commissioners +who had been employed in it, and with the most lively +esteem and sincerest admiration for the late Count Viri, who, +in his attachment to the welfare of the two nations then at war, +and thanks to his indefatigable zeal, had the glory of bringing +that peace to a happy conclusion.... In order to enable you +to be as prudent as patriotic, I sign this letter and therein give<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_205"></a>[205]</span> +you my address, that for the maintenance of your own veracity +you may furnish me with the means of convicting publicly those +slanderers who have dared to make use of my name, in a manner +still more repugnant to real facts than the dignity with which I +have ever supported my character.<a id="FNanchor_247" href="#Footnote_247" class="fnanchor">[247]</a></p> + +<p class="center">‘I have, &c.,</p> + +<p class="right">‘The <span class="smcap">Chevalier D’Eon</span>.’</p> + +<p class="date-l">‘In Petty France, Westminster.’</p> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_206"></a>[206]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<p>D’Eon and Wilkes—Fickle Louis XV.!—Literary labours—Doubts raised +as to D’Eon’s sex—Princess Dashkoff—Heavy gambling transactions on +D’Eon’s sex—Insult resented—Irritation at being thought a female—Indignant +denial of being concerned in the bets made—State of penury—Offers +of relief from Poniatovsky, now King of Poland—Saves England +from war—Officially reported to be a female—Personal appearance—Death +of Louis XV.—D’Eon’s estimate of the late king—Count de +Broglio’s report on D’Eon to Louis XVI.—System of secret correspondence +abolished—D’Eon to continue his reports in cypher.</p> + +</div> + +<p>The expulsion of John Wilkes from the House of +Commons and his trial for libel, and D’Eon’s conviction +on a similar charge, both of which took place in 1764, +were almost contemporary events, and although the +Chevalier abstained from taking any part in the riots of +that year, he never failed, when opportunity offered, to +show his sympathy for <i>Wilkes and Liberty!</i> After the +great agitator had returned to England in 1768, and +was undergoing his sentence of twenty-two months’ +imprisonment in King’s Bench for seditious libel and +blasphemy, D’Eon one day sent him a present of twelve +smoked tongues, with a note in which he expressed the +wish that ‘the tongues might have the eloquence of +Cicero and the nicety of speech of Voltaire,’ to laud +him worthily upon the anniversary of his birth, which, +in the future, would ever be regarded as that of English +liberty.’<a id="FNanchor_248" href="#Footnote_248" class="fnanchor">[248]</a></p> + +<p>A singular letter from Louis XV. to the Count de +Broglio, dated February 12, 1767, commences thus:—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_207"></a>[207]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘You know that D’Eon is a madman, and perhaps a dangerous +one, but there is nothing better to be done with madmen +than to lock them up, and certainly in England he is recognised +as such, and cannot be of any use to the English except to afford +them amusement, and enable them to make fun of M. de +Guerchy. I do not know what instructions M. de Fuentes +has had, or expects to receive, in regard to him.<a id="FNanchor_249" href="#Footnote_249" class="fnanchor">[249]</a> For all that, +all I have promised him must be performed, but nothing more. +I have a deadly hatred to madmen....’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Yet the man who was considered insane only when +it suited the King to say so, was retained as secret +agent enjoying the royal confidence, and upon the Baron +de Breteuil, nominated ambassador to Holland, being sent +to England in 1768 on a special mission, he was ordered +‘to see and confer with D’Eon,’ which, however, he was to +do ‘in the most secret manner possible.’<a id="FNanchor_250" href="#Footnote_250" class="fnanchor">[250]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">BRIEF LULLS.</div> + +<p>For the next few years D’Eon beguiled his leisure in +literary labours, spending his summers chiefly at +Staunton Harold, Earl Ferrers’ seat in Leicestershire. +He retired late and rose early, worked fifteen hours +a day, partook of one meal only, at two <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span>, and refused +to receive any visitors except on Sundays. His +ordinary residence from July 1769, when he quitted 32 +Brewer Street, and 1772, when he returned to those his +old quarters, was Petty France, Westminster, the house +he occupied having a garden bordering on the park, +and to which he removed to be near his friend, Mr. +Cotes. He produced ‘Les Loisirs du Chevalier D’Eon, +&c., in thirteen volumes,<a id="FNanchor_251" href="#Footnote_251" class="fnanchor">[251]</a> which he dedicated to his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_208"></a>[208]</span> +friend and protector, the now disgraced and exiled Duke +de Choiseul.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... It is, my lord, in the land of philosophy and liberty, +where one learns not to bestow praise except on virtue and +merit, that my mind, freed from prejudice, publicly exposes the +traits that characterise you.’</p> + +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp58" id="illus4" style="max-width: 34.375em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/illus4.jpg" alt=""> + <figcaption class="caption"><p>THE CHEVALIER D’EON.<br>1770.</p> + <p class="right"><a href="#APPENDIX"><i>See Appendix.</i></a></p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<p>Commenting on this dedication, a newspaper article +thus eulogises D’Eon:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘There is as great a singularity in the character of the +Chevalier D’Eon, as <i>in our ignorance of his sex</i>. The rule of his +life is peculiar to himself; no other man or woman would, in +the same position, write and behave as he does. Is it reason, +virtue, or caprice that dictates his conduct, and makes him in +his manners the reverse of our men of fashion? Let our readers +judge from the following fact. Our courtiers adore the man upon +whom fortune smiles, and rail at him as soon as he is no longer +in favour; the Chevalier follows an unjustly disgraced minister +in his exile, and there pays him the tribute of praise he refused +him in the time of his prosperity. When the French Court +conceal their esteem for the Duke de Choiseul, and bend the +knee to the favourite they despise, to that duke the Chevalier +dedicates his “Loisirs”—him he openly dares to commend! +That oddity will not make a fortune at St. James’; it cannot +be applauded when folly holds the place of merit, and immorality +rides triumphant over the ruins of religion!’<a id="FNanchor_252" href="#Footnote_252" class="fnanchor">[252]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>The work was well received, and especially, it was +said, at Berlin, where the notices it contained on political +administration, and particularly that branch relating +to finance, caused so favourable an impression +on the ministers, for they found therein a quantity of +new and extremely useful ideas, that his Prussian +Majesty ordered they should immediately be put into<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_209"></a>[209]</span> +operation for the benefit of the public and of the +Government.<a id="FNanchor_253" href="#Footnote_253" class="fnanchor">[253]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">FEMALE OR MALE?</div> + +<p>The Chevalier’s popularity, chiefly amongst those +who interested themselves in the politics of the day, had +never waned since his first introduction into English +society, much of the favour he enjoyed being due to +his genial and agreeable manners, his openness of +character, and the dignity and spirit of independence +with which he bore his trials; but in the year we have +reached—1769—his name, somewhat more freely canvassed, +began to attain unenviable notoriety, for doubts +were being seriously entertained as to the nature of his +sex, and what was at first whispered from mouth to ear +became openly revealed, until public opinion had fairly +fastened on the idea that the Chevalier D’Eon was not a +man at all but a woman! And when the Princess +Dashkoff, who chanced to arrive in England at this +juncture, related that D’Eon, whom she perfectly well +knew at St. Petersburg, had been received and entertained +by the Empress Elizabeth with all the intimacy +to which his believed in sex admitted him, further +doubts existed in the minds of a few only; and what had +been suspected was boldly advanced as a certainty, the +Count de Châtelet, French ambassador in London, +among the number, writing to tell Louis XV. he was +persuaded that the Chevalier was a <i>fille</i>. According to +a biographical memoir in the ‘Gentleman’s Magazine,’ +vol. liii., the first indications that led to a suspicion of +D’Eon’s sex was a wound received in a duel.</p> + +<p>John Taylor, the author of ‘Monsieur Tonson,’ who +had met the Chevalier in advanced life, was assured by +a very old friend of his father, one well acquainted with +D’Eon at this period, that his manners were captivating<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_210"></a>[210]</span> +and that he might have married most advantageously, +as several ladies of good family and with large fortunes +had made overtures to him at their country seats where +he visited; but that upon all such occasions he immediately +left the house, whence it was inferred he quitted the +place on account of his being really of the female sex.<a id="FNanchor_254" href="#Footnote_254" class="fnanchor">[254]</a></p> + +<p>It was the fashion in England for all matters of +dispute to become the subject of betting, and gambling +transactions attained extraordinary proportions, the lead +being taken at Brooks’s, White’s, and other clubs, as +Walpole relates in some curious anecdotes. The uncertainty +of the sex of a noted character was too fair +an opportunity to be wasted, and gambling policies of +insurance were effected to large amounts, as shown in +the opposite statement, giving an idea of the extent to +which such transactions were carried within the first +few months of their being started, reaching, as they +subsequently did, considerably larger proportions.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_211"></a>[211]</span></p> + +<p class="center"><i>Insurance on the Sex of Monsieur the Chevalier D’Eon.</i><a id="FNanchor_256" href="#Footnote_256" class="fnanchor">[256]</a></p> + +<table> + <tr> + <td colspan="10" class="bb"><span class="smcap">Dr.</span></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>1770.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr">£</td> + <td class="tdr"><i>s.</i></td> + <td class="tdr"><i>d.</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="nw">March 28.</td> + <td class="nw">To premium on</td> + <td class="tdr">600<i>l.</i></td> + <td>at 15 gs. per cent</td> + <td>94<i>l.</i></td> + <td>10<i>s.</i></td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr"></td> + <td class="tdr"></td> + <td class="tdr"></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td>Policy.</td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr"></td> + <td></td> + <td>10<i>s.</i></td> + <td>6<i>d.</i></td> + <td class="tdr"></td> + <td class="tdr"></td> + <td class="tdr"></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr"></td> + <td class="bt"></td> + <td class="bt"></td> + <td class="bt"></td> + <td class="tdr">95</td> + <td class="tdr">0</td> + <td class="tdr">6</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="nw">March 30.</td> + <td class="nw">To premium on</td> + <td class="tdr">200<i>l.</i></td> + <td>at 15 gs. per cent.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr">31</td> + <td class="tdr">10</td> + <td class="tdr">0</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td>Do.</td> + <td class="tdr">300<i>l.</i></td> + <td>do.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr">47</td> + <td class="tdr">5</td> + <td class="tdr">0</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td>Do.</td> + <td class="tdr">200<i>l.</i></td> + <td>do.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr">31</td> + <td class="tdr">10</td> + <td class="tdr">0</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td>Do.</td> + <td class="tdr">100<i>l.</i></td> + <td>do.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr">15</td> + <td class="tdr">15</td> + <td class="tdr">0</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="nw">April 10.</td> + <td>Do.</td> + <td class="tdr">500<i>l.</i></td> + <td>do.</td> + <td>78<i>l.</i></td> + <td>15<i>s.</i></td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr"></td> + <td class="tdr"></td> + <td class="tdr"></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td>Policy.</td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr"></td> + <td></td> + <td>10<i>s.</i></td> + <td>6<i>d.</i></td> + <td class="tdr"></td> + <td class="tdr"></td> + <td class="tdr"></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr"></td> + <td></td> + <td class="bt"></td> + <td class="bt"></td> + <td class="bt"></td> + <td class="tdr">79</td> + <td class="tdr">5</td> + <td class="tdr">6</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="nw">April 30.</td> + <td class="nw">To premium on</td> + <td class="tdr">500<i>l.</i></td> + <td>at 20 gs. per cent. and Policy</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr">105</td> + <td class="tdr">10</td> + <td class="tdr">6</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td>Do.</td> + <td class="tdr">1,000<i>l.</i></td> + <td>at 10 gs. per cent.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr">105</td> + <td class="tdr">0</td> + <td class="tdr">0</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr bt">3,400<i>l.</i></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr bt">510</td> + <td class="tdr bt">16</td> + <td class="tdr bt">6</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td>To profit</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr">658</td> + <td class="tdr">13</td> + <td class="tdr">6</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr bt">1,169</td> + <td class="tdr bt">10</td> + <td class="tdr bt">0</td> + </tr> +</table> + +<table> + <tr> + <td colspan="7" class="bb"><span class="smcap">Cr.</span></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>1770.</td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr">£</td> + <td class="tdr"><i>s.</i></td> + <td class="tdr"><i>d.</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="nw">June 19.</td> + <td>By</td> + <td class="tdr">300<i>l.</i></td> + <td>compromised at 50 per cent.</td> + <td class="tdr">150</td> + <td class="tdr">0</td> + <td class="tdr">0</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td class="tdc">”</td> + <td class="tdr">2,300<i>l.</i></td> + <td>sold at 40 per cent.</td> + <td class="tdr">920</td> + <td class="tdr">0</td> + <td class="tdr">0</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td class="tdc">”</td> + <td class="tdr">300<i>l.</i></td> + <td>sold at 20 per cent.</td> + <td class="tdr">60</td> + <td class="tdr">0</td> + <td class="tdr">0</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td class="tdc">”</td> + <td class="tdr">500<i>l.</i></td> + <td>sold at 20 per cent.</td> + <td class="tdr">100</td> + <td class="tdr">0</td> + <td class="tdr">0</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr"></td> + <td class="bt">3,400<i>l.</i></td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr bt">1,230</td> + <td class="tdr bt">0</td> + <td class="tdr bt">0</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td colspan="3">Brokerage at 5 per cent.</td> + <td class="tdr">60</td> + <td class="tdr">10</td> + <td class="tdr">0</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td></td> + <td class="tdr bt">1,169</td> + <td class="tdr bt">10</td> + <td class="tdr bt">0</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="7">Whereof par ¼ of the profit is 164<i>l.</i> 13<i>s.</i> 4<i>d.</i></td> + </tr> +</table> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_212"></a>[212]</span></p> + +<p>To add to the chagrin endured at the gross liberties +taken with his name, the Chevalier was reproached by +his enemies with being an accomplice in the scandalous +jobbing affairs and a sharer in the plunder, charges he +indignantly repudiated when unburdening himself to +his old friend the count.<a id="FNanchor_255" href="#Footnote_255" class="fnanchor">[255]</a></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... I am grieved to hear, and even to read in the English +papers, all the extraordinary reports that reach from Paris, +London, and even St. Petersburg, on the uncertainty of my sex, +and which gain ground in a country of enthusiasts such as this, +and to such an extent, that policies of insurance for considerable +sums are being publicly effected upon so indecent a subject, +both at Court and in the city. I held my peace for a long time. +My silence only served to increase suspicion and the number +of insurances. I consequently repaired, last Saturday, to the +Exchange and to the several neighbouring coffee-houses, where +all kinds of insurances and stock-jobbing take place, and there, +in uniform, walking-stick in hand, I obliged the money-broker +Bird, who was the first to start one of these impudent insurances, +to beg my pardon. Yielding the choice of weapons, I +challenged to fight anybody who might consider himself the +most incredulous, the bravest, or the most insolent of the entire +assembly, and several thousands were present. All treated me +with great courtesy, and in their amazement not one of those +male adversaries, in this great city, dared either to cross sticks +or to fight me, even though I remained in their midst from noon +until two o’clock, to afford them ample time to decide amongst +themselves. I took my leave, making my address generally +known in the event of any one changing his mind. This is +the way in which such people should be taken in hand and +silenced. They are most insolent in the liberties they take, +even with the greatest persons at Court, and the more reason +with me, a private individual whom they know to be exiled from +France, and lonely. Bird assured me, in the face of his apologies, +that he and his colleagues were able to effect the most +extraordinary insurances or wagers, even in regard to the royal +family, except, in observance of an Act of Parliament, so far +as concerned the life of the King, the Queen, and their children, +and that he was employed by a great lady, whose name he +refused to communicate, to effect an insurance on my sex....’</p> + +<p>‘... I beg of you, sir, not to be displeased with your old +aide-de-camp, if you read in the <i>Gazette</i>, or elsewhere, that on +the 7th of this month I broke my cane across two Englishmen +for taking impudent liberties with my name. My conduct has +been approved by military men and others alive to a sense of +honour. Since making my two visits to the city, nobody has +dared, either at court or anywhere about town, to make a wager, +publicly, on the nature of my sex, of which I have stamped +virile proofs on the faces of two insolent fellows....’</p> + +<p>‘Some of my discreet friends have recommended me to leave +London for a month or two, and travel quietly in Ireland under +an assumed name, for I am not known there. In spite of my<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_213"></a>[213]</span> +threats and the blows I have dealt, and of my conduct through +life, an inconceivable mania for effecting insurances to a considerable +amount on the uncertainty of my sex has again taken +hold of people in the city, and I am cautioned, from several +quarters, that some rich persons entertain the idea of having me +carried off, by artifice, force, or stratagem, so that the point may +be settled in defiance of me, a thing I will not tolerate, and +which, should the attempt be made, will place me under the +cruel necessity of killing somebody.... I can declare to you, +sir, upon my honour, that I am not interested to the value of +even one <i>sou</i> in these bets and insurances.... I am sufficiently +mortified at being what nature has made me, and that +the dispassion of my natural temperament should induce my +friends to imagine, in their innocence, and this in France, in +Russia, and in England, that I am of the female sex. The +malice of my enemies has confirmed all this since the beginning +of my misfortunes, which I have not by any means deserved, +and of which I should have been rid long ago. I leave all to +the King’s and to your own kindness of heart....’<a id="FNanchor_257" href="#Footnote_257" class="fnanchor">[257]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">ON THE DEFENSIVE.</div> + +<p>The tone of swagger repeated in the above letters, +would dispose to the belief that D’Eon was exaggerating +the degree of front he had shown to those Englishmen +who were taking unwarrantable liberties with his name; +but the measure of his veracity would appear to be out +of the question. In the ‘Public Advertiser’ of November +16, 1774, it was stated that—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="noindent">‘the Chevalier D’Eon with justice complains of our public +prints; they are eternally sending him to France, when he is +body and soul fixed in this country; they have lately confined +him to the Bastille, when he fled to England as a country of +liberty, and they lately made a woman of him, when not one of +his enemies dared to put his manhood to the proof. He makes +no complaint of the English ladies.’</p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_214"></a>[214]</span></p> + +<p>That the calumnies of which D’Eon continued to be +the object were not chargeable to all classes of society, is +to be inferred from a notice which appeared in the papers +a few days later, announcing—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Earl Ferrers, Sir John Fielding, Messieurs Addington and +Wright, and other worthy magistrates and gentlemen, and their +ladies, did the Chevalier the honour to dine with him in Brewer +Street, Golden Square, a convincing proof that he is not confined +in the Bastille, as certain weak and wicked persons have popularly +asserted, ignorant of the justice and honour his worth and +merit have deserved.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Being at dinner one day with his friend Angelo, +D’Eon was informed of the presence, in the next room, of +a Jew named Treves who would, on condition that he +discovered his sex, on the instant pay him one thousand +pounds; when, says Henry Angelo, he flew into such a +violent passion, that it was with much difficulty his +father could restrain him in his rage against the +Israelite.</p> + +<p>For the second time in his life the Chevalier found +himself to be in imminent peril of being kidnapped in +the interests of those who had heavy stakes on his sex, +and were pressing for having the question resolved off-hand. +Leaving London, he wandered restlessly in the +north, until he saw in the papers that his disappearance +was causing anxiety to his friends, who were offering a +handsome reward and the payment of all reasonable +expenses for any intelligence that should lead to his +recovery, if concealed or restrained of his liberty. He +was described as being dressed, upon leaving his home, +in scarlet faced with green, and wearing the cross of +Saint Louis; he had a new plain hat with silver button, +loop and band, and his sword, but no cane. Inquired +after and sought, and no trace of him being obtainable,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_215"></a>[215]</span> +a <i>caveat</i> was entered at Doctors’ Commons against his +goods, on the supposition that he was dead. Hastening +back he informed his friend, Mr. Fountain, of Litchfield +Street, who had been most active in searching after him, +of his arrival in London, in a note which appeared in +the papers<a id="FNanchor_258" href="#Footnote_258" class="fnanchor">[258]</a> the following morning with the announcement:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘This night, about eleven o’clock, the Chevalier D’Eon, whose +extraordinary disappearance above six weeks ago has been the +subject of much conversation and inquiry, arrived in good health +at his house in Petty France, Westminster.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">A PROTEST.</div> + +<p>Then, in due course, he presented himself before +Lord Mayor Crosby,<a id="FNanchor_259" href="#Footnote_259" class="fnanchor">[259]</a> as the most public way of testifying +that he was alive, and made an affidavit to the +effect that—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="noindent">‘he never had, and never would have any part, directly or +indirectly, in the policies of insurance made on his sex; +that he had never touched and never would touch a single +guinea from any person or persons, on account of the said +insurances; that he never would enter into any negotiations +with any person or persons, however considerable the sums that +had been offered to him, and which had amounted to 25,000<i>l.</i>, to +prove, judicially, his sex.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>In reporting his proceedings to de Broglio the +Chevalier wrote:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I have only had time to travel over the North of England, +and a part of Scotland. Two important reasons prevented me +from going to Ireland as I had intended. 1. My funds were +insufficient. 2. Because, whilst on my travels, I noticed in the +English papers that the public, ever jealous of its liberties, was +much alarmed, and that my own friends were greatly concerned +at my supposed abduction, and that all the doors of the house I +occupy had been sealed. I returned immediately to reassure +the public and my friends, as well as to attend to my private<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_216"></a>[216]</span> +affairs. With regard to the cypher and King’s papers, I had, as +you are aware, insured their safety before I went away, and they +would not have been found, at least not unless the house was +razed to the ground.</p> + +<p>‘By last Tuesday’s post I sent to you the “Public Advertiser,” +which contains the declaration I made, under oath, before the +Lord Mayor, that I am not interested to the value of one +shilling, directly or indirectly, in the policies of insurance that +have been effected on my person. It is not my fault if the rage +for betting, on all matters, is a national disorder amongst +Englishmen, who will frequently risk even more than the +fortune they possess on a single horse-race. I do not care +for all their policies of insurance, their articles, newspapers, +prints, or themselves either, and they are aware of it. I have +given proof, and will again do so to their hearts’ content, that I +am not only a man, but a captain of dragoons with sword in +hand. It is not my fault if the Court of Russia, and notably, +the Princess Dashkoff, has assured the English Court that I am +a female. It is not my fault if the Duke de Praslin has caused +secret, and almost public, inquiry to be pursued in France to +confirm this fact, whilst his friend de Guerchy sneakingly spread +the report at this Court that I am a hermaphrodite! Anyhow, +it is not my fault if I exist such as nature formed me; +perfectly or imperfectly formed, I have ever, heart and soul, +faithfully served the King in politics as in war. I am in a condition +to serve him better than ever, and shall be at all times +ready to fly, at his bidding, whithersoever he may send me.’<a id="FNanchor_260" href="#Footnote_260" class="fnanchor">[260]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">THE KING OF POLAND TO THE RESCUE.</div> + +<p>D’Eon never allowed anything to interfere with his +first object in life, that of supplying his royal master +with the fullest information on every subject of interest; +this, however, was not to be effected without resources +of some kind; and as it was his misfortune ever to be left +without funds, even to not receiving his pension with any +degree of regularity, he became fast involved in serious +difficulties, which obliged him to live in a state of misery +that became a terrible burden for one of his past life<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_217"></a>[217]</span> +and habits to bear. He might have been the possessor +of thousands had he been less patriotic, less scrupulous, +and less resolved to put up with his every-day distressing +privations. Patent as the Chevalier’s condition was to +everybody, still did he stand accused of being a confederate +in the dishonest transactions of which he was +the innocent cause. At length relief appeared to be at +hand. Poniatovsky, King of Poland, who had not forgotten +the pleasant evenings he had enjoyed at sword +practice with D’Eon at St. Petersburg, wrote with his +own hand to offer him an asylum and employment, and +for the second time, driven by want and despair, did the +faithful servant’s loyalty waver, for he asked permission +of his cruel master to accept the invitation. But it was +not to be, as de Broglio notified in his reply, approved +in the King’s hand.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... I am not surprised that the King of Poland should +have said such kind things to you through his chamberlain. +This prince is acquainted with you, has heard you well spoken +of in Russia, and knows how useful you might be to him; but +you should also bear in mind that you cannot serve the King +elsewhere so usefully as in London, especially under present +circumstances; nor is there any other place where you can be in +greater safety against the malice of your enemies than in London. +Continue, therefore, your correspondence with me and his +Majesty; it is the wish of the King, who again bids you not +leave England without his orders. But his Majesty approves of +the correspondence you have been invited to entertain with the +King of Poland. There is nothing to be apprehended in this. +Being convinced of your attachment and loyalty, his Majesty +authorises me to leave you at full liberty in this matter. I have +only to call your attention to all that may be of interest to his +Majesty, and to assure you that I shall have much pleasure in +bringing to the notice of the King your services upon the +present and upon all future occasions.’<a id="FNanchor_261" href="#Footnote_261" class="fnanchor">[261]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_218"></a>[218]</span></p> + +<p>Much of D’Eon’s correspondence with the King at +this time was pseudonymous, the assumed name being +William Wolff. There is no probability, whatever, of +the subjects of it becoming generally known, but it may +be said that the Chevalier saved England, France, and +Spain from a ruinous war that was nearly taking place +on account of the dispute relative to the Falkland +Islands. This was done through his secret communications +with Louis XV., to whom he represented the +worthlessness of those islands and their barrenness.<a id="FNanchor_262" href="#Footnote_262" class="fnanchor">[262]</a></p> + +<p>De Broglio’s letter of May 11, given above, was +entrusted to Drouet<a id="FNanchor_263" href="#Footnote_263" class="fnanchor">[263]</a> for delivery to the Chevalier, the +startling report he made upon quickly returning to +France, as the result of his interview with D’Eon, being +immediately communicated by de Broglio to Louis XV.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... I must not omit to inform your Majesty that the +suspicions entertained on the sex of this extraordinary personage +are well founded. M. Drouet, who had received my instructions +to do his best to verify them, has assured me, since his return, +that he has succeeded and is able to certify ... that M. D’Eon +is a female, and nothing but a female (<i>fille</i>), of which he has all +the attributes ... we must admit that this statement forms +the climax to his history.... He begged M. Drouet to keep +the secret, justly observing that if discovered his occupation +were gone. May I entreat your Majesty to be pleased to allow +that the confidence he has reposed in his friend be not betrayed, +and that he will have no cause to regret what he has done....’<a id="FNanchor_264" href="#Footnote_264" class="fnanchor">[264]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">PERSONAL APPEARANCE.</div> + +<p>Let us here note that although D’Eon was described +at this period as having a rather effeminate countenance,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_219"></a>[219]</span> +blue eyes, small features, and as being pale, he had a +dark beard, wore a wig and cue, and ever appeared in +the same dress—that of an officer of dragoons, red with +pea-green lapels and silver lace. He stood about five +feet seven inches, and was rather inclined to corpulency.<a id="FNanchor_265" href="#Footnote_265" class="fnanchor">[265]</a></p> + +<p>Whether or no de Broglio and the King believed in +Drouet’s bewildering assertion, made with so much circumstance, +it is certain that no action was taken either +to the prejudice or in favour of D’Eon, who was left in +trust of his old office, and again forced to appeal pitifully +to the count.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... I am in want ... having ceded to my mother the whole +of my patrimony, and pensioned my old nurse, and having to +support my nephews.... I venture to say, that had I been +born actually as weak and timid as I appear to have been +destined by nature, great evils would have been the consequences. +I shall never regret having sacrificed myself to save +the counsellor from sorrows and your family from troubles....’<a id="FNanchor_266" href="#Footnote_266" class="fnanchor">[266]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>D’Eon was sighing to leave England, and negotiations +with a view to his being permitted to return to France +had been conducted from time to time since the fall +of de Choiseul (1770) by the new minister, the Duke +d’Aiguillon; but the Chevalier comprehensively notes, +with reference to that minister’s proposals—<i>Timeo +Danaos et dona ferentes</i>.<a id="FNanchor_267" href="#Footnote_267" class="fnanchor">[267]</a> When the reiterated appeal +for succour reached its destination, the count was again +in exile at his seat, Ruffec.</p> + +<p>In the early part of 1774, Versailles was visited by +an epidemic which ran through the palace, infecting some +fifty or more of its inmates (amongst them the King’s<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_220"></a>[220]</span> +daughters, Adelaide, Victoire, and Sophie), and of whom +about a dozen, including Louis XV., were carried off.<a id="FNanchor_268" href="#Footnote_268" class="fnanchor">[268]</a> +Those curious to know what were the last days of the +profligate and careless monarch will find, on consulting +Sismondi, how a death-bed repentance was wrested +from him by his confessor, the unflinching and unimpeachable +Abbé Mandoux; how the old Marshal +de Richelieu remonstrated angrily, and how the <i>fils +emancipé</i> received absolution at the hands of the +disconcerted Cardinal de la Roche-Aymon, the <i>grand +aumônier</i>, who read the royal confession.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Although the King owes an account of his conduct to God +only, he declares that he repents having been the cause of any +scandal amongst his subjects, and that he wishes to live solely +for the maintenance of religion and the happiness of his people.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>The interment was anything but royal, for the corpse +of <i>le Bien-aimé</i> was hurried in the darkness of the night +to the tomb—not its last resting-place—amidst the execrations +of the numbers who had turned out to see the +procession as it hastily passed their way, and who kept +shouting the late King’s favourite cry on the hunting +field, <i>tayau! tayau!</i>—and <i>hallali! hallali!</i> his favourite +cry at the death, as his remains were being borne into +St. Denis.</p> + +<p>Wishing to rid himself of a tipsy customer, the +keeper of a drinking-shop warned the troublesome +fellow that the funeral of Louis XV. was about to pass. +‘What!’ was the answer, ‘we were dying of hunger so +long as <i>ce b—— là</i> lived, and are we to die of thirst +now that he is dead?’<a id="FNanchor_269" href="#Footnote_269" class="fnanchor">[269]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_221"></a>[221]</span></p> + +<p>D’Eon’s faith in the good intentions of his master +had never deserted him, but now that master was dead; +and yet, though the Chevalier lived to see the country +he loved so well reap what Louis XV. had sown, his +estimate of that monarch’s character never changed!</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘After having been so long concealed under the shadow of +the wings and of the secret protection of Louis XV., in losing +him I lost all. Soon after his death I became like a victim who +has been publicly sacrificed. An unjust idea has ever been +entertained of the character and talents of Louis XV. If the +truth were but known, it would be allowed that this prince was +endowed with great penetration, great judgment, and a profound +knowledge of men and things. The only quality in which +he was deficient, was the needed strength of character to control +his ministers and ambassadors as became a King. Had Heaven +endowed me with one-half the goodness of the King, my master, +and my master with one-half of my firmness, not one-half of all +that occurred would ever have come to pass. I need not be +miserable for the rest of my days, nor fancy that my honour is +tarnished, because Louis XV. would never disclose to his ministers +the nature of my extraordinary position, or openly uphold +the secret orders and instructions he caused to be secretly conveyed +to me.’<a id="FNanchor_270" href="#Footnote_270" class="fnanchor">[270]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">THE COUNT DE BROGLIO AND LOUIS XVI.</div> + +<p>Scarcely had Louis XVI. ascended the throne, than +the Count de Broglio addressed a memorandum to the +new King, in which was recapitulated the history of the +late sovereign’s secret correspondence from the beginning, +and describing the mode in which it had been conducted. +The count exposed the anomaly of his position, then +and during the two-and-twenty years that he had been +secretly employed by Louis XV.; suggested the probable +causes of his exile, maintained he had never fallen +away from the royal favour, and asked his Majesty’s +instructions, for his guidance, under the peculiar circumstances +in which he found himself. The King’s<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_222"></a>[222]</span> +reply—laconic, formal, and unsigned—simply acknowledged +the receipt of the despatch, enjoined the count +to continue to observe the strictest secrecy, and informed +him that inquiries should be made in the proper quarter +for the reasons that induced the late King to order him +into exile.<a id="FNanchor_271" href="#Footnote_271" class="fnanchor">[271]</a> De Broglio followed up his memorandum +with several letters, soliciting permission in one of them +to communicate certain matters with which he considered +it necessary his Majesty should become acquainted:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... I will commence with what concerns the Sieur D’Eon. +I conceive it to be possible that your Majesty has heard him unfavourably +spoken of, and that you are therefore astonished at +finding him included amongst the number of those persons +honoured with the confidence of the late King. I cannot forbear +observing that he was initiated in the secret correspondence +at the time it was under the direction of the Prince +de Conti. He was sent to Petersburg by that prince in 1756, +after which he was specially chosen by the Dukes de Praslin +and de Nivernois for the negotiations for peace in London, in +1762; and the late King having at that time important designs +on England, ordered him to make direct reports. He was then +made Minister Plenipotentiary in England, during the interval +between the Embassage of the Duke de Nivernois and the arrival +of the Count de Guerchy. It is evident that it was this special +mark of confidence which gave him reason to hope he would +receive support in his misplaced contentions with that ambassador, +who, on his part, exhibited perhaps too much hastiness at +first, and a little want of tact afterwards; but this does not +excuse the faults of the Sieur D’Eon, whose excessive hastiness +was beyond all bounds, and gave rise to unseemly incidents +between persons honoured as they were by the offices they +respectively held. The Duke de Praslin exercised such extreme +severity upon that occasion, that the Sieur D’Eon was not to be +tranquillised, and the latter, unable to return to France, and +driven to despair and into difficulties, was well-nigh failing in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_223"></a>[223]</span> +his allegiance to his Majesty and about to divulge the secret +confided to him, which would have shockingly compromised the +sacred name of the late King, and especially in such a country +as England. I was for a long time in the greatest fear. I +asked his Majesty what I was to do, and took the liberty to +represent to him that anything was preferable to allowing the +subject of the secret correspondence to be known in England. +I received orders to send my secretary to England. He knew +the Sieur D’Eon, and appeased him a little, and it was at length +arranged that he should remain in London for the purpose of +communicating intelligence; but it was necessary to guarantee +to him, in the late King’s own hand, a monthly allowance of one +thousand livres, which he has enjoyed ever since.<a id="FNanchor_272" href="#Footnote_272" class="fnanchor">[272]</a></p> + +<p>‘This singular being (because the Sieur D’Eon is a female) +is, more so than many others, a compound of good qualities and +of faults, and he carries the one and the other to extremes. It +will be necessary that I should have the honour of entering into +the minutest details on this subject, so soon as your Majesty +will have definitely decided in the matter of the secret correspondence. +In the meantime, I venture to take the liberty to +entreat that his case be not determined until I shall have submitted +my respectful observations thereon to your Majesty. I +must not conclude these observations on the Sieur D’Eon without +having the honour of stating that he occasionally signs +his letters, “William Wolff.” ...’<a id="FNanchor_273" href="#Footnote_273" class="fnanchor">[273]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">ABOLITION OF THE SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.</div> + +<p>All the details of the secret correspondence, as they +were fully treated upon by the Count de Broglio, proved +entirely novel to the King, who promptly put an end to +the system. The money allowed for this secret service +by Louis XV. amounted to 120,000 livres annually, his +confidential agents, with one sole exception, being in the +service of the State, and in receipt of established salaries—as +ambassadors, ministers, residents or secretaries of +Embassy; but to several, the reduction of their emoluments +by discontinuance of the secret correspondence<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_224"></a>[224]</span> +allowances would prove a serious inconvenience, the +count therefore submitted a plan for ensuring to his +former colleagues, the faithful depositaries of State +secrets, a life-pension as a reward for their loyalty and +discretion. Approving the scheme, the King responded +liberally, and life-pensions, varying from 1,100 livres to +20,000 livres per annum, were settled upon the various +members of the abolished department, D’Eon excepted, +whose case necessitated special and careful consideration.</p> + +<p>As to the count himself and his recall from exile, +he insisted upon a thorough investigation into his conduct, +whether as regarded his personal acts or his +correspondence, both of which too clearly proved how +completely removed from the slightest taint had been +his loyalty and integrity of purpose.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I have found amongst the King’s effects,’ wrote Louis XVI., +‘several maps and papers, such as you have intimated to me, +and have tied them together. I have since made every inquiry +respecting yourself, and find that in all you did you acted in +accordance with the King’s orders. You have therefore my +permission to return to Paris or to Court at Compiègne.... I +approve of your writing to the several ministers to instruct +them to discontinue the correspondence. I send you a rough +draft of the letters which you must send to me for my signature. +As regards yourself, sir, you will collect the whole of +your papers upon your arrival in Paris, for delivery to M. de +Vergennes, after which you may take your rest.’<a id="FNanchor_274" href="#Footnote_274" class="fnanchor">[274]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">CLAIMS TO CONSIDERATION.</div> + +<p>The Count de Vergennes had succeeded as Minister +for Foreign Affairs<a id="FNanchor_275" href="#Footnote_275" class="fnanchor">[275]</a> upon the disgrace and exile of the +Duke d’Aiguillon, the avowed enemy of the de Broglios, +and whose attitude towards D’Eon had been one of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_225"></a>[225]</span> +dangerous hostility. Rejoicing in his fall and full of +hope in the new order of things, the Chevalier appealed +to de Broglio for intercession in his behalf with the +young King.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘His late Majesty and you have deigned to approve, by your +letters of August 22, 1766, &c., my conduct in delivering to +M. Durand and the Baron de Breteuil the secret papers you +required. You equally approved my conduct, by letter of +February 10, 1767, in communicating to the Prince de +Masseran<a id="FNanchor_276" href="#Footnote_276" class="fnanchor">[276]</a> the discovery I had made of England’s design to +invade Mexico and Peru in the approaching war, on the plan +devised by the Sieur Caffaro, that is to say, the Marquis +d’Aubaret, for which he receives 600<i>l.</i> sterling per annum +from the English ministry.... You also approved, by letter of +September 23, 1769, my vigilance in giving you eight months’ +notice of the naval expedition projected by Russia against the +Turks, and of which you were a witness. His Majesty, as also +the King of England, deigned to approve my conduct in the +affair of Dr. Musgrave on the subject of the peace, which +created so great a sensation in London in 1769 and 1770. I +will not worry you by entering into particulars on the various +testimonies of approbation you have deigned to give me, on +behalf of his Majesty, as to my zeal in keeping you informed of +interesting events that have already occurred, that are now +passing, and are yet to take place.</p> + +<p>‘It is time, after the cruel loss we have experienced of our +Counsellor-in-Chief<a id="FNanchor_277" href="#Footnote_277" class="fnanchor">[277]</a> at Versailles, who, in the midst of his own +court, had less power than a king’s advocate at the Châtelet; +who, through incredible weakness, ever suffered his faithless +servants to triumph over his secret servants who were true +to him, and who had ever more largely favoured his declared +enemies rather than his real friends; it is time, I say, that you +should inform the new King, who loves truth, and of whom it is +said that he is as firm as his illustrious grandfather was weak; +it is time, for us both, that you should inform this young +monarch of your having been the secret minister of Louis XV.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_226"></a>[226]</span> +during upwards of twenty years, and of my having been under-minister, +under his orders and yours; that during the last +twelve years I have sacrificed my fortune, advancement, and +happiness, in desiring to obey, to the letter, his secret order of +June 3, 1763,<a id="FNanchor_278" href="#Footnote_278" class="fnanchor">[278]</a> and the secret instructions relating thereto;’ ...</p> + +</div> + +<p class="noindent">that for particular reasons, known only to the late King, +he thought it his duty to sacrifice him, openly, to the +wrath of his ambassador de Guerchy, to that of his +ministers, and to the hysterics of de Pompadour; but +that his sense of justice and kindness of heart had +never, in secret, allowed him to abandon him, but that +he had, on the contrary, given him, in his own hand +his royal promise to reward and justify him in the +future.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... Posterity could never believe in these facts, had not you +and I all the necessary documents to establish them, together +with others still more incredible.... Had the late good King +not expelled the Jesuits from his kingdom, and had he a Caramuel +or a Malagrida for his confessor, nobody would have been +surprised; but, thank God, I hope the new King will soon +deliver you and me out of our embarrassments. I trust that no +Jesuit will ever be his confessor, friend, or minister, whether he +be disguised as priest, chancellor, duke and peer, courtier or +courtesan.’<a id="FNanchor_279" href="#Footnote_279" class="fnanchor">[279]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>De Broglio had said much more in his favour to Louis +XVI. than he chose to tell D’Eon, and he now conveyed +to him the King’s desire that he should continue to make +his reports in cypher, addressing all such communications +to the Count de Vergennes.</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_227"></a>[227]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<p>The Count de Broglio’s offers for the surrender of the King’s papers—D’Eon’s +conditions—Failure of the transaction—Proposal of marriage to +(Mademoiselle) D’Eon—Beaumarchais—The Madame Dubarry scandal—De +Vergennes’ instructions to Beaumarchais—That minister’s high +opinion of D’Eon—Beaumarchais’ success in treating with D’Eon.</p> + +</div> + +<p>So far as the ministers were concerned, the Chevalier +D’Eon was regarded in the light of a rebel and traitor, +when all of which he could have stood convicted was, +like poor Clinker, ‘hunger, wretchedness, and want; +but de Broglio and the King knew otherwise. The +compromising papers with the existence of which we +have become so familiar, were still in his possession, and +their immediate recovery having become an absolute +necessity, the count was directed to arrange in a kindly +and generous spirit for their surrender. He accordingly +sent to London the Marquis de Prunevaux, an officer of +distinction and a kinsman of the Duke de Nivernois, to +propose the following conditions:—D’Eon to give up +every document relating to the late King’s private or +official correspondence; to give his word of honour to +abstain, ever thereafter, from writing anything of a +nature likely to awaken the recollections of his contentions +with de Guerchy and de Praslin, and to avoid +all such places where he would be liable to meet the +Countess de Guerchy and her children. In return, he +should receive a life-pension of twelve thousand livres,<a id="FNanchor_280" href="#Footnote_280" class="fnanchor">[280]</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_228"></a>[228]</span> +have his military rank restored to him, all charges +pending against him should be withdrawn, and a safe +conduct signed by the King granted, enabling him to +return to France and live in any part of the country +most agreeable to himself. But D’Eon had lost his +beloved master, whose slightest wish had ever been a +law to him; he knew that his occupation was gone, +but he thought he might recover the position he had +lost if he played his cards well, and accordingly rejected +the terms, substituting his own instead, in which he +asked—(1) that his conduct should be purged of the +calumnies imputed to it by the Duke de Praslin and the +Count de Guerchy, and that he should be reinstated in +the diplomatic rank and title he had held, as was done +to the celebrated La Chalotais;<a id="FNanchor_281" href="#Footnote_281" class="fnanchor">[281]</a> and (2) that all sums +and indemnities due to him during the past twenty-one +years, amounting altogether to 13,933<i>l.</i> sterling, or +318,477 livres, should be paid to him in full.</p> + +<p>In urging his claims to a sum of such large proportions, +the Chevalier’s argument was a repetition of what +he had advanced in days gone by, when soliciting Louis +XV. and de Broglio for pecuniary assistance:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘All the debts I have contracted in England are the natural +consequences of the orders I received from the King being contradictory +to those of the Duke de Praslin; a natural consequence +of the means to which I had recourse in defence of my +honour and of my life; a natural consequence of the measures +I adopted to prevent my person and papers from being carried +off out of England, and a natural consequence of the criminal +proceedings I was obliged to institute against the late Count de +Guerchy, for having poisoned me at his table, and for having +ordered and bribed de Vergy to assassinate me in London; also<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_229"></a>[229]</span> +for having sought to kidnap me—all atrocious crimes of which I +adduced proofs at the trial, notwithstanding the indignation of +the French Court, notwithstanding the presence of the ambassador, +who owed his escape from the punishment he richly merited +simply to a <i>nolle prosequi</i> mercifully granted by the King of England, +in answer to his supplication, and to the everlasting disgrace +of the said ambassador.’<a id="FNanchor_282" href="#Footnote_282" class="fnanchor">[282]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">NEGOTIATORS NONPLUSSED.</div> + +<p>De Prunevaux remonstrated that the sum demanded +was prodigious.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Prodigious for you,’ replied D’Eon, ‘who insist on crown +pieces doing duty in a country where guineas are fingered! +Prodigious in your native Morvan, where a horse costs two louis, +an ox six livres, and an ass a crown; but as for me, I have been +living for the last thirteen years in London, where a turkey +costs six livres before it is roasted!’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Notwithstanding a four months’ residence in London, +De Prunevaux could not prevail upon the Chevalier to +leave England, for he insisted, after the example of the +brave and virtuous La Chalotais, on a temporary re-establishment +in his post of plenipotentiary which he +occupied with distinction, and from which Madame de +Pompadour, with a cabal of the great, by little and +base intrigues expelled him; deeming all pecuniary +satisfaction beneath his honour, gold being but a means +and not the object of great souls.<a id="FNanchor_283" href="#Footnote_283" class="fnanchor">[283]</a></p> + +<p>De Broglio’s friendly remonstrances and reproaches +were without effect upon D’Eon, who became the more +obdurate from the moment that de Prunevaux resolutely, +and once for all, refused to entertain any such idea as his +reinstatement to his former official position. De Prunevaux +was succeeded by Captain Pommereux of the Grenadiers, +ordered to treat with D’Eon on the basis of an<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_230"></a>[230]</span> +indemnity; but the only concession the Chevalier would +make being to reduce his claim to 256,000 livres, de +Vergennes submitted to the King that since a high sum +was still persisted in, it would be unwise to underrate +the importance of keeping on good terms with the +Chevalier, and recommended that for the present, at +least, his quarterly allowance should be paid as before, +anticipating that he would become more tractable +with time, and if less importance were attached to +the recovery of the papers of which he was the depositary. +Louis XVI. approved, but said that he had +never read a more impertinent or ridiculous letter than +D’Eon’s,<a id="FNanchor_284" href="#Footnote_284" class="fnanchor">[284]</a> and were it not for the safety of the documents, +he should certainly send him about his business.<a id="FNanchor_285" href="#Footnote_285" class="fnanchor">[285]</a> +I cannot conclude this paragraph without noticing that +the gallant captain became so thoroughly persuaded, +during his stay in London, of the truth of the reports on +the presumed sex of the Chevalier, that he became +enamoured of the heroine, and actually proposed marriage +before taking his departure for France!</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE DUBARRY SCANDAL</div> + +<p>There now appears on the scene a remarkable man, +one who, relying upon his abilities, of which he was +singularly vain, was prepared to act as mediator, and +by pursuing a policy of something like oppression, bring +D’Eon to his bearings. This was no less an individual +than Beaumarchais, the watchmaker’s apprentice, lieutenant-general +of the royal hunt, champion of the +Americans in revolt against Britain, and in the secret +service of Louis XVI., but more universally known, perhaps, +as the author of ‘Le Barbier de Seville,’ a play +first published with the authority of that sovereign, and +unjustly condemned for a season as being a plagiary on<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_231"></a>[231]</span> +Molière’s ‘École des Femmes.’ When D’Eon and Beaumarchais +met for the first time, the latter was in London +on a mission from the King, in which D’Eon was likewise +concerned, and it is scarcely to be doubted he +was under instructions from de Vergennes to make the +Chevalier’s acquaintance with a view to entering eventually +into further relations with him. By Beaumarchais’ +management were shaped the destinies of D’Eon, +who has left a record of how they met and what their +intercourse, in a written statement he addressed to the +Count de Vergennes, on May 27, 1776,<a id="FNanchor_286" href="#Footnote_286" class="fnanchor">[286]</a> and from which +we quote the following passages:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘There was in 1773, and there still is, in England, a libelling +adventurer named Théveneau de Morande, the counterpart of +the Sieur Goudard described by me elsewhere. He had set up +a newspaper called “Le Gazetier Cuirassé,” a sort of laboratory +for defamation of character, in which he abused everybody and +dealt in slander. Before printing “Le Gazetier Cuirassé,” he +wrote to all those persons (including M. de Voltaire) whom it +was his intention to defame, to demand a certain sum of money +if they did not wish such abominations to be made public. +The Marquis de Villette, one of those to whom he had written, +replied:—</p> + +<p>‘“You scoundrel! You demand fifty louis that you may not +publish certain facts in which I am concerned; if you give me +one hundred, I will supply you with many other facts far more +curious and private, which you can add to your manuscript. I +await your answer.”</p> + +<p>‘2. In a letter dated July 6, 1773, Louis XV. and his secret +minister, the Count de Broglio, instructed the Chevalier D’Eon +to find out whether M. de Morande was really at work on<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_232"></a>[232]</span> +“Notes on the Life of Madame la Comtesse Dubarry,”<a id="FNanchor_287" href="#Footnote_287" class="fnanchor">[287]</a> and what +sum would suffice to induce M. de Morande to give up his MS. +and the publication of it.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>To which the Chevalier D’Eon replied, under date +of July 13-18, 1773:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘You could not have recourse to anybody more able to +assist and bring to a satisfactory termination the affair you have +mentioned to me, M. Morande being a countryman of mine, who +boasts of being connected with a branch of my family in Burgundy.... +For two months I refused to make his acquaintance +for very good reasons. He has so frequently called since, +that I have occasionally received him rather than be annoyed +by a young man of an exceedingly turbulent and impetuous disposition, +who knows no bounds, and without any respect for +things sacred or profane. Such is the man.... <i>Fœnum habet +in cornu, tu Romane, caveto.</i> This is why I keep him at a +certain distance....</p> + +<p>‘He is a man who swindles several rich people in Paris +through fear of his pen. He has produced the most outrageous +libel it is possible to conceive against the Count de Lauraguais, +with whom he picked a quarrel. The King of England (himself +so frequently attacked in the papers) asked, with reference +to this affair, what he thought of English liberty.’</p> + +<p>‘I have nothing to complain of, Sire,’ replied the count, ‘it +treats me like a King.’</p> + +<p>‘I am not aware that Morande is at work on the scandalous +account of the Dubarry family; but I have very strong suspicions +that such is the case. If it should be so, there is +nobody in a better position than I am to negotiate for its being +relinquished; he is very fond of his wife, and I undertake to +get her to do anything I wish.... I believe that if he were +offered 800 guineas he would be quite satisfied. I know that +he is in want of money just now, and I will do my best to +arrange for a smaller sum. But, sir, to tell you the truth, I +should be delighted if the money were given to him by some<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_233"></a>[233]</span> +other person, so that nobody will suppose that I have made a +single guinea by such a business.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘3. M. D’Eon is on the point of concluding the bargain in +consideration of the sum of 800<i>l.</i> sterling, M. Morande giving +his bond that he will pay 1,000<i>l.</i> sterling to the poor of the +parish, should he hereafter be convicted before a tribunal, of +having caused to be printed any work to the prejudice of the +late King, of his mistresses or ministers.’</p> + +<p>‘4. M. D’Eon receives another letter from the Count de +Broglio, dated August 26, 1773, approved by the King, in +which he is instructed to suspend his negotiations with Morande, +seeing that the celebrated Count Dubarry had taken other +measures; but he is to watch Morande and his publications.’</p> + +<p>‘5. Secret emissaries of police arrive in London for the +purpose of kidnapping Morande. The scheme fails, and the +frightened emissaries promptly make their escape to Paris.’</p> + +<p>‘6. Under censure of the Parliament of Paris, Beaumarchais +is on the point of being arrested, when he takes refuge in the +King’s wardrobe, an asylum worthy of such a personage.’</p> + +<p>‘7. M. de la Borde, the late King’s valet-de-chambre,<a id="FNanchor_288" href="#Footnote_288" class="fnanchor">[288]</a> confides +to Beaumarchais, in the gloom of the wardrobe, that the +King’s heart is saddened by a rascally libel on the amours of the +charming Dubarry, in the course of being written in London by +the scoundrel Morande.’</p> + +<p>‘8. ... The Sieur Caron entertains hope of success in +fawning to his master’s love affairs, humbling his enemies and +increasing his own fortune. He communicates to la Borde his +design of going to London, and secretly bribing with gold the +already corrupted Morande. This project is communicated by +la Borde to Louis XV., who deigns to give his approval.’</p> + +<p>‘9. Accordingly, Beaumarchais arrives in London <i>incognito</i>, +escorted by the Count de Lauraguais <i>in publico</i>.’</p> + +<p>‘10. The day of their arrival, Morande calls on M. D’Eon +to inform him that two French noblemen had been to see +him that morning, with their pockets full of gold, to invite him<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_234"></a>[234]</span> +to suppress his work against the Countess Dubarry; but not +wishing to conclude any arrangement without first consulting +M. D’Eon, who was the first to commence negotiations on this +business, the two noblemen had remained in their coach at the +corner of the street, and desired to confer with him.’</p> + +<p>‘11. M. D’Eon asks Morande the names of these two +French noblemen, and whether they bring letters to him from +Versailles or Paris.... Morande declares they wish to preserve +the strictest incognito.’</p> + +<p>‘12. M. D’Eon replies that he has no wish to confer with +unknown individuals; they might be emissaries of police who +would induce him to say what he would rather leave unsaid; +that the love affairs of kings were ticklish matters to meddle in.... +The only advice he could offer to Morande, encumbered as +he is with a wife and family and debts, in so expensive a +place as London, and pursuing a dangerous avocation comparable +to that of a highwayman, would be to exact the largest +sum out of the richest gilt coach he might meet. His own coach +could only offer 800<i>l.</i> sterling for the suppression of the libel....’</p> + +<p>‘13. A few days later, M. D’Eon learns that the two unknown +nobles are, the unknown noble, Caron de Beaumarchais, +and the most illustrious and well-known noble, Louis +François Brancas, Count de Lauraguais, and that they had concluded +an agreement with Théveneau de Morande, in the name +of Louis XV., for the suppression of his libel in consideration of +the sum of 1,500 louis, in cash, and a life-pension of 4,000 +francs, to be reduced to a life-pension of 2,000 livres in favour +of his wife, should she survive him....’<a id="FNanchor_289" href="#Footnote_289" class="fnanchor">[289]</a></p> + +<p>‘14. Morande not ceasing to trouble M. D’Eon with his +obtrusive visits, the latter was induced to tell him that he was +curious to make the acquaintance of such a man as Beaumarchais, +because the papers he had published gave him reason +to suppose, judging by the boldness of his style and opinions, +that there was still a man left in Paris.’</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_235"></a>[235]</span></p> + +<p>‘15. ... Morande brought him to my house when he came +to London for the third time, and thus we saw each other, led no +doubt by a curiosity natural to extraordinary animals to meet +one another.’</p> + +<p>‘16. In May, 1775, I saw this rake whom I might call, +without offence, by the name of that animal who with his eyes +turned up, and his snout to the ground, searches for truffles in +my country. After several interviews and conferences, he became +acquainted with some of the circumstances of my political +and physical condition.’</p> + +<p>‘17. He was profuse in his offers to be of service at Versailles, +and I accepted. Like a drowning man abandoned, so +to say, by the late King and his private minister for high +reasons of state, to the current of an infected river, I hung on +for an instant to the boat of Caron as I would to a red-hot rod +of iron. Although I took the precaution to protect my hands +with gauntlets, I had my fingers burnt after all....’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">BEAUMARCHAIS’ HEART TOUCHED.</div> + +<p>According to Loménie,<a id="FNanchor_290" href="#Footnote_290" class="fnanchor">[290]</a> D’Eon <i>solicited the assistance +of Beaumarchais</i>, and that he might the more +effectively enlist his sympathies, confessed to him, with +tears, that he was a female, which, never doubting, and +delighted at the prospect of obliging a woman become +interesting by her daring courage, political talents and +misfortunes, and wishing also to bring to a successful +issue a somewhat difficult task, Beaumarchais wrote +some touching words to Louis XVI. in favour of his +client.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘When it is considered that this creature, so persecuted, is +of a sex to which all is forgiven, the heart is moved with sweet +compassion.... I venture to assure you, Sire, that in treating +this wonderful creature with tact and gentleness, even though +she be soured by twelve years of misfortune, she will be easily +prevailed upon to submit herself, and give up the whole of the +late King’s papers on reasonable conditions.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Having familiarised himself with D’Eon’s story, his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_236"></a>[236]</span> +difficulties and necessities, Beaumarchais returned to +Versailles, and exaggerating the importance of the +hidden secret correspondence, although he had not +seen any of it, pleaded the cause of his new client, and +secured for himself the congenial employment of treating +for the King’s papers by instructions contained in a +letter from the Count de Vergennes, in which allusion +is made for the first time to the Chevalier’s change of +sex, although spoken of throughout in the masculine +gender.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... You have the King’s authority to agree to every +reasonable guarantee upon which M. D’Eon may insist, for the +regular payment of his pension of 12,000 livres, on the understanding, +however, that he will not claim an annuity to that +amount when out of France; the capital to be devoted to the +realisation of this sum is not at my disposition, and I shall experience +much difficulty in obtaining it; but it is easy enough +to convert the pension into a life-annuity, of which the title-deed +would be given up. The liquidation of debts will be a +difficult matter, M. D’Eon’s claims in this respect being very +great, and he must reduce them considerably to enable us to +come to terms. As you are not to allow it to appear that you +are sent to him on a mission, you will enjoy the advantage of +his having to wait upon you, and you will thus be in a position +to dictate terms. M. D’Eon is of a violent disposition, but I +believe him to be an honest fellow, and I will do him the justice +to say that I am quite persuaded he is incapable of treachery. +It is impossible for M. D’Eon to take leave of the King of England; +the disclosure of his sex renders such a thing impracticable; +it would be casting ridicule upon the two Courts ... +a certificate will be granted, provided he remains satisfied with +the praise that his zeal, intelligence, and loyalty have merited; +but we cannot compliment him on his moderation and submission, +and in no case must there be any allusion to his disputes +with M. de Guerchy. You are an enlightened man, and +I have no misgivings that you will make a good bargain with +D’Eon, if such a thing is to be done at all. If you fail, then we<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_237"></a>[237]</span> +must take it for granted that we cannot expect to meet with +success, and make up our minds for the worst. Our first feelings +will be disagreeable, but the consequences will be terrible +to D’Eon. It is very humiliating to an exile to turn traitor. +He becomes an object of contempt.’<a id="FNanchor_291" href="#Footnote_291" class="fnanchor">[291]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">STILL APPRECIATED.</div> + +<p>Even though the Count de Vergennes was thus +engaged in determining the final disposal of D’Eon, +such was the opinion continued to be entertained of his +devotion to his country, of his abilities and usefulness, +that we see him recommended by that minister to the +new French ambassador in London, as being a <i>man</i> +fully competent to obtain information of which they +stood in need, and this at a time that France was still +guided by a feeling of hostility towards the rebels +against British authority in America.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>The Count de Vergennes to the Count de Guines.</i></p> + +<p class="date">‘Versailles, June 23, 1775.</p> + +<p>‘... You will be good enough not to neglect any opportunity +for assuring his Britannic Majesty of the King’s sentiments +towards him, and his wish for the establishment of the most +perfect understanding between them as sovereigns, on the basis +of the peace and friendship that so happily exists. The +principles of moderation and justice by which the King is +constantly guided, and which directs him in all his resolutions, +should serve to reassure his Britannic Majesty on the nature of +our views, sought to be misrepresented by the enemies to public +peace. Far from desiring to take advantage of England’s +difficulties under the present aspect of affairs in America, we +would rather be able to assist in extricating her. The spirit of +revolt, wherever it may break out, is always a dangerous +example. There are mental as well as physical maladies, and +both may become contagious.... We have no wish to carry +our precautions to such a point as to alarm the English. I +request that you will keep a strict watch over the changes we<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_238"></a>[238]</span> +may expect to see, and especially over what Lord Chatham +might effect on the mind of the King of England, should he +yield, as reported, to the solicitations of that prince for the +purpose of drawing him towards himself. Perhaps M. D’Eon +will be able to procure for you some interesting information on +this subject. If you believe in the possibility of entertaining +direct relations with him, I know that he will not refuse to be +of service to you. His heart is ever French, although his +misfortunes and hasty temperament seem sometimes to have +estranged him. He has friends in the opposition, which is by +no means a bad channel for obtaining information.’<a id="FNanchor_292" href="#Footnote_292" class="fnanchor">[292]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>To resume. Beaumarchais’ earliest success consisted +in obtaining from the Chevalier the keys of an +iron safe said to contain the King’s secret papers, and +which Lord Ferrers was supposed to hold as security +from D’Eon for the loan of five thousand pounds.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... I place at your disposal, Captain D’Eon, a brave +officer, an accomplished diplomatist, and possessing all the +virile qualities of manhood so far as his head is concerned. I +bring to the King the keys of an iron safe securely sealed with +my own seal, and in safe deposit, and containing all the papers +it is necessary for the King to have. It is thus that I served +the late King in the case of another exile whose pen was +dreaded.<a id="FNanchor_293" href="#Footnote_293" class="fnanchor">[293]</a> At any rate, the King and you may remain perfectly +well assured that matters in England will remain <i>in statu quo</i> +during my absence, when completing with you the task I have +commenced with D’Eon.... I take advantage of the first sure +opportunity for having a letter posted at Calais to inform you, +without its being known in London, that I have placed in the +King’s hands certain papers, and an individual whom it was +sought, at any price, to employ against him ... people are +curiously inquiring what I am doing here!...’<a id="FNanchor_294" href="#Footnote_294" class="fnanchor">[294]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">SUBMISSION!</div> + +<p>The letter intimating to Beaumarchais, for the first<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_239"></a>[239]</span> +time, that D’Eon should, in the future, be considered a +female, was succeeded two months later by another +ministerial despatch, in which allusion is made, also for +the first time, to the necessity for his complete change +of sex by the assumption of female attire; the Count +de Vergennes, as will be noticed, still referring to the +Chevalier by employing the personal pronoun of the +masculine gender.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... However great my desire to see, to know, and to +converse with M. D’Eon, I do not conceal from you that I have +one cause for anxiety. His enemies are on the alert, and will +not easily forgive him for all he has said of them. Should he +come here, however prudent and circumspect he may be, they +might impute to him conduct in opposition to the reserve +imposed by the King; denials and justifications are always +embarrassing and odious to the well-meaning. Should M. D’Eon +consent to disguise himself, all would be well; it is a proposition +that can emanate from himself alone; but in his own interest +it is desirable that he should avoid, at least for some years, a +residence in France and necessarily in Paris. You may make +such use of these observations as you think proper.’<a id="FNanchor_295" href="#Footnote_295" class="fnanchor">[295]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>Having displayed his keys at Versailles, and assured +de Vergennes that four days would suffice to regulate +affairs finally with D’Eon, Beaumarchais returned to +London, the first step he took being to inform the +Chevalier, in the clearest terms, that as the primary +condition of all future negotiations it was absolutely +necessary she should agree to resuming female attire. +D’Eon became very noisy upon receiving intimation +for which he was so little prepared, and persistently +refused to assent; but the determined attitude and +dictatorial bearing assumed by Beaumarchais were not +without effect, and for the first time in his life, perhaps, +he quailed, and in the end, yielded.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_240"></a>[240]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘All this has afforded me the opportunity for becoming +better acquainted with the creature with whom I have to deal ... +the feeling of resentment against the late ministers and +their friends of thirty years’ standing is so strong in her, that +too great a barrier cannot be placed between the contenders. +Written promises to be prudent do not suffice to keep in check +one whose blood boils at the simple mention of Guerchy. The +positive declaration of her sex, and her promise to live for ever +after in female attire, will be the only means of putting an end +for the future to all kind of clamour and its consequences. I +have been resolute in exacting this, and have succeeded.’<a id="FNanchor_296" href="#Footnote_296" class="fnanchor">[296]</a></p> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_241"></a>[241]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<p>D’Eon surrenders the King’s papers—Earl Ferrers’ share in their custody—Covenant +between Beaumarchais and D’Eon, who receives permission +to return to France—and is ordered to resume female attire.</p> + +</div> + +<p>The next few weeks were employed in arranging the +terms of that Covenant by which D’Eon irrevocably +bound himself to renounce his style as a man, and +appear for ever thereafter in the character of a female, +that being the sex to which he more properly belonged. +During this interval also the iron safe was opened, and +its contents declared by Beaumarchais to be far from +meriting the importance attached to them. D’Eon +insisted, on the contrary, that they were very precious, +including, as they did, the earliest instructions supplied +to the Duke de Nivernois on his proceeding to England; +the earliest despatches of that minister giving +the secret details of the negotiations for peace; and +the family pact of the House of Bourbon, together +with the secret convention—the whole of which were +made up into four bundles; but he admitted that the +papers of the greatest consequence were not in the +iron safe at all. To produce these he took Beaumarchais +to his residence, led him into his bedroom, and +from beneath the flooring withdrew four parcels +securely sealed and directed: <i>Secret papers to be given +to the King only</i>, which, he avowed, completed the collection. +D’Eon then drew up a list of the whole, in +detail, Beaumarchais affixing his initials and a numeral +to each sheet as he hastily perused it.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_242"></a>[242]</span></p> + +<p>In conferring with Lord Ferrers, whose name appeared +on D’Eon’s list as one of his principal creditors, +Beaumarchais shrewdly observed that either the debt +owed to him was imaginary, or his debtor had been +imposing upon him, by obtaining large sums of money +on the security of papers held to be of considerable +importance, but which papers had never really been +consigned to him, they having been concealed in his +own residence. To this Lord Ferrers replied that he +regretted Beaumarchais should seek to create a breach +between his friend the Chevalier and himself—he little +cared to which sex he belonged—as he valued him for +the spirit he showed and for his virtues. He had not +been deceived, he said, on the nature of the papers in +the iron safe, represented to have been State papers, +and having seen the inventory of them, signed by Beaumarchais +himself, he was more than ever convinced of +the Chevalier’s honesty and truthfulness, such papers +being all he could have desired as security for his +money. Even had his creditor died, he might have +easily recovered what was owed to him, for the Court +of France, or at any rate, the British Court, would +have paid ten times the sum he claimed, rather +than that publicity should be given to their contents. +He was surprised, he added, at the dishonourable +treatment by the French Court and its ministers of so +extraordinary a person as the Chevalier D’Eon, who +had worthily served his country, and yet had been so +badly used.</p> + +<p>Defending himself against the charge of having +deceived Lord Ferrers, D’Eon says:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘M. de Beaumarchais makes me aver, upon his own private +authority, what I never thought of or said. When I deposited +the iron safe with his lordship he never even asked to see the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_243"></a>[243]</span> +outside coverings of the papers. He trusted entirely to my +word when I declared to him that it contained State papers, and +the detailed list signed by M. de Beaumarchais has proved to +his lordship that I told the truth.... I know how to conduct +myself abroad, and especially amongst the natural enemies of +France, with the prudence and policy acquired by long experience +and a residence of twenty-two years in foreign lands. +Mine was consequently an act of wisdom and prudence, in +not revealing to an admiral, an English peer allied to the royal +family, the fact of my holding secret correspondence with the +King, and that the said voluminous correspondence was hidden +beneath the flooring of my bed-chamber. It was for me alone +to know this, and that the papers were near a mine of gunpowder +which would have blown all into the air had any +attempt been made to drive me out of my last retrenchment. +How can M. de Beaumarchais distinguish by the name of +deceit the reticence I have necessarily observed towards everybody +except himself, coming to me as he did, in behalf of the +King and of his minister? Should he not rather blush at +having betrayed to an English nobleman, through a feeling of +revenge, my secret, which was that of the late King, who +commanded me not to breathe a word thereon to any living +soul? But M. de Beaumarchais thinks that all secrets, even +the most important of State secrets, are but green-room secrets.’<a id="FNanchor_297" href="#Footnote_297" class="fnanchor">[297]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">BEAUMARCHAIS’ COVENANT WITH D’EON.</div> + +<p>In the Covenant<a id="FNanchor_298" href="#Footnote_298" class="fnanchor">[298]</a> between Beaumarchais and D’Eon, +settling the terms for the surrender of the King’s +papers, and the return of the latter to France, the +emendations and alterations, as they appear in footnotes, +are written in the Chevalier’s hand.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘We, the undersigned, Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, +specially entrusted with the private instructions of +the King of France, dated Versailles, August 25, 1775, communicated +to the Chevalier D’Eon in London, and of which a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_244"></a>[244]</span> +copy certified by me shall be annexed to the present act—on +the one part:</p> + +<div class="sidenote">STIPULATIONS IN THE COVENANT.</div> + +<p>‘And Demoiselle Charles-Geneviève-Louise-Auguste-André-Timothée +D’Eon de Beaumont, spinster of age, hitherto +known by the name of the Chevalier D’Eon, squire, formerly +captain of dragoons, knight of the royal and military order of +Saint Louis, aide-de-camp to Marshal the Duke and to the Count +de Broglio, minister plenipotentiary from France at the Court of +Great Britain, late doctor of civil law and of canon law, advocate +in the Parliament of Paris, Censor Royal for history and <i>belles-lettres</i>; +sent to Russia with the Chevalier Douglas for effecting +the reconciliation of the two Courts, secretary of Embassy to +the Marquis de l’Hôpital, ambassador plenipotentiary from +France at the Court of her Imperial Majesty of all the Russias, +and secretary of Embassy to the Duke de Nivernois, ambassador +extraordinary and plenipotentiary from France to England for +the conclusion of the late peace, are agreed upon what follows, +and have subscribed our names:</p> + +<p>‘Art I. That I, Caron de Beaumarchais, do require, in +the name of the King, that all official and private papers having +reference to the several political negotiations with which the +Chevalier D’Eon has been entrusted in England, notably those +concerning the peace of 1763, correspondence, minutes, copies of +letters, cyphers, &c., at present deposited with Lord Ferrers, +Earl, Peer, and Admiral, of Upper Seymour Street, Portman +Square, London, ever a particular friend of the said Chevalier +D’Eon in the course of his troubles and law-suits in England, that +the said papers, enclosed in a large iron safe of which I have the +key, be delivered to me after having been initialled by me and +by the said Chevalier D’Eon, and of which the inventory shall +be added and annexed to the present act, as a proof that the +said papers have been faithfully delivered.</p> + +<p>‘Art. II. That all papers of the secret correspondence +between the Chevalier D’Eon, the late King, and the several +persons entrusted by his Majesty to entertain that correspondence, +designated in the letters by the names <i>deputy</i>, <i>solicitor</i>, +in the same way in which his Majesty himself was styled the +<i>counsellor</i>—which secret correspondence was concealed beneath +the flooring of the bed-chamber of the said Chevalier D’Eon,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_245"></a>[245]</span> +whence it was withdrawn by him, on October 5 of the present +year, in my presence alone, being carefully sealed and addressed, +<i>To the King only, at Versailles</i>—That all the copies of the said +letters, minutes, the cyphers, &c., shall be delivered to me, +equally attested with initials, and with an exact inventory, the +said secret correspondence consisting of five portfolios or thick +volumes in quarto.</p> + +<p>‘Art. III. That the said Chevalier D’Eon is to desist from +every kind of proceeding, judicial or personal, against the +memory of the late Count de Guerchy, his adversary, the successors +to his title, the members of his family, &c., and undertakes +never to revive any such proceedings under whatsoever +form, unless he be forced thereto by judicial or personal provocation +on the part of some relative, friend, or adherent of that +family; for which there can be no longer any apprehension, his +Majesty having, in his wisdom, taken every necessary precaution +to prevent the recurrence, in the future, of any such unseemly +quarrels, whether on the one side or on the other.</p> + +<p>‘Art. IV. And to the end that an insurmountable barrier +be for ever raised between the contending parties, and that all +ideas of law-suits or personal quarrels, no matter whence they +arise, be permanently nullified, I require, in the name of his +Majesty, that the disguise which has to this day enabled a +female to pass for the Chevalier D’Eon, shall entirely cease, and +without seeking to blame Charles-Geneviève-Louise-Auguste-André-Timothée +D’Eon de Beaumont for a concealment of +condition and sex, the responsibility of which rests entirely +with her relatives,<a id="FNanchor_299" href="#Footnote_299" class="fnanchor">[299]</a> and whilst rendering justice to the prudent, +decorous, and circumspect conduct she has at all times observed +in the dress of her adoption whilst preserving a manly and +vigorous bearing; I require, absolutely, that the ambiguity of +her sex, which has afforded inexhaustible material for gossip, +indecent betting, and idle jesting liable to be renewed, especially +in France, which his pride would not tolerate, and which would +give rise to fresh quarrels that could only serve, perhaps, to +palliate and renew former ones; I require, absolutely, I say, in +the name of the King, that the phantom Chevalier D’Eon shall +entirely disappear, and that the public mind shall for ever be set<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_246"></a>[246]</span> +at rest by a distinct, precise, and unambiguous declaration, +publicly made, of the true sex of Charles-Geneviève-Louise-Auguste-André-Timothée +D’Eon de Beaumont before she returns +to France—her resumption of female attire settling for ever +the public mind with regard to her; with all of which she +should the more readily comply just now,<a id="FNanchor_300" href="#Footnote_300" class="fnanchor">[300]</a> considering how +interesting she will appear to both sexes, all being in like +manner honoured by the incidents of her life, her courage, and +her talents. Upon which conditions I will deliver to her the +safe-conduct on parchment, signed by the King and his Minister +for Foreign Affairs, which allows her to return to France and +there remain under the special and immediate protection of his +Majesty, who is desirous not only of according protection and +security under his royal word, but who is good enough to +change the yearly pension of 12,000 livres, granted by the late +King in 1766, and which has been paid to her punctually to +this day, into a life-annuity of the same amount, with an +acknowledgement that the capital for the said annuity has +already been provided and advanced by the said Chevalier D’Eon +in furthering the concerns of the late King, besides other +larger sums,<a id="FNanchor_301" href="#Footnote_301" class="fnanchor">[301]</a> the total of which will be remitted by me for the +liquidation of her debts in England, with a copy on parchment +of the deed for the said annuity of 12,000 livres tournois, +dated September 28, 1775.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE CHEVALIER’S CONDITIONS.</div> + +<p>‘And I, Charles-Geneviève-Louise-Auguste-André-Timothée +D’Eon de Beaumont, spinster of age, hitherto known as +the Chevalier D’Eon as above styled, submit to the whole of +the above conditions imposed in the name of the King, solely +that I may afford to his Majesty the greatest possible proofs of +my respect and submission, although it would have been far +more agreeable to me had he deigned to employ me again in +his army or in the diplomatic service, in compliance with my +earnest solicitations and in accordance with my seniority—And +because, excepting some exhibition of feeling rendered in a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_247"></a>[247]</span> +measure excusable from a legitimate and natural desire to defend +oneself, and the most justifiable resentment, his Majesty is +pleased to allow that, as an officer, I have always behaved with +bravery, and that I have been a laborious, intelligent, and discreet +political agent.</p> + +<p>‘I submit to declaring publicly my sex, to my condition +being established beyond a doubt, to resume and wear female +attire<a id="FNanchor_302" href="#Footnote_302" class="fnanchor">[302]</a> until death, unless, taking into consideration my being +so long accustomed to appear in uniform, his Majesty will consent, +on sufferance only, to my resuming male attire should it +become impossible for me to endure the embarrassment of adopting +the other, after having tried to accustom myself to it at the +<i>abbaye-royale</i> of the Bernardine ladies of Saint-Antoine-des-Champs, +Paris, or at any such other convent as I might select, to +which I wish to withdraw for some months on arriving in France.</p> + +<p>‘I declare that I entirely relinquish all proceedings, judicial +or personal, to the prejudice of the late Count de Guerchy and +of his successors, promising never to renew them unless forced +to such a step by judicial proceedings as above stated.</p> + +<p>‘I further pledge my word of honour, that I will deliver to +M. Caron de Beaumarchais all official and secret papers, whether +concerning the Embassy or the above said secret correspondence, +without reserving or retaining to myself a single document, upon +the following conditions, to which I entreat his Majesty’s approval:—</p> + +<p>‘“1. Seeing that the letter of the late King, my most honoured +lord and master, dated Versailles, April 1, 1766, by which he +insured to me the annual pension of 12,000 livres until such +time as he should improve my position, is of no further service +to me so far as the said pension is concerned, which has been +changed, to my advantage, by the King his successor, into a life-annuity +of like amount—That the original letter should remain +in my possession as testimony of the honour the late King +deigned to bestow on my loyalty, my innocence, and my irreproachable +conduct during all my troubles, and in all matters he +deigned to confide to me, whether in Russia, whilst serving in +his army, or in England.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_248"></a>[248]</span></p> + +<p>‘“2. That the original receipt given to me in London on +July 11, 1766, by M. Durand, minister plenipotentiary in England,<a id="FNanchor_303" href="#Footnote_303" class="fnanchor">[303]</a> +in exchange for the secret order of the late King, dated +Versailles, June 3, 1763, delivered by me to him, intact, and of +my own free-will, shall remain in my possession, as authentic +testimony of the complete submission with which I gave up the +secret order in the own hand of the King my master, which of +itself justified the course of my conduct in England, so often +described as being obstinacy by my enemies, and which, in their +ignorance of my extraordinary situation in relation to the King, +they have even dared to qualify as high treason.</p> + +<p>‘“3. That his Majesty will deign, as a special favour, to +satisfy himself at the expiration of every six months, as did the +late King, of my being alive and of my whereabouts, to prevent +my enemies from ever again being tempted to undertake anything +to the prejudice of my honour, my liberty, my person, and +my life.</p> + +<p>‘“4. That the cross of Saint Louis, won by me at the peril +of my life, in combats, sieges, and battles in which I took part, +where I was wounded, and served as aide-de-camp to the general +and as captain of dragoons and of volunteers in Broglio’s army, +with bravery to which all those generals under whom I served +have borne witness, shall never be taken from me, and that the +right to wear it on any garments I may adopt shall be conceded +to me for life.</p> + +<p>‘“And if I may be permitted to add a respectful demand to +these conditions, I would venture to observe that, at the moment +I am about to obey his Majesty in consenting to abandon for +ever my male attire, I am entirely destitute of everything—linen, +clothing, and apparel suited to my sex, and that I have no money +to procure even ordinary necessaries, M. de Beaumarchais being +well aware who is to receive the amount destined in part payment +of my debts, and of which I do not wish to touch one sou. +Consequently, although I have no right to expect further favours +from his Majesty, I do not refrain from soliciting at his hands the +gift of a sum of money for the purchase of my female outfit, +this unexpected, extraordinary, and compulsory expense not +being my own idea, but uniquely in obedience to his orders.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_249"></a>[249]</span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">BEAUMARCHAIS’ CONCESSIONS.</div> + +<p>‘And I, Caron de Beaumarchais, still as above styled, I leave +with the said Demoiselle D’Eon de Beaumont the original letter +conferring so much distinction, which the late King wrote to +her from Versailles, April 1, 1766, when awarding her a pension +of twelve thousand livres in acknowledgment of faithful services.</p> + +<p>‘I further leave with her M. Durand’s original document. +Neither of these papers can be taken from her by me without +harshness that would ill accord with the benevolent and equitable +intentions at present entertained by his Majesty towards the +said Demoiselle D’Eon de Beaumont. As to the cross of Saint +Louis, which she desires to retain with the right of wearing it in +female attire, I must admit that, notwithstanding the exceeding +kindness with which his Majesty has deigned to trust to my prudence, +zeal, and intelligence in the conduct of this affair, I am +afraid I should be exceeding my powers in determining so delicate +a question.</p> + +<p>‘Considering, on the other hand, that the cross of the royal +and military order of Saint Louis has ever been regarded +uniquely as the proof of, and reward for, valour, and that several +officers who were thus decorated, having abandoned the military +career for the church or the law, continued to wear on their +new garments this honourable evidence that they had worthily +performed their duties in a calling fraught with greater dangers; +I do not think that there can be any objection to a like indulgence +being granted to a valorous maiden who, having been +brought up in male attire by her parents, and having courageously +fulfilled all the perilous duties imposed by the profession +of arms, may not have been aware of the impropriety of adopting +the attire in which she had been compelled to live, until it +became too late to change, and is therefore not in the least to +blame for not having done so until now.</p> + +<p>‘Considering, also, that the rare example offered by this extraordinary +maiden is not likely to be followed by those of her +sex, and can have no consequences; that had Jeanne d’Arc, who +saved the throne and the states of Charles VII., fighting in male +attire, obtained during the war, as has the said Demoiselle D’Eon +de Beaumont, some military reward or decoration such as the +cross of Saint Louis; it does not appear that, her task being +completed, the King would have deprived her of the honourable<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_250"></a>[250]</span> +guerdon for valour when requiring her to resume the garments +of her sex, nor that any chivalrous French knight would have +considered the distinction as being profaned, because it ornamented +the breast and dress of a female who, on the field of +battle, had ever shown herself worthy of being a man.</p> + +<p>‘I therefore venture to take it upon myself, not in the +quality of envoy, lest I should abuse the power confided to me, +but as a man persuaded of the rectitude of the principles I +have just enunciated; I take it upon myself, I say, to leave +with the Demoiselle Charles, &c. D’Eon de Beaumont the +cross of Saint Louis, and liberty to wear it on her female attire, +without, however, its being understood that I bind his Majesty to +this act should he disapprove my conduct on this point; promising +only, in the event of any difficulty arising, that I will +plead with his Majesty in her behalf, and, if necessary, establish +her right thereto, which I believe to be legitimate, with all the +power of my pen and the strength of my heart.</p> + +<p>‘With regard to the request made by the said Demoiselle +D’Eon de Beaumont to the King, for a sum of money to enable +her to procure a female outfit—although such a matter is not +included in my instructions, I will not delay taking it into consideration, +such an outlay being, as a fact, the necessary consequence +of the instructions of which I am the bearer, to the +effect that she is to assume the garments of her sex. I therefore +allow her, for the purchase of a female outfit, a sum of 2,000 +crowns, on condition that she will not bring away with her from +London any of her clothing, arms, or any male apparel, lest the +desire to wear them should at any time be stimulated by the +sight of them. I consent to her retaining one complete suit of +uniform of the regiment in which she has served, the helmet, +sabre, pistols, musket and bayonet, as souvenirs of her past life, +just as are preserved the relics of loved ones now no more. +Everything else will be given up to me in London, to be sold, +the proceeds to be disposed of in such way as his Majesty may +direct.</p> + +<p>‘And this act has been made out in duplicate, between us, +Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, and Charles-Geneviève-Louise-Augusta-André-Timothée +D’Eon de Beaumont, under +private seal, giving to it, on one side and the other, the most<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_251"></a>[251]</span> +complete force and assent, and we have, each of us, affixed the +seals of our arms, in London, the fifth day of October, 1775.<a id="FNanchor_304" href="#Footnote_304" class="fnanchor">[304]</a></p> + +<p class="right">‘(Signed) <span class="smcap">Caron de Beaumarchais</span>.<br> +<span style="margin-right: 2em;">‘<span class="smcap">D’Eon de Beaumont</span>.’</span></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">THE KING’S WARRANTS.</div> + +<p>When the wording of this Covenant had been first +agreed upon, Beaumarchais went to Staunton Harold, +paid a large portion of the sum presumably owing to +Lord Ferrers, then left for France, returning almost +immediately, bringing with him three warrants the +production of which was indispensable to the signing +of the Covenant no longer delayed, and effected on +November 4. Those warrants, all bearing the same +date, we reproduce in full—the first confers on Beaumarchais +full powers to negotiate with D’Eon for the +surrender of the official and secret correspondence of +Louis XV.—the second grants permission to D’Eon to +return to France—the third requires the Demoiselle +D’Eon to reassume female attire, the right to wear the +cross of Saint Louis being at the same time conceded +to her.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center">I.</p> + +<p class="noindent"><span class="smcap">In the King’s Name.</span></p> + +<p>‘His Majesty being informed that there are in the possession +of the Sieur D’Eon de Beaumont sundry papers relating to +secret negotiations and correspondence with the late King, his +most honoured grandfather, and with some of his Ministers of +State, and it being his Majesty’s desire that these papers should +be withdrawn, he has to this end empowered and commissioned<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_252"></a>[252]</span> +by these presents the Sieur Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais +to proceed to London, there to discover all the documents +in question, to withdraw them out of the hands or custody of +whoever may have them, to take charge of them, to bring them +to France, and to deliver them for his Majesty. His Majesty +authorises the Sieur Caron de Beaumarchais to make all such +arrangements and dispositions as he may deem necessary, with +the view of enforcing all the conditions that prudence will +suggest, for the complete execution of the commission confided +to him, his Majesty being pleased to trust to his intelligence and +zeal in this matter. And as assurance of his will, his Majesty +has of his own hand signed the present order, which he has +caused to be countersigned by me, Councillor, Secretary of State +for his commands and finance.</p> + +<figure class="figleft illowp100" style="max-width: 4.6875em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/seal.jpg" alt="Letters L.S. within a circle"> +</figure> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">Louis.</span></p> + +<p class="right">‘(Signed) <span class="smcap">Gravier de Vergennes.</span>’</p> + +<p class="date-l cb">‘At Versailles, August 25, 1775.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>To a certified copy of the above warrant was +appended the following affirmation:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘And upon the 4th day of November, 1775, all minutes +and the original ministerial correspondence during the embassage +of the Duke de Nivernois, and during the ministry of the +Chevalier D’Eon; the despatches, letters, memorandums, notes +and instructions of the Dukes de Choiseul and de Praslin, and +of the Ministers of the English Court, as well as the minutes of +the correspondence between the Chevalier D’Eon and the King, +Louis XV., from 1762 to 1774, have been faithfully delivered to +me.<a id="FNanchor_305" href="#Footnote_305" class="fnanchor">[305]</a></p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">Caron de Beaumarchais.</span>’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">SAFE-CONDUCT GRANTED BY LOUIS XVI.</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center">II.</p> + +<p class="noindent"><span class="smcap">In the King’s Name.</span></p> + +<p>‘His Majesty having been pleased to cause information to be +laid before him of the different commissions, both public and +private, which the late King, his most honoured grandfather,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_253"></a>[253]</span> +heretofore most graciously confided for his service, as well in +Russia as in England and other places, to Charles-Geneviève-Louise-Auguste-André-Timothée +D’Eon de Beaumont, and of +the manner in which he executed them, as also of the said +D’Eon de Beaumont’s military service, his Majesty was convinced +that, as an officer and as a minister, in politics, in war, +and upon every occasion, he has given such indisputable proofs +of attachment to his country, and of zeal for the King’s service, +as render him worthy of the protection which his Majesty is +pleased to grant him; and his said Majesty, willing that the +said D’Eon de Beaumont should partake of his royal favour, +deigns to continue the pension of twelve thousand livres per +annum, which the late King, his grandfather, granted to him in +1766, and which has been paid to him to this day without interruption. +His Majesty, moreover, being willing that the unhappy +quarrels which broke out so publicly, to the scandal of Europe, +should be for ever buried in oblivion, imposes absolute silence +for the future in that respect, not only upon the said D’Eon de +Beaumont, but also upon all his officers and subjects; upon this +condition his Majesty grants permission to the said D’Eon de +Beaumont to return into his kingdom, to remain there, and to +attend to his affairs in full liberty, as also to choose any other +country which he shall think proper, according to the choice +given him by the late King, dated April 1, 1766. His Majesty, +moreover, willing that, upon no occasion, at no time, and in no +place whatever, the said D’Eon shall be troubled, disquieted, or +molested in his honour, his person, or his fortune, by any of the +ministers—past, present, or future, or by any other person, either +about the negotiations or commissions, whether public or secret, +with which the late King had honoured him, or from any other +cause resulting from his quarrels, disputes, and law-suits, which +by these presents are for ever abolished, as hath been said +above; is pleased to grant to the said D’Eon de Beaumont +safeguard and entire security for his person, and to put him +under his said Majesty’s special and immediate protection and +safeguard, charging the said D’Eon de Beaumont to observe the +strictest silence, and to demean himself upon all occasions like +a submissive, respectful, and faithful subject; and as an assurance +of the authenticity of his royal will in this respect, his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_254"></a>[254]</span> +Majesty has signed this order and safeguard with his own hand; +and in order to prevent all persons from pretending ignorance, +hath caused it to be countersigned and delivered to the said +D’Eon de Beaumont by me, Councillor, and Secretary of State +for his Foreign Affairs, and for his commands and finances.<a id="FNanchor_306" href="#Footnote_306" class="fnanchor">[306]</a></p> + +<figure class="figleft illowp100" style="max-width: 4.6875em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/seal.jpg" alt="Letters L.S. within a circle"> +</figure> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">Louis.</span></p> + +<p class="right">‘(Signed) <span class="smcap">Gravier de Vergennes.</span>’</p> + +<p class="date-l cb">‘At Versailles, the 25th day of August, 1775.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">ORDERS TO RESUME FEMALE ATTIRE.</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center">III.</p> + +<p class="noindent"><span class="smcap">In the King’s Name.</span></p> + +<p>‘Demoiselle Charles-Geneviève-Louise-Auguste-André-Timothée +D’Eon de Beaumont, spinster of age, hitherto known +as the Chevalier D’Eon, formerly captain of dragoons, knight of +the royal and military order of Saint Louis, and minister +plenipotentiary in England, &c., is hereby required to resume +immediately the garments of her sex, never again to lay them +aside, and she is forbidden, under pain of disobedience, to reappear +in France otherwise than in female attire. Upon this +condition only, and others fully set forth in the special safe-conduct +which we have this day granted to her, she may, in +perfect security on my royal word, return to her own country, +there to enjoy the freedom, the honours, favours, and benefits +that have been accorded to her by our illustrious and most +honoured grandfather, as well as by ourselves, in consideration +of her military and political services, without any fear of molestation +to her person, honour, and property by any of my late, +present, or future ministers, or by any other person of whatsoever +rank or quality. And his Majesty, desiring to mark by +special favour his sense of the public and secret services, in +war and in diplomacy, which the said Demoiselle D’Eon de<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_255"></a>[255]</span> +Beaumont has had the good fortune to render during upwards +of twenty consecutive years to the late King, his most honoured +grandfather, decrees that the cross of his royal and military +order of Saint Louis, won by the said Demoiselle D’Eon de +Beaumont at the peril of her life, in combats, sieges, and battles +in which she took part, when she was wounded and employed as +aide-de-camp to the general, also as captain of dragoons and of +volunteers in the army of de Broglio, with bravery to which all +the generals under whom she has served have attested, shall never +be taken from her, and that the right to wear it in female attire +shall belong to her until death.<a id="FNanchor_307" href="#Footnote_307" class="fnanchor">[307]</a> And as an assurance of the +authenticity of his will in this respect, his Majesty has of his +own hand signed the present order; and to prevent all persons +from pretending ignorance, hath caused it to be countersigned +and delivered to the said Demoiselle D’Eon de Beaumont by me, +Councillor, Secretary of State for his Foreign Affairs, and for his +commands and finances.<a id="FNanchor_308" href="#Footnote_308" class="fnanchor">[308]</a></p> + +<figure class="figleft illowp100" style="max-width: 4.6875em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/seal.jpg" alt="Letters L.S. within a circle"> +</figure> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">Louis.</span></p> + +<p class="right">‘(Signed) <span class="smcap">Gravier de Vergennes.</span>’</p> + +<p class="date-l cb">‘At Versailles, the 25th day of August, 1775.’</p> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_256"></a>[256]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<p>Revival of gambling policies on D’Eon’s sex—Renewed protests—Admits +being a female to the Count de Broglio—Beaumarchais a hard master—He +demands final instructions from the King—Differences of opinion +and angry interchange of letters.</p> + +</div> + +<p>D’Eon’s burning desire to see his beloved France was +at length about to be gratified, and as these fresh news +got bruited about, the press announced that the +Chevalier had been recalled, it being the King’s intention +to load <i>him</i> (or <i>her</i>) with honours, and that the +heroine would be shortly leaving for her native land, +where the French Court was impatient to see her. +Such rumours only served to revive all the old squabbles +over the policies on his sex, and bets ran seven to four +that D’Eon was a woman and not a man,<a id="FNanchor_309" href="#Footnote_309" class="fnanchor">[309]</a> which, though +fairly heavy odds, showed that there still existed a +pretty strong feeling in favour of his being a man rather +than a woman. He again became the subject of numerous +objectionable proposals, advances he repelled with +infinite disgust, and which he did his best to discountenance +and discourage by a protest to which he gave +the greatest possible publicity.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FRESH PROTESTS.</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘The Chevalier D’Eon desires, with most earnest entreaty, +the people of England, who hitherto have testified their benevolence +towards him, and have taken so great a part in his misfortunes, +not to renew any policies on his sex, since the desire<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_257"></a>[257]</span> +to discountenance those that were made in 1771 has been the +principal cause of his remaining four years longer in England +than intended. He is convinced that there are amongst the great +in France some that abuse the perfect knowledge they have of +his sex, so as to engage certain bankers in Paris to correspond +with certain bankers in London. Some of those great men +have a design, perhaps, to hurt his peace by what remains of +their impotent revenge, and think the people of England would +thereby become accomplices in their malice. The Chevalier +D’Eon cannot believe it, but, whatever are the grounds for fresh +reports, the Chevalier D’Eon publicly declares, as in justice he +ought, that he has recently refused great sums of money which +have been offered to him to be concerned in such policies; offers +that he could never hear of but with the most sovereign contempt. +He declares that he will never manifest his sex till +such time as all policies shall be at an end. If that is impossible, +the Chevalier D’Eon will be forced to quit secretly a +country which he deems second to his own, as it has proved a +bulwark against the persecution of his malicious enemies; and +this act would be so much the more painful, as his Sovereign +(who is as equitable as he is benevolent) has just rendered to +him a most signal act of justice, which will soon be made public, +as will his condition and extraordinary situation with respect to +the late King, a situation unknown to this day to all the +ministers and ambassadors, and to the public. If after a desire +and declaration so formal, that same public will continue to +deceive itself, they are entirely at liberty to do as they please.<a id="FNanchor_310" href="#Footnote_310" class="fnanchor">[310]</a></p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">The Chevalier D’Eon.</span>’</p> + +<p class="date-l">‘London, November 11, 1775,<br> +‘32 Brewer Street, Golden Square.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>In less than a month after the appearance of this +address, by which it might be inferred that if D’Eon +was anything at all he was more probably a man than +a woman, his old chief and firmest of friends, the Count +de Broglio, received his humble confession that he was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_258"></a>[258]</span> +not a man but a woman—a confession that could only +have been to one of the count’s discernment and sensibility +but transparent veneer over the sarcasm the +letter was intended to convey.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘It is time to undeceive you. For a captain of dragoons, +and aide-de-camp in war and politics, you have had but the +semblance of a man. I am only a maiden who would have perfectly +well sustained my part until death, had not politics and +your enemies rendered me the most unfortunate of women.... +You will admit, by the facility with which I separate myself +from the world, that I remained in it for your sake only; and +since I can no longer work or fight under your orders and under +those of the marshal, your brother, I will renounce without any +pain this deceitful world, which, however, has never deluded me, +except in my youth so sorrowfully spent. I no longer believe it +possible to die of grief, since I have the strength to endure so +much. I know not how long I shall be able to sustain this +cruel shock, as I have been confined to my bed through illness +for the last twelvemonth.</p> + +<p>‘I am respectfully, Monsieur le Comte, your most humble and +most obedient servant (<i>serviteur</i>),</p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">Geneviève-Louise-Auguste D’eon de Beaumont</span>.’</p> + +<p class="date-l">‘London, December 5, 1775.’</p> + +<p>‘P.S.—You seemed to be astonished, Monsieur le Comte, at +M. de Beaumarchais having meddled in my affairs; but you will +cease to be so when you know that this has been the will of the +King and of the Count de Vergennes, and that I had been +enjoined not to write to anybody upon the arrangement of my +affairs until all was settled. Everything soon will be, and very +differently to the extraordinary propositions made by the Marquis +de Prunevaux.’<a id="FNanchor_311" href="#Footnote_311" class="fnanchor">[311]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>This was the last letter of any consequence addressed +by D’Eon to the Count de Broglio,<a id="FNanchor_312" href="#Footnote_312" class="fnanchor">[312]</a> who gave little encouragement<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_259"></a>[259]</span> +to his correspondent of many years’ standing, +if we except one written in 1778, and which will +be touched upon in its proper place.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp54" id="illus5" style="max-width: 50em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/illus5.jpg" alt=""> + <figcaption class="caption"><p><i>Facsimile of an autograph title-page + in the Christie collection of D’Eon M.S.S.</i></p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<div class="sidenote">BEAUMARCHAIS’ ARTIFICE.</div> + +<p>Although the Covenant between Beaumarchais and +D’Eon had been formally signed, there still remained +certain conditional clauses to be ratified. Beaumarchais +informed the Count de Vergennes that he had +assured the lady with whom he was in treaty, that if +she were wise, discreet, silent, and well conducted, he +should give so good an account of her to the King’s +minister, and even to his Majesty himself, as to lead +to the hope that he should succeed in obtaining for her +other benefits. He did not hesitate to hold out such a +promise, having a balance on hand of 41,000 livres +tournois, with which he purposed rewarding each submission +she made, by supposed concessions on the part +of the King and of his minister; only, however, as +favours that were being granted, and not in satisfaction +of any claim. It was by such artifice only that he +could expect to prevail, and subdue the unruly and +crafty creature. The triumph of Beaumarchais was +complete, for D’Eon, even in spite of himself, was +effectively within his grip; and he who had spent a lifetime +in the direction of affairs, and whose ambition and +restlessness would never brook interposition, became at +length persuaded that his only chance in life—and yet +at what a fearful sacrifice—lay in meekly submitting to +the only man who had ever succeeded, being favoured +by the most exceptional circumstances, in daunting his +rebellious spirit.</p> + +<p>Beaumarchais again left London, taking with him +upon this occasion his prize, the iron safe, which he +delivered into the custody of de Vergennes, tendering at +the same time to that minister a series of questions for the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_260"></a>[260]</span> +consideration of the King, who was entreated to insert +replies in his own hand, that he might be armed with +further incontestable authority for bringing his transactions +with D’Eon to a speedy termination. The text of +the original, which is preserved, was written by Beaumarchais +himself and bears his signature, ‘the replies to +each question, on the margin, being in a small, tremulous, +and undecided hand, in which the letters <i>t</i> and <i>v</i> are +scarcely indicated—it is the writing of the good, weak, +and unhappy monarch....’</p> + +<p>There were other questions to which Beaumarchais +sought for answer, but as they are in connection with +his enterprises in the American cause, and entirely irrelevant +to our story, we pass them over.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Essential points which I entreat the Count de Vergennes +to submit for the decision of the King, previous to my departure +for London, this 13th day of December, 1775. The replies to +be inserted in the margin:—</p> + +<table> + +<tr> + +<td> + +<p>‘Does the King grant permission to the Demoiselle +D’Eon to wear the cross of Saint Louis in female +attire?</p> + +</td> + +<td class="bl"> + +<p class="hanging"><i>In the provinces only.</i></p> + +</td> + +</tr> + +<tr> + +<td> + +<p>‘Does his Majesty approve of the gift of 2,000 +crowns which I have placed to the credit of that lady +for her female outfit?</p> + +</td> + +<td class="bl"> + +<p class="hanging"><i>Yes.</i></p> + +</td> + +</tr> + +<tr> + +<td> + +<p>‘If in the affirmative, does his Majesty leave +to her disposal the whole of her male garments?</p> + +</td> + +<td class="bl"> + +<p class="hanging"><i>She must sell them.</i></p> + +</td> + +</tr> + +<tr> + +<td> + +<p>‘As the granting of these favours must depend upon +a certain frame of mind I would impose for ever on the +Demoiselle D’Eon, will his Majesty be pleased to leave +me at liberty to concede or refuse them, as I may deem +most desirable to the interests of his service?</p> + +</td> + +<td class="bl"> + +<p class="hanging"><i>Yes.</i></p> + +</td> + +</tr> + +<tr> + +<td> + +<p>‘Since the King cannot refuse to direct his Minister +for Foreign Affairs to furnish me with a receipt for all +the papers I have brought to him from England, I have +requested the Count de Vergennes to entreat his Majesty +to have the goodness to add at the foot of the said<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_261"></a>[261]</span> +receipt a few words <i>in his own hand</i>, expressive of his +satisfaction at the manner in which I have accomplished +my mission. This reward, the dearest to my heart, may +some day prove of the greatest service to me. Should +some powerful enemy at any time hereafter call upon +me to render an account of my conduct in this affair, I +should, with one hand, show him the King’s order, and +with the other tender the certificate of my master, testifying +that I executed his orders to his satisfaction. All +extraneous interference would in such a case be futile, +and people will be at liberty to say what they please, +without my being called upon to offer any explanation +or being in the least degree concerned.’</p> + +</td> + +<td class="bl"> + +<p class="hanging"><i>Good.</i></p> + +</td> + +</tr> + +</table> + +</div> + +<p>In countersigning this document, de Vergennes added: +‘The marginal replies are in the King’s own hand,’ and +Beaumarchais was granted a certificate to the effect that +‘the King was entirely satisfied with the zeal he had +exhibited on this occasion, and with the intelligence +and skill displayed in accomplishing the mission entrusted +to him.’<a id="FNanchor_313" href="#Footnote_313" class="fnanchor">[313]</a> With these precious papers Beaumarchais +took flight for the English capital, where he +arrived on December 29.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A TIFF.</div> + +<p>D’Eon’s action in rushing into print during the +absence of Beaumarchais, was scarcely in accordance +with the stipulations of the latter that she should preserve +a discreet and silent demeanour, and he told her +so. In justification, D’Eon said he should never have +thought of having recourse to the press had not several +persons, he knew well, been at some pains to revive the +policies on his sex. Leaving his chair abruptly, and +putting on his hat in a passion, Beaumarchais qualified +the notice she had inserted in the ‘Morning Post’ as a +badly-worded, stupid, senseless, and impertinent production +from beginning to end—to which sentiment<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_262"></a>[262]</span> +D’Eon responded by also rising and putting on his hat, +and terminating the interview by saying that the +negotiations and such negotiators as he was, might go to +the d——l! The next morning he hired a post-chaise, +and leaving Beaumarchais to his own devices, went to +Lord Ferrers’ seat in Leicestershire, where we shall find +him for the next two months.</p> + +<p>D’Eon had hardly left the room than Beaumarchais +felt that he had gone too far, and hastened to make +some friendly advances. He was greatly affected, he +wrote, at the exhibition of feminine choler on her part, +and at the masculine terms of the compliment she had +paid him. He reminded her that she had always found +him agreeable and cheerful, straightforward and liberal +in his dealings—and having said so much by way of +apology, he awaited with curiosity any explanations she +might have to offer. None came, and at the expiration +of another week Beaumarchais again wrote, to say that +in whatever part of England she might be, she had had +ample time to answer his letter, and since she had not +done so, he concluded they were in future to consider +themselves strangers to each other. He was too gallant +to differ with her on such a point! But she should not +fail to remember how greatly she was indebted to him +for the many favours the King had granted, and she +was to beware lest she conducted herself with ingratitude +towards the King, as she had done towards himself. +To Lord Ferrers he also wrote, requesting his lordship +to supply him with a receipt in full for the money he +had paid him,<a id="FNanchor_314" href="#Footnote_314" class="fnanchor">[314]</a> a request, he said, he had intended to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_263"></a>[263]</span> +prefer through M. D’Eon, but who suddenly disappeared +out of his sight without leaving word as to whither she +had gone—and this, simply because he had reproved +her, as a matter of necessity, for certain indiscretions +committed during his, Beaumarchais’, absence.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">UNAVAILING REGRETS.</div> + +<p>Lord Ferrers replied—and we would draw attention, +for future reference, to that part of his letter we have +italicised:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I can only say that M. D’Eon arrived at Staunton on the +2nd, feeling very unwell, and he is so still.... I do not find +that he has behaved ungratefully towards you, but I find that +he has not sufficient money <i>to pay what he owes me</i>. He has +told me of some differences of opinion with you in regard to an +article that has appeared in the papers, on the policies made as +to his sex, which, I hope, will not lead to any rupture between +you.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>The surrender of the precious deposit which had +constituted his strength over the space of many years, +and emboldened him in his seeming insubordination and +fearless demeanour towards the ministers of France, had +brought the affairs of D’Eon to a crisis, where the +making or unmaking of him for the remainder of his +days depended almost entirely upon submission to the +man into whose hands was committed his destiny, and +in whom he himself pretended to confide. The Chevalier’s +meekness whilst settling terms with Beaumarchais +was, it might be supposed, an exemplification of +the moral derived from La Fontaine’s fable—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">‘Patience et longueur de temps</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Font plus que force ni que rage.’</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>But D’Eon’s submission was a sham, for his mind +was racked with positive pain—suffering which grew in +intensity the more completely he realised the wretchedness +of his situation. He had allowed himself to be<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_264"></a>[264]</span> +persuaded to admit that he belonged to the female sex, +and to pledge himself to the assumption, for life, of +female attire; irrevocable facts, under pain of forfeiting +the only means of existence left to him! Yet there remained +matters touching his honour in which he knew +he should never be able to vindicate himself, from the +moment it became publicly established that the Chevalier +D’Eon was no longer a man; because it would be impossible +for him, being a woman, to take the law into +his own hands as was his wont in certain cases. Whether +he were a male or a female, the King cared little enough, +but the Chevalier was to be put into petticoats by his +orders, that the scandal in which a late French ambassador +in London had figured so objectionably, should +never by any possibility be revived. Beaumarchais had +stated what was perfectly true—D’Eon’s blood boiled at +the bare mention of the name of Guerchy—while the +vehement longing of the young count to avenge his +father had never been gratified, and his tongue had not +ceased openly to slander the enemy he would chastise. +D’Eon had so far failed also in disabusing the public +mind generally of the imputation of his being concerned +in the gambling policies on his sex, and had not succeeded +in lifting himself above the cloud that tarnished +his reputation and saddened his days. Moreover, in +charging him with having failed to render certain papers +which were found to be missing, upon the verification of +the inventories at Versailles, Beaumarchais had exercised +his authority oppressively and offensively. D’Eon would +have called him to account for this, after an unmistakably +manly fashion—but he bethought himself, as being +more to his advantage, of allowing that he still held +some of the secret correspondence,<a id="FNanchor_315" href="#Footnote_315" class="fnanchor">[315]</a> hoping against hope<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_265"></a>[265]</span> +that he might yet prevail upon the pitiless King’s agent +to yield to other demands, for which he thought he +had a right to press. Nevertheless, he did inflict upon +him a <i>gentle</i> kind of punishment in the shape of a sorrowful +despatch, consisting of no less than thirty-eight +pages—the first of a series that was maintained well +into the year 1778.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LETTERS TO BEAUMARCHAIS.</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="date">‘Staunton Harold, Leicestershire, January 7, 1776.</p> + +<p>‘... You will allow me to tell you that the tone of despotism +you have assumed since we signed our preliminary contract, and +since your return from Paris, is exceedingly revolting to me, and +causes you to be as intractable as was Mr. Pitt in 1761, during +the negotiations for peace.... You know how sensitive I am, +and you are losing your time and your pains in seeking to alter +my views on a matter that solely concerns my scruples on +personal honour. I am determined that upon no account, and +not for any money in the world, shall it be possible for people +to believe I am interested in the infamous policies on my sex.... +I cannot depart from the principles of honour I have traced +out for myself, and of which I told you before you left for Paris.... +It is possible that the wits and financiers of Paris ridicule +my article in the “Morning Post” of November 13, and that they +think my peculiar situation affords them the opportunity for +robbing the English. I will never consent to anything of the +sort, even should all France blame me.... I prefer being taken +for a stupid and senseless creature, rather than for a thief and +knave.... If what I say is right, I am justified; if not, my +error must be my excuse.... I am staying with Lord Ferrers, +who has invited me for a month past to come here and recruit +... but I have also several affairs to settle with his lordship.... +I purpose taking advantage of my being in the country to +lay open to you my heart, and address you with all the sensitiveness +of Mademoiselle de Beaumont, and the frankness of the +Chevalier D’Eon. I will begin by making some observations on<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_266"></a>[266]</span> +the contents of your letter ...;’ and here the Chevalière +plied with the essence of flattery the man she had already so +successfully cajoled. ‘I can truly swear that in the whole +course of my life I have never come across a more cheerful, +better informed, and more agreeable man in society than M. de +Beaumarchais. As to your generosity in matters of business, if +by this you mean the favourable reports you were good enough +to make of me to the young monarch and to his worthy minister; +if you allude to the lofty, energetic, pleasing, striking, and +creditable composition of our preliminary agreement of October 5, +I admit with pleasure, although with the pain, the shame, and the +tears that the avowal and admission of my own weakness have +wrung from me, that you alone were capable of producing such +a document ... but if you mean generosity in money matters, +as the term you employ would seem to imply, I confess to you +my dear, my very dear Beaumarchais, that with the exception +of the Duke de Praslin and his friend the late Count de Guerchy, +I have never found any person more tenacious of money than +yourself.... You will no doubt say that you have had the +generosity to promise in the King’s name, but on your own +responsibility, the sum of 2,000 crowns, equal to 250 guineas, +for my female outfit, and you thereby give yourself credit for extraordinary +generosity! My reply is—It is not I who have +sought this metamorphosis; it was the late King and the Duke +d’Aiguillon, it is the young King and the Count de Vergennes, +it is you yourself in virtue of your powers, it is the family of +Guerchy which trembles at all that remains to me from my baptism—the +title of man, &c. &c. Let the diplomatic appointment from +which I was unjustly removed before the eyes of all Europe be +restored to me; let me follow my military career; I ask for +nothing else, and shall be content. I shall feel in greater safety +clad as a dragoon, than in petticoats, for I should not be subjected +to that kind of conversation to which women are generally +entertained.... This malady is not of my making, and my past +life bears witness that I am more worthy of wearing a helmet +than a cap, and of dying on the field of battle than on a feather-bed +in a nunnery. It appears that fate is continually making +sport of me, and my resignation to its cruel decrees, more +grievous to me than death itself, is the most complete proof of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_267"></a>[267]</span> +my devotion and entire obedience to the orders of the King.... +I hope that so just a King will give heed to me in so extraordinary +a case.... I cannot forgive the generous Beaumarchais, +who knows that I have often despised my sex, fortune, and +death in the pursuit of glory; no, I cannot forgive the generous +Beaumarchais, who knows how I have, upon six occasions, flown +from one end of the world to the other, travelling night and day +to hasten, in 1755 and 1756, the reunion of France and Russia, +and arrange for the marching of one hundred thousand Muscovites +against the common enemy; and that by secret orders +from my master, unknown to the great Choiseul, I caused the +last war to be prolonged by three years, and that I then toiled, +day and night, towards the conclusion of peace.... Alas! had +it not been for the insurmountable timidity of my late good +master, Louis XV., so fatal to my welfare, which kept him from +openly avowing me, whilst ever supporting me in secret ... he +would have given me two or three times the amount, for the +outfit of a female such as I am, with whose history he had been +acquainted from his accession to the throne; a maiden whose +conduct has been irreproachable at all times and in all places, in +town or country, in the north or in the south, on the field or in +the cabinet of princes, of ministers, and of ambassadors; a +maiden who never tickled the ears of her King but with her +pen, or his enemies but with her sword!... I think that this +good King would have been a hundred times more liberal than +the generous Beaumarchais, towards a person who has been +girl, man, woman, soldier, diplomatist, secretary, minister, +author—according to the exigencies of the public or secret +service of his master.... If through pure obedience to the +orders of the King, I condemn myself to life in a cloister with +companions in adversity, I too clearly foresee that I am likely +to repent and be unhappy; but it is apparently the will of +Providence, and I am left without means of escape!’</p> + +</div> + +<p>After charging Beaumarchais with failing to carry +out Article IV. of their Covenant, inasmuch as a +portion only of her debts had been paid and not the +whole, the Chevalière points out that for the purpose +of legalising the document to which they had affixed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_268"></a>[268]</span> +their signatures, it was essential that the sentence of +outlawry passed upon herself, in default, for the publication +of the volume entitled ‘Lettres, Mémoires,’ &c., +should be rescinded, and that Beaumarchais should be +relieved from the ban of censure pronounced by the +Parliament of Paris, the deprivation of civil rights +under which they were suffering rendering null and +void any and all their acts.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I have but one other request to make,’ she continued; ‘I +beg that the son of the Count de Guerchy will explain himself +clearly and honestly, through you, as I am about to do. I am +aware that, accompanied by his mother and by the Duke de +Nivernois, he called on the Counts de Maurepas and de Vergennes, +to give those ministers to understand that he felt +bound in honour to fight me; that those two ministers were +good enough to tranquillise Madame de Guerchy by saying that +they believed her son to be too just and honourable a man to +draw his sword upon a woman, whereupon she withdrew expressing +her thanks and greatly comforted. I now wish to +give you my true and unchangeable opinion on this matter. I +have always respected the birth, the qualities, and the virtues of +the Countess de Guerchy. Her son was so young at the time +of my differences with his father, that, far from wishing to hurt +that dear and only son, I should save his life were it in danger, +and in my power to do so. I will never think of attacking +him, but I will defend myself at any moment that he may be +the aggressor. Nothing can be more just or natural than that +the son should take to heart the defence of his father; therefore, +that he may feel perfectly easy—should he think that he is in +honour bound to vindicate the wickedness and the crimes of the +late Count de Guerchy, by resorting to arms, I give him my +word of honour that I shall have the pleasure of fighting him +whenever he pleases, provided he comes to England, the theatre +of the scenes of horror acted to my prejudice, and the best field +in Europe for such a proceeding, for you must perfectly well +understand that to meet in France, or elsewhere than in my +island, would be a delusion and a snare.... I further give<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_269"></a>[269]</span> +him my word of honour not to lay aside my uniform, and will +never, from lack of courage, look for protection in the dress of +my sex.... I await, through you, a categorical answer, from +him, upon a matter of such importance to myself. Through life +I have been as touchy on the subject of military honour, as +should be a maiden on her chastity....’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Referring to the intemperate language Beaumarchais +had employed with regard to the notice in the daily +papers:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Nobody has ever dared to speak to me in such terms. I +hope it will be the last time, unless you are inclined to fight me +before young de Guerchy makes his appearance....’ Then +warming up amorously—‘it would be a fearful blow to my feelings +to have to fight the one I love best, to confront him who +calls himself my deliverer, and this deliverer would never think +of fighting his little <i>dragonne</i>, however redoubtable she may be +in her uniform.... I repeat to you what Rosina is made to say +in your “Barber of Seville”—“You are made to be loved....” +Such contrasts in an irritable disposition, which, in spite of me, +exists in me and is precisely that of my mother and sister, will +no doubt provide material to such a philosopher as yourself, for +a thousand reflections on the unintelligible character of women. +Attribute everything to our hysterics and weaknesses. <i>Quid +levius fumo? Flamen. Quid flamine? Ventus. Quid vento? +Mulier. Quid muliere? Nihil....</i>’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Beaumarchais reminded Mademoiselle D’Eon, in his +reply to this interminable composition so full of recriminations, +of his ceaseless efforts in her behalf to +obtain advantageous concessions from the King—he +called her to a sense of her duty, and allowed her eight +days to express her regret at what she had written. +He bitterly reproached her for allowing that she had +not given up the whole of the King’s papers, since she +had signed a declaration to that effect. Confiding in +her good faith, which, however, had proved bad, he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_270"></a>[270]</span> +had given the deed for a life-annuity of 12,000 livres, +paid 128,000 livres in liquidation of her debts, and supplied +her with the safe-conduct....</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Far from placing to the King’s account the 120,000 livres +I have so foolishly handed over, I must acknowledge my culpable +excess of confidence, and as a matter of course reimburse his +Majesty, unless I avail myself of your situation. This I shall be +able to do by means of the very service I have rendered to you, +in causing a precarious pension to be converted into a bond that +is now absolutely your private property. This beneficial change +having freed you from dependence on ministers, places you, as +are all investors in this kingdom, in dependence on the law and +its tribunals. I shall forbid the payment of dividends, and with +your notes and Lord Ferrers’ receipt in hand, shall enter an +action against you and claim the repayment of 120,000 livres +disbursed on your account—this, or the entire observance of the +terms of our Covenant. You will thus learn, to your cost, +whether my acts are of weight in France....’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Again a few passages from D’Eon’s lengthy rejoinders, +also dated at Staunton Harold, and we close, +for a time at least, the ill-humoured correspondence +of two royal secret agents, who were simply practising +towards each other <i>ruse contre ruse</i>.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... I offer no reply to your reproaches nor to your misplaced +invectives. I consider them to be the effects of bad +humour on the part of the cleverest and most agreeable ape I +have ever met in my life.... I have already had the honour +to inform you, that so long as Art. IV. of our Covenant, which +distinctly states that you are to supply me with larger sums for +the liquidation of my debts, is not executed, I do not feel bound +to observe any of the terms in the transaction. You are the +contracting power, I am the executrix; it is therefore for you +to act and for me to execute.... Your reproaches on the incomplete +delivery of papers are badly founded; in the first place, +because neither you, nor any ministers—past, present, or future—nor +the Prince de Conti, not even the Count de Broglio, can be<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_271"></a>[271]</span> +aware of all that passed in 1755 and 1756, of a secret nature, +between the late King, the Empress Elizabeth and the Grand +Chancellor of Russia, Count Woronzoff. M. Tercier, the Chevalier +Douglas and I were alone engaged in this important secret +negotiation, of which M. Rouillé, at that time Minister for +Foreign Affairs, had not the slightest cognisance. It was only +in 1757 that the Count de Broglio was partly admitted into the +secret, and that he, by order of the King, associated me in his +own secret correspondence.... I have not deceived you, +because with twenty letters I have warned the Count de Broglio, +the minister at Versailles and you as well, that so long as the +sum to which I lay legitimate claim is not paid, I shall never +make a complete surrender of my papers.... When you will +have aged and become grey by long service in the army and +diplomacy, you will have learnt that where a third-class power +treats for peace with a first-class power, the third-class power +always secures the guarantee of two second-class powers for the +observance of the conditions.... Now, since I consider my +power to be the weakest, and least important on earth, as compared +to that with which I have the honour to treat, and that I +am unable to secure the guarantee of any power, great or small, +I entrust myself to my own prudence and experience. Consult +all good diplomatists at Versailles or elsewhere in Europe, to +find out whether I am in the wrong and as silly as you take me +to be.... Should his Majesty and his ministers persist in the +consummation of our Covenant, I will fulfil my part from a +sense of obedience, but you are equally bound to concede to me +my just demands....<a id="FNanchor_316" href="#Footnote_316" class="fnanchor">[316]</a></p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">Le Chevalier et Chevalière D’Eon.</span>’</p> + +</div> + +<p>The astute and yet outwitted Beaumarchais had +become thoroughly persuaded that not only was the +Chevalier a female, but also one of the most unmanageable +of her sex. For her own part, D’Eon was now +as thoroughly convinced that the end of Beaumarchais’ +mission would be the consummation of all her hopes, +all her desires. She still needed a good sum of money<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_272"></a>[272]</span> +for satisfying her creditors, and yet, what prospect had +she of obtaining it from one whose harshness as taskmaster +was only to be equalled by his exceeding great +parsimony as purse-bearer! However stern and unflinching, +Beaumarchais had seldom behaved otherwise +than with consideration towards the distinguished +heroine with whom he had undertaken to treat, whose +past services and misfortunes had awakened in him a +feeling of something more than ordinary interest, and +which, through vanity, he had not the sense to dissemble. +Keenly alive to all this, D’Eon was resolved +to profit by the favourable impression she had made, +therefore, changing her tone from bluster to gentleness, +she coyly approached Beaumarchais:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... I own that a woman sometimes finds herself in such +an unfortunate position, that the force of circumstances obliges +her to avail herself of services of which she is the first to feel +the absurdity, because she knows what prompts the offer of +them. The more clever and attentive the man who wishes to +serve her, the greater her danger. But what thoughts do not +these recollections awaken? They remind me that through +blind confidence in you and in your promises, I revealed to you +the mystery of my sex, that in token of gratitude I gave you +my portrait, and that you promised yours as a mark of your regard. +There never has been any other engagement between us. +All you have alleged in addition, on the subject of our approaching +marriage as related to me from Paris, cannot be considered +by me otherwise than as idle jesting on your part. If you +thought I was in earnest in offering a token of remembrance +and gratitude, your conduct is pitiful; it is contemptible and +faithless, such as no Parisian would forgive, however accustomed +she might be to the ways now in fashion amongst husbands; +how much less a maiden with so strict a sense of virtue as is +mine, and whose spirit is haughty when her integrity and +tender-heartedness is assailed. Why did I not remember that +men are only fit to deceive womankind!... So far, I only<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_273"></a>[273]</span> +thought of doing justice to your merits, admiring your talents +and your generosity; I no doubt already loved you—but the +feeling was so novel to me, and I was a long way from believing +that love could be begotten in the midst of distress and +pain....’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">RUMOURS OF MARRIAGE.</div> + +<p>Beaumarchais had married three wives—and lost +them, and was evidently a man who sought after +feminine sympathy, a craving that became manifest to +D’Eon, who deemed it worth her while to gratify it—and +she succeeded.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Everybody tells me,’ he wrote to Vergennes, ‘that this +insane woman is in love with me. She fancies that I have +slighted her, and women never forgive an offence of that sort. +I am far from slighting her, but who the d——l would ever +have supposed that for the sake of serving my King zealously +I should have to become the gallant knight of a captain of +dragoons? The case is so ridiculous that I find it very difficult +to write seriously.’<a id="FNanchor_317" href="#Footnote_317" class="fnanchor">[317]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>That marriage was contemplated became a common +topic in Paris, and while none believed, few were prepared +to doubt, or treat such gossip with contempt. +We are able to quote from two letters in which the +subject is mentioned by the writers, who had known +D’Eon intimately during many years.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Two pieces of news to communicate, my dear Chevalier! +The first is, that I have become a widow; the second, it is reported +in Paris, and word has been written to me from London, +that you wish Constance (her daughter) to be one also, you +being about to marry Caron de Beaumarchais. Really, this +sort of thing is never done....’<a id="FNanchor_318" href="#Footnote_318" class="fnanchor">[318]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p class="noindent">And her landlord, Mr. Lautem, in whose house she had +lived almost unintermittingly since the autumn of 1763, +says to her:—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_274"></a>[274]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... Every letter from Paris gives us to understand that +M. Beaumarchais is come to London to be married to you. My +reply is that I do not consider him sufficiently handsome (<i>beau</i>). +M. de Morande told me this morning that M. de Beaumarchais +was about leaving, and would not be here upon your return. I +told him I had not heard from you....’<a id="FNanchor_319" href="#Footnote_319" class="fnanchor">[319]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>So long as Beaumarchais abstained from advancing +the ‘other large sums’ promised in Article IV. of the +Covenant, so long did the Chevalière refuse to carry +out her engagement to discard her uniform for female +attire; a refusal adopted by the King’s envoy as his +motive for forbearing from taking any further interest +in his refractory client. Loménie argues that it was +precisely because she could not be prevailed upon to +clothe herself in the garments of her sex, that no money +was forthcoming; but it may fairly be contended, upon +D’Eon’s argument, that Beaumarchais being the contracting +power, were he to prove true to his obligations, +she, as executrix, would necessarily be obliged to +observe her engagements under pain of being deprived +of the enjoyment of her annuity. It is not easy to +account for the meanness and want of generosity displayed +by Beaumarchais in his dealings with the +Chevalière, his penuriousness leading him even to +neglect the bonds he had given to Lord Ferrers, and +upon the faith of which he was allowed to have the +iron safe.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">BEAUMARCHAIS IMPUGNED.</div> + +<p>Baser conduct in Beaumarchais was his participation +in the interminable and ever-increasing sex policies, the +Chevalière entreating him, over and over, to abstain +from mixing himself up in affairs that sorely afflicted +her. Thoroughly persuaded that D’Eon was of the +female sex, Beaumarchais added insult to injury by<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_275"></a>[275]</span> +offering her eight thousand louis d’or and a share in all +his profits, if she would submit herself to the verdict of +a qualified jury nominated for the purpose by the policy-holders—proposals +that were repelled with the contempt +they deserved, and in the same spirit in which similar +advances were repulsed in 1771, when the accommodation +bribe amounted to fifteen thousand guineas. As bad +was the confederacy into which Beaumarchais suffered +himself to be drawn, having become associated in these +foul speculations with the needy adventurer Morande; +and it being the Chevalier’s practice, with his <i>cacoëthes +scribendi</i>, to commit to paper every circumstance, every +incident, small or great, in which he chanced to be +concerned, he drew up and afterwards distributed a +declaration, which was to show forth how Morande +and Beaumarchais had endeavoured, in defiance of him, +to practise fraud in their speculations on his sex.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘We, the undersigned, Charles-Geneviève, &c. D’Eon de +Beaumont, formerly captain of dragoons, &c.; François de la +Chèvre, of Queen Street, Golden Square; Jacques Dupré, Esq., +of New Bond Street; and Jean de Vignolles, Esq., of Warwick +Street, do hereby declare on our word of honour, that being at +dinner with the Chevalier D’Eon, of Brewer Street, Golden +Square, on Thursday, April 11, of the current year, 1776, and +being in the company of the said Chevalier D’Eon and of M. +Charles Théveneau de Morande, Esq., of Duke Street, Oxford +Road, whom we know to be the intimate friend and confidant +of M. Caron de Beaumarchais, known to us as having been entrusted +by the King of France to treat with the said Chevalier +D’Eon for his return to France—the conversation turned on the +revival, in November 1775, of the policies in regard to the sex +of the said Chevalier D’Eon; that the said Chevalier D’Eon +then declared to us that M. Caron de Beaumarchais and M. de +Morande, who were present, had tried to induce him, the said +Chevalier D’Eon, to associate himself with them in the traffic of +these policies, representing to him that such a measure would<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_276"></a>[276]</span> +infallibly lead to the gain of large sums of money. The said M. +de Morande having eluded giving a categorical answer, the said +Chevalier D’Eon sharply called upon the said M. de Morande to +declare, frankly and clearly, whether he, Charles Théveneau de +Morande, had not proposed to the said Chevalier D’Eon, in +October 1775, at the time that M. Caron de Beaumarchais was +in this country engaged in his negotiations, that he should make +common cause with him in the policies on his sex? To which +M. de Morande gave an affirmative and unequivocal answer. +Whereupon, the Chevalier D’Eon having said that he had too +much respect for himself ever to have dreamt of participating in +the infamy with which the said Caron de Beaumarchais and the +said de Morande sought to cover him, inquired whether, notwithstanding +his refusal, he and his friend M. de Beaumarchais +had not been foolish enough to deal in the said policies on +his sex—to which we heard M. de Morande reply, that such, +had in reality, been his intentions; but, to avoid all risks, he +had consulted several eminent English lawyers as to whether, in +the event of those policies being won, the law would constrain +the losers to meet their liabilities, and that a unanimous reply +in the negative was alone the cause of his having abandoned +the idea of making money by the said policies; and he showed +a good deal of ill-humour at the persistent refusal of the Chevalier +D’Eon to countenance the disreputable transactions which +he, de Morande, and his confederate de Beaumarchais, contemplated, +on the female sex of the said Chevalier.<a id="FNanchor_320" href="#Footnote_320" class="fnanchor">[320]</a></p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 3em;">‘<span class="smcap">Jacques Dupré.</span></span><br> +<span style="margin-right: 2.5em;">‘<span class="smcap">J. de Vignolles.</span></span><br> +<span style="margin-right: 3.5em;">‘<span class="smcap">De la Chèvre.</span></span><br> +‘<span class="smcap">Le Chevalier D’Eon.</span>’</p> + +<p class="date-l">‘London, May 8, 1776.’</p> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_277"></a>[277]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<p>Beaumarchais’ reprehensible behaviour—D’Eon challenges Morande—Miss +Wilkes’ curiosity—Feeling against D’Eon—Fresh difficulties with +Beaumarchais—Speculators on D’Eon’s sex seized with panic—Lord +Mansfield’s decision on the policies effected—D’Eon appears in public as +a female—Leaves for France wearing military uniform—The King’s +second order to reassume female attire—Marie Antoinette furnishes +<i>Mademoiselle D’Eon’s</i> trousseau—Visits her native town—Rejoicings at +her appearance—Presented at Court as a lady—The Queen’s household—Deportment +in society—Another trial before Lord Mansfield.</p> + +</div> + +<p>The breach was now complete. Beaumarchais had +proved himself to be perfectly indifferent in the matter +of his reputation, so far as his relations with the +Chevalière were concerned, and it is certain, after the +admission made by Morande, that D’Eon would never +have entered into further negotiations, even to her own +benefit, with the man who was regardless of the injury +he was causing, instead of affording his protection by +virtue of the powers with which he was invested. D’Eon +sent a copy of the declaration to de Vergennes, under +cover of a letter, in which, after recapitulating the +shameless conduct of Beaumarchais towards herself +and Lord Ferrers, conduct by no means adapted to +re-establish the good name of a man who had fallen +a victim to the passions of the great, much less of a +virtuous female, and his little scrupulousness in betraying +Court secrets, she informed the minister that she +declined to have further intercourse with one whose +life in London, in the company of his friend Morande, +was licentious and discreditable to the last degree. She<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_278"></a>[278]</span> +entreated the count to be persuaded that, although a +female, she had all the qualities and the courage of the +most fearless of men, and that notwithstanding her refusal +to consent to a verification of her sex, she would +be willing to do so as a favour or from necessity. This +letter, written throughout in the feminine gender, is +signed, ‘Votre dévoué Serviteur, le Chev. D’Eon.’<a id="FNanchor_321" href="#Footnote_321" class="fnanchor">[321]</a></p> + +<p>When de Vergennes had communicated to Beaumarchais +its contents, so full of abuse directed against +him, the latter replied with resignation: ‘She is a +woman, and so horribly influenced, that I forgive her +with my whole heart; she is a woman, and this explains +everything.’</p> + +<p>But Beaumarchais’ words were inconsistent with his +actions. In the first place he had betrayed his trust in +confiding to Morande the nature of his private dealings +with D’Eon, together with many particulars of D’Eon’s +past intercourse with the Court of France, details which +Morande made it his business to repeat in public, the +gossip thus spread only serving to increase the agitation +in the public mind on the Chevalier’s sex. Then, +Beaumarchais and Morande having become thoroughly +persuaded that all hope of amassing riches at the expense +of Mademoiselle had vanished, and Beaumarchais +being about to return to France, it was arranged that +Morande should publish a pamphlet in disparagement +of D’Eon, to whom a copy was sent by the writer, with +the request for an interview at which terms for permanent<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_279"></a>[279]</span> +reconciliation between them might be agreed +upon. The Chevalier sent his brother-in-law O’Gorman, +and his friend the Chevalier de Piennes, with a message +to the effect that the only place where Mademoiselle +D’Eon could meet Morande was in Hyde Park, those +gentlemen being at the same time instructed to invite +him to appoint an early day and the hour, and make +his choice of weapons. Morande’s reply was an outrage +on all decency and the foullest insult that could be +offered to a woman;<a id="FNanchor_322" href="#Footnote_322" class="fnanchor">[322]</a> and when D’Eon found himself +bound over to keep the peace in 200<i>l.</i>, and two sureties +in 100<i>l.</i> each, he became excited beyond all control, and +committed the fatal error of writing to Morande in language +very similar to that employed in the pamphlet.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">BOUND OVER TO KEEP THE PEACE.</div> + +<p>Morande having declined to fight a woman, O’Gorman +took her place; but Morande avoided the risk of an +encounter by apprising the police of the bellicose +designs of the big Irishman, who was also, in his turn, +bound over to keep the peace.</p> + +<p>The widespread and unenvied notoriety that had +rendered D’Eon’s situation in London perfectly intolerable, +was increasing in spite of himself, and his +yearning to leave the country and return to France +became all the greater as fresh dangers threatened the +liberty of his person. He was the centre of attraction, +the chief object of public curiosity, and having become +more familiarly known to the multitude, was more liable +to be seized at some unguarded moment, to be maltreated +and insulted by those whose interests, heavily +staked, demanded an expeditious solution of the problem—Of +which sex is the Chevalier? One pretty and +innocent little note from Miss Wilkes, daughter of the +<i>patriot</i>, who had been brought up in a French convent<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_280"></a>[280]</span> +and knew the language perfectly, puts the question +point blank.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Miss Wilkes presents her compliments to Monsieur the +Chevalier D’Eon, and is very anxious to know if he is really a +woman as everybody asserts, or a man. It would be very kind +of Monsieur the Chevalier D’Eon to communicate the truth +to Miss Wilkes, who entreats, with all her heart, to be informed +of it. It would be still more kind of him if he would come and +dine with her and her papa, to-day or to-morrow, or, in fact, as +soon as he is able to do so.’<a id="FNanchor_323" href="#Footnote_323" class="fnanchor">[323]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">THE COUNT DE VERGENNES’ EXPOSTULATIONS.</div> + +<p>By some the Chevalier was accused of being a spy +in disguise, who should be made to appear in the garments +proper to her sex. By others she was suspected +of being a natural daughter of Louis XV.; and one +night a party of stragglers broke the windows and +wrenched off several bars of the railing in front of her +house in Brewer Street, violence repeated the second +night after, the perpetrators not being discovered, even +though D’Eon offered a reward of twenty guineas for +their apprehension.<a id="FNanchor_324" href="#Footnote_324" class="fnanchor">[324]</a> His aversion to the assumption of +female attire was insurmountable, but he was pledged +to it and had been strengthening his mind for the inevitable, +the essential point ever present to his imagination +being the driving of every bargain to his own +special advantage. He sought to resume the negotiations +of 1774-1775 for his return from exile, by direct +communication with the Count de Vergennes, and +claimed that if he were absolutely required to dress as a +female, there should at least be inserted, in the written +order to that effect, the words <i>as had been required of +her in the reign of the late King</i>, after the words, ‘to +resume immediately the garments of her sex never +again to lay them aside.’ In making this request it<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_281"></a>[281]</span> +was clearly the object of D’Eon, now about to enter +upon the world’s stage, openly and permanently, in the +character of a female, to shield <i>herself</i> against the imputation +of having of <i>her</i> own accord, and at any time +disguised <i>her</i> sex to pass the life of a brave and distinguished +man, and he shrank from accepting the +smallest responsibility in his approaching compulsory +transformation. The minister found it impossible to +accede, and Beaumarchais was instructed to explain to +the Chevalière the impracticability of her request being +entertained, which he did, by repeating, textually, the +minister’s own words, after saying that he wished the +Count de Vergennes had employed some person less odious +than he must be to her, to communicate his reply:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... Can the King of France grant to a female a safe-conduct +intended for an officer? Who is it that served the +King? Is it Mademoiselle or M. D’Eon? If his Majesty in +learning, but too late, the offences committed by her parents to +the prejudice of good manners and against the laws, is desirous +of forgetting the past and unwilling to impute to her the fault +of having wilfully persevered in such a course—is it to be expected +that the King’s leniency is to extend to laying to the +charge of the late King the ridicule that attaches to her indecent +disguise, by employing the words she has suggested?... Never +has the King’s service required that a female should usurp the +title of man, the uniform of an officer, the status of an envoy! +It is in thus increasing the number of her rash claims, that this +woman has succeeded in trying the King’s and my own patience +and the good-will of her partisans. Whether she remains in +England or goes elsewhere is, as you well know, a matter of +perfect indifference to us. As to her eagerness to return to +France, I gave her to understand, through you, it was the King’s +desire that she should not do so unless in the character of her +sex, and that she should here lead a quiet, virtuous, and circumspect +life, such as she should never have departed from.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Beaumarchais added, that for his own part he did<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_282"></a>[282]</span> +not believe, more than the minister, that any fresh +claims she made could be of the least advantage to her, +and with many kind words expressed his readiness to +serve her as he had hitherto done, provided she did not +persist in creating further difficulties.<a id="FNanchor_325" href="#Footnote_325" class="fnanchor">[325]</a></p> + +<p>This refusal of Louis XVI. to accede to the request +made by D’Eon, reached him at a moment that Morande +had successfully defeated all his plans to punish him. +Foiled in his purpose of chastising Morande by resort to +arms, the Chevalier sued him for libel, and Lord Mansfield +directed rule to be granted; but when it was +shown that D’Eon had written equally libellous matter +to Morande, the Court discharged the rule, and the +Chevalier had the mortification of seeing his enemy reap +the advantage of his own imprudence. It was whilst +smarting under a sense of these failures that D’Eon +wrote to his tormentor:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I have not replied sooner to the letter you gave yourself +the trouble to write, because at the time you were writing sweet +things to me, you wrote to your protégé Morande in such a way +as to shake the phial or rather the pitcher of venom he carries +in his breast. This was neither honourable nor fair. You even +urged him to write libellous matter against me in the papers.’... +Then in his old spirit of derision: ‘You, personally, have +never been odious to me as you suppose; it was your conduct, your +speech, your actions, your letters to Lord Ferrers and to myself +that were odious to me. Good-night, too dear M. de Beaumarchais; +it is two o’clock in the morning, I am tired and am going +to bed inveighing against all those men who have treated me so +badly, and above all, you yourself, who I truly esteemed and +loved, and who have exasperated me beyond measure by your +own and Morande’s behaviour....’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">TRIAL ON THE LEGALITY OF SEX POLICIES.</div> + +<p>In ever increasing anxiety to make his escape out of +the difficulties and threatening dangers by which he was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_283"></a>[283]</span> +surrounded, the Chevalier applied to the Minister for +Foreign Affairs to ask whether he might rely upon the +Government for protection, it being his intention to +return shortly to France.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... Had you not, Mademoiselle,’ replied the unflinching +de Vergennes, ‘abandoned yourself to feelings of mistrust, +which, I am persuaded, you did not maturely consider, you +might have been enjoying for some time past, in your own +country, that tranquillity which should now, more than ever, be +the object of your desires. If you are seriously thinking of +returning, the way is still open to you, and you know the conditions +imposed. The most absolute reserve on the past; every +precaution to be taken to avoid meeting those persons whom +you regard as being the cause of your misfortunes; and, finally, +the resumption of the garments of your sex. You can no +longer hesitate, seeing the publicity given to this in England. +You are doubtlessly aware that our laws do not tolerate such +disguises. I have only to add that if, after a trial, you do not +feel at home in France, there will be no objection to your proceeding +elsewhere to suit your own pleasure. I have written +the above in conformity with the King’s orders. Let me add +that the safe-conduct with which you have been supplied suffices, +so that you may now do as you please. If you decide upon +pursuing a wise course, I will congratulate you; otherwise, I +shall only be able to pity you for not responding to the good +master who offers you a helping hand. Set your mind at rest, +because when in France you will be able to communicate with +me directly, without the intercession of any person.’<a id="FNanchor_326" href="#Footnote_326" class="fnanchor">[326]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>D’Eon was unable to leave England unless he made +some arrangement with his creditors, still oppressed as +he was by the liabilities he had incurred in the furtherance +of the late King’s service, and no sooner had his +imminent departure become extensively known, than +something like a panic seized upon all who had engaged +in the speculations on his sex. Three several actions<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_284"></a>[284]</span> +were commenced in Easter term, against three underwriters +in the city, for the recovery of the respective +sums underwritten by them. Upwards of 120,000<i>l.</i> had +been underwritten at various times on this mysterious +question, but rather than ‘risk a heat over the Bacon +course in Westminster Hall,’ several eminent merchants +forfeited sixty per cent., and even seventy per cent., +to have their names cancelled from the policies they +had underwritten.</p> + +<p>One trial on the legality of these policies took place +before Lord Mansfield, on July 1, when it was believed +that the sex of the Chevalier was established beyond +the possibility of a doubt. The action was brought by +Mr. Hayes, a surgeon in Leicester Fields, against Mr. +Jacques, broker and underwriter, for the recovery of +700<i>l</i>., the said Jacques having, about six years previously, +received a premium of fifteen guineas, on the engagement +to return one hundred guineas for every guinea, +whenever it should be proved that the Chevalier was +actually a female. Mr. Buller, as counsel for Hayes, +opened the cause by stating the fairness of the transaction +and the justifiable nature of the demand, the +plaintiff believing himself to be in possession of sufficient +proof to establish the sex of the Chevalier. He called +for his first witness a surgeon named Le Goux,<a id="FNanchor_327" href="#Footnote_327" class="fnanchor">[327]</a> who +gave evidence to the effect that he had been acquainted +with the Chevalier D’Eon from the time that the Duke +de Nivernois was ambassador in London; that about +five years previously he was called in by the Chevalier +to lend professional aid, when she was labouring under +a disorder which led to the discovery of her sex, of +which he, Le Goux, was able to give satisfactory<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_285"></a>[285]</span> +testimony. Another witness was Morande, with whom +we are so intimately acquainted, who deposed that so +far back as July 3, 1774, the Chevalier had made to +him a free disclosure of her sex, even to displaying her +bosom, and exhibiting her female wardrobe, which consisted +of sacks, petticoats, and other garments for +feminine use. On the part of the defendant, Mr. Mansfield +pleaded that this was one of those gambling, indecent, +and unnecessary cases that ought never to be +permitted to come into a court of justice; that besides +the inutility and indecency of the case, the plaintiff +had taken advantage of his client, being in possession +of intelligence that enabled him to lay with greater +certainty, although with such great odds on his side; +that the plaintiff, at the time of laying the wager, +knew that the Court of France treated with the +Chevalier as a woman to grant her a pension, and that +the French Court must have some strong circumstances +to imbibe that idea; he therefore hoped that the jury +would reprobate such wagers.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LORD MANSFIELD’S CHARGE TO THE JURY.</div> + +<p>In charging the jury, Lord Mansfield expressed his +abhorrence of the whole transaction, and of its being +brought into a Court of Justice when it might have been +settled elsewhere, and wished that their verdict could +so operate that neither party might be the winner; but, +as the law did not expressly prohibit, and the wager +was laid, the question before them was, who had won? +His lordship observed that the indecency of the proceeding +arose more from the unnecessary questions asked +than from the case itself. There was every external +proof that the defendant was right in his conjecture. +D’Eon was dressed as a man, would have fought duels, +was captain of dragoons, and had resided here as an ambassador; +therefore, to all appearances the defendant<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_286"></a>[286]</span> +had the best of the wager. On the part of the plaintiff +there was a considerable difficulty. Suppose him +to have been right, yet the proof of the fact was +not easy. It was not in the power of any person to +compel D’Eon to disclose her sex, and was it known, +the proof still rested on the plaintiff. It had been +thrown out that he was sure of the fact at the time he +laid the wager. The contrary has appeared, for he +had no proofs in his power at the time the contract was +entered into.... The Court of France considered D’Eon +as a man; there were reasons afterwards to believe the +contrary.... It might have been difficult to prove the +sex, if private quarrels of the parties had not furnished +collateral evidence as put the question out of doubt. +The witnesses were either perjured, or their testimonies +must be credited. As was the case in all wagers, both +parties conceived themselves certain of winning. His +lordship called upon the jury to consider all the circumstances, +and if they thought that the bet was fairly +won to decide in favour of the plaintiff, for whom a +verdict was given, without any hesitation on the part +of the jury—for 700<i>l.</i> and forty shillings—a verdict +awaited with intense interest, as numerous sums on +policies were depending on this suit. When, however, +this policy business came to be solemnly signed before +Lord Mansfield, in the Court of King’s Bench, the +defendant pleaded a late Act of Parliament for the non-payment +of the policy he had underwritten, a statute +which provided that ‘no insurance shall be valid, where +the person insuring cannot prove an antecedent interest +in the person or thing insured.’ The Chief Justice +having admitted the statute to be binding in the present +instance, the decision at once and for ever deprived all<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_287"></a>[287]</span> +insurers in the ‘D’Eon policies’ of the golden harvest +they so long and patiently expected.<a id="FNanchor_328" href="#Footnote_328" class="fnanchor">[328]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">LA CHEVALIÈRE D’EON!</div> + +<p>D’Eon received the intimation that he was declared +by the law to be a female with perfect equanimity. +‘What does it matter to me that the King’s Bench has +proclaimed me to be a female! I am none the better +or the worse. I am in the same condition as before the +war—<i>in eodem statu ante bellum</i>.’ He had failed in his +application for a postponement of the trial until he +should return from France, and having abstained from +taking any part in the proceedings, it was bruited about +that such discretion was to be rewarded with a bonus +of twenty thousand pounds!</p> + +<p>D’Eon appeared in London in ‘her real character as +a female, for the first time on August 6, being dressed +in an elegant sack, her head-dress adorned with +diamonds, and bedecked in all the other elegant paraphernalia +of her sex;’ but with the laudable desire of +completely disconnecting herself from the smallest +suspicion of wishing to countenance either of the contending +parties in the gambling policies, when the day +fixed upon for her departure from London had arrived, +she drove off from her house in Brewer Street, in a +neat post-chaise and four, wearing her uniform with the +cross of Saint Louis, and suitably attended.<a id="FNanchor_329" href="#Footnote_329" class="fnanchor">[329]</a> The whole +of her effects remained in England, her stock of wine, +which was large and valuable, being left with her landlord +to be sold for the benefit of her creditors.</p> + +<p>Henry Angelo tells us that the first time he saw +D’Eon dressed as a woman was in Brewer Street.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘To my surprise I beheld a lusty dame dressed in black silk, +the head-dress in rosed <i>toupet</i> and laced cap. He had not the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_288"></a>[288]</span> +least beard—a diamond necklace, long stays, and an old-fashioned +stomacher. My father leading me to the assumed lady, I received, +<i>à la Française</i>, a kiss on each cheek. Ever afterwards, +when he dined at our house, though dressed as a woman, when +the ladies retired he remained to enjoy the glass and conversation. +He always dressed in black silk, and when I last saw him, +looked like a woman worn out with age and care.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Angelo was entertained to ‘an excellent dinner’ one +day after D’Eon had donned the petticoat, there being +amongst the guests Bach, Abel, and Cramer.</p> + +<p>The Chevalier left London on August 13, and in +the ‘Morning Post and Public Advertiser,’ &c., of the +15th, appeared her protest against the malicious charge +of being interested in the issue of the late trial.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I requested with the greatest earnestness the people of England, +who have always shown me the greatest respect, not to +renew any policies respecting my sex; I declared that I would +not agree to a judicial manifestation of it; requested there +should be no fresh policies entered into, and that the old ones +should be annulled, and that if this was not agreed to, I should +be obliged to quit a place which I regard as my second country. +The <i>auri sacra fames</i> which possesses my enemies has unhappily +prevailed. They have not only renewed the ancient policies, +but have obtained a judgment in the Court of King’s Bench, +July 1, to determine my sex. In consequence, I with regret +keep my promise. I quit with grief my dear England, where I +thought to have found repose and liberty, to return to my native +country.... If those interested in the policies would take my +advice, it should be to pay nothing; because the judgment in +the King’s Bench was made without my participation, and +against my consent, which I opposed at the time of the sitting +of the Court, desiring it to be delayed till my master should +permit me again to return to England.... I would rather +perish than rise triumphant by the weakness of that sex which +I am accused to be of.... I here absolutely declare, and probably +for the last time, that if any person, whether in France +or England, can prove before any tribunal that I have been<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_289"></a>[289]</span> +interested to the value of one shilling, in any policies, I will +agree to distribute all I am possessed of to any public charity the +said tribunal shall name.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">The Chevalier D’Eon.’</span></p> + +<p class="date-l">‘London, August 10, 1777.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">AGAIN ORDERED TO RESUME FEMALE ATTIRE.</div> + +<p>D’Eon’s residence in England had extended over +fifteen years, and it was with no inconsiderable feelings +of emotion that he again touched his native soil. +Hurrying to Versailles, he presented himself, equipped +as a dragoon, before the Count de Vergennes, who +received him affably and with distinction, but at once +enjoined him to execute the terms of his Covenant, and +not appear unless in female attire. D’Eon demurred, +pleading, first one thing, then another, but the minister +was obdurate, and soon the Chevalière was favoured +with the following order:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="noindent"><span class="smcap">In the King’s Name.</span></p> + +<p>‘Charles-Geneviève-Louise-Auguste-André-Timothée D’Eon +de Beaumont is hereby commanded to lay aside the uniform of +a dragoon, which he has been in the habit of wearing, and resume +the garments of her sex, and is forbidden to appear in any part +of the kingdom in any other garments than those suitable to +females.</p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 8em;">‘<span class="smcap">Louis.</span></span><br> +‘<span class="smcap">Gravier de Vergennes.</span>’</p> + +<p class="date-l">‘Done at Versailles, August 19, 1777.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>The Count de Vergennes had asked M. Genest, chief +clerk at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, to receive his +old friend the Chevalier in his own house, and manage +him as best he could. Upon hearing of his arrival, the +Queen sent word to Genest that he was to bring the +Chevalier to her. Genest, having informed the minister +of her Majesty’s commands, received instructions to +accompany the Chevalier; but the count having previously +had a few minutes’ audience of the Queen, she +left the room with him, and finding Genest in the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_290"></a>[290]</span> +adjoining apartment, her Majesty told him, smiling, +that she was sorry to have given him any trouble, the +few words the count had just said to her having for +ever cured her of her curiosity.<a id="FNanchor_330" href="#Footnote_330" class="fnanchor">[330]</a> And yet she did not +remain unmindful of him. When D’Eon sought to put +off the evil hour of his transformation by pitiably pleading +that she had no suitable clothes in which to appear, +even the Queen’s eagerness for novelty and amusement +seemed to conspire against her. Her Majesty seized +upon so exceptional an opportunity ‘for exercising the +nobility of her soul and the generosity of her heart, +in causing Mademoiselle Bertin, one of her ladies-in-waiting, +to complete an outfit which would have sufficed +for any four girls of the royal house of St. Cyr.’<a id="FNanchor_331" href="#Footnote_331" class="fnanchor">[331]</a></p> + +<p>D’Eon was delighted at the respite afforded by the +time required for preparing a trousseau in accordance +with the Queen’s commands, and he made the most of +it by paying a visit to his mother, whom he had not +seen for many years. In acknowledging the receipt of +the King’s order of August 19, the Chevalier informed +the minister that the few articles of female attire he +had by him were quite unsuitable for making his +appearance at Versailles. Mademoiselle Bertin had +consequently undertaken to procure the clothing necessary +for his new condition of life, and to turn him into +a fairly modest and obedient woman; and to her, after +Heaven, the King, and his ministers, would belong the +greatest merit in connection with his miraculous conversion. +His earnest desire to appear irreproachable +in the eyes of the King and of the Counts de Vergennes +and de Maurepas, sufficed to endue him with +the strength required to overcome himself, and adopt a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_291"></a>[291]</span> +sweetness of disposition in conformity with the new +existence into which he was forced.<a id="FNanchor_332" href="#Footnote_332" class="fnanchor">[332]</a> This letter was +signed, ‘The Chevalier D’Eon for a little while longer.’</p> + +<div class="sidenote">RECEPTION AT TONNERRE.</div> + +<p>D’Eon likens his reception at his home to that given +to the prodigal son. In transports of joy his mother +calls all her friends together to rejoice with her over +the sheep that was lost, and was found again—her +daughter—who had been her son for a time only, +but now was, and should for ever be, a daughter to +her! She holds three days’ feasting, to which all the +authorities of the town and neighbourhood are invited. +The mayor and aldermen, the ecclesiastical, monastical, +military, and civil bodies, and a deputation formed of +the married and maiden ladies of Tonnerre, call upon +Madame D’Eon and overwhelm her with their congratulations. +Each evening, two casks of wine are +placed at the gate of the house, and bread and meat +is distributed to the people, who give vent to their +enthusiasm by firing guns and crackers, and nearly +causing a conflagration in the stable-yard and granaries. +It was only after these memorable incidents at +the place of her birth, that the Chevalier’s heart felt +less heavy; but he was very shortly ordered back by +the ministers, and having returned to Versailles, he +bound himself, in a written declaration, never to transgress +the orders of the King, to whom he swore, in the +presence of the Counts de Maurepas and de Vergennes, +that he should die, as in duty bound, a female.<a id="FNanchor_333" href="#Footnote_333" class="fnanchor">[333]</a></p> + +<p>The choice of the day upon which, from Chevalier, +D’Eon was to be formally and effectively transformed +into Chevalière, was made by his relative, Christopher<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_292"></a>[292]</span> +de Beaumont,<a id="FNanchor_334" href="#Footnote_334" class="fnanchor">[334]</a> Archbishop of Paris, Madame Louise<a id="FNanchor_335" href="#Footnote_335" class="fnanchor">[335]</a> +having greatly interested herself in his behalf. On the +morning of October 21, 1777, the Feast of St. Ursula, +Mademoiselle D’Eon having been deprived, by order of +the King, of all her male attire, was clothed by Mademoiselle +Bertin in her new female habiliments, with the +injunction never to lay them aside, but to wear them +to the end of her days. She was anointed with fragrant +perfumes, her hair was curled, and a magnificent head-dress +put on her; her gown, petticoats, and stockings +were of the richest materials, and she was adorned with +bracelets, a necklace, earrings, and rings. At the +moment of her transformation, apparelled like a bride +for her bridegroom, she excelled the Queen of Sheba +herself, in all her glory. In this quality she was +presented at Court, and there compelled to remain two +years, that she might become moulded into her new +condition.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I cannot express my repugnance, my grief, my pain, my +troubled state, my vexation, and my shame, at having to appear +thus publicly at Court in the dress and position of a female; but +the King’s council considered such a change indispensable.... +What appeared to some as extraordinary and degrading in an +old chevalier of Saint Louis, appeared to others as most natural, +reasonable, and noble, and the refrain of the ladies at Court to +the chevaliers of Saint Louis was to this effect: “Since your +Chevalier D’Eon is a female, it is but right she should dress as +one, and we wish it for our glory.”</p> + +<p>‘My first duty on resuming female attire was to communicate +in the chapel of the Virgin behind the choir of the cathedral +at Paris; then at that of St. Sulpitius, where I had been confirmed +and had taken the name of Mary, and where I had also<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_293"></a>[293]</span> +communicated for the first time. I afterwards communicated in +the chapel of St. Geneviève in Paris, in the beautiful chapel of +the Virgin at St. Roch, and again in the church of the sisterhood +of St. Mary at Chaillot. In being stripped of man’s estate +and of my uniform, I am divested of every vice and of every +danger incidental to such a condition; and being invested with +the character of a female, am forced, in spite of myself, to adopt +the vocations and virtues incumbent thereon.’<a id="FNanchor_336" href="#Footnote_336" class="fnanchor">[336]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">MARIE ANTOINETTE’S HOUSEHOLD.</div> + +<p>Household of Marie Antoinette at the time of the +Chevalière’s introduction:—</p> + +<table> + <tr> + <td>Madame Misery</td> + <td><i>First Lady-in-Waiting.</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Madame Campan<a id="FNanchor_337" href="#Footnote_337" class="fnanchor">[337]</a></td> + <td><i>Second Lady-in-Waiting.</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Mdlle. Adelaïde Genest<a href="#Footnote_337" class="fnanchor">[337]</a></td> + <td><i>Third Lady-in-Waiting.</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Guimard</td> + <td><i>Groom-in-Waiting to the late Louis XV.</i></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Lasone</td> + <td><i>Physician.</i></td> + </tr> +</table> + +<p>The Chevalière, we are told by those who saw her +at this period, was slow enough in adapting herself to +the requirements of her sex; it would be long, she +used to say, before she became accustomed to them, and +would have continued to dress as a man had it been +possible. At first she laughed at her petticoats and +cap, saying it was very hard to be degraded from +captain to a cornet! (<i>cornette</i>), and was altogether +careless in her demeanour. She was of a fair complexion, +with fair hair slightly grey, and having a +handsome neck and bosom appeared to advantage as +a female; she had formerly made herself a beard, and +her chin being provided with some hairs, she employed +herself in nipping them. Wearing low, though somewhat +large heels, her stature did not exceed five feet +four inches, and those who had not seen her in uniform, +could not conceive how she could have looked well in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_294"></a>[294]</span> +it.<a id="FNanchor_338" href="#Footnote_338" class="fnanchor">[338]</a> Her accent was peculiar, but not unbecoming as +her voice was agreeable,<a id="FNanchor_339" href="#Footnote_339" class="fnanchor">[339]</a> and in making a courtesy she +would bend her knees forward quickly without otherwise +moving her limbs. Being recommended to put on +some rouge, she replied that she had tried it, but it +would not stick to her face; she despised her body, she +said, which she considered as the case or shell only of +her soul.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">DEPORTMENT IN SOCIETY.</div> + +<p>Being one day in a room where several gentlemen, +strangers to her, were present, a lady having remarked, +‘Chevalière, to the best of my recollection when you +were dressed as a man you had a very handsome leg!’ +‘Parbleu!’ replied D’Eon with vivacity, pulling up her +petticoats, ‘if you are curious to see it, here it is!’ +Upon another occasion a lady observed to her, ‘If you +wished to demand satisfaction, would you not regret +your former condition and your arms?’ ‘I have +already considered this matter,’ she replied; ‘when I +quitted my hat and sword, I own it gave me some +concern, but I said to myself, what does it signify? I +may do as much, perhaps, with my slipper?’ And to +another lady who gave some advice with regard to her +behaviour, she said: ‘Madam, I shall always be <i>sage</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_295"></a>[295]</span> +no doubt, but I can never be modest.’ Upon the +whole, however, the Chevalière seldom appeared in +public, limiting herself to dining with her old friends. +If she chanced, upon such occasions, to be in the same +room with some other knight who happened to be +addressed as ‘Monsieur le Chevalier,’ she would instantly +turn round thinking she was meant, and would equally +forget herself in her assiduity towards the fair sex, +never failing to assist a lady to wine, when sitting at +table, or rising with alacrity to relieve her of her empty +coffee cup.<a id="FNanchor_340" href="#Footnote_340" class="fnanchor">[340]</a> She was a great eater, and usually partook +of every dish, even if she sent her plate away +directly after.</p> + +<p>Since D’Eon was not visible to the world at large in +Paris, it became the fashion to personate her at masquerades, +and even at ordinary evening parties, when +Beaumarchais would also be brought into ridicule by +the pretended Chevalière relating, for the amusement of +the company, the incidents of her courtship with that +individual. The tales told, however, were not always +harmless, and one report spread, was to the effect that +a portion of the money destined by the King for the +Chevalière’s use in England, and confided to Beaumarchais, +had been appropriated by the latter, who +accordingly complained to de Vergennes of the base +accusation, charging D’Eon with being the author of +it. He was at once reassured by that minister, who +wrote word that his Majesty’s satisfaction at the correctness +of the accounts he had rendered should suffice to +vindicate his character from any such attacks; and +having obtained permission to publish the minister’s +letter, he sent a copy to D’Eon under cover of some +offensive and very angry lines. Calmer judgments had<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_296"></a>[296]</span> +certainly not as yet prevailed in the unsettled mind that +was ever craving after excitement; and in malicious +enjoyment of Beaumarchais’ participation in his own +unenviable notoriety, D’Eon seized the opportunity for +indulging in his favourite recreation, by treating the +Minister for Foreign Affairs to one of the most tedious +effusions of which he had ever been guilty, but +humorous and satirical withal.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Now that I have obeyed the King’s commands in resuming +female attire on the feast day of St. Ursula, patroness of the +eleven thousand virgins and martyrs in England; now that I +am living in tranquillity and peace in the uniform of a vestal, +and that I had completely forgotten Caron and his boat, judge +of my surprise in receiving an epistle from the said Caron, enclosing +copies, duly certified, of a letter he addressed to you and +of your reply.... What has he done for me?... He has +made me blush for my country by paying a sum of money in the +name of the State, in bills at six, twelve, eighteen, and twenty-four +months date, charging seven per cent. discount, and finally +swindling an English peer out of two hundred and thirty-three +louis.... Was it not M. Beaumarchais who, unable to persuade +me to be dishonest in supporting him in his speculations +on my sex, spread the report everywhere in Paris that he was to +marry me after I should have spent seven months at the abbey +of the Ladies of St. Anthony, when, as a fact, he was within an +inch of being espoused to my cane, whilst in London?... Let +me tell you that fictitious Demoiselles D’Eon, wearing the cross +of Saint Louis, have made their appearance in more than one +fashionable house in Paris. They were jesters who said the +most absurd things of the real Chevalière, and chiefly with reference +to the agreeable and honourable Caron de Beaumarchais, +who proposed marriage to the Demoiselle D’Eon when on his +late embassage in England; and whose coming embassage to +Congress in America is for the purpose of importing snuff of a +quality that will make the entire audience sneeze each time his +plagiary, the “Barber of Seville,” is performed. The scene of the +false Demoiselle D’Eon was repeated, I am informed, last week,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_297"></a>[297]</span> +in a house where Madame de F—— was hoaxed by Musson, the +well-known painter, who personated the Demoiselle at the time +that I, lonely and peaceful, was at work and asleep in my hermitage +at Petit Montreuil.... Does M. de Beaumarchais, so +fond of hoaxing others, desire to enjoy the exclusive privilege?... +Let me tell you, sir, that all the integrity of the four +ministers put together, adding to it that of their chief clerks, +would fail to make an honest man of Caron, so far as I am concerned. +People in England are convinced of this, for they have +nicknamed him <i>bon marché</i>....</p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">La Chevalière D’Eon.</span>’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Passing over the reply sent to Beaumarchais, we +find ‘The Appeal of Mademoiselle D’Eon to her Contemporaries,’ +which also went through the press:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Where is the woman who, having read the famous letters +of M. Carillon<a id="FNanchor_341" href="#Footnote_341" class="fnanchor">[341]</a> or Caron de Beaumarchais, of January 3 and 13, +addressed to the minister and to me, has not said, She will +reply!... He has sought, by base artifice, to deprive me of +that consideration so conducive to my peaceful existence. I +put him to confusion by ridiculing his impotent rage. He is a +Thersites who should be whipped, for having dared to be insolent +to his betters whom he ought to respect. I denounce and abandon +him to all womankind of my day, as one who would fain have +exalted himself at the expense of a woman, enriched himself by +sacrificing a woman’s honour, and avenged his frustrated hopes +by crushing a woman, who, of all others, has at heart the triumph +of her sex.</p> + +<p>‘N.B.—Caron has certified to and signed the copies of the +two letters he has published; I cause copies of my two letters +to be certified and signed by Barth. Pille, surnamed La Grenade, +my valet, whose signature has always been respected.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I certify that these two letters are true copies of the +originals in my hands, this 2nd day of February, 1778.</p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">Pille</span>, surnamed <span class="smcap">La Grenade</span>.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Amongst the later causes tried in London for the +recovery of sums forfeited by the wagers on D’Eon’s<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_298"></a>[298]</span> +sex, was that of Jones and Dacosta, in which a verdict +was given in favour of the plaintiff; but a motion +having been made in the Court of King’s Bench for an +arrest in judgment, Lord Mansfield delivered his +opinion in its favour, in which all the other judges +concurred. The decision, he said, tended to indecency, +and to make the courts of justice subservient to the +purposes of gamblers and swindlers—a conclusion that +was heartily approved by all right-minded persons +throughout the country.</p> + +<p>No sooner had the news reached D’Eon than he +issued a ‘Second Letter to Women,’ dated Paris, +February 10, 1778, opening with these words:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Victory! my contemporaries, victory! My honour, your +honour, triumphs. The Lord Chief Justice of England has himself, +in the presence of the twelve judges of England, rescinded +and annulled his own decisions on the validity of the policies +raised on my sex....’<a id="FNanchor_342" href="#Footnote_342" class="fnanchor">[342]</a></p> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_299"></a>[299]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + +<p>Epistle to Lord Mansfield—Voltaire on D’Eon—Anxiety to get quit of +petticoats—Mademoiselle D’Eon de Beaumont in peaceful retreats—Applies +for active service in the fleet—Returns to male attire, is +arrested, and confined—Being liberated goes home—Arrival in London—Fences +before the Prince of Wales—Mr. Angelo—Mademoiselle D’Eon +and Phillidor at chess—Advertised sale of library—Treatment by a +British peer the cause thereof—Earl Ferrers’ bond—Sale of jewellery.</p> + +</div> + +<p>There appeared at about this time in England the +translation of a letter in verse from D’Eon to Lord +Mansfield, on the decision he had pronounced in the +late trial. In his preface the translator frankly states +that he has taken the liberty of deviating a little from +the original, especially where Mademoiselle, in her +address to his lordship, and in the warmth of her +imagination, had seemed to have forgotten that she +was in petticoats. The title page is illustrated with a +plate representing the Chevalière in a double character, +the right half of her body being in the dress of a +dragoon with drawn sword in hand, the left half +appearing as a buxom woman waving a fan.<a id="FNanchor_343" href="#Footnote_343" class="fnanchor">[343]</a></p> + +<p>A variety of similar grotesque likenesses made their +appearance, one by Bradel, in Paris, also representing +the Chevalière in both sexes. Other portraits, however, +were in glorification of the heroine, the most remarkable +being that published in <i>mezzo-tinto</i> by S. Hooper, +of Ludgate Hill, in which she appears as Pallas.<a id="FNanchor_344" href="#Footnote_344" class="fnanchor">[344]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_300"></a>[300]</span></p> + +<p>One of these prints having found its way to Voltaire, +to whom D’Eon was not entirely a stranger, the +old sage wrote to his friend d’Argental:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘They have sent me a Chevalier D’Eon represented as +Minerva, and a supposed warrant of the King conferring a +pension of twelve thousand livres on this amazon, and commanding +her to observe the most respectful silence, as was +enjoined on the Jansenistes in other times. Here is a nice +problem for history. Some Academy of Inscriptions will prove +the case to be most authentic. D’Eon will be a Maid of Orleans +who will not have been burnt. It will be seen how we have improved +in our customs.’<a id="FNanchor_345" href="#Footnote_345" class="fnanchor">[345]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>D’Eon’s affected gaiety at length gave way; she fell +into a state of melancholy, and then became quite +ill, physically and morally. The Queen’s physician, +Lasone, and the King’s physician, Lieutard, were +ordered to hold a consultation, and terminated their +visit by saying to the patient: ‘Be comforted, dear +lady; yours is an incurable complaint, and will disappear +as it came.’<a id="FNanchor_346" href="#Footnote_346" class="fnanchor">[346]</a></p> + +<p>But it was not in D’Eon’s nature to repose in +moody silence, and she poured out her sorrows in +pitiful appeals to the Counts de Sartines, de Vergennes, +and de Broglio, praying, for the sake of her health, +which was being seriously injured from want of exercise +and the compulsory abandonment of the active +habits of a lifetime, that she should be permitted to +wear male attire, at least on Sundays and festivals; +she was ashamed and sick at heart to be in petticoats, +idly enjoying a pension instead of serving her King and +country as she had been doing for so many years; and, +further, she asked to be employed in the war that was +on the eve of breaking out, France being about to +become the active ally of the Americans.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_301"></a>[301]</span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">SIGHING FOR ENGLAND.</div> + +<p>The Chevalière had been exerting herself to save +France from meddling in the War of Independence, +undertaking to prove that the reasons alleged in the +manifesto of the French Court were not founded either +on philosophical or political arguments,<a id="FNanchor_347" href="#Footnote_347" class="fnanchor">[347]</a> representations +to which de Vergennes, who was easily accessible to +her, was disposed to give his attention. But Beaumarchais +had everything to gain by the prosecution of +the war, and secured to himself all access to the French +Court, to the exclusion of D’Eon, who found it impossible +to approach either King or ministers. Individually, +de Vergennes’ treatment of D’Eon had always +been considerate, and at times indulgent, and since +all her supplications to the several ministers had been +treated with callous indifference, she imagined she +might succeed in disburdening herself of the yoke +imposed upon her by getting back to London if she +could but secure his interest and influence. ’Tis said +that James I. of England thought that if he were ever +to be confined in a prison, he should wish that prison to +be a library. D’Eon pleaded hard that her books and +some valuable MSS., all ‘so dear to her purse and to +her heart,’ were in London, where she desired to live +in retirement with them for her companions. Her +metamorphosis, her long illness, the war, the almost +sudden death of Lord Ferrers, and the non-payment of +monies legitimately due to her, had despoiled her of +health and fortune, and she reminded the minister that +the pledges contained in his letter of July 12, 1777, +confirming the intentions of the late King in his order +of April 1, 1766, left her at liberty to go whithersoever +she would.<a id="FNanchor_348" href="#Footnote_348" class="fnanchor">[348]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_302"></a>[302]</span></p> + +<p>The reply, in his Majesty’s name, was a firm +refusal.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ADDRESS TO THE LADIES OF ST. CYR.</div> + +<p>If D’Eon had sinned, she was as surely suffering. +There was no hope whatever of escape from her bondage, +and with her high spirit seemingly humbled, she +sought, or pretended to seek for comfort in the consolations +of religion. She retired, she says, speaking +of herself, to different convents, that she might acquire +the customs, habits, occupations and virtues which +most became her, and if she had offered a bad example +in wearing the King’s uniform in time of war, she made +ample reparation by wearing, in time of peace, the +Queen’s uniform amongst the ladies at Court; then she +adds, comically enough, that it was to the edification of +the Church and of her neighbours she retired frequently +to the ‘Abbaye Royale des Dames de Hautes-Bruyères,’ +to the ‘Maison des Demoiselles de St. Cyr,’ and to the +‘Monastère des Filles de Ste. Marie.’ In accepting the +invitation to visit the ladies at St. Cyr, D’Eon thus +wrote to Madame ——, one of the inmates:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I cannot in any other way acknowledge the kindness and +courtesy of yourself, Madame, of the Lady Superior, and of the +ladies of St. Cyr, than in giving you my word as a <i>chevalier</i> +that I shall do myself the honour, and consider it my duty, to +be at St. Cyr on Monday next, the 14th, at such hour as may +be most convenient to you. I purpose going alone, so that +nothing shall divert my attention whilst on my way to the +house of the Lord’s elect, and that I may be the better able to +benefit by the holiness of your conversation, which is the living +expression of the peace that reigns in your hearts, and in the +purity of your existence. When I compare the happiness of +the solitude you enjoy, and in which I have ever delighted, +without being able to experience the pleasure of it, to my +terribly agitated existence in the several armies and European +Courts during the last forty years, I feel how much I have been<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_303"></a>[303]</span> +removed from the God of humility by the demon of glory; I feel +that if I had done for Him the hundredth part of what I had the +happiness to do for Louis XV. and for myself, instead of now +wearing a red ribbon, I might some day have worn, together +with yourselves, the crown of immortality which God has +promised to wise virgins. Like a foolish virgin, I have been +running after the shadow of things, whilst you, wise virgins, +possess the substance through steadfastly abiding in the house +of the Lord, and in the path of virtue. <i>Erravi a viâ justitiæ et +sol intelligentiæ non luxit in me.</i> My only consolation to-day is, +that I have had the happiness of preserving intact the flower of +purity, the pledge so precious and frail, alas! of our existence +and of our faith—and this in the confusion of camps, battles, +and sieges.... The only mercy I now ask of God is, not to die +in the hands of physicians, surgeons, and apothecaries, but that +a cannon ball may carry me off; otherwise, to let me die in +solitude.... I pray, Madame, that God may preserve all of our +sex from the passion for vain glory, and the love of arms, which +is the most serious and dangerous. I alone know what it has +cost me to rise above myself. Alas! what restless nights have I +not passed for the sake of a few bright and happy days! Truly, +it is better to admire from afar the example I have given, than +to imitate it. My happiness is nothing but smoke, <i>fumus</i>, and +I admit that all is vanity of vanities in this world! Until I am +able to present to you the original, allow me to offer you the +best portrait that has been issued of me in England. I am represented +as Pallas. Another is about to be published in Paris, +as announced in the “Gazette de France,” and of which you shall +have a copy....<a id="FNanchor_349" href="#Footnote_349" class="fnanchor">[349]</a></p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">La Chevalière D’Eon.</span>’</p> + +<p class="date-l">‘Versailles, Rue de Noailles,<br> +‘Pavillon Marjon, September 12, 1778.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>D’Eon’s strength of character enabled her to shape +her deportment at the several retreats she visited with +honourable and scrupulous observance of the rules of +those institutions, conduct induced from prudential +considerations, and she spent her time in the profuse<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_304"></a>[304]</span> +waste of paper, writing prayers of her own composition, +cunningly adapted to one in her singularly anomalous +position, <i>e.g.</i>:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘God of armies, it was through Thy inspiration that I +followed the standards of the most Christian King, in the last +war. It was Thou who gavest me the shield of faith, the +breast-plate of chastity, the helmet of truth, the sword of +justice, and the courage <i>du dragon</i>. I earnestly long to rejoin +the army in this new war; give me the prudence of Judith, the +wisdom of Deborah, the courage of Jeanne d’Arc, and the valour +of Jeanne Hachette, so that it may be said that by the weakness +of my arm Thou hast wrought great things. <i>Quia fecisti mihi +mirabilia!</i>’<a id="FNanchor_350" href="#Footnote_350" class="fnanchor">[350]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>At each of the homes where she stayed the +Chevalière was supplied with formulas of prayer in MS., +copied for her own special edification, as stated on +the title-page of each pamphlet:—‘Oraisons de l’Eglise +pour tous les temps de l’année Mpt. copié pour Mademoiselle +D’Eon pendant sa retraite, en 1778, à l’Abbaye +Royale des Dames de Hautes-Bruyères, dépendante de +la célèbre Abbaye de Fontevrault fondée l’an 1100, par +le bien-heureux Robert d’Arbrissel. Réflexions Morales. +Sentiments de Piété. Sentiments sur l’Oraison Mentale.’</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A VOLUNTEER FOR SERVICE AFLOAT.</div> + +<p>It is clear that the Chevalière was by no means +yielding to the supposed advantageous influences by +which she was surrounded, no benefit being conferred +on her agitated mind by the religious austerity in the +midst of which so many of her days were being passed. +The profound meditations in which she indulged with +others were not those of the cloister, her thoughts +being too actively engaged in evolving to herself scheme +after scheme for obtaining freedom from the restraint +imposed by her hated petticoats, chafing as she was to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_305"></a>[305]</span> +join the King’s forces. It is true that the war being +necessarily a naval one, it was not the soldiers of France +who were called to the strife; but D’Eon showed herself +equal to the occasion when addressing herself, this +time to the Count de Maurepas, president of the council, +more pathetically and entreatingly than to any of the +other ministers:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... I must represent to you most humbly and most +firmly that the year of my female novitiate having expired, it +is impossible for me to continue a profession of that sex. The +expenses are beyond my means, and my income is too limited.... +This very sedentary life is completely ruining the elasticity +of my body and mind.... I renew this year my entreaties +that you will obtain the King’s permission for me to re-enter +his service, and there being no fighting on land, that I be +allowed to serve as a volunteer in the fleet of the Count +d’Orvilliers.<a id="FNanchor_351" href="#Footnote_351" class="fnanchor">[351]</a> I have managed to live in petticoats in time of +peace, from a desire to obey the orders of the King and of his +ministers, but I find it impossible to do this in time of war.... +Assist me, Monseigneur, to escape out of the lethargic state into +which I have been plunged ... it is <i>a matter of great moment +to the glory of the house of de Guerchy that I should be allowed to +continue my military career; at least such is the general opinion in +the army in France, and I might say all over enlightened Europe; +whereas my present inconsistent course of life gives cause for the +gravest misconstructions, and affords material to the maliciously +disposed</i>. I have always thought and acted as did Achilles. <i>I +am not at war with the dead</i>, and I do not destroy the living +<i>unless they are the first to attack me</i>. You have my written +word of honour for this.... You are not aware that it is I +who support my mother, my sister, my brother-in-law, and my +three nephews in the King’s service; that I am still in debt in +London, where I have left the whole of my library and my<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_306"></a>[306]</span> +papers in chambers, for which I am paying 24 francs a week.... +You must be aware that to play the part of a maid at +Court is one of the most stupid imaginable, so long as I am still +able to play that of a lion in the army....’<a id="FNanchor_352" href="#Footnote_352" class="fnanchor">[352]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>D’Eon must have been fully persuaded that escape +out of her state of wretchedness was impossible, and +that the pen and ink agitation, in which she was repeating +so much sad nonsense, would prove fruitless, +for, in writing, on the very next day, to her nephews +who were about leaving to take part in the war, she +playfully observed that the King, or rather his presiding +minister, absolutely refused to allow her to join the +forces, through fear, no doubt, that the indomitable +English who in other days had burned, in Normandy, +the Maid of Orleans, might now be guilty of drowning, +in America, the Maid of Tonnerre! Whatever the +intentions of the ministers with regard to the epicene +D’Eon, her allusions to the de Guerchy family, and her +ill-concealed desire to avenge herself on the son of her +old and deceased enemy, could only have served to confirm +them in their earliest resolution that she should +not, under any circumstances, be liberated from the +thraldom into which she had yielded her person.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AT HOME!</div> + +<p>Neglected by all at Court, and perhaps despised, as +she conceived herself to be, the Chevalière resolved +upon throwing off the badges of her servitude, and +again appearing as a captain of dragoons; but she was +immediately arrested and conveyed to the castle of the +old Dukes of Burgundy, at Dijon, where she remained +confined during the space of two months. Consenting<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_307"></a>[307]</span> +to take things in a more philosophic spirit, and return +to her laces and skirts, she was permitted to reappear in +Paris, and there, on September 20, was confirmed, by +order of the King and the Count de Vergennes, the draft +of a deed granting a life-annuity of twelve thousand +livres, out of the funds of the Department for Foreign +Affairs, unto ‘Charlotte-Geneviève-Louisa-Augusta-André-Timothée +D’Eon de Beaumont, formerly known +as the Chevalier D’Eon;’ this being the first occasion +upon which she was officially styled by her new +appellations. After this D’Eon completely disappeared +from society, having gone to live with her aged mother +at Tonnerre, where travellers, impelled by natural +curiosity, made it a point to see her if they could. In +this way she entertained at her table Prince Henry of +Prussia, brother to Frederick the Great, who had met +her in Germany during the war.</p> + +<p>D’Eon does not appear to have absented herself from +Tonnerre until about the middle of 1785, when she +went to stay with the Duchess de Montmorency-Bouteville, +and at the Hôtel des Dames de France, in the Rue +de Baume, Paris. France and England being again at +peace, since September 1783, she was maturing her +plans for obtaining permission to return to London, +where she was anxious to recover the money that was +owed to her, and save from dispersion the property she +had left in charge of her landlord, who, unable to obtain +any advance upon the rent due, had already, upon one +occasion, publicly advertised for sale the ‘valuable +library and curious manuscripts of the Chevalière D’Eon, +to refund himself for the space occupied by the said +library in his house during seven years’—a sale the +Chevalière succeeded in arresting by some arrangement<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_308"></a>[308]</span> +with her creditor.<a id="FNanchor_353" href="#Footnote_353" class="fnanchor">[353]</a> It was not, however, until the +rulers of France conceived the right moment had +arrived, and they were as good as their word, that +D’Eon received official intimation of her movements +being relieved from all restriction, with freedom to +leave France if she chose, and with scarcely a day’s +delay she made her exit from Paris in a post-chaise, +attended by her maid, arriving in London on November +17, and putting up at her old chambers in Brewer +Street. She was well received by her friends of former +days, amongst whom are specially named Lord Tamworth, +Colonel Kemys Tynte,<a id="FNanchor_354" href="#Footnote_354" class="fnanchor">[354]</a> and Mrs. Church.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CARLTON HOUSE.</div> + +<p>With no other resources but the modest pension of +12,000 livres, D’Eon was hard pushed for very existence +in the face of her liabilities, many of ancient date, notwithstanding +the five thousand pounds sterling paid by +Louis XVI. to extricate her out of her difficulties, for +the monetary transactions between the French Chevalière +and the English peer resulted in grievous distress to +the former, as we shall presently see. Forced by reason +of this to live in strict seclusion, we almost lose sight +of her until April 9, 1787, the day appointed for an +assault-at-arms in the presence of the Prince of Wales +at Carlton House, and to which, as a fencer of distinguished +reputation, she was invited. D’Eon and Mr. +Angelo, Sen., were nominated by his Royal Highness +judges for the occasion, there being present several of the +most accomplished fencers of the day, such as the +mulatto, the celebrated Saint-George, and his companions +Fabien and de la Motte; also Angelo, Jun., +Nogee, Reda, Rolland, and Goddard. The novelty of a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_309"></a>[309]</span> +lady in petticoats engaging the most experienced and +able masters excited much mirth, even those who had +known her <i>en culottes</i> being not a little surprised at the +skill she displayed in fencing with Saint-George. Her +petticoats did not incommode her in the least, but it +was clear that the late captain of dragoons proved herself +to be more expert at the <i>risposte</i> than a courtesy, +and at handling a foil more gracefully than she did a +fan. Quoting from another newspaper:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘The most remarkable occurrence of the fencing match at +Carlton House was the assault between Monsieur de Saint-George +and Mademoiselle D’Eon, the latter though encumbered, +as she humorously declared herself, with three petticoats, that +suited her sex much better than her spirit, not only parried +skilfully all the thrusts of her powerful antagonist, but even +touched him by what is termed a <i>coup de temps</i>, which all his +dexterity could not ward off. We hear that a celebrated +painter has undertaken to hit off the semblance and attitude of +the hero and heroine in this very interesting scene.<a id="FNanchor_355" href="#Footnote_355" class="fnanchor">[355]</a> Mademoiselle +D’Eon had modesty enough, on her hitting Monsieur +de Saint-George, to set it down to his complaisance; but the +latter candidly declared that he had done all in his power to +ward against it. A gentleman present assures us that nothing +could equal the quickness of the repartee, especially considering +that the modern Pallas is nearly in her sixtieth year, and had +to cope with a young man equally skilful and vigorous.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Upon another occasion of the Chevalière’s appearing +before the Prince of Wales, this time at the King’s +Theatre, she was dressed in armour, with a casque and +feather, representing Minerva or the Maid of Orleans.<a id="FNanchor_356" href="#Footnote_356" class="fnanchor">[356]</a></p> + +<p>When Mr. Angelo died near Eton, in 1801, D’Eon +deplored the loss of one of her oldest and best friends,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_310"></a>[310]</span> +for they had known each other fifty-five (<i>sic</i>) years, +and she was indebted to him for many acts of kindness. +The Chevalière, Wilkes, and the elder Sheridan were +frequent guests at Angelo’s table, in his house in Carlisle +Street, Soho Square, where they often sat for hours +over the bottle, in lengthened arguments upon the +politics of the day. D’Eon was Angelo’s most constant +guest and bosom friend, staying at his house sometimes +for weeks, and materially assisted him in his Treatise on +Fencing. It was there that old Hone and Cosway met +her. She had experienced the greatest pleasure in +teaching young Angelo how to handle a foil, until at +last they became strong antagonists, the latter, after +reaching manhood, often taking much pains to put her +out of humour. Speaking of her as a <i>maître d’armes</i>, +Angelo found that <i>he</i> was violent and <i>bien opiniâtre</i>, +though by no means a <i>ferrailleur</i>. Whatever <i>he</i> executed +was correct and scientific.</p> + +<p>Other announcements in the papers of the day show +how the Chevalière turned to equally good account her +skill in chess.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Madame la Chevalière D’Eon.</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Chess Club, Parsloe’s House, St. James’ Street.</span></p> + +<p>This day, at two o’clock precisely, Mr. Phillidor will play +three games at once against three good chess-players, two of +them without seeing the boards, and the third on looking over +the table. He most respectfully invites the members of the +chess-club to honour him with their presence. Ladies and +gentlemen who are not members of this club may be provided +with tickets at five shillings each at the above-mentioned house +to see the match. Madame la Chevalière D’Eon will be one of +Mr. Phillidor’s adversaries.<a id="FNanchor_357" href="#Footnote_357" class="fnanchor">[357]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>In 1788, when the country was sorrowing at symptoms +of aberration in George III., the Chevalière issued +an ‘Epître aux Anglais dans leurs tristes circonstances +présentes’ (8vo. 48 pp.), complimentary to the Prince of +Wales, which was well received and quickly reached a +second edition.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_311"></a>[311]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><span class="larger">CATALOGUE</span><br> +<span class="smaller">OF THE</span><br> +<span class="larger">SCARCE BOOKS</span><br> +<span class="smaller">AND</span><br> +<span class="larger">VALUABLE MANUSCRIPTS</span><br> +<span class="smaller">OF</span><br> +THE CHEVALIÈRE D’EON,<br> +<span class="smaller">formerly</span><br> +<span class="smcap">Minister Plenipotentiary</span> from <i>France</i> to <i>England</i><br> +at the Peace of 1763, &c. &c.</p> + +<p class="center smaller">Who is about to quit <span class="smcap">London</span>, and to return to <span class="smcap">Paris</span>,</p> + +<p class="center smaller">containing</p> + +<p class="noindent smaller">A great number of curious <span class="smcap">Manuscripts</span>, both Ancient and Modern, and a +very large Collection of <span class="smcap">Dictionaries</span> and <span class="smcap">French Books</span>, and many in +the <span class="smcap">Greek</span>, <span class="smcap">Latin</span>, and <span class="smcap">English</span>, and also in the <span class="smcap">Oriental</span> Languages, +collected by herself, in the course of her Travels.</p> + +<p class="center smaller">Which will be publicly sold by <span class="smcap">Auction</span>,</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">By Mr. CHRISTIE</span>,</p> + +<p class="noindent smaller">At his <span class="smcap">Great Room</span> in <span class="smcap">Pall Mall</span>, on Thursday, the 5th of May, and +following days, 1791.<a id="FNanchor_358" href="#Footnote_358" class="fnanchor">[358]</a></p> + +<p class="smaller">At the same time will be sold her <span class="smcap">Mahogany Book Cases</span>, her <span class="smcap">Prints</span>, +<span class="smcap">Household Furniture</span>, <span class="smcap">Swords</span>, <span class="smcap">Trinkets</span>, <span class="smcap">Jewels</span>, and, in general, all +her <span class="smcap">Wearing Apparel</span>, constituting the <span class="smcap">Wardrobe</span> of a <span class="smcap">Captain</span> of +<span class="smcap">Dragoons</span> and a <span class="smcap">French Lady</span>.</p> + +<div class="poetry-container smaller"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Quale decus rerum, si Virginis <span class="smcap">Auctio</span> fiat,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Balteus, et Manicæ, et Cristæ, Crurisque sinistri</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dimidium Tegmen!...</div> + <div class="verse indent0">... Tu felix, Ocreas vendente Puella.—<span class="smcap">Juv.</span></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="smaller">N.B.—Mr. <span class="smcap">Christie</span> assures the Public that the name of the Chevalière +D’Eon is written with her own hand, in the first page of every one of her +Books; and that the Preface to the Catalogue of them contains <span class="smcap">An +Interesting Narrative of the Very Extraordinary Case of</span> Mdlle. +D’Eon. The Catalogue has been divided into Six different Parts, to facilitate +the transport of it into Foreign Countries: they are now united in one +catalogue.</p> + +<p class="center smaller">Price <span class="smcap">One Shilling</span>.</p> + +<p class="smaller"><span class="smcap">Catalogues</span> may be had at the Place of Sale; at Mr. <span class="smcap">Debrett’s</span>, +<i>Piccadilly</i>; at Mr. <span class="smcap">Sewell’s</span>, in <i>Cornhill</i>; and at M. <span class="smcap">De Boffe’s</span>, <i>Gerard +Street</i>.</p> + +<p class="center smaller">Printed by <span class="smcap">T. Spilsbury & Son</span>, No. 57, <i>Snow Hill, London</i>.<br> +<span class="allsmcap">M.DCC.XCI.</span></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_312"></a>[312]</span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A SAD TALE.</div> + +<p>We pass over the intermediate years until 1791, +when the Chevalière burst upon London with the +sudden announcement that her precious books and +MSS. were about to be sold by public auction. The +catalogue, prepared by herself, opens with an address to +the Public,<a id="FNanchor_359" href="#Footnote_359" class="fnanchor">[359]</a> in which are given the reasons which place +her under the necessity of disposing, during her lifetime, +of all she possesses. She had returned to London +in 1785 for no other purpose than that of paying her +creditors and collecting what was due to her, but she +had been unable to succeed in this double object of her +wishes. The reigning King of France, she went on to +say, sensible of her military and political services, as +well as of her innocence and the misfortunes she had +experienced, had generously caused to be remitted to +Washington, Earl Ferrers, through M. de Beaumarchais, +on October 17, 1778, the sum of 5,000<i>l.</i> +sterling, to be employed by the said Earl Ferrers, +according to his promise, towards the discharge of her +debts, so that she might be in a position to leave +England honourably. Notwithstanding, however, the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_313"></a>[313]</span> +earl’s honour and probity, and his friendship for the +Chevalière, he discharged a part only of her debts, and +without first asking her consent, kept 3,000<i>l.</i> for his own +private use, undoubtedly with the intention of returning +the money, D’Eon having asked him to settle with her +creditors, and especially with Mr. Duval, the King’s +jeweller, who had advanced several sums during the +Chevalière’s law-suits and distresses in London. Being +urged to satisfy these claims, his lordship acknowledged +that he had applied 3,000<i>l.</i> towards completing the +furniture of his seat,<a id="FNanchor_360" href="#Footnote_360" class="fnanchor">[360]</a> the working of a lead-mine, and +of a lime-pit in his park of Staunton Harold, which had +since produced an income of 600<i>l.</i> Being dissatisfied +with this employment of her money, D’Eon wrote from +London to entreat that upon his lordship’s return to +town, he would afford to herself and to her creditors +some security for the speedy reimbursement of the +money. Lord Ferrers replied in three separate letters.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">BREACH OF TRUST.</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="date">‘Staunton Harold, December 24, 1775.</p> + +<p>‘I have so much business to settle here that if I am not +obliged to go to London on account of the Duchess of Kingston’s +trial,<a id="FNanchor_361" href="#Footnote_361" class="fnanchor">[361]</a> I think I shall not come there before the month of May; +and it being requisite for you to have some voucher to produce +for the money you have in my hands, in case anything should +happen to me, you will be pleased to let me know your Christian +name, in order that I may send you by the stage a bond for the +sum due to you, which bond will bear an interest of five per +cent. And having been disappointed with respect to a sum of +money which was to be paid to me last month for an estate +sold for the purpose of settling my affairs, I should take it as a +particular favour of you to leave this money in my hands for +one year at the above-mentioned interest. It is all the same to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_314"></a>[314]</span> +me, as I receive of others the same interest I pay you. Should +you in the interim want any money for the settlement of your +affairs, you may draw on me whenever you please, which indeed +seems to me to be much better than to remit you at present in +bank notes, for reasons which I once told you. The gout has +left me; I find myself, thank God, very well, and am,</p> + +<p class="center">‘Your sincere and very affectionate,</p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">Ferrers</span>.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... You inform me of your coming here very soon; as +you know that I shall always be happy to see you, there is no +occasion for me to say anything on that subject.... +Newcomb<a id="FNanchor_362" href="#Footnote_362" class="fnanchor">[362]</a> is at present in Derby, and had some time ago the +misfortune of breaking his arm.... This has prevented me +from sending you the hundred guineas you want for the present, +but shall remit you this sum in the course of next week. I +have at present no money in the hands of my bankers in +London, having withdrawn the same from them to have here a +ready supply of cash for the mine, which proves already richer +than I expected.... Having no furnace built, I cannot yet +make money of it. This has rendered me very poor at present, +that is to say, until the time when I shall receive my rents.... +Farewell, and be assured of my being your sincere friend,</p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">Ferrers</span>.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... Since the time I had the honour of seeing you +last, I have been very ill, the gout having attacked my lungs +so seriously that I did not know what to think of it. I have +by this time deposited the bond of 3,000<i>l.</i> with Mr. Woty<a id="FNanchor_363" href="#Footnote_363" class="fnanchor">[363]</a> for +you, in case I should die. It has been ready this great while, +and is dated December 26, 1775, bearing interest of five per +cent. for that time.... If the gout permits I shall in a month +be in London.... Assuring you that I am,</p> + +<p class="center">‘Your very faithful,</p> + +<p class="right">‘<span class="smcap">Ferrers</span>.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">A PEER’S BOND.</div> + +<p>Alarmed at this intelligence, D’Eon repaired to the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_315"></a>[315]</span> +seat of his lordship,<a id="FNanchor_364" href="#Footnote_364" class="fnanchor">[364]</a> who, fearing he should die, had +signed a bond at five per cent. interest, payable at the +expiration of five years instead of one year, as he had +promised. D’Eon was not greatly pleased at this fresh +delay, but finding there was no alternative, she accepted +this bond, dated December 26, 1775, and payable in +1780, and transferred it, jointly with Lord Ferrers, to +Mr. John Duval, on August 11, 1777, as security for the +Chevalière’s debt to him, Lord Ferrers binding himself, +verbally also, to be punctual to his engagement.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="center"><i>Earl Ferrers’ Bond.</i></p> + +<p>‘Know all men by these presents, that I, the Right Honourable +Washington, Earl Ferrers, am held and firmly bound to +Charles Genovesa Louisa Augusta Andrea Timothea D’Eon de +Beaumont, Knight of the Royal and Military Order of Saint +Louis, now of Brewer’s Street, Golden Square, in the County +of Middlesex, in the penal sum of Six Thousand Pounds, of +good and lawful money of Great Britain, to be paid to the said +Charles Genovesa Louisa Augusta Andrea Timothea D’Eon de +Beaumont, or his certain Attorney, Executors, Administrators, +or Assigns. For which payment to be well and faithfully made, +I bind myself, my Heirs, Executors, and Administrators, firmly +by these presents. Sealed with my Seal; dated this twenty-sixth +day of December, in the sixteenth year of the reign of our +Sovereign Lord George the Third, by the Grace of God of Great +Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, and +so forth; and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven +hundred and seventy-five.</p> + +<p>‘The condition of this obligation is such, that if the above +bounden Washington, Earl Ferrers, his Heirs, Executors, and +Administrators, shall and do well and truly pay or cause to be +paid to the said Charles Genovesa Louisa Augusta Andrea +Timothea D’Eon de Beaumont, his certain Attorney, Executors, +Administrators, or Assigns, the full sum of Three Thousand +Pounds, of good and lawful money of Great Britain, on or<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_316"></a>[316]</span> +before the twenty-sixth day of December, which will be in +the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty, +with interest for the same after the rate of five pounds <i>per +centum</i>, per annum, then this obligation to be void, or else to +remain in full force.</p> + +<figure class="figleft illowp100" style="max-width: 4.6875em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/seal.jpg" alt="Letters L.S. within a circle"> +</figure> + +<p class="right">‘(Signed) <span class="smcap">Ferrers</span>.’</p> + +<p class="cb">‘Sealed and delivered (being first duly stamped) in the +presence of</p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 3.5em;">‘(Signed) <span class="smcap">W. Woty</span>.</span><br> +‘(Signed) <span class="smcap">John Newcomb</span>.’</p> + +<p>‘Passed by order of Mr. John Duval and Son, at London, +August 11, 1777.</p> + +<p class="right">‘(Signed) <span class="smcap">The Chevalier D’Eon.</span>’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Relying upon his lordship’s honour and Mr. Duval’s +probity, D’Eon left London for France with her mind +quite at ease. The following year Lord Ferrers died, +as did also Mr. Duval. It was impossible for D’Eon to +return to England to obtain payment of the bond and +reimburse the heirs of Mr. Duval, the King’s ministers +having ordered his detention in France, and it was not +until 1785 that she was able to attend to the affair in +person. Being then again in England, she prevailed +upon a common friend to treat with Robert, Earl +Ferrers, brother and heir to the late earl, to obtain +payment, but finding that his lordship only wished to +gain time and keep her out of her money, she was +obliged to bring an action against him in the Court of +Common Pleas at Westminster, which she gained, on +February 6, 1787, the funds for conducting the prosecution +having been supplied by Lord Tamworth, in +entire disapproval of his father’s conduct. Two months +later this earl, who, according to Walpole, ‘deserved<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_317"></a>[317]</span> +his ancient honours,’ died, referring to which event a +daily paper observed:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘The death of Lord Ferrers, announced in the papers a few +days ago, will, in all likelihood, prove an unfortunate event for +the Chevalier D’Eon. The principal object of her return to +England was to solicit the payment of four thousand pounds, +deposited, by order of the present King of France, in the hands +of the late Earl Ferrers to pay the debts of the Chevalière, which +hath not been effected to this day. The son, Lord Tamworth, +now Earl of Ferrers, who, to his honour be it said, highly +blamed the legal contestation maintained on this subject by his +late father, will, by putting an end to all further delay, derive +great credit from this act of justice in favour of so extraordinary a +character, whose concerns cannot but be warmly espoused by +all who are acquainted with her, and the sufferings she has +undergone, after having fought the battles of her country, and +managed its interests as an able negotiator.’<a id="FNanchor_365" href="#Footnote_365" class="fnanchor">[365]</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">AN HEIR’S FAITHLESSNESS.</div> + +<p>The will of the late earl contained directions that +all his late brother’s and his own debts should be paid, +and although the new earl, as Lord Tamworth, had +befriended D’Eon and made handsome promises, he no +longer thought it his duty, after succeeding to the title, +to discharge the debt of honour. It should be stated +that the only sums received by the Chevalière from the +day that Washington, Earl Ferrers, had appropriated +the 3,000<i>l.</i> in 1775, to the year 1791, amounted to +150<i>l.</i>, paid in three instalments of 50<i>l.</i> each, between +April 21 and November 26, 1776. After her return +from France, she endeavoured to recover her money or +the interest due; but all was in vain, and being determined +that her creditors should not be the sufferers, +she felt obliged to offer even her beloved library for +sale, resolved ‘to carry nothing with her out of the +island but her integrity and her regret at leaving it.’</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_318"></a>[318]</span></p> + +<p>It is impossible not to feel some sympathy for the +unfortunate Chevalière in this ignoble treatment by a +succession of British peers, with all of whom she had +long been on terms of intimate friendship, even though +the moral to be deduced by the circumstances is, that +the would-be biter herself became the bitten one! Turning +back a few pages to the time when Beaumarchais was +conducting the mission entrusted to him by Louis XVI., +Lord Ferrers appears as a creditor of D’Eon for 5,000<i>l.</i>, +and as if to give colour to the claim, it was represented +by the supposed creditor and debtor that the iron safe +filled with important documents had been deposited +with the English nobleman in security for the debt, a +story that cannot be regarded otherwise than as a pure +invention. It is clear enough that in her anxiety to +secure a sufficiently large advance out of the funds +supplied by the King, who was fully disposed to liberality, +but with which Beaumarchais was most unwilling +to part, D’Eon had secured the earl’s sanction to the +entry, in her list of liabilities, of this imaginary debt. +Never for a moment doubting the genuineness of the +claim after his first suspicions had been removed, or +suspecting complicity in any kind of deception, Beaumarchais +paid the money, but instead of immediately +passing on the whole to D’Eon’s creditors, as he had +promised to do, his lordship boldly retained 3,000<i>l.</i> for +his own use and benefit, in the conviction that the +Chevalière would be in no hurry to expose her own +share in the double dealing, by publicly resenting the +breach of trust of which he had been guilty. The +Chevalière discovered, but too late, the blunder she +had committed in trusting to her would-be friend, and +submitted tamely enough to the earl’s shameless and +unfeeling settlement, by which she was required to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_319"></a>[319]</span> +wait five years for her little capital, and not one year +as originally convened.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">DONE!</div> + +<p>The breach of trust became something worse as +years rolled by, and none of Washington, Earl Ferrers’ +successors, after having adorned themselves with the +coronet, cared to recognise their obligation towards +the needy and ill-used knight. D’Eon had awaited the +pleasure of the several earls during fifteen years, before +making the fearless exposure of their conduct and +giving public expression to her feelings thereon, in +the preface to her catalogue. When bitterly tried, a +decade later, by fresh reverses of fortune, she renewed +her efforts (October 1802) to recover what was her own, +this time through Admiral Shirley, a brother of the +deceased earl, Washington. She sent to him a copy of +the bond, a calculation of the interest due on her +capital of 3,000<i>l.</i> during twenty-seven years, and a +proposal for the final adjustment of the affair. The +encumbered condition of the Ferrers’ estates would +have rendered nugatory any further promises, even if +any such had been held out to the Chevalière, who +reduced her demands to a minimum by asking for +500<i>l.</i> wherewith to pay pressing calls, and a yearly +allowance of 100<i>l.</i> for the remainder of her days, no +great exaction, seeing that she was then in her seventy-fifth +year! Upon these conditions she was prepared to +surrender the bond to the admiral, to be disposed of as +he might think proper. It does not appear what notice +was taken of this proposition by the deceased earl’s +brother, but it is very certain that so late as January +1805, the Chevalière had not received one farthing from +the Ferrers family!<a id="FNanchor_366" href="#Footnote_366" class="fnanchor">[366]</a></p> + +<p>Scarcely had the distribution of D’Eon’s Catalogue<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_320"></a>[320]</span> +taken place, than sympathising friends made up a purse +to meet her immediate necessities; a subscription list +was opened at Mr. Hammersley’s, the banker, Pall +Mall, where, in a very short time, the sum of 465<i>l.</i> 5<i>s.</i> +was collected, 100<i>l.</i> being a contribution from the +Prince of Wales. Another expression of feeling was +a public entertainment given for D’Eon’s benefit, on +June 29, 1791, by the managers of Ranelagh,<a id="FNanchor_367" href="#Footnote_367" class="fnanchor">[367]</a> ‘in consideration +of her having been deprived of a considerable +part of her fortune by the odious detention of a +deposit.’</p> + +<div class="sidenote">SALE OF JEWELLERY.</div> + +<p>The troubles with which France was being agitated +found an echo in the heart of the unfortunate Chevalière. +The news of the King’s flight, and the abolition of all +orders of chivalry by the National Assembly, she received +as sure warnings of coming distress to herself; +and when the Legislative Assembly summoned all emigrants +to make their appearance in France by a certain +date, under pain of death if they disregarded the decree, +she quickly made up her mind to obey the national will +and return to her country. In the midst of her many +apprehensions there seemed to be one gleam of comfort—for +she became persuaded that the hour was at hand +when she should be liberated from her state of womanhood. +The sale of some of her property took place +on February 17, 1792, when were disposed of at Mr. +Christie’s, in Pall Mall, seventy-three lots of ‘valuable +and elegant jewels, a few fine prints, valuable coins, +medals, plate, &c., the property of Mademoiselle the +Chevalière D’Eon,’ which realised the sum of 348<i>l.</i> 17<i>s.</i> 7<i>d.</i>, +some of the more valuable lots having been bought in.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_321"></a>[321]</span></p> + +<p>The latter included—</p> + +<p>A pair of single drop brilliant earrings of <i>singular +beauty, colour and perfection</i>, 155<i>l.</i></p> + +<p>A diamond cross and chain, <i>the stones of matchless +beauty and perfection</i>, 110<i>l.</i></p> + +<p>A pair of single drop brilliant earrings, 109 guineas.</p> + +<p>A tortoise-shell lined snuff-box mounted in gold +with miniature, and cypher on the reverse side (the +gift of the Empress Elizabeth), 2½ guineas.</p> + +<p>The personal ornaments sold comprised five pairs of +gold drops, one pair in brilliants; eleven pairs of earrings, +one pair in brilliants and one pair in roses; two +crosses, one being in diamonds, with chain; five necklaces; +one bracelet with miniature of the Chevalière in +military uniform; two hoop brilliant rings; three +watches, one being set in brilliants.<a id="FNanchor_368" href="#Footnote_368" class="fnanchor">[368]</a></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_322"></a>[322]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + +<p>D’Eon (<i>la citoyenne Geneviève</i>) offers her services to the Legislative +Assembly—Is ordered to join General Dumouriez—Detained in England—Her +English friends—Fences in public—Is seriously wounded—Distressing +times—Last days—Death—Autopsy and appearance of the +body—Administration of property—General character—Pursuits and +habits late in life—Maxims on religion—Coldness of temperament—Reflections—Fugitive +pieces.</p> + +</div> + +<p>Having satisfied some of her creditors with the proceeds +of the sale, D’Eon occupied herself in packing the +remainder of her effects in fifteen cases for conveyance +to France. War had been declared, and the Citoyenne +Geneviève at once sent her nephew O’Gorman to Paris, +with the offers of her services in the form of a petition +addressed to the Legislative Assembly, an extract from +which was read at a sitting of that body. It stated +that although she had worn the dress of a woman for +fifteen years, she had never forgotten that she was formerly +a soldier; that since the Revolution she felt her +military ardour revive, and demanded, instead of her +cap and petticoats, her helmet, sabre, horse, and the +rank in the army to which her seniority, her services, +and her wounds entitled her; and she also requested +permission to raise a legion of volunteers. Unconnected +with any party, she had no desire to brandish her +sword in procession in the streets of Paris, and wished +for nothing but actual service—war nobly made and +courageously supported.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_323"></a>[323]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘In my eager impatience,’ she continued, ‘I have sold everything +but my uniform, and the sword I wore in the last war, +which I wish again to wear in the present. Of my library +nothing remains but the shelves,<a id="FNanchor_369" href="#Footnote_369" class="fnanchor">[369]</a> and the MSS. of Marshal +Vauban, which I have preserved as an offering to the National +Assembly, for the glory of my country, and the instruction of +the brave generals employed in her defence. I have been the +sport of nature, of fortune, of war, of peace, of men and women, +of the malice and intrigue of Courts. I have passed successively +from the state of a girl to that of a boy, from the state of +a man to that of a woman. I have experienced the strange +vicissitudes of human life. Soon, I hope, with arms in my +hand, I shall fly on the wings of liberty and victory to fight and +die for the nation, the law, and the King.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>This petition, the reading of which was interrupted +by repeated bursts of applause, was ordered to be +honourably mentioned in the minutes, and referred to +the military committee.<a id="FNanchor_370" href="#Footnote_370" class="fnanchor">[370]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">UNDER THE ORDERS OF THE REPUBLIC.</div> + +<p>Early in the following year the Citoyenne Geneviève, +in a transport of delight, informed her friend, M. Beauvais,<a id="FNanchor_371" href="#Footnote_371" class="fnanchor">[371]</a> +that in consequence of instructions received from +the Minister of War for the Republic of France, she +was about to proceed to Paris, thence to join the army +of General Dumouriez,<a id="FNanchor_372" href="#Footnote_372" class="fnanchor">[372]</a> and begged leave to forward to +his care six cases for despatch to France, <i>viâ</i> Rouen +or Havre de Grace, as she might determine after her +arrival in that country. Nine other cases were at the +same time sent to Mr. Christie, who had promised to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_324"></a>[324]</span> +find room for them. She was also invited by the ladies +of Paris to return to them, the invitation, dated in the +month of April, having been entrusted for personal +delivery to her old friend, Captain Arden, of the Royal +Navy. The Chevalière did not return to France, having +been detained in all probability by her creditors, who +would have acted with greater wisdom and profit to +themselves had they trusted to her honour, and left +her free to seek for better days under the changed +fortunes of her country. It was doubtlessly her late +surrender of State papers, and the nature of their contents,<a id="FNanchor_373" href="#Footnote_373" class="fnanchor">[373]</a> +that had influenced the administrators of the Republic +in her favour; but her right to a pension was +no longer recognised under the new form of Government +in France, her property had been confiscated, and +she was thus left without resources of any description, +now verging on her sixty-fifth year. The Chevalière +appears to have existed at this time chiefly upon the +hospitality of her friends, there being amongst those +who entertained her more frequently the names of +Lady Constable, Mr. Christie, Lord and Lady Glencairn, +Lady Wallis (sister to the Duchess of Gordon), +Colonel and Mrs. Kemys-Tynte, General Melville, +General Rainsford, at whose house she met Horne +Tooke and Paine; Mr. Fitzmaurice (brother of Lord +Lansdowne), Colonel Macbean, of the Artillery; Mr. +Lockhart, banker, Pall Mall; Mr. Dent, banker, Clarges +Street; Sir William Ffloyd, Count Zenobio, envoy +from Venice; Colonel du Bathe, M. Hirsinger, Chargé +d’Affaires from France, &c. &c.</p> + +<p>By the end of the year 1792 the Chevalière’s remaining +means and credit were completely exhausted, +and there was no alternative but to make public exhibition<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_325"></a>[325]</span> +of her pre-eminent skill in fencing, a resolution +in which she appears to have been supported by Mrs. +Bateman, the noted actress and female fencer. Her +first appearance, in a series of performances, was at a +<i>déjeuner</i> given by Mrs. Bateman in her house, Soho +Square, to a party of English and French officers of +both services, several ‘literary characters, and gentlemen +of first-rate stage talents,’ upon which occasion, +as announced in the papers,</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Sir George Kelly pushed <i>carte</i> and <i>tierce</i> with Mademoiselle +D’Eon to the great entertainment of the company. An assault +between Captain Walmsley and Mademoiselle D’Eon concluded +this scientific display, and it was astonishing to observe with +what vigour the captain’s repeated thrusts were repulsed. The +assault lasted nearly fifteen minutes, during which time Mademoiselle +D’Eon did not appear to be out of breath; she only once +exclaimed, “<i>Ah! mes jambes!</i>” which was when the conflict +had subsided. This celebrated character cannot be termed +<i>Madame Egalité</i>, for in this, as in any other country, she has not +her equal.’<a id="FNanchor_374" href="#Footnote_374" class="fnanchor">[374]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p><i>January 22.</i>—She was next invited to an <i>Assaut +d’armes</i> with Captain Walmsley, at Mr. Towneley’s house +in Devonshire Place, when one hundred guests were +present, nearly all of whom were Roman Catholics.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">‘CUTTING HER BREAD WITH HER SWORD.’</div> + +<p><i>February 11.</i>—Fenced Captain Walmsley at the +Club d’Armes, Brewer Street, and although very much +indisposed, astonished numerous spectators with her +science and activity. The captain was foiled four or +five times successively, and it was not till the female +Chevalier was nearly exhausted that he had the opportunity +of a retort. Confident of success, Mademoiselle +D’Eon refused the mask, of which her opponent availed +himself.<a href="#Footnote_374" class="fnanchor">[374]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_326"></a>[326]</span></p> + +<p><i>May 30.</i>—Fences at the Haymarket on Mrs. Bateman’s +benefit night. Never, since the death of Garrick, +had the house been so full.</p> + +<p><i>June 26.</i>—Fences at the Ranelagh, in the presence +of the Prince of Wales and Duke of Gloucester.</p> + +<p><i>August 23.</i>—Fences with Mr. Bateman and his son.</p> + +<p><i>September.</i>—Fences with Mrs. Bateman and an +English officer, under the patronage of the Prince of +Wales, who sat in the stage box (Brighton theatre) +with Mrs. Fitzherbert and Miss Piggot.</p> + +<p><i>October 19.</i>—Fences at her own benefit in the +theatre, Margate, a prologue being spoken by Mrs. +Bateman.</p> + +<p><i>November 2.</i>—Fences at the Assembly Rooms, Deal.</p> + +<p><i>November 11</i> and <i>21</i>.—Fences at the theatre, Dover.</p> + +<p><i>November 30.</i>—Fences at the Fountain Inn, Canterbury.</p> + +<p>After which, Mrs. Bateman<a id="FNanchor_375" href="#Footnote_375" class="fnanchor">[375]</a> and the Chevalière, who +had been on a professional tour together, returned to +London.</p> + +<p>In the Chevalière’s journals, from which the above +dates are taken,<a id="FNanchor_376" href="#Footnote_376" class="fnanchor">[376]</a> there appear two entries only during +the year 1794 of her having publicly exhibited—at +Ranelagh on May 26, and at the Brighton theatre on +August 8. In 1795, she fenced at the Lower Rooms +(Bath?) on April 24, at Birmingham on July 6, and at +Worcester on August 13. In January 1796, she performed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_327"></a>[327]</span> +in the Lower Rooms, Bath, under the patronage +of the colonel and officers of the Essex Dragoons, +whose band was in attendance, Bath still being what +it had been for many years, incomparably the most +fashionable and favourite watering-place in England, +and frequented by people of all classes of society. +After giving four performances, D’Eon travelled to +Oxford for April 22 and three other evenings, thence +to Southampton to keep an engagement on August 26, +when an unlucky accident brought to an end, for +ever, these exhibitions of her skill.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A DANGEROUS WOUND.</div> + +<p>In receiving a thrust from her adversary that +evening, the foil broke off, inflicting a serious wound, +by which she was completely disabled. It is well to +reproduce her address to the public upon that occasion, +and the surgical certificate given to satisfy that +public; the first, because it so very clearly, and in her +own words, exposes her sad necessities; the second, because +it is evident that the physician and surgeons who +examined the wound were satisfied with regard to the +sex of their patient.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Mademoiselle D’Eon takes this Opportunity of returning her +sincerest and respectful Thanks to the Benevolent Gentry of the +Town and Neighbourhood, for having honoured her with their +Presence at her late <span class="smcap">Grand Assault d’Armes</span>; and also for the +kind Interest they were so good as to take in the dangerous +Wound she received that Day. Alas! She is now obliged <i>to cut +her Bread with her Sword</i>; which is indeed to her a Bread full of +Repugnancy and Bitterness, that Necessity alone can make her +swallow. But preferring that Shift so unfit for her sex, and so +against her Feelings, at the Age of Sixty-nine, to a State of +Dependence, whilst she has Strength to hold a Sword she is +forced to make it useful, to the Support of an unhappy and +injured Woman; bathed, as it often may be with Truth said, +with her Tears. Her Misfortunes began with her Birth, and are<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_328"></a>[328]</span> +only likely to end with her Life. The Friends Prosperity had +given her, Adversity has deprived her of.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘<span class="smcap">We certify</span>, <i>that having been present at a</i> Grand Assault +d’Armes, or Fencing-Match, <i>exhibited by Mademoiselle D’Eon in +public, on Friday, August 26, at the Long Rooms, Southampton, +we witnessed her receiving a dangerous Thrust from the Foul of her +Antagonist, the Button having broken off, unperceived, about an Inch +from the Extremity. On Examination, the Wound was found to be +situated in the Arm-pit, on the Right Side, extending itself laterally +about four Inches. The muscular Irritation, in Consequence of this +Accident, occasioned intense Pain for some Days, which she sustained +with the utmost Fortitude, Patience, and Resignation.</i><a id="FNanchor_377" href="#Footnote_377" class="fnanchor">[377]</a></p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 3em;">‘<span class="smcap">J. Mackie</span>, M.D.</span><br> +<span style="margin-right: 4.5em;">‘<span class="smcap">P. Bernard</span>.</span><br> +‘<span class="smcap">H. Corbin</span>. Surgeons.’</p> + +<p class="date-l">‘Southampton, September 6, 1796.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>D’Eon had to keep her bed for four months, and +after being removed to London was confined, through +great debility, to the house, which she left four times +only during the next four years, and then only in a +coach. She spent her long convalescence with Mrs. +Mary Cole<a id="FNanchor_378" href="#Footnote_378" class="fnanchor">[378]</a> at her own invitation, an old friend from +whom she never again parted, and these two thereafter +shared alike in each other’s sorrows, for of joys they +had none! ‘My life was spent in eating, drinking, and +sleeping, praying, writing, and at work with Mrs. Cole, +repairing linen, gowns, and head-dresses.’</p> + +<p>The Chevalière was in the habit of pawning her +diamonds from time to time when hard pressed, taking<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_329"></a>[329]</span> +care to redeem and keep them in reserve until she +could dispose of them at a fair price. In 1799, being +absolutely obliged to part with those jewels, after +failing to treat with Rundell and his friend Sharp, the +well-known jewellers, she made some satisfactory arrangement +with a Mr. Moses, who called to see them. +After this, it may be said that D’Eon lived entirely +upon charity. Forced to give up the chambers she +had occupied in Brewer Street during thirty-three +years, she went to stay for a time with Colonel Thornton, +on the Surrey side of the Thames, and then took +up her residence permanently with Mrs. Cole, first at +33 Westminster Bridge Road, then at 5 Mead’s Place, +opposite to the Apollo Gardens, and near the Asylum, +Lambeth, and finally at 26 New Milman Street, Foundling +Hospital. Her two nephews, Major O’Gorman, +and Captain Augustus O’Gorman of the 18th regiment +of foot, called to see her occasionally, but it does not +appear that they ever afforded any relief or comfort to +their aged aunt, who had been in the habit of assisting +them very materially in their younger days.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PASSPORT TO FRANCE.</div> + +<p>D’Eon had never abandoned the idea of possibly +returning to France, the Treaty of Amiens and the +First Consulate seeming to afford a glimmer of hope. +She had made some kind of declaration before M. Otto, +the French minister plenipotentiary, on the 7th Fructidor +(August 24), 1802, which resulted in her being supplied +with a passport to Paris and Tonnerre, good for +three decades (thirty days), dated the 25th Brumaire +(November 15) of the same year, and she received five +pounds from Mr. R. Slade ‘to enable her to return to +her country;’ but she remained hopelessly involved, as +appears from several touching entries in her note-book, +of which we quote two. M. Blacher, the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_330"></a>[330]</span> +exiled <i>curé</i> of St. Martin le Gérard in the diocese of +Constance, called at the house of the sheriff’s officer for +Surrey, on November 15, 1804, and inquired if it was +true that Mademoiselle D’Eon was in detention. Upon +learning that she had been in custody five months, and +only just set at liberty, the <i>curé</i> asked to see her, and +being shown into the Chevalière’s chamber, said that +he had come at the instance of an English lady to +know the particulars of her arrest. On taking his +leave, and pleading that he also was an exile and poor, +he quietly placed on the table a gold seven-shilling +piece which he refused to take up again, although +pressed to do so by D’Eon. Acknowledging the +receipt of ten guineas from the Marchioness Townshend, +D’Eon wrote, July 18, 1805:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘This relief is a gift from Heaven which comes to me at the +right moment, in the sorrow of my great age and of the great +revolution that has taken place in my country, and which has, +at one blow, swallowed up my little property in Burgundy, and +the pensions I had received from Louis XV. and Louis XVI.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>The note was signed: <i>Chevalier D’Eon, who has not +quitted his bed, his room, or his house nine times during +the last nine years</i>.</p> + +<p>Writing to Major Clive, M.P.,<a id="FNanchor_379" href="#Footnote_379" class="fnanchor">[379]</a> she complains of her +reduced circumstances, and of having lost her all by the +French Revolution, she cannot say, why?</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘It is a secret hidden, I will not say in the womb of Providence, +but in the foolishness of the French, who, like weather-cocks, +turn to every wind.’<a id="FNanchor_380" href="#Footnote_380" class="fnanchor">[380]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>Amongst those who occasionally supplied her with +funds, or whose attentions the Chevalière more particularly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_331"></a>[331]</span> +appreciated, were Mrs. Crawford, of Hertford +Street, Mayfair, a daughter of Mrs. Holland; the +Misses Dodwell; Mrs. Tryon, of Glaston, Uppingham; +Colonel Kemys-Tynte; and Miss Shirley, a natural +daughter of Admiral Shirley. The good Queen Charlotte +had never forgotten her, and she enjoyed an annuity +of fifty pounds from the Duke of Queensberry.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">DEATH.</div> + +<p>For the two last years of her life, D’Eon was almost +bed-ridden through infirmity, but affectionately nursed +and tended by Mrs. Cole. About a year before her +death she sent for Père Elisée, formerly surgeon to the +‘Pères de la Charité’ at Grenoble, who was enjoying a +comfortable allowance from the Duke of Queensberry +as his grace’s physician, and with whom he dined +almost daily.<a id="FNanchor_381" href="#Footnote_381" class="fnanchor">[381]</a> Elisée and Dr. Perigalese attended her +as her strength failed from day to day, and until she +quietly expired at 10 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span> of May 21, 1810.</p> + +<p>When the last offices were being performed to the +remains of her deceased friend, Mrs. Cole learnt for the +first time, and to her utter astonishment, that her late +most intimate companion was a man. Upon making +his appearance the following morning, Père Elisée +equally expressed his great surprise, and at once recommended +the expediency of the Chevalier’s sex +being professionally determined; the body was accordingly +dissected in the presence of several medical gentlemen, +the Earl of Yarborough, Sir Sidney Smith, the +Honourable Mr. Lyttleton, Mr. Douglas, and other +persons of consideration, the following certificate being +forthwith made public:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I hereby certify that I have inspected and dissected the +body of the Chevalier D’Eon, in the presence of Mr. Adair, Mr.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_332"></a>[332]</span> +Wilson, and Le Père Elisée, and have found the male organs in +every respect perfectly formed.<a id="FNanchor_382" href="#Footnote_382" class="fnanchor">[382]</a></p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 6em;">‘(Signed) ‘<span class="smcap">T. Copeland</span>,</span><br> +‘Surgeon, Golden Square.’</p> + +<p class="date-l">‘May 23, 1810.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>In the Slade collection of autograph papers at the +British Museum is preserved this letter:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘My dear Sir,—Introduced by a friend of the late Chevalier +D’Eon, I attended in the evening of yesterday at lodgings in +two pair of stairs at No. 26 New Milman Street, Foundling +Hospital, and being permitted to inspect the corpse, can assure +you that the late Chevalier, called when living, Mademoiselle +D’Eon, had the visible organs of generation of a male, and was a +very man. Mrs. Cole, with whom he lived for many years, +being as well as the Chevalier aged above eighty, assured me +that it was with the utmost astonishment that she received the +information, just after her companion’s death, that he, a Mademoiselle +D’Eon as she called him, was discovered to be as I saw +him—a man—that she did not recover the shock for many hours. +The above, being interesting to you, as you can have no doubt of +its authenticity, I have sent in writing. The Prince de Conti, +&c. &c. had attended on the same day at the lodgings.</p> + +<p class="center">‘Yours very truly,</p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 2.5em;">‘<span class="smcap">Geo. Silk</span>,</span><br> +‘Notary Public.’</p> + +<p class="date-l">‘Doctors’ Commons, May 27, 1810.</p> + +<p class="date-l">‘Robert Slade, Esq.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>The body was privately interred in the churchyard +of St. Pancras on the morning of May 28, the coffin +being inscribed, ‘Charles Geneviève Louis Auguste +André Timothée D’Eon de Beaumont. Né 17 Octobre, +1727, mort 21 Mai, 1810.’</p> + +<p>Before the devastating spade and shovel of the +Midland Railway Company had commenced its work in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_333"></a>[333]</span> +1868, to make a cutting through the churchyard at +St. Pancras, a slab, <i>in situ</i>, was to be seen bearing this +inscription:</p> + +<p class="center">CHARLES GENEVIEVE LOUISE AUGUSTE ANDRE<br> +TIMOTHEE D’EON DE BEAUMONT,<br> +<span class="smcap">Died, May 21; Buried, May 28, 1810,<br> +Aged 83 Years</span>.<a id="FNanchor_383" href="#Footnote_383" class="fnanchor">[383]</a></p> + +<p class="noindent">but, like numerous other monuments, it has disappeared,<a id="FNanchor_384" href="#Footnote_384" class="fnanchor">[384]</a> +‘and the place thereof shall know it no more.’</p> + +<div class="sidenote">APPEARANCE OF THE BODY.</div> + +<p>A cast was taken after death, of which an engraving +was made, and a tinted engraving of the <i>torso</i>, from +a drawing by C. Turner, was also published, with the +surgical attestation as to sex. The body presented +unusual roundness in the formation of limbs; the +appearance of a beard was very slight, and hair of so +light a colour as to be scarcely perceptible on the +arms, legs, and chest. The throat was by no means +masculine; shoulders square and good; breast remarkably +full; arms, hands, and fingers, those of a stout +female; hips very small, and legs and feet corresponding +with arms.</p> + +<p>So early as 1763, D’Eon had a tendency to being +round-shouldered, a deformity induced by much sedentary +work, but that did not greatly increase with years, +or interfere with his carriage, which was good. The<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_334"></a>[334]</span> +low body, in red cloth, lined with coarse canvas, of one +of the last gowns he wore, exhibits dimensions showing +the obesity of his condition at death.</p> + +<table> + <tr> + <td>Circumference at the breast</td> + <td class="tdr">38</td> + <td>inches.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><span class="ditto">”</span> at the waist</td> + <td class="tdr">31</td> + <td><span class="ditto">”</span></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Depth of centre whalebone in front</td> + <td class="tdr">16½</td> + <td><span class="ditto">”</span></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><span class="ditto">”</span> <span class="ditto">”</span> <span class="ditto">”</span> + at the back, pierced for lacing</td> + <td class="tdr">14</td> + <td><span class="ditto">”</span></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td>Diameter of arm-hole</td> + <td class="tdr">9</td> + <td><span class="ditto">”</span></td> + </tr> +</table> + +<p>This garment is stiffened with seven whalebones; +three being in front, one upon each side, from arm-pit +to waist, and two behind for lacing.<a id="FNanchor_385" href="#Footnote_385" class="fnanchor">[385]</a></p> + +<p>D’Eon left a holograph will of some length, preceded +by a preamble, and appointed Sir Sidney Smith to be +his executor, but the will was unsigned. The preamble +is headed, <i>Soli Deo Gloria et Honor</i>, and the testament +commencing, <i>Mors mihi lucrum</i>, ends with these four +lines:—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">‘Nu du ciel je suis descendu</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Et nu je suis sous cette pierre,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Donc pour avoir vécu sur terre,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Je n’ai ni gagné ni perdu.’</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>The preamble directs:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘When God will have received my soul, inter my body +within the coffin upon which I sleep. There you will find the +articles with which I wish to be buried, viz., a large woollen +blanket in which to wrap me up according to custom in England. +If I die in London, bury me at St. Pancras near my +cousin D’Eon de Mouloise, who died in 1765 in London, whither +he was sent by the late Count de Broglio to watch over my +person and papers. If I die in Switzerland, I desire to be +buried in the garden of the Hermitage at Friburg. If I die in +Paris, I desire to be buried in the cemetery of the old church of +St. Geneviève, my patroness. If I die at Tonnerre, I desire to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_335"></a>[335]</span> +be buried in my mother’s grave. Being in my coffin, place my +New Testament near my heart, and between my hands joined +together in supplication, my Christ, and my Imitation of Jesus +Christ, whom I have so badly imitated.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>After bequeathing his estates (?) at Chambeaudon, +Tissey, and at the chapel Flogny, to his native town, +Tonnerre, for a certain purpose distinctly specified, he +leaves to his three nephews O’Gorman the sum of sixty +thousand livres, owed to him by their father, his +brother-in-law, the Chevalier O’Gorman.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ADMINISTRATION OF EFFECTS.</div> + +<p>On August 14, 1811, administration of the goods +and chattels (value 300<i>l.</i>) of the Chevalier D’Eon, +bachelor, deceased, was granted to Thomas William +Plummer, Esq., the lawful attorney of Lewis Augustus +O’Gorman, residing at Cadiz, the nephew and one of +the next of kin of the deceased. The sale of his +library, which included five hundred editions of Horace +(<a href="#Footnote_369">see note, p. 323</a>), was held at Mr. Christie’s rooms on +February 19, 1813, the proceeds amounting to 313<i>l.</i> +This library and his own MSS. included all the +Chevalier’s possessions. The latter, refused in all probability +by Mr. O’Gorman at Cadiz, on account of the +expense that would be entailed in their transport, +appear to have been divided amongst Père Elisée, +Mr. Christie, and others who had most befriended the +destitute exile.</p> + +<p>What further remains to be said of the Chevalier +D’Eon will be briefly and exhaustively done.</p> + +<p>Writing to the Bishop de Langres, Seigneur de +Montmorin, D’Eon sums up very curtly a sketch of +himself:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Whatever my troubles, I never despair. I am inflexible in +my principles, which I believe to be those of honour and of +virtue. As a rule, I submit myself in all things to the will of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_336"></a>[336]</span> +God. Summer succeeds winter, night is followed by day, after +a storm comes a calm! Of what use would my faith be, did I +not live in hope? I will strive to be a man of character, and +practise perseverance, and I shall meet with solace in good +time.’<a id="FNanchor_386" href="#Footnote_386" class="fnanchor">[386]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>Let us now turn to one of his contemporaries and +to those personally acquainted with him, and see what +they have recorded.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘This ambiguous creature,’ says Lacretelle, ‘had been by +turns and sometimes simultaneously, a diplomatist, student, +statesman, jurisconsult, and soldier. Few of his contemporaries +devoted themselves so much to study and manly exercise. +His mind was reasoning and profound, without being elegant; +he was of a robust constitution and endured to all kinds of +fatigue; his face was repulsively coarse. Of an unmanageable +disposition, he was a pertinacious quarreller. There was one +blemish in his courage—it was restless impatience that had +constituted him almost a professed duellist.’<a id="FNanchor_387" href="#Footnote_387" class="fnanchor">[387]</a> ‘As a soldier,’ says +his intended biographer,<a id="FNanchor_388" href="#Footnote_388" class="fnanchor">[388]</a> ‘his personal courage and thorough +knowledge of the military profession had distinguished him on +many occasions, and in the art of fencing his skill was eminently +conspicuous. His political reputation was sufficiently established, +not only by the public missions in which he was employed, +but also by the confidential situations he maintained in +the secret correspondence of Louis XV., whose private protection +and support he continued to enjoy, even during the inveterate +persecution he experienced from the ministers of the +French Court. In private life D’Eon was much esteemed, not +only as a man, but during his assumed character of a woman; +and though his natural inclinations, and the restraint he must +ever have felt himself under, on account of his concealed sex, led +him very much into retirement, yet in those societies where he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_337"></a>[337]</span> +did mix, his suavity of manner and obliging disposition always +rendered him a welcome guest, whilst his various attainments, +and the discordant characters he had sustained, gave to his +person, especially as a supposed female, a degree of interest +rarely excited by any individual. The shades in his character +were, most inflexible tenacity of disposition, and a great degree +of pride and self-opinion; general distrust and suspicion of +others, and violence of temper which could brook no opposition. +To these failings may be traced the principal misfortunes of his +life; a life of much labour and suffering, mixed with very little +repose.’<a id="FNanchor_389" href="#Footnote_389" class="fnanchor">[389]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>John Taylor had met the Chevalier in his advanced +life at Mr. Angelo’s, when he found that his former +captivating manners must have undergone great alteration, +for, although dressed as a woman, he spoke and +acted with all the roughness of a veteran soldier. He +was generally considered to be most intelligent, full of +anecdote and fertile conversation, and it was believed +that his name and extraordinary appearance would +never be forgotten.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">TASTES AND HABITS.</div> + +<p>As to the tastes and habits of our subject, he certainly +through life eschewed low society of whatsoever +class. He was fond of good living, and in his palmy +days kept his cellar well stocked with expensive +Burgundies and Champagnes. He was hospitable and +charitable, never forgetting more especially his poor +relations; but it does not appear that he ever had the +generosity to admit a fault to his neighbour, although +frequently confessing his imperfections to God. He +was an accepted free-mason at the Lodge of Immortality +at the Crown and Anchor in the Strand, not +very zealous in his attendance. As a woman he rarely +left the house except when socially called, was a confirmed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_338"></a>[338]</span> +smoker, and no doubt employed cosmetics and +wore feminine garments other than stays, as we are led +to believe by the numerous cuttings of newspaper advertisements +he has left behind. (A small red cross +marked every piece of linen.) He spent his leisure +indulging largely in writing, and in the study of his +favourite authors, such as Cicero, Lucretius, Sallust, +Virgil, Horace, Ovid, Juvenal, Tacitus—La Fontaine, +Boileau, Racine, and Voltaire—Swift, and Addison from +whom I have found quoted the apothegm that must +have been like salve to his turbulent spirit: ‘A disturbed +liberty is preferable to quiescent slavery.’ He was fond +of reading the Psalms, frequently transcribing passages +adapted to his changed condition and circumstances, +and had perhaps realised—but how much too late!—his +neglect of the admonition: ‘Put not your trust in +princes’ ... when, in writing his will, he expressed +the hope that he might be able to retire to the Hermitage +at Friburg, there to forget the world, and +devote himself solely to God, ‘alone worthy of his +homage.’</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘In religion,’ continues the intended biographer, ‘the Chevalier +was a sincere Catholic, but divested of all bigotry; few were +so well acquainted with the biblical writings or devoted more +time to the study of religious subjects.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">SENTIMENTS ON RELIGION.</div> + +<p>A few extracts from the voluminous MSS. on +sacred subjects in the Christie collection, should suffice +to persuade us that D’Eon had indeed studied the Holy +Scriptures, and faithfully interpreted, generally speaking, +the doctrine of our Lord; but without entirely +divesting himself of some of the teachings of the Church +of Rome, upon whose servants he unsparingly casts +obloquy similar to that heaped upon their successors<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_339"></a>[339]</span> +at the present day, in both hemispheres; for there is +no exaggeration whatever in asserting that it is in +Great Britain alone, where the spirit of ‘fair play’ +rules every heart, that the Romish priesthood enjoys +anything like consideration at the hands of its fellow +subjects at large.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘1. I trust that wise measures will be taken for diminishing +the large number of religionists of both sexes, who are depopulating +the State to people monasteries, and that mankind will at +last be persuaded of the preferableness of serving their King +and country, to becoming voluntary eunuchs, unserviceable to +the world, and frequently useless in the cause of religion.</p> + +<p>‘2. It is entirely repugnant to common sense, to the Word of +God, and to custom in the primitive church, that public prayers +should be offered up in public places, in a tongue not understood +by those assembled for prayer.</p> + +<p>‘3. Were every priest, every confessor, an angel upon earth, +I should advise everybody to confess; but as the greater number +are demons, and men-wolves disguised in lamb-skins, I do not +recommend men to do so—still less women—and still less again, +young girls. Let all read the gospels, and especially the +epistles of St. Paul; let them retire into their innermost +chamber, let them confess their sins to God, abase themselves +before Him, repair their faults, and exhort themselves to lead a +better life.</p> + +<p>‘4. In Catholic countries, priests and apothecaries alike +tease the sick.</p> + +<p>‘5. I see in the Church of Rome a chronological succession +of the apostles of Jesus Christ, but I do not see the hereditary +succession to their virtues. If Catholic priests are the precious +depositaries of faith, it is to be found on their lips rather than +in their hearts, or else they conceal the treasure so effectually +that it is impossible to discover it in their conduct. Thus their +faith, as well as their charity, is dead rather than living.</p> + +<p>‘6. Did religion not exist, independently of priests and +monks, it would have been annihilated long since.</p> + +<p>‘7. Although he is the head of the Church, the Pope will +soon be obliged to remain satisfied with his spiritual power, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_340"></a>[340]</span> +renounce all temporal power so incompatible with the maxims +of Christ.</p> + +<p>‘8. Ecclesiastics have no difficulty in reminding themselves +that they are but men, and thus forget they are priests.</p> + +<p>‘9. The study of the Holy Scriptures cannot be too strongly +recommended, for it is the quickest and safest mode of becoming +acquainted with the New Testament by means of the Old Testament, +and with the Old Testament by means of the New, which +is the fulfilment of prophecy. I have spent a portion of my life +in reading commentaries on the Bible, chiefly those on the New +Testament, and have found that commentators express themselves +a hundred times less lucidly and with less force, than does +the text itself, of the evangelists and apostles. Of what use, +therefore, can be the piles of commentaries in the libraries of +the Vatican, at Paris, Vienna, Madrid, London, Oxford, Cambridge, +&c., except for burning, if they only serve to guide us +by their obscure light, and are pernicious to the text.’<a id="FNanchor_390" href="#Footnote_390" class="fnanchor">[390]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>About the year 1764 D’Eon wrote:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘Since the time when I discovered that Love, the comforter +of the human race, the regulator of the universe ... Love, that +ruler of hearts, that soul of our soul, to be worth no more than +a kiss and twenty kicks ... I have never wished for wife or +mistress.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>And later, in 1777, upon assuming the garb of a +female:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘... I have never mixed myself up with those fond of +dancing and similar amusements, and have never had anything +to do with people of light character, who conduct themselves +indiscreetly, and give way to their passions, following the +maxims of the world.’<a id="FNanchor_391" href="#Footnote_391" class="fnanchor">[391]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>The most perfect stranger to Charles XII. was +Love! They had never nudged one another! This +was not the case with the Chevalier D’Eon, who resembled +Swift perhaps in more ways than one. In<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_341"></a>[341]</span> +Mademoiselle Constance de Courcelles and the Countess +de Rochefort (the latter, by the way, was a young +widow), D’Eon had his Stella (short of wedlock) and +Vanessa. Of the scenes of their love, we know nothing. +He may have had a dozen Varinas, but I very much +doubt it. Of Mademoiselle de Courcelles’ letters he +preserved a large packet for twenty years, and it may +be, for longer, after their correspondence had ceased +upon his assuming female attire. The Duke de Nivernois +was in the habit of teasing him by introducing the +name of the Countess, but this was the shortest-lived +flirtation of the two, because the Chevalier remained +in England and the Countess resided chiefly in France. +Without actually avoiding the society of ladies, he +never sought it—<i>he could not speak of that he did not +feel</i>—and was never known, in the course of his career, +to have been engaged in any amorous adventure or +affair of gallantry as it was termed, whether at Court or +in the camp, and this in an age when courtiers, like +their sovereigns, were strangely given to profligacy. +The old Marquis de l’Hôpital, an antiquated debauchee, +who will be remembered as French ambassador at St. +Petersburg, frequently twitted D’Eon on his cold temperament, +but the latter preferred close application to +his duty, working early and late, with fencing for recreation, +to any kind of unsavoury indulgence. He never +sought to wrong the decencies of life.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">DISPASSIONATE TEMPERAMENT.</div> + +<p>I am not aware that Swift’s unfeeling treatment of +the two women he after a fashion loved has ever been +satisfactorily explained; whereas D’Eon himself, upon +various occasions, assigns to physical causes his state of +insensibility. Two examples will probably suffice:—</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘I am sufficiently mortified at being what nature has made +me, and that the dispassion of my natural temperament should<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_342"></a>[342]</span> +induce my friends to imagine in their innocence, and this in +France, in Russia, and in England, that I am of the female sex. +The malice of my enemies has confirmed all this....’ ‘If the +Great Master of the universe has not endowed me with all the +external vigour of manhood, He has amply made amends by gifting +my head and heart. I am what the hands of God have +made me; satisfied with my weakness, I would not exchange +it for the dangerous strength of Marshal Saxe, even were it in +my power to do so.’<a id="FNanchor_392" href="#Footnote_392" class="fnanchor">[392]</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>Most accounts agree, the one being taken from the +other, that D’Eon’s attainments included an acquaintance +with ancient and modern languages. That this +was not the case is evidenced by the contents of his +library and the almost complete absence, amongst his +MSS., of any note or quotation except in French or +Latin; while forty years’ residence in England did not +suffice to teach him English.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">REFLECTIONS.</div> + +<p>A few reflections, written at intervals of time, might +assist us in passing judgment on a life of so rare adventure, +for t’were well, if we would be just, to estimate +each touch of character at its true proportions, for entry +whether on the credit or on the debtor side of the +moralist’s ledger.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘1. So long as a kingdom is under the domination of a +woman, all will go well. Why? Because it is then that men +will govern. (Written at St. Petersburg.)</p> + +<p>‘2. Nothing so much shows the sound judgment of a man, as +to know how to choose between two evils.</p> + +<p>‘3. Freedom may be preserved, even where there is esteem +and regard.</p> + +<p>‘4. An energetic will suffices to put into execution an object +in view, but should anything chance to check it, force must +absolutely be resorted to; and when I speak of force, I mean +the force that is to be obtained from the consideration in which<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_343"></a>[343]</span> +one is held, by those very persons who have occasioned the +wrong sought to be remedied, and of which they cannot deprive +you since it already belongs to you, notwithstanding any personal +dislike they may entertain, and which has arisen solely because +of the opposition to their wishes.</p> + +<p>‘5. It is the destiny of popular governments to be believed +in only when they make themselves felt; and it is often to their interest +and honour rather to make themselves believed in than felt.</p> + +<p>‘6. Power in a people is to be deplored, since they do not +consider themselves answerable even for acts they commit in +spite of us.</p> + +<p>‘7. Does familiarity with great dangers accustom us to be +ready in resources? Well, do brilliant motives, glory, exertions, +great sights, the destiny of nations in one’s power, raise +humanity and elevate the soul by the vigorous exercise of all its +faculties?’</p> + +</div> + +<p>And here we have a reflection after Raphael Aben-Ezra’s +own heart!</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘8. ’Tis said, truthfully enough, that death makes all men +equal; but it might also be said, with even greater truth, that +it is his origin should humiliate man; for we are nothing but +vile insects, more agile and more fortunate than thousands of +millions of other similar insects, who have succeeded in insinuating +ourselves into worthless vehicles where we have +grown, and where we have become worthy of receiving from +God a soul, that raises us to the dignity of humanity.</p> + +<p>‘9. The absent are ever in the wrong, and untruths told +with assurance easily silence truths told with disdain.</p> + +<p>‘10. He who writes is certain to have as many judges as +readers; but among this great number of judges, how many, +may it be said, are really competent?</p> + +<p>‘11. A master-mind looks upon minor incidents as victims to +be sacrificed to affairs of greater importance.</p> + +<p>‘12. To be above the caprice of fortune, not to be moved by +her smiles or frowns, is to be high-souled. They who too easily +betray their joy or sorrow, according to circumstances, possess +neither strength of character nor courage, whatever their other +merits.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_344"></a>[344]</span></p> + +<p>‘13. In France, we can construct perfectly good ships of war, +but we cannot turn out efficient naval officers. This is the great +misfortune in our country, which will ever give to the English +the superiority at sea, through the excellence of their seamen +and naval officers. In England, the son of the wealthiest and +greatest nobleman will commence life as a sailor in a vessel of +war under a good officer—but notwithstanding his influence, +the king of France will never be able to do away with the prejudices +and pride of our nobles, who aspire to being sea officers +without knowing how to sail, even on fresh water.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">FUGITIVE PIECES.</div> + +<p>From the first moment when society, not in England +only, stood perplexed at the enigma presented in the +person of the Chevalière D’Eon, a variety of fugitive +pieces, some acrimonious, others laudatory, of which +she was the subject, appeared in the public prints on +both sides of the Channel. With the necessarily limited +selections for which we can find space, because we +believe they form a fit sequel to the history of our +archetype, we gratefully take leave of the reader, who +will have had the kindness to accompany us thus far.</p> + +<p class="center"><i>Verses believed to have been written by an eminent Doctor of +Divinity of the University of Oxford, and addressed to a +friend of the Chevalier.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Exul ades, nimium felix! tu victima veri,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Causa boni, patriæ facta, D’Eone, tua est.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Curia quondam habuit magnum Romana Catonem:</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Majorem sed habet jam Gallicana suum.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse right"><i>Political Register</i>, 1768.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="center"><i>A Mademoiselle —— qui s’était déguisée en homme.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Bonjour, fripon de Chevalier,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Qui savez si bien l’art de plaire,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Que, par un bonheur singulier,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">De nos beautés la plus sévère</div> + <div class="verse indent0">En faveur d’un tel écolier,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Déposant son ton minaudier</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_345"></a>[345]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Et sa sagesse grimacière,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pourrait peut-être s’oublier,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ou plutôt moins se contrefaire.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Mon cher, nous le savons trop bien:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(Le ciel en tout est bon et sage)</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pour un si hardi personnage,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dans le fond vous ne valez rien.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Croyez-moi: reprenez un rôle</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Que vous jouez plus sûrement:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">D’un imposteur déguisement</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Que votre sexe se console;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Du mien vous faites le tourment;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Et le vôtre, sur ma parole,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Vous doit son plus bel ornement.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hélas! malheureux que nous sommes!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Vous avez tout pour nous charmer:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">C’est bien être au-dessus des hommes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Que de savoir s’en faire aimer!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">M. D’Arnaud.</span><br> + <i>Almanach des Muses</i>, 1771.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="center"><i>Lines on hearing a greyheaded lady called Miss.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">In humdrum, ancient days, the pretty name</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of Miss at twenty was exchang’d for <i>Dame</i>,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But these wise times to compliment exhort ye,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For modern Misses are full <i>five-and-forty</i>.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">Eleven’s a Nick.</span><br> + <i>The Westminster Gazette</i>, October 8-12, 1776.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="center"><i>Quatrain pour le buste de Mademoiselle D’Eon, exécuté par +Madame Falconet.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Ce marbre, où de D’Eon le buste est retracé,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A deux femmes assure une gloire immortelle;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Et par elles vaincu, l’autre sexe est forcé</div> + <div class="verse indent0">D’envier à la fois l’artiste et le modèle.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse right"><span class="smcap">M. Blin Le Sainmore.</span><br> + <i>Almanach des Muses</i>, 1781.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_346"></a>[346]</span></p> + +<p class="center"><i>Impromptu sur Mademoiselle D’Eon, qui lui a été remis à Londres +par M. Angelo, père, maître d’armes de la famille Royale +d’Angleterre.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">D’EON, ce double habit, qui frappe nos regards,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Semble nous annoncer ton double caractère.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Oui, tu sus dans la paix, au milieu des hazards,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cultiver d’une main politique et guerrière</div> + <div class="verse indent0">L’olive de Minerve, et les lauriers de Mars.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse right">Ch. MSS.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="center"><i>On Mademoiselle D’Eon’s skill in fencing.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">A prodigy! this Chevalier,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A most unrivalled peerless Peer</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Is surely Monsieur D’Eon;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In arts of peace and war renown’d,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As well as politics profound,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And brave as Cœur-de-Lion.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">In vain may time his page explore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To find a precedent of yore,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">As yet out-done by no man;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let Britain boast her warlike sons,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or Asia of her amazons,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">While France can boast a woman.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Both sexes’ admiration thou,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A female and a manly brow,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">At once so oddly met;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Say, can ye sages yet decide</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which, best or both, can D’Eon guide,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The camp or cabinet.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse right"><i>Old Newspapers.</i></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_347"></a>[347]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="ARGUMENT">ARGUMENT.</h2> + +<p class="center">‘Toute histoire qui n’est pas contemporaine est +suspecte.’—<span class="smcap">Pascal.</span></p> + +</div> + +<p>Two events in the career of the Chevalier D’Eon, undisputed +by his contemporaries, but controverted of +late years, must ever give cause for despair to biographers, +so long as they seek to determine, by written +evidence alone—(1) That D’Eon went to St. Petersburg +for the first time in 1755, appearing there in the disguise +of a female. (2) That he declared himself to be +a female, and permanently adopted female attire in the +year 1777, solely in obedience to the commands of +Louis XVI. and his ministers.</p> + +<p>The objections raised by the non-contents to these +earliest traditions is based uniquely on the complete +absence of any documents in their direct support; how +far such documents are indispensable the reader will +judge in the face of much incidental evidence in their +favour.</p> + +<p>Boutaric (i. 81), writing in 1866, says: ‘About the +year 1755 (<i>vers</i> 1755) was conducted a negotiation +(during the interrupted diplomatic relations between +France and Russia), from which the Count de Broglie +was excluded, but wherein took part a personage whose +name has become celebrated, the Chevalier D’Eon.’ +It was with no greater precision, that the Archivist +of the Empire was enabled to fix the date of the Chevalier +Douglas’ departure for Russia (no great matter +for surprise) seeing that <i>neither amongst the national<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_348"></a>[348]</span> +archives, nor at the ministry for foreign affairs, are to be +found any papers whatever relating to Douglas’ first +journey to Russia!</i><a id="FNanchor_393" href="#Footnote_393" class="fnanchor">[393]</a> A deficiency, however, that has +been supplied by Vandal (p. 263), and at p. 12 of this +book upon the authority of the British ambassador at +St. Petersburg, the arrival at the Russian capital of the +King of France’s secret agent having unquestionably +taken place in October, 1755. That D’Eon went with +Douglas appears from several of the Chevalier’s indirect +statements to that effect, and by some fortuitous but +very forcible testimony.</p> + +<table> + +<tr> + +<td> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">D’Eon.</span></p> + +<p>To the Duke de Praslin, August +28, and September 13, 1763. Appeals +earnestly for pecuniary assistance +to enable him to pay off a loan +he had contracted <i>nine years previously</i>, +to enable him to proceed to +Russia on duty for the King, upon +his first journey with the Chevalier +Douglas, which was the origin of all +the negotiations of the Court of Versailles +with that of St. Petersburg. +(See also ‘Covenant,’ p. 246.)</p> + +<p>In the <i>Note</i> to the Count de +Guerchy, 1763, D’Eon styles himself +as having been ‘<i>sent to Russia with +the Chevalier Douglas for the reunion +of the two Courts</i>,’ and being afterwards +secretary of Embassy at the +Court of Elizabeth.</p> + +<p>In the ‘Discours Préliminaire’ +to the ‘Lettres, Mémoires,’ &c., published +in 1764. ‘<i>Towards the end of +the year 1755, my destiny dragged me +into diplomacy</i>, although I was inclined +rather for a soldier’s life.’</p> + +<p>To Beaumarchais, January 7, +1776. (See pp. <a href="#Page_267">267</a> and <a href="#Page_271">271</a>.) ‘You +know how I have upon six occasions +flown from one end of the world to +the other, travelling night and day, <i>to +hasten in 1755 and 1756 the reunion +of France and Russia</i>.’</p> + +<p>Note written in 1776. ‘I know +how to conduct myself abroad ... +with the prudence and policy acquired +by long experience and <i>a +residence of twenty-two years in +foreign lands</i>,’ see p. <a href="#Page_243">243</a>.</p> + +<p>To the Count de Vergennes, May +28, 1776. ‘... None but those concerned +were informed of this political +intrigue, <i>commenced in 1755 by +the Prince de Conti and Tercier, and +executed by the Chevalier Douglas +and myself only</i>.’</p> + +</td> + +<td class="bl"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_349"></a>[349]</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Other Authorities.</span></p> + +<p>La Messalière, p. 74. ‘<i>Douglas +awaited at Anhalt the arrival of +D’Eon from Paris</i>, and on reaching +St. Petersburg they pretended to be +merchants of low degree,’ &c.</p> + +<p>Flassan, vi. 110. ‘Woronzoff and +<i>D’Eon were the intermediaries in the +correspondence between Louis XV. +and Elizabeth</i>.’</p> + +<p>The Marquis de l’Hôpital to the +Duke de Choiseul, August 23, 1760. +‘The services of M. D’Eon in foreign +affairs are well known. <i>He has not +a little contributed to the renewing of +the alliance with Russia.</i>’</p> + +<p>The Chevalier Douglas to M. +Rouillé, St. Petersburg, 1756, ‘I am +very greatly pleased at the arrival of +M. D’Eon. <i>I have been long acquainted +with his intelligence, his zeal, +and attachment to his work.</i>’</p> + +<p>‘Gazette d’Utrecht,’ No. xlii., +1757. ‘<i>M. D’Eon de Beaumont who +has been at work under the Chevalier +Douglas, Minister Plenipotentiary for +France, during the whole time of his +negotiations with this Court, &c.</i> +The Empress’ gift of 500 ducats is +the result of the esteem and good-will +he has gained for himself at this +Court during his stay.’ <i>St. Petersburg +Correspondence.</i></p> + +<p>The Duke de Nivernois to M. de +Bertin, Controller-General of Finance, +October 12, 1762. ‘<i>M. D’Eon +has already been employed upon several +occasions at the Court of Russia, under +critical and most important circumstances.</i>’</p> + +<p>Royal warrant of August 25, +1775, granting permission to Mademoiselle +D’Eon to wear the cross of +St. Louis in female attire. ‘His +Majesty desiring to mark by special +favour his sense of the public and +secret services, in war and in +diplomacy, <i>which the said Mademoiselle +D’Eon de Beaumont has had +the good fortune to render during upwards +of twenty years, consecutively, +to the late King,’ &c.</i>, see p. <a href="#Page_254">254</a>.</p> + +</td> + +</tr> + +</table> + +<p>I would add under this head, for what it is worth, +that the anecdotes related by D’Eon concerning himself +in Russia have been taken from a note-book, +‘Recueil de mes Pensées,’ dated 1754.</p> + +<p>The non-contents maintain, that until he became +secretary of Embassy, nothing was known of D’Eon. +I ask in reply: How came a young, untried, and unknown +individual to be appointed secretary to the +French Embassy in Russia, during a crisis in the affairs +of the two countries?</p> + +<p>A first incitement to the persuasion that D’Eon’s +earliest introduction at St. Petersburg was in the character +of a female, exists in the portrait by La Tour. +When D’Eon was in his twenty-fifth (or more probably +twenty-seventh<a id="FNanchor_394" href="#Footnote_394" class="fnanchor">[394]</a>) year, La Tour was a greatly esteemed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_350"></a>[350]</span> +and general favourite; he had painted a full length +picture of Louis XV., and portraits of Madame de Pompadour +and many others at Court, and as it is scarcely +credible, from what we know of his circumstances in +those days, that D’Eon was in a position to employ +an artist of established reputation to paint a fancy portrait +of himself for himself, and this apart from his +known innate dislike to any such travesty, we perhaps +see personified in the comely young woman at <a href="#illus3">page 14</a>, +a representation of <i>le petit D’Eon</i>, as he was expected, +by the Prince de Conti, shortly to make his appearance +at the Russian capital.</p> + +<p>In recapitulating his services to the Duke de Praslin +(June 5, 1763) D’Eon showed that when sent to +Petersburg by M. Rouillé, in 1756, for secret and important +motives, reasons of policy required that certain +views entertained with regard to himself, and for which +he felt some repugnance, should be abandoned; whereupon +he received the minister’s orders to remain with +Douglas until the arrival of the new ambassador. +What but a repetition of the part he played in +1755 is to be understood from his repugnance to perform +duties assigned to him! It was quite beyond +D’Eon’s power to endure from others any allusion to +his effeminate appearance or physical defects, and he +studiously eschewed all reference to his assumption of +female attire, by rarely specifying his first visit to St. +Petersburg as having been in 1755, preferring to allude +in general terms to his ‘earliest journeys to Russia.’ +Instances there are, as we have shown, to the contrary, +but this was at a time when there no longer existed +any object in concealing the past so very carefully, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_351"></a>[351]</span> +when admission to that effect was only too likely, as he +thought, to turn to his advantage. See p. <a href="#Footnote_302">247 note</a>, +and p. <a href="#Page_267">267</a>.</p> + +<p>It was not his fault, he told the Count de Broglio, +if the Princess Dashkoff assured people in England that +he was a female; and it is true that <i>after the arrival of +that lady in London, fresh reports were circulated tending +to confirm the suspicions already entertained that the +Chevalier was indeed a woman</i>.</p> + +<p>There is preserved in the public library at Tonnerre +a note from the old Marquis de l’Hôpital to D’Eon, written +in a spirit of pleasantry, and although undated, is +obviously of the last half of 1759, or of the first half of +1760.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p class="date">‘Noon.</p> + +<p>‘However great my pleasure would be at seeing you, I have +no wish, <i>ma chère Lia</i>, to have to reproach myself with committing +another folly. Therefore remain shut up until your +eyes are quite well again.... I shall perhaps call to see you, +some day after to-morrow, so soon as my lame courier will have +left. This will depend upon what the Chancellor is going to do, +and on my fancy. Adieu, <i>ma belle de Beaumont</i>. I embrace +you.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">L’Hôpital.</span>’</p> + +<p class="date-l">‘A Monsieur D’Eon, St. Petersburg.’</p> + +</div> + +<p>Could Lia have been the name adopted by D’Eon +during his disguise in 1755, or are we to believe that +it was playfully applied by the ambassador to the +secretary suffering from ophthalmia, because ‘Leah was +tender-eyed?’</p> + +<p>The secret autograph order of Louis XV., dated +October 4, 1763 (p. 104), is sufficiently significative, and +can only have reference to the Chevalier’s earliest connection +with Russia, because from August, 1756, he +was officially recognised as secretary of Embassy, until<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_352"></a>[352]</span> +his final departure for France in August, 1760, after +which he fell ill of small-pox. Early in 1761 he joined +the army in the field, served as aide-de-camp to the de +Broglios throughout the campaign of that year, and +upon his return to France went on leave, whilst awaiting +the appointment of minister plenipotentiary to +Russia, which, he wrote to tell his colonel, the Marquis +d’Autichamp, would take him to St. Petersburg for the +fourth time. See ‘Lettres, Mémoires,’ &c.</p> + +<p>Madame Campan had frequently heard the Chevalier +repeat to her father, M. Genest, the contents of +Louis XV.’s order, in which that monarch separated +his individuality from the person of the King of France. +She had special opportunities afterwards, as lady-in-waiting +to the queen, for becoming acquainted with +D’Eon’s character during his two years’ residence at the +Court of Marie Antoinette and in its precincts, and she +long survived him, dying in 1822; we may therefore +legitimately assume that had his veracity been generally +mistrusted, or had she doubted the existence of +such an order, she would assuredly have qualified his +statement, unless she had cause to be satisfied that the +order, which it is pretty certain she never saw, was +indeed in the King’s own hand.</p> + +<p>Dutens’ version is to this effect. The King had a +secret minister at the several Courts, who carried out +his views without the knowledge of his ambassador. +This was the position at the Court of Russia of the +Chevalier D’Eon, sent thither upon the recommendations +of the Prince de Conti, who was not even aware of +his sex. He spent several months at St. Petersburg, +and was clever enough to secure presentation to the +Empress Elizabeth in the character of a female, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_353"></a>[353]</span> +conclude in fifteen days an affair upon which the ambassador +had been for a long time engaged.</p> + +<p>The earliest intimation of D’Eon’s somewhat familiar +intercourse with Elizabeth appears in the work of de la +Fortelle, of whom the Chevalier says:—‘Il m’a élevé un +monument de gloire dans son grand ouvrage.’ According +to this author, D’Eon was received at the Russian Court +in a secret capacity, and having succeeded in making +himself agreeable in the sight of the Empress, and +secured the good-will of her favourite minister, his +consummate tact enabled him to approach the sovereign, +to converse with and gradually interest her, and +having secured her Majesty’s confidence, he prepared +her mind to receive impressions favourable to the cause +he had at heart.</p> + +<p>Did D’Eon permanently adopt female attire in +1777, solely in obedience to the commands of Louis +XVI. and his ministers?</p> + +<p>In Kirby’s ‘Wonderful and Eccentric Museum’ is +quoted from the ‘Gazette de Santé,’ a periodical of the +day, an article that appeared soon after the Chevalier’s +decease, and which we feel bound to give at length.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>It is singular enough that while all Europe was making a +woman of this dubious character, there existed in Paris many +unimpeachable witnesses who would have vouched for his manhood +long before it was put in question. We have had the following +details from the Baron de Cleybrocke, who has authorised +us to publish them:—</p> + +<p>‘The Chevalier D’Eon received his first education at M. +Tarnier’s, the schoolmaster, Rue de Nevers, Paris; there was in +that school an usher, M. Vicaire, since rector of the University, +and previously tutor to young Cleybrocke, to whom he had often +affirmed, when the question was started in London on the sex of +the Chevalier, that he had many a time conducted D’Eon to +bathe with his other scholars, and was positive that he was a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_354"></a>[354]</span> +man. What reason then could have induced Government to +condemn a soldier who had obtained military orders, and a respectable +diplomatic character, to assume the dress of a woman, +when his boldness, his propensities, his constant habits, his love +intrigues, and even his beard and his figure, gave the lie to his +dress! Some politicians think that they have found the reason +of this strange conduct on the part of the Government in the +means that intriguing character had made use of to succeed in +his secret diplomacy, and which were such, they say, that the +discovery of his real sex might have lowered the dignity of the +French Government, and disturbed the peace, as well as sullied +the honour of many families, in which D’Eon had been received +with that unbounded confidence which women grant to a woman +only. They strengthen their opinion by the report current in +Paris, when the Chevalier was ordered to assume female attire, +that he had the alternative of obeying, or ending his days in the +Bastille, in consequence of the irregularities he had committed +under cover of the sex to which he had pretended to belong, to +ensure the success of his secret diplomatic negotiations. This +conjecture is still further confirmed by the testimony of two of +his former schoolfellows, who, on hearing a report which they +were positive was unfounded, were impelled by curiosity to visit +D’Eon. They found him in bed. “What will you have me +do?” said he, when they had explained the object of their visit; +“they have ordered me to be a woman, and I wear petticoats by +command of the King.”’</p> + +</div> + +<p>From this kind of declaration D’Eon never swerved, +always maintaining that he was forced to pass for a +woman, and it will be remembered that when resisting +the pressure put upon him by Beaumarchais, he reminded +that unyielding negotiator that it was Louis XV. +and the Duke d’Aiguillon, Louis XVI. and the Count +de Vergennes, and the de Guerchy family who demanded +his metamorphosis.</p> + +<p>The theory put forward by Gaillardet, that D’Eon +himself confirmed the general belief in his being a +female, is based upon two passages in letters to Beaumarchais:<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_355"></a>[355]</span> +‘I admit with pleasure, although with the +pain, the shame, and the tears that the avowal and admission +of my own weakness have wrung from me,’ and, +‘I have made known to you the mystery of my sex.’ +That Beaumarchais seriously believed D’Eon to be a +woman is beyond any manner of doubt, but that +D’Eon confessed so much to him spontaneously, the +idea having emanated from himself, is anything but +proved, if proof rests solely on the above two short +extracts. Dutens, styled by D’Eon, ‘mon honorable ami,’ +and who was well acquainted with Beaumarchais (‘j’ai +beaucoup connu Beaumarchais’), was told by the dramatic +writer that he was perfectly assured of the sex of +the extraordinary woman—but that was all! And he +relates, as he had heard it, the cause which led to the +Chevalier’s change of sex.</p> + +<p>The Countess de Guerchy attributed the death of +her husband to grief, consequent upon the ridicule with +which he had been covered by the Chevalier D’Eon, and +she warned the Count de Maurepas that if D’Eon dared +to land in France, her son should await him at Calais to +fight him, and if her son fell, she had a son-in-law ready +to take his place. Greatly amused at hearing this, +D’Eon was reported to have said: ‘Very well, I will +put an end to all this. I declare I am a woman.’ Unfortunately, +Dutens does not give his authority for this +story, the latter part of which is entirely inconsistent +with the impatience we have seen exhibited by D’Eon +to fight young de Guerchy, and to afford him the +opportunity for avenging his father.</p> + +<p>If we look at the order of Louis XVI., dated August +25, 1775, instructing Beaumarchais to recover the +papers out of D’Eon’s hands, we find the latter named +in the masculine gender; and although Beaumarchais<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_356"></a>[356]</span> +distinctly individualises D’Eon as being a woman, in +none of de Vergennes’ despatches is he spoken of otherwise +than as if he were a man, and that minister goes +so far as to say that if the Chevalier would disguise +himself—‘si M. D’Eon voulait se travestir’—all should +be well. (See p. <a href="#Page_239">239</a>.)</p> + +<p>The author of the attractive and somewhat laborious +work, ‘Beaumarchais et son Temps,’ calls attention to +the piquancy in D’Eon’s letters to Beaumarchais, acting +admirably, as he does, the part of a woman concealed +under the guise of a man; at the same time adopting +an ambiguous style, as if with the view of making it +clear at any such time eventually as his fraud would be +discovered, that he had been duping so astute a man as +the author of ‘Le Barbier de Seville,’ and that whilst +duping him, to his face, he was also making fun of +him, without his being sensible of it. On the other +hand, Beaumarchais amused himself at the expense of +the love-sick <i>vieille dragonne</i>, becoming the more confirmed +in his error, as D’Eon continued to counterfeit +the wrath of an offended old maid.</p> + +<p>The Chevalier’s letters to Louis XVI. (Ch. MSS.) +make it sufficiently clear that the King could not have +been positively assured on his sex. In one letter +D’Eon informs his Majesty that he continued to maintain +silence in respect to his position, which was so +singular and extraordinary, as to be without parallel in +ancient or modern history. He had kept his secret +profoundly, because it was the secret of secrets of the +late King, and he entreated his Majesty either to allow +two Councillors of State, in whom he had implicit confidence, +to write down his depositions and the proofs to +them, before he returned to France, or permit him to +publish his defence.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_357"></a>[357]</span></p> + +<p>In another letter, the King is told that the question +of sex will soon be decided, after the Court will have +restored the honour and money due to him. ‘I can +then think of settling down, and in marrying, make +known to which sex I belong.’</p> + +<p>In a third letter, the Chevalier points out that +negotiations for his return to France were conducted +from 1770 to 1775, and that his letter to the Count de +Broglio of January 1775, was sent under flying seal to +the Count de Vergennes, to enable that minister to +become well acquainted with the validity of some of his +arguments, and communicate them for his Majesty’s +consideration.</p> + +<p>Lacretelle, Taylor, and others, are unable to account +for the Chevalier’s change of sex, otherwise than that it +was produced by some unexplained intrigue, and that +he was directed by the French Government to appear +as a woman, for reasons which have never been satisfactorily +determined. Voltaire wrote, that the whole +affair puzzled him. He was unable to picture to himself +either D’Eon, or the ministers of his day, or the +acts of Louis XV., or what was passing then (1777). +He knew nothing of any of them. In returning, however, +to the pages of Madame Campan, we seem to find +the key to the situation.</p> + +<div class="blockquote"> + +<p>‘This strange personage,’ says that lady, ‘had for a long +time solicited permission to return to France, but it was considered +necessary to spare the family (de Guerchy) he had +offended the insult it would feel were he to make his appearance; +he was therefore compelled to resume the costume of a +sex to which everything is forgiven in France. Anxiety to see +his native country no doubt influenced him in submitting to +such a condition; but he had his revenge, for, whilst wearing +a gown with its long train, and a triple row of sleeves, he bore +himself and behaved like a grenadier, giving himself an air of +unmistakable vulgarity.’</p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_358"></a>[358]</span></p> + +<p>Might not every secret in which this mystery was +involved have been hidden in the <i>valise</i> containing +‘papers that had belonged to the King and Court,’ +given to the French minister plenipotentiary by D’Eon, +on February 1, 1792? (<a href="#Footnote_315">See note, p. 264, p. 324.</a>)</p> + +<p>The Count de Vergennes, the minister immediately +responsible for the ludicrous innovation, confessed to +Beaumarchais his concern lest D’Eon should make his +appearance in France as a man, his enemies being on +the alert, and not likely to forgive him easily for all he +had said of them; and when writing to the Chevalier, +two years later, he impressed upon him the conditions, +should he think of returning to his native land. (See +p. 283.)</p> + +<p>The question has also arisen—Granted that D’Eon +was obliged to appear as a woman, by command of King +and ministers, such being the stipulation for his receiving +the royal grant of twelve thousand livres, annually; +why, after the fall of the monarchy and having lost all +by the French Revolution, did he continue in the anomalous +character of a female? We, in England, are +able to understand, that to one who had spent so many +years of his life in this country, and had become familiar +with the sentiments and susceptibilities of English men +and women, there was no choice. It had long been +known and admitted that the Chevalière had been treated +by French ministers with peculiar harshness, and she +was seen to be reduced to absolute want at the advanced +age of sixty-four! Under circumstances such as these, +he must have felt that so long as he was believed to +be a female, commiseration and assistance were to be +expected; but to declare himself a man, after having +adopted female attire and been admitted into the intimacies +of female society over a period of sixteen years,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_359"></a>[359]</span> +would have been to expose himself—to summary castigation? +That he did not fear; but to what would have +been dreaded infinitely more than famine by one with +his antecedents—the ridicule and scorn of all who knew +anything about him; and so he elected to continue to +the end of his days, dressing, writing, and speaking as +if he were a woman, but otherwise conducting himself +in all respects with the freedom belonging to a man.</p> + +<p>We adhere to our engagement not to judge the individual +who presents such startling episodes in his life, +and contrasts in his character. It has hitherto been his +fate to be classed, it may be said, amongst the adventurers +of which the last century was sufficiently prolific; +these pages will perhaps assist to remove him out of +that order and place him where he should stand—alone, +as a physiognomical marvel. We would in a measure +plead for him, in Johnson’s words in behalf of poor Goldsmith—‘Let +not his failings be remembered’—for his +faults were but failings. Of this victim to envy, malice, +and all uncharitableness, we have read clearly enough +how sinned against he was, far more than he had ever +himself sinned against others. All he suffered he had +to endure for serving an ungrateful King too faithfully, +oblivious that <i>promesse des grands n’est pas héritage</i>, +while his attachment to his country was sublime, entitling +him amongst his countrymen at home to Florian’s +epitaph,</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Il vécut toujours <i>en Angleterre</i>,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Mais son cœur fut toujours ici.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Loyal beyond compare, he ever continued true to +one and the other, frequently under unexceptionably +trying circumstances, repeating and again repeating:<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_360"></a>[360]</span> +‘Comme Français, je puis regarder le sacrifice de ma +fortune comme la dette de mon amour pour le Roi. +Comme militaire et Chevalier de Saint Louis, je dois +même lui sacrifier ma vie; mais pour celui de mon honneur, +il n’est pour personne!’</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_361"></a>[361]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="WORKS_AND_PUBLICATIONS">WORKS AND PUBLICATIONS<br> +<span class="smaller"><span class="smaller">BY THE</span><br> +CHEVALIER D’EON DE BEAUMONT.</span></h2> + +</div> + +<div class="hanging"> + +<p>Eloge de Marie d’Est, Duchesse de Penthièvre. In the <i>Année +Littéraire</i>.</p> + +<p>Eloge du Comte d’Ons-en-Bray, Président de l’Académie des +Sciences à Paris. In the <i>Année Littéraire</i>.</p> + +<p>Situation de la France par rapport aux Finances sous le règne +de Louis XIV. et la Régence du Duc d’Orléans. 1753. 8vo.</p> + +<p>Mémoire sur la Vie et les Ouvrages de Lenglet Dufresnoy. +In the <i>Année Littéraire</i>, 1755.</p> + +<p>Considérations Historiques sur les Impôts des Egyptiens, des +Babyloniens, des Perses, des Grecs, des Romains, et sur les +différentes situations de la France, par rapport aux Finances, +depuis l’établissement des Francs dans la Gaule jusqu’à +présent. 2 tomes. 1758. 12mo.</p> + +<p>Les Espérances d’un bon Patriote (dans une lettre à M. +Fréron, et publiée dans son <i>Année Littéraire</i>, 1759, tom. vi.).</p> + +<p>Note remise à son Excellence Monsieur le Comte de Guerchy, +par Monsieur le Chevalier D’Eon. 1763.</p> + +<p>Lettres, Mémoires et Négotiations Particulières du Chevalier +D’Eon, Ministre Plénipotentiaire de France auprès du Roi +de la Grande Bretagne; avec Mrs. les Ducs de Praslin, de +Nivernois, de Sainte-Foy, et Regnier de Guerchy, etc. etc.</p> + +<p class="center smaller">Vita sine litteris mors est.</p> + +<p class="in2">A Londres, <span class="allsmcap">M.DCC.LXIV</span>. In 4to and 8vo.</p> + +<p>Pièces Relatives aux Lettres, Mémoires et Négotiations Particulières +du Chevalier D’Eon, Ministre Plénipotentiaire de<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_362"></a>[362]</span> +France auprès du Roi de la Grande Bretagne, contenant La +Note, Contre-Note, Lettre à Mr. le Duc de Nivernois, et +Examen des Lettres, Mémoires, etc. A Londres, <span class="allsmcap">M.DCC.LXIV</span>. +8vo.</p> + +<p>Pièces Autentiques pour servir au Procès Criminel intenté au +Tribunal du Roi d’Angleterre par le Chevalier D’Eon de +Beaumont, Ministre Plénipotentiaire de France, contre +Claude Louis François Regnier, Comte de Guerchy, Ambassadeur +Extraordinaire de France auprès de Sa Majesté +Britannique.</p> + +<p class="in6 smaller">Le trône a-t-il été pour vous associé à l’iniquité? Vous qui vous servez de +l’autorité qui vous a été conférée pour exercer des injustices.</p> + +<p class="in2">A Londres, 1765. 12mo.</p> + +<p>Dernière Lettre du Chevalier D’Eon à M. le Comte de Guerchy, +en date du 5 Août 1767, avec l’extrait de la Procédure en +bonne forme.</p> + +<p class="in6 smaller">Le sacrifice de ma vie a été et sera pour mon roi et ma patrie; celui de +mon honneur ne sera pour personne.</p> + +<p class="in2">A Londres, 1767. 4to.</p> + +<p>Les Loisirs du Chevalier D’Eon de Beaumont, Ancien Ministre +Plénipotentiaire de France, sur Divers Sujets importans +d’Administration etc., pendant Son Séjour en Angleterre.</p> + +<p class="center smaller">Eruditio inter prospera ornamentum, inter adversa refugium.—<span class="smcap">Laertius.</span></p> + +<p class="in2">A Amsterdam, <span class="allsmcap">M.DCC.LXXIV</span>. 13 tom. 8vo.</p> + +<p>Recueil des Pièces relatives aux Démêlés entre Mademoiselle +D’Eon et M. de Beaumarchais, imprimées à Londres, 1778. +12mo.</p> + +<p>Epître aux Anglois dans leurs tristes Circonstances présentes. +1788. 8vo.</p> + +<h3>MSS.</h3> + +<p>Vade Mecum, ou Dictionnaire Portatif de la Créance des Saints +Pères, puisé dans les livres mêmes des Ministres Protestans. +Divisé par Chapîtres et digéré par ordre alphabétique. Ou, +Manuel des Chrétiens catholiques; ou Nomenclature Théologique. +pp. 454, 8vo.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_363"></a>[363]</span></p> + +<p>Mémoires, Documens, Remarques, Extraits et Notes Instructives, +recueillis par la Chevalière D’Eon, pour servir à la Vie du +Comte de Vauban né le 12 Mai 1633, mort Maréchal de +France, à Paris, le 30 Mars 1707, âgé de 74 ans.</p> + +<p class="in6 smaller">La chevalière D’Eon s’est occupée long-tems de ce grand Travail; mais +ses anciennes Occupations militaires, politiques et littéraires, sans compter +les querelles d’Allemans et la guerre civile et incivile qu’elle a soutenue +pendant des longues années en Angleterre, ont consommé et consumé ses +plus belles années. Après 36 ans de Travaux militaires et politiques, +elle ne se trouve pas assez riche, et elle est trop vieille aujourd’hui, pour +entreprendre et finir un Ouvrage aussi savant et aussi considérable etc. +etc. etc.</p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_364"></a>[364]</span></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_365"></a>[365]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="APPENDIX">APPENDIX.</h2> + +</div> + +<p>They who have seen the face of the <i>eiserne jungfrau</i> in the +dread dungeon of the Inquisition at Nuremberg, even though +by the lurid light of the keeper’s candle-stuffs, will experience +little difficulty in figuring to themselves the habitual expression +of the Chevalier D’Eon’s features, where every sentiment implanted +by nature and conveyed in the open face, intelligent +eyes, and well-shaped nose, was subjugated by the agitated +spirit of sarcasm and disdain that kept rippling, as it were, out +of the spacious brow, and overspreading the otherwise attractive +countenance.</p> + +<p>In the various portraits herewith described, the Chevalier +or Chevalière D’Eon is represented in female attire except in +those marked *.</p> + +<p>1. <span class="f85">Angelica Kauffmann after Latour. Francis Haward, R.A., sculpsit</span> (<i>mezzo-tinto</i>) +<span class="f85">published</span> (by the engraver), <span class="f85">January 18, 1788, from the picture in the collection +of George Keate, Esq.</span></p> + +<p><span class="f85">Carola Genovefa Louisa Augusta Andrea Timothea D’Eon de Beaumont, +Knight of the Royal and Military Order of St. Louis, Captain of Dragoons +and the Volunteers of the Army, Aide-de-Camp to the Maréchal Duke and +Count de Broglio, Minister Plenipotentiary from the King of France to the +King of Great Britain in 1763. Born at Tonnerre, October 5, 1728. Painted +in her twenty-fifth year.</span> (<a href="#illus3">See p. 14</a>, from a photograph by C. Prætorius.)</p> + +<p>To represent D’Eon de Beaumont as a Chevalière of the +Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis at the age of twenty-five, +is an anomaly. The cross in this picture may have been +introduced by Angelica Kauffmann<a id="FNanchor_395" href="#Footnote_395" class="fnanchor">[395]</a> when she copied La Tour’s +portrait, or it may have been added many years after its execution, +by La Tour himself, before Angelica Kauffmann saw it.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_366"></a>[366]</span> +His biographer gives authority for such a conjecture where he +says: ‘Towards the close of his life, the mind of this artist +began to give way. He vitiated a large number of his works +by retracing them, under the pretext that in a portrait everything +should be sacrificed to the head.’</p> + +<p>2. <span class="f85">*Mackenzie sc.</span> LE CHEVALIER D’EON (beardless).</p> + +<p>3. <span class="f85">Printed for S. Hooper, 25 Ludgate Hill, 25 January, 1771</span> (<i>mezzo-tinto</i>, +full length). <span class="f85">The Discovery or Female Free-mason, Lady Charles +Louis Cezar Augustus Alexander Timotheus D’Eon de Beaumont</span> (here +follow style and titles) <span class="f85">and accepted free-mason at the lodge of Immortality +at the ‘Crown and Anchor’ in the Strand.</span></p> + +<p>4. <span class="f85">*Huquier, pinxt; Burke, fect. Published as the Act directs, August 7, 1771, by +I. Wesson.</span> THE CHEVALIER D’EON. (<a href="#illus4">See p. 208</a>, from a +photograph by C. Prætorius.)</p> + +<p>5. <span class="f85">Published as the Act directs by S. Hooper, Ludgate Hill, 20 March, 1778</span> (<i>mezzo-tinto</i>). +Represented as Minerva, with lance and shield, upon the +latter this legend: <span class="f85">At nunc dura dedit vobis discrimina Pallas.</span> On one +side: <span class="f85">Impavidam ferient ruinæ.</span> A long inscription in English, concludes: +<span class="f85">Læsæ sed invictæ Palladi, per bella, per acta publica in patriæ +suæ honorem et famam inclytæ, cujus virtutes nec inimici vituperare, pauci +homines imitari possunt. Exul mi Deone, ne quidem ossa patria habeat! +In perpetuum amoris monumentum offerebant amici sociales milites.</span></p> + +<p>6. <span class="f85">Dessiné et Gravé par J. B. Bradel d’après nature et les Originaux communiqués +par Mademoiselle D’Eon à ce Seul Artiste. Charlotte Geneviève Louise Auguste +Andrée Timothée D’Eon de Beaumont</span> (here follow style and titles) +<span class="f85">Ætatis 35.<a id="FNanchor_396" href="#Footnote_396" class="fnanchor">[396]</a> A la Mémoire des Héroines Françoises, Jeanne D’Arc, Jeanne +Hachette, etc. etc.</span></p> + +<p>7. Frontispiece to ‘La Vie Militaire, Politique et Privée de +Mademoiselle D’Eon de Beaumont, etc.’: by de la Fortelle, 1779. +LA CHEVALIÈRE D’EON DE BEAUMONT, <span class="f85">Née en 1728.</span></p> + +<p>8. <span class="f85">A. Stöttrup sc. 1779.</span> Same as 7.</p> + +<p>9. Painting in oils, life size. CHEVALIER D’EON, 1782. +(<a href="#illus1">See Frontispiece</a>, from a photograph by Arthur King.)</p> + +<p>In a short biographical notice of the Chevalier D’Eon, dated +1812 (?), at the back of this canvas, allusion being made to the +trial on sex policies, it is asserted—‘Sir Joshua Reynolds was +in Court during the trial and requested the Chevalier to pay +him a visit, which he did in female attire on 4 August, 1777,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_367"></a>[367]</span> +when this Sketch was taken of the Chevalier by Sir Joshua, and +presented by him in 1782 to his friend Sir Wm. Chambers.’</p> + +<p>According to this statement, the signature to which is indistinct, +the sketch of the Chevalier was taken when in his +fiftieth year, and completed in 1782, the date inscribed by the +artist to the left of the figure, whilst the Chevalière, then in her +fifty-sixth year, was residing in France!</p> + +<p>This picture is now the property of General Meredith Read, +New York, U.S.A.</p> + +<p>10. Dupin (Pierre?) artist and engraver. <span class="f85">Charles-Geneviève-Louis-Auguste-César-André-Timothée +D’Eon de Beaumont, née à Tonnerre, +en 1728</span> (here follow style and titles). <span class="f85">A Paris chez Esnauts et Rapilly.</span></p> + +<p>11. <span class="f85">Peint par Ducreux, de l’Académie Impériale et Royale de Vienne. Gravé par +Cathelin, de l’Académie Royale de Peinture et Sculpture à Paris. Læsæ sed invictæ +Palladi.</span> Name, style, and titles close with.... <span class="f85">plus célèbre +encore par sa Vertu que par son nom. Pensionnaire de Louis XV. et de +Louis XVI. Née à Tonnerre, le 5 8ᵇʳᵉ, 1728, Ætatis 58.</span></p> + +<p>12. <span class="f85">Cosway, R.A., 1787. Thos. Chambers sculpsit. Published July 12, 1787.</span> +LA CHEVALIÈRE D’EON.</p> + +<p>13. <span class="f85">Painted by Robineau. Engraved by V. M. Picot. From a picture of Robineau’s +in the possession of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. Published June 20, +1789, by V. M. Picot. Dedicated by Permission to His Royal Highness the +Prince of Wales. The assault or Fencing-Match which took place between +Mademoiselle La Chevalière D’Eon de Beaumont and Monsieur de Saint-George, +on the 9th of April, 1787, at Carlton House, in the presence of His +Royal Highness, several of the Nobility, and many eminent Fencing Masters +of London.</span></p> + +<p>14. <span class="f85">J. Condé delin. et sculp.</span> LA CHEVALIÈRE D’EON, <span class="f85">née à Tonnerre, +le 5 8ᵇʳᵉ, 1728.</span></p> + +<p>15. <span class="f85">Published by I. Sewell, March 1, 1791</span> (for the ‘European Magazine’). +Same as 14.</p> + +<p>16. Medallion portrait. <span class="f85">Vigil audax</span>—by J. Condé, published +June 24, 1791, upon the occasion of the entertainment given +by the Managers of Ranelagh for the benefit of the Chevalière +D’Eon <span class="f85">... deprived of a considerable part of her fortune by the odious +detention of a deposit. Minerve Gauloise, née a Tonnerre, le 5 8ᵇʳᵉ, 1728. +Proprio Marte Tuta. The French artist who engraved this plate designed +it for a monument of English generosity and French gratitude.</span></p> + +<div class="poetry-container f85"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Dic mihi, Virgo ferox, cum sit tibi cassis et hasta,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Quare non habeas Ægida? Cæsar habet.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pax est fœminei generis, dat fœmina pacem;</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Quæ Bellona fuit nunc Dea pacis erit.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_368"></a>[368]</span></p> + +<p>17. <span class="f85">Dance, R.A., 26 May, 1793. Engraved by William Daniell, August 15, 1810.</span> +THE CHEVALIÈRE D’EON. This profile, to the left, was +drawn at the request of Mr. W. Seward, F.R.S.</p> + +<p>18. <span class="f85">Robert Cooper sculp. Published July 2, 1810, by J. Bell, Southampton Street, +Strand. Engraved for La Belle Assemblée.</span> Same as 14.</p> + +<p>19. From a Cast taken after death. <span class="f85">Engraved by C. Turner +from the Cast taken May 24, 1810, in the presence of J. C. Carpuc, Esq. and +Dr. Pearson. Published June 29, 1810, by C. Turner.</span> THE CHEVALIER +D’EON.</p> + +<p>A tinted engraving of the <i>torso</i>, from a drawing by C. Turner, +was published with the surgical attestation (see p. <a href="#Page_331">331</a>) by C. +Turner, June 14, 1810. This print was never sold publicly, +and was not to be obtained without an order from a magistrate.</p> + +<h3>CARICATURES.</h3> + +<p>In September 1777 was executed for the ‘London Magazine’—<span class="f85">Mademoiselle +de Beaumont, or the Chevalier D’Eon. Female Minister +Plenipo., Capt. of Dragoons, etc. etc.</span>—a full-length figure, the right +half being a lady holding a fan, and the left half a man in +uniform, with hat under the arm.</p> + +<p>In Paris was published a print similar to the above, illustrating +both sexes, inscribed—<span class="f85">Dédié aux dragons de l’armée.</span></p> + +<p>Another sketch that appeared in London, in 1778, represented +the right half of a dragoon, with drawn sword in hand, +back to back with the right half of a lady.</p> + +<div class="poetry-container f85"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Hail! Thou production most uncommon,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Woman half-man and man half-Woman!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>In a caricature, by Gillray, of the Assaut d’armes at Carlton +House in April 1787 (see pp. <a href="#Page_308">308</a>, <a href="#Page_367">367</a>), we see ‘the Chevalière +D’Eon making a successful thrust and hitting Saint George in +his right arm. A railing divides the combatants from a highly +select audience, in which the Prince of Wales occupies the post +of honour, while Mrs. Fitzherbert sits on his right hand, and a +crowd of political and fashionable worthies exhibit the greatest +interest in the contest.’</p> + +<p>Other ludicrous drawings of this fencing-match made their +appearance at about the same time.</p> + +<p>Needless to observe that the Chevalière D’Eon did not +escape being made the subject of foul and obscene illustrations, +in the same way in which it had become the fashion to treat +the most distinguished and highest in the land!</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="footnotes"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="FOOTNOTES">FOOTNOTES</h2> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> Accused of being a fanatic, Eon de l’Estoile was committed to prison +by the Council of Rheims on March 22, 1148, and died a few days later of +the ill-treatment to which he was subjected by those in whose charge he was +placed. See De Bois de la Chesnaye’s <i>Genealogical Dictionary</i>, for the +D’Eon family.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">[2]</a> Ch. MSS. 161.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">[3]</a> Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_4" href="#FNanchor_4" class="label">[4]</a> De la Fortelle, 126.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_5" href="#FNanchor_5" class="label">[5]</a> Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_6" href="#FNanchor_6" class="label">[6]</a> Rede’s <i>Anecdotes and Biography</i>. London, 1779.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_7" href="#FNanchor_7" class="label">[7]</a> Valcroissant obtained his liberty after a twelvemonth’s confinement, +through the instrumentality of D’Eon. <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. 1, 5.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_8" href="#FNanchor_8" class="label">[8]</a> <i>Russia Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_9" href="#FNanchor_9" class="label">[9]</a> Gaill. 373-377.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_10" href="#FNanchor_10" class="label">[10]</a> This correspondence, arranged by Woronzoff and D’Eon, was not fully +commenced until 1757. See <i>Mémoire</i> on the Secret Correspondence in Russia, +1757-1774, by the Count de Broglio. Boutaric, ii. 465.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_11" href="#FNanchor_11" class="label">[11]</a> D’Eon to the Count de Vergennes, May 28, 1776: <i>Archives des affaires +étrangères</i>. Gaill. 23. D’Eon to Louis XVI.: Ch. MSS. 861.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_12" href="#FNanchor_12" class="label">[12]</a> <i>Russia Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_13" href="#FNanchor_13" class="label">[13]</a> See <a href="#ARGUMENT">Argument</a>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_14" href="#FNanchor_14" class="label">[14]</a> <i>Russia Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_15" href="#FNanchor_15" class="label">[15]</a> Campan, i. 190</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_16" href="#FNanchor_16" class="label">[16]</a> Note Book, dated 1754: Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_17" href="#FNanchor_17" class="label">[17]</a> Elizabeth was much prepossessed in favour of the English. Being a +great admirer of their fashions, and wishing to introduce them at her Court, +she had dolls sent to her in the various dresses worn, and which were fitted +by Miss Church of St. James’s Street.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_18" href="#FNanchor_18" class="label">[18]</a> <i>Russia Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_19" href="#FNanchor_19" class="label">[19]</a> A tradition exists to the effect that Count Woronzoff’s palace in the +Sadovaya Oulitza, St. Petersburg, now occupied by the Corps des Pages, was +constructed with English guineas. Later, in 1758, the count received a +gratuity of fifty thousand roubles from Louis XV.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_20" href="#FNanchor_20" class="label">[20]</a> In acknowledging the receipt of despatches of May 12 and 18, brought +to Paris by Michel the merchant, M. Rouillé warmly congratulates Douglas, +in the name of the King, by letter dated June 18, on the distinction with +which he had been received by the Ministers of Russia and even the Empress +herself.—Copies of <i>French Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_21" href="#FNanchor_21" class="label">[21]</a> <i>Russia Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_22" href="#FNanchor_22" class="label">[22]</a> <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c., iii. 6.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_23" href="#FNanchor_23" class="label">[23]</a> Copies of <i>French Correspondence</i> in <i>Russia Correspondence</i>, Public +Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_24" href="#FNanchor_24" class="label">[24]</a> Prince Tcheckbatoff says of Apraxin: The field-marshal was entirely +devoid of military talents. Whilst awaiting orders at Riga he astonished +the people by his display of wealth, and when moving with the army +indulged in all the comforts and luxuries to be found only in a large city, +and this in the midst of the sound of arms or in fatiguing marches. His +tents extended over the space of a small town, five hundred horses being +required to transport his baggage. Apraxin was a heavy, unwieldy man, +fond of ladies’ society. Apraxin is described by Sir Hanbury Williams as +very corpulent, lazy, luxurious, and certainly not brave.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_25" href="#FNanchor_25" class="label">[25]</a> M. Wolkhoff to D’Eon, April 15/27, 1757. <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. iii. 6. <i>Gazette +d’Utrecht</i>, xiii. 1757.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_26" href="#FNanchor_26" class="label">[26]</a> D’Eon to the Count de Broglio, June 12, 1775: <i>Archives des affaires +étrangères</i>. Gaill. 71.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_27" href="#FNanchor_27" class="label">[27]</a> <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. i. 48.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_28" href="#FNanchor_28" class="label">[28]</a> Boutaric, i. 222, 223.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_29" href="#FNanchor_29" class="label">[29]</a> Poutaric, i. 86, 224. Vandal, 307.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_30" href="#FNanchor_30" class="label">[30]</a> <i>Napoléon I. auteur du testament de Pierre le Grand</i>: par G. Berkholz. +(Bruxelles, à l’Office de Publicité, 1863.)</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_31" href="#FNanchor_31" class="label">[31]</a> Terms not understood.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_32" href="#FNanchor_32" class="label">[32]</a> <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. iii. 9.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_33" href="#FNanchor_33" class="label">[33]</a> Vandal, 327.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_34" href="#FNanchor_34" class="label">[34]</a> <i>Russia Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_35" href="#FNanchor_35" class="label">[35]</a> This is the fifth or sixth minister who is anxious to make my fortune. +Fortune, however, unhappily wears a wig, and is continually slipping away +from my grasp. The next time we meet I shall seize her by the hair.—Note +by D’Eon.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_36" href="#FNanchor_36" class="label">[36]</a> <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. iii. 11.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_37" href="#FNanchor_37" class="label">[37]</a> De la Fortelle, 33.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_38" href="#FNanchor_38" class="label">[38]</a> Note-book, dated 1754: Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_39" href="#FNanchor_39" class="label">[39]</a> Loménie, i. 414.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_40" href="#FNanchor_40" class="label">[40]</a> Ch. MSS. In his <i>Mémoires Secrets</i>, &c. (London, 1781), Petit de +Bachaumont states that D’Eon was sent as fencing-master to the Grand-Duke +Peter, who had wished for one; a piece of information he obtained +in all probability from the Count de Guerchy, who told George III. a similar +story. He adds that D’Eon was at the same time entrusted to arrange with +the grand-duke for the reception of a French ambassador at St. Petersburg; +as manifest an absurdity, there being at the Russian Court no person more +hostile to French interests than Peter.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_41" href="#FNanchor_41" class="label">[41]</a> La Messalière, 77.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_42" href="#FNanchor_42" class="label">[42]</a> <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. iii. 14.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_43" href="#FNanchor_43" class="label">[43]</a> Gaill. 74.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_44" href="#FNanchor_44" class="label">[44]</a> <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. iii. 15.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_45" href="#FNanchor_45" class="label">[45]</a> An English version of portions of this work appeared in the <i>Political +Register</i> for 1766, &c.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_46" href="#FNanchor_46" class="label">[46]</a> Vandal, 348 <i>et seq.</i></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_47" href="#FNanchor_47" class="label">[47]</a> Duke de Choiseul to Count Bernstorff, July 29, 1759. ‘Si j’étais maître,’ +de Choiseul used to say, ‘nous serions vis-à-vis de l’Angleterre comme +l’Espagne vis-à-vis des Maures; si l’on prenait ce parti, l’Angleterre serait +détruite d’ici à trente ans.’ Louis XV. thought differently.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_48" href="#FNanchor_48" class="label">[48]</a> Private, from the Duke de Choiseul to the Marquis de l’Hôpital, +October 2, 1759. Vandal, 360.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_49" href="#FNanchor_49" class="label">[49]</a> D’Eon to Louis XVI.: Ch. MSS. 861.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_50" href="#FNanchor_50" class="label">[50]</a> D’Eon to Beaumarchais, January 7, 1776. Gaill. 406.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_51" href="#FNanchor_51" class="label">[51]</a> Secret instructions to the Baron de Breteuil, April 1, 1760. <i>Affaires +étrangères</i>, Vandal, 373.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_52" href="#FNanchor_52" class="label">[52]</a> Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_53" href="#FNanchor_53" class="label">[53]</a> Vandal, 265 <i>et seq.</i></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_54" href="#FNanchor_54" class="label">[54]</a> Flassan, vi. 289.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_55" href="#FNanchor_55" class="label">[55]</a> Flassan, vi. 190.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_56" href="#FNanchor_56" class="label">[56]</a> A distinguished physician at the French Court, sent by Louis XV. to +attend upon the Empress, who had complained to the King of her physical +sufferings.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_57" href="#FNanchor_57" class="label">[57]</a> <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. iii. 17.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_58" href="#FNanchor_58" class="label">[58]</a> <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. iii. 19-20.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_59" href="#FNanchor_59" class="label">[59]</a> De la Fortelle, 40. Writing under the persuasion that D’Eon was of the +female sex, Flassan, vi. 110, says:—‘Woronzoff and D’Eon were the intermediaries +in the correspondence between Louis XV. and Elizabeth.’ Capefigue, +<i>Louis XV. et la Société du XVIIIᵐᵉ Siècle</i>, Paris, 1842, says, iv. 32: +‘By means of his renown, D’Eon was enabled to accomplish the most delicate +and most difficult missions ... his correspondence with Louis XV. is +eminently remarkable ... he was chiefly instrumental in arranging the +treaty of alliance between France and Russia.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_60" href="#FNanchor_60" class="label">[60]</a> French ambassador at Vienna, afterwards created Duke de Praslin.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_61" href="#FNanchor_61" class="label">[61]</a> <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. iii. 24.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_62" href="#FNanchor_62" class="label">[62]</a> Louis XV. to the Count de Broglio, May 31, 1761. Boutaric, i. 265.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_63" href="#FNanchor_63" class="label">[63]</a> De Broglie, i. 384.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_64" href="#FNanchor_64" class="label">[64]</a> See <i>Scots Mag.</i> vol. xxiii. for Marshal de Broglio’s account of this +action.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_65" href="#FNanchor_65" class="label">[65]</a> <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. i. 145.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_66" href="#FNanchor_66" class="label">[66]</a> D’Eon to the Duke de Choiseul, January 12, 1764, and MS. notes. +<i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. i. 145.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_67" href="#FNanchor_67" class="label">[67]</a> Louis XV. to Marshal de Broglio. De Broglie, i. 438.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_68" href="#FNanchor_68" class="label">[68]</a> I would here say what I have said to my generals, that the success of +this little enterprise is due chiefly to the Chev. de la Tulley, Captain of the +de la Ferronaye dragoons, and to M. Casette, formerly Lieutenant of the +d’Autichamp dragoons. Note by D’Eon, <i>Pièces Relatives</i>, &c. 31.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_69" href="#FNanchor_69" class="label">[69]</a> The Count de Broglio to Louis XV., February 19, 1762, and March 24, +1758. De Broglie, ii. 5; i. 300.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_70" href="#FNanchor_70" class="label">[70]</a> The Marquis de l’Hôpital had retired the preceding autumn.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_71" href="#FNanchor_71" class="label">[71]</a> Louis XV. to Tercier, June 1, June 19, July 28, 1762. Boutaric, i. +274, 275, 277. D’Eon received a gratuity of three thousand livres from the +King (probably as a salve to the disappointment he must have felt at missing +promotion). Louis XV. to Tercier, August 31, 1762. <i>Ibid.</i> i. 278.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_72" href="#FNanchor_72" class="label">[72]</a> D’Eon to the Count de Broglio, July 1, 1762. De Broglie, ii. 105. +Peter III. was assassinated July 14, 1762.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_73" href="#FNanchor_73" class="label">[73]</a> Madame Campan, the contemporary who notices the employment of +D’Eon as reader to Elizabeth, employs the term <i>lecteur</i>. I do not know +on what equally reliable authority the duke uses the word <i>lectrice</i>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_74" href="#FNanchor_74" class="label">[74]</a> De Broglie, ii. 607. I have not been able to consult the original work.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_75" href="#FNanchor_75" class="label">[75]</a> Peter III.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_76" href="#FNanchor_76" class="label">[76]</a> <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. i. 382.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_77" href="#FNanchor_77" class="label">[77]</a> Countess Catherine Woronzoff was the maiden name of this lady.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_78" href="#FNanchor_78" class="label">[78]</a> <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. i. 104.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_79" href="#FNanchor_79" class="label">[79]</a> <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. MS. notes, 99, 101.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_80" href="#FNanchor_80" class="label">[80]</a> The Duke de Choiseul, during whose ministry (1764) the Jesuits were +expelled from France, the Order being wisely suppressed by Clement XIV. +in 1773.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_81" href="#FNanchor_81" class="label">[81]</a> <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. MS. note, i. v. Junius taunts the Duke of Grafton on +his wife’s infidelity. This lady, a daughter of Lord Ravensworth, obtained +a divorce from the duke in 1769, and was afterwards married to the Earl of +Ossory.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_82" href="#FNanchor_82" class="label">[82]</a> The Duke de Nivernois to the Duke de Praslin, January 12, 1763. +De Broglie, ii. 107. Gaill. 92.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_83" href="#FNanchor_83" class="label">[83]</a> <i>European Mag.</i> vol. xiv.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_84" href="#FNanchor_84" class="label">[84]</a> The Duke de Nivernois to the Duke de Praslin, October 2, November 14, +1762. <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. i. 246.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_85" href="#FNanchor_85" class="label">[85]</a> The signatories were—the Duke of Bedford, the Duke de Praslin, and +the Marquis Grimaldi.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_86" href="#FNanchor_86" class="label">[86]</a> D’Eon left London with the ratifications of the definite treaty on +February 23rd, and delivered them to the Duke of Bedford on the 26th. +<i>France Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_87" href="#FNanchor_87" class="label">[87]</a> The Duke de Nivernois was little aware that he was saying a great +truth. Note by D’Eon.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_88" href="#FNanchor_88" class="label">[88]</a> The Duke de Nivernois Correspondence. <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_89" href="#FNanchor_89" class="label">[89]</a> The Duke de Nivernois Correspondence. <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_90" href="#FNanchor_90" class="label">[90]</a> <i>France Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_91" href="#FNanchor_91" class="label">[91]</a> January 8, 1763. <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. iii. 74.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_92" href="#FNanchor_92" class="label">[92]</a> The Duke de Nivernois Correspondence. <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_93" href="#FNanchor_93" class="label">[93]</a> <i>Mém. de la Chevalière D’Eon.</i> Gaill. 115.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_94" href="#FNanchor_94" class="label">[94]</a> De Pompadour.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_95" href="#FNanchor_95" class="label">[95]</a> Ch. MSS. 951.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_96" href="#FNanchor_96" class="label">[96]</a> De Broglie, ii. 105.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_97" href="#FNanchor_97" class="label">[97]</a> Written <i>circa</i> 1806. The Count de Broglio died in 1781.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_98" href="#FNanchor_98" class="label">[98]</a> Ch. MSS. 814, 767. ‘Preamble to Will.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_99" href="#FNanchor_99" class="label">[99]</a> This highly esteemed order, instituted in 1693 by Louis XIV., fell in +abeyance in 1830.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_100" href="#FNanchor_100" class="label">[100]</a> The presents, valued at fifty thousand crowns, consisted of his Majesty’s +portrait set in diamonds, a costly Savonnerie carpet, and superb Gobelin +tapestry. They were shown by Lord Bute to the King, who considered they +were magnificent, and the letter charming.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_101" href="#FNanchor_101" class="label">[101]</a> De Broglie, ii. 97.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_102" href="#FNanchor_102" class="label">[102]</a> Boutaric, i. 295.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_103" href="#FNanchor_103" class="label">[103]</a> July 27, 1763; <i>ibid.</i> i. 297.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_104" href="#FNanchor_104" class="label">[104]</a> ‘His brain of whipped cream enclosed within a head of Rouen porcelain, +relates pleasantly a quantity of tittle-tattle, accompanied by little nothings.’—D’Eon +on the Duke de Choiseul. Ch. MSS.: ‘Comparing what has passed +between the Duke de Choiseul and us at different times, there does not +appear to have been the same frankness and veracity in the latter part of +this negotiation as we had hitherto experienced in that minister.’—Duke of +Bedford to the Karl of Egremont, Paris, February 16, 1763. <i>France Correspondence</i>, +Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_105" href="#FNanchor_105" class="label">[105]</a> <i>Tête de dragon.</i></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_106" href="#FNanchor_106" class="label">[106]</a> May 17, 1763. De Broglie, ii. 119.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_107" href="#FNanchor_107" class="label">[107]</a> Boutaric, i. 293.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_108" href="#FNanchor_108" class="label">[108]</a> Regnier, Count de Guerchy, was frequently admitted into the private +apartments of the Pompadour. He never missed the opportunity for replacing +on her foot her fallen slipper, or carrying her candlestick to her small +boudoir or private closet. Such little services were of great weight in the +mind of de Pompadour and of every Messaline at Court. Ch. MSS. ‘Preamble +to Will.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_109" href="#FNanchor_109" class="label">[109]</a> Gaill. 117. The Duke de Broglie maintains (<i>Le Secret du Roi</i>, ii. 138) +that not a word of this pretty tale can be accepted as true—in the first place, +because in the year 1763, de Pompadour, already in failing health, enjoyed +in appearance only the honours to which she had been accustomed; and +because the discovery of the secret by de Pompadour, on becoming known to +Tercier, would have been immediately communicated by that gentleman to +the Count de Broglio, amongst whose papers is not to be found the least +trace of any reference to so important an incident. The duke’s assumptions, +unsupported by counter-evidence, do not appear to justify his unqualified +rejection of the story. His Grace deplores more than once the want of other +papers, for the absence of which he is unable to account.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_110" href="#FNanchor_110" class="label">[110]</a> Later, in the Musée des Souverains.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_111" href="#FNanchor_111" class="label">[111]</a> <i>Mém. de la Chevalière D’Eon.</i> Gaill. 117.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_112" href="#FNanchor_112" class="label">[112]</a> <i>France Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_113" href="#FNanchor_113" class="label">[113]</a> D’Eon to the Count de Broglio, July 21, 1763. De Broglie, ii. 125.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_114" href="#FNanchor_114" class="label">[114]</a> Treyssac de Vergy to the Duke de Choiseul, p. 25. <i>Pièces Relatives</i>, +&c.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_115" href="#FNanchor_115" class="label">[115]</a> De Praslin, who was exceedingly lean, took a great dislike to fat +people. The first time he saw Favier, secretary to the Count de Broglio, a +man of stout proportions, he said, ‘You appear to me to be a worthless +fellow, for you are very fat.’ This fat and a good appetite was the cause of +all that worthy man’s misfortunes at the hands of Praslin.... The best +thing he can do to recover the good graces of the duke is to die of consumption. +Note by D’Eon. See Boutaric, for de Praslin’s persecutions of +this man.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_116" href="#FNanchor_116" class="label">[116]</a> The Duke de Nivernois Correspondence. <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_117" href="#FNanchor_117" class="label">[117]</a> A Testament <i>ab irato</i> is one drawn up under the influence of choler; +it is not only null and void according to custom and written law, but it is +rescinded and destroyed in the Parliament of Paris. Note by D’Eon.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_118" href="#FNanchor_118" class="label">[118]</a> ‘Eight’ in 4to. and 8vo. editions of <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c.; altered by D’Eon +to ‘nine.’ Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_119" href="#FNanchor_119" class="label">[119]</a> De Broglie, ii. 122.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_120" href="#FNanchor_120" class="label">[120]</a> The mistress of the Prince de Conti, and aspiring to be his wife. +Walpole describes her as being an Anglomane.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_121" href="#FNanchor_121" class="label">[121]</a> Ch. MSS. 977.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_122" href="#FNanchor_122" class="label">[122]</a> <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. i.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_123" href="#FNanchor_123" class="label">[123]</a> <i>France Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_124" href="#FNanchor_124" class="label">[124]</a> Autograph letter. Boutaric, i. 298.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_125" href="#FNanchor_125" class="label">[125]</a> Campan, i. 190.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_126" href="#FNanchor_126" class="label">[126]</a> De Broglie, ii. 139.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_127" href="#FNanchor_127" class="label">[127]</a> D’Eon MSS. Gaill. 128.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_128" href="#FNanchor_128" class="label">[128]</a> <i>France Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_129" href="#FNanchor_129" class="label">[129]</a> Ch. MSS. 782.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_130" href="#FNanchor_130" class="label">[130]</a> ‘You will see by my letter of yesterday that I was aware of the Sieur +D’Eon’s recall....’—Louis XV. to Tercier, October 12, 1763. Boutaric, i. +299. It seems clear enough that the order of recall did not originate with +the King. How just were the Chevalier’s conclusions!</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_131" href="#FNanchor_131" class="label">[131]</a> Ch. MSS. 789, 769, 946.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_132" href="#FNanchor_132" class="label">[132]</a> Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_133" href="#FNanchor_133" class="label">[133]</a> <i>Lett. Mém.</i>, &c. xxxiii. MS. notes.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_134" href="#FNanchor_134" class="label">[134]</a> No authorised duel had taken place in France since the reign of Henri II., +when La Châteigneraie was killed in single combat with Jarnac. A +decree of the Legislative Assembly, dated September 17, 1792, abolished +prosecution for duelling, and rescinded all punishments for duels fought after +July 14, 1789. Since 1832-33, the Court of Cassation has decreed death at +a duel to be murder anticipated by the law.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_135" href="#FNanchor_135" class="label">[135]</a> ‘High words arose at a nobleman’s house in Great George Street +between two foreign gentlemen, and some hard expressions dropping, a +challenge ensued; but the company present interposing, and a party of the +Guards being sent for, further mischief was prevented.’ <i>Scots Magazine</i>, +vol. xxv.; <i>Daily Advertiser</i>, October 28, 1763, and other newspapers.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_136" href="#FNanchor_136" class="label">[136]</a> <i>Note</i>, &c. 16.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_137" href="#FNanchor_137" class="label">[137]</a> <i>Lettre d’un Français à M. le Duc de Nivernois à Paris</i> (October 1763, +by M. Goudard.) 2. <i>Lettre à M. de la M——, Ecuyer</i>, &c. (by M. +Treyssac de Vergy, November 19, 1763) D’Eon sent copies to the Duke +de Choiseul, ‘that he might have an idea of the real liberty enjoyed in +England.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_138" href="#FNanchor_138" class="label">[138]</a> The Count de Guerchy to the Duke de Choiseul, November 12, 1763.—De +Broglie, ii. 151.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_139" href="#FNanchor_139" class="label">[139]</a> See p. <a href="#Page_76">76</a> for these terms.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_140" href="#FNanchor_140" class="label">[140]</a> D’Eon acquits the Countess of having had any part in the plot against +his life. Of a house rendered illustrious by its virtues and courage, she +would never have consented to such an act. Was she to be reproached for +having married an unknown poisoner? She was, perhaps, to be reproached +for avarice and ugliness, but for this, nature was to blame. As for her soul +it was pure and Christian.—‘Preamble to Will.’ Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_141" href="#FNanchor_141" class="label">[141]</a> Ch. MSS. 737.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_142" href="#FNanchor_142" class="label">[142]</a> Boutaric, i. 299-310.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_143" href="#FNanchor_143" class="label">[143]</a> Boutaric, i. 302, 303.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_144" href="#FNanchor_144" class="label">[144]</a> Boutaric, i. 302-304.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_145" href="#FNanchor_145" class="label">[145]</a> De Broglio, ii. 148.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_146" href="#FNanchor_146" class="label">[146]</a> Ch. MSS. 786.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_147" href="#FNanchor_147" class="label">[147]</a> <i>France Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_148" href="#FNanchor_148" class="label">[148]</a> Ch. MSS. 669. So late as September 1764, the Chevalier made a +declaration before his friend Sir John Fielding, and other magistrates, to the +effect that with the support of a band of men he was retaining for the +purpose, he should resist by force any attempt on the part of the French +constables to kidnap him. The house, 32 Brewer Street, remains unchanged.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_149" href="#FNanchor_149" class="label">[149]</a> <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. i. 109.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_150" href="#FNanchor_150" class="label">[150]</a> ‘D’Eon has replied by putting it (the order) into his pocket.’—Louis +XV. to Tercier, December 30, 1763. Boutaric, i. 310.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_151" href="#FNanchor_151" class="label">[151]</a> Boutaric, i. 307.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_152" href="#FNanchor_152" class="label">[152]</a> Boutaric, i. 309.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_153" href="#FNanchor_153" class="label">[153]</a> <i>France Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_154" href="#FNanchor_154" class="label">[154]</a> Old newspapers.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_155" href="#FNanchor_155" class="label">[155]</a> See p. <a href="#Page_53">53</a>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_156" href="#FNanchor_156" class="label">[156]</a> The Count de Broglio to Louis XV., December 6, 1763. De Broglie, +ii. 155.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_157" href="#FNanchor_157" class="label">[157]</a> Chevalier, or as he was sometimes called Doctor, O’Gorman, related to +the Thomond family, was married in 1757 to D’Eon’s sister, whose dowry +was a valuable property in Burgundy. O’Connell maintained he had thereby +spoiled his pedigree. Roche, who was well acquainted with him, describes +his stature as exceeding six feet five inches. O’Gorman spent his time in +genealogical studies, when not more profitably employed in Ireland, selling +the produce of his wife’s vineyards.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_158" href="#FNanchor_158" class="label">[158]</a> <i>Lett. Mém.</i> &c. i. 124.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_159" href="#FNanchor_159" class="label">[159]</a> De Broglie, ii. 153.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_160" href="#FNanchor_160" class="label">[160]</a> See p. <a href="#Page_119">119</a>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_161" href="#FNanchor_161" class="label">[161]</a> <i>Note remise à Son Excellence Monsieur le Comte de Guerchy, par +Monsieur le Chevalier D’Eon</i> (November 30, 1763).</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_162" href="#FNanchor_162" class="label">[162]</a> Lines on the Duke de Choiseul, to whom D’Eon was much attached, +written after his exile:—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">‘Dans ses traités et dans sa vie</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Régnent la droiture et l’honneur;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">L’Europe connaît son génie,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Et les infortunés son cœur.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Comme tout autre dans sa place,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Il dut avoir des ennemis;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Comme nul autre, en sa disgrâce</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Il acquit de nouveaux amis.’—(Ch. MSS.)</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_163" href="#FNanchor_163" class="label">[163]</a> <i>Contre-Note ou Lettre à Monsieur le Marquis L——, à Paris</i> (by M. +Goudard, December 1763).</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_164" href="#FNanchor_164" class="label">[164]</a> Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_165" href="#FNanchor_165" class="label">[165]</a> Ch. MSS. 667.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_166" href="#FNanchor_166" class="label">[166]</a> Walpole to the Earl of Hertford, March 27, 1764, and more besides in +a letter to Charles Churchill, Esq., March 27, 1764.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_167" href="#FNanchor_167" class="label">[167]</a> D’Eon to the Duke de Nivernois, February 15, 1764, and to the Duke +de Choiseul, same date. Gaill. 163.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_168" href="#FNanchor_168" class="label">[168]</a> See p. <a href="#Page_76">76</a>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_169" href="#FNanchor_169" class="label">[169]</a> Colonel Nardin had been employed by Louis XV. to watch over the +security of D’Eon and his papers.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_170" href="#FNanchor_170" class="label">[170]</a> According to the terms of the late treaty, the town and port of Dunkirk +were to be restored to the state fixed by the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle and +other treaties, and particularly the lunette should be destroyed immediately +after the exchange of ratifications, as well as the forts and batteries +which defended the entrance from the sea. The work proceeded so slowly, +that it was considered it would take seven years to complete; eventually +all the fortifications were demolished by September 1764.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_171" href="#FNanchor_171" class="label">[171]</a> This offer amounted to 20,000<i>l.</i></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_172" href="#FNanchor_172" class="label">[172]</a> Boutaric, i. 313.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_173" href="#FNanchor_173" class="label">[173]</a> Louis XV. to Tercier, December 30, 1763; March 25, 1764. Boutaric, +i. 311, 316.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_174" href="#FNanchor_174" class="label">[174]</a> Louis XV. to Tercier, December 30, 1763. <i>Ibid.</i> 311.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_175" href="#FNanchor_175" class="label">[175]</a> ‘This letter was addressed to the Rev. Father Loris, Rue du Regard, +and was sent to me by his Majesty on April 5, 1764.’ Endorsement in the +hand of Tercier. Loris was probably a fictitious name. <i>Ibid.</i> 317.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_176" href="#FNanchor_176" class="label">[176]</a> ‘The Sieur de Nort will leave for England as soon as he receives my +orders to that effect through the Count de Broglio, and he will strictly comply +with the instructions he will receive from him in my name, and in behalf of +my service, so that he may be guided in his proceedings, whether as regards +the Sieur D’Eon, or the Count de Guerchy, my ambassador. He will also +execute whatever he may receive by word of mouth, or in writing, from the +Sieur Tercier on this subject, and will preserve the most profound silence on +this mission towards everybody, without any exception, but the persons above +named.’—Louis XV. to M. de Nort, Versailles, April 9, 1764. Boutaric, i. +319.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_177" href="#FNanchor_177" class="label">[177]</a> In 1769, after the destruction of the Bastille, D’Eon wrote a letter to +Lord Stanhope, as President of the Revolution Society, and presented him +with a stone from its ruins.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_178" href="#FNanchor_178" class="label">[178]</a> Plans for the invasion of England.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_179" href="#FNanchor_179" class="label">[179]</a> The Marquise de Pompadour died April 15, 1764, ‘d’une maladie de +cœur,’ says Guizot.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_180" href="#FNanchor_180" class="label">[180]</a> <i>Mém. de la Chevalière D’Eon</i>, Ministère des affaires étrangères.—De +Broglie, ii. 173.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_181" href="#FNanchor_181" class="label">[181]</a> ‘The foreign ministers agreed, as to be sure you have been told, to +make Monsieur de Guerchy’s <i>cause commune</i>.’—Walpole to the Earl of Hertford, +April 20, 1764. See <i>Pièces Relatives</i>, &c. p. 218.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_182" href="#FNanchor_182" class="label">[182]</a> ‘I do not wish that any steps should be taken to arrest the judicial +proceedings commenced.’—Louis XV. to Tercier, May 1, 1764. Boutaric, +i. 322.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_183" href="#FNanchor_183" class="label">[183]</a> May 15, 1764. <i>Mém. de la Chevalière D’Eon.</i>—De Broglie, ii. 174.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_184" href="#FNanchor_184" class="label">[184]</a> <i>Examen des Lettres, Mémoires, et Négotiations Particulières du Chevalier +D’Eon, Ministre Plénipotentiaire de France auprès du Roi de la Grande +Bretagne, dans une Lettre à M. N——</i>, 1764, pp. 52. Goudard received +twenty guineas from the ambassador for his work, and was arrested at the +instance of Becket, printer, in the Strand, for non-payment of expenses!</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_185" href="#FNanchor_185" class="label">[185]</a> Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_186" href="#FNanchor_186" class="label">[186]</a> Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_187" href="#FNanchor_187" class="label">[187]</a> De Guerchy’s treatment of D’Eon de Mouloise, lieutenant of cavalry, +a cousin of D’Eon, one of the secret agents sent by Louis XV. to watch over +the safety of the Chevalier and his papers, was scandalous and cruel.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_188" href="#FNanchor_188" class="label">[188]</a> Lords of the Treasury to Lord Halifax, May, 1, 1764.—<i>France Correspondence</i>, +Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_189" href="#FNanchor_189" class="label">[189]</a> Lord Halifax to Lord Hertford, July 5, 1764.—<i>France Correspondence</i>, +Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_190" href="#FNanchor_190" class="label">[190]</a> D’Eon to the Count de Broglio, June 8, 1764.—Ministère des affaires +étrangères. De Broglie, ii. 175.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_191" href="#FNanchor_191" class="label">[191]</a> When in Paris Walpole saw this beast, which he declared to be a wolf +of enormous proportions.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_192" href="#FNanchor_192" class="label">[192]</a> Ch. MSS. 480.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_193" href="#FNanchor_193" class="label">[193]</a> This was a singular case of kidnapping. The Marquis de Fratteau +had been carried out of France and imprisoned in Spain on account of some +family quarrel, but having made his escape, he fled to England. On March +27, 1752, a marshal’s court officer called at his apartments in London, and +presented a writ. Having consulted the French pastor, who recommended +him to go quietly, since some mistake had surely been made, he did so. Upon +his disappearance becoming known, Justice Fielding granted a warrant on +the supposition that the marquis was murdered, and an application was also +made to prevent his being carried out of the kingdom. It was all to no +purpose, for he was put on board of a small vessel at Gravesend, conveyed +to Calais where he was landed during the night of the 29th, and thence +sent on to the Bastille.—<i>Scots Magazine</i>, xiv. 212.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_194" href="#FNanchor_194" class="label">[194]</a> <i>The Times</i>, May 26, 1810, and old newspapers.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_195" href="#FNanchor_195" class="label">[195]</a> Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_196" href="#FNanchor_196" class="label">[196]</a> <i>Gentleman’s Magazine</i>, vol. xxxiv. and old newspapers.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_197" href="#FNanchor_197" class="label">[197]</a> De Guerchy left for France under pretence of reviewing the regiment +of which he was colonel.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_198" href="#FNanchor_198" class="label">[198]</a> <i>France Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_199" href="#FNanchor_199" class="label">[199]</a> <i>France Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_200" href="#FNanchor_200" class="label">[200]</a> <i>Scots Magazine</i>, vol. xxvi.; from London papers.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_201" href="#FNanchor_201" class="label">[201]</a> <i>Gentleman’s Magazine</i>, vol. xxxv. It was absurdly reported that D’Eon +was to be delivered to France in exchange for Wilkes.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_202" href="#FNanchor_202" class="label">[202]</a> <i>Lettre aux Français, par M. Treyssac de Vergy, en réponse à une Note, +Contre-Note, etc., et servant à la justification de M. D’Eon</i>: Londres, 16 +Décembre, 1763.</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Dicere verum quis vetat,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Spectatum admissi risum teneatis amici?</i></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Londres: Se vend chez W. Nicoll, St. Paul’s Churchyard.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_203" href="#FNanchor_203" class="label">[203]</a> <i>Seconde Lettre à Monseigneur le Duc de Choiseul, Ministre et Secrétaire +d’Etat en France; par M. Treyssac de Vergy, Avocat au Parlement de +Bordeaux</i>. ‘<i>Solventur risu tabulæ, tu missus abibis.</i>’ Hor.—1764, pp. 38. +De Vergy was sworn before William Bridgen Major, Lord Mayor of London, +by George Schuts, Notary Public, on October 11, 1764, that he was the +author of two letters in manuscript addressed to the Duke de Choiseul—which +letters, with the attestations of the Lord Mayor and Notary Public, +were afterwards published for general circulation.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_204" href="#FNanchor_204" class="label">[204]</a> <i>France Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_205" href="#FNanchor_205" class="label">[205]</a> The interlineations were in sympathetic ink.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_206" href="#FNanchor_206" class="label">[206]</a> The French ambassador had been in France on leave of absence.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_207" href="#FNanchor_207" class="label">[207]</a> Boutaric, i. 322.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_208" href="#FNanchor_208" class="label">[208]</a> <i>France Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_209" href="#FNanchor_209" class="label">[209]</a> <i>France Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_210" href="#FNanchor_210" class="label">[210]</a> Afterwards minister under Louis XVI.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_211" href="#FNanchor_211" class="label">[211]</a> Boutaric, i. 334-337.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_212" href="#FNanchor_212" class="label">[212]</a> Louis XV. to Tercier, January 14 to February 6, 1765. Boutaric, i. +334-339. De Broglie, ii. 188.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_213" href="#FNanchor_213" class="label">[213]</a> Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_214" href="#FNanchor_214" class="label">[214]</a> <i>Gentleman’s Magazine</i>, vol. <span class="allsmcap">XXXV.</span></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_215" href="#FNanchor_215" class="label">[215]</a> David Hume was doing duty as secretary of Embassy in Paris.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_216" href="#FNanchor_216" class="label">[216]</a> The Count de Broglio to Louis XV., March 22, 1765. De Broglie, ii. 194.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_217" href="#FNanchor_217" class="label">[217]</a> This arrangement requires explanation. At the time of the Hugonnet +incident, de Broglio, full of concern lest the history of the secret correspondence, +in which he was the most prominently concerned, should become +generally known, and rather than that any such other accident should occur, +expressed to the King his readiness to proceed to London, and to guarantee, +by a mortgage on his own estates, the annual pension to D’Eon of 12,000 +livres, by way of effectually obtaining from him the desired papers. Louis +XV. had the meanness to approve of this security on his royal word, and +this proposed settlement being communicated to the Chevalier, he readily +acquiesced, save that he required the mortgage to extend to the estates of +the countess, which were larger than those of her husband.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_218" href="#FNanchor_218" class="label">[218]</a> D’Eon to the Count de Broglio, April 1, 1765. De Broglie, ii. 194.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_219" href="#FNanchor_219" class="label">[219]</a> The Duke and Duchess of Burgundy, father and mother of Louis XV., +died of the measles (?) within six days of each other; it was long believed +they had been poisoned.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_220" href="#FNanchor_220" class="label">[220]</a> Preamble to Will. Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_221" href="#FNanchor_221" class="label">[221]</a> Letter 387, April 22, 1765.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_222" href="#FNanchor_222" class="label">[222]</a> D’Argental’s words to de Vergy as they appear in the brochure, p. 25, +are: ‘Je l’ai assuré [de Guerchy] que vous vous prêteriez à ses projets; et +que, suivant les circonstances, vous vous serviriez aussi bien de l’épée que de +la plume.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_223" href="#FNanchor_223" class="label">[223]</a> <i>Political Register</i>, September 1767. <i>London Evening Post</i>, and other +old newspapers. The Duke de Broglie gives a different account of de +Guerchy’s extrication out of his difficulty.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_224" href="#FNanchor_224" class="label">[224]</a> D’Eon to the Duke de Choiseul, July 4, 1767, published with <i>Dernière +Lettre du Chevalier D’Eon à M. le Comte de Guerchy, &c.</i></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_225" href="#FNanchor_225" class="label">[225]</a> The seat of Humphrey Cotes, Esq.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_226" href="#FNanchor_226" class="label">[226]</a> Ch. MSS. 695.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_227" href="#FNanchor_227" class="label">[227]</a> <i>Ibid.</i> 298.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_228" href="#FNanchor_228" class="label">[228]</a> July 22, 1765. De Broglie, ii. 198.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_229" href="#FNanchor_229" class="label">[229]</a> <i>Archives des affaires étrangères.</i> Gaill. 182. De Broglie, ii. 204.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_230" href="#FNanchor_230" class="label">[230]</a> These papers were afterwards lodged with Earl Ferrers.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_231" href="#FNanchor_231" class="label">[231]</a> <i>France Correspondence</i>, Public Record Office. John Rice, a London +broker, having absconded in December 1762, was arrested at Cambray, and +being taken to England was tried for forgery, convicted, and executed at +Tyburn the following May.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_232" href="#FNanchor_232" class="label">[232]</a> Ch. MSS. 36.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_233" href="#FNanchor_233" class="label">[233]</a> See p. <a href="#Page_77">77</a>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_234" href="#FNanchor_234" class="label">[234]</a> De Broglie, ii. 199.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_235" href="#FNanchor_235" class="label">[235]</a> Preamble to Will. Ch. MSS. Of de Guerchy’s father D’Eon relates +the following anecdote: At Madame de Sévigné’s house in Paris one evening, +the guests entertained each other by telling their dreams of the preceding +night. ‘I dreamt’, said the old count, who was a very wealthy man, +‘that I was the Golden Calf.’ ‘J’en suis persuadée,’ observed the hostess, +‘il n’y a que la dorure de trop.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_236" href="#FNanchor_236" class="label">[236]</a> <i>Dernière lettre du Chevalier D’Eon à M. le Comte de Guerchy, en date +du 5 Août, 1767, avec l’extrait de la Procédure en bonne forme</i> [qui a été +imprimé en un vol. in 4to en 1765, le Comte de Guerchy étant alors Ambassadeur +de France à Londres]. <i>Le sacrifice de ma vie a été et sera pour mon roi +et ma patrie; celui de mon honneur ne sera pour personne. A Londres, 1767.</i> +The words in brackets are in D’Eon’s hand, on the copy consulted by the +author.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_237" href="#FNanchor_237" class="label">[237]</a> De Vergy’s body, enclosed in a leaden coffin, was kept at the undertaker’s +in Church Street, St. Ann, and not interred at St. Pancras <i>until the +following March</i>! He desired that his remains should be removed to the +family vault at Bordeaux, but his widow, although in easy circumstances, +persisted in refusing to supply the necessary funds.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_238" href="#FNanchor_238" class="label">[238]</a> By the untimely death of this nobleman in the hunting-field, in March +1767, the Chevalier lost a kind and sympathetic supporter. He was the +author of the epitaph inscribed on the Marquis’ tomb at Chenies.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_239" href="#FNanchor_239" class="label">[239]</a> <i>Archives des affaires étrangères.</i> Gaill. 388.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_240" href="#FNanchor_240" class="label">[240]</a> October 7-9, 1766.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_241" href="#FNanchor_241" class="label">[241]</a> Paper of October 23-25, 1766.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_242" href="#FNanchor_242" class="label">[242]</a> Dr. Musgrave had practised in Paris, and was known for the publication +of some tragedies of Euripides. ‘A weak and credulous man.’ He died in +1780.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_243" href="#FNanchor_243" class="label">[243]</a> Solicitor to her Majesty the Queen, and later, Lord Chief Justice.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_244" href="#FNanchor_244" class="label">[244]</a> <i>Gentleman’s Magazine</i>, vol. xxxix.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_245" href="#FNanchor_245" class="label">[245]</a> The charges were declared in Parliament to be ‘frivolous’; yet Lord +Camden was not to be persuaded, even when years had passed, that there +had been no foundation whatever for them.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_246" href="#FNanchor_246" class="label">[246]</a> <i>European Magazine</i>, 1791.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_247" href="#FNanchor_247" class="label">[247]</a> <i>Gentleman’s Magazine</i>, vol. xxxix.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_248" href="#FNanchor_248" class="label">[248]</a> B.M. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_249" href="#FNanchor_249" class="label">[249]</a> An incident in Spanish affairs further explained by D’Eon in his letter +to the Count de Broglio of July 7, 1774, which see.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_250" href="#FNanchor_250" class="label">[250]</a> Louis XV. to the Count de Broglio, May 5, 1768. Boutaric, i. 354, +361.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_251" href="#FNanchor_251" class="label">[251]</a> <i>Les Loisirs du Chevalier D’Eon de Beaumont, ancien Ministre Plénipotentiaire +de France, sur divers sujets importants d’Administration, &c.</i>, 13 vols. +8vo., Amsterdam, 1774.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_252" href="#FNanchor_252" class="label">[252]</a> <i>The Public Advertiser</i>, March 21, 1774.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_253" href="#FNanchor_253" class="label">[253]</a> <i>London Evening Post</i>, July 21-23, 1774.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_254" href="#FNanchor_254" class="label">[254]</a> <i>Records of my Life</i>, i. 338. London, 1832.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_255" href="#FNanchor_255" class="label">[255]</a> The Count de Broglio had been at the head of the Secret Correspondence +Department since the death of Tercier in January 1767.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_256" href="#FNanchor_256" class="label">[256]</a> B.M. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_257" href="#FNanchor_257" class="label">[257]</a> March 25, April 16, May 7, 1771. These letters, all in cypher, were +addressed to M. Koppfing, banker, Rue Quincampoix, Paris. <i>Archives des +affaires étrangères.</i> Gaill. 190.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_258" href="#FNanchor_258" class="label">[258]</a> Of June 20, 1771.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_259" href="#FNanchor_259" class="label">[259]</a> On June 29, 1771.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_260" href="#FNanchor_260" class="label">[260]</a> London, July 5, 1771. <i>Archives des affaires étrangères.</i> Gaill. 194.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_261" href="#FNanchor_261" class="label">[261]</a> May 11, 1772. Boutaric, i. 430.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_262" href="#FNanchor_262" class="label">[262]</a> <i>European Magazine</i>, vol. xix. The Falkland Islands were taken +possession of by Captain Byron in 1765, and garrisoned in the following +year. Spain demanded their evacuation in 1769, which, not being complied +with, the English in occupation were attacked and made prisoners. War +was averted by the King of Spain disowning the acts of his commander.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_263" href="#FNanchor_263" class="label">[263]</a> For this name, see p. <a href="#Page_175">175</a>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_264" href="#FNanchor_264" class="label">[264]</a> De Broglie, ii. 556, note.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_265" href="#FNanchor_265" class="label">[265]</a> Angelo, ii. 53.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_266" href="#FNanchor_266" class="label">[266]</a> This letter, dated September 24, 1773, was signed William Wolff. +Gaill. 197. Boutaric, ii. 442.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_267" href="#FNanchor_267" class="label">[267]</a> Ch. MSS. 734.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_268" href="#FNanchor_268" class="label">[268]</a> Louis XV. died May 10, 1774. His three daughters were more +familiarly known as nicknamed by their father, <i>Loque</i>, <i>Chiffe</i>, and <i>Graille</i>, +interpreted into English, as Rag, Tag, and Bobtail.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_269" href="#FNanchor_269" class="label">[269]</a> <i>Hist. des Français</i>, xxix. 507. Dutens, ii. 55. <i>Vie privée de Louis XV. +&c.</i> iv. 195.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_270" href="#FNanchor_270" class="label">[270]</a> Ch. MSS. 117, 961, 975, 948.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_271" href="#FNanchor_271" class="label">[271]</a> May 23, 1774. This letter is not in Boutaric. It was found amongst +the count’s papers by the Duke de Broglie. De Broglie, ii. 525.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_272" href="#FNanchor_272" class="label">[272]</a> See p. <a href="#Page_185">185</a>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_273" href="#FNanchor_273" class="label">[273]</a> The Count de Broglio to Louis XVI., May 30, 1774. Boutaric, ii. 392.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_274" href="#FNanchor_274" class="label">[274]</a> De Broglie, ii. 533.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_275" href="#FNanchor_275" class="label">[275]</a> This minister was admitted to the secret correspondence of Louis XV. +in 1755, on appointment as ambassador at Constantinople.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_276" href="#FNanchor_276" class="label">[276]</a> Spanish ambassador in London.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_277" href="#FNanchor_277" class="label">[277]</a> Louis XV.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_278" href="#FNanchor_278" class="label">[278]</a> See p. <a href="#Page_77">77</a>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_279" href="#FNanchor_279" class="label">[279]</a> July 7, 1774. Boutaric, ii. 434.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_280" href="#FNanchor_280" class="label">[280]</a> This was the largest pension about to be conferred upon any of the +secret agents, with one exception, that of General Mokronosky, ‘a Polish +patriot,’ who was awarded twenty thousand livres a year.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_281" href="#FNanchor_281" class="label">[281]</a> La Chalotais, <i>procureur-général</i> of the Parliament of Brittany, arrested +on a charge of having written seditious letters to the King. Although +falsely accused, he was exiled by Louis XV., but recalled and reinstated by +Louis XVI.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_282" href="#FNanchor_282" class="label">[282]</a> Ch. MSS. 859.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_283" href="#FNanchor_283" class="label">[283]</a> <i>London Evening Post</i>, April 18-20, 1775.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_284" href="#FNanchor_284" class="label">[284]</a> Containing a detailed statement of his claims.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_285" href="#FNanchor_285" class="label">[285]</a> Boutaric, ii. 444-445.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_286" href="#FNanchor_286" class="label">[286]</a> ‘The Campaigns of the Sieur Caron de Beaumarchais in England during +the years 1774, 1775 and 1776; or, a Summary of what preceded and +followed the singular proceedings of M. Caron de Beaumarchais during his +pretended Negotiations in London with the pretended Chevalier D’Eon de +Beaumont.’—<i>Mém. de la Chevalière D’Eon</i>, ii. 179. <i>Archives des affaires +étrangères.</i> Gaill. 218.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_287" href="#FNanchor_287" class="label">[287]</a> Madame Dubarry became the favourite of Louis XV. in 1769, five +years after the death of de Pompadour. According to Boutaric the title of +the pamphlet was: <i>Secret Memoirs of a Courtesan</i>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_288" href="#FNanchor_288" class="label">[288]</a> The King’s head valet enjoyed the privilege of being in constant +communication with the sovereign, frequently playing the part of a spy at +Court. The coveted office was held in the preceding reign by the Marquis +de Termes, who was in great favour with Louis XIV.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_289" href="#FNanchor_289" class="label">[289]</a> Morande gave up six thousand impressions of this pamphlet, the whole +of which, with one exception, were destroyed in a glass-house at <i>Marybone</i>. +The one copy preserved was cut into two parts, one part being kept by +Beaumarchais, the other by Morande, for the purpose of verifying other +editions should the issue of them be attempted. Had any appeared, Morande +would have forfeited his pension.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_290" href="#FNanchor_290" class="label">[290]</a> <i>Beaumarchais et son temps</i>, i. 416.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_291" href="#FNanchor_291" class="label">[291]</a> June 21, 1775. Loménie, i. 419.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_292" href="#FNanchor_292" class="label">[292]</a> <i>Archives des affaires étrangères.</i> Gaill. 214.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_293" href="#FNanchor_293" class="label">[293]</a> Morande.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_294" href="#FNanchor_294" class="label">[294]</a> Beaumarchais to the Count de Vergennes, July 14, 1775. Gaill. 231.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_295" href="#FNanchor_295" class="label">[295]</a> August 26, 1775. Loménie, i. 421.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_296" href="#FNanchor_296" class="label">[296]</a> Beaumarchais to the Count de Vergennes, October 7, 1775. Loménie, +i. 422.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_297" href="#FNanchor_297" class="label">[297]</a> Note by D’Eon, written in 1776(?).</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_298" href="#FNanchor_298" class="label">[298]</a> ‘Dictated by M. de Beaumarchais, then corrected by him and the +Chevalier D’Eon.’—Note by D’Eon.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_299" href="#FNanchor_299" class="label">[299]</a> ‘Father and uncle.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_300" href="#FNanchor_300" class="label">[300]</a> ‘Seeing that his/her (<i>son sexe</i>) sex has been proved by witnesses, physicians, +surgeons, matrons and legal documents.’—Inserted in the margin by +D’Eon and cancelled by Beaumarchais.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_301" href="#FNanchor_301" class="label">[301]</a> Tardy admission of the justice of D’Eon’s claims against the State, +vainly urged during many years.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_302" href="#FNanchor_302" class="label">[302]</a> ‘That I have already worn upon several occasions known to his +Majesty.’—Inserted by D’Eon and cancelled by Beaumarchais.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_303" href="#FNanchor_303" class="label">[303]</a> See p. <a href="#Page_185">185</a>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_304" href="#FNanchor_304" class="label">[304]</a> ‘This Covenant was not actually signed until November 4, after the +return of Beaumarchais, who had brought from Paris the instruments of his +authority. But M. D’Eon having been born on October 5, 1728, and as the +said Covenant endowed him with an existence conformable to his sex, M. de +Beaumarchais wished to pay Mademoiselle D’Eon the compliment of dating +this document, which was to her a sort of new baptismal certificate, with +the same date as that of her birth.’—Note by D’Eon.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_305" href="#FNanchor_305" class="label">[305]</a> Gaill. 399.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_306" href="#FNanchor_306" class="label">[306]</a> From a leaflet printed in English and French for circulation by D’Eon, +who added: ‘N.B.—This judgment given by the King himself serves to +authenticate the justice of Chevalier D’Eon’s cause, and ought not to leave +him a single enemy under the reign of Louis XVI., when the choice of +ministers seems to characterise the monarch’s virtues, and to proclaim that +the brave and virtuous citizen is assured of a protector.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_307" href="#FNanchor_307" class="label">[307]</a> One English and ten French ladies are decorated with the cross of the +Legion of Honour at the present time.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_308" href="#FNanchor_308" class="label">[308]</a> Gaill. 402.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_309" href="#FNanchor_309" class="label">[309]</a> <i>Morning Post and Daily Advertiser</i>, &c., November 10-11, 1775.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_310" href="#FNanchor_310" class="label">[310]</a> <i>Morning Post and Daily Advertiser</i>, &c., November 13-14, 1775. +<i>The Morning Post</i>, established in 1772, was already having a large circulation.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_311" href="#FNanchor_311" class="label">[311]</a> Gaill. 249.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_312" href="#FNanchor_312" class="label">[312]</a> The Count de Broglio remained passive. ‘He is not a genius of the +first water, but lively, and sometimes agreeable,’ said Walpole, who met the +count in Paris, to the Hon. H. S. Conway.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_313" href="#FNanchor_313" class="label">[313]</a> Loménie, i. 428, 518.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_314" href="#FNanchor_314" class="label">[314]</a> The Chevalier’s debt to Lord Ferrers was represented as amounting to +5,333<i>l.</i> minus interest, &c. Beaumarchais paid the earl about 5,000<i>l.</i>, and +gave a bill for the balance, which, however, he failed to meet. D’Eon stated +his liabilities to be 13,933<i>l.</i></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_315" href="#FNanchor_315" class="label">[315]</a> It is certain that D’Eon did not deliver every paper of importance. +Having dined with M. Hirsinger, French Chargé d’Affaires, on February 1, +1792, she consigned to that minister ‘a <i>valise</i> containing papers of the Court +and King.’—<i>Journal for 1792.</i> D’Eon MSS. B.M.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_316" href="#FNanchor_316" class="label">[316]</a> Gaill. 414.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_317" href="#FNanchor_317" class="label">[317]</a> Loménie, i. 432.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_318" href="#FNanchor_318" class="label">[318]</a> Madame de Courcelles to D’Eon, January 1, 1776. Gaill. 396.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_319" href="#FNanchor_319" class="label">[319]</a> February 3, 1776. B.M. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_320" href="#FNanchor_320" class="label">[320]</a> <i>Déclaration qui prouve que les Sieurs Morande et de Beaumarchais +voulaient absolument, et malgré le Chevalier D’Eon, s’établir une fortune par +les polices sur son sexe.</i> B.M. MSS. ii. 341.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_321" href="#FNanchor_321" class="label">[321]</a> This, and subsequent correspondence between Beaumarchais, D’Eon, +and the Count de Vergennes was published under the title:—<i>Pièces relatives +aux démêlés entre Mademoiselle d’Eon de Beaumont, Chevalière de l’Ordre +Royal et Militaire de Saint-Louis, et Ministre Plénipotentiaire de France, +&c., et le Sieur Caron dit de Beaumarchais, &c.</i>, 1778 (12mo). B.M. MSS. +ii. 341, and reproduced in de la Fortelle’s latest edition (1779) of <i>La Vie +Militaire, Politique, et Privée de Mademoiselle, &c., D’Eon de Beaumont, &c.</i></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_322" href="#FNanchor_322" class="label">[322]</a> <i>The Westminster Gazette</i>, August 6-10, 1776.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_323" href="#FNanchor_323" class="label">[323]</a> Gaill. 196.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_324" href="#FNanchor_324" class="label">[324]</a> <i>Public Ledger</i>, August 24, 1776.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_325" href="#FNanchor_325" class="label">[325]</a> Beaumarchais to D’Eon, August 18, 1776. Loménie, i. 518.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_326" href="#FNanchor_326" class="label">[326]</a> <i>Archives des affaires étrangères.</i> Gaill. 292.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_327" href="#FNanchor_327" class="label">[327]</a> Le Gueux would have been a more suitable name, as the sequel will +show.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_328" href="#FNanchor_328" class="label">[328]</a> <i>Gentleman’s Magazine</i>, vol. xliv.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_329" href="#FNanchor_329" class="label">[329]</a> <i>Scots Magazine</i>, vol. xxxix.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_330" href="#FNanchor_330" class="label">[330]</a> Campan, i. 190.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_331" href="#FNanchor_331" class="label">[331]</a> Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_332" href="#FNanchor_332" class="label">[332]</a> <i>Archives des affaires étrangères.</i> Gaill. 296.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_333" href="#FNanchor_333" class="label">[333]</a> Preamble to Will. Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_334" href="#FNanchor_334" class="label">[334]</a> This was the prelate who supported the curé of Saint-Sulpice in his +refusal to inter the remains of Voltaire.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_335" href="#FNanchor_335" class="label">[335]</a> Marie Louise, daughter of Louis XV., was received into the Convent of +St. Denis.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_336" href="#FNanchor_336" class="label">[336]</a> Ch. MSS. 954, 1,154.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_337" href="#FNanchor_337" class="label">[337]</a> Daughters of M. Genest, at whose house the Chevalière was residing.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_338" href="#FNanchor_338" class="label">[338]</a> I will quote from one among the several sensational descriptions of +D’Eon’s personal appearance, scarcely thinking it necessary to remind the +reader that she was not a colonel, nor had she been at Fontenoy. ‘... He +was at the period referred to about forty-seven years of age, tall and +muscular, swarthy, sunburnt, weather-beaten, scarred, having been wounded +in several engagements, since, as a youth of fifteen, he began his career at +Fontenoy.... For many years this bold colonel of dragoons has been +known as the Chevalier Eon de Beaumont.... From under the shade of +his thick shaggy eyebrows gleam a pair of bright bold-looking eyes ... in +his triple row of ruffles, <i>mantelet à la reine</i>, and <i>bonnet à la baigneuse</i> surmounting +a row of grizzly curls, he looks a very odd figure of fun.’—<i>French +Court and Society, Reign of Louis XVI. and First Empire</i>, by Catherine +Charlotte, Lady Jackson. 1881.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_339" href="#FNanchor_339" class="label">[339]</a> Gudin, quoted by Loménie, i. 417, says it was ‘une voix de femme.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_340" href="#FNanchor_340" class="label">[340]</a> <i>Gentleman’s Magazine</i>, vol. xlviii. <i>Scots Magazine</i>, vol. xl.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_341" href="#FNanchor_341" class="label">[341]</a> In allusion to Beaumarchais’ early apprenticeship.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_342" href="#FNanchor_342" class="label">[342]</a> <i>Pièces Relatives</i>, &c. 243.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_343" href="#FNanchor_343" class="label">[343]</a> <i>An Epistle from Mademoiselle D’Eon to the Right Hon. L——d +M——d, C——f J——e of the C——t of K——g’s B——h, on his determination +in regard to her sex.</i> London, 1778.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_344" href="#FNanchor_344" class="label">[344]</a> See <a href="#APPENDIX">Appendix</a>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_345" href="#FNanchor_345" class="label">[345]</a> March 17, 1777.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_346" href="#FNanchor_346" class="label">[346]</a> Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_347" href="#FNanchor_347" class="label">[347]</a> Ch. MSS. 719. <i>European Magazine</i>, 1791.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_348" href="#FNanchor_348" class="label">[348]</a> Bibliothèque de Tonnerre. Gaill. 310-316.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_349" href="#FNanchor_349" class="label">[349]</a> Bibliothèque de Tonnerre. Gaill. 307.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_350" href="#FNanchor_350" class="label">[350]</a> Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_351" href="#FNanchor_351" class="label">[351]</a> A drawn battle was fought between Keppel and d’Orvilliers off +Ushant, in July 1778, previous to which the French admiral in command +of the combined squadrons of France and Spain, consisting of sixty-five +ships of the line, besides frigates, &c., had ridden master of the Channel for +a considerable time.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_352" href="#FNanchor_352" class="label">[352]</a> This unpublished letter, dated Rue de Noailles, Versailles, February 8, +1779, in the Egerton Collection at the B.M., appears to be the original. At +the top of the first page is written in another hand: ‘Parler à M. le Comte +de Vergennes.’ How did it get into the Egerton Collection?</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_353" href="#FNanchor_353" class="label">[353]</a> Ch. MSS. <i>Courier de l’Europe</i>, November 9, 1784.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_354" href="#FNanchor_354" class="label">[354]</a> Of Kavenmally, near Newport, Monmouthshire. Lord Mount Edgecumbe +humorously observed one day, that ‘D’Eon was her own widow!’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_355" href="#FNanchor_355" class="label">[355]</a> Robineau, a French artist, executed a painting on this subject, from +which a print was published.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_356" href="#FNanchor_356" class="label">[356]</a> Ch. MSS. Old newspapers.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_357" href="#FNanchor_357" class="label">[357]</a> D’Eon played Mr. Phillidor at another great match on April 13, 1793. +Phillidor, a composer of music, was one of the greatest chess players +who ever lived, and founder of a school which has proved itself second to +none. He died almost literally in a garret. He was the author of a +<i>Treatise on Chess</i>, 1749.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_358" href="#FNanchor_358" class="label">[358]</a> This sale was held on May 24, 1793.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_359" href="#FNanchor_359" class="label">[359]</a> To the Public. An Historical Account of the Facts, Motives, and Reasons +which lay Mademoiselle la Chevalière D’Eon under the necessity of making, +in her lifetime, a public sale of all she possesses in London, <i>in order to +satisfy and pay her creditors, before her departure</i> for Paris.—<i>Justitiæ Soror +Fides!</i></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_360" href="#FNanchor_360" class="label">[360]</a> Earl Ferrers had rebuilt the mansion of Staunton Harold according +to a plan of his own, and lived to see it nearly finished.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_361" href="#FNanchor_361" class="label">[361]</a> This lady was put upon her trial for bigamy.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_362" href="#FNanchor_362" class="label">[362]</a> His lordship’s superintendent.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_363" href="#FNanchor_363" class="label">[363]</a> His lordship’s secretary, residing at Loughborough.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_364" href="#FNanchor_364" class="label">[364]</a> See p. <a href="#Page_262">262</a>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_365" href="#FNanchor_365" class="label">[365]</a> <i>Morning Post</i>, April 23-27, 1787.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_366" href="#FNanchor_366" class="label">[366]</a> Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_367" href="#FNanchor_367" class="label">[367]</a> ‘I am a great friend to these public amusements, sir,’ said Dr. Johnson, +(who often went to Ranelagh, which he deemed a place of innocent recreation) +to Boswell; ‘they keep people from vice.’ And a few years later we +read of Walpole’s four nieces being at Ranelagh the night of the Gordon +riots, together with the Duke of Gloucester.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_368" href="#FNanchor_368" class="label">[368]</a> Catalogue of sale.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_369" href="#FNanchor_369" class="label">[369]</a> By a strange contradiction, D’Eon purchased later in the year, at +Christie’s rooms, the Mead and Douglas collections of Horace in 8vo, 4to, +and folio; for which she paid 100<i>l.</i>, having herself assisted in the preparation +of the catalogue.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_370" href="#FNanchor_370" class="label">[370]</a> <i>Scots Magazine</i>, vol. liv. <i>Gentleman’s Magazine</i>, vol. lxii.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_371" href="#FNanchor_371" class="label">[371]</a> M. Beauvais, <i>père</i>, Jermyn Street, January 12, 1793. Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_372" href="#FNanchor_372" class="label">[372]</a> Beaten at Nerwinde, on March 18. It was said of this general under +the Republic: ‘Qu’il cherchait à sauver sa tête en négociant au dehors avec +le Général Cobourg, et dedans avec la faction d’Orléans.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_373" href="#FNanchor_373" class="label">[373]</a> <a href="#Footnote_315">See Note, p. 264.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_374" href="#FNanchor_374" class="label">[374]</a> Old newspapers.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_375" href="#FNanchor_375" class="label">[375]</a> John Taylor freely expresses it as his opinion that D’Eon disgraced <i>his</i> +character by exhibiting <i>himself</i> with Mrs. Bateman in fencing matches at +several provincial towns. In March 1794, D’Eon wrote to ask Warren +Hastings, with whom he was well acquainted, for a letter of introduction to +Mr. Peter Speke, of the Supreme Council at Calcutta, in behalf of the +Batemans, who were proceeding to India to claim some property. After +Mr. Bateman’s death, his widow was married to Mr. Ester, and died at +Calcutta in 1801.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_376" href="#FNanchor_376" class="label">[376]</a> B.M. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_377" href="#FNanchor_377" class="label">[377]</a> D’Eon Papers. B.M.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_378" href="#FNanchor_378" class="label">[378]</a> Mrs. Cole, a native of Lorraine, born in the same year as D’Eon, was +the widow of Mr. W. Cole, pump maker to the Royal Navy, and an ingenious +inventor. She had long been on intimate terms of friendship with Mrs. +Robinson, of Denston Hall, Suffolk, the daughter of Lord Clive.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_379" href="#FNanchor_379" class="label">[379]</a> D’Eon had sold to Major Clive, in 1794, Marshal Saxe’s sword, a huge +sabre and a large carbine, for which she received sixty pounds.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_380" href="#FNanchor_380" class="label">[380]</a> B.M. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_381" href="#FNanchor_381" class="label">[381]</a> Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_382" href="#FNanchor_382" class="label">[382]</a> <i>The Times</i>, May 25, 1810.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_383" href="#FNanchor_383" class="label">[383]</a> See Cansick’s interesting and painstaking work, <i>A Collection of curious +and interesting Epitaphs ... in the Ancient Church and Burial Grounds of +St. Pancras</i>. London, 1869. ‘It is lamentable,’ says the author, ‘to see the +dilapidated state of the monuments in this ground, belonging to wealthy +and well-known families, which for a few pounds might be restored and +made a credit to the churchyard.’</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_384" href="#FNanchor_384" class="label">[384]</a> The Baroness Burdett-Coutts who is here, there, and everywhere in +the practice of benevolence, not unmindful of the desecration to which the +remains of the illustrious dead had been subjected, caused to be erected at +considerable expense, in St. Pancras churchyard, a monument which bears +the names of those whose ashes lie scattered about the parish playground.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_385" href="#FNanchor_385" class="label">[385]</a> In the possession of Mr. Christie.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_386" href="#FNanchor_386" class="label">[386]</a> Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_387" href="#FNanchor_387" class="label">[387]</a> <i>Histoire de France pendant le dix-huitième siècle.</i> Paris, 1819.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_388" href="#FNanchor_388" class="label">[388]</a> Mr. Thomas William Plummer, intimately acquainted with the +Chevalier, had undertaken, in 1804, to translate the ample material placed +at his disposal, and produce a biography. From some unexplained cause +this was never done.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_389" href="#FNanchor_389" class="label">[389]</a> <i>History and Topography of the Parish of St. Pancras.</i> London, +1729-1830.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_390" href="#FNanchor_390" class="label">[390]</a> Ch. MSS.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_391" href="#FNanchor_391" class="label">[391]</a> <i>Ibid.</i></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_392" href="#FNanchor_392" class="label">[392]</a> See p. <a href="#Page_213">213</a>. D’Eon to the Count de Broglio, February 10, 1775. +Broglie, ii. 563, also pp. <a href="#Page_218">218</a>, <a href="#Page_235">235</a>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_393" href="#FNanchor_393" class="label">[393]</a> Vandal, 264.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_394" href="#FNanchor_394" class="label">[394]</a> Frequent errors have been made in the Chevalier’s age. The date of +birth on his coffin-plate was October 17, 1727; and the Duke de Broglie +imputes to him forty-three years, <i>bien sonnés</i>, in 1775.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_395" href="#FNanchor_395" class="label">[395]</a> Angelica Kauffmann was for a long time a neighbour of the Chevalier, +her residence being in Golden Square.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_396" href="#FNanchor_396" class="label">[396]</a> This is an error. Bradel was born in 1750.</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_369"></a>[369]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDEX">INDEX.</h2> + +</div> + +<ul> + +<li class="ifrst">Abel, Ch. Fred., musician, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Adair, Mr., <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Addington, Mr., <a href="#Page_214">214</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Aiguillon, Duke d’, Minister for Foreign Affairs, hostility to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>, <a href="#Page_224">224</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Angelo, Mr., at Carlton House, <a href="#Page_308">308</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">friendship for D’Eon, <a href="#Page_310">310</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">lines on D’Eon, <a href="#Page_346">346</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Angelo, Henry, at Carlton House, <a href="#Page_308">308</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">on D’Eon’s fencing, <a href="#Page_310">310</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Apraxin, Marshal the Count, at Gross Jägersdorff, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">retreat, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">character, <a href="#Footnote_24">22 <i>note</i></a></li> + +<li class="indx">Arden, R. N., Captain, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Argental, Count d’, designs on D’Eon’s life, <a href="#Page_164">164-166</a>, <a href="#Page_194">194</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">letter from Voltaire, <a href="#Page_300">300</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Aubaret, Marquis d’, <a href="#Page_225">225</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Augusta, H.R.H. the Princess (Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel), <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_198">198</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Bach, Jean Christ., composer, surnamed <i>l’Anglais</i>, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Bateman, Mrs., actress and fencer, <i>déjeuner</i> at Soho Square, <a href="#Page_325">325</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">her professional tour, <a href="#Page_325">325-326</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Bathe, Colonel du, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Beaumarchais, P. A. Caron de, <a href="#Page_230">230</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">share in the Dubarry scandal, <a href="#Page_231">231-235</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">impression made by D’Eon, <a href="#Page_235">235</a>, <a href="#Page_278">278</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">instructions from de Vergennes to mediate with D’Eon, <a href="#Page_236">236</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">first success, <a href="#Page_238">238</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">recovers secret papers, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Earl Ferrers, <a href="#Page_242">242</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">covenant with D’Eon, <a href="#Page_243">243-251</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">payment to Earl Ferrers on account of D’Eon, <a href="#Page_251">251</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">instructions from Louis XVI., <a href="#Page_251">251</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">delivers secret papers to de Vergennes, <a href="#Page_259">259</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Louis XVI.’s final instructions regarding D’Eon, <a href="#Page_260">260-261</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">breach with D’Eon, <a href="#Page_261">261</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">and subsequent correspondence, <a href="#Page_262">262-273</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">his vanity, <a href="#Page_273">273</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">reported marriage with D’Eon, <a href="#Page_273">273-274</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">interest in the D’Eon sex policies, <a href="#Page_274">274-276</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">insulting proposal to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_275">275</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">reprehensible conduct, <a href="#Page_278">278</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">final correspondence with D’Eon, <a href="#Page_281">281</a>, <a href="#Page_295">295</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Bedford, Duke of, Ambassador at Versailles, signatory of the Treaty of Peace, <a href="#Footnote_85">63 <i>note</i></a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">mistaken opinion of de Guerchy, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">report on de Choiseul, <a href="#Footnote_104">76 <i>note</i></a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">consulted by de Guerchy, <a href="#Page_147">147</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">popular feeling against him, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Belle-Isle, Marshal de, Minister for War, <a href="#Page_4">4</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">reception of D’Eon, <a href="#Page_26">26</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Bernis, Abbé, afterwards Cardinal de, Minister for Foreign Affairs, <a href="#Page_4">4</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">reception of D’Eon, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">despatches him to Russia, <a href="#Page_29">29-30</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">approves his refusal to serve Russia, <a href="#Page_33">33</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Bertin, Mademoiselle, furnishes Mademoiselle D’Eon’s outfit, <a href="#Page_290">290</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">and clothes her in female attire, <a href="#Page_292">292</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Bestoujeff-Riumin, Count, grand chancellor, hostility to France, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">to Prussia, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">devotion to Peter and Catherine, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">ignorance of Vice-Chancellor’s secret action, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">in secret correspondence with Prussia, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">estimate of D’Eon, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">is arrested, his treatment and exile, <a href="#Page_32">32-33</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">designs on Douglas and D’Eon, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">treasonable conduct explained, <a href="#Page_32">32</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Blackstone, Dr. (later, Lord Chief Justice), <a href="#Page_201">201</a></li> + +<li class="indx"><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_370"></a>[370]</span>Blosset, Marquis de, in diplomatic charge, complaint to Lord Halifax against D’Eon, <a href="#Page_162">162</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Boufflers, Countess de, at Strawberry Hill breakfast, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">entertained by D’Eon, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Breteuil, Baron de, minister plenipotentiary to Russia, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">secret instructions from Louis XV., <a href="#Page_43">43</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">unequal to the circumstances, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">removed to Stockholm, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">on special mission to England, <a href="#Page_207">207</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Broglio, Marshal the Duke de, receives D’Eon as aide-de-camp, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">fastidious in the selection of his staff, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">at the battle of Villinghausen, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">is exiled, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">testimonial to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">his occasional correspondent, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">D’Eon’s admiration for him, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Broglio, Count de, French Minister to Poland, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">serves in the campaign of 1761, <a href="#Page_48">48-52</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">exiled, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">letters of remonstrance to Louis XV., <a href="#Page_53">53</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">recommends D’Eon as minister plenipotentiary to Russia, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">D’Eon’s esteem for him, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">scheme for the invasion of England, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">nickname in secret correspondence, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">anxiety for the safety of the King’s papers, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>, + <a href="#Page_143">143</a>, <a href="#Footnote_217">179 <i>note</i></a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">sympathy for D’Eon, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">recalled from exile, <a href="#Page_143">143</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">conciliatory letters to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>, <a href="#Page_183">183</a>, <a href="#Page_185">185</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">remonstrance from D’Eon, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">ministers’ designs against him, <a href="#Page_166">166</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">conducts, by order, a farce at the Bastille, <a href="#Page_176">176</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">expostulates with Hume, <a href="#Page_179">179</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">threatens to disclose the secret correspondence, <a href="#Page_189">189</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">on the restoration of the Stuarts, <a href="#Page_199">199</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">informs Louis XV. that D’Eon is a female, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">in exile, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">communicates history of secret correspondence to Louis XVI., <a href="#Page_221">221</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">and D’Eon’s share in it, <a href="#Page_222">222</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">and that he is a female, <a href="#Page_223">223</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">recalled from exile, <a href="#Page_224">224</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">treats with D’Eon for the King’s papers, <a href="#Page_227">227</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">the Dubarry scandal, <a href="#Page_231">231</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">D’Eon’s confession to being a female, <a href="#Page_257">257</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">last letter from D’Eon, <a href="#Page_300">300</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, Duke of, <a href="#Page_198">198</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Burdett-Coutts, the Baroness, <a href="#Footnote_384">333 <i>note</i></a></li> + +<li class="indx">Bute, Earl of, First Lord of the Treasury, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">interest in D’Eon, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">unpopularity, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">consulted by D’Eon, <a href="#Page_160">160</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">George III.’s displeasure, <a href="#Page_196">196</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">attachment to the Stuarts, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">character by D’Eon, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">de Broglio’s desire to know his secret intentions, <a href="#Page_199">199</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Camus, C. E. Louis, academician, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Catherine of Anhalt-Zerbst, grand-duchess, friendly towards England and intercourse with Sir Hanbury Williams, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">what Elizabeth said of her, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">refused permission to proceed to Germany, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">accession as Catherine II., <a href="#Page_55">55</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">portrait by D’Eon, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">pretended ignorance of D’Eon, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">his acquaintance with her, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Charles, Prince (Duke of Courland), <a href="#Page_31">31</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Charlotte, H.M. Queen, <a href="#Page_197">197</a>, <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Châtelet, Count de, ambassador in London, reports to Louis XV. that D’Eon is a female, <a href="#Page_209">209</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Chesterfield, Earl of, on the true bill against the French ambassador, <a href="#Page_180">180</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">his error, <a href="#Page_181">181</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Chétardie, Marquis de la, ambassador to Russia in 1744, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_15">15</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Choiseul, Duke de, Minister for Foreign Affairs, then Minister for War, ignorance of Louis XV.’s secret policy, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">hostility to England, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>, <a href="#Footnote_47">38 <i>note</i></a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">change of policy, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">instructions to de l’Hôpital, and censure for neglect, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">peace policy secretly opposed by D’Eon, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">requires de l’Hôpital’s recall, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">recommends D’Eon as minister to Russia, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">expulsion of Jesuits, <a href="#Footnote_80">60 <i>note</i></a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">nickname in secret correspondence, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Duke of Bedford’s report, <a href="#Footnote_104">76 <i>note</i></a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">offers D’Eon’s restoration to the army, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">lines on his exile, <a href="#Footnote_162">137 <i>note</i></a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">complains of no justice in England, <a href="#Page_173">173</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Choiseul, Count de, attention to D’Eon at Vienna, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1"><i>See</i> <a href="#Duke_de_Praslin">Duke de Praslin</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Christie, Mr., friendship for D’Eon, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>, <a href="#Page_324">324</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_371"></a>[371]</span>acquisition of the Chevalier’s MSS., <a href="#Page_335">335</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Church, Mrs., <a href="#Page_308">308</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Clive, M. P., Major, <a href="#Page_330">330</a> and <a href="#Footnote_379"><i>note</i></a></li> + +<li class="indx">Cole, Mrs., companion to Mademoiselle D’Eon, <a href="#Page_328">328-331</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">astonishment at the Chevalière’s sex, <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Condamine, La. <i>See</i> <a href="#La_Condamine">La Condamine</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Constable, Lady, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Conti, Prince de (grand-nephew of the great Condé), recommends D’Eon for secret service, <a href="#Page_6">6</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">secret correspondence with Russia, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">conditionally promised the command of Russian army and principality of Courland, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">ambitious designs, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">rupture with de Pompadour, <a href="#Page_26">26</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Conti, Prince de, son of the above, <a href="#Page_332">332</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Copeland, T., surgeon, attestation on D’Eon’s sex, <a href="#Page_332">332</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Cosway, R. A., <a href="#Page_310">310</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Cotes, Humphrey, of Byfleet, <a href="#Page_183">183</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">takes charge of secret correspondence, <a href="#Page_186">186</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Courcelles, Constance de, <a href="#Page_273">273</a>, <a href="#Page_341">341</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Cramer, Ch. Frederick, man of letters, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Crawford, Mrs., <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Crosby, Lord Mayor, D’Eon sworn before him, <a href="#Page_215">215</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Dashkoff, Princess, intimately known to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">who she intimates is a female, <a href="#Page_209">209</a>, <a href="#Page_216">216</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Daun, Marshal, defeats Frederick, <a href="#Page_22">22</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Dent, Mr., banker, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Déon de Beaumont, Françoise, mother of the Chevalier, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">consecrates her child to the Virgin Mary, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">letter from de l’Hôpital, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">involved in her child’s misfortunes, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">letter from the Chevalier, <a href="#Page_134">134-136</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">de Guerchy’s persecution, <a href="#Page_191">191</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Déon de Beaumont, Louis, father of the Chevalier, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">requires the child to adopt male attire, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">death, <a href="#Page_4">4</a></li> + +<li class="indx" id="Deon">Déon. <i>See</i> <a href="#Eon">Eon</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Dodwell, the Misses, <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Douglas, <i>alias</i> Mackenzie, the Chevalier, who was he? <a href="#Page_6">6</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">instructions as secret envoy to Russia, <a href="#Page_6">6-11</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">not obtaining presentation at Russian Court, returns to France, <a href="#Page_12">12-13</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">complains of English ambassador’s treatment, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">second journey to Russia, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">interview with vice-chancellor and presentation at Court, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">delight at D’Eon’s return to Russia, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">accredited chargé d’affaires, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">success in Russia, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">recalled, to please the grand chancellor, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Bestoujeff’s designs against him, <a href="#Page_32">32</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Douglas, Mr., <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Drouet, M., private secretary to Count de Broglio, sent to the Bastille, <a href="#Page_175">175</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">threatens disclosures and is liberated, <a href="#Page_177">177</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">report on D’Eon’s sex, <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Dubarry, Madame, a publication on her life stopped, by Louis XV., <a href="#Page_231">231-234</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Duclos, Ch. Pireau, academician, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Durand, M., secret agent, to assist in survey of England, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">nickname in correspondence, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">minister plenipotentiary in London, <a href="#Page_185">185</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">recovers from D’Eon, King’s secret instructions, <a href="#Page_187">187</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Duval, Mr. John, the king’s jeweller, <a href="#Page_313">313</a>, <a href="#Page_315">315-316</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Egremont, Earl of, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, unpopularity, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Elisée, Père, physician, attends D’Eon, <a href="#Page_331">331-332</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">acquisition of the Chevalier’s MSS., <a href="#Page_335">335</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Elizabeth, Empress of Russia, friendly towards France, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">delay in ratifying Treaty with Great Britain, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">admirer of English fashions, <a href="#Footnote_17">14 <i>note</i></a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">what she said of Catherine, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">writes privately to Louis XV., <a href="#Page_17">17</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">invites D’Eon to enter her service, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">and return to Russia, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">renews relation with France, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">disregards Treaty with England and joins French-Austrian Alliance, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">indignation at Frederick, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Apraxin’s recall, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">gift to Voltaire, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">invited to correspond with Louis XV., <a href="#Page_29">29</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Bestoujeff’s arrest and exile, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_372"></a>[372]</span>death, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li> + +<li class="indx" id="DEon_de_Beaumont">Eon de Beaumont, C.G.L.A.A.T. d’, parentage and early years, <a href="#Page_1">1-2</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">dedicated to the Virgin Mary, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">education and abilities, <a href="#Page_3">3-5</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">an accomplished fencer, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">secret envoy, with Douglas, to Russia, <a href="#Page_6">6</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">secret correspondent to Louis XV., <a href="#Page_11">11</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">received by the Empress, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">personal appearance and anecdote, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">dislike to Russia, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">triumph of French party, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">invited to enter the service of Russia, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">returns to Versailles, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">second journey to Russia, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">secretary of legation, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">and to conduct the secret correspondence, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">second return to Versailles with State papers, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">importance of services in Russia, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45-47</a>, <a href="#Page_267">267</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">presents from the Empress, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">success in Russia, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">trait of character, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">message to Prince de Conti, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">reaches Paris with a broken leg, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">honours and rewards, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>, <a href="#Footnote_71">54 <i>note</i></a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_185">185</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">appointed lieutenant of dragoons, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1"><i>mémoire</i> on Russia, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">applies to join his regiment, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Bestoujeff’s treachery, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">third journey to Russia, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">repartee on Admiral Byng’s execution, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Poniatovsky’s bribe, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">favourite at Russian Court, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Bestoujeff’s designs, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">again invited to serve Russia, and reasons for refusing, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">promoted to captain, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">share in the war, <a href="#Page_39">39-40</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">opposes the policy of ministers, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">his advice to the ambassador approved by Louis XV., <a href="#Page_40">40</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">failing health, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">secret orders from Louis XV., <a href="#Page_44">44</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">who approves his services, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">de l’Hôpital’s high opinion of D’Eon, <a href="#Page_45">45-46</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">reception by Louis XV., <a href="#Page_48">48</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">aide-de-camp to Marshal and Count de Broglio, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">dashing services during the campaign of 1761, <a href="#Page_49">49-53</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">selected as minister plenipotentiary to Russia, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">portrait of Catherine II., <a href="#Page_56">56</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">of Lord Sandwich, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">of the Duke de Nivernois, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>, <a href="#Page_98">98</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">secretary of embassy in London, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">smart pieces of work, <a href="#Page_61">61-63</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">abilities appreciated, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">takes Treaty of Peace to Paris, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Lord Bute’s favour, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">created a Knight of Saint Louis, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">suspected of attachment to the de Broglios, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">de Soubise and de Broglio at Villinghausen, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">esteem for the de Broglios, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">brings presents to Count Viri, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">chargé d’affaires in London, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">secret correspondent to Louis XV., and employed on survey of England, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">nickname in secret correspondence, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">cautioned on safety of the King’s papers, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Louis XV.’s secret orders, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">fate determined by de Pompadour, <a href="#Page_78">78</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">and why? <a href="#Page_85">85</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">minister plenipotentiary, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">indifference to advancement, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">a favourite in England, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">debt incurred on the King’s service, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">embarrassed circumstances, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">protected by a Letter of State, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">appeals for repayment, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">impudent letter to de Praslin, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">to de Guerchy, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">mistaken ministers, <a href="#Page_97">97</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">portrait of Lord Hertford, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">superseded and recalled, <a href="#Page_103">103-107</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Louis XV.’s order to resume female attire, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">reported insanity, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Lord Halifax, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">refusal to surrender the King’s papers, <a href="#Page_110">110</a>, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">scene at Lord Halifax’s dinner-party, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">frightens a duellist, and is summoned by a magistrate, <a href="#Page_117">117-118</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">letter to Louis XV. on de Guerchy, <a href="#Page_119">119-121</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">is drugged, <a href="#Page_121">121</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">warned by Louis XV. of demand for his extradition, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">which is not acceded to, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">in peril of being kidnapped, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159-161</a>, <a href="#Page_214">214</a>, <a href="#Page_279">279</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">mines his apartments and measures of defence, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>, <a href="#Footnote_148">129 <i>note</i></a>, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a>, + <a href="#Page_243">243</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">scares away an attaché, <a href="#Page_129">129</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">forbidden the Court, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">letter to his mother, <a href="#Page_134">134</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">offered restoration to the army, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">warned for his safety, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>, <a href="#Page_160">160</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">publishes correspondence of ministers and ambassadors, and justification, <a href="#Page_138">138-140</a>, <a href="#Page_147">147</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">seeks expatriation, <a href="#Page_143">143</a>, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">threatens to disclose the King’s secret, <a href="#Page_144">144-146</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_373"></a>[373]</span>proof against bribery, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">patriotism, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>, <a href="#Page_216">216</a>, <a href="#Page_237">237-238</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">tried for libel, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">chastises a scurrilous scribe, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">letters to Lord Mansfield, Lord Bute, Mr. Pitt, Lord Temple, <a href="#Page_160">160-161</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">found guilty of libel, in default, searched, and outlawed, <a href="#Page_161">161-163</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">conspiracy against his life, <a href="#Page_163">163-168</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">challenges de Guerchy, <a href="#Page_170">170</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">note of intimidation to de Broglio, <a href="#Page_179">179</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">to Louis XV. on de Guerchy, <a href="#Page_180">180</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">admiration for Louis XV., <a href="#Page_184">184</a>, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">a pension conferred by the King, <a href="#Page_185">185</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">surrenders the King’s secret orders, <a href="#Page_187">187</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">reported disguise as a female, <a href="#Page_189">189</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">second challenge to de Guerchy, <a href="#Page_191">191</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">the first of political reporters, <a href="#Page_194">194</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Mr. Pitt, <a href="#Page_195">195-197</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">slandered and public protests, <a href="#Page_199">199-200</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">conduct in Musgrave affair, <a href="#Page_202">202</a>, <a href="#Page_225">225</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">letter to Dr. Musgrave, <a href="#Page_203">203-205</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">sympathy for Wilkes, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">at rest! <a href="#Page_207">207</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">popularity, <a href="#Page_209">209</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">doubts raised as to sex, <a href="#Page_209">209</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">captivating manners, <a href="#Page_209">209</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">policies of insurance on sex, <a href="#Page_210">210-216</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">allusions to physical failings, <a href="#Page_213">213</a>, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>, <a href="#Page_342">342</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">protests, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>, <a href="#Page_257">257</a>, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Poniatovsky’s offers of succour, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">saves England from war, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Drouet’s report on D’Eon’s sex, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">personal appearance, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">his case laid before Louis XVI., <a href="#Page_222">222-226</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">to continue secret correspondence, <a href="#Page_226">226</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">refuses terms for surrender of the King’s papers, <a href="#Page_227">227-230</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">offer of marriage, <a href="#Page_230">230</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">the Dubarry scandal, <a href="#Page_231">231-235</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">impression on Beaumarchais, <a href="#Page_235">235</a>, <a href="#Page_278">278</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">surrenders the King’s papers, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">covenant with Beaumarchais, <a href="#Page_243">243-251</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Louis XVI.’s permission to return to France, <a href="#Page_252">252</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">and orders to resume female attire, <a href="#Page_254">254</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">fresh policies on sex and new protests, <a href="#Page_256">256-257</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">confesses to being a female, <a href="#Page_257">257</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">breach with Beaumarchais, <a href="#Page_261">261</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">aversion to resuming female attire, <a href="#Page_263">263-271</a>, <a href="#Page_280">280</a>, <a href="#Page_289">289</a>, <a href="#Page_290">290</a>, <a href="#Page_292">292</a>, + <a href="#Page_300">300</a>, <a href="#Page_305">305</a>, <a href="#Page_306">306</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">consignment of State papers to the French minister, <a href="#Footnote_315">264 <i>note</i></a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">reported marriage to Beaumarchais, <a href="#Page_273">273</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">challenges a foul libeller, <a href="#Page_279">279</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">personal liberty in danger, <a href="#Page_279">279</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">public feeling, <a href="#Page_280">280</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">de Vergennes’ conditional protection in France, <a href="#Page_283">283</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">trial on sex policies and proved to be a female, <a href="#Page_283">283-287</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">appears in public as a female, and leaves for Paris in uniform, <a href="#Page_287">287-289</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">renewed protest against sex policies, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Louis XVI.’s order to resume female attire, <a href="#Page_289">289</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Marie Antoinette supplies her outfit, <a href="#Page_290">290</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">reception at Tonnerre, <a href="#Page_291">291</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">dressed by Mademoiselle Bertin and presented at Court, <a href="#Page_292">292</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">deportment as a lady, <a href="#Page_293">293-295</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">personated at social gatherings, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">the last of Beaumarchais, <a href="#Page_295">295-297</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">addresses her contemporaries, <a href="#Page_297">297</a>, <a href="#Page_298">298</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">other trials on sex policies, and decision of Lord Mansfield, <a href="#Page_297">297-298</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">epistle to Lord Mansfield, <a href="#Page_299">299</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">grotesque and other portraits, <a href="#Page_299">299</a>, and <a href="#APPENDIX">Appendix</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">on the War of Independence, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">anxiety to return to England, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>, <a href="#Page_305">305</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">at various ladies’ retreats, <a href="#Page_302">302-304</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">volunteers for service afloat, <a href="#Page_305">305</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">the Maid of Tonnerre! <a href="#Page_306">306</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">resumes her uniform and is arrested, <a href="#Page_306">306</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">released and goes home, <a href="#Page_307">307</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">a royal guest, <a href="#Page_307">307</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">quits France and arrives in London, <a href="#Page_308">308</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">fences at Carlton House, <a href="#Page_308">308-309</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">plays Phillidor at chess, <a href="#Page_310">310</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">on George III.’s illness, <a href="#Page_311">311</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">advertised sale of library, <a href="#Page_311">311</a>, <a href="#Page_312">312</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">transactions with the House of Ferrers, <a href="#Page_311">311-319</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">public sympathy, <a href="#Page_320">320</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">sale of jewellery, <a href="#Page_320">320-321</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">preparations for France, <a href="#Page_320">320</a>, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">offers to serve the Republic, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">ordered to join General Dumouriez, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">deprived of every source of maintenance, <a href="#Page_324">324</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">English friends, <a href="#Page_324">324</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">exhibits in public as a fencer, <a href="#Page_325">325-327</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">dangerously wounded, <a href="#Page_327">327</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">hard times, <a href="#Page_328">328-331</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">obtains a passport to France, <a href="#Page_329">329</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">last days, death and burial, <a href="#Page_331">331-333</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">autopsy of the body, <a href="#Page_333">333-334</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">will, and directions for burial, <a href="#Page_334">334-335</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">administration of effects, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">sale of five hundred editions of Horace, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">character, <a href="#Page_335">335-337</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_374"></a>[374]</span>habits and occupations, <a href="#Page_337">337-338</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">a free-mason, <a href="#Page_337">337</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">sentiments on religion, <a href="#Page_338">338-340</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">coldness of temperament, <a href="#Page_340">340-342</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">reflections, <a href="#Page_342">342-344</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">fugitive pieces, <a href="#Page_344">344</a>, <a href="#Page_346">346</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">publications, <a href="#Page_361">361</a></li> + +<li class="indx" id="Eon">Eon de l’Estoile, <a href="#Page_1">1</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Eon de Mouloise, Chevalier d’, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Footnote_187">156 <i>note</i></a>.</li> +<li class="isub1"><i>See</i> <a href="#Deon">Déon</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Fabien, a noted fencer, <a href="#Page_308">308</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Fermor, Field-Marshal, beaten by Frederick, <a href="#Page_36">36</a></li> + +<li class="indx" id="Robert_Earl_Ferrers">Ferrers, Washington, 5th Earl, <a href="#Page_214">214</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">entrusted by D’Eon with the King’s papers, <a href="#Page_238">238</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">his interest (?) in their custody, <a href="#Page_242">242</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">receives 5,000<i>l.</i> on account of D’Eon’s creditors, <a href="#Page_251">251</a>, <a href="#Page_262">262</a>, <a href="#Page_311">311</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">what he did with the money, <a href="#Page_311">311-316</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">death, <a href="#Page_316">316</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Ferrers, Robert, 6th Earl, sued by D’Eon and result, <a href="#Page_316">316</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">death, <a href="#Page_317">317</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Ferrers, Robert, 7th Earl, his faithlessness, <a href="#Page_317">317</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Ffloyd, Sir William, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Fielding, Sir John, D’Eon summoned before him, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">receives his declaration, <a href="#Footnote_148">129 <i>note</i></a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">and de Vergy’s depositions, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">entertained by D’Eon, <a href="#Page_214">214</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Fitzherbert, Mr., M.P., <a href="#Page_201">201</a>, <a href="#Page_204">204</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Fitzherbert, Mrs., <a href="#Page_326">326</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Frederick the Great, his sarcasms, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">secret correspondence with the grand-duke, <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Genest, Mr., chief clerk at Ministry for Foreign Affairs, receives D’Eon in his house, <a href="#Page_289">289</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Marie Antoinette and D’Eon, <a href="#Page_289">289</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Geneviève, la Citoyenne. <i>See</i> <a href="#DEon_de_Beaumont">D’Eon de Beaumont</a></li> + +<li class="indx">George III., His Majesty, entrusts Treaty of Peace to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">inquiry respecting de Guerchy, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">displeased with Lord Bute, <a href="#Page_196">196-198</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">his debts and economy, <a href="#Page_197">197</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Glencairn, Lord and Lady, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Gloucester, Duke of, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>, <a href="#Footnote_367">320 <i>note</i></a>, <a href="#Page_326">326</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Goddard, a noted fencer, <a href="#Page_308">308</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Gorman. <i>See</i> <a href="#OGorman">O’Gorman</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Grafton, Duchess of, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Grenville, George, First Lord of the Treasury, actor in the scene at Lord Halifax’s, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115-116</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Grey, William de, solicitor-general, <a href="#Page_181">181</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Grimaldi, Marquis, signatory to the Treaty of Peace, <a href="#Footnote_85">63 <i>note</i></a></li> + +<li class="indx">Guerchy, Count de, lieutenant-general, conduct in action, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">ambassador to Great Britain, and the Duke of Bedford’s report on him, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">character, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">de Praslin’s estimate of him, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">nickname in secret correspondence, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">insulting letter to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">what de Broglio and de Nivernois thought of him, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">arrival in London and deportment towards D’Eon, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">delivers D’Eon’s letters of recall and urgent for his departure, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, <a href="#Page_110">110</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">conduct at Lord Halifax’s dinner-party, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115-116</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">scene at his residence, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">publishes pamphlets defamatory of D’Eon, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">efforts to kidnap D’Eon, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_160">160</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">complaint to Louis XV., <a href="#Page_130">130</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">prosecutes D’Eon for libel, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">in collision with English authorities, <a href="#Page_156">156-157</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">design on D’Eon’s life, <a href="#Page_164">164-168</a>, <a href="#Page_194">194</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">groundless charge against de Vergy, <a href="#Page_169">169</a>, <a href="#Page_173">173</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">declines to fight D’Eon, <a href="#Page_170">170</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">prosecuted for inciting to murder, <a href="#Page_171">171</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">true bill found, <a href="#Page_178">178</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Attorney-General refuses to certify in his favour, <a href="#Page_181">181</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">is mobbed, <a href="#Page_182">182</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">reception upon his return from leave, <a href="#Page_183">183</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">superseded, <a href="#Page_187">187</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">persecutes Madame D’Eon, <a href="#Page_191">191</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">his death, <a href="#Page_191">191</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">D’Eon’s second challenge, <a href="#Page_191">191</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">anecdote of his father, <a href="#Footnote_235">191 <i>note</i></a></li> + +<li class="indx">Guerchy, Countess de, her disposition, <a href="#Footnote_140">121 <i>note</i></a></li> + +<li class="indx">Guines, Count de, ambassador in London, instructed to communicate with D’Eon, <a href="#Page_237">237</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Halifax, Earl of, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, receives D’Eon at an interview, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">invites him to take leave of the King, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1"><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_375"></a>[375]</span>scene at his residence, and the Guards summoned, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115-116</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">refuses to surrender D’Eon to France, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">unpopularity, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Dr. Musgrave’s story, <a href="#Page_201">201-202</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Hammersley, Mr., banker, <a href="#Page_320">320</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Hastings, Warren, <a href="#Footnote_375">326 <i>note</i></a></li> + +<li class="indx">Henry of Prussia, Prince, visits D’Eon at Tonnerre, <a href="#Page_307">307</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Hertford, Earl of, at the French Embassy, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">portrait by D’Eon, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">ambassador to France, <a href="#Page_102">102</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Hirsinger, M., French Chargé d’Affaires, receives from D’Eon a packet of State Papers, <a href="#Footnote_315">265 <i>note</i></a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">hospitality to her, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Hone, <i>old</i>, <a href="#Page_310">310</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Hôpital, Marquis de l’, Ambassador Extraordinary to Russia, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">applies for D’Eon as Secretary of Embassy, <a href="#Page_29">29-30</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">receives the Ministry’s instructions, consults D’Eon, neglects them and is censured, <a href="#Page_38">38-39</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">the King’s approval, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">high estimate of D’Eon, <a href="#Page_45">45-46</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">letter to D’Eon on the Empress Catherine and Princess Dashkoff, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Hume, David, at the French Embassy, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">secretary of Embassy at Versailles, <a href="#Page_178">178</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">conversation with de Broglio respecting D’Eon, <a href="#Page_179">179</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Jumilhac, M., governor of the Bastille, required by Louis XV. to violate his trust, <a href="#Page_176">176</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Kaunitz, Prince, Austrian Minister, sends news of the battle of Prague to Count Staremberg, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">copy of his instructions to Count Esterhazy, supplied to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Kelly, Sir George, <a href="#Page_325">325</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Kemys-Tynte, Colonel, hospitality to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_308">308</a>, <a href="#Page_324">324</a>, <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Kynaston, Mr., Justice of the Peace, sends a summons to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_118">118</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst" id="La_Condamine">La Condamine, Ch. Marie de, the traveller, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Lalande, J. J. le Français de, the astronomer, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Lauraguais, Count de, <a href="#Page_232">232-234</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Lestocq, Count, a favourite of Elizabeth, tortured and exiled, <a href="#Page_15">15</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Lewald, Field-Marshal, beaten at Gross Jägersdorff, <a href="#Page_22">22</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Lincoln, Earl of, <a href="#Page_183">183</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Lockhart, Mr., banker, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Louis XV., friendly advances to Russia, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">secret intercourse with Elizabeth, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">desire to correspond with the Empress, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">treaty with Maria Theresa, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">secret diplomacy, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">approves D’Eon’s advice to the ambassador, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">secret instructions to de Breteuil, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">declines correspondence with Catherine, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">reception of D’Eon, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">orders for the survey of England, and his own precautions, <a href="#Page_74">74-75</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">nickname in secret correspondence, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">secret orders to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">outwitted by de Pompadour, <a href="#Page_78">78-81</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">grants Letter of State to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">orders him to resume female attire, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">D’Eon’s letters of recall, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">does not believe in his insanity, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">admits de Guerchy to the secret correspondence, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">letter of warning to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">anxiety for his papers in England, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">confidence in D’Eon, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">his pusillanimity, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">uneasiness at Guerchy’s situation, <a href="#Page_174">174</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">humiliating position, <a href="#Page_175">175-177</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">confers a pension on D’Eon, <a href="#Page_185">185</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">his fickleness, <a href="#Page_206">206-207</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">death and funeral, <a href="#Page_219">219-220</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">D’Eon’s admiration for him, <a href="#Page_184">184</a>, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">the King’s anxiety to suppress the Dubarry <i>mémoires</i>, <a href="#Page_231">231</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Louis XVI., informed by de Broglio that D’Eon is a female, <a href="#Page_223">223</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">abolishes the secret correspondence system, <a href="#Page_223">223</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">recalls de Broglio from exile, <a href="#Page_224">224</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">instructions to Beaumarchais, <a href="#Page_251">251</a>, <a href="#Page_260">260-261</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">grants D’Eon permission to return to France, having resumed female attire, <a href="#Page_252">252-255</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">renews order to D’Eon to resume female attire, <a href="#Page_289">289</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">refuses her permission to proceed to England, <a href="#Page_302">302</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Lyttleton, Honourable Mr., <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_376"></a>[376]</span>Macbean, Colonel, of the Artillery, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Mansfield, Lord, Chief Justice, consulted by D’Eon, <a href="#Page_161">161</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">tries him on a charge of libel, <a href="#Page_161">161</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">tries the legality of sex policies, <a href="#Page_285">285</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">final decision on those policies, <a href="#Page_298">298</a></li> + +<li class="indx">March, Earl of, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Maria Theresa, treaty with Louis XV., <a href="#Page_37">37</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Marie Antoinette, curiosity to see D’Eon, <a href="#Page_289">289</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">orders her outfit, <a href="#Page_290">290</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">the Queen’s household, <a href="#Page_293">293</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Masseran, Prince, Spanish Ambassador in London, <a href="#Page_225">225</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Maurepas, Count de, president of the Council, letter from D’Eon, <a href="#Page_305">305</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Melville, General, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Michel, M., French banker at St. Petersburg, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">takes despatches to France, <a href="#Footnote_20">18 <i>note</i></a></li> + +<li class="indx">Mokronosky, General, a Polish patriot, in the secret correspondence, <a href="#Footnote_280">227 <i>note</i></a></li> + +<li class="indx">Monin, M., employed in the secret correspondence, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">betrays D’Eon, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">memorandum to Louis XV., on His Majesty’s secret papers, <a href="#Page_131">131</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Montmorency-Bouteville, Duchess de, <a href="#Page_307">307</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Motte, De la, a noted fencer, <a href="#Page_308">308</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Musgrave, Dr., address to the Freeholders, &c., of Devon, <a href="#Page_200">200-203</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Nardin, Colonel, secret agent, to protect D’Eon and his papers, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>, <a href="#Page_147">147</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Neville, Richard Neville, secretary of Embassy, takes Treaty of Peace from Paris to London, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">resident, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">minister plenipotentiary, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Nivernois, Duke de, Ambassador Extraordinary to Great Britain, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">portrait by D’Eon, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>, <a href="#Page_98">98</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">personal appearance, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">high opinion of D’Eon, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">invests him with the cross of Saint Louis, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">receives a degree at Oxford, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">nickname in secret correspondence, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">offensive letter to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_97">97</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">exertions in his favour, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">private letters published, <a href="#Page_138">138</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Nivernois, Duchess de, <a href="#Page_70">70</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Nogee, a noted fencer, <a href="#Page_308">308</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Nort, Chevalier, aide-de-camp to Marshal de Broglio, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">secretary to Count de Broglio, hurried away to treat with D’Eon, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">Louis XV.’s instructions, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">returns to Paris discomfited, <a href="#Page_154">154</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Norton, Sir Fletcher, attorney-general, refusal to certify in favour of de Guerchy, <a href="#Page_181">181</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Norton, Sir Henry, solicitor-general, against the extradition of D’Eon, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">on the charge against de Vergy, <a href="#Page_169">169</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst" id="OGorman">O’Gorman, Chevalier, <a href="#Footnote_157">135 <i>note</i></a>, <a href="#Page_279">279</a></li> + +<li class="indx">O’Gorman, Major, <a href="#Page_329">329</a></li> + +<li class="indx">O’Gorman, Captain Augustus, <a href="#Page_329">329</a></li> + +<li class="indx">O’Gorman, Lewis Augustus, <a href="#Page_335">335</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Ons-en-Bray, Count d’, <a href="#Page_4">4</a>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Otto, M., French minister plenipotentiary, <a href="#Page_329">329</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Paine, Tom, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Perigalese, Dr., <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Peter the Great, life by Voltaire, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">will, <a href="#Page_27">27-28</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Peter of Holstein Gottorp, grand-duke, indifference to Russia, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">secret correspondence, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">a fencer, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">accession as Peter III. and alliance with Frederick, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">disappearance, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Phillidor, the chess player, <a href="#Page_310">310-311</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Piggot, Miss, <a href="#Page_326">326</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Pitt, William, consulted by D’Eon, <a href="#Page_160">160</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">report on his proceedings, <a href="#Page_195">195-197</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Plummer, Thomas William, attorney, administrator of D’Eon’s effects, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">his intended biographer, <a href="#Footnote_388">336 <i>note</i></a></li> + +<li class="indx">Poissonnier, M., physician to Elizabeth, <a href="#Page_45">45</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Pommereux, Captain, sent to treat with D’Eon for the King’s papers, <a href="#Page_229">229</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">proposes marriage to Mademoiselle D’Eon, <a href="#Page_230">230</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Pompadour, Marquise de, the subject of Frederick’s sarcasms, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">hostility to the de Broglios, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_78">78</a>, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>, <a href="#Page_110">110</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">on D’Eon’s mission from England, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">discovers the secret correspondence, <a href="#Page_78">78-81</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">cause of D’Eon’s ruin, <a href="#Page_78">78</a>, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>, <a href="#Page_229">229</a></li> + +<li class="indx"><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_377"></a>[377]</span>Poniatovsky, Prince, Polish envoy to Russia, attempt to bribe D’Eon, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">a fencer, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">King of Poland offers succour to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_217">217</a></li> + +<li class="indx" id="Duke_de_Praslin">Praslin, Duke de, Minister for Foreign Affairs, applies to himself a portrait by D’Eon, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">high opinion of him, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">signatory to the Treaty of Peace, <a href="#Footnote_85">63 <i>note</i></a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">estimate of de Guerchy, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">dislike to office, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">suspicions of D’Eon’s loyalty to himself, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">nickname in secret correspondence, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">dislike to fat people, <a href="#Footnote_115">89 <i>note</i></a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">offensive letter to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">recalls him, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">hostility towards him, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_150">150</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">reports him as insane, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">demands his extradition, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">private letters published, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">his efforts to kidnap D’Eon, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">no justice in England! <a href="#Page_173">173</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">‘played the fool with,’ <a href="#Page_174">174-177</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">remonstrance to the Duke of Richmond, <a href="#Page_187">187</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">duped, <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Prunevaux, Marquis de, sent to treat with D’Eon for the King’s papers, <a href="#Page_227">227</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">failure, <a href="#Page_229">229</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Queensberry, Duke of, <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Rainsford, General, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Reda, a noted fencer, <a href="#Page_308">308</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Richmond, Duke of, Ambassador at Versailles, unpopularity, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">urged to surrender D’Eon, <a href="#Page_187">187</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Rochefort, Countess de, <a href="#Page_341">341</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Rolland, a noted fencer, <a href="#Page_308">308</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Rosière, Marquis de la, officer of Engineers, his reputation and employment in the survey of England, <a href="#Page_74">74-75</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">under D’Eon’s protection, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">sent to France to conceal the King’s papers, <a href="#Page_128">128</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Rouillé, M., Minister for Foreign Affairs, supplies Douglas with private credentials, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, <a href="#Page_20">20</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Saint George, Chevalier, a distinguished fencer, Mademoiselle’s antagonist at Carlton House, <a href="#Page_308">308-309</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Sandwich, Earl of, a secretary of State, portrait by D’Eon, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">at Lord Hertford’s, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">an actor in the scene at Lord Halifax’s, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_114">114-116</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Sartines, Count de, chief of police, required by Louis XV. to violate his trust, <a href="#Page_175">175-177</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">his perplexing situation, <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Saxe, Marshal, his sword, <a href="#Footnote_379">330 <i>note</i></a></li> + +<li class="indx">Schouvaloff, Count Ivan, a favourite of Elizabeth, attachment to France, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>, <a href="#Page_17">17</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Sheridan, Thomas, <a href="#Page_310">310</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Shirley, Admiral, the Honourable Thomas, <a href="#Page_319">319</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Shirley, Miss, <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Silk, Mr. George, attorney, report on D’Eon’s body, <a href="#Page_332">332</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Slade, Mr. Robert, <a href="#Page_329">329</a>, <a href="#Page_332">332</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Smith, Sir Sidney, at the autopsy of D’Eon’s body, <a href="#Page_331">331</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">named as executor, <a href="#Page_334">334</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Soltikoff, Prince, at Künersdorff, <a href="#Page_36">36</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Soubise, Prince de, at the battle of Villinghausen, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">D’Eon’s evidence thereon, <a href="#Page_69">69-71</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Stanhope, Earl, president of the Revolution Society, <a href="#Footnote_177">149 <i>note</i></a></li> + +<li class="indx">Staremberg, Count, Austrian Ambassador at Versailles, <a href="#Page_25">25</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Tamworth, Lord, hospitality to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_308">308</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">supports her in her action against his father, <a href="#Page_316">316</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1"><i>See</i> <a href="#Robert_Earl_Ferrers">Robert, 5th Earl Ferrers</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Tavistock, Marquis of, friendship for D’Eon, <a href="#Page_194">194</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Temple, Earl, consulted by D’Eon, <a href="#Page_160">160</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Tercier, chief clerk at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and in charge of secret correspondence, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">influence over Louis XV., <a href="#Page_43">43</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">letters from Louis XV., <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_174">174</a>, + <a href="#Page_175">175</a>, <a href="#Page_177">177</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">nickname in secret correspondence, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">cautions D’Eon on his insecurity, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>, <a href="#Page_142">142</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">D’Eon’s letters to him, <a href="#Page_144">144-146</a>, <a href="#Page_147">147</a>, <a href="#Page_158">158</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">admitted secretly to the Bastille, <a href="#Page_176">176</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">death, <a href="#Footnote_255">210 <i>note</i></a></li> + +<li class="indx">Thornton, Colonel, <a href="#Page_329">329</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Tooke, Horne, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Towneley, Mr., <a href="#Page_325">325</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Townsend, Mr. C., <a href="#Page_61">61</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Townshend, the Marchioness, <a href="#Page_330">330</a></li> + +<li class="indx"><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_378"></a>[378]</span>Tryon, Mrs., <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Valcroissant, Chevalier de, secret envoy to Russia, imprisoned, and liberated through D’Eon, <a href="#Page_5">5</a> and <a href="#Footnote_7"><i>note</i></a></li> + +<li class="indx">Vergennes, Count de, Minister for Foreign Affairs, <a href="#Page_224">224</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">necessity for humouring D’Eon, <a href="#Page_230">230</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">instructions to Beaumarchais for treating with D’Eon, <a href="#Page_236">236</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">requires D’Eon’s disguise and resumption of female attire, <a href="#Page_239">239</a>, <a href="#Page_283">283</a>, <a href="#Page_289">289</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">receives the King’s secret papers, <a href="#Page_259">259</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">defence of Beaumarchais, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">general treatment of D’Eon, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">confirms her annuity, <a href="#Page_307">307</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Vergy, Treyssac de, calls at the French embassy in London, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">a guest of de Guerchy, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">gives warning to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">hostile message, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">humbled by D’Eon, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">confession of designs on D’Eon’s life, <a href="#Page_163">163-168</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">sworn depositions, <a href="#Page_171">171</a>, <a href="#Page_173">173</a>, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">death and will, <a href="#Page_193">193</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Viri, Count, Sardinian envoy in London, his interest in D’Eon, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">share in the restoration of peace, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">presents from Louis XV., <a href="#Page_72">72</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Voltaire, a gift from Elizabeth, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">threatened with defamation, <a href="#Page_231">231</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">on a portrait of D’Eon, <a href="#Page_300">300</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Waldegrave, Countess (later, married to the Duke of Gloucester), <a href="#Page_198">198</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Wales, H.R.H. the Princess of, mother to George III., <a href="#Page_152">152</a>, <a href="#Page_196">196</a>, <a href="#Page_197">197</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Wales, H.R.H. the Prince of, <a href="#Page_308">308</a>, <a href="#Page_320">320</a>, <a href="#Page_326">326</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Wallis, Lady, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Walmsley, Captain, <a href="#Page_325">325</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Wilkes, John, <i>the patriot</i>, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>, <a href="#Page_310">310</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Wilkes, Miss, note to D’Eon, <a href="#Page_280">280</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Williams, Sir C. Hanbury, ambassador to Russia, refuses to present Chevalier Douglas, and caution to Swedish minister, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">intercourse with Catherine, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">designation of D’Eon, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">deceived by Woronzoff, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">dignified message to the Count, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">D’Eon’s repartee on Admiral Byng’s execution, <a href="#Page_31">31</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Wilmot, Mr. Justice, <a href="#Page_173">173</a>, <a href="#Page_194">194</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Wilson, Mr., <a href="#Page_332">332</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Wolff, Baron, British Consul-General, <a href="#Page_19">19</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Wood, Mr., Under Secretary of State, act of indiscretion, <a href="#Page_61">61</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Woronzoff, Count Michel, vice-chancellor, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">leader of the French party, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">receives the French secret envoy, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">deception practised on English ambassador, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">message from Sir Hanbury Williams, <a href="#Page_19">19-20</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">message to Prince de Conti, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">grand chancellor, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">regret at losing D’Eon, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>;</li> +<li class="isub1">congratulates him on promotion, <a href="#Page_83">83</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Wright, Mr., <a href="#Page_214">214</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Yarborough, Earl of, <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Yates, Mr. Justice, <a href="#Page_173">173</a>, <a href="#Page_194">194</a></li> + +<li class="indx">York, Duke of, <a href="#Page_198">198</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Younge, Sir George, M.P., <a href="#Page_201">201</a>, <a href="#Page_204">204</a></li> + +<li class="ifrst">Zenobio, Count, envoy from Venice, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li> + +</ul> + +<p class="center allsmcap">LONDON: PRINTED BY<br> +SPOTTISWOODE AND CO., NEW-STREET SQUARE<br> +AND PARLIAMENT STREET</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="catalogue"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2 class="nobreak">STANDARD BIOGRAPHICAL WORKS.</h2> + +</div> + +<p class="book">THE LIFE AND LETTERS OF LORD MACAULAY.</p> + +<p class="sub">By the Right Hon. <span class="smcap">G. 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With Supplement brought down to the end +of 1884. 8vo. 28<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="center">London: LONGMANS, GREEN, & CO.</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2 class="nobreak">STANDARD HISTORICAL WORKS.</h2> + +</div> + +<p class="author">By Lord MACAULAY.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i>HISTORY of ENGLAND</i> from +the Accession of James II.</p> + +<p class="edition"><span class="smcap">Student’s Edition</span>, 2 vols. cr. 8vo. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="edition"><span class="smcap">People’s Edition</span>, 4 vols. cr. 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="edition"><span class="smcap">Cabinet Edition</span>, 8 vols. post 8vo. price 48<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="edition"><span class="smcap">Library Edition</span>, 5 vols. 8vo. £4.</p> + +<p class="author">By JAMES A. 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LECKY.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i>HISTORY of ENGLAND</i> in +the 18th Century. 4 vols. 8vo. +1700-1784. £3. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i>The HISTORY of EUROPEAN MORALS</i> +from Augustus to +Charlemagne. 2 vols. crown 8vo. +price 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i>HISTORY of THE RISE +AND INFLUENCE</i> of the Spirit of Rationalism +in Europe. 2 vols. crown +8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="author">By Sir T. ERSKINE MAY.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i>The CONSTITUTIONAL +HISTORY of ENGLAND</i> since the +ACCESSION of GEORGE III. +1760-1870. 3 vols. crown 8vo. 18<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i>DEMOCRACY IN EUROPE</i>: +a History. 2 vols. 8vo. 32<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="author">By A. DE TOCQUEVILLE.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i>DEMOCRACY in AMERICA</i>, +translated by <span class="smcap">H. Reeve</span>. 2 vols. +crown 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="author">By HENRY T. BUCKLE.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i>HISTORY of CIVILISATION</i> +in England and France, Spain +and Scotland. 3 vols. cr. 8vo. 24<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="author">By Rev. M. CREIGHTON.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i>HISTORY of THE PAPACY +during the REFORMATION.</i> Vols. +I. & II. 1378-1464. 2 vols. 8vo. 32<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="author">By EDWARD A. FREEMAN.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i>The HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY +of EUROPE.</i> With 65 Maps. +2 vols. 8vo. 31<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="author">By Dean MERIVALE.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i>HISTORY of THE ROMANS +UNDER the EMPIRE.</i> 8 vols. post +8vo. 48<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="author">By SPENCER WALPOLE.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i>HISTORY of ENGLAND</i> +from the Conclusion of the Great War +in 1815 to the Year 1841. 3 vols. +8vo. £2. 14<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="author">By Sir W. STIRLING MAXWELL.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i>DON JOHN OF AUSTRIA</i>: +or, Passages from the History of +the Sixteenth Century, 1547-1578. +With numerous Illustrations engraved +on Wood, taken from Authentic +Contemporary Sources. Library +Edition. 2 vols. royal 8vo. 42<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="author">By GEORGE LEWES.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i>The HISTORY of PHILOSOPHY</i>, +from Thales to Comte. 2 vols. +8vo. 32<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="author">By Prof. G. RAWLINSON.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i>The SEVENTH GREAT +ORIENTAL MONARCHY</i>; or, a +History of the Sassanians. With +Map and 95 Illustrations. 8vo. 28<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="center">London: LONGMANS, GREEN, & CO.</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p1"></a>[1]</span></p> + +<p class="date"><i>July 1887.</i></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak">Catalogue of Books<br> +<span class="smaller">PUBLISHED BY</span><br> +MESSRS. LONGMANS, GREEN, & CO.</h2> + +</div> + +<p class="center"><i>39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.C.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Abbey.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The English Church and +its Bishops</span></i>, 1700-1800. By <span class="smcap">Charles +J. Abbey</span>, Rector of Checkendon. 2 +vols. 8vo. 24<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Abbey and Overton.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The English +Church in the Eighteenth +Century.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Charles J. Abbey</span>, +Rector of Checkendon, and <span class="smcap">John H. +Overton</span>, Rector of Epworth and +Canon of Lincoln. Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Abbott.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Elements of Logic.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">T. K. Abbott</span>, B.D. 12mo. 3<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Acton.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Modern Cookery for +Private Families.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Eliza Acton</span>. +With 150 Woodcuts. Fcp. 8vo. 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Æschylus.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Eumenides of +Æschylus</span></i>: a Critical Edition, with +Metrical English Translation. By <span class="smcap">John +F. Davies</span>, M.A. Professor of Latin in +the Queen’s College, Galway. 8vo. 7<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>A. K. H. B.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Essays and Contributions +of A. K. H. B.</span></i>—Uniform +Cabinet Editions in crown 8vo.</p> + +<p class="book2">Autumn Holidays of a Country Parson, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Changed Aspects of Unchanged Truths, +3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Commonplace Philosopher, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Counsel and Comfort from a City Pulpit, +3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Critical Essays of a Country Parson, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Graver Thoughts of a Country Parson. +Three Series, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each.</p> + +<p class="book2">Landscapes, Churches, and Moralities, +3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Leisure Hours in Town, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Lessons of Middle Age, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Our Little Life. Two Series, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each.</p> + +<p class="book2">Our Homely Comedy and Tragedy, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Present Day Thoughts, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Recreations of a Country Parson. Three +Series, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each.</p> + +<p class="book2">Seaside Musings, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Sunday Afternoons in the Parish Church of +a Scottish University City, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Amos.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Sheldon Amos.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">A Primer of the English Constitution +and Government.</span></i> Crown +8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">A Systematic View of the +Science of Jurisprudence.</span></i> 8vo. 18<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Aristophanes.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Acharnians +of Aristophanes.</span></i> Translated into +English Verse by <span class="smcap">Robert Yelverton +Tyrrell</span>, M.A. Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Aristotle.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Works of.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Politics</span></i>, G. Bekker’s Greek +Text of Books I. III. IV. (VII.) with +an English Translation by <span class="smcap">W. E. +Bolland</span>, M.A.; and short Introductory +Essays by <span class="smcap">A. Lang</span>, M.A. Crown 8vo. +7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Politics</span></i>; Introductory Essays. +By <span class="smcap">Andrew Lang</span>. (From Bolland and +Lang’s ‘Politics.’) Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Ethics</span></i>; Greek Text, illustrated +with Essays and Notes. By Sir <span class="smcap">Alexander +Grant</span>, Bart. M.A., LL.D. 2 vols. +8vo. 32<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Nicomachean Ethics</span></i>, Newly +Translated into English. By <span class="smcap">Robert +Williams</span>, Barrister-at-Law. Crown +8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Armstrong.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by George +Francis Armstrong</span>, M.A.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Poems</span></i>: Lyrical and Dramatic. Fcp. +8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">King Saul.</span></i> (The Tragedy of Israel, +Part I.) Fcp. 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">King David.</span></i> (The Tragedy of Israel, +Part II.) Fcp. 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">King Solomon.</span></i> (The Tragedy of +Israel, Part III.) Fcp. 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Ugone</span></i>: A Tragedy. Fcp. 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">A Garland from Greece</span></i>; Poems. +Fcp. 8vo. 9<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Stories of Wicklow</span></i>; Poems. Fcp. +8vo. 9<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Victoria Regina et Imperatrix</span></i>: +a Jubilee Song from Ireland, 1887. 4to. +5<i>s.</i> cloth gilt.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Life and Letters of Edmund +J. Armstrong.</span></i> Fcp. 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Armstrong.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Edmund +J. Armstrong.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Poetical Works.</span></i> Fcp. 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Essays and Sketches.</span></i> Fcp. 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p2"></a>[2]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Arnold.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Thomas +Arnold</span>, D.D. Late Head-master of +Rugby School.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Introductory Lectures on Modern +History</span></i>, delivered in 1841 and +1842. 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Sermons Preached mostly in +the Chapel of Rugby School.</span></i> 6 +vols. crown 8vo. 30<i>s.</i> or separately, 5<i>s.</i> each.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Miscellaneous Works.</span></i> 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Arnold.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Manual of English +Literature</span></i>, Historical and Critical. +By <span class="smcap">Thomas Arnold</span>, M.A. Crown 8vo. +7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Arnott.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Elements of Physics +or Natural Philosophy.</span></i> By +<span class="smcap">Neil Arnott</span>, M.D. Edited by <span class="smcap">A. Bain</span>, +LL.D. and <span class="smcap">A. S. Taylor</span>, M.D. F.R.S. +Woodcuts. Crown 8vo. 12<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Ashby.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Notes on Physiology +for the Use of Students Preparing +for Examination.</span></i> With 120 Woodcuts. +By <span class="smcap">Henry Ashby</span>, M.D. Lond. +Fcp. 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Atelier (The) du Lys</b>; or, an Art +Student in the Reign of Terror. By the +Author of ‘Mademoiselle Mori.’ Crown +8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Bacon.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Works and Life of.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Complete Works.</span></i> Edited by +<span class="smcap">R. L. Ellis</span>, M.A., <span class="smcap">J. Spedding</span>, +M.A. and <span class="smcap">D. D. Heath</span>. 7 vols. 8vo. +£3. 13<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Letters and Life, including all +his Occasional Works.</span></i> Edited by <span class="smcap">J. +Spedding</span>. 7 vols. 8vo. £4. 4<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Essays</span></i>; with Annotations. By +<span class="smcap">Richard Whately</span>, D.D., 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Essays</span></i>; with Introduction, +Notes, and Index. By <span class="smcap">E. A. Abbott</span>, +D.D. 2 vols. fcp. 8vo. price 6<i>s.</i> Text +and Index only, without Introduction +and Notes, in 1 vol. fcp. 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Bentley.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Text-Book of Organic +Materia Medica.</span></i> Comprising a Description +of the <span class="smcap">Vegetable</span> and <span class="smcap">Animal</span> +<span class="smcap">Drugs</span> of the <span class="smcap">British Pharmacopœia</span>, +with some others in common use. Arranged +Systematically and especially Designed +for Students. By <span class="smcap">Robt. Bentley</span>, +M.R.C.S.Eng. F.L.S. With 62 Illustrations. +Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>The BADMINTON LIBRARY</b>, +edited by the <span class="smcap">Duke of Beaufort</span>, K.G. +assisted by <span class="smcap">Alfred E. T. Watson</span>.</p> + +<p class="book2"><b>Hunting.</b> By the <span class="smcap">Duke of Beaufort</span>, +K.G. and <span class="smcap">Mowbray Morris</span>. +With Contributions by the Earl of Suffolk +and Berkshire, Rev. E. W. L. Davies, +Digby Collins, and Alfred E. T. Watson. +With Coloured Frontispiece and 53 Illustrations +by J. Sturgess, J. Charlton, and +Agnes M. Biddulph. Crown 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><b>Fishing.</b> By <span class="smcap">H. Cholmondeley-Pennell</span>. +With Contributions by the +Marquis of Exeter, Henry R. Francis, +M.A., Major John P. Traherne, and G. +Christopher Davies.</p> + +<p class="book3">Vol. I. Salmon, Trout, and Grayling. With 150 Illustrations. Cr. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Vol. II. Pike and other Coarse Fish. With 58 Illustrations. Cr. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><b>Racing and Steeplechasing.</b> By +the <span class="smcap">Earl of Suffolk</span>, <span class="smcap">W. G. Craven</span>, +The Hon. <span class="smcap">F. Lawley</span>, <span class="smcap">A. Coventry</span>, +and <span class="smcap">A. E. T. Watson</span>. With Coloured +Frontispiece and 56 Illustrations by J. +Sturgess. Cr. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><b>Shooting.</b> By Lord <span class="smcap">Walsingham</span> +and Sir <span class="smcap">Ralph Payne-Gallwey</span>, +with Contributions by Lord Lovat, Lord +Charles Lennox Kerr, The Hon. G. +Lascelles, and Archibald Stuart-Wortley. +With 21 full-page Illustrations and 149 +Woodcuts in the text by A. J. Stuart-Wortley, +Harper Pennington, C. Whymper, +J. G. Millais, G. E. Lodge, and J. H. +Oswald-Brown.</p> + +<p class="book3">Vol. I. Field and Covert. Cr. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Vol. II. Moor and Marsh. Cr. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><b>Cycling.</b> By <span class="smcap">Viscount Bury</span>, +K.C.M.G. and <span class="smcap">G. Lacy Hillier</span>. With +19 Plates and 61 Woodcuts in the Text, +by Viscount Bury and Joseph Pennell. +Crown 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="center">⁂ Other volumes in preparation.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Bagehot.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Walter +Bagehot</span>, M.A.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Biographical Studies.</span></i> 8vo. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Economic Studies.</span></i> 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Literary Studies.</span></i> 2 vols. 8vo. +Portrait. 28<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Postulates of English Political +Economy.</span></i> Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Bagwell.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Ireland under the +Tudors</span></i>, with a Succinct Account of +the Earlier History. By <span class="smcap">Richard Bagwell</span>, +M.A. Vols. I. and II. From the +first invasion of the Northmen to the year +1578. 2 vols. 8vo. 32<i>s.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p3"></a>[3]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Bain.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Alexander +Bain</span>, LL.D.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Mental and Moral Science</span></i>; a +Compendium of Psychology and Ethics, +Crown 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Senses and the Intellect.</span></i> +8vo. 15<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Emotions and the Will.</span></i> +8vo. 15<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Practical Essays.</span></i> Cr. 8vo. 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Logic, Deductive and Inductive.</span></i> +<span class="smcap">Part I.</span> <i>Deduction</i>, 4<i>s.</i> <span class="smcap">Part II.</span> <i>Induction</i>, +6<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">James Mill</span></i>; a Biography. Cr. 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">John Stuart Mill</span></i>; a Criticism, +with Personal Recollections. Crown +8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Baker.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Sir Samuel +W. Baker</span>, M.A.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Eight Years in Ceylon.</span></i> Crown +8vo. Woodcuts. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Rifle and the Hound in +Ceylon.</span></i> Crown 8vo. Woodcuts. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Ball.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Reformed Church of +Ireland</span></i> (1537-1886). By the Right Hon. +<span class="smcap">J. T. Ball</span>, LL.D. D.C.L. 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Barrett.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">English Glees and +Part-Songs.</span></i> An Inquiry into their +Historical Development. By <span class="smcap">William +Alexander Barrett</span>. 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Beaconsfield.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by the +Earl of Beaconsfield</span>, K.G.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Novels and Tales.</span></i> The Hughenden +Edition. With 2 Portraits and 11 +Vignettes. 11 vols. Crown 8vo. 42<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Endymion.</p> + +<p class="book3">Lothair.</p> + +<p class="book3">Coningsby.</p> + +<p class="book3">Sybil.</p> + +<p class="book3">Tancred.</p> + +<p class="book3">Venetia.</p> + +<p class="book3">Henrietta Temple.</p> + +<p class="book3">Contarini Fleming, &c.</p> + +<p class="book3">Alroy, Ixion, &c.</p> + +<p class="book3">The Young Duke, &c.</p> + +<p class="book3">Vivian Grey.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Novels and Tales.</span></i> Cheap Edition, +complete in 11 vols. Crown 8vo. 1<i>s.</i> +each, boards; 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each, cloth.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Wit and Wisdom of the +Earl of Beaconsfield.</span></i> Crown 8vo. +1<i>s.</i> boards, 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Becker.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Professor +Becker</span>, translated from the German by +the Rev. <span class="smcap">F. Metcalf</span>.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Gallus</span></i>; or, Roman Scenes in the +Time of Augustus. Post 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Charicles</span></i>; or, Illustrations of the +Private Life of the Ancient Greeks. +Post 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Boultbee.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Commentary on the +39 Articles</span></i> of the Church of England. +By the Rev. <span class="smcap">T. P. Boultbee</span>, LL.D. +Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Bourne.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by John +Bourne</span>, C.E.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Catechism of the Steam Engine</span></i> +in its various Applications in the Arts, to +which is now added a chapter on Air and +Gas Engines, and another devoted to +Useful Rules, Tables, and Memoranda. +Illustrated by 212 Woodcuts. Crown 8vo. +7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Handbook of the Steam Engine</span></i>; +a Key to the Author’s Catechism of the +Steam Engine. With 67 Woodcuts. Fcp. +8vo. 9<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Recent Improvements in the +Steam Engine</span></i>. With 124 Woodcuts. +Fcp. 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Bowen.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Harrow Songs and +other Verses</span></i>. By <span class="smcap">Edward E. +Bowen</span>. Fcp. 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i>; or printed +on hand-made paper, 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Brabazon.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Social Arrows</span></i>: Re-printed +Articles on various Social Subjects. +By Lord <span class="smcap">Brabazon</span>, Crown 8vo. 1<i>s.</i> +boards, 5<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Brabourne.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Friends and Foes +from Fairyland</span></i>. By the Right Hon. +<span class="smcap">Lord Brabourne</span>. With 20 Illustrations +by Linley Sambourne. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Brassey.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Lady +Brassey.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">A Voyage in the ‘Sunbeam,’ our +Home on the Ocean for Eleven +Months.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book3">Library Edition. With 8 Maps and Charts, and 118 Illustrations, 8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Cabinet Edition. With Map and 66 Illustrations, crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">School Edition. With 37 Illustrations, fcp. 2<i>s.</i> cloth, or 3<i>s.</i> white parchment with gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book3">Popular Edition. With 60 Illustrations, 4to. 6<i>d.</i> sewed, 1<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Sunshine and Storm in the East.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book3">Library Edition. With 2 Maps and 114 Illustrations, 8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Cabinet Edition. With 2 Maps and 114 Illustrations, crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Popular Edition. With 103 Illustrations, 4to. 6<i>d.</i> sewed, 1<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p4"></a>[4]</span></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">In the Trades, the Tropics, and +the ‘Roaring Forties.’</span></i></p> + +<p class="book3">Library Edition. With 8 Maps and Charts and 292 Illustrations, 8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Cabinet Edition. With Map and 220 Illustrations, crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Popular Edition. With 183 Illustrations, 4to. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> sewed, 1<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Three Voyages in the ‘Sunbeam.’</span></i></p> + +<p class="book3">Popular Edition. With 346 Illustrations, 4to. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Browne.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">An Exposition of the +39 Articles</span></i>, Historical and Doctrinal. +By <span class="smcap">E. H. Browne</span>, D.D., Bishop of +Winchester. 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Buckle.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Henry Thomas +Buckle.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">History of Civilisation in England +and France, Spain and Scotland.</span></i> +3 vols. crown 8vo. 24<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Miscellaneous and Posthumous +Works.</span></i> A New and Abridged Edition. +Edited by <span class="smcap">Grant Allen</span>, 2 vols. crown +8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Buckton.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Mrs. C. M. +Buckton.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Food and Home Cookery.</span></i> With +11 Woodcuts. Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Health in the House.</span></i> With 41 +Woodcuts and Diagrams. Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Our Dwellings.</span></i> With 39 Illustrations. +Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Bull.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Thomas Bull</span>, +M.D.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Hints to Mothers on the Management +of their Health</span></i> during the +Period of Pregnancy and in the Lying-in +Room. Fcp. 8vo. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Maternal Management of +Children in Health and Disease.</span></i> +Fcp. 8vo. 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Bullinger.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Critical Lexicon +and Concordance to the English +and Greek New Testament.</span></i> Together +with an Index of Greek Words +and several Appendices. By the Rev. +<span class="smcap">E. W. Bullinger</span>, D.D. Royal 8vo. 15<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Burnside and Panton.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The +Theory of Equations.</span></i> With an Introduction +to the Theory of Binary +Algebraic Forms. By <span class="smcap">William Snow +Burnside</span>, M.A. and <span class="smcap">Arthur William +Panton</span>, M.A. 8vo. 12<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Burrows.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Family of Brocas +of Beaurepaire and Roche Court</span></i>, +Hereditary Masters of the Royal Buckhounds. +With some account of the English +Rule in Aquitaine. By <span class="smcap">Montagu +Burrows</span>, M.A. F.S.A. With 26 +Illustrations of Monuments, Brasses, +Seals, &c. Royal 8vo. 42<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Cabinet Lawyer, The</b>; a Popular +Digest of the Laws of England, Civil, +Criminal, and Constitutional. Fcp. 8vo. 9<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Caddy.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Through the Fields +with Linnæus.</span></i>—By Mrs. <span class="smcap">Caddy</span>. +With 6 Illustrations and 2 Maps. 2 vols. +crown 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Carlyle.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Thomas and Jane +Welsh Carlyle.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Thomas Carlyle</span></i>, a History of the +first Forty Years of his Life, 1795-1835. +By <span class="smcap">J. A. Froude</span>, M.A. With 2 Portraits +and 4 Illustrations, 2 vols. 8vo. 32<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Thomas Carlyle</span></i>, a History of his +Life in London: from 1834 to his death +in 1881. By <span class="smcap">J. A. Froude</span>, M.A. 2 vols. +8vo. 32<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Letters and Memorials of Jane +Welsh Carlyle.</span></i> Prepared for publication +by <span class="smcap">Thomas Carlyle</span>, and edited +by <span class="smcap">J. A. Froude</span>, M.A. 3 vols. 8vo. 36<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Cates.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Dictionary of +General Biography.</span></i> Fourth Edition, +with Supplement brought down to the +end of 1884. By <span class="smcap">W. L. R. Cates</span>. 8vo. +28<i>s.</i> cloth; 35<i>s.</i> half-bound russia.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Cicero.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Correspondence of +Cicero</span></i>: a revised Text, with Notes and +Prolegomena. By <span class="smcap">Robert Y. Tyrrell</span>, +M.A. Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin. +Vols. I. and II. 12<i>s.</i> each.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Clerk.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Gas Engine.</span></i> By +<span class="smcap">Dugald Clerk</span>. With 101 Illustrations +and Diagrams. Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Coats.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Manual of Pathology.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">Joseph Coats</span>, M.D. Pathologist +to the Western Infirmary and the Sick +Children’s Hospital, Glasgow. With 339 +Illustrations engraved on Wood. 8vo. +31<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Colenso.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Pentateuch and +Book of Joshua Critically Examined.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">J. W. Colenso</span>, D.D. +late Bishop of Natal. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Comyn.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Atherstone Priory</span></i>: a +Tale. By <span class="smcap">L. N. Comyn</span>. Crown 8vo. +2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p5"></a>[5]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Conder.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Handbook to the +Bible</span></i>, or Guide to the Study of the Holy +Scriptures derived from Ancient Monuments +and Modern Exploration. By <span class="smcap">F. +R. Conder</span>, and Lieut. <span class="smcap">C. R. Conder</span>, +R.E. Post 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Conington.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by John +Conington</span>, M.A.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Æneid of Virgil.</span></i> Translated +into English Verse. Crown 8vo. 9<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Poems of Virgil.</span></i> Translated +into English Prose. Crown 8vo. 9<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Conybeare & Howson.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The +Life and Epistles of St. Paul.</span></i> +By the Rev. <span class="smcap">W. J. Conybeare</span>, M.A. +and the Very Rev. <span class="smcap">J. S. Howson</span>, D.D.</p> + +<p class="book3">Library Edition, with Maps, Plates, and Woodcuts. 2 vols. square crown 8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Student’s Edition, revised and condensed, with 46 Illustrations and Maps. 1 vol. crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Cooke.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Tablets of Anatomy.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">Thomas Cooke</span>, F.R.C.S. Eng. +B.A. B.Sc. M.D. Paris. Fourth Edition, +being a selection of the Tablets believed +to be most useful to Students generally. +Post 4to. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Cox.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The First Century of +Christianity.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Homersham Cox</span>, +M.A. 8vo. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Cox.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A General History of +Greece</span></i>: from the Earliest Period to the +Death of Alexander the Great; with a +Sketch of the History to the Present +Time. By the Rev. Sir <span class="smcap">G. W. Cox</span>, +Bart., M.A. With 11 Maps and Plans. +Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="center">⁂ For other Works by Sir G. Cox, +<a href="#ad_p24"><i>see</i> ‘Epochs of History,’ p. 24</a>.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Creighton.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">History of the +Papacy During the Reformation.</span></i> +By the Rev. <span class="smcap">M. Creighton</span>, M.A. +8vo. Vols. I. and II. 1378-1464, 32<i>s.</i>; +Vols. III. and IV. 1464-1518, 24<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Crookes.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Select Methods in +Chemical Analysis</span></i> (chiefly Inorganic). +By <span class="smcap">William Crookes</span>, F.R.S. V.P.C.S. +With 37 Illustrations. 8vo. 24<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Crump.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Short Enquiry into +the Formation of Political Opinion</span></i>, +from the Reign of the Great Families to +the Advent of Democracy. By <span class="smcap">Arthur +Crump</span>. 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Culley.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Handbook of Practical +Telegraphy.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">R. S. Culley</span>, +M. Inst. C.E. Plates and Woodcuts. +8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Dante.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Divine Comedy of +Dante Alighieri.</span></i> Translated verse for +verse from the Original into Terza Rima. +By <span class="smcap">James Innes Minchin</span>. Crown +8vo. 15<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Davidson.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">An Introduction to +the Study of the New Testament.</span></i> +Critical, Exegetical, and Theological. +By the Rev. <span class="smcap">S. Davidson</span>, D.D. LL.D. +Revised Edition. 2 vols. 8vo. 30<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Davidson.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by William +L. Davidson</span>, M.A.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Logic of Definition Explained +and Applied.</span></i> Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Leading and Important English +Words Explained and Exemplified.</span></i> +Fcp. 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Decaisne & Le Maout.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A +General System of Botany.</span></i> Translated +from the French of <span class="smcap">E. Le Maout</span>, +M.D., and <span class="smcap">J. Decaisne</span>, by Mrs. +<span class="smcap">Hooker</span>; with Additions by Sir <span class="smcap">J. D. +Hooker</span>, C.B. F.R.S. Imp. 8vo. with +5,500 Woodcuts, 31<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>De Salis.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Mrs. De +Salis.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Savouries à la Mode.</span></i> Fcp. 8vo. +1<i>s.</i> boards.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Entrées à la Mode.</span></i> Fcp. 8vo. +1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> boards.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>De Tocqueville.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Democracy in +America.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Alexis de Tocqueville</span>. +Translated by <span class="smcap">Henry Reeve</span>, +C.B. 2 vols. crown 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>D’Herrisson.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Black Cabinet.</span></i> +By M. le Comte <span class="smcap">d’Herrisson</span>. +Translated from the French. Crown 8vo. +7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Dickinson.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">On Renal and +Urinary Affections.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">W. Howship +Dickinson</span>, M.D. Cantab. F.R.C.P. &c. +With 12 Plates and 122 Woodcuts. 3 +vols. 8vo. £3. 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Dixon.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Rural Bird Life</span></i>; Essays +on Ornithology, with Instructions for +Preserving Objects relating to that +Science. By <span class="smcap">Charles Dixon</span>. With +45 Woodcuts. Crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Dowell.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A History of Taxation +and Taxes in England, from +the Earliest Times to the Present +Day.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Stephen Dowell</span>, Assistant +Solicitor of Inland Revenue. 4 vols. +8vo. 48<i>s.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p6"></a>[6]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Dublin University Press Series +(The)</b>: a Series of Works, chiefly +Educational, undertaken by the Provost +and Senior Fellows of Trinity College, +Dublin:</p> + +<p class="book2">Abbott’s (T. K.) Codex Rescriptus Dublinensis +of St. Matthew. 4to. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">—— Evangeliorum Versio Antehieronymiana +ex Codice Usseriano (Dublinensi). +2 vols. crown 8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Burnside (W. S.) and Panton’s (A. W.) +Theory of Equations. 8vo. 12<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Casey’s (John) Sequel to Euclid’s Elements. +Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">—— Analytical Geometry of the +Conic Sections. Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Davies’s (J. F.) Eumenides of Æschylus. +With Metrical English Translation. 8vo. +7<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Dublin Translations into Greek and Latin +Verse. Edited by R. Y. Tyrrell. 8vo. +12<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Graves’s (R. P.) Life of Sir William +Hamilton. (3 vols.) Vols. I. and II. +8vo. each 15<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Griffin (R. W.) on Parabola, Ellipse, and +Hyperbola, treated Geometrically. Crown +8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Haughton’s (Dr. S.) Lectures on Physical +Geography. 8vo. 15<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Hobart’s (W. K.) Medical Language of St. +Luke. 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Leslie’s (T. E. Cliffe) Essays in Political +and Moral Philosophy. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Macalister’s (A.) Zoology and Morphology +of Vertebrata. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">MacCullagh’s (James) Mathematical and +other Tracts. 8vo. 15<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Maguire’s (T.) Parmenides of Plato, Greek +Text with English Introduction, Analysis, +and Notes. 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Monck’s (W. H. S.) Introduction to Logic. +Crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Purser’s (J. M.) Manual of Histology. Fcp. +8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Roberts’s (R. A.) Examples in the Analytic +Geometry of Plane Curves. Fcp. 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Southey’s (R.) Correspondence with Caroline +Bowles. Edited by E. Dowden. 8vo. +14<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Thornhill’s (W. J.) The Æneid of Virgil, +freely translated into English Blank +Verse. Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Tyrrell’s (R. Y.) Cicero’s Correspondence. +Vols. I. and II. 8vo. each 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">—— The Acharnians of Aristophanes, +translated into English Verse. +Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Webb’s (T. E.) Goethe’s Faust, Translation +and Notes. 8vo. 12<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">—— The Veil of Isis: a Series +of Essays on Idealism. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2">Wilkins’s (G.) The Growth of the Homeric +Poems. 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Doyle.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Official Baronage +of England</span></i>. By <span class="smcap">James E. Doyle</span>. +Showing the Succession, Dignities, and +Offices of every Peer from 1066 to 1885. +Vols. I. to III. With 1,600 Portraits, +Shields of Arms, Autographs, &c. 3 vols. +4to. £5. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Doyle.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Reminiscences and +Opinions, 1813-1885.</span></i> By Sir <span class="smcap">Francis +Hastings Doyle</span>. 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Doyle.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by J. A. Doyle</span></i>, +Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The English in America: Virginia, +Maryland, and the Carolinas</span></i>. +8vo. 18<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The English in America: The +Puritan Colonies.</span></i> 2 vols. 8vo. 36<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Edersheim.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by the Rev. +Alfred Edersheim</span>, D.D.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Life and Times of Jesus +the Messiah.</span></i> 2 vols. 8vo. 24<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Prophecy and History in relation +to the Messiah</span></i>: the Warburton +Lectures, delivered at Lincoln’s Inn +Chapel, 1880-1884. 8vo. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Ellicott.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by C. J. +Ellicott</span>, D.D.</i> Bishop of Gloucester +and Bristol.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">A Critical and Grammatical +Commentary on St. Paul’s Epistles.</span></i> +8vo.</p> + +<p class="book3"><span class="smcap">I. Corinthians.</span> 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3"><span class="smcap">Galatians.</span> 8<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book3"><span class="smcap">Ephesians.</span> 8<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book3"><span class="smcap">Pastoral Epistles.</span> 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book3"><span class="smcap">Philippians</span>, <span class="smcap">Colossians</span>, and <span class="smcap">Philemon</span>. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book3"><span class="smcap">Thessalonians.</span> 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Historical Lectures on the Life +of Our Lord Jesus Christ.</span></i> 8vo. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>English Worthies.</b> Edited by <span class="smcap">Andrew +Lang</span>, M.A. Fcp. 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Darwin.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Grant Allen</span>.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Marlborough.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">G. Saintsbury</span>.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Shaftesbury</span> (The First Earl).</i> By +<span class="smcap">H. D. Traill</span>.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Admiral Blake.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">David Hannay</span>.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Raleigh.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Edmund Gosse</span>.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Steele.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Austin Dobson</span>.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Ben Jonson.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">J. A. Symonds</span>.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Canning.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Frank H. Hill</span>.</p> + +<p class="center">⁂ Other Volumes are in preparation.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p7"></a>[7]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Epochs of Ancient History.</b> +10 vols. fcp. 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each. <a href="#ad_p24"><i>See</i> p. 24.</a></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Epochs of Church History.</b> Fcp. +8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each. <a href="#ad_p24"><i>See</i> p. 24.</a></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Epochs of English History.</b> <a href="#ad_p24"><i>See</i> +p. 24.</a></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Epochs of Modern History.</b> +18 vols. fcp. 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each. <a href="#ad_p24"><i>See</i> p. 24.</a></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Erichsen.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by John Eric +Erichsen</span>, F.R.S.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Science and Art of Surgery</span></i>: +Being a Treatise on Surgical Injuries, +Diseases, and Operations. With +984 Illustrations. 2 vols. 8vo. 42<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">On Concussion of the Spine, Nervous +Shocks</span></i>, and other Obscure Injuries +of the Nervous System. Cr. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Evans.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Bronze Implements, +Arms, and Ornaments of Great +Britain and Ireland.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">John +Evans</span>, D.C.L. 540 Illustrations. 8vo. 25<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Ewald.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Professor +Heinrich Ewald</span></i>, of Göttingen.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Antiquities of Israel.</span></i> +Translated from the German by <span class="smcap">H. S. +Solly</span>, M.A. 8vo. 12<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The History of Israel.</span></i> Translated +from the German. 8 vols. 8vo. +Vols. I. and II. 24<i>s.</i> Vols. III. and +IV. 21<i>s.</i> Vol. V. 18<i>s.</i> Vol. VI. 16<i>s.</i> +Vol. VII. 21<i>s.</i> Vol. VIII. with Index +to the Complete Work. 18<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Fairbairn.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Sir W. +Fairbairn, Bart.</span>, C.E.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">A Treatise on Mills and Millwork</span></i>, +with 18 Plates and 333 Woodcuts. +1 vol. 8vo. 25<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Useful Information for Engineers.</span></i> +With many Plates and Woodcuts. +3 vols. crown 8vo. 31<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Farrar.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Language and Languages.</span></i> +A Revised Edition of <i>Chapters +on Language and Families of Speech</i>. By +<span class="smcap">F. W. Farrar</span>, D.D. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Fitzwygram.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Horses and +Stables.</span></i> By Major-General Sir <span class="smcap">F. +Fitzwygram</span>, Bart. With 19 pages of +Illustrations. 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Ford.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Theory and Practice +of Archery.</span></i> By the late <span class="smcap">Horace +Ford</span>. New Edition, thoroughly Revised +and Re-written by <span class="smcap">W. Butt</span>, M.A. With +a Preface by <span class="smcap">C. J. Longman</span>, Senior +Vice-President Royal Toxophilite Society. +8vo. 14<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Fox.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Early History of +Charles James Fox.</span></i> By the Right +Hon. Sir <span class="smcap">G. O. Trevelyan</span>, Bart.</p> + +<p class="book3">Library Edition, 8vo. 18<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Cabinet Edition, cr. 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Francis.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Book on Angling</span></i>; +or, Treatise on the Art of Fishing in every +branch; including full Illustrated Lists +of Salmon Flies. By <span class="smcap">Francis Francis</span>. +Post 8vo. Portrait and Plates, 15<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Freeman.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Historical Geography +of Europe.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">E. A. Freeman</span>, +D.C.L. With 65 Maps. 2 vols. +8vo. 31<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Froude.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by James A. +Froude</span>, M.A.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The History of England</span></i>, from +the Fall of Wolsey to the Defeat of the +Spanish Armada.</p> + +<p class="book3">Cabinet Edition, 12 vols. cr. 8vo. £3. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Popular Edition, 12 vols. cr. 8vo. £2. 2<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Short Studies on Great Subjects.</span></i> +4 vols. crown 8vo. 24<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Cæsar</span></i>: a Sketch. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The English in Ireland in the +Eighteenth Century.</span></i> 3 vols. crown +8vo. 18<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Oceana; or, England and her +Colonies.</span></i> With 9 Illustrations. Crown +8vo. 2<i>s.</i> boards, 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Thomas Carlyle</span></i>, a History of the +first Forty Years of his Life, 1795 to +1835. 2 vols. 8vo. 32<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Thomas Carlyle</span></i>, a History of his +Life in London from 1834 to his death in +1881. With Portrait engraved on steel. +2 vols. 8vo. 32<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Ganot.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Professor +Ganot.</span></i> Translated by <span class="smcap">E. Atkinson</span>, +Ph.D. F.C.S.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Elementary Treatise on Physics.</span></i> +With 5 Coloured Plates and 923 +Woodcuts. Crown 8vo. 15<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Natural Philosophy for General +Readers and Young Persons.</span></i> +With 2 Plates and 471 Woodcuts. Crown +8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p8"></a>[8]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Gardiner.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Samuel +Rawson Gardiner</span>, LL.D.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">History of England</span></i>, from the +Accession of James I. to the Outbreak of +the Civil War, 1603-1642. Cabinet +Edition, thoroughly revised. 10 vols. +crown 8vo. price 6<i>s.</i> each.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">A History of the Great Civil +War</span></i>, 1642-1649. (3 vols.) Vol. I. +1642-1644. With 24 Maps. 8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Outline of English History</span></i>, +<span class="allsmcap">B.C.</span> 55-<span class="allsmcap">A.D.</span> 1880. With 96 Woodcuts, +fcp. 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="center">⁂ For other Works, <a href="#ad_p24"><i>see</i> ‘Epochs of +Modern History,’ p. 24</a>.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Garrod.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Alfred +Baring Garrod</span>, M.D. F.R.S.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">A Treatise on Gout and Rheumatic +Gout (Rheumatoid Arthritis).</span></i> +With 6 Plates, comprising 21 Figures +(14 Coloured), and 27 Illustrations engraved +on Wood. 8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Essentials of Materia +Medica and Therapeutics.</span></i> New +Edition, revised and adapted to the New +Edition of the British Pharmacopœia, +by <span class="smcap">Nestor Tirard</span>, M.D. Crown 8vo. +12<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Gilkes.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Boys and Masters</span></i>: a Story +of School Life. By <span class="smcap">A. H. Gilkes</span>, M.A. +Head Master of Dulwich College. Crown +8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Goethe.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Faust.</span></i> Translated by <span class="smcap">T. +E. Webb</span>, LL.D. 8vo. 12<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Faust.</span></i> A New Translation, chiefly in +Blank Verse; with Introduction and +Notes. By <span class="smcap">James Adey Birds</span>, B.A. +F.G.S. Crown 8vo. 12<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Faust.</span></i> The German Text, with an +English Introduction and Notes for Students. +By <span class="smcap">Albert M. Selss</span>, M.A. +Ph.D. Crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Goodeve.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by T. M. Goodeve</span>, +M.A.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Principles of Mechanics.</span></i> With +253 Woodcuts. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Elements of Mechanism.</span></i> +With 342 Woodcuts. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">A Manual of Mechanics</span></i>: an +Elementary Text-Book for Students of +Applied Mechanics. With 138 Illustrations +and Diagrams, and 141 Examples. +Fcp. 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Grant.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Ethics of Aristotle.</span></i> +The Greek Text illustrated by Essays +and Notes. By Sir <span class="smcap">Alexander Grant</span>, +Bart. LL.D. D.C.L. &c. 2 vols. +8vo. 32<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Gray.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Anatomy, Descriptive +and Surgical.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Henry Gray</span>, +F.R.S. late Lecturer on Anatomy at +St. George’s Hospital. With 569 Woodcut +Illustrations, a large number of +which are coloured. Re-edited by <span class="smcap">T. +Pickering Pick</span>, Surgeon to St. George’s +Hospital. Royal 8vo. 36<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Green.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Works of Thomas +Hill Green</span></i>, late Fellow of Balliol +College, and Whyte’s Professor of Moral +Philosophy in the University of Oxford. +Edited by <span class="smcap">R. L. Nettleship</span>, Fellow +of Balliol College, Oxford (3 vols.) +Vols. I. and II.—Philosophical Works. +8vo. 16<i>s.</i> each.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Greville.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by C. C. F. +Greville.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">A Journal of the Reign of Queen +Victoria</span></i>, from 1837 to 1852. 3 vols. +8vo. 36<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">A Journal of the Reign of Queen +Victoria</span></i>, from 1852 to 1860. 2 vols. +8vo. 24<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Grove.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Correlation of +Physical Forces.</span></i> By the Hon. Sir +<span class="smcap">W. R. Grove</span>, F.R.S. &c. 8vo. 15<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Gwilt.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">An Encyclopædia of +Architecture.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Joseph Gwilt</span>, +F.S.A. Illustrated with more than 1,100 +Engravings on Wood. Revised, with +Alterations and Considerable Additions, +by <span class="smcap">Wyatt Papworth</span>. 8vo. 52<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Haggard.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by H. Rider +Haggard.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">She: A History of Adventure.</span></i> +Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Allan Quatermain.</span></i> With 31 Illustrations +by <span class="smcap">C. H. M. Kerr</span>. Crown +8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Halliwell-Phillipps.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Outlines of +The Life of Shakespeare.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">J. O. +Halliwell-Phillipps</span>, F.R.S. 2 vols. +Royal 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Hamilton.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Life of Sir William +R. Hamilton</span></i>, Kt. LL.D. D.C.L. +M.R.I.A. &c. By the Rev. <span class="smcap">R. P. +Graves</span>, M.A. (3 vols.) Vols. I. and +II. 8vo. 15<i>s.</i> each.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p9"></a>[9]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Harte.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Novels by Bret Harte.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">In the Carquinez Woods.</span></i> Fcp. +8vo. 1<i>s.</i> boards; 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">On the Frontier.</span></i> Three Stories. +16mo. 1<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">By Shore and Sedge.</span></i> Three +Stories. 16mo. 1<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Hartwig.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Dr. G. +Hartwig.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Sea and its Living Wonders.</span></i> +With 12 Plates and 303 Woodcuts. 8vo. +10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Tropical World.</span></i> With 8 Plates, +and 172 Woodcuts. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Polar World.</span></i> With 3 Maps, +8 Plates, and 85 Woodcuts. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Subterranean World.</span></i> With +3 Maps and 80 Woodcuts. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Aerial World.</span></i> With Map, +8 Plates, and 60 Woodcuts. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Sea Monsters and Sea Birds.</span></i> +Fully Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> +cloth extra, gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Denizens of the Deep.</span></i> Fully +Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth +extra, gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book1">The following books are extracted from the +above works by Dr. <span class="smcap">Hartwig</span>:—</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Dwellers in the Arctic Regions.</span></i> +Fully Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> +cloth extra, gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Winged Life in the Tropics.</span></i> +Fully Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> +cloth extra, gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Volcanoes and Earthquakes.</span></i> +Fully Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> +cloth extra, gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Wild Animals of the Tropics.</span></i> +Fully Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> +cloth extra, gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Hassall.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Inhalation Treatment +of Diseases of the Organs of +Respiration</span></i>, including Consumption. +By <span class="smcap">Arthur Hill Hassall</span>, M.D. +With 19 Illustrations of Apparatus. Cr. +8vo. 12<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Haughton.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Six Lectures on +Physical Geography</span></i>, delivered in 1876, +with some Additions. By the Rev. <span class="smcap">Samuel +Haughton</span>, F.R.S. M.D. D.C.L. With +23 Diagrams. 8vo. 15<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Havelock.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Memoirs of Sir +Henry Havelock</span>, K.C.B.</i> By <span class="smcap">John +Clark Marshman</span>. Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Hearn.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Government of England</span></i>; +its Structure and its Development. +By <span class="smcap">William Edward Hearn</span>, Q.C. +8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Helmholtz.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Professor +Helmholtz.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">On the Sensations of Tone as a +Physiological Basis for the Theory +of Music.</span></i> Royal 8vo. 28<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Popular Lectures on Scientific +Subjects.</span></i> With 68 Woodcuts. 2 vols. +Crown 8vo. 15<i>s.</i> or separately, 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Herschel.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Outlines of Astronomy.</span></i> +By Sir <span class="smcap">J. F. W. Herschel</span>, +Bart. M.A. With Plates and Diagrams. +Square crown 8vo. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Hester’s Venture</b>: a Novel. By +the Author of ‘The Atelier du Lys.’ +Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Hewitt.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Diagnosis and +Treatment of Diseases of Women, +including the Diagnosis of Pregnancy.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">Graily Hewitt</span>, M.D. +With 211 Engravings. 8vo. 24<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Historic Towns.</b> Edited by <span class="smcap">E. A. +Freeman</span>, D.C.L. and Rev. <span class="smcap">William +Hunt</span>, M.A. With Maps and Plans. +Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each.</p> + +<p class="book3"><i><span class="smcap">London.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">W. E. Loftie</span>.</p> + +<p class="book3"><i><span class="smcap">Exeter.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">E. A. Freeman</span>.</p> + +<p class="book3"><i><span class="smcap">Bristol.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">W. Hunt</span>.</p> + +<p class="book3"><i><span class="smcap">Oxford.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">C. W. Boase</span>.</p> + +<p class="center">⁂ Other Volumes in preparation.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Hobart.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Sketches from My Life.</span></i> +By Admiral <span class="smcap">Hobart Pasha</span>. With +Portrait. Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Hobart.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Medical Language +of St. Luke</span></i>: a Proof from Internal +Evidence that St. Luke’s Gospel and the +Acts were written by the same person, +and that the writer was a Medical Man. By +the Rev. <span class="smcap">W. K. Hobart</span>, LL.D. 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Holmes.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A System of Surgery</span></i>, +Theoretical and Practical, in Treatises by +various Authors. Edited by <span class="smcap">Timothy +Holmes</span>, M.A. and <span class="smcap">J. W. Hulke</span>, +F.R.S. 3 vols. royal 8vo. £4. 4<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Homer.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Iliad of Homer</span></i>, +Homometrically translated by <span class="smcap">C. B. Cayley</span>. +8vo. 12<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Iliad of Homer.</span></i> The Greek +Text, with a Verse Translation, by <span class="smcap">W. C. +Green</span>, M.A. Vol. I. Books I.-XII. +Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p10"></a>[10]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Hopkins.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Christ the Consoler</span></i>; +a Book of Comfort for the Sick. By +<span class="smcap">Ellice Hopkins</span>. Fcp. 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Howitt.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Visits to Remarkable +Places</span></i>, Old Halls, Battle-Fields, Scenes +illustrative of Striking Passages in English +History and Poetry. By <span class="smcap">William +Howitt</span>. With 80 Illustrations engraved +on Wood. Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Hudson & Gosse.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Rotifera +or ‘Wheel-Animalcules.’</span></i> By <span class="smcap">C. T. +Hudson</span>, LL.D. and <span class="smcap">P. H. Gosse</span>, +F.R.S. With 30 Coloured Plates. In 6 +Parts. 4to. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each. Complete in +2 vols. 4to. £3. 10<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Hullah.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by John Hullah</span>, +LL.D.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Course of Lectures on the History +of Modern Music.</span></i> 8vo. 8<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Course of Lectures on the Transition +Period of Musical History.</span></i> +8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Hume.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Philosophical Works +of David Hume.</span></i> Edited by <span class="smcap">T. H. +Green</span>, M.A. and the Rev. <span class="smcap">T. H. +Grose</span>, M.A. 4 vols. 8vo. 56<i>s.</i> Or +separately, Essays, 2 vols. 28<i>s.</i> Treatise +of Human Nature. 2 vols. 28<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>In the Olden Time</b>: a Tale of +the Peasant War in Germany. By the +Author of ‘Mademoiselle Mori.’ Crown +8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Ingelow.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Jean Ingelow.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Poetical Works.</span></i> Vols. 1 and 2. +Fcp. 8vo. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Lyrical and Other Poems.</span></i> Selected +from the Writings of <span class="smcap">Jean +Ingelow</span>. Fcp. 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth plain; +3<i>s.</i> cloth gilt.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The High Tide on the Coast of +Lincolnshire.</span></i> With 40 Illustrations, +drawn and engraved under the supervision +of <span class="smcap">George T. Andrew</span>. Royal +8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth extra, gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Jackson.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Aid to Engineering +Solution.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Lowis D’A. Jackson</span>, +C.E. With 111 Diagrams and 5 Woodcut +Illustrations. 8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Jameson.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Mrs. Jameson.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Legends of the Saints and Martyrs.</span></i> +With 19 Etchings and 187 Woodcuts. +2 vols. 31<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Legends of the Madonna</span></i>, the +Virgin Mary as represented in Sacred +and Legendary Art. With 27 Etchings +and 165 Woodcuts. 1 vol. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Legends of the Monastic Orders.</span></i> +With 11 Etchings and 88 Woodcuts. +1 vol. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">History of the Saviour</span></i>, His Types +and Precursors. Completed by Lady +<span class="smcap">Eastlake</span>. With 13 Etchings and 281 +Woodcuts. 2 vols. 42<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Jeans.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by J. S. Jeans.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">England’s Supremacy</span></i>: its Sources, +Economics, and Dangers. 8vo. 8<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Railway Problems</span></i>: An Inquiry +into the Economic Conditions of Railway +Working in Different Countries. +8vo. 12<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Johnson.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Patentee’s Manual</span></i>; +a Treatise on the Law and Practice +of Letters Patent. By <span class="smcap">J. Johnson</span> and +<span class="smcap">J. H. Johnson</span>. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Johnston.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A General Dictionary +of Geography</span></i>, Descriptive, Physical, +Statistical, and Historical; a complete +Gazetteer of the World. By <span class="smcap">Keith +Johnston</span>. Medium 8vo. 42<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Jordan.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by William +Leighton Jordan</span>, F.R.G.S.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Ocean</span></i>: a Treatise on Ocean +Currents and Tides and their Causes, +8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The New Principles of Natural +Philosophy.</span></i> With 13 plates. 8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Winds</span></i>: an Essay in Illustration +of the New Principles of Natural Philosophy. +Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Standard of Value.</span></i> Crown +8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Jukes.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Andrew Jukes.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The New Man and the Eternal +Life.</span></i> Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Types of Genesis.</span></i> Crown +8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Second Death and the Restitution +of all Things.</span></i> Crown 8vo. +3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Mystery of the Kingdom.</span></i> +Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p11"></a>[11]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Justinian.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Institutes of +Justinian</span></i>; Latin Text, chiefly that of +Huschke, with English Introduction, +Translation, Notes, and Summary. By +<span class="smcap">Thomas C. Sandars</span>, M.A. 8vo. 18<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Kalisch.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by M. M. +Kalisch</span>, M.A.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Bible Studies.</span></i> Part I. The Prophecies +of Balaam. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> Part +II. The Book of Jonah. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Commentary on the Old Testament</span></i>; +with a New Translation. Vol. I. +Genesis, 8vo. 18<i>s.</i> or adapted for the +General Reader, 12<i>s.</i> Vol. II. Exodus, +15<i>s.</i> or adapted for the General Reader, +12<i>s.</i> Vol. III. Leviticus, Part I. 15<i>s.</i> or +adapted for the General Reader, 8<i>s.</i> +Vol. IV. Leviticus, Part II. 15<i>s.</i> or +adapted for the General Reader, 8<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Hebrew Grammar.</span></i> With Exercises. +Part I. 8vo. 12<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> Key, 5<i>s.</i> +Part II. 12<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Kant.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Emmanuel Kant.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Critique of Practical Reason.</span></i> +Translated by Thomas Kingsmill Abbott, +B.D. 8vo. 12<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Introduction to Logic, and his +Essay on the Mistaken Subtilty +of the Four Figures.</span></i> Translated by +Thomas Kingsmill Abbott, B.D. With +a few Notes by S. T. Coleridge. 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Killick.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Handbook to Mill’s +System of Logic.</span></i> By the Rev. <span class="smcap">A. H. +Killick</span>, M.A. Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Knowledge Library.</b> (<a href="#ad_p16"><i>See</i> <span class="smcap">Proctor’s</span> +Works, p. 16.</a>)</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Kolbe.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Short Text-book of +Inorganic Chemistry.</span></i> By Dr. <span class="smcap">Hermann +Kolbe</span>. Translated from the +German by <span class="smcap">T. S. Humpidge</span>, Ph.D. +With a Coloured Table of Spectra and +66 Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Ladd.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Elements of Physiological +Psychology</span></i>: a Treatise of the +Activities and Nature of the Mind from +the Physical and Experimental Point of +View. By <span class="smcap">George T. Ladd</span>. With 113 +Illustrations and Diagrams. 8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Lang.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Andrew Lang.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Letters to Dead Authors.</span></i> Fcp. +8vo. 6<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Books and Bookmen.</span></i> With 2 +Coloured Plates and 17 Illustrations. Cr. +8vo. 6<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Custom and Myth</span></i>; Studies of Early +Usage and Belief. With 15 Illustrations. +Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Latham.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Handbook of the English +Language.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Robert G. +Latham</span>, M.A. M.D. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Lecky.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by W. E. H. Lecky.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">History of England in the +Eighteenth Century.</span></i> 8vo. Vols. +I. & II. 1700-1760. 36<i>s.</i> Vols. III. +& IV. 1760-1784. 36<i>s.</i> Vols. V. & VI. +1784-1793. 36<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The History of European Morals +from Augustus to Charlemagne.</span></i> +2 vols. crown 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">History of the Rise and Influence +of the Spirit of Rationalism +in Europe.</span></i> 2 vols. crown 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Lewes.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The History of Philosophy</span></i>, +from Thales to Comte. By +<span class="smcap">George Henry Lewes</span>. 2 vols. 8vo. 32<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Liddell & Scott.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Greek-English +Lexicon.</span></i> Compiled by <span class="smcap">Henry +George Liddell</span>, D.D. Dean of Christ +Church; and <span class="smcap">Robert Scott</span>, D.D. Dean +of Rochester. 4to. 36<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Liveing.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Robert Liveing</span>, +M.A. and M.D. Cantab.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Handbook on Diseases of the +Skin.</span></i> With especial reference to Diagnosis +and Treatment. Fcp 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Notes on the Treatment of Skin +Diseases.</span></i> 18mo. 3<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Lloyd.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Treatise on Magnetism</span></i>, +General and Terrestrial. By <span class="smcap">H. +Lloyd</span>, D.D. D.C.L. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Lloyd.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Science of Agriculture.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">F. J. Lloyd</span>. 8vo. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Longman.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">History of the Life +and Times of Edward III.</span></i> By +<span class="smcap">William Longman</span>, F.S.A. With +9 Maps, 8 Plates, and 16 Woodcuts. 2 +vols. 8vo. 28<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Longman.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Frederick +W. Longman</span>, Balliol College, Oxon.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Chess Openings.</span></i> Fcp. 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Frederick the Great and the +Seven Years’ War.</span></i> With 2 Coloured +Maps. 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">A New Pocket Dictionary of +the German and English Languages.</span></i> +Square 18mo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Longman’s Magazine.</b> Published +Monthly. Price Sixpence.</p> + +<p class="book2">Vols. 1-9, 8vo. price 5<i>s.</i> each.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p12"></a>[12]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Longmore.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Gunshot Injuries</span></i>; +Their History, Characteristic Features, +Complications, and General Treatment. +By Surgeon-General Sir <span class="smcap">T. Longmore</span>, +C.B., F.R.C.S. With 58 Illustrations. +8vo. 31<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Loudon.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by J. C. Loudon</span>, +F.L.S.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Encyclopædia of Gardening</span></i>; +the Theory and Practice of Horticulture, +Floriculture, Arboriculture, and Landscape +Gardening. With 1,000 Woodcuts. +8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Encyclopædia of Agriculture</span></i>; +the Laying-out, Improvement, and +Management of Landed Property; the +Cultivation and Economy of the Productions +of Agriculture. With 1,100 Woodcuts. +8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Encyclopædia of Plants</span></i>; the +Specific Character, Description, Culture, +History, &c. of all Plants found in Great +Britain. With 12,000 Woodcuts. 8vo. 42<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Lubbock.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Origin of Civilization +and the Primitive Condition +of Man.</span></i> By Sir J. Lubbock, Bart. +M.P. F.R.S. With Illustrations. 8vo. +18<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Lyra Germanica</b>; Hymns Translated +from the German by Miss <span class="smcap">C. +Winkworth</span>. Fcp. 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Macalister.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">An Introduction +to the Systematic Zoology and +Morphology of Vertebrate Animals.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">A. Macalister</span>, M.D. +With 28 Diagrams. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Macaulay.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works and Life of +Lord Macaulay.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">History of England from the +Accession of James the Second</span></i>:</p> + +<p class="book3">Student’s Edition, 2 vols. crown 8vo. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">People’s Edition, 4 vols. crown 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Cabinet Edition, 8 vols. post 8vo. 48<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Library Edition, 5 vols. 8vo. £4.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Critical and Historical Essays, +with Lays of Ancient Rome</span></i>, in 1 +volume:</p> + +<p class="book3">Authorised Edition, crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> or 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book3">Popular Edition, crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Critical and Historical Essays</span></i>:</p> + +<p class="book3">Student’s Edition, 1 vol. crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">People’s Edition, 2 vols. crown 8vo. 8<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Cabinet Edition, 4 vols. post 8vo. 24<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Library Edition, 3 vols. 8vo. 36<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Essays</span></i> which may be had separately +price 6<i>d.</i> each sewed, 1<i>s.</i> each cloth:</p> + +<p class="book3">Addison and Walpole.</p> + +<p class="book3">Frederick the Great.</p> + +<p class="book3">Croker’s Boswell’s Johnson.</p> + +<p class="book3">Hallam’s Constitutional History.</p> + +<p class="book3">Warren Hastings. (3<i>d.</i> sewed, 6<i>d.</i> cloth.)</p> + +<p class="book3">The Earl of Chatham (Two Essays).</p> + +<p class="book3">Ranke and Gladstone.</p> + +<p class="book3">Milton and Machiavelli.</p> + +<p class="book3">Lord Bacon.</p> + +<p class="book3">Lord Clive.</p> + +<p class="book3">Lord Byron, and The Comic Dramatists of the Restoration.</p> + +<p class="book3">The Essay on Warren Hastings annotated +by <span class="smcap">S. Hales</span>, 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">The Essay on Lord Clive annotated by +<span class="smcap">H. Courthope Bowen</span>, M.A. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Speeches</span></i>:</p> + +<p class="book3">People’s Edition, crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Miscellaneous Writings</span></i>:</p> + +<p class="book3">Library Edition, 2 vols. 8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">People’s Edition, 1 vol. crown 8vo. 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Lays of Ancient Rome</span></i>, <i>&c.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Illustrated by G. Scharf, fcp. 4to. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">—— Popular Edition, fcp. 4to. 6<i>d.</i> sewed, 1<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book3">Illustrated by J. R. Weguelin, crown 8vo. +3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth extra, gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book3">—— Cabinet Edition, post 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">—— Annotated Edition, fcp. 8vo. 1<i>s.</i> sewed, 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth, or 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth extra, gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Selections from the Writings +of Lord Macaulay.</span></i> Edited, with Occasional +Notes, by the Right Hon. Sir +<span class="smcap">G. O. Trevelyan</span>, Bart. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Miscellaneous Writings and +Speeches</span></i>:</p> + +<p class="book3">Student’s Edition, in <span class="smcap">One Volume</span>, crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Cabinet Edition, including Indian Penal Code, Lays of Ancient Rome, and Miscellaneous Poems, 4 vols. post 8vo. 24<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Complete Works of Lord +Macaulay.</span></i> Edited by his Sister, Lady +<span class="smcap">Trevelyan</span>.</p> + +<p class="book3">Library Edition, with Portrait, 8 vols. demy 8vo. £5. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Cabinet Edition, 16 vols. post 8vo. £4. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Life and Letters of Lord +Macaulay.</span></i> By the Right Hon. Sir +<span class="smcap">G. O. Trevelyan</span>, Bart.</p> + +<p class="book3">Popular Edition, 1 vol. crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Cabinet Edition, 2 vols. post 8vo. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Library Edition, 2 vols. 8vo. 36<i>s.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p13"></a>[13]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Macdonald.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by George +Macdonald</span>, LL.D.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Unspoken Sermons.</span></i> First Series. +Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Unspoken Sermons.</span></i> Second Series. +Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Miracles of Our Lord.</span></i> +Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">A Book of Strife, in the form +of The Diary of an Old Soul</span></i>: +Poems. 12mo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Macfarren.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Lectures on Harmony</span></i>, +delivered at the Royal Institution. +By Sir <span class="smcap">G. A. Macfarren</span>. 8vo. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Macleod.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Henry D. +Macleod</span>, M.A.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Principles of Economical Philosophy.</span></i> +In 2 vols. Vol. I. 8vo. 15<i>s.</i> +Vol. II. <span class="smcap">Part 1.</span> 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Elements of Economics.</span></i> In +2 vols. Vol. I. crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> Vol. +II. <span class="smcap">Part 1</span>, crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Elements of Banking.</span></i> +Crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Theory and Practice of +Banking.</span></i> Vol. I. 8vo. 12<i>s.</i> Vol. II. 14<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>McCulloch.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Dictionary +of Commerce and Commercial Navigation</span></i> +of the late <span class="smcap">J. R. McCulloch</span>, +of H.M. Stationery Office. Latest Edition, +containing the most recent Statistical +Information by <span class="smcap">A. J. Wilson</span>. 1 vol. +medium 8vo. with 11 Maps and 30 Charts, +price 63<i>s.</i> cloth, or 70<i>s.</i> strongly half-bound +in russia.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Mademoiselle Mori</b>: a Tale of +Modern Rome. By the Author of ‘The +Atelier du Lys.’ Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Mahaffy.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A History of Classical +Greek Literature.</span></i> By the Rev. +<span class="smcap">J. P. Mahaffy</span>, M.A. Crown 8vo. +Vol. I. Poets, 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> Vol. II. Prose +Writers, 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Malmesbury.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Memoirs of An +Ex-Minister</span></i>: an Autobiography. By +the Earl of <span class="smcap">Malmesbury</span>, G.C.B. Crown +8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Manning.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Temporal Mission +of the Holy Ghost</span></i>; or, Reason +and Revelation. By <span class="smcap">H. E. Manning</span>, +D.D. Cardinal-Archbishop. Crown 8vo. +8<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Martineau.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by James +Martineau</span>, D.D.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Hours of Thought on Sacred +Things.</span></i> Two Volumes of Sermons. +2 vols. crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Endeavours after the Christian +Life.</span></i> Discourses. Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Maunder’s Treasuries.</b></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Biographical Treasury.</span></i> Reconstructed, +revised, and brought down to +the year 1882, by <span class="smcap">W. L. R. Cates</span>. +Fcp. 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Treasury of Natural History</span></i>; +or, Popular Dictionary of Zoology. Fcp. +8vo. with 900 Woodcuts, 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Treasury of Geography</span></i>, Physical, +Historical, Descriptive, and Political. +With 7 Maps and 16 Plates. Fcp. 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Historical Treasury</span></i>; Outlines of +Universal History, Separate Histories of +all Nations. Revised by the Rev. Sir <span class="smcap">G. +W. Cox</span>, Bart. M.A. Fcp. 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Treasury of Knowledge and +Library of Reference.</span></i> Comprising +an English Dictionary and Grammar, +Universal Gazetteer, Classical Dictionary, +Chronology, Law Dictionary, &c. Fcp. +8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Scientific and Literary Treasury</span></i>: +a Popular Encyclopædia of Science, +Literature, and Art. Fcp. 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Treasury of Bible Knowledge</span></i>; +being a Dictionary of the Books, +Persons, Places, Events, and other matters +of which mention is made in Holy Scripture. +By the Rev. <span class="smcap">J. Ayre</span>, M.A. With +5 Maps, 15 Plates, and 300 Woodcuts. +Fcp. 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Treasury of Botany</span></i>, or +Popular Dictionary of the Vegetable +Kingdom. Edited by <span class="smcap">J. Lindley</span>, F.R.S. +and <span class="smcap">T. Moore</span>, F.L.S. With 274 Woodcuts +and 20 Steel Plates. Two Parts, +fcp. 8vo. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>May.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by the Right Hon. +Sir Thomas Erskine May</span>, K.C.B.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Constitutional History of +England since the Accession of +George III, 1760-1870.</span></i> 3 vols. crown +8vo. 18<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Democracy in Europe</span></i>; a History. +2 vols. 8vo. 32<i>s.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p14"></a>[14]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Melville.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Novels by G. J. Whyte +Melville.</span></i> Crown 8vo. 1<i>s.</i> each, boards; +1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each, cloth.</p> + +<p class="book3">The Gladiators.</p> + +<p class="book3">The Interpreter.</p> + +<p class="book3">Good for Nothing.</p> + +<p class="book3">The Queen’s Maries.</p> + +<p class="book3">Holmby House.</p> + +<p class="book3">Kate Coventry.</p> + +<p class="book3">Digby Grand.</p> + +<p class="book3">General Bounce.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Mendelssohn.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Letters of +Felix Mendelssohn.</span></i> Translated by +Lady <span class="smcap">Wallace</span>. 2 vols. crown 8vo. 10<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Merivale.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by the Very +Rev. Charles Merivale</span>, D.D. +Dean of Ely.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">History of the Romans under +the Empire.</span></i> 8 vols. post 8vo. 48<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Fall of the Roman Republic</span></i>: +a Short History of the Last Century +of the Commonwealth. 12mo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">General History of Rome from +B.C. 753 to A.D. 476.</span></i> Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Roman Triumvirates.</span></i> With +Maps. Fcp. 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Mill.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Analysis of the Phenomena +of the Human Mind.</span></i> By +<span class="smcap">James Mill</span>. With Notes, Illustrative +and Critical. 2 vols. 8vo. 28<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Mill.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by John Stuart +Mill.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Principles of Political Economy.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book3">Library Edition, 2 vols. 8vo. 30<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">People’s Edition, 1 vol. crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">A System of Logic</span></i>, Ratiocinative +and Inductive. Crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">On Liberty.</span></i> Crown 8vo. 1<i>s.</i> 4<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">On Representative Government.</span></i> +Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Autobiography.</span></i> 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Utilitarianism.</span></i> 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Subjection of Women.</span></i> Crown +8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Examination of Sir William +Hamilton’s Philosophy.</span></i> 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Nature, the Utility of Religion, +and Theism.</span></i> Three Essays. 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Miller.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by W. Allen +Miller</span>, M.D. LL.D.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Elements of Chemistry</span></i>, +Theoretical and Practical. Re-edited, +with Additions, by <span class="smcap">H. Macleod</span>, F.C.S. +3 vols. 8vo.</p> + +<p class="book3">Vol. I. <span class="smcap">Chemical Physics</span>, 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Vol. II. <span class="smcap">Inorganic Chemistry</span>, 24<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Vol. III. <span class="smcap">Organic Chemistry</span>, 31<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">An Introduction to the Study +of Inorganic Chemistry.</span></i> With 71 +Woodcuts. Fcp. 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Mitchell.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Manual of Practical +Assaying.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">John Mitchell</span>, +F.C.S. Revised, with the Recent Discoveries +incorporated. By <span class="smcap">W. Crookes</span>, +F.R.S. 8vo. Woodcuts, 31<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Molesworth.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Marrying and +Giving in Marriage</span></i>: a Novel. By +Mrs. <span class="smcap">Molesworth</span>. Fcp. 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Monsell.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by the Rev. +J. S. B. Monsell</span>, LL.D.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Spiritual Songs for the Sundays +and Holydays throughout the +Year.</span></i> Fcp. 8vo. 5<i>s.</i> 18mo. 2<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Beatitudes.</span></i> Eight Sermons. +Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">His Presence not His Memory.</span></i> +Verses. 16mo. 1<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Mulhall.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">History of Prices since +the Year 1850.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Michael G. +Mulhall</span>. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Müller.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by F. Max +Müller</span>, M.A.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Biographical Essays.</span></i> Crown 8vo. +7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Selected Essays on Language, +Mythology and Religion.</span></i> 2 vols. +crown 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Lectures on the Science of Language.</span></i> +2 vols. crown 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">India, What Can it Teach Us?</span></i> +A Course of Lectures delivered before the +University of Cambridge. 8vo. 12<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Hibbert Lectures on the Origin +and Growth of Religion</span></i>, as illustrated +by the Religions of India. Crown +8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Introduction to the Science of +Religion</span></i>: Four Lectures delivered at the +Royal Institution. Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Science of Thought.</span></i> 8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">A Sanskrit Grammar for Beginners.</span></i> +New and Abridged Edition, +accented and transliterated throughout, +with a chapter on Syntax and an Appendix +on Classical Metres. By <span class="smcap">A. A. +MacDonelll</span>, M.A. Ph.D. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Murchison.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Charles +Murchison</span>, M.D. LL.D. &c.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">A Treatise on the Continued +Fevers of Great Britain.</span></i> Revised +by <span class="smcap">W. Cayley</span>, M.D. Physician to the +Middlesex Hospital. 8vo. with numerous +Illustrations, 25<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Clinical Lectures on Diseases +of the Liver, Jaundice, and Abdominal +Dropsy.</span></i> Revised by <span class="smcap">T. Lauder +Brunton</span>, M.D. and Sir <span class="smcap">Joseph Fayrer</span>, +M.D. 8vo. with 43 Illustrations, 24<i>s.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p15"></a>[15]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Napier.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Life of Sir Joseph +Napier, Bart. Ex-Lord Chancellor +of Ireland.</span></i> From his Private Correspondence. +By <span class="smcap">Alex. Charles Ewald</span>, +F.S.A. With Portrait on Steel, engraved +by G. J. Stodart, from a Photograph. +8vo. 15<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Nelson.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Letters and Despatches +of Horatio, Viscount Nelson.</span></i> Selected +and arranged by <span class="smcap">John Knox Laughton</span>, +M.A. 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Nesbit.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Lays and Legends.</span></i> By +<span class="smcap">E. Nesbit</span>. Crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>New Testament (The)</b> of our +Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Illustrated +with Engravings on Wood after +Paintings by the Early Masters. 4to. 21<i>s.</i> +cloth extra.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Newman.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Cardinal +Newman.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Apologia pro Vitâ Suâ.</span></i> Crown +8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Idea of a University defined +and illustrated.</span></i> Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Historical Sketches.</span></i> 3 vols. +crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i> each.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Discussions and Arguments on +Various Subjects.</span></i> Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">An Essay on the Development of +Christian Doctrine.</span></i> Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Certain Difficulties felt by +Anglicans in Catholic Teaching +Considered.</span></i> Vol. 1, crown 8vo 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i>; +Vol. 2, crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Via Media of the Anglican +Church, illustrated in Lectures +&c.</span></i> 2 vols. crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i> each.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Essays, Critical and Historical.</span></i> +2 vols. crown 8vo. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Essays on Biblical and on Ecclesiastical +Miracles.</span></i> Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">An Essay in Aid of a Grammar +of Assent.</span></i> 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Noble.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Hours with a Three-inch +Telescope.</span></i> By Captain <span class="smcap">W. Noble</span>, +F.R.A.S. &c. With a Map of the Moon. +Crown 8vo. 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Northcott.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Lathes and Turning</span></i>, +Simple, Mechanical, and Ornamental. +By <span class="smcap">W. H. Northcott</span>. With 338 +Illustrations. 8vo. 18<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>O’Hagan.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Selected Speeches and +Arguments of the Right Hon. +Thomas Baron O’Hagan.</span></i> Edited by +<span class="smcap">George Teeling</span>. 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Oliphant.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Novels by Mrs. Oliphant.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Madam.</span></i>—Crown 8vo. 1<i>s.</i> boards; +1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">In Trust.</span></i>—Crown 8vo. 1<i>s.</i> boards; +1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Outlines of Jewish History.</b>—From +B.C. 586 to C.E. 1885. By the +Author of ‘About the Jews since Bible +Times.’ Revised by M. Friedländer, +Ph.D. With 3 Maps. Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Overton.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Life in the English +Church (1660-1714).</span></i> By <span class="smcap">J. H. Overton</span>, +M.A. Rector of Epworth. 8vo. 14<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Owen.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Comparative Anatomy +and Physiology of the +Vertebrate Animals.</span></i> By Sir +<span class="smcap">Richard Owen</span>, K.C.B. &c. With 1,472 +Woodcuts. 3 vols. 8vo. £3. 13<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Paget.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Sir James +Paget, Bart. F.R.S. D.C.L. &c.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Clinical Lectures and Essays.</span></i> +Edited by <span class="smcap">F. Howard Marsh</span>, Assistant-Surgeon +to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital. +8vo. 15<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Lectures on Surgical Pathology.</span></i> +Re-edited by the <span class="smcap">Author</span> and +<span class="smcap">W. Turner</span>, M.B. 8vo. with 131 +Woodcuts, 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Pasteur.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Louis Pasteur</span></i>, his Life +and Labours. By his <span class="smcap">Son-in-Law</span>. +Translated from the French by Lady +<span class="smcap">Claud Hamilton</span>. Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Payen.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Industrial Chemistry</span></i>; +a Manual for Manufacturers and for Colleges +or Technical Schools; a Translation +of <span class="smcap">Payen’s</span> ‘Précis de Chimie Industrielle.’ +Edited by <span class="smcap">B. H. Paul</span>. With +698 Woodcuts. Medium 8vo. 42<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Payn.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Novels by James Payn.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Luck of the Darrells.</span></i> Crown +8vo. 1<i>s.</i> boards; 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Thicker than Water.</span></i> Crown 8vo. +1<i>s.</i> boards; 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Pears.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Fall of Constantinople</span></i>: +being the Story of the Fourth +Crusade. By <span class="smcap">Edwin Pears</span>, LL.B. +Barrister-at-Law, late President of the +European Bar at Constantinople, and +Knight of the Greek Order of the +Saviour. 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p16"></a>[16]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Perring.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Hard Knots in Shakespeare.</span></i> +By Sir <span class="smcap">Philip Perring</span>, Bart. +8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Piesse.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Art of Perfumery</span></i>, +and the Methods of Obtaining the Odours +of Plants; with Instructions for the +Manufacture of Perfumes, &c. By <span class="smcap">G. +W. S. Piesse</span>, Ph.D. F.C.S. With +96 Woodcuts, square crown 8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Pole.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Theory of the Modern +Scientific Game of Whist.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">W. Pole</span>, F.R.S. Fcp. 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Proctor.</b>-<i><span class="smcap">-Works by R. A. Proctor.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Sun</span></i>; Ruler, Light, Fire, and +Life of the Planetary System. With +Plates and Woodcuts. Crown 8vo. 14<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Orbs Around Us</span></i>; a Series of +Essays on the Moon and Planets, Meteors +and Comets. With Chart and Diagrams, +crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Other Worlds than Ours</span></i>; The +Plurality of Worlds Studied under the +Light of Recent Scientific Researches. +With 14 Illustrations, crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Moon</span></i>; her Motions, Aspects, +Scenery, and Physical Condition. With +Plates, Charts, Woodcuts, and Lunar +Photographs, crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Universe of Stars</span></i>; Presenting +Researches into and New Views respecting +the Constitution of the Heavens. +With 22 Charts and 22 Diagrams, 8vo. +10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Larger Star Atlas</span></i> for the Library, +in 12 Circular Maps, with Introduction +and 2 Index Pages. Folio, 15<i>s.</i> or Maps +only, 12<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">New Star Atlas</span></i> for the Library, +the School, and the Observatory, in 12 +Circular Maps (with 2 Index Plates). +Crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Light Science for Leisure Hours</span></i>; +Familiar Essays on Scientific Subjects, +Natural Phenomena, &c. 3 vols. crown +8vo. 5<i>s.</i> each.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Chance and Luck</span></i>; a Discussion of +the Laws of Luck, Coincidences, Wagers, +Lotteries, and the Fallacies of Gambling +&c. Crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Studies of Venus-Transits</span></i>; an +Investigation of the Circumstances of the +Transits of Venus in 1874 and 1882. +With 7 Diagrams and 10 Plates. 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>The ‘KNOWLEDGE’ LIBRARY.</b> Edited +by <span class="smcap">Richard A. Proctor</span>.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">How to Play Whist: with the +Laws and Etiquette of Whist.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">R. A. Proctor</span>. Crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Home Whist</span></i>: an Easy Guide to +Correct Play. By <span class="smcap">R. A. Proctor</span>. 16mo. 1<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Poetry of Astronomy.</span></i> A +Series of Familiar Essays. By <span class="smcap">R. A. +Proctor</span>. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Nature Studies.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Grant Allen</span>, +<span class="smcap">A. Wilson</span>, <span class="smcap">T. Foster</span>, <span class="smcap">E. Clodd</span>, and +<span class="smcap">R. A. Proctor</span>. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Leisure Readings.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">E. Clodd</span>, +<span class="smcap">A. Wilson</span>, <span class="smcap">T. Foster</span>, <span class="smcap">A. C. Runyard</span>, +and <span class="smcap">R. A. Proctor</span>. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Stars in their Seasons.</span></i> +An Easy Guide to a Knowledge of the +Star Groups, in 12 Large Maps. By <span class="smcap">R. +A. Proctor</span>. Imperial 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Star Primer.</span></i> Showing the Starry +Sky Week by Week, in 24 Hourly Maps. +By <span class="smcap">R. A. Proctor</span>. Crown 4to. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Seasons Pictured in 48 Sun-Views +of the Earth</span></i>, and 24 Zodiacal +Maps, &c. By <span class="smcap">R. A. Proctor</span>. Demy +4to. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Strength and Happiness.</span></i> By +<span class="smcap">R. A. Proctor</span>. Crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Rough Ways Made Smooth.</span></i> Familiar +Essays on Scientific Subjects. By +<span class="smcap">R. A. Proctor</span>. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Our Place Among Infinities.</span></i> A +Series of Essays contrasting our Little +Abode in Space and Time with the Infinities +Around us. By <span class="smcap">R. A. Proctor</span>. +Crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Expanse of Heaven.</span></i> Essays +on the Wonders of the Firmament. By +<span class="smcap">R. A. Proctor</span>. Crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Pleasant Ways in Science.</span></i> By +<span class="smcap">R. A. Proctor</span>. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Myths and Marvels of Astronomy.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">R. A. Proctor</span>. Cr. 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Pryce.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Ancient British +Church</span></i>: an Historical Essay. By <span class="smcap">John +Pryce</span>, M.A. Canon of Bangor. Crown +8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Quain’s Elements of Anatomy.</b> +The Ninth Edition. Re-edited by <span class="smcap">Allen +Thomson</span>, M.D. LL.D. F.R.S.S.L.&E. +<span class="smcap">Edward Albert Schäfer</span>, F.R.S. and +<span class="smcap">George Dancer Thane</span>. With upwards +of 1,000 Illustrations engraved on +Wood, of which many are Coloured. +2 vols. 8vo. 18<i>s.</i> each.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p17"></a>[17]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Quain.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Dictionary of Medicine.</span></i> +By Various Writers. Edited by <span class="smcap">R. +Quain</span>, M.D. F.R.S. &c. With 138 +Woodcuts. Medium 8vo. 31<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth, +or 40<i>s.</i> half-russia; to be had also in +2 vols. 34<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Reader.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Emily E. +Reader.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Ghost of Brankinshaw</span></i> and +other Tales. With 9 Full-page Illustrations. +Fcp. 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth extra, gilt +edges.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Voices from Flower-Land</span></i>, in +Original Couplets. A Birthday-Book and +Language of Flowers. 16mo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> limp +cloth; 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> roan, gilt edges, or in vegetable +vellum, gilt top.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Fairy Prince Follow-my-Lead</span></i>; +or, the <i><span class="smcap">Magic Bracelet</span></i>. Illustrated +by <span class="smcap">Wm. Reader</span>. Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> +gilt edges; or 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> vegetable vellum, +gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Three Giants</span> &c.</i> Royal +16mo. 1<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Model Boy</span> &c.</i> Royal 16mo. +1<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Be Yt Hys who Fynds Yt.</span></i> Royal +16mo. 1<i>s.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Reeve.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Cookery and Housekeeping.</span></i> +By Mrs. <span class="smcap">Henry Reeve</span>. With +8 Coloured Plates and 37 Woodcuts. +Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Rich.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Dictionary of Roman +and Greek Antiquities.</span></i> With 2,000 +Woodcuts. By <span class="smcap">A. Rich</span>, B.A. Cr. 8vo. +7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Richardson.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Benjamin +Ward Richardson</span>, M.D.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Health of Nations</span></i>: a Review +of the Works—Economical, Educational, +Sanitary, and Administrative—of <span class="smcap">Edwin +Chadwick</span>, C.B. With a Biographical +Dissertation by <span class="smcap">Benjamin Ward Richardson</span>, +M.D. F.R.S. 2 vols. 8vo. 28<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Commonhealth</span></i>: a Series of +Essays on Health and Felicity for Every-Day +Readers. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Riley.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Athos, or the Mountain +of the Monks.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Athelstan Riley</span>. +With Map and numerous Illustrations. +8vo.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Rivers.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Thomas +Rivers.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Orchard-House.</span></i> With 25 +Woodcuts. Crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Miniature Fruit Garden</span></i>; +or, the Culture of Pyramidal and Bush +Fruit Trees, with Instructions for Root +Pruning. With 32 Illustrations. Fcp. +8vo. 4<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Robinson.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The New Arcadia</span></i>, +and other Poems. By <span class="smcap">A. Mary F. +Robinson</span>. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Roget.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Thesaurus of English +Words and Phrases</span></i>, Classified and +Arranged so as to facilitate the Expression +of Ideas and assist in Literary Composition. +By <span class="smcap">Peter M. Roget</span>. Crown +8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Ronalds.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Fly-Fisher’s +Entomology.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Alfred Ronalds</span>. +With 20 Coloured Plates. 8vo. 14<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Saintsbury.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Manchester</span></i>: a Short +History. By <span class="smcap">George Saintsbury</span>. With +2 Maps. Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Schäfer.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Essentials of +Histology, Descriptive and Practical.</span></i> +For the use of Students. By <span class="smcap">E. +A. Schäfer</span>, F.R.S. With 281 Illustrations. +8vo. 6<i>s.</i> or Interleaved with +Drawing Paper, 8<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Schellen.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Spectrum Analysis +in its Application to Terrestrial +Substances</span></i>, and the Physical Constitution +of the Heavenly Bodies. By Dr. +<span class="smcap">H. Schellen</span>. Translated by <span class="smcap">Jane</span> and +<span class="smcap">Caroline Lassell</span>. Edited by Capt. +<span class="smcap">W. De W. Abney</span>. With 14 Plates +(including Angström’s and Cornu’s Maps) +and 291 Woodcuts. 8vo. 31<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Seebohm.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Frederic +Seebohm.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Oxford Reformers—John +Colet, Erasmus, and Thomas More</span></i>; +a History of their Fellow-Work. 8vo. 14<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The English Village Community</span></i> +Examined in its Relations to the Manorial +and Tribal Systems, &c. 13 Maps and +Plates. 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Era of the Protestant Revolution.</span></i> +With Map. Fcp. 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Sennett.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Marine Steam +Engine</span></i>; a Treatise for the use of Engineering +Students and Officers of the +Royal Navy. By <span class="smcap">Richard Sennett</span>, +Engineer-in-Chief of the Royal Navy. +With 244 Illustrations. 8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Sewell.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Stories and Tales.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">Elizabeth M. Sewell</span>. Crown 8vo. +1<i>s.</i> each, boards; 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each, cloth plain; +2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each, cloth extra, gilt edges:—</p> + +<p class="book3">Amy Herbert.</p> + +<p class="book3">The Earl’s Daughter.</p> + +<p class="book3">The Experience of Life.</p> + +<p class="book3">A Glimpse of the World.</p> + +<p class="book3">Cleve Hall.</p> + +<p class="book3">Katharine Ashton.</p> + +<p class="book3">Margaret Percival.</p> + +<p class="book3">Laneton Parsonage.</p> + +<p class="book3">Ursula.</p> + +<p class="book3">Gertrude.</p> + +<p class="book3">Ivors.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p18"></a>[18]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Shakespeare.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Bowdler’s Family +Shakespeare.</span></i> Genuine Edition, +in 1 vol. medium 8vo. large type, with +36 Woodcuts, 14<i>s.</i> or in 6 vols. fcp. 8vo. +21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Outlines of the Life of Shakespeare.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">J. O. Halliwell-Phillipps</span>, +F.R.S. 2 vols. Royal 8vo. +10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Shilling Standard Novels.</b></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">By the Earl of Beaconsfield.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book3">Vivian Grey.</p> + +<p class="book3">Venetia.</p> + +<p class="book3">Tancred.</p> + +<p class="book3">Sybil.</p> + +<p class="book3">Coningsby.</p> + +<p class="book3">Alroy, Ixion, &c.</p> + +<p class="book3">The Young Duke, &c.</p> + +<p class="book3">Contarini Fleming, &c.</p> + +<p class="book3">Henrietta Temple.</p> + +<p class="book3">Lothair.</p> + +<p class="book3">Endymion.</p> + +<p class="center">Price 1<i>s.</i> each, boards; 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each, cloth.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">By G. J. Whyte-Melville.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book3">The Gladiators.</p> + +<p class="book3">The Interpreter.</p> + +<p class="book3">Good for Nothing.</p> + +<p class="book3">Queen’s Maries.</p> + +<p class="book3">Holmby House.</p> + +<p class="book3">Kate Coventry.</p> + +<p class="book3">Digby Grand.</p> + +<p class="book3">General Bounce.</p> + +<p class="center">Price 1<i>s.</i> each, boards; 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each, cloth.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">By Elizabeth M. Sewell.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book3">Amy Herbert.</p> + +<p class="book3">Gertrude.</p> + +<p class="book3">Earl’s Daughter.</p> + +<p class="book3">The Experience of Life.</p> + +<p class="book3">Cleve Hall.</p> + +<p class="book3">A Glimpse of the World.</p> + +<p class="book3">Ivors.</p> + +<p class="book3">Katharine Ashton.</p> + +<p class="book3">Margaret Percival.</p> + +<p class="book3">Laneton Parsonage.</p> + +<p class="book3">Ursula.</p> + +<p class="center">Price 1<i>s.</i> each, boards; 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each, cloth,<br> +plain; 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each, cloth extra, gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">By Anthony Trollope.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book3">The Warden.</p> + +<p class="book3">Barchester Towers.</p> + +<p class="center">Price 1<i>s.</i> each, boards; 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each, cloth.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">By Robert Louis Stevenson.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book3">The Dynamiter.</p> + +<p class="book3">Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.</p> + +<p class="center">Price 1<i>s.</i> each, sewed; 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each, cloth.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">By Bret Harte.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book3">In the Carquinez Woods. 1<i>s.</i> boards; 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book3">On the Frontier (Three Stories). 1<i>s.</i> sewed.</p> + +<p class="book3">By Shore and Sedge (Three Stories). 1<i>s.</i> sewed.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">By Mrs. Oliphant.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book3">In Trust.</p> + +<p class="book3">Madam.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">By James Payn.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book3">Thicker than Water.</p> + +<p class="book3">The Luck of the Darrells.</p> + +<p class="center">Price 1<i>s.</i> each, boards; 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each, cloth.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Short.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Sketch of the History +of the Church of England to the +Revolution of 1688.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">T. V. Short</span>, +D.D. Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Smith, H. F.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Handbook for +Midwives.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Henry Fly Smith</span>, +M.B. Oxon. M.R.C.S. late Assistant-Surgeon +at the Hospital for Sick Women, +Soho Square. With 41 Woodcuts. +Crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Smith, R. Bosworth.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Carthage +and the Carthaginians.</span></i> By +<span class="smcap">R. Bosworth Smith</span>, M.A. Maps, +Plans, &c. Crown 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Smith, Rev. Sydney.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Wit +and Wisdom of the Rev. Sydney +Smith.</span></i> Crown 8vo. 1<i>s.</i> boards; 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> +cloth.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Smith, T.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Manual of Operative +Surgery on the Dead Body.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">Thomas Smith</span>, Surgeon to St. +Bartholomew’s Hospital. A New Edition, +re-edited by <span class="smcap">W. J. Walsham</span>. +With 46 Illustrations. 8vo. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Southey.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Poetical Works +of Robert Southey</span></i>, with the Author’s +last Corrections and Additions. Medium +8vo. with Portrait, 14<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Stanley.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Familiar History +of Birds.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">E. Stanley</span>, D.D. +Revised and enlarged, with 160 Woodcuts. +Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Steel.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Treatise on the Diseases +of the Ox</span></i>; being a Manual of +Bovine Pathology specially adapted for +the use of Veterinary Practitioners and +Students. By <span class="smcap">J. H. Steel</span>, M.R.C.V.S.F.Z.S. +With 2 Plates and 116 Woodcuts. +8vo. 15<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Stephen.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Essays in Ecclesiastical +Biography.</span></i> By the Right Hon. +Sir <span class="smcap">J. Stephen</span>, LL.D. Crown 8vo. +7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Stevenson.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Robert +Louis Stevenson.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">A Child’s Garden of Verses.</span></i> +Small fcp. 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Dynamiter.</span></i> Fcp. 8vo. 1<i>s.</i> swd. +1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and +Mr. Hyde.</span></i> Fcp. 8vo. 1<i>s.</i> sewed; 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> +cloth.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p19"></a>[19]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>‘Stonehenge.’</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Dog in +Health and Disease.</span></i> By ‘<span class="smcap">Stonehenge</span>.’ +With 84 Wood Engravings. +Square crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Greyhound.</span></i> By ‘<span class="smcap">Stonehenge</span>.’ +With 25 Portraits of Greyhounds, &c. +Square crown 8vo. 15<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Stoney.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Theory of the +Stresses on Girders and Similar +Structures.</span></i> With Practical Observations +on the Strength and other Properties +of Materials. By <span class="smcap">Bindon B. Stoney</span>, +LL.D. F.R.S. M.I.C.E. With 5 Plates, +and 143 Illustrations in the Text. Royal +8vo. 36<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Sturgis.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Thraldom</span></i>: a Story. By +<span class="smcap">Julian Sturgis</span>. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Sully.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by James Sully.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Outlines of Psychology</span></i>, with +Special Reference to the Theory of Education. +8vo. 12<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Teacher’s Handbook of +Psychology</span></i>, on the Basis of ‘Outlines +of Psychology.’ Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Supernatural Religion</b>; an Inquiry +into the Reality of Divine Revelation. +Complete Edition, thoroughly +revised. 3 vols. 8vo. 36<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Swinburne.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Picture Logic</span></i>; an +Attempt to Popularise the Science of +Reasoning. By <span class="smcap">A. J. Swinburne</span>, B.A. +Post 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Taylor.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Student’s Manual of +the History of India</span></i>, from the Earliest +Period to the Present Time. By Colonel +<span class="smcap">Meadows Taylor</span>, C.S.I. Crown 8vo. +7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Text-Books of Science</b>: a Series +of Elementary Works on Science, +adapted for the use of Students in Public +and Science Schools. Fcp. 8vo. fully +illustrated with Woodcuts. <a href="#ad_p23"><i>See</i> p. 23.</a></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Thompson.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by D. Greenleaf +Thompson.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Problem of Evil</span></i>: an Introduction +to the Practical Sciences. 8vo. +10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">A System of Psychology.</span></i> 2 vols. +8vo. 36<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Thomson’s Conspectus.</b>—Adapted +to the British Pharmacopœia of 1885. +Edited by <span class="smcap">Nestor Tirard</span>, M.D. Lond. +F.R.C.P. New Edition, with an Appendix +containing notices of some of the +more important non-official medicines +and preparations. 18mo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Thomson.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">An Outline of the +Necessary Laws of Thought</span></i>; a +Treatise on Pure and Applied Logic. By +<span class="smcap">W. Thomson</span>, D.D. Archbishop of +York. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Three in Norway.</b> By Two of +<span class="smcap">Them</span>. With a Map and 59 Illustrations +on Wood from Sketches by the +Authors. Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> boards; 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> +cloth.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Todd.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">On Parliamentary Government +in England</span></i>: its Origin, +Development, and Practical Operation. +By <span class="smcap">Alpheus Todd</span>, LL.D. C.M.G. +Librarian of Parliament for the Dominion +of Canada. Second Edition, by his <span class="smcap">Son</span>. +In Two Volumes—<span class="smcap">Vol. I.</span> 8vo. 24<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Trevelyan.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by the Right +Hon. Sir G. O. Trevelyan, Bart.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Life and Letters of Lord +Macaulay.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book3"><span class="smcap">Library Edition</span>, 2 vols. 8vo. 36<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3"><span class="smcap">Cabinet Edition</span>, 2 vols. crown 8vo. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3"><span class="smcap">Popular Edition</span>, 1 vol. crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Early History of Charles +James Fox.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book3">Library Edition, 8vo. 18<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book3">Cabinet Edition, crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Trollope.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Novels by Anthony +Trollope.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Warden.</span></i> Crown 8vo. 1<i>s.</i> +boards; 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Barchester Towers.</span></i> Crown 8vo. +1<i>s.</i> boards; 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Twiss.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Sir Travers +Twiss.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Rights and Duties of Nations</span></i>, +considered as Independent Communities +in Time of War. 8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Rights and Duties of +Nations in Time of Peace.</span></i> 8vo. +15<i>s.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p20"></a>[20]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Tyndall.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by John Tyndall</span>, +F.R.S. &c.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Fragments of Science.</span></i> 2 vols. +crown 8vo. 16<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Heat a Mode of Motion.</span></i> Crown +8vo. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Sound.</span></i> With 204 Woodcuts. +Crown 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Essays on the Floating-Matter +of the Air</span></i> in relation to Putrefaction +and Infection. With 24 Woodcuts. +Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Lectures on Light</span></i>, delivered in +America in 1872 and 1873. With 57 +Diagrams. Crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Lessons in Electricity at the +Royal Institution, 1875-76.</span></i> With +58 Woodcuts. Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Notes of a Course of Seven +Lectures on Electrical Phenomena +and Theories</span></i>, delivered at the +Royal Institution. Crown 8vo. 1<i>s.</i> sewed, +1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Notes of a Course of Nine Lectures +on Light</span></i>, delivered at the Royal +Institution. Crown 8vo. 1<i>s.</i> sewed, 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> +cloth.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Faraday as a Discoverer.</span></i> Fcp. +8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Ville.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">On Artificial Manures</span></i>, +their Chemical Selection and Scientific +Application to Agriculture. By <span class="smcap">Georges +Ville</span>. Translated and edited by <span class="smcap">W. +Crookes</span>, F.R.S. With 31 Plates. +8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Virgil.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Publi Vergili Maronis +Bucolica, Georgica, Æneis</span></i>; the +Works of <span class="smcap">Virgil</span>, Latin Text, with +English Commentary and Index. By +<span class="smcap">B. H. Kennedy</span>, D.D. Crown 8vo. +10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Æneid of Virgil.</span></i> Translated +into English Verse. By <span class="smcap">J. Conington</span>, +M.A. Crown 8vo. 9<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Æneid of Virgil freely +Translated into English Blank +Verse.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">William J. Thornhill</span>, +B.A. Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Poems of Virgil.</span></i> Translated +into English Prose. By <span class="smcap">John Conington</span>, +M.A. Crown 8vo. 9<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Vitzthum.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">St. Petersburg and +London in the Years 1852-1864</span></i>: +Reminiscences of Count <span class="smcap">Charles Frederick +Vitzthum von Eckstoedt</span>, late +Saxon Minister at the Court of St. James’. +Edited, with a Preface, by <span class="smcap">Henry Reeve</span>, +C.B. D.C.L. 2 vols. 8vo. 30<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Walker.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Correct Card</span></i>; +or, How to Play at Whist; a Whist +Catechism. By Major <span class="smcap">A. Campbell-Walker</span>, +F.R.G.S. Fcp. 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Walpole.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">History of England +from the Conclusion of the Great +War in 1815.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Spencer Walpole</span>. +5 vols. 8vo. Vols. I. and II. 1815-1832, +36<i>s.</i>; Vol. III. 1832-1841, 18<i>s.</i>; Vols. IV. +and V. 1841-1858, 36<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Waters.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Parish Registers in +England</span></i>: their History and Contents. +With Suggestions for Securing their better +Custody and Preservation. By <span class="smcap">Robert +E. Chester Waters</span>, B.A. 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Watts.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Dictionary of Chemistry +and the Allied Branches of +other Sciences.</span></i> Edited by <span class="smcap">Henry +Watts</span>, F.R.S. 9 vols. medium 8vo. +£15. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Webb.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Celestial Objects for +Common Telescopes.</span></i> By the Rev. +<span class="smcap">T. W. Webb</span>. Map, Plate, Woodcuts. +Crown 8vo. 9<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Webb.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Veil of Isis</span></i>: a +Series of Essays on Idealism. By <span class="smcap">Thomas +W. Webb</span>, LL.D. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Wellington.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Life of the Duke +of Wellington.</span></i> By the Rev. <span class="smcap">G. R. +Gleig</span>, M.A. Crown 8vo. Portrait. +6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>West.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Charles West</span>, +M.D. &c.</i> Founder of, and formerly +Physician to, the Hospital for Sick +Children.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Lectures on the Diseases of Infancy +and Childhood.</span></i> 8vo. 18<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Mother’s Manual of Children’s +Diseases.</span></i> Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Whately.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">English Synonyms.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">E. Jane Whately</span>. Edited by her +Father, <span class="smcap">R. Whately</span>, D.D. Fcp. 8vo. +3<i>s.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p21"></a>[21]</span></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Whately.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by R. Whately</span>, +D.D.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Elements of Logic.</span></i> Crown 8vo. +4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Elements of Rhetoric.</span></i> Crown +8vo. 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Lessons on Reasoning.</span></i> Fcp. 8vo. +1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Bacon’s Essays</span></i>, with Annotations. +8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>White and Riddle.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Latin-English +Dictionary.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">J. T. White</span>, +D.D. Oxon. and <span class="smcap">J. J. E. Riddle</span>, M.A. +Oxon. Founded on the larger Dictionary +of Freund. Royal 8vo. 21<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>White.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Concise Latin-English +Dictionary</span></i>, for the Use of Advanced +Scholars and University Students. +By the Rev. <span class="smcap">J. T. White</span>, D.D. Royal +8vo. 12<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Wilcocks.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Sea Fisherman.</span></i> +Comprising the Chief Methods of Hook +and Line Fishing in the British and other +Seas, and Remarks on Nets, Boats, and +Boating. By <span class="smcap">J. C. Wilcocks</span>. Profusely +Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Wilkins.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Growth of the +Homeric Poems</span></i>: a Discussion of their +Origin and Authorship. By <span class="smcap">George +Wilkins</span>, M.A., late Scholar, Trinity +College, Dublin. 8vo. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Wilkinson.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Friendly Society +Movement</span></i>: Its Origin, Rise, and +Growth; its Social, Moral, and Educational +Influences.—<i><span class="smcap">The Affiliated Orders.</span></i>—By +the Rev. <span class="smcap">John Frome Wilkinson</span>, +M.A. Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Williams.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Manual of Telegraphy.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">W. Williams</span>, Superintendent +of Indian Government Telegraphs. +Illustrated by 93 Wood Engravings. 8vo. +10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Willich.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Popular Tables</span></i> for +giving Information for ascertaining the +value of Lifehold, Leasehold, and Church +Property, the Public Funds, &c. By +<span class="smcap">Charles M. Willich</span>. Edited by +<span class="smcap">H. Bence Jones</span>. Crown 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Wilson.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">A Manual of Health-Science.</span></i> +Adapted for Use in Schools +and Colleges, and suited to the Requirements +of Students preparing for the Examinations +in Hygiene of the Science +and Art Department, &c. By <span class="smcap">Andrew +Wilson</span>, F.R.S.E. F.L.S. &c. With +74 Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Witt.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Prof. Witt.</span></i> +Translated from the German by <span class="smcap">Frances +Younghusband</span>.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Trojan War.</span></i> With a Preface +by the Rev. <span class="smcap">W. G. Rutherford</span>, M.A. +Head-Master of Westminster School. +Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Myths of Hellas</span></i>; or, Greek Tales. +Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Wanderings of Ulysses.</span></i> +Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Wood.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Rev. J. G. +Wood.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Homes Without Hands</span></i>; a Description +of the Habitations of Animals, +classed according to the Principle of Construction. +With 140 Illustrations. 8vo. +10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Insects at Home</span></i>; a Popular +Account of British Insects, their Structure, +Habits, and Transformations. With +700 Illustrations. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Insects Abroad</span></i>; a Popular Account +of Foreign Insects, their Structure, +Habits, and Transformations. With +600 Illustrations. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Bible Animals</span></i>; a Description of +every Living Creature mentioned in the +Scriptures. With 112 Illustrations. 8vo. +10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Strange Dwellings</span></i>; a Description +of the Habitations of Animals, abridged +from ‘Homes without Hands.’ With +60 Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 5<i>s.</i> Popular +Edition, 4to. 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Horse and Man</span></i>: their Mutual +Dependence and Duties. With 49 Illustrations. +8vo. 14<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Illustrated Stable Maxims.</span></i> To +be hung in Stables for the use of Grooms, +Stablemen, and others who are in charge +of Horses. On Sheet, 4<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Out of Doors</span></i>; a Selection of +Original Articles on Practical Natural +History. With 11 Illustrations. Crown +8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Common British Insects: Beetles, +Moths, and Butterflies.</span></i> With 130 +Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Petland Revisited.</span></i> With 33 +Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p22"></a>[22]</span></p> + +<p class="book1">The following books are extracted from other +works by the Rev. <span class="smcap">J. G. Wood</span> (<a href="#ad_p21"><i>see</i> p. 21</a>):</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Branch Builders.</span></i> Fully +Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth +extra, gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Wild Animals of the Bible.</span></i> +Fully Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> +cloth extra, gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Domestic Animals of the Bible.</span></i> +Fully Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> +cloth extra, gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Birds of the Bible.</span></i> Fully Illustrated. +Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth +extra, gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Wonderful Nests.</span></i> Fully Illustrated. +Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth extra, gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Homes Underground.</span></i> Fully Illustrated. +Crown 8vo. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth extra, +gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Wood-Martin.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Lake +Dwellings of Ireland</span></i>: or Ancient +Lacustrine Habitations of Erin, commonly +called Crannogs. By <span class="smcap">W. G. Wood-Martin</span>, +M.R.I.A. Lieut.-Colonel 8th +Brigade North Irish Division, R.A. +With 50 Plates. Royal 8vo. 25<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Wright.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Hip Disease in Childhood</span></i>, +with Special Reference to its Treatment +by Excision. By <span class="smcap">G. A. Wright</span>, +B.A. M.B.Oxon. F.R.C.S. Eng. With +48 Original Woodcuts. 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Wylie.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">History of England +under Henry the Fourth.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">James +Hamilton Wylie</span>, M.A. one of Her +Majesty’s Inspectors of Schools. (2 vols.) +Vol. 1, crown 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Wylie.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Labour, Leisure, and +Luxury</span></i>; a Contribution to Present +Practical Political Economy. By +<span class="smcap">Alexander Wylie</span>, of Glasgow. Crown +8vo. 1<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Youatt.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by William +Youatt.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Horse.</span></i> Revised and enlarged +by <span class="smcap">W. Watson</span>, M.R.C.V.S. 8vo. +Woodcuts, 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Dog.</span></i> Revised and enlarged. +8vo. Woodcuts. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Younghusband.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">The Story of +Our Lord, told in Simple Language +for Children.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Frances Younghusband</span>. +With 25 Illustrations on Wood +from Pictures by the Old Masters, and +numerous Ornamental Borders, Initial +Letters, &c. from Longmans’ Illustrated +New Testament. Crown 8vo. 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth +plain; 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> cloth extra, gilt edges.</p> + +<p class="book1"><b>Zeller.</b>—<i><span class="smcap">Works by Dr. E. +Zeller.</span></i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">History of Eclecticism in Greek +Philosophy.</span></i> Translated by <span class="smcap">Sarah +F. Alleyne</span>. Crown 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Stoics, Epicureans, and +Sceptics.</span></i> Translated by the Rev. <span class="smcap">O. J. +Reichel</span>, M.A. Crown 8vo. 15<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Socrates and the Socratic +Schools.</span></i> Translated by the Rev. <span class="smcap">O. J. +Reichel</span>, M.A. Crown 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Plato and the Older Academy.</span></i> +Translated by <span class="smcap">Sarah F. Alleyne</span> and +<span class="smcap">Alfred Goodwin</span>, B.A. Crown 8vo. +18<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Pre-Socratic Schools</span></i>; a History +of Greek Philosophy from the Earliest +Period to the time of Socrates. Translated +by <span class="smcap">Sarah F. Alleyne</span>. 2 vols. +crown 8vo. 30<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Outlines of the History of +Greek Philosophy.</span></i> Translated by +<span class="smcap">Sarah F. Alleyne</span> and <span class="smcap">Evelyn +Abbott</span>. Crown 8vo. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p23"></a>[23]</span></p> + +<h3>TEXT-BOOKS OF SCIENCE.</h3> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Photography.</span></i> By Captain <span class="smcap">W. De Wiveleslie +Abney</span>, F.R.S. late Instructor in Chemistry +and Photography at the School of Military +Engineering, Chatham. With 105 Woodcuts. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">On the Strength of Materials and +Structures</span></i>: the Strength of Materials as depending +on their quality and as ascertained by Testing +Apparatus; the Strength of Structures, as depending +on their form and arrangement, and on the +materials of which they are composed. By Sir <span class="smcap">J. +Anderson</span>, C.E. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Introduction to the Study of Organic +Chemistry</span></i>; the Chemistry of Carbon and its Compounds. +By <span class="smcap">Henry E. Armstrong</span>, Ph.D. +F.C.S. With 8 Woodcuts. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Elements of Astronomy.</span></i> By Sir <span class="smcap">R. S. +Ball</span>, LL.D. F.R.S. Andrews Professor of Astronomy +in the Univ. of Dublin, Royal Astronomer +of Ireland. With 136 Woodcuts. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Railway Appliances.</span></i> A Description of +Details of Railway Construction subsequent to the +completion of Earthworks and Masonry, including +a short Notice of Railway Rolling Stock. By <span class="smcap">J. +W. Barry</span>. With 207 Woodcuts. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Systematic Mineralogy.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Hilary +Bauerman</span>, F.G.S. Associate of the Royal School +of Mines. With 373 Woodcuts. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Descriptive Mineralogy.</span></i> By the same +Author. With 236 Woodcuts. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Metals, their Properties and Treatment.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">C. L. Bloxam</span> and <span class="smcap">A. K. Huntington</span>, +Professors in King’s College, London. With +130 Woodcuts. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Practical Physics.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">R. T. Glazebrook</span>, +M.A. F.R.S. and <span class="smcap">W. N. Shaw</span>, M.A. +With 62 Woodcuts. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Physical Optics.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">R. T. Glazebrook</span>, +M.A. F.R.S. Fellow and Lecturer of Trin. Coll. +Demonstrator of Physics at the Cavendish Laboratory, +Cambridge. With 183 Woodcuts. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Art of Electro-Metallurgy</span></i>, including +all known Processes of Electro-Deposition. +By <span class="smcap">G. Gore</span>, LL.D. F.R.S. With 56 Woodcuts. +6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Algebra and Trigonometry.</span></i> By the Rev. +<span class="smcap">William Nathaniel Griffin</span>, B.D. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Notes on the Elements of Algebra +and Trigonometry.</span></i> With Solutions of the more +difficult Questions. By the Rev. <span class="smcap">W. N. Griffin</span>, +B.D. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Steam Engine.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">George C. V. +Holmes</span>, Whitworth Scholar; Secretary of the +Institution of Naval Architects. With 212 Woodcuts. +6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Electricity and Magnetism.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Fleeming +Jenkin</span>, F.R.SS. L. & E. late Professor of +Engineering in the University of Edinburgh. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Theory of Heat.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">J. Clerk Maxwell</span>, +M.A. LL.D. Edin. F.R.SS. L. & E. With 41 +Woodcuts. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Technical Arithmetic and Mensuration.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">Charles W. Merrifield</span>, F.R.S. +3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Key to Merrifield’s Text-Book of +Technical Arithmetic and Mensuration.</span></i> By the +Rev. <span class="smcap">John Hunter</span>, M.A. formerly Vice-Principal +of the National Society’s Training College, +Battersea. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Introduction to the Study of Inorganic +Chemistry.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">William Allen Miller</span>, +M.D. LL.D. F.R.S. With 71 Woodcuts. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Telegraphy.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">W. H. Preece</span>, C.E. +and <span class="smcap">J. Sivewright</span>, M.A. With 160 Woodcuts. +5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Study of Rocks</span></i>, an Elementary +Text-Book of Petrology. By <span class="smcap">Frank Rutley</span>, +F.G.S. of Her Majesty’s Geological Survey. With +6 Plates and 88 Woodcuts. 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Workshop Appliances</span></i>, including Descriptions +of some of the Gauging and Measuring Instruments—Hand +Cutting Tools, Lathes, Drilling, +Planing, and other Machine Tools used by Engineers. +By <span class="smcap">C. P. B. Shelley</span>, M.I.C.E. With +292 Woodcuts. 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Structural and Physiological Botany.</span></i> +By Dr. <span class="smcap">Otto Wilhelm Thomé</span>, Professor of +Botany, School of Science and Art, Cologne. +Translated by <span class="smcap">A. W. Bennett</span>, M.A. B.Sc. +F.L.S. With 600 Woodcuts. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Quantitative Chemical Analysis.</span></i> By +<span class="smcap">T. E. Thorpe</span>, F.R.S.E. Ph.D. Professor of +Chemistry in the Andersonian University, Glasgow. +With 88 Woodcuts. 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Manual of Qualitative Analysis and +Laboratory Practice.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">T. E. Thorpe</span>, Ph.D. +F.R.S.E. Professor of Chemistry in the Andersonian +University, Glasgow; and <span class="smcap">M. M. Pattison +Muir</span>. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Introduction to the Study of Chemical +Philosophy</span></i>; the Principles of Theoretical +and Systematical Chemistry. By <span class="smcap">William A. +Tilden</span>, B.Sc. London, F.C.S. With 5 Woodcuts. +3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> With Answers to Problems, 4<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Elements of Machine Design</span></i>; an Introduction +to the Principles which determine the +Arrangement and Proportion of the Parts of +Machines, and a Collection of Rules for Machine +Designs. By <span class="smcap">W. Cawthorne Unwin</span>, B.Sc. +Assoc. Inst. C.E. With 325 Woodcuts. 6<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Plane and Solid Geometry.</span></i> By the Rev. +<span class="smcap">H. W. Watson</span>, formerly Fellow of Trinity +College, Cambridge. 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="ad_p24"></a>[24]</span></p> + +<h3>EPOCHS OF ANCIENT HISTORY.</h3> + +<p class="center">Edited by the Rev. Sir <span class="smcap">G. W. Cox</span>, Bart. M.A. and by <span class="smcap">C. Sankey</span>, M.A. 10 Volumes, +fcp. 8vo. with numerous Maps, Plans, and Tables, price 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each volume.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Gracchi, Marius, and Sulla.</span></i> By +<span class="smcap">A. H. Beesly</span>, M.A.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Early Roman Empire.</span></i> From the +Assassination of Julius Cæsar to the Assassination +of Domitian. By the Rev. <span class="smcap">W. Wolfe Capes</span>, M.A.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Roman Empire of the Second Century, +or the Age of the Antonines.</span></i> By the Rev. +<span class="smcap">W. Wolfe Capes</span>, M.A.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Athenian Empire.</span></i> From the Flight +of Xerxes to the Fall of Athens. By the Rev. +Sir <span class="smcap">G. W. Cox</span>, Bart. M.A.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Greeks and the Persians.</span></i> By the +Rev. Sir <span class="smcap">G. W. Cox</span>, Bart. M.A.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Rise of the Macedonian Empire.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">Arthur M. Curteis</span>, M.A.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Rome to its Capture by the Gauls.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">Wilhelm Ihne</span>.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Roman Triumvirates.</span></i> By the Very +Rev. <span class="smcap">Charles Merivale</span>, D.D.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Spartan and Theban Supremacies.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">Charles Sankey</span>, M.A.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Rome and Carthage, the Punic Wars.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">R. Bosworth Smith</span>, M.A.</p> + +<h3>EPOCHS OF MODERN HISTORY.</h3> + +<p class="center">Edited by <span class="smcap">C. Colbeck</span>, M.A. 18 vols. fcp. 8vo. with Maps, price 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each volume.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Normans in Europe.</span></i> By Rev. <span class="smcap">A. +H. Johnson</span>, M.A.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Crusades.</span></i> By the Rev. Sir <span class="smcap">G. W. +Cox</span>, Bart. M.A.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Beginning of the Middle Ages.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">R. W. Church</span>, D.D. Dean of St. Paul’s.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Early Plantagenets.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">W. +Stubbs</span>, D.D. Bishop of Chester.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Edward the Third.</span></i> By the Rev. <span class="smcap">W. +Warburton</span>, M.A.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Houses of Lancaster and York.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">James Gairdner</span>.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Early Tudors.</span></i> By the Rev. <span class="smcap">C. E. +Moberly</span>, M.A.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Era of the Protestant Revolution.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">F. Seebohm</span>.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The First Two Stuarts and the Puritan +Revolution, 1603-1660.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">Samuel Rawson +Gardiner</span>.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Age of Elizabeth.</span></i> By the Rev. <span class="smcap">M. +Creighton</span>, M.A. LL.D.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Fall of the Stuarts; and Western +Europe from 1678 to 1697.</span></i> By the Rev. <span class="smcap">Edward +Hale</span>, M.A.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Age of Anne.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">E. E. Morris</span>, +M.A.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Thirty Years’ War, 1618-1648.</span></i> By +<span class="smcap">Samuel Rawson Gardiner</span>.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Early Hanoverians.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">E. E. +Morris</span>, M.A.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Frederick the Great and the Seven +Years’ War.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">F. W. Longman</span>.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The War of American Independence, +1775-1783.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">J. M. Ludlow</span>.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The French Revolution, 1789-1795.</span></i> By +Mrs. <span class="smcap">S. R. Gardiner</span>.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Epoch of Reform, 1830-1850.</span></i> By +<span class="smcap">Justin M’Carthy</span>, M.P.</p> + +<h3>EPOCHS OF ENGLISH HISTORY.</h3> + +<p class="center">Edited by the Rev. <span class="smcap">Mandell Creighton</span>, M.A.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Early England to the Norman Conquest.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">F. York Powell</span>, M.A. 1<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">England a Continental Power, 1066-1216.</span></i> +By Mrs. <span class="smcap">Mandell Creighton</span>. 9<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Rise of the People and the Growth of +Parliament, 1215-1485.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">James Rowley</span>, +M.A. 9<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Tudors and the Reformation, 1485-1603.</span></i> +By the Rev. <span class="smcap">Mandell Creighton</span>. 9<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Struggle against Absolute Monarchy, +1603-1688.</span></i> By Mrs. <span class="smcap">S. R. Gardiner</span>. 9<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Settlement of the Constitution, +from 1689 to 1784.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">James Rowley</span>, M.A. 9<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">England during the American and +European Wars, from 1765 to 1820.</span></i> By the +Rev. <span class="smcap">O. W. Tancock</span>, M.A. 9<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">Modern England from 1820 to 1874.</span></i> +By <span class="smcap">Oscar Browning</span>, M.A. 9<i>d.</i></p> + +<p class="center">⁂ Complete in One Volume, with 27 Tables and Pedigrees,<br>and 23 Maps. Fcp. 8vo. 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Shilling History of England</span>; being an Introductory Volume to the Series of +‘Epochs of English History.’</i> By the Rev. <span class="smcap">Mandell Creighton</span>, M.A. Fcp. 8vo. 1<i>s.</i></p> + +<h3>EPOCHS OF CHURCH HISTORY.</h3> + +<p class="center">Edited by the Rev. <span class="smcap">Mandell Creighton</span>, M.A. Fcp. 8vo. price 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> each volume.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The English Church in other Lands</span>; +or, the Spiritual Expansion of England.</i> By +Rev. <span class="smcap">W. H. Tucker</span>, M.A.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The History of the Reformation in +England.</span></i> By <span class="smcap">George G. Perry</span>, M.A.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Church of the Early Fathers.</span></i> External +History. By <span class="smcap">Alfred Plummer</span>, M.A. D.D.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Evangelical Revival in the +Eighteenth Century.</span></i> By the Rev. <span class="smcap">John Henry +Overton</span>, M.A.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The History of the University of +Oxford.</span></i> By the Hon. <span class="smcap">G. C. Brodrick</span>, D.C.L.</p> + +<p class="book2"><i><span class="smcap">The Church and the Roman Empire.</span></i> +By the Rev. <span class="smcap">Arthur Carr</span>, M.A.</p> + +<p class="center">⁂ <i>Other Volumes in preparation.</i></p> + +<p class="titlepage"><i>Spottiswoode & Co. Printers, New-street Square, London.</i></p> + +</div> + +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75668 ***</div> +</body> +</html> + diff --git a/75668-h/images/cover.jpg b/75668-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a84727c --- /dev/null +++ b/75668-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/75668-h/images/illus1.jpg b/75668-h/images/illus1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..b54fbc9 --- /dev/null +++ b/75668-h/images/illus1.jpg diff --git a/75668-h/images/illus2.jpg b/75668-h/images/illus2.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..24a947f --- /dev/null +++ b/75668-h/images/illus2.jpg diff --git a/75668-h/images/illus3.jpg b/75668-h/images/illus3.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2aeceab --- /dev/null +++ b/75668-h/images/illus3.jpg diff --git a/75668-h/images/illus4.jpg b/75668-h/images/illus4.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..9fa97c7 --- /dev/null +++ b/75668-h/images/illus4.jpg diff --git a/75668-h/images/illus5.jpg b/75668-h/images/illus5.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..0af623b --- /dev/null +++ b/75668-h/images/illus5.jpg diff --git a/75668-h/images/seal.jpg b/75668-h/images/seal.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..48a0e95 --- /dev/null +++ b/75668-h/images/seal.jpg diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b5dba15 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This book, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this book outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..738d098 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +book #75668 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/75668) |
