CHAPTER XXXI

Vigorous foreign policy of Richelieu--The recovery of the Valtellina--His projected blow at the Spanish power in Northern Italy frustrated by a fresh Huguenot insurrection--Bassompierre sent to Brittany--Marriage of Charles I and Henrietta Maria--Bassompierre offered the command of a new army which is to be despatched to Italy--He demands 7,000 men from the Army of Champagne--The Duc d’Angoulême and Louis de Marillac, the generals commanding that army, have recourse to the bogey of a German invasion in order to retain these troops--Bassompierre declines the appointment--Conversation between Bassompierre and the Spanish Ambassador Mirabello on the subject of peace between France and Spain--The marshal is empowered to treat for peace with Mirabello--Singular conduct of the Ambassador--News arrives from Madrid that Philip IV has revoked the powers given to Mirabello--Bassompierre is sent as Ambassador Extraordinary to the Swiss Cantons to counteract the intrigues of the house of Austria and the Papacy--His reception in Switzerland--Lavish hospitality which he dispenses--Complete success of his negotiations.....pp. 411-425