Note A — LXXIV. To a Visitation Superior.

The death of the Baron de Chantal is related by a contemporary historian in the following terms: "Chantal was chosen to head the first squadron of Volunteers, which at this time comprised the whole flower of the Court, and finding himself under orders to defend the Isle of Ré against the English on July, 22nd, 1627, held his post with such tenacious courage during six hours, although he had received twenty-six pike wounds, of which he died two hours later, that the heroism of his death was the subject of universal praise, and all mourned him as his valour merited. He was thirty-one years of age. The end of this gallant gentleman was as Christian as it was self-sacrificing. On the morning of the combat he prepared himself by the reception of the Sacraments, and breathed his last in sentiments of the most sincere piety. The following day Toitas claimed his body from the English General, and it was then embalmed and buried in the Isle of Ré, his heart having been sent to his sorrowing widow, who had it buried with honour in the church of the Minims in Paris, from whence it was afterwards removed to the Church of the Visitation Monastery, Rue St. Antoine."