Copy of a Letter written by Cardinal Richelieu to the French Ambassador at Rome.

First read the letter across, then double it in the middle, and read the first column.

Sir.—Mons. Compigne, a Savoyard by birth, a Friar of the order of Saint Benedict,

is the man who will present to youas his passport to your protection,

this letter. He is one of the mostdiscreet, the wisest and the least

meddling persons that I have ever knownor have had the pleasure to converse with.

He has long earnestly solicited meto write to you in his favor, and

to give him a suitable character,together with a letter of credence;

which I have accordingly granted tohis real merit, rather I must say, than to

his importunity; for, believe me, Sir,his modesty is only exceeded by his worth,

I should be sorry that you should bewanting in serving him on account of being

misinformed of his real character;I should be afflicted if you were

as some other gentlemen have been,misled on that score, who now esteem him,

and those among the best of my friends;wherefore, and from no other motive

I think it my duty to advertise youthat you are most particularly desired,

to have especial attention to all he does,to show him all the respect imaginable,

nor venture to say any thing before him,that may either offend or displease him

in any sort; for I may truly say, there isno man I love so much as M. Compigne,

none whom I should more regret to seeneglected, as no one can be more worthy to be

received and trusted in decent society.Base, therefore, would it be to injure him.

And I well know, that as soon as youare made sensible of his virtues, and

shall become acquainted with himyou will love him as I do; and then

you will thank me for this my advice.The assurance I entertain of your

Courtesy obliges me to desist fromurging this matter to you further, or

saying any thing more on this subject.Believe me, Sir, &c., RICHELIEU.