The King was gone to Chantilly, and from thence he was to proceed to Compeigne.  Chavigny, who was to follow him, but had not yet fixed the time of his departure, told Grotius he would speak to Cardinal Richelieu to know whether the conferences in relation to the truce were to begin before he went to Chantilly, or after his return, and would signify to him the Cardinal’s intentions.  Grotius answered, that he would bring Schmalz with him, because he knew the sentiments of the Swedish Ministry, and that he might make an exact report of what passed at his return to that kingdom.  Schmalz was present at this conversation:  he was Secretary of the High Chancellor and his confident:  Grotius till now had numbered him among his friends.

April 30, Chavigny sent to acquaint Grotius that if he pleased they would hold a conference the next day.  They accordingly met on the first of May[337], 1638, at Chavigny’s house.  Grotius asked that Minister what conditions of truce the King would have.  Chavigny answered, that the conditions were not yet agreed upon; that a truce had only been barely proposed, and that his Majesty, as a good friend and faithful ally, was willing the Queen of Sweden should be informed of it; that the custom in truces was, that each one should keep the countries of which he had possession; that it was proper the Princes who had been driven from their estates should receive a decent pension during the truce, to be paid by those who enjoyed their country; that it was the King’s opinion they ought not to be too hasty, but wait with patience for the proposals of the mediators.  Grotius said, if the King would signify on what conditions he would agree to the truce, it would be highly agreeable to the Swedish Ministry.  Chavigny assured him that he had no instructions on that head; but if he would acquaint him with the intentions of the Swedes, he would lay them before the Cardinal.  They entered on the business.  In the claims of the Swedes there were two articles which met with much difficulty:  they took it for granted that France should continue the same subsidies whilst the truce lasted, and wanted not only to keep that part of Pomerania which they had already, but that the other should also be ceded to them.  These proposals were put in writing.  Chavigny promised to send them to the Cardinal, and to give a speedy answer.  May 18[338], Chavigny went to Grotius’s house, who immediately sent for Schmalz:  the matter under consideration was the amount of the subsidies:  Chavigny said the Swedes asked too much for a time of truce; that the King could only give three hundred thousand florins a year whilst it lasted.  Grotius maintained that the sum was too small in proportion to the expence which the Swedes were obliged to be at; and that in one word he could consent to no diminution of the subsidies.  Pomerania was next brought on the carpet.  Chavigny pretended that the King neither ought, nor could with decency propose to the enemy to yield to Sweden what