“The King requested I should be sent for.  I came.  As may be imagined, I was received with the warmest sentiments of affection by both Their Majesties.  I then laid before the King the letter of Mr. Sheridan, which was, in substance, as follows: 

“’Madame,

“’A work of mine, which I did not choose should be printed, was published in Dublin and transmitted to be sold in London.  As soon as I was informed of it, and had procured a spurious copy, I went to the bookseller to put a stop to its circulation.  I there met with a copy of the work of Madame de Lamotte, which has been corrected by some one at Paris and sent back to the bookseller for a second edition.  Though not in time to suppress the first edition, owing to its rapid circulation, I have had interest enough, through the means of the bookseller of whom I speak, to remit you the copy which has been sent as the basis of a new one.  The corrections, I am told, are by one of the King’s Ministers.  If true, I should imagine the writer will be easily traced.

“’I am happy that it has been in my power to make this discovery, and I hope it will be the means of putting a stop to this most scandalous publication.  I feel myself honoured in having contributed thus far to the wishes of Her Majesty, which I hope I have fulfilled to the entire satisfaction of Your Highness.

“’Should anything further transpire on this subject, I will give you the earliest information.

“‘I remain, madame, with profound respect, Your Highness’ most devoted,

“’very humble servant,

“‘Richard BRINSLEY Sheridan.’

[Madame Campan mentions in her work that the Queen had informed her of the treachery of the Minister, but did not enter into particulars, nor explain the mode or source of its detection.  Notwithstanding the parties had bound themselves for the sums they received not to reprint the work, a second edition appeared a short time afterwards in London.  This, which was again bought up by the French Ambassador, was the same which was to have been burned by the King’s command at the china manufactory at Sevres.]

“M. de Calonne immediately received the King’s mandate to resign the portfolio.  The Minister desired that he might be allowed to give his resignation to the King himself.  His request was granted.  The Queen was present at the interview.  The work in question was produced.  On beholding it, the Minister nearly fainted.  The King got up and left the room.  The Queen, who remained, told M. de Calonne that His Majesty had no further occasion for his services.  He fell on his knees.  He was not allowed to speak, but was desired to leave Paris.

“The dismissal and disgrace of M. de Calonne were scarcely known before all Paris vociferated that they were owing to the intrigues of the favourite De Polignac, in consequence of his having refused to administer to her own superfluous extravagance and the Queen’s repeated demands on the Treasury to satisfy the numerous dependants of the Duchess.