Letter from Sir Charles Stewart, Chatilion, to Lord Burghersh, 11 March 1814 (pp.65-68) ‘My dear Burghersh Caulaincourt asked for an interview and conference to day which saved us any direct proceeding. He has given us our in our sitting a Tableau Historique de l’Europe, a great deal of crimination, invective against Austria and England particularly pointing out their aggrandisement etc. etc. in short a most bitter paper. We asked for an acceptance or refusal of our project. He begged us to consider his observations as preparatory to modifications. We rejected the possibility and said the Conference must end according to our instructions. He then produced a declaration which he begged to add to our proceedings verbally viz. that the Emperor of the French would renounce his titles, acknowledge the independence of Germany, Holland under the Prince of Orange, Spain under Ferdinand, Switzerland under ancient constitution and that if it would tend to make peace more durable, France would even cede some of her colonies. The whole of this is so wide from our mark that unless we are devilish Timid indeed I conclude we shall receive orders to break off. However there is no knowing any thing in these strange times. If Blucher could gain a victory Bonaparte would yield to what we desire. I don’t think he seems as if he would else and this proceeding is evidently for delay. It may be with manouvring and I think will hold out 6 or 8 days longer and much may happen before then. Keep this all to yourself you know it’s sacred. Lady Burghersh has given me a letter for you early in the evening which I enclose, she told me you did not get any Grog ? I send you therefore some good wine and what I have in the larder to day. I send you also Cobbet which may amuse you. You will know when we are likely to move at least 12 hours before in order that you may send your Ideas to Lady Burghersh I conclude we must retire to Chaumont or Langres. Ever yours most sincerely Charles Stewart’ – From: Londonderry Estates – Additional Records Acc: 1193(D)