It could not be otherwise than galling to the pride and offensive to the patriotism of the Prince, to find great public transactions entrusted to such hands.

Thomas de Armenteros was a mere private secretary--a simple clerk.

He had no right to have cognizance of important affairs, which could only come before his Majesty's sworn advisers.

He was moreover an infamous peculator.

He was rolling up a fortune with great rapidity by his shameless traffic in benefices, charges, offices, whether of church or state.