This nobleman commanded a regiment in the service of the states-general, and was Governor of Gravelines.

On promise of forgiveness for all past disloyalty, of being continued in the same military posts under Philip which he then held for the patriots, and of a "merced" large enough to satisfy his most avaricious dreams, he went over to the royal government.

The negotiation was conducted by Alonzo Curiel, financial agent of the King, and was not very nicely handled.

The paymaster, looking at the affair purely as a money transaction--which in truth it was--had been disposed to drive rather too hard a bargain.

He offered only fifty thousand crowns for La Motte and his friend Baron Montigny, and assured his government that those gentlemen, with the soldiers under their command, were very dear at the price.