Cabarrús, O’Farrill and Arribas: three Ministers of King José under the look of the Count of La Forest, Ambassador of France

Abstract

The examination of hundreds of reports sent to Paris by the French ambassador to Madrid between 1808 and 1813 shows the variety of opinions and feelings inspired by Joseph’s ministers, a variety ranging from mistrust to contempt and aversion, and also his conviction that the latter used the king to oppose the Emperor’s views and orders. The present observer can be sure that these agents of the sovereign, particularly Cabarrus, Azanza and O’Farrill, were patriots in their own way, who advocated moderate measures and mercy rather than the brute repression used by imperial high command, so that peace could be restored.