Nevertheless the people stuck to their Myth; so that
Dryasdust (in punishment for his sinful blindness to
the human and divine significance of facts) was driven
to investigate the business; and did at last victoriously
bring it home to the small occurrence now called
Skirmish of Baumgarten, which had nearly become so
great in the History of the World, -- to the following
effect.
Dryasdust (in punishment for his sinful blindness to
the human and divine significance of facts) was driven
to investigate the business; and did at last victoriously
bring it home to the small occurrence now called
Skirmish of Baumgarten, which had nearly become so
great in the History of the World, -- to the following
effect.
Thomas Carlyle
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hathitrust.
org/access_use#pd-google
? bOOKViu. ] PHENOMENA IN PETERSBURG. 271
Jan. 1741.
"grown cold. A chief point in their Manifesto was the assas-
sination of this Sinclair; scandal and atrocity, of which
"there is no doubt now the Russians were guilty. Various
"pretexts for the War: -- prime movers to it, practically,
"were the French, intent on keeping Russia employed while
"their Belleisle German adventure went on, and who had
"even bargained with third-parties to get up a War there, as
"we shall see.
"September 3d, 1741. At Wilmanstrand, -- key of Wy-
"borg, their frontier stronghold in Finland, which was under
"Siege, -- the Swedes (about 5,000 of them, for they had no-
"thing to live upon, and lay scattered about in fractions) made
"fight, or skirmish, against a Russian attacking party:
"Swedes, rather victorious on their hill-top, rushed down;
"and totally lost their bit of victory, their Wilmanstrand,
"their Wyborg, and even the War itself; -- for this was, in
"literal truth, the only fighting done by them in the entire
"course of it, which lasted near two years more. The rest of
"it was retreat, capitulation, loss on loss without stroke
"struck; till they had lost all Finland, and were like to lose
"Sweden itself, -- Dalecarlian mutiny bursting out ('Ye
"traitors, misgovernors, worthy of death! '), with invasive
"Danes to rear of it; -- and had to call in the very Russians
"to save them from worse. Czarina Elizabeth at the time of
"her accession, six months after Wilmanstrand, had made
"truce, was eager to make peace: 'By no means! ' answered
"Sweden, taking arms again, or rather taking legs again;
"and rushing ruin-ward, at the old rate, still without stroke.
"June 28th, 1743. They did halt; made Peace of Abo
"(Truce and Preliminaries signed there, that day: Peace
"itself, August 17th); Czarina magnanimously restoring most
"of their Finland (thinking to herself, 'Not done enough for
"me yet; cook it a little yet! '); -- and settling who their
"next King was to be, among other friendly things. And in
"November following, Keith, in his Russian galleys, with
"some 10,000 Russians on board, arrived in Stockholm; pro-
tective against Danes and mutinous Dalecarles; staid there
"till June of next year 1744," * Is not this a War I
* Adelung, ii. 445. Mannstein, pp. 297 (Wilmanstrand Affair, himself
present) -- 365 (Peace) -- 373 (Keith's return with his galleys). Comte de
Hordt (present also', on the Swedish side, and subsequently a Soldier of
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? 272
[book xn.
FIRST SILESIAN WAR.
Jan. 1741.
On the Russian side, General Keith, under Field-
marshal Lacy as chief in command (the same Keith
whom we saw at Oczakow under Munnich, some time
ago), had a great deal of the work and management;
which was of a highly miscellaneous kind, commanding
fleets of gunboats, and much else; and readers of Mann-
stein can still judge, -- much more could King Fried-
rich, earnestly watching the affair itself as it went on,
-- whether Keith did not do it in a solid and quietly
eminent and valiant manner. Sagacious, skilful, im-
perturbable, without fear and without noise; a man
quietly ever ready. He had quelled, once, walking
direct into the heart of it, a ferocious Russian mutiny,
or uproar from below, which would have rained every-
thing in few minutes more. * He suffered, with ex-
cellent silence, now and afterwards, much ill usage
from above withal; -- till Friedrich himself, in the
third year hence, was lucky enough to get him as
General. Friedrich's Sister Ulrique, the marriage of
Princess Ulrique, -- that also, as it chanced, had
something to do with this Peace of Abo. But we anti-
cipate too far.
Friedrich's), Memoires (Berlin, 1789), i. 18-88. The murder of Sinclair
(done by '' four Russian subalterns, two miles from Naumburg in Silesia,
17th June 1739, about 7 p. m. ") is amply detailed from Documents, in a late
Book: Weber, Aus Yier Jahrhunderten (Leipzig, 1858), i. 274-279.
* Mannsteln, p. 130 (no date, April -- May 1742).
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? CHAP. IX-1 FRIEDRICH RETURNS TO SILESIA.
273
13th Feb. 1741.
CHAPTER IX.
FRIEnRICH RETURNS TO SILESIA.
Friedrich staid only three weeks at home; moving
about, from Berlin to Potsdam, to Reinsberg and back:
all the gay world is in Berlin, at this Carnival time;
but Friedrich has more to do with business, of a mani-
fold and over-earnest nature, than with Carnival gaieties.
French Valori is here, "my fat Valori," who is begin-
ning to be rather a favourite of Friedrich's: with Ex-
cellency Valori, and with the other Foreign Excellen-
cies, there was diplomatic passaging in these weeks;
and we gather from Valori, in the inverse way (Valori
fallen sulky), that it was not ill done on Friedrich's
part. He had some private consultation with the Old
Dessauer, too; "probably on military points," thinks
Valori. At least there was noticed more of the drill-
sergeant than before, in his handling of the Army,
when he returned to Silesia, continues the sulky,one.
"Troops and generals did not know him again," -- so
excessively strict was he grown, on the sudden. And
truly*"he got into details which were beneath, not only
"a Prince who has great views, but even a simple
"Captain of Infantry," -- according to my (Valori's)
military notions and experiences! * --
The truth is, Friedrich begins to see, more clearly
than he did with Gloire dazzling him, that his position
is an exceedingly grave one, full of risk, in the then
mood and condition of the world; that he, in the whole
* Valori, i. 99.
Carhjle, Frederick the Great. VI. 18
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? 274
[book xn.
FIRST SILESIAN WAR.
19th Feb. 1741.
world, has no sure friend but his Army; and that in
regard to it he cannot be too vigilant! The world is
ominous to this youngest of the Kings more than to
another. Sounds as of general Political Earthquake
grumble audibly to him from the deeps: all Europe
likely, in any event, to get to loggerheads on this
Austrian Pragmatic matter; the Nations all watching
him, to see what he will make of it: -- fugleman he
to the European Nations, just about bursting up on
such an adventure. It may be a glorious position, or
a not glorious; but, for certain, it is a dangerous one,
and awfully solitary! --
Fuglemen the world and its Nations always have,
when simultaneously bent anywhither, wisely or un-
wisely; and it is natural that the most adventurous
spirit take that post. Friedrich has not sought the
post; but following his own objects, has got it; and
will be ignominiously lost, and trampled to annihilation
under the hoofs of the world, if he do not mind! To
keep well ahead; --- to be rapid as possible; that were
good: -- to step aside were still better! And Friedrich
we find is very anxious for that; "would be content
"with the Duchy of Glogau, and join Austria;" but
there is not the least chance that way. His Special
Envoy to Vienna, Gotter, and along with him Borck
the regular Minister, are come home; all negotiation
hopeless at Vienna; and nothing but indignant war-
preparation going on there, with the most animated
diligence, and more success than had seemed possible.
That is the law of Friedrich's Silesian Adventure:
"Forward, therefore, on these terms; others there are
not; waste no words! " Friedrich recognises to himself
what the law is; pushes stiffly forward, with a fine
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? CHAP. IX. ] FRIEDRICH RETURNS TO SILESIA. 275
WhPeb. 1741.
silence on all that is not practical, really with a fine
steadiness of hope, and audacity against discourage-
ments. Of his anxieties, which could not well be
wanting, but which it is royal to keep strictly under
lock and key, of these there is no hint to Jordan or to
anybody; and only through accidental chinks, on close
scrutiny, can we discover that they exist. Symptom of
despondency, of misgiving or repenting about his Enter-
prise, there is none anywhere. Friedrich's fine gifts of
silence (which go deeper than the lips) are noticeable
here, as always; and highly they availed Friedrich* in
leading his life, though now inconvenient to Biogra-
phers writing of the same! --
It was not on matters of drill, as Valori supposes,
that Friedrich had been consulting with the Old Des-
sauer: this time it was on another matter. Friedrich
has two next Neighbours greatly interested, none more
so, in the Pragmatic Question: Kur-Sachsen, Polish
King, a foolish greedy creature, who is extremely un-
certain about his course in it (and indeed always con-
tinued so, now against Friedrich, now for him, and
again against); and Kur-Hanover, our little George of
England, whose course is certain as that of the very
stars, and direct against Friedrich at this time, as in-
deed, at all times not exceptional, it is apt to be. Both
these Potentates must be attended to, in one's absence;
method to be gentle but effectual; the Old Dessauer to
do it: -- and this is what these consultings had turned
upon; and in a month or two, readers, and an as-
tonished Gazetteer world, will see what comes of them.
It was February 19th when Friedrich left Berlin;
the 21st he spends at Glogau, inspecting the Blockade
there, and not ill content with the measures taken:
18*
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? 276 FIRST SILESIAN WAR. [bookxii.
19th Feb. --lOth March 1F41.
"Press that Wallis all you can," enjoins he: "Hunger
seems to be slow about it! Summon him again, were
your new Artillery come up; threaten with bombard-
ment; but spare the Town, if possible. Artillery is
coming: let us have done here, and soon! " Next day
he arrives, not at Breslau as some had expected, but
at Schweidnitz sidewards; a strong little Town, at least
an elaborately fortified, of which we shall hear much
in time coming. It lies a day's ride west of Breslau;
and will be quieter for business than a big gazing
Capital would be, -- were Breslau even one's own
city; which it is not, though perhaps tending to be.
Breslau is in transition circumstances at present; a little
uncertain whose it is, under its Miinchows and new
managers: Breslau he did not visit at all on this occa-
sion. To Schweidnitz certain new regiments had been
ordered, there to be disposed of in reinforcing: there,
"in the Count Hob erg's Mansion," he principally lodges
for six weeks to come; shooting out on continual ex-
cursions; but always returning to Schweidnitz, as the
centre, again.
Algarotti, home from Turin (not much of a success
there, but always melodious for talk), had travelled
with him; Algarotti, and not long after, Jordan and
Maupertuis, bear him company, that the vacant mo-
ments too be beautiful. We can fancy he has a very
busy, very anxious, but not an unpleasant time. He
goes rapidly about, visiting his posts, --- chiefly about
the Neisse Valley; Neisse being the prime object, were
the weather once come for siege-work. He is in many
Towns (specified in Bodenbeck and the Books, but which
may be anonymous here); doubtless on many Steeples
and Hill-tops; questioning intelligent natives, diligently
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? CHAP. rx. J FRIEDRICH RETURNS TO SILESIA. 277
19th Feb. --10th March 1741.
using his own eyes: intent to make personal acquaint-
ance with this new Country, -- where, little as he yet
dreams of it, the deadly struggles of his Life lie wait-
ing him, and which he will know to great perfection
before all is done!
Neisse lies deep enough in Prussian environment;
like Brieg, like Glogau, strictly blockaded; our posts
thereabouts, among the Mountains, thought to be im-
pregnable. Nevertheless, what new thing is this? Here
are swarms of loose Hussar-Pandour people, wild
Austrian Irregulars, who come pouring out of Glatz
Country; disturbing the Prussian posts towards that
quarter; and do not let us want for Small War (Kleine
Krieg) so-called. General Browne, it appears, is got
back to Glatz at this early season, he and a General
Lentulus busy there; and these are the compliments
they send! A very troublesome set of fellows, infest-
ing one's purlieus in winged predatory fashion; swoop-
ing down like a cloud of vulturous harpies on the
sudden; fierce enough, if the chance favour; then to
wing again, if it do not. Communication, especially
reconnoitring, is not safe in their neighbourhood.
Prussian Infantry, even in small parties, generally
beats them; Prussian Horse not, but is oftener beaten,
-- not drilled for this rabble and their ways. In
pitched fight they are not dangerous, rather are de-
spicable to the disciplined man; but can, on occasion,
do a great deal of mischief.
Thus, it was not long after Friedrich's coming into
these parts, when he learnt with sorrow that a Body of
"500 Horse and 500 Foot" (or say it were only 300
of each kind, which is the fact*) had eluded our posts
* Orlich, i. 79; (Etmres de Frederic, ii. 88.
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? 278 FIRST SILESIAN WAK. [book hi.
27th Feb. 1741.
in the Mountains, and actually got into Neisse, "The
"Foot will be of little consequence," writes Friedrich;
"but the Horse, which will disturb our communications,
"are a considerable mischief. " This was on the 5th
of March. And about a week before, on the 27th of
February, there had well nigh a far graver thing be-
fallen,-- namely the capture of Friedrich himself, and
the sudden end of all these operations.
Skirmish of Baumgarten, 27th February 1741.
In most of the Anecdote-Books there used to figure,
and still does, insisting on some belief from simple
persons, a wonderful Story in very vague condition:
How once "in the Silesian Wars," the King, in those
Upper Neisse regions, in the Wartha district between
Glatz and Neisse, was, one day, within an inch of
being taken, -- clouds of Hussars suddenly rising
round him, as he rode reconnoitring, with next to no
escort, only an adjutant or so in attendance. How he
shot away, keeping well in the shade; and ere long
whisked into a Convent or Abbey, the beautiful Abbey
of Kamenz in those parts; and found Tobias Stusche,
excellent Abbot of the place, to whom he . candidly
disclosed his situation. How the excellent Tobias
thereupon instantly ordered the bells to be rung for a
mass extraordinary, Monks not knowing why; and,
after bells, made his appearance in high costume, much
to the wonder of his Monks, with a second Abbot, also
in high costume, but of shortish stature, whom they
never saw before or after. Which two Abbots, or at
least Tobias, proceeded to do the so-called divine office
there and then; letting loose the big chant especially,
and the growl of organs, in a singularly expressive
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? CHAP. IX. ] FRIEDRICH RETURNS TO SILESIA. 279
27th Feb. 1741.
manner. How the Pandours arrived in clouds, mean-
while; entered, in searching parties, more or less re-
verent of the mass; searched high and low; but found
nothing, and were obliged to take Tobias's blessing at
last, and go their ways. How the Second Abbot there-
upon swore eternal friendship with Tobias, in the
private apartments; and rode off rescued
Majesty, determined to be more cautious in Pandour
Countries for the future! * -- Which story, as to the
body of it, is all myth; though, as is oftenest the case,
there lies in it some soul of fact too. The History-
Books, which had not much heeded the little fact,
would have nothing to do with this account of it.
Nevertheless the people stuck to their Myth; so that
Dryasdust (in punishment for his sinful blindness to
the human and divine significance of facts) was driven
to investigate the business; and did at last victoriously
bring it home to the small occurrence now called
Skirmish of Baumgarten, which had nearly become so
great in the History of the World, -- to the following
effect.
There are Two Valleys with roads that lead from
that Southwest quarter of Silesia towards Glatz, each
with a little Town at the end of it, looking up into it:
Wartha the name of the one; Silberberg that of the
other. Through the Wartha Valley, which is southern-
most, young Neisse River comes rushing down, -- the
blue mountains thereabouts very pretty, on a clear
spring day, says my touring friend. Both at Wartha,
* Hildebrandt, Anekdolen, i. 1-7. Pandour proper is a /oo/-soldier
(tall raw-boned ill-washed biped, in copious Turk breeches, rather barish
in the top parts of him; carries a very long musket, and has several pistols
and butcher's-knives stuck in his girdle): specifically a footman; but readers
will permit me to use him withal, as here, in the generic sense.
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? 280 FIRST SILESIAN WAR. [bookxii.
27th Feb. 1741.
and at Silberberg the little Town which looks into the
mouth of the northernmost Valley, the Prussians have
a post. Old Derschau, Malplaquet Derschau, with
headquarters at Frankenstein, some seven or eight
miles nearer Schweidnitz, has not failed in that pre-
caution. Friedrich wished to visit Silberberg and
Wartha; set out accordingly, 27th February, with small
escort carelessly as usual: the Pandour people had wind
of it; knew his habits on such occasions; and, gliding
through other roadless valleys, under an adventurous
Captain, had determined to whirl him off. And they
were in fact not far from succeeding, had not|a mistake
happened.
Silberberg, and Wartha the southernmost, which
stands upon the Neisse River (rushing out there into
the plainer country), are each about seven or eight
miles from Frankenstein, the Headquarters; and there
are relays of posts, capable of supporting one another,
all the way from Frankenstein to each. Friedrich rode
to Silberberg first; examined the post, found it right;
then rode across to Wartha, seven or eight miles south-
ward; examined Wartha likewise; after which, he sat
down to dinner in that little Town, with an Officer or
two for company, -- having, I suppose, found all right
in both the posts. In the way hither, he had made
some change in the relay-arrangements, which at first
involved some diminution of his own escort, and then
some marching about and redistributing: so that, ex-
ternally, it seemed as if the Principal Relay-party were
now marching on Baumgarten, an intermediate Village,
-- at least so the Pandour Captain understands the
movements going on; and crouches into the due thickets
in consequence, not doubting but the King himself is
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? CHAP, ix ] FRIEDRICH RETURNS TO SILESIA. 281
? 27 ih Feb. 1741.
for Baumgarten, and will be at hand presently. Prin-
cipal relay-party, a squadron of Schulenburg's Dragoons,
with a stupid Major over them, is not quite got into
Baumgarten, when "with horrible cries, the Pandour
Captain with about 500 Horse," plunges out of cover,
direct upon the throat of it; -- and Friedrich, at
Wartha, is but just begun dining when tumult of
distant musketry breaks in upon him. With Friedrich
himself, at this time, as I count, there might be 150
Horse; in Wartha post itself are at least "forty hussars
and fifty foot. " By no means "nothing but a single
adjutant," as the Myth bears.
The stupid Major ought to have beaten this rabble,
though above two to one of him. But he could not,
though he tried considerably; on the contrary, he was
himself beaten; obliged to make off, leaving "ten
dragoons killed, sixteen prisoners, one standard and
two kettle-drums:" -- victory and all this plunder, ye
Pandour gentry; but evidently no King. The Pandour
gentry, on the instant, made off too, alarm being
abroad; got into some side valley, with their prisoners
and drum-and-standard honours and vanished from
view of mankind.
Friedrich had started from dinner; got his escort
under way, with the forty hussars and the fifty foot,
and what small force was attainable; and hurried to-
wards the scene. He did see, by the road, another
strongish party of Pandours; dashed them across the
Neisse River out of sight; -- but, getting to Baum-
garten, found the field silent, and ten dead men upon
it. "I always told you those Schulenburg Dragoons
were good for nothing! " writes he to the Old Dessauer;
but gradually withal, on comparing notes, finds what
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? 282
[book XII,
FIRST SIXESIAN WAR.
27th Feb. 1741.
a danger he had run, and how rash and foolish he had
been. "An e'tourderie (foolish trick)," he calls it.
writing to Jordan; "a black eye;" and will avoid the
like. Vienna got its two kettle-drums and flag; ex-
tremely glad to see them; and even sang Te-deum upon
them, to general edification. * This is the naked pri-
mordial substance out of which the above Myth grew
to its present luxuriance in the popular imagination.
Place, the little Village of Baumgarten; day, 27th
February 1741. Of Tobias Stusche or the Convent
of Kamenz, not one authentic word on this occasion.
Tobias did get promotions, favours in coming years: a
worthy Abbot, deserving promotion on general grounds;
and master of a Convent very picturesque, but twelve
miles from the present scene of action.
Aspects of Breslau.
Friedrich avoided visiting Breslau, probably for the
reasons above given; though there are important inter-
ests of his there, especially his chief Magazine; and
issues of moment are silently working forward. Here
are contemporary Excerpts (in abridged form), which
are authentic, and of significance to a lively reader:
"Breslau, Middle of January 1741. The Prussian Envoy.
"Herr von Grotter, had appeared here, returning from Vienna;
"Gotter, and then Borck, who made no secret in Breslau
"society, That not the slightest hope of a peaceable result
"existed, as society might nave flattered itself; but that war
"and battle would have to decide this matter. A Saxon
"Ambassador was also here, waiting some time; message
"thought to be insignificant: -- probably some vague ad-
"monitory stuff again from Kur-Sachsen (Polish King, son of
"August the Strong, a very insignificant man), who acts as
* Orlich, i. 62-64.
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? CHAP. IX. ] FRIEDRICH RETURNS TO SILESIA. 283
27th Feb. --9th March 1741.
"Reichs-Vicarius in those Northern parts. " For the reader is
to know, there are Reichs-Vicars more than one (nay more
than two on this occasion, with considerable jarring going on
about them); and I could say much about their dignities,
limits, duties,* -- if indeed there were any duties, except
dramatic ones! But the Reich itself, and Vicarship along
with it, are fallen into a nearly imaginary condition; and the
Regensburg Diet (not Princes now, but mere Delegates of
Princes, mostly Bombazine People), which, "ever since 1663,"
has sat continual, instead of now and then, is become an
Enchanted Wiggery, strange to look upon, under those
earnest stars. "As King Fnedrich did not call at Breslau,"
after those Neisse bombardments, "but rolled past, straight
"homewards, the three Excellencies all departed, -- Borck
"and Gotter to Berlin, the Saxon home again with his in-
"significant message.
"January 19$. Schwerin too was here in the course of the
"winter, to see how the magazines and other war-preparations
"were going on: Breslau outwardly and inwardly is whirling
"with business, and offers phenomena. For instance, it is
"known that the Army-Chest, heaps of silver and gold in it,
"lies in the Scultet Garden-House, where the King lodged;
"and that only one sentry walks there, and that in the guard-
"house itself, which is some way off, there are only thirty
"men. January 19th, about 9 of the clock,** alarm rises,
"|That 2,000Diebs- Gesindel(Collective Thief-rabble of Breslau
"and dependencies) are close by; intending a stroke upon
"said Garden-House and Army-Chest! Perhaps this rumour
"sprang of its own accord; -- or perhaps not quite? It had
"been very rife; and ran high; not without remonstrances in
"Town-Hall, and the like, which we can imagine. Issue was,
"The Officer on post at Scultet's loaded his treasure in carts;
"conveyed it, that same night, to the interior of the City, in
"fact to the Oberamts-Haus (Government-House that was);'--
"which doubtless was a step in the right direction. For now
"the Two Feld-Kriegs-Commissariat Gentlemen (one of
"whom is the expert Mimchow, son of our old Ciistrin friend),
"supreme Prussian Authorities here, do likewise shift out of
"their inns; and take old Schaffgotsch's apartments in the
* Adelung, ii. 143, &c. ; KShler, Reichs-Historic, pp. 585-589.
"llelden-Geschichle, i. 700.
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? 284
FIRST SILESIAN WAR. [nooKXn.
27th Feb. --9th March 1741.
"same Oberamts-Haus; mutely symbolling that perhaps they
"are likely to become a kind or Government. And the reader
"can conceive how, in such an element, the function of
"governing would of itself fall more and more into their hands
"They were consummately polite, discreet, friendly towards
"all people; and did in effect manage their business, tax-
"gatherings in money and in kind, with a perfection and pre-
"cision which made the evil a minimum.
"February 17th. * * This day also, there arrived at
"Breslau, by boat up the Oder, ten heavy cannon, three
"mortars, and ammunition of powder, bombshells, balls, as
"much as loaded fifty wagons; the whole of which were, in
"like manner, forwarded to Ohlau. This day, as on other
"days before and after. Great Magazines forming here; the
"Military chiefly at Ohlau; at Breslau the Provender part, --
"and this latter under noteworthy circumstances. In the
"Dom-Island, namely; which is definable (in a case of such
"necessity) as being 'outside the walls. ' Especially as the
"Reverend Fathers have mostly glided into corners, and left
"the place vacant. In the Dom-Island, it certainly is; and
"such a stock, -- all bought for money down, and spurred for-
"ward while the roads were under frost, -- 'such a stock as
"was not thought to be in all Silesia,' says exaggerative
"wonder. The vacant edifices in the Dom-Island are filled to
"the neck with meal and corn; the Prussian brigade now
"quartering there (' within the walls,' in a sense) to guard the
"same. And in the Bishop's Garden" (poor Sinzendorf, far
enough away and in no want of it just now) "are mere hay-
"mows, bigger than houses: who can object, -- in a case of
"necessity V No man, unless he politically meddle, is meddled
"with; politically meddling, you are at once picked up; as
"one or two are, -- clapped into gentle arrest, or, like old
"Schaffgotsch, and even Sinzendorf before long, requested to
"leave the Country till it get settled. Kigour there is, but
"not intentional injustice onMiinchow's part, and there is a
"studious avoidance of harsh manner.
"February-March. Considerable recruiting in Schlesien:
"six hundred recruits have enlisted in Breslau alone. Also
"his Prussian Majesty has sent a supply of Protestant
"Preachers, ordained for the occasion, to minister where
"needed; -- which is piously acknowledged as a god-send in
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? CHAP. IX. ] FRIEDRICH RETURNS TO SILESIA. 285
27th Feb. --9th March 1741.
"various parts of Silesia. Twelve came first, all Berliners;
"soon afterwards, others from different parts, till, in the end,
"there were about Sixty in all. Rigorous, punctilious
"avoidance of offence to lie Catholic minorities, or of what-
ever least thing Silesian Law does not permit, is enjoined
"upon them; 'to preach in barns or town-halls, where by
"Law you have no Church. ' Their salary is about 301. a
"year; they are all put under supervision of the Chaplain of
"Margraf Karl's Regiment" (a judicious Chaplain, Ihaveno
doubt, and fit to be a Bishop); and so far as appears, mere
benefit is got of them by Schlesien as well as by Friedrich, in
this function. Friedrich is careful to keep the balance level
between Catholic and Protestant; but it has hung at such an
angle, for a long while past! In general we observe, the
Catholic Dignitaries, and the zealous or fanatic of that creed,
especially the Jesuits, are apt to be against him: as for the
non-fanatic, they expect better government, secular advan-
tage; these latter weigh doubtfully, and with less weight
whichever way. In the general population, who are Pro-
testant, he recognises friends; -- and has sent them Sixty
Preachers, which by Law was their due long since. Here
follow two little traits, comic or tragicomic, with which we can
conclude:
"Detached Jesuit parties, here and there, seem to have
"mischief in hand in a small way, encouraging deserters and
"the like; -- and we keep an eye on them. No discontent
"elsewhere, at least none audible; on the contrary, muchen-
"listing on the part of the Silesian youth, with other good
"symptoms. But in the Dom, there is, singular to say, a
"Goblin found walking, one night; --advancing, not with airs
"from Heaven, upon the Prussian sentry there! The Prussian
"sentry handles arms; pokes determinedly into the Goblin,
"and, finding him solid, ever more determinedly, till the
"Goblin shrieked 'Jesus Maria! ' and was hauled to the
"Guardhouse for investigation. " A weak Goblin; doubtless
of the valet kind; worth only a little whipping; but testifies
what the spirit is.
"Another time, two deserter Frenchmen getting hanged"
(such the law in aggravated cases), "certain polite Jesuits,
"who had by permission been pray ingaud extreme-unctioning
"about them, came to thank the Colonel after all was over.
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? 286 FIRST SILESIAK WAR. [bookihi.
27th Feb. --9th March 1711.
"Colonel, a grave practical man, needs no'thanks;' would,
"however, 'advise your Reverences to teach your people
"that perjury is not permissible, that an oath sworn ought to
"be kept;' and in fine 'would advise you Holy Father!
'' hereabouts, and others, to have a care lest you get into' -
"And twitching his reins, rode away without saying into
"what. "*
Austria is standing to Arms.
Schwerin has been doing his best in this interim;
collecting magazines with double diligence while the
roads are hard, taking up the Key-positions far and
wide, from the Jablunka round to the Frontier Valleys
of Glatz again. He was through Jablunka, at one
time; on into Mahren, as far as Olmtitz; levying con-
tributions, emitting patents: but as to intimidating her
Hungarian Majesty, if that was the intention, or changing
her mind at all, that is not the issue got. Austria lias
still strength, and Pragmatic Sanction and the Laws
of Nature have! Very fixed is her Hungarian Majesty's
determination, to part with no inch of Territory, but
to drive the intrusive Prussians home well punished. ;
How she has got the funds is, to this day, a mystery:
-- unless George and Walpole, from their Secret -Ser-
vice Moneys, have smuggled her somewhat? For the
Parliament is not sitting, and there will be such jar
gonings, such delays: a preliminary 100,000/. , say by
degrees 200,000/. , -- we should not miss it, and in
her Majesty's hands it would go far! Hints in the
English Dryasdust we have; but nothing definite; and
we are left to our guesses. ** A romantic story, first
* Helden-Geschickle, i. 723.
** Tindal (xx. 497) says expressly 200,0001. , but gives no date or other
particular.
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? CHAP. IX. ] FRIEBRICH RETURNS TO SILESIA. 287
21th Feb. --9th March 1741.
set current by Voltaire, has gone the round of the
world, and still appears in all Histories: How in Eng-
land, there was a Subscription set on foot for her
Hungarian Majesty; outcome of the enthusiasm of
English Ladies of quality, -- old Sarah Duchess of
Marlborough putting down her name for 40,000? . , or
indeed putting down the ready sum itself; magnanimous
veteran that she was.
? bOOKViu. ] PHENOMENA IN PETERSBURG. 271
Jan. 1741.
"grown cold. A chief point in their Manifesto was the assas-
sination of this Sinclair; scandal and atrocity, of which
"there is no doubt now the Russians were guilty. Various
"pretexts for the War: -- prime movers to it, practically,
"were the French, intent on keeping Russia employed while
"their Belleisle German adventure went on, and who had
"even bargained with third-parties to get up a War there, as
"we shall see.
"September 3d, 1741. At Wilmanstrand, -- key of Wy-
"borg, their frontier stronghold in Finland, which was under
"Siege, -- the Swedes (about 5,000 of them, for they had no-
"thing to live upon, and lay scattered about in fractions) made
"fight, or skirmish, against a Russian attacking party:
"Swedes, rather victorious on their hill-top, rushed down;
"and totally lost their bit of victory, their Wilmanstrand,
"their Wyborg, and even the War itself; -- for this was, in
"literal truth, the only fighting done by them in the entire
"course of it, which lasted near two years more. The rest of
"it was retreat, capitulation, loss on loss without stroke
"struck; till they had lost all Finland, and were like to lose
"Sweden itself, -- Dalecarlian mutiny bursting out ('Ye
"traitors, misgovernors, worthy of death! '), with invasive
"Danes to rear of it; -- and had to call in the very Russians
"to save them from worse. Czarina Elizabeth at the time of
"her accession, six months after Wilmanstrand, had made
"truce, was eager to make peace: 'By no means! ' answered
"Sweden, taking arms again, or rather taking legs again;
"and rushing ruin-ward, at the old rate, still without stroke.
"June 28th, 1743. They did halt; made Peace of Abo
"(Truce and Preliminaries signed there, that day: Peace
"itself, August 17th); Czarina magnanimously restoring most
"of their Finland (thinking to herself, 'Not done enough for
"me yet; cook it a little yet! '); -- and settling who their
"next King was to be, among other friendly things. And in
"November following, Keith, in his Russian galleys, with
"some 10,000 Russians on board, arrived in Stockholm; pro-
tective against Danes and mutinous Dalecarles; staid there
"till June of next year 1744," * Is not this a War I
* Adelung, ii. 445. Mannstein, pp. 297 (Wilmanstrand Affair, himself
present) -- 365 (Peace) -- 373 (Keith's return with his galleys). Comte de
Hordt (present also', on the Swedish side, and subsequently a Soldier of
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? 272
[book xn.
FIRST SILESIAN WAR.
Jan. 1741.
On the Russian side, General Keith, under Field-
marshal Lacy as chief in command (the same Keith
whom we saw at Oczakow under Munnich, some time
ago), had a great deal of the work and management;
which was of a highly miscellaneous kind, commanding
fleets of gunboats, and much else; and readers of Mann-
stein can still judge, -- much more could King Fried-
rich, earnestly watching the affair itself as it went on,
-- whether Keith did not do it in a solid and quietly
eminent and valiant manner. Sagacious, skilful, im-
perturbable, without fear and without noise; a man
quietly ever ready. He had quelled, once, walking
direct into the heart of it, a ferocious Russian mutiny,
or uproar from below, which would have rained every-
thing in few minutes more. * He suffered, with ex-
cellent silence, now and afterwards, much ill usage
from above withal; -- till Friedrich himself, in the
third year hence, was lucky enough to get him as
General. Friedrich's Sister Ulrique, the marriage of
Princess Ulrique, -- that also, as it chanced, had
something to do with this Peace of Abo. But we anti-
cipate too far.
Friedrich's), Memoires (Berlin, 1789), i. 18-88. The murder of Sinclair
(done by '' four Russian subalterns, two miles from Naumburg in Silesia,
17th June 1739, about 7 p. m. ") is amply detailed from Documents, in a late
Book: Weber, Aus Yier Jahrhunderten (Leipzig, 1858), i. 274-279.
* Mannsteln, p. 130 (no date, April -- May 1742).
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? CHAP. IX-1 FRIEDRICH RETURNS TO SILESIA.
273
13th Feb. 1741.
CHAPTER IX.
FRIEnRICH RETURNS TO SILESIA.
Friedrich staid only three weeks at home; moving
about, from Berlin to Potsdam, to Reinsberg and back:
all the gay world is in Berlin, at this Carnival time;
but Friedrich has more to do with business, of a mani-
fold and over-earnest nature, than with Carnival gaieties.
French Valori is here, "my fat Valori," who is begin-
ning to be rather a favourite of Friedrich's: with Ex-
cellency Valori, and with the other Foreign Excellen-
cies, there was diplomatic passaging in these weeks;
and we gather from Valori, in the inverse way (Valori
fallen sulky), that it was not ill done on Friedrich's
part. He had some private consultation with the Old
Dessauer, too; "probably on military points," thinks
Valori. At least there was noticed more of the drill-
sergeant than before, in his handling of the Army,
when he returned to Silesia, continues the sulky,one.
"Troops and generals did not know him again," -- so
excessively strict was he grown, on the sudden. And
truly*"he got into details which were beneath, not only
"a Prince who has great views, but even a simple
"Captain of Infantry," -- according to my (Valori's)
military notions and experiences! * --
The truth is, Friedrich begins to see, more clearly
than he did with Gloire dazzling him, that his position
is an exceedingly grave one, full of risk, in the then
mood and condition of the world; that he, in the whole
* Valori, i. 99.
Carhjle, Frederick the Great. VI. 18
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? 274
[book xn.
FIRST SILESIAN WAR.
19th Feb. 1741.
world, has no sure friend but his Army; and that in
regard to it he cannot be too vigilant! The world is
ominous to this youngest of the Kings more than to
another. Sounds as of general Political Earthquake
grumble audibly to him from the deeps: all Europe
likely, in any event, to get to loggerheads on this
Austrian Pragmatic matter; the Nations all watching
him, to see what he will make of it: -- fugleman he
to the European Nations, just about bursting up on
such an adventure. It may be a glorious position, or
a not glorious; but, for certain, it is a dangerous one,
and awfully solitary! --
Fuglemen the world and its Nations always have,
when simultaneously bent anywhither, wisely or un-
wisely; and it is natural that the most adventurous
spirit take that post. Friedrich has not sought the
post; but following his own objects, has got it; and
will be ignominiously lost, and trampled to annihilation
under the hoofs of the world, if he do not mind! To
keep well ahead; --- to be rapid as possible; that were
good: -- to step aside were still better! And Friedrich
we find is very anxious for that; "would be content
"with the Duchy of Glogau, and join Austria;" but
there is not the least chance that way. His Special
Envoy to Vienna, Gotter, and along with him Borck
the regular Minister, are come home; all negotiation
hopeless at Vienna; and nothing but indignant war-
preparation going on there, with the most animated
diligence, and more success than had seemed possible.
That is the law of Friedrich's Silesian Adventure:
"Forward, therefore, on these terms; others there are
not; waste no words! " Friedrich recognises to himself
what the law is; pushes stiffly forward, with a fine
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? CHAP. IX. ] FRIEDRICH RETURNS TO SILESIA. 275
WhPeb. 1741.
silence on all that is not practical, really with a fine
steadiness of hope, and audacity against discourage-
ments. Of his anxieties, which could not well be
wanting, but which it is royal to keep strictly under
lock and key, of these there is no hint to Jordan or to
anybody; and only through accidental chinks, on close
scrutiny, can we discover that they exist. Symptom of
despondency, of misgiving or repenting about his Enter-
prise, there is none anywhere. Friedrich's fine gifts of
silence (which go deeper than the lips) are noticeable
here, as always; and highly they availed Friedrich* in
leading his life, though now inconvenient to Biogra-
phers writing of the same! --
It was not on matters of drill, as Valori supposes,
that Friedrich had been consulting with the Old Des-
sauer: this time it was on another matter. Friedrich
has two next Neighbours greatly interested, none more
so, in the Pragmatic Question: Kur-Sachsen, Polish
King, a foolish greedy creature, who is extremely un-
certain about his course in it (and indeed always con-
tinued so, now against Friedrich, now for him, and
again against); and Kur-Hanover, our little George of
England, whose course is certain as that of the very
stars, and direct against Friedrich at this time, as in-
deed, at all times not exceptional, it is apt to be. Both
these Potentates must be attended to, in one's absence;
method to be gentle but effectual; the Old Dessauer to
do it: -- and this is what these consultings had turned
upon; and in a month or two, readers, and an as-
tonished Gazetteer world, will see what comes of them.
It was February 19th when Friedrich left Berlin;
the 21st he spends at Glogau, inspecting the Blockade
there, and not ill content with the measures taken:
18*
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? 276 FIRST SILESIAN WAR. [bookxii.
19th Feb. --lOth March 1F41.
"Press that Wallis all you can," enjoins he: "Hunger
seems to be slow about it! Summon him again, were
your new Artillery come up; threaten with bombard-
ment; but spare the Town, if possible. Artillery is
coming: let us have done here, and soon! " Next day
he arrives, not at Breslau as some had expected, but
at Schweidnitz sidewards; a strong little Town, at least
an elaborately fortified, of which we shall hear much
in time coming. It lies a day's ride west of Breslau;
and will be quieter for business than a big gazing
Capital would be, -- were Breslau even one's own
city; which it is not, though perhaps tending to be.
Breslau is in transition circumstances at present; a little
uncertain whose it is, under its Miinchows and new
managers: Breslau he did not visit at all on this occa-
sion. To Schweidnitz certain new regiments had been
ordered, there to be disposed of in reinforcing: there,
"in the Count Hob erg's Mansion," he principally lodges
for six weeks to come; shooting out on continual ex-
cursions; but always returning to Schweidnitz, as the
centre, again.
Algarotti, home from Turin (not much of a success
there, but always melodious for talk), had travelled
with him; Algarotti, and not long after, Jordan and
Maupertuis, bear him company, that the vacant mo-
ments too be beautiful. We can fancy he has a very
busy, very anxious, but not an unpleasant time. He
goes rapidly about, visiting his posts, --- chiefly about
the Neisse Valley; Neisse being the prime object, were
the weather once come for siege-work. He is in many
Towns (specified in Bodenbeck and the Books, but which
may be anonymous here); doubtless on many Steeples
and Hill-tops; questioning intelligent natives, diligently
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? CHAP. rx. J FRIEDRICH RETURNS TO SILESIA. 277
19th Feb. --10th March 1741.
using his own eyes: intent to make personal acquaint-
ance with this new Country, -- where, little as he yet
dreams of it, the deadly struggles of his Life lie wait-
ing him, and which he will know to great perfection
before all is done!
Neisse lies deep enough in Prussian environment;
like Brieg, like Glogau, strictly blockaded; our posts
thereabouts, among the Mountains, thought to be im-
pregnable. Nevertheless, what new thing is this? Here
are swarms of loose Hussar-Pandour people, wild
Austrian Irregulars, who come pouring out of Glatz
Country; disturbing the Prussian posts towards that
quarter; and do not let us want for Small War (Kleine
Krieg) so-called. General Browne, it appears, is got
back to Glatz at this early season, he and a General
Lentulus busy there; and these are the compliments
they send! A very troublesome set of fellows, infest-
ing one's purlieus in winged predatory fashion; swoop-
ing down like a cloud of vulturous harpies on the
sudden; fierce enough, if the chance favour; then to
wing again, if it do not. Communication, especially
reconnoitring, is not safe in their neighbourhood.
Prussian Infantry, even in small parties, generally
beats them; Prussian Horse not, but is oftener beaten,
-- not drilled for this rabble and their ways. In
pitched fight they are not dangerous, rather are de-
spicable to the disciplined man; but can, on occasion,
do a great deal of mischief.
Thus, it was not long after Friedrich's coming into
these parts, when he learnt with sorrow that a Body of
"500 Horse and 500 Foot" (or say it were only 300
of each kind, which is the fact*) had eluded our posts
* Orlich, i. 79; (Etmres de Frederic, ii. 88.
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? 278 FIRST SILESIAN WAK. [book hi.
27th Feb. 1741.
in the Mountains, and actually got into Neisse, "The
"Foot will be of little consequence," writes Friedrich;
"but the Horse, which will disturb our communications,
"are a considerable mischief. " This was on the 5th
of March. And about a week before, on the 27th of
February, there had well nigh a far graver thing be-
fallen,-- namely the capture of Friedrich himself, and
the sudden end of all these operations.
Skirmish of Baumgarten, 27th February 1741.
In most of the Anecdote-Books there used to figure,
and still does, insisting on some belief from simple
persons, a wonderful Story in very vague condition:
How once "in the Silesian Wars," the King, in those
Upper Neisse regions, in the Wartha district between
Glatz and Neisse, was, one day, within an inch of
being taken, -- clouds of Hussars suddenly rising
round him, as he rode reconnoitring, with next to no
escort, only an adjutant or so in attendance. How he
shot away, keeping well in the shade; and ere long
whisked into a Convent or Abbey, the beautiful Abbey
of Kamenz in those parts; and found Tobias Stusche,
excellent Abbot of the place, to whom he . candidly
disclosed his situation. How the excellent Tobias
thereupon instantly ordered the bells to be rung for a
mass extraordinary, Monks not knowing why; and,
after bells, made his appearance in high costume, much
to the wonder of his Monks, with a second Abbot, also
in high costume, but of shortish stature, whom they
never saw before or after. Which two Abbots, or at
least Tobias, proceeded to do the so-called divine office
there and then; letting loose the big chant especially,
and the growl of organs, in a singularly expressive
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? CHAP. IX. ] FRIEDRICH RETURNS TO SILESIA. 279
27th Feb. 1741.
manner. How the Pandours arrived in clouds, mean-
while; entered, in searching parties, more or less re-
verent of the mass; searched high and low; but found
nothing, and were obliged to take Tobias's blessing at
last, and go their ways. How the Second Abbot there-
upon swore eternal friendship with Tobias, in the
private apartments; and rode off rescued
Majesty, determined to be more cautious in Pandour
Countries for the future! * -- Which story, as to the
body of it, is all myth; though, as is oftenest the case,
there lies in it some soul of fact too. The History-
Books, which had not much heeded the little fact,
would have nothing to do with this account of it.
Nevertheless the people stuck to their Myth; so that
Dryasdust (in punishment for his sinful blindness to
the human and divine significance of facts) was driven
to investigate the business; and did at last victoriously
bring it home to the small occurrence now called
Skirmish of Baumgarten, which had nearly become so
great in the History of the World, -- to the following
effect.
There are Two Valleys with roads that lead from
that Southwest quarter of Silesia towards Glatz, each
with a little Town at the end of it, looking up into it:
Wartha the name of the one; Silberberg that of the
other. Through the Wartha Valley, which is southern-
most, young Neisse River comes rushing down, -- the
blue mountains thereabouts very pretty, on a clear
spring day, says my touring friend. Both at Wartha,
* Hildebrandt, Anekdolen, i. 1-7. Pandour proper is a /oo/-soldier
(tall raw-boned ill-washed biped, in copious Turk breeches, rather barish
in the top parts of him; carries a very long musket, and has several pistols
and butcher's-knives stuck in his girdle): specifically a footman; but readers
will permit me to use him withal, as here, in the generic sense.
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? 280 FIRST SILESIAN WAR. [bookxii.
27th Feb. 1741.
and at Silberberg the little Town which looks into the
mouth of the northernmost Valley, the Prussians have
a post. Old Derschau, Malplaquet Derschau, with
headquarters at Frankenstein, some seven or eight
miles nearer Schweidnitz, has not failed in that pre-
caution. Friedrich wished to visit Silberberg and
Wartha; set out accordingly, 27th February, with small
escort carelessly as usual: the Pandour people had wind
of it; knew his habits on such occasions; and, gliding
through other roadless valleys, under an adventurous
Captain, had determined to whirl him off. And they
were in fact not far from succeeding, had not|a mistake
happened.
Silberberg, and Wartha the southernmost, which
stands upon the Neisse River (rushing out there into
the plainer country), are each about seven or eight
miles from Frankenstein, the Headquarters; and there
are relays of posts, capable of supporting one another,
all the way from Frankenstein to each. Friedrich rode
to Silberberg first; examined the post, found it right;
then rode across to Wartha, seven or eight miles south-
ward; examined Wartha likewise; after which, he sat
down to dinner in that little Town, with an Officer or
two for company, -- having, I suppose, found all right
in both the posts. In the way hither, he had made
some change in the relay-arrangements, which at first
involved some diminution of his own escort, and then
some marching about and redistributing: so that, ex-
ternally, it seemed as if the Principal Relay-party were
now marching on Baumgarten, an intermediate Village,
-- at least so the Pandour Captain understands the
movements going on; and crouches into the due thickets
in consequence, not doubting but the King himself is
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? CHAP, ix ] FRIEDRICH RETURNS TO SILESIA. 281
? 27 ih Feb. 1741.
for Baumgarten, and will be at hand presently. Prin-
cipal relay-party, a squadron of Schulenburg's Dragoons,
with a stupid Major over them, is not quite got into
Baumgarten, when "with horrible cries, the Pandour
Captain with about 500 Horse," plunges out of cover,
direct upon the throat of it; -- and Friedrich, at
Wartha, is but just begun dining when tumult of
distant musketry breaks in upon him. With Friedrich
himself, at this time, as I count, there might be 150
Horse; in Wartha post itself are at least "forty hussars
and fifty foot. " By no means "nothing but a single
adjutant," as the Myth bears.
The stupid Major ought to have beaten this rabble,
though above two to one of him. But he could not,
though he tried considerably; on the contrary, he was
himself beaten; obliged to make off, leaving "ten
dragoons killed, sixteen prisoners, one standard and
two kettle-drums:" -- victory and all this plunder, ye
Pandour gentry; but evidently no King. The Pandour
gentry, on the instant, made off too, alarm being
abroad; got into some side valley, with their prisoners
and drum-and-standard honours and vanished from
view of mankind.
Friedrich had started from dinner; got his escort
under way, with the forty hussars and the fifty foot,
and what small force was attainable; and hurried to-
wards the scene. He did see, by the road, another
strongish party of Pandours; dashed them across the
Neisse River out of sight; -- but, getting to Baum-
garten, found the field silent, and ten dead men upon
it. "I always told you those Schulenburg Dragoons
were good for nothing! " writes he to the Old Dessauer;
but gradually withal, on comparing notes, finds what
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? 282
[book XII,
FIRST SIXESIAN WAR.
27th Feb. 1741.
a danger he had run, and how rash and foolish he had
been. "An e'tourderie (foolish trick)," he calls it.
writing to Jordan; "a black eye;" and will avoid the
like. Vienna got its two kettle-drums and flag; ex-
tremely glad to see them; and even sang Te-deum upon
them, to general edification. * This is the naked pri-
mordial substance out of which the above Myth grew
to its present luxuriance in the popular imagination.
Place, the little Village of Baumgarten; day, 27th
February 1741. Of Tobias Stusche or the Convent
of Kamenz, not one authentic word on this occasion.
Tobias did get promotions, favours in coming years: a
worthy Abbot, deserving promotion on general grounds;
and master of a Convent very picturesque, but twelve
miles from the present scene of action.
Aspects of Breslau.
Friedrich avoided visiting Breslau, probably for the
reasons above given; though there are important inter-
ests of his there, especially his chief Magazine; and
issues of moment are silently working forward. Here
are contemporary Excerpts (in abridged form), which
are authentic, and of significance to a lively reader:
"Breslau, Middle of January 1741. The Prussian Envoy.
"Herr von Grotter, had appeared here, returning from Vienna;
"Gotter, and then Borck, who made no secret in Breslau
"society, That not the slightest hope of a peaceable result
"existed, as society might nave flattered itself; but that war
"and battle would have to decide this matter. A Saxon
"Ambassador was also here, waiting some time; message
"thought to be insignificant: -- probably some vague ad-
"monitory stuff again from Kur-Sachsen (Polish King, son of
"August the Strong, a very insignificant man), who acts as
* Orlich, i. 62-64.
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? CHAP. IX. ] FRIEDRICH RETURNS TO SILESIA. 283
27th Feb. --9th March 1741.
"Reichs-Vicarius in those Northern parts. " For the reader is
to know, there are Reichs-Vicars more than one (nay more
than two on this occasion, with considerable jarring going on
about them); and I could say much about their dignities,
limits, duties,* -- if indeed there were any duties, except
dramatic ones! But the Reich itself, and Vicarship along
with it, are fallen into a nearly imaginary condition; and the
Regensburg Diet (not Princes now, but mere Delegates of
Princes, mostly Bombazine People), which, "ever since 1663,"
has sat continual, instead of now and then, is become an
Enchanted Wiggery, strange to look upon, under those
earnest stars. "As King Fnedrich did not call at Breslau,"
after those Neisse bombardments, "but rolled past, straight
"homewards, the three Excellencies all departed, -- Borck
"and Gotter to Berlin, the Saxon home again with his in-
"significant message.
"January 19$. Schwerin too was here in the course of the
"winter, to see how the magazines and other war-preparations
"were going on: Breslau outwardly and inwardly is whirling
"with business, and offers phenomena. For instance, it is
"known that the Army-Chest, heaps of silver and gold in it,
"lies in the Scultet Garden-House, where the King lodged;
"and that only one sentry walks there, and that in the guard-
"house itself, which is some way off, there are only thirty
"men. January 19th, about 9 of the clock,** alarm rises,
"|That 2,000Diebs- Gesindel(Collective Thief-rabble of Breslau
"and dependencies) are close by; intending a stroke upon
"said Garden-House and Army-Chest! Perhaps this rumour
"sprang of its own accord; -- or perhaps not quite? It had
"been very rife; and ran high; not without remonstrances in
"Town-Hall, and the like, which we can imagine. Issue was,
"The Officer on post at Scultet's loaded his treasure in carts;
"conveyed it, that same night, to the interior of the City, in
"fact to the Oberamts-Haus (Government-House that was);'--
"which doubtless was a step in the right direction. For now
"the Two Feld-Kriegs-Commissariat Gentlemen (one of
"whom is the expert Mimchow, son of our old Ciistrin friend),
"supreme Prussian Authorities here, do likewise shift out of
"their inns; and take old Schaffgotsch's apartments in the
* Adelung, ii. 143, &c. ; KShler, Reichs-Historic, pp. 585-589.
"llelden-Geschichle, i. 700.
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? 284
FIRST SILESIAN WAR. [nooKXn.
27th Feb. --9th March 1741.
"same Oberamts-Haus; mutely symbolling that perhaps they
"are likely to become a kind or Government. And the reader
"can conceive how, in such an element, the function of
"governing would of itself fall more and more into their hands
"They were consummately polite, discreet, friendly towards
"all people; and did in effect manage their business, tax-
"gatherings in money and in kind, with a perfection and pre-
"cision which made the evil a minimum.
"February 17th. * * This day also, there arrived at
"Breslau, by boat up the Oder, ten heavy cannon, three
"mortars, and ammunition of powder, bombshells, balls, as
"much as loaded fifty wagons; the whole of which were, in
"like manner, forwarded to Ohlau. This day, as on other
"days before and after. Great Magazines forming here; the
"Military chiefly at Ohlau; at Breslau the Provender part, --
"and this latter under noteworthy circumstances. In the
"Dom-Island, namely; which is definable (in a case of such
"necessity) as being 'outside the walls. ' Especially as the
"Reverend Fathers have mostly glided into corners, and left
"the place vacant. In the Dom-Island, it certainly is; and
"such a stock, -- all bought for money down, and spurred for-
"ward while the roads were under frost, -- 'such a stock as
"was not thought to be in all Silesia,' says exaggerative
"wonder. The vacant edifices in the Dom-Island are filled to
"the neck with meal and corn; the Prussian brigade now
"quartering there (' within the walls,' in a sense) to guard the
"same. And in the Bishop's Garden" (poor Sinzendorf, far
enough away and in no want of it just now) "are mere hay-
"mows, bigger than houses: who can object, -- in a case of
"necessity V No man, unless he politically meddle, is meddled
"with; politically meddling, you are at once picked up; as
"one or two are, -- clapped into gentle arrest, or, like old
"Schaffgotsch, and even Sinzendorf before long, requested to
"leave the Country till it get settled. Kigour there is, but
"not intentional injustice onMiinchow's part, and there is a
"studious avoidance of harsh manner.
"February-March. Considerable recruiting in Schlesien:
"six hundred recruits have enlisted in Breslau alone. Also
"his Prussian Majesty has sent a supply of Protestant
"Preachers, ordained for the occasion, to minister where
"needed; -- which is piously acknowledged as a god-send in
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? CHAP. IX. ] FRIEDRICH RETURNS TO SILESIA. 285
27th Feb. --9th March 1741.
"various parts of Silesia. Twelve came first, all Berliners;
"soon afterwards, others from different parts, till, in the end,
"there were about Sixty in all. Rigorous, punctilious
"avoidance of offence to lie Catholic minorities, or of what-
ever least thing Silesian Law does not permit, is enjoined
"upon them; 'to preach in barns or town-halls, where by
"Law you have no Church. ' Their salary is about 301. a
"year; they are all put under supervision of the Chaplain of
"Margraf Karl's Regiment" (a judicious Chaplain, Ihaveno
doubt, and fit to be a Bishop); and so far as appears, mere
benefit is got of them by Schlesien as well as by Friedrich, in
this function. Friedrich is careful to keep the balance level
between Catholic and Protestant; but it has hung at such an
angle, for a long while past! In general we observe, the
Catholic Dignitaries, and the zealous or fanatic of that creed,
especially the Jesuits, are apt to be against him: as for the
non-fanatic, they expect better government, secular advan-
tage; these latter weigh doubtfully, and with less weight
whichever way. In the general population, who are Pro-
testant, he recognises friends; -- and has sent them Sixty
Preachers, which by Law was their due long since. Here
follow two little traits, comic or tragicomic, with which we can
conclude:
"Detached Jesuit parties, here and there, seem to have
"mischief in hand in a small way, encouraging deserters and
"the like; -- and we keep an eye on them. No discontent
"elsewhere, at least none audible; on the contrary, muchen-
"listing on the part of the Silesian youth, with other good
"symptoms. But in the Dom, there is, singular to say, a
"Goblin found walking, one night; --advancing, not with airs
"from Heaven, upon the Prussian sentry there! The Prussian
"sentry handles arms; pokes determinedly into the Goblin,
"and, finding him solid, ever more determinedly, till the
"Goblin shrieked 'Jesus Maria! ' and was hauled to the
"Guardhouse for investigation. " A weak Goblin; doubtless
of the valet kind; worth only a little whipping; but testifies
what the spirit is.
"Another time, two deserter Frenchmen getting hanged"
(such the law in aggravated cases), "certain polite Jesuits,
"who had by permission been pray ingaud extreme-unctioning
"about them, came to thank the Colonel after all was over.
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? 286 FIRST SILESIAK WAR. [bookihi.
27th Feb. --9th March 1711.
"Colonel, a grave practical man, needs no'thanks;' would,
"however, 'advise your Reverences to teach your people
"that perjury is not permissible, that an oath sworn ought to
"be kept;' and in fine 'would advise you Holy Father!
'' hereabouts, and others, to have a care lest you get into' -
"And twitching his reins, rode away without saying into
"what. "*
Austria is standing to Arms.
Schwerin has been doing his best in this interim;
collecting magazines with double diligence while the
roads are hard, taking up the Key-positions far and
wide, from the Jablunka round to the Frontier Valleys
of Glatz again. He was through Jablunka, at one
time; on into Mahren, as far as Olmtitz; levying con-
tributions, emitting patents: but as to intimidating her
Hungarian Majesty, if that was the intention, or changing
her mind at all, that is not the issue got. Austria lias
still strength, and Pragmatic Sanction and the Laws
of Nature have! Very fixed is her Hungarian Majesty's
determination, to part with no inch of Territory, but
to drive the intrusive Prussians home well punished. ;
How she has got the funds is, to this day, a mystery:
-- unless George and Walpole, from their Secret -Ser-
vice Moneys, have smuggled her somewhat? For the
Parliament is not sitting, and there will be such jar
gonings, such delays: a preliminary 100,000/. , say by
degrees 200,000/. , -- we should not miss it, and in
her Majesty's hands it would go far! Hints in the
English Dryasdust we have; but nothing definite; and
we are left to our guesses. ** A romantic story, first
* Helden-Geschickle, i. 723.
** Tindal (xx. 497) says expressly 200,0001. , but gives no date or other
particular.
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? CHAP. IX. ] FRIEBRICH RETURNS TO SILESIA. 287
21th Feb. --9th March 1741.
set current by Voltaire, has gone the round of the
world, and still appears in all Histories: How in Eng-
land, there was a Subscription set on foot for her
Hungarian Majesty; outcome of the enthusiasm of
English Ladies of quality, -- old Sarah Duchess of
Marlborough putting down her name for 40,000? . , or
indeed putting down the ready sum itself; magnanimous
veteran that she was.
