History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 06Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 06
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
Very soon after George's accession there began clouds to rise; the
perfectly accomplished little George assuming a severe and high air
towards his rustic Brother-in-Law. "We cannot stand these Prussian
enlistments and encroachments; rectify these, in a high and severe
manner!" says George to his Hanover Officials. George is not warm on his
throne till there comes in, accordingly, from the Hanover Officials a
Complaint to that effect, and even a List of Hanoverian subjects who
are, owing to various injustices, now serving in the Prussian ranks:
"Your Prussian Majesty is requested to return us these men!"
This List is dated 22d January, 1728; George only a few months old
in his new authority as yet. The Prussian Majesty grumbles painfully
responsive: "Will, with eagerness, do whatever is just; most surely! But
is his Britannic Majesty aware? Hanover Officials are quite misinformed
as to the circumstances;"--and does not return any of the men. Merely
a pacific grumble, and nothing done in regard to the complaints. Then
there is the Meadow of Clamei which we spoke of: "That belongs to
Brandenburg, you say? Nevertheless the contiguous parts of Hanover
have rights upon it. Some 'eight cart-loads of hay,' worth say almost 5
pounds or 10 pounds sterling: who is to mow that grass, I wonder?"--
Friedrich Wilhelm feels that all this is a pettifogging vexatious course
of procedure; and that his little Cousin the COMODIANT is not treating
him very like a gentleman. "Is he, your Majesty!" suggests the Smoking
Parliament.--About the middle of March, Dubourgay hears Borck, an
Official not of the Grumkow party, sulkily commenting on "the
constant hostility of the Hanover Ministry to us" in all manner of
points;---inquires withal, Could not Mecklenburg be somehow settled, his
Prussian Majesty being somewhat anxious upon it? [Despatch, 17th March,
1729.] Anxious, yes: his poor Majesty, intensely meditative of such a
matter in the night-watches, is capable of springing out of bed, with an
"Eureka! I have found what will do!" and demanding writing materials.
He writes or dictates in his shirt, the good anxious Majesty; despatches
his Eureka by estafette on the wings of the wind: and your Townshend,
your UNmeditative George, receives it with curt official negative, and a
polite sneer. [Dubourgay, 12th-14th April, 1729; and the Answer from St.
James's.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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