History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 13Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 13
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
April 26th, 1741, in the same days while Belleisle arrived in the Camp
at Mollwitz, and witnessed that fine opening of the cannonade upon
Brieg, Excellency Hyndford got to Berlin; and on notifying the event,
was invited by the King to come along to Breslau, and begin business.
England has been profuse enough in offering her "good offices with
Austria" towards making a bargain for his Prussian Majesty; but is
busy also, at the Hague, concerting with the Dutch "some strong joint
resolution,"--resolution, Openly to advise Friedrich to withdraw his
troops from Silesia, by way of starting fair towards a bargain. A very
strong resolution, they and the Gazetteers think it; and ask themselves,
Is it not likely to have some effect? Their High Mightinesses have been
screwing their courage, and under English urgency, have decided
(April 24th), [_Helden-Geschichte,_ i. 964; the ADVICE itself, a very
mild-spoken Piece, but of riskish nature think the Dutch, is given,
ib. 965, 966.] "Yes, we will jointly so advise!" and Friedrich has
got inkling of it from Rasfeld, his Minister there. Hyndford's first
business (were the Dutch Excellency once come up, but those Dutch are
always hanging astern!) is to present said "Advice," and try what
will come of that, An "Advice" now fallen totally insignificant to the
Universe and to us,--only that readers will wish to see how Friedrich
takes it, and if any feature of Friedrich discloses itself in the
affair.
EXCELLENCY HYNDFORD HAS HIS FIRST AUDIENCE (Camp of Mollwitz, May 7th);
AND FRIEDRICH MAKES A MOST IMPORTANT TREATY,--NOT WITH HYNDFORD.
May 2d, Hyndford arrived in Breslau; and after some preliminary
flourishings, and difficulties about post-horses and furnitures in a
seat of War, got to Brieg; and thence, May 7th, "to the Camp [Camp
of Mollwitz still], which is about an English mile off,"--Podewils
escorting him from Brieg, and what we note farther, Pollnitz too;
our poor old Pollnitz, some kind of Chief Goldstick, whom we did not
otherwise know to be on active duty in those rude scenes. Belleisle had
passed through Breslau while Hyndford was there:--"am unable to inform
your Lordship what success he has had." Brieg Siege is done only three
days ago; Castle all lying black; and the new trenching and fortifying
hardly begun. In a word, May 7th, 1741, "about 11 A.M.," Excellency
Hyndford is introduced to the King's Tent, and has his First Audience.
Goldstick having done his motions, none but Podewils is left present;
who sits at a table, taking notes of what is said. Podewils's Notes
are invisible to me; but here, in authentic though carefully compressed
state, is Hyndford's minute Narrative:--
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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