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
2. "Silesian Dutch-English Debt [Loan of about Two Millions, better half
of it English, contracted by the late Kaiser, on Silesian security,
in that dreadful Polish-Election crisis, when the Sea-Powers would not
help, but left it to their Stockbrokers] is undertaken by Friedrich, who
will pay interest on the same till liquidated.
3. "Religion to stand where it is. Prussian Majesty not to meddle in
this present or in other Wars of her Hungarian Majesty, except with his
ardent wishes that General Peace would ensue, and that all his friends,
Hungarian Majesty among others, were living in good agreement around
him."
This is the Treaty of Breslau (June 11th, 1742), or, in second more
solemn edition, Treaty of Berlin (July 28th following); signed,
ratified, guaranteed by his Britannic Majesty for one, [Treaty of
Westminster, between Friedrich aud George, 29th (18th) November, 1842
(Scholl, ii. 313).] and firmly planted on the Diplomatic adamant (at
least on the Diplomatic parchment) of this world. And now: Homewards,
then; march!--
Huge huzzaing, herald-trumpeting, bob-majoring, bursts forth from all
Prussian Towns, especially from all Silesian ones, in those June days,
as the drums beat homewards; elaborate Illuminations, in the short
nights; with bonfires, with transparencies,--Transparency inscribed
"FREDERICO MAGNO (To Friedrich THE GREAT)," in one small instance, still
of premature nature. [_Helden-Geschichte_ (ii. 702-729) is endless
on these Illuminations; the Jauer case, of FREDERICO MAGNO (Jauer in
Silesia), is of June 15th (ib. 712).]
Omitting very many things, about Silesian Fortresses, Army-Cantons,
Silesian settlements, military and civil, which would but weary the
reader, we add only this from Bielfeld: dusty Transit of a victorious
Majesty, now on the threshold of home. Precise date (which Bielfeld
prudently avoids guessing at) is July 11th, 1742; "M. de Pollnitz and I
are in the suite of the King:--
"We never stopped on the road, except some hours at Frankfurt-on-Oder,
where the Fair was just going on. On approaching the Town, we found the
highway lined on both sides with crowds of traders, and other strangers
of all nations; who had come out, attracted by curiosity to see the
conqueror of Silesia, and had ranged themselves in two rows there. His
Majesty's entry into Frankfurt, although a very triumphant one, was far
from being ostentatious. We passed like lightning before the eyes of the
spectators, and we were so covered with dust, that it was difficult to
distinguish the color of our coats and the features of our faces. We
made some purchases at Frankfurt; and arrived safely in the Capital
[next day], where the King was received amidst the acclamations of his
People." [Bielfeld, ii. 51.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account