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
Neipperg marches from Neisse (1st-6th August) with his whole Army; first
some thirty miles westward up the right or southern bank of the
Neisse; then crosses the Neisse, and circles round to northward, giving
Friedrich wide room: [Orlich, i. 130, 133.] that night of Robinson's
Audience, when Friedrich was so merry at dinner, Neipperg was engaged
in crossing the River; the second night after, Neipperg lay encamped and
intrenched at Baumgarten (old scene of Friedrich's Pandour Adventure),
while Hyndford and Robinson had got back to Breslau. In another day
or so, he may hope to be within forced-march of Breslau, to detach
Feldmarschall Browne or some sharp head; and to do a highly considerable
thing?
Unluckily for Neipperg's Adventure, the Prussians had wind of it, some
time ago. They have got "a false Sister smuggled into that Old-Ladies'
Committee," who has duly reported progress; nay they have intercepted
something in Syndic Guzmar's own hand: and everything is known to
Friedrich. The Protestant population, and generally the practical quiet
part of the Breslauers, are harassed with suspicion of some such thing,
but can gain no certainty, nor understand what to do. Protestants
especially, who have been so zealous, "who were seen dropping down on
the streets to pray, while the muffled thunder came from Mollwitz that
day," [Ranke, ii. 289.]--fancy how it would now be, were the tables
suddenly turned, and indignant Orthodoxy made supreme again, with memory
fresh! But, in fact, there is no danger whatever to them. Schwerin
has orders about Breslau; Schwerin and the Young Dessauer are maturely
considering how to manage.
Readers recollect how Podewils pressed the Two Britannic Excellencies to
stay in Strehlen a day or two longer: "Grand Review, with festivities,
just on hand; whole of the Foreign Ministers in Breslau invited out to
see it,"--though Hyndford and Robinson would not consent; but left on
the 9th, meeting the others at different points of the road. Next
day, Thursday, 10th August, was in fact a great day at Strehlen; grand
muster, manoeuvring of cavalry above all, whom Friedrich is delighted to
find so perfect in their new methods; riding as if they were centaurs,
horse and man one entity; capable of plunging home, at full gallop, in
coherent masses upon an enemy, and doing some good with him. "Neipperg's
Croat-people, and out-pickets on the distant Hill-sides, witnessed
these manoeuvres," [Ranke, ii. 288.] I know not with what criticism.
Furthermore, about noon-time, there was heard (mark it, reader) a
distant cannon-shot, one and no more, from the Northern side; which gave
his Majesty a lively pleasure, though he treated it as nothing. All the
Foreign Ministers were on the ground; doubtless with praises, so far as
receivable; and in the afternoon came festivities not a few. A great day
in Strehlen:--but in Breslau a much greater; which explained, to our Two
Excellencies, why Podewils had been so pressing!
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.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account