History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 18Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 18
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
Friedrich had last left Grussau April 18th; he has returned to it August
8th: after sixteen weeks of a very eventful absence. In Grussau he
stayed two whole days;--busy enough he, probably, though his people were
resting! August 10th he draws up, for Prince Henri, "under seal of the
most absolute secrecy," and with admirable business-like strictness,
brevity and clearness, forgetting nothing useful, remembering nothing
useless, a Paper of Directions in case of a certain event: "I march
to-morrow against the Russians: as the events of War may lead to all
sorts of accidents, and it may easily happen to me to be killed, I have
thought it my duty to let you know what my plans were," and what you
are to do in that event,--"the rather as you are Guardian of our Nephew
[late Prince of Prussia's Son] with an unlimited authority." Oath from
all the armies the instant I am killed: rapid, active, as ever; the
enemy not to notice that there is any change in the command. I intend
to "beat the Russians utterly [A PLATE COUTURE, splay-seam], if it be
possible;" then to &c.:--gives you his "itinerary," too, or probable
address, till "the 25th" (notably enough); in short, forgets nothing
useful, nor remembers anything that is not, in spite of his hurry.
["DISPOSITION TESTAMENTAIRE" (so they have labelled it); given in
_OEuvres,_ iv. (APPENDICE) 261, 262. Friedrich's TESTAMENT proper is
already made, and all in order, years ago ("11th January 1752"): of
this there followed Two new Redactions (new EDITIONS with slight
improvements, "7th November, 1768," and "8th January, 1769" the FINALLY
valid one); and various Supplements, or summary Enforcements (as here),
at different times of crisis. see PREUSS, iv. 277, 401, and _OEuvres
de Frederic,_ vi. p. 13 (of Preface), for some confused account of that
matter.] For Mlnlster Finck also there went a Paper; seal lzot needing
to be opened for the moment.
With Margraf Karl, and Fouquet under him, who are to guard Silesia, he
leaves in two Divisions about Half the late Olmutz Army:--added to the
other force, this will make about 40,000 for that service. [Stenzel, v.
163.] Keith has the chief command here; but is ordered to Breslau, in
the mean time, for a little rest and recovery of health. Friday, 11th
August, Friedrich himself, with the other Half, pushes off towards
Fermor and the Cossack demons; through Liegnitz, through Hohenfriedberg
Country, straight for Frankfurt, with his best speed.
Chapter XIII.--BATTLE OF ZORNDORF.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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