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
From about the end of June, the Reichs Army kept dribbling in: the most
inferior Army in the world; no part of it well drilled, most of it
not drilled at all; and for variety in color, condition, method,
and military and pecuniary and other outfit, beggaring description.
Hildburghausen does his utmost; Kaiser the like. The number should
have far exceeded 50,000; but was not, on the field, of above half that
number: 25,000; add at least 8,000 Austrian troops, two regiments of
them cavalry; good these 8,000, the rest bad,--that was the Reichs
Execution Army; most inferior among Armies; and considerable part of it,
all the Protestant part, privately wishing well to Friedrich, they say.
Drills itself multifariously in that Camp between Furth and Farrenbach,
on the east side of Regnitz River. Fancy what a sight to Wilhelmina, if
she ever drove that way; which I think she hardly would. The Baireuth
contingent itself is there; the Margraf would have held out stiff
on that point; but Friedrich himself advised compliance. Margraf of
Anspach--perverse tippling creature, ill with his Wife, I doubt--has
joyfully sent his legal hundreds; will vote for the Reichs Ban against
this worst of Germans, whom he has for Brother-in-law. Dark days in the
heart of Wilhelmina, those of the Camp at Furth. Days which grow ever
darker, with strange flashings out of empyrean lightning from that
shrill true heart; no peace more, till the noble heroine die!--
This ELENDE Reichs-Heer, miserable "Army of the Circles," is mockingly
called "the Hoopers, Coopers (TONNELIERS)," and gets quizzing enough,
under that and other titles, from an Opposition Public. Far other from
the French and Austrians; who are bent that it should do feats in the
world, and prove impressive on a robber King. Thus too, "for Deliverance
of Saxony," to co-operate with Reichs-Heer in that sacred object, thanks
to the zeal of Pompadour, Prince de Soubise has got together, in Elsass,
a supplementary 30,000 (40,330 said Theory, but Fact never quite so
many): and is passing them across the Rhine, in Frankfurt Country, all
through July, while the drilling at Furth goes on. With these, Soubise,
simultaneously getting under way, will steer northeastward; join the
Reichs-Heer about Erfurt, before August end; and--and we shall see what
becomes of the combined Soubise and Reichs Army after that!
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