History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 20Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 20
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
January 31st is Order from the King, [In SCHONING, iii. 275 ("Breslau,
31st January, 1762").] That our Russian Prisoners, one and all, shod,
clad and dieted, be forthwith set under way from Stettin: in return
for which generosity the Prussians, from Siberia or wherever they were
buried, are, soon after, hastening home in like manner. Gudowitsh,
Peter's favorite Adjutant, who had been sent to congratulate at Zerbst,
comes round by Breslau (February 20th), and has joyfully benign audience
next day; directly on the heel of whom, Adjutant Colonel von Goltz, who
KAMMERHERR as well as Colonel, and understands things of business, goes
to Petersburg. February 23d, Czarish Majesty, to the horror of Vienna
and glad astonishment of mankind, emits Declaration (Note to all the
Foreign Excellencies in Petersburg), "That there ought to be Peace
with this King of Prussia; that Czarish Majesty, for his own part,
is resolved on the thing; gives up East Preussen and the so-called
conquests made; Russian participation in such a War has ceased." And
practically orders Czernichef, who is wintering with his 20,000 in
Glatz, to quit Glatz and these Austrian Combinations, and march homeward
with his 20,000. Which Czernichef, so soon as arrangements of proviant
and the like are made, hastens to do;--and does, as far as Thorn; but
no farther, for a reason that will be seen. On the last day of March,
Czernichef--off about a week ago from Glatz, and now got into the
Breslau latitude--came across, with a select Suite of Four, to pay his
court there; and had the honor to dine with his Majesty, and to be,
personally too, a Czernichef agreeable to his Majesty.
The vehemency of Austrian Diplomacies at Petersburg; and the horror of
Kaiserinn and Kriegshofrath in Vienna,--who have just discharged 20,000
of their own people, counting on this Czernichef, and being dreadfully
tight for money,--may be fancied. But all avails nothing. The ardent
Czar advances towards Friedrich with arms flung wide. Goltz and
Gudowitsh are engaged on Treaty of Peace; Czar frankly gives up East
Preussen, "Yours again; what use has Russia for it, Royal Friend?"
Treaty of Peace goes forward like the drawing of a Marriage-settlement
(concluded MAY 5th); and, in a month more, has changed into Treaty of
Alliance;--Czernichef ordered to stop short at Thorn; to turn back, and
join himself to this heroic King, instead of fighting against him.
Which again Czernichef, himself an admirer of this King, joyfully
does;--though, unhappily, not with all the advantage he expected to the
King.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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