History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 20 — John Shaqi
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
Am I here to inquire which of you shows bravery, which poltroonery?"'
[Seyfarth, ii. 652.] A blazing Loudon, when the fire is up!"--
After the Peace, D'O had Court-Martial, which sentenced him to death,
Friedrich making it perpetual imprisonment: "Perhaps not a traitor, only
a blockhead!" thought Friedrich. He had been recommended to his post by
Fouquet. What Trenck writes of him is, otherwise, mostly lies.
Thus is the southern Key of Silesia (one of the two southern Keys,
Neisse being the other) lost to Friedrich, for the first time; and
Loudon is like to drive a trade there; "Will absolutely nothing prosper
with us, then?" Nothing, seemingly, your Majesty! Heavier news Friedrich
scarcely ever had. But there is no help. This too he has to carry with
him as he can into the Meissen Country. Unsuccessful altogether; beaten
on every hand. Human talent, diligence, endeavor, is it but as lightning
smiting the Serbonian Bog? Smite to the last, your Majesty, at any rate;
let that be certain. As it is, and has been. That is always something,
that is always a great thing.
Friedrich intends no pause in those Meissen Countries. JULY 30th, on his
march northward, he detaches Hulsen with the old 10,000 to take Camp at
Schlettau as before, and do his best for defence of Saxony against the
Reichsfolk, numerous, but incompetent; he himself, next day, passes on,
leaving Meissen a little on his right, to Schieritz, some miles farther
down,--intending there to cross Elbe, and make for Silesia without loss
of an hour. Need enough of speed thither; more need than even Friedrich
supposes! Yesterday, July 30th, Loudon's Vanguard came blockading
Breslau, and this day Loudon himself;--though Friedrich heard nothing,
anticipated nothing, of that dangerous fact, for a week hence or more.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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