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
Heyde's defence of Colberg, Werner's swift rescue of it, are very
celebrated this Autumn. Medals were struck in honor of them at Berlin,
not at Friedrich's expense, but under Friedrich's patronage; who
purchased silver or gold copies, and gave them about. Veteran Heyde had
a Letter from his Majesty, and one of these gold Medals;--what an honor!
I do not hear that Heyde got any other reward, or that he needed any.
A beautiful old Hero, voiceless in History; though very visible in that
remote sphere, if you care to look.
That is the news from Colberg; comfortable to Friedrich; not likely to
inspire Soltikof with new alacrity in behalf of Daun. It remains to
us only to add, that Friedrich, with a view to quicken Daun, shot out
(September 24th, after nightfall, and with due mystery) a Detachment
towards Neisse,--4,000 or so, who call themselves 15,000, and affect to
be for Mahren ultimately. "For Mahren, and my bit of daily bread!" Daun
may well think; and did for some time think, or partly did. Pushed
off one small detachment really thither, to look after Mahren; and
(September 29th) pushed off another bigger; Lacy namely, with 15,000,
pretending to be thither,--but who, the instant they were out of
Friedrich's sight, have whirled, at a rapid pace, quite into the
opposite direction: as will shortly be seen! Daun has now other irons in
the fire. Daun, ever since this fatal Dead-lock in the Hills, has been
shrieking hoarsely to the Russians, day and night; who at last take pity
on him,--or find something feasible in his proposals.
THE RUSSIANS MAKE A RAID ON BERLIN, FOR RELIEF OF DAUN AND THEIR OWN
BEHOOF (October 3d-12th, 1760).
Powerful entreaties, influences are exercised at Petersburg, and here in
the Russian Camp: "Noble Russian Excellencies, for the love of Heaven,
take this man off my windpipe! A sally into Brandenburg: oh, could not
you? Lacy shall accompany; seizure of Berlin, were it only for one day!"
Soltikof has falleu sick,--and, indeed, practically vanishes from our
affairs at this point;--Fermor, who has command in the interim, finally
consents: "Our poor siege of Colberg, what an end is come to it! What
an end is the whole Campaign like to have! Let us at least try this of
Berlin, since our hands are empty." The joy of Daun, of Montalembert,
and of everybody in Austrian Court and Camp may be conceived.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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