page of the bed-chamber to the king, in order to supplant Warnstedt. From this time forth, the favour of the latter increased; Count Holck proposed the Holstein progress, in order, as I believe, to sustain himself, and this very thing caused his downfall. The queen was constantly of opinion that no peace or security could be hoped for at court so long as Count Holck remained at it, although I tried to convince her that it was not advantageous for the king's character and mind to try and remove on the first favourable opportunity that offered itself those persons to whom his Majesty had granted his favour and confidence, but that it would be better that he should become thoroughly acquainted with these persons, and that this was the surest way to disarm all favourites. Moreover, I did not consider Count Holck dangerous for the king's person, because he no longer possessed any influence over the king's mind. In order, however, to pacify the queen, I proposed to her two remedies,--to have Count Brandt at court, and to recall Privy Councillor Count von Rantzau to Copenhagen. Both gentlemen were agreeable to the king; and the latter would be useful in balancing the power of the ministry, whom the queen feared, because she thought they might restore Count Holck's credit, by the removal of those persons who stood in his way. All this was designed to acquire security at court, without forming any intentions or plan for the eventual changes in the ministry. The queen had not the slightest inclination for governing or interfering in affairs of state; she merely wished for peace and security. Count Brandt joined the court in Schleswig; Count Rantzau at Traventhal. Count Holck received his dismissal because the king wished it; but the persons about his Majesty did their share in effecting it. From this time, other scenes took place, and changes occurred the motives and reasons for which I will state presently. But I will first remark, that the credit I had hitherto enjoyed merely consisted in the king's personal confidence in me; that I employed the influence I possessed solely in matters which had immediate reference to the king's person, and that my private fortunes were of the following nature:--I was Councillor of Conference and Reader, with a salary of 1,500 dollars. I had debts amounting to between 4,000 and 5,000 dollars, which I had formerly contracted in Altona and upon the foreign progress, and had never received any extraordinary present from the king, except the before-mentioned 500 dollars and a horse. I had not asked anything for my friends, except an addition of 400 dollars for Count Brandt, unless I take into consideration that I had twice aided in inducing the king to make Count Holck a present of 10,000 thalers.