[Footnote 7: Fraülein von Blumenthal, afterwards Frau von Böhn.] [Footnote 8: English in the original.] [Footnote 9: English in the original.] [Footnote 10: Von Puttkamer Poberow.] [Footnote 11: Frau von Blanckenburg] [Footnote 12: English in the original.] [Footnote 13: English in the original.] [Footnote 14: "Right honorable," a common form of address on letters. B. refers more than once to her distinctive way of writing this title.] [Footnote 15: English in the original.] [Footnote 16: _Fiancé_.] [Footnote 17: Frau von Zanthier, born von Puttkamer.] [Footnote 18: Military _chargé_.] [Footnote 19: Von Bismarck, the oldest nephew.] [Footnote 20: Von Thadden, commanding a squadron in the First Dragoon Guards.] * * * * * CORRESPONDENCE OF WILLIAM I. AND BISMARCK [21] TRANSLATED BY J.A. FORD BISMARCK TO KING WILLIAM Berlin, December 8, '63. YOUR MAJESTY:-- I have the honor most respectfully to submit a Police report, the printed compilation of the documents relating to the London treaty as commanded, and the telegrams received up to the present. In my most humble opinion it seems expedient to maintain our attitude toward Irminger[22] also outwardly in conformity with that of Austria. It is awkward that Sydow is charged with the report of the committee in the Bundestag, for we shall thus always have to make our declaration first, and before Austria; if your Majesty does not command otherwise I will leave him without instructions on this point, and await tomorrow's committee issues, as the next measure, the letter to Copenhagen, will not be thereby delayed. The final sentence of the Vienna telegram, that Christian IX. rules also in Copenhagen only by virtue of the London treaty, is not quite right; he rules there because the legitimate heir, Prince Friedrich of Hesse, has resigned in his favor. This legal title, which is in itself sufficient, has only been _confirmed_ by the London treaty, and then extended to the Duchies. v. BISMARCK. Marginal note by the King: Prince Friedrich resigned merely in order that the London treaty in favor of Christian IX. might be effectuated. W. * * * * * KING WILLIAM I. TO BISMARCK Berlin, February 12, '67. When looking back to the decisive turning point reached by the destinies of Prussia through the glorious fights of the past year, the most distant generations will never forget that the elevation of the Fatherland to new power, and to imperishable honors, that the opening up of an epoch of a rich and, with God's help, a blessing-bringing development are essentially due to your penetration, your energy, and the skilful manner in which you conducted the affairs entrusted to you. I have decided to show a renewed appreciation of these your most distinguished merits, by the bestowal of a gift of four hundred thousand Thalers.[23] The Minister for Finance has been directed to place this sum at your disposal.