[246] M. Jacobi, the Prussian Minister, had left England when diplomatic relations between the two countries were broken off in the spring. He passed Lord Morpeth on the sea, and reached England early in October. [247] In the interval which elapsed since Lady Holland’s last entry in her journal the whole position of Europe had again changed. The Prussian army, decimated in one day at Jena and Auerstadt, had practically ceased to exist; Frederick William was a fugitive at the eastern end of his dominions in Königsberg. Napoleon had occupied Berlin, and in two months had become master of many of the Prussian fortresses, which it should have taken him years to reduce. Lucchesini in the course of his negotiations for peace in Berlin was even ready to give up those strongholds which had not surrendered, but the patriotic party were too strong to allow the King to consent to further ignominy. Russia was prepared to give her assistance, and this nerved Frederick William to continue the war. Haugwitz resigned, but the King rendered this lucky event ineffective by also dismissing Count Stein, the only really able man in his councils. [248] War was formally declared between Russia and the Porte towards the end of December. [249] Gustavus IV. succeeded, at the age of fourteen, to the crown of Sweden after his father’s assassination in 1792. His hatred of Napoleon and inclination towards an English alliance were the leading features of his reign--features to which he so obstinately adhered as to cause his country much unrest and suffering, and his own downfall. He was deposed in 1809 in favour of his uncle. [250] The dissolution took place in October, and the new Parliament met on December 15. Tierney was defeated at Southwark by Sir Thomas Turton. He obtained a seat, however, at Athlone. [251] Sir Samuel Auchmuty (1756–1822), born in New York, of Scotch descent. He served the crown in America as a volunteer, obtaining a commission. He went to India, where he saw much service. He took Monte Video, and showed considerable skill on this expedition until superseded by General Whitelocke, who arrived with further reinforcements. He later returned to India, and was also employed in the East Indian islands. Sir Home Popham, who was court-martialled in March, and reprimanded for his share in the unauthorised expedition to Buenos Ayres, remained with his fleet off the Rio Plate after the loss of the town. The Government were much disconcerted by the whole affair, but the enthusiasm of the public forced them to send reinforcements instead of orders of recall. Three thousand men were despatched with Sir Samuel.