‘... I only know how to obey, and I should never have been placed in the position of upholding, even in the smallest degree, the reputation I have gained for obstinacy and hardness of heart, were I not obliged to execute secret instructions that are frequently in opposition to direct orders, with which it is difficult to reconcile them....’[69] We are purposely dwelling on these murmurings of the Count de Broglio that we may be the better able to show hereafter that he was not the only victim, amongst the confidential correspondents and agents, to the King’s caprice and selfish indifference. [Sidenote: ACCESSION OF CATHERINE II.] The new year opened with an event—perhaps upon the whole unfortunate for France—the not altogether unexpected death of Elizabeth (January 5); and the accession of Peter III. was the signal for a cessation of hostilities and a complete change of front on the part of Russia. The new Tsar agreed with Frederick to a truce, which developed into an alliance, and afforded him the opportunity for gratifying his tastes for all that was German, and further alienating the respect and sympathy of his people. In her struggle against her husband, for liberty and even life, Catherine turned to France for succour—a circumstance that called for decision and steadfastness of purpose on the part of the French representative at her Court; but the Baron de Breteuil proved himself unequal to the occasion by his pusillanimity and hesitation,[70] and Catherine effected her will independently of French support. The disease was quickly acknowledged and the remedy as quickly found. De Breteuil was to be replaced by D’Eon upon the recommendations of the Duke de Choiseul and of the Count de Broglio, although on different grounds; the King readily approving, because in him would be combined with the minister plenipotentiary what was of greatest importance to his Majesty—a well-tried secret correspondent.[71] Other events, however, bid fair to change these plans. The Emperor was disposed of, and Catherine, in grasping the sceptre, said: ‘If I go to war it will be to suit my own convenience, and not to please others, as was the case with the Empress Elizabeth.’ From various causes Louis XV. refused to continue with Catherine the secret correspondence he had entertained with her predecessor, and D’Eon’s services were consequently no longer required at the Russian capital. De Breteuil was suffered to remain at his post until, too glad to escape the ever-increasing difficulties of his position, he was removed, at his own request, to Stockholm. CHAPTER IV.