The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz, Volume I
by Freiherr von Karl Ludwig Pöllnitz · English · Gutenberg #38495 · 894,536 chars · public domain (US)
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Title: The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz, Volume I
Author: Freiherr von Karl Ludwig Pöllnitz
Release date: January 5, 2012 [eBook #38495]
Most recently updated: January 8, 2021
Language: English
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/38495
Credits: Produced by Robert Connal, Henry Gardiner and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MEMOIRS OF CHARLES-LEWIS, BARON DE POLLNITZ, VOLUME I ***
Produced by Robert Connal, Henry Gardiner and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This
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* * * * *
Transcriber's Note: The original publication has been replicated
faithfully except as shown in the Transcriber's Amendments at the end of
the text. This etext presumes a mono-spaced font on the user's device,
such as Courier New. Words in italics are indicated like _this_. But the
publisher also wanted to emphasize words in sentences already italicized,
so he printed them in the regular font which is indicated here with: _The
pirates then went to +Hispaniola+._ Obscured letters in the original
publication are indicated with {?}. Superscripts are indicated like this:
S^{ta} Maria. Footnotes are located near the end of the work.
* * * * *
[Illustration: Lestevenon de Berkenroode]
THE
MEMOIRS
OF
_CHARLES-LEWIS_,
Baron de POLLNITZ.
BEING
The OBSERVATIONS He made in his
late TRAVELS from _Prussia_ thro'
_GERMANY_,
_ITALY_,
_FRANCE_,
_FLANDERS_,
_HOLLAND_,
_ENGLAND_, &c.
In LETTERS to his FRIEND.
Discovering not only the PRESENT STATE
of the Chief CITIES and TOWNS;
BUT
The CHARACTERS of the PRINCIPAL PERSONS
at the Several COURTS.
In TWO VOLUMES.
Vol. I
The SECOND EDITION, with ADDITIONS.
_LONDON:_
Printed for DANIEL BROWNE, at the _Black Swan_,
without _Temple-Bar_. M.DCC.XXXIX.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE, BY THE TRANSLATOR v
AUTHOR'S PREFACE ix
ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR xiv
PREFACE xv
ADDENDA to Vol. I xviii
ADDENDA to Vol. II xxi
BOOKS LATELY PUBLISHED xxiv
LETTER I 1
LETTER II 49
LETTER III 60
LETTER IV 69
LETTER V 80
LETTER VI 162
LETTER VII 178
LETTER VIII 183
LETTER IX 193
LETTER X 197
LETTER XI 210
LETTER XII 224
LETTER XIII 246
LETTER XIV 258
LETTER XV 272
LETTER XVI 280
LETTER XVII 293
LETTER XVIII 299
LETTER XIX 315
LETTER XX 327
LETTER XXI 338
LETTER XXII 357
LETTER XXIII 364
LETTER XXIV 377
LETTER XXV 391
LETTER XXVI 408
LETTER XXVII 422
OTHER BOOKS 432
INDEX 433
ERRATA
FOOTNOTES
[Illustration]
To the Right Honourable
PHILIP, _Lord_ HARDWICKE;
Baron of _Hardwicke_, in the
County of _Gloucester_;
LORD HIGH CHANCELLOR
of _Great Britain_;
AND
One of the LORDS of His Majesty's most
Honourable PRIVY COUNCIL.
MY LORD,
The good Reception these Memoirs, which I most humbly offer to your
Lordship, have met with Abroad; and the Protection and Favour the _Author_
has obtain'd at one of the Chief Protestant Courts of EUROPE; encourage
me, tho' with the profoundest Submission, to intreat your Lordship's
favourable Acceptance of this _Translation_.
'Tis, my Lord, the only Homage I am capable of paying your Lordship, and
the best Testimony I can give with what Zeal and Pleasure I join in the
Congratulation of the Public for that illustrious Regard paid to your
Lordship's Merit, and Their Wishes, by his SACRED MAJESTY, this Day in
Council.
That your Lordship may very long enjoy a sufficient Portion of Health,
equal to the Abilities of your Great Mind, for supporting you under that
vast Weight of Service which you have now taken upon you for your King and
Country, is the hearty Prayer of all good ENGLISHMEN; and particularly of
Him, My Lord, who has the Honour to subscribe
YOUR LORDSHIP'S
_Most Devoted,
Most Obedient, and
Most Humble Servant._
[Illustration]
PREFACE,
By the TRANSLATOR.
The Author of these _Memoirs_, who is a Person of an honourable Family in
_Prussia_, and confess'd by all that know him to be a Gentleman of
extraordinary Talents, is one that may be truly said to have seen the
World; he having not only travell'd twice thro' the principal Parts of
_Europe_, but by his Acquaintance with People of the first Rank, and a
diligent Inquiry and nice Inspection into Men and Things, attained to that
Knowledge of Both, which is of such Service and Entertainment to Mankind
in the general, and so particularly necessary for All who attend to what
is doing in high Life.
He has succeeded very happily in the right Narrative Stile; and the
_French_ Language, in which he wrote the following Letters, seems to be as
natural to him as if it was his Mother-Tongue. But the Thing which has
most contributed to the Demand for these Memoirs, is the Multitude of
Characters that the Baron has interspers'd, not only of the Deceas'd, but
even of Persons that are still living, and distinguish'd by the exalted
Spheres in which they move.
That every one of those Characters is equally just, or that every
Circumstance relating to them is told with the utmost Exactness, is not to
be imagin'd: For supposing the Author to have been ever so circumspect and
impartial, how was it possible for him to take the true Likeness of every
one, in such a Variety of Personages of both Sexes, and to be perfectly
sure of every Particular that he mentions; since he could not be
Eye-Witness of every thing, and must be oblig'd for many to Information
from other Persons, of whom, 'tis no wonder if some were prejudic'd? But
to do the Baron Justice, it must be allow'd, that he no where fails in
that Respect and Decorum to Princes which are their due; and that he has
not discover'd a predominant Passion for Satire: because where he has
painted in the strongest Colours, and represented his Subjects in the most
disadvantageous Light, they were such whose Follies or whose Vices were
too flagrant and notorious to be either conceal'd or disguis'd: And,
considering the Groupe of Courtiers whom he has crouded into his Canvass,
the Reader will rather be surpris'd to meet with so few Imperfections in
his Characters, and so many excellent Qualities. By this means, his
Memoirs have, upon the whole, done Honour to his Understanding, without
offending his Conscience, or hurting his Fortune; he being, at this very
time, upon a handsome Establishment at the Court of _Prussia_.
It cannot possibly escape the Observation of the Reader, that the Baron,
when he wrote these Letters to his noble Friend, was a profess'd Member of
the Church of _Rome_; but that nevertheless, he was not such a Bigot to
its Constitution, nor such a Believer in the Legends of its Writers, or
the pretended Miracles of its Saints, as to incur the Character of a blind
and furious Zealot; it appearing on the contrary, from several
Declarations of his Mind in the following Pages, that he did not want
Charity either in his Nature or Principles for those from whom he differ'd
in religious Sentiments. Such a Catholic Spirit, assisted by his good
Sense, made it, no doubt, much easier for him, after reflecting upon the
Fopperies and Impostures which he had seen in that Church during his
Travels, to abjure the _Romish_ and to embrace the _Protestant_ Religion,
which he did accordingly with great Devotion last Summer, at _Berlin_;
after which, his _Prussian_ Majesty was pleas'd to distinguish him with
peculiar Marks of his Favour and Esteem, by declaring him one of the
Gentlemen of his Bed-Chamber, and Chief Cup-Bearer of his Court; and he
has very lately given him a considerable Prebend.
To the new Edition of his Memoirs, from which the following Sheets are
translated, there's not only a great number of material Additions in the
Body of the Work, as is observ'd by the Editor of it, _Amsterdam_, but
several new Notes: In this Translation, these Notes are likewise
considerably augmented, for the sake of continuing the Thread of the
History to the present Time, by the Notice taken of certain remarkable
Alterations, or other curious Particulars that have happen'd to the
Persons or the Places mentioned, since 1734, when the said Edition was
publish'd.
One great Defect for which the foreign Editor has been very much blam'd,
was the want of a Table to these Memoirs; which, if not absolutely
necessary in a Work of this kind, wherein so many Persons and Facts are
mentioned, cannot be necessary for any Book whatsoever that comes from the
Press. To supply this Defect, the Translator has added an Alphabetical
Index to each of the two Volumes; which Indexes are the more copious, that
the Reader might know where to turn in an Instant for some Account of the
Characters, Conduct, or Familys of those public Personages, whose Names so
often occur in the News-Papers.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
THE
AUTHOR's PREFACE
TO THE
FIRST EDITION.
_There are very few Books without a +Preface+; and that there are
so, is in a great measure owing to the Fancy of the +Booksellers+,
who think them to be absolutely necessary, and too often judge of
the merit of a Copy by the Flights of its Preface, and the
insinuating Tone of the +Author's+ Voice in reading it. I had the
misfortune to fall into the hands of one of these Booksellers, so
fond of Prefaces, whom nothing would serve but he must have one at
the Head of my +Memoirs+. My telling him that I did not know what to
put into a Preface, signify'd no more than if I had been talking to
a Post; for he threaten'd to get a Preface compos'd by an Author who
wrote for Wages. This startled me, and I trembled for the fate of my
Book, not doubting that a Preface written by a Man of Letters, who
made it his profession to compose such marvellous Pieces, would
altogether eclipse the few Excellencies in this Work of mine. What,
said I to myself, the Sale of my Book then must depend only on the
Goodness of the Preface, which, when the Readers compare with the
Book it self, they will say, O! what a wonderful Man is the Author
of the +Preface+! What a pitiful Writer, the Compiler of the
+Memoirs+! No, said I again to my self, I am resolv'd that the
Preface and the Book shall run the same risk; and since Chance has
enter'd me an Author, I'll play out the whole part of one._
_I am told, that the Design of a Preface is to give the Publick an
account, in the first place, of the Reasons that have engag'd the Author
to compose his Work; that then he is to inform the Publick, that 'tis in
meer Complaisance to his Friends, and because there are mangled Copies of
his Manuscript abroad, that he has been determined to put it to the Press;
and finally, that he is to conclude with a sort of Petition, wherein he is
to beg the Reader's Indulgence for his Productions. This, I have been
assured, is the Plan of a Preface; let us now see how well I can execute
it._
_As to the first Article, +viz.+ what Motives I had to write, I sincerely
own that when I set Pen to Paper, I meant nothing more than to amuse
myself. I was the farthest in the World from thinking that I should one
day be overtaken with the Temptation of setting up for an Author. I wrote
Letters to a Friend of mine, purely to divert him with an Account of such
things as came in my way; the Minutes of which Letters I preserved till I
had insensibly formed a Volume of 'em; and having nothing else to do, I
augmented and digested them in the manner that I now give them to the
Publick. The truth is, that my Friends have not used the least Importunity
with me to commit my Manuscript to the Press, nor was it possible for any
spurious Copies of it to get abroad, because no body ever saw it till I
put it into the hands of the Bookseller._
_But I shall be ask'd, what possess'd me to commence Author, and how came
I to be so idle as to put my Name at the Head of a sorry book? I must
answer again, that it was downright Indolence. As to my Name, it would
have been very difficult to have concealed it from Persons to whom I have
the greatest Obligations. I should have been suspected to have been the
Author of these Memoirs at certain Courts, for which I have a Respect both
by Inclination and Duty; and perhaps, if I had left this Copy to the
wide World, as some do those Foundlings which they are asham'd to own,
such Passages might have been foisted into it, as would have been father'd
upon me, in spite of all Protestations of my Innocence._
_As to the Book itself, I am apt to think there is nothing in it that any
Person whatsoever ought to take offence at. When I speak of Sovereign
Princes, 'tis with the Reverence due to the +Lord's Anointed+; and I also
endeavour to honour them in their Ministers, being taught by my Religion
that I ought to honour God in his Saints. I have done my utmost to paint
the true Characters of People in Place, and can safely say, that my
Authorities are not meer hear-says or scraps out of News-Papers; for,
thank to God, my Birth and Fortune have put me in a capacity to see, hear,
and judge for myself._
_It will be thought perhaps, that when I speak of Nations in general, I
judge too rashly. It may be so; this being an Article especially in which
all Men do not think alike. The +French+ have a quite different Idea of
the +Germans+ from what the +English+ have, and the +English+ do not pass
the same Verdict on the +French+ as the +Swedes+ do. 'Tis the same in
private Life. Every one makes his own Condition the Standard of his
Judgment. The Man of Quality, the Citizen, the Soldier, the Merchant, have
all different Ideas. The Traveller judges of the Nation where he is, by
the Company he keeps. A +Frenchman+ who in +Germany+ converses with none
but those of the second Class, will say that the +Germans+ are honest
People, but clownish; whereas another, who keeps company with Persons of
Quality, or those in Offices, will agree, that the +Germans+ are more
polite than they have been painted by certain +French+ Writers, who have
been transplanted to +Germany+ either by their Distresses, or by meer
Chance. So, a +German+, who, when he is at +Paris+, sees no better Company
than the Marchionesses of the Suburb of +St. Germain+, imagines
that all the Women both at Court and in the City are like them. In fine, a
Foreigner who takes up his Residence in the City of +London+, will
entertain a different Idea of the +English+ from what another shall do who
lodges at +St. James+'s end of the town. They are, as one may say, so many
different Nations in one and the same State, which stand in little
relation to one another; and sometimes attribute Virtues and Vices to each
other without due Consideration. A Foreigner therefore can form a solid
Judgment of none but those with whom he is conversant; and if he has the
good luck to pitch his Tent well, he entertains an advantageous Opinion of
the Nation in general. Let Foreigners, when they return home, after having
kept such various sorts of Company, sit down to draw the Characters of the
Nations they have seen, I do but think what a strange difference would
appear in their Descriptions! The Judgment therefore which I make of
People, is founded upon the Company I kept, and upon what I heard from
such Inhabitants of the Country as appear'd to me to be altogether
unprejudiced, and were pleased to honour me with their Information. I do
not say but, after all, I may have been mistaken; for I do not pretend to
have painted things in any other light than as they appear'd to me. If,
nevertheless, any particular Person thinks himself particularly intended
when I speak of the Inhabitants of any Province or Town in general, I beg
him to remember, that I confess in my Memoirs there are worthy People in
all parts of the World, and 'tis not my fault if his Conscience does not
permit him to rank himself in that number._
_No doubt I shall be reproach'd for relating too many Trifles, and passing
too lightly over things of greater Importance. To speak freely again, I
will make no difficulty to own, that, if when I began these Memoirs, I had
ever thought of printing them, the desire of promoting their Sale might
perhaps have put upon inserting a great many Nothings which I omitted, as
not thinking it worth while to charge my Memory with 'em. The far greatest
part of what the World reads is Trifles, and a History will make its
fortune not by the instructive Facts that are in it, but by the Romantic
Turn the Author gives it. Besides, I am not so vain as to write with a
design of Instructing; for what could I relate in my Travels which others
have not done before me in better Terms? To talk of Learned Men, to make a
Catalogue of Books and MSS. that are to be met with in Libraries, to
ransack the Cabinet of the Curious, to publish Inscriptions, to treat of
antique Medals, to affirm that I have seen an +Otho+ of Brass, which is
known to be but of Silver, what a Posse of Men of Learning would rise up
against me! Whereas, now I fear nothing; the Learned don't read Trifles,
or if they do, they scorn to criticise them. I shall to them remain
unknown, or at least, my Meanness will be my Protection against their
Indignation._
_I would fain be as secure against the Criticism of those, who reading for
the sake of their amusement, require an exact, elegant Stile in trifles,
that is, adorn'd with the Flowers and Garlands of Rhetorick. But how shall
I gain their Indulgence? If I own to them that I could do no better, they
will say to me, and justly enough, +Alas! then what made you write?+ To
which I shall answer, as I said before, that it was meerly for want of
something else to do. If they will but forgive me this time, I assure them
that I not only will never relapse into the same error, but that I shall
not be sorry if they disdain to take Notice of my Book: And if the reading
of these Memoirs inclines them to sleep, I shall think my self very well
rewarded for having contributed to their Repose._
_After all, I am more particularly obliged to ask pardon of the +French+
than any other Nation: 'Tis in their Language I have presumed to write,
and they are my proper Judges. Such is their Politeness and their
Readiness to assist Foreigners, that I doubt not of Mercy. And in
return, I promise them, that if a +Frenchman+ ever vouchsafes to write in
the +German+ Language, I will forgive him any Errors that he may commit._
ADVERTISEMENT by the EDITOR.
N. B. "These Memoirs went off so quick, that before they had been out
scarce six Months, the _French_ Bookseller was oblig'd to prepare for this
_Second Edition_; to which, there are considerable Additions both in the
Body of the Work and in the Notes, of curious and interesting Facts and
Characters, and the principal Alterations that have happen'd at the
several Courts, since the first Edition.
"There is added in particular, a very circumstantial Account of the
present Elector of _Saxony_'s Family, his Ministers, and Officers; and in
short, of the Chief Persons of both Sexes belonging to his Court and
Houshold. This is prefix'd in the Original, at the Head of the Memoirs;
but the Translator thought it more regular as well as more consistent with
the Method observ'd every where else by the Author, to place it at the End
of his Description of the City of _Dresden_. The Baron has dedicated that
Account to the present Elector (_Augustus_, King of _Poland_) and
introduc'd it with the following Preface."
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
PREFACE,
TO THE SECOND EDITION.
_The_ PRESENT STATE OF THE COURT OF SAXONY_, which is added to this
Edition, has no need of a Preface to recommend it, the very Title shewing
that 'tis what concerns every +Saxon+ especially to be acquainted with._
_All Subjects have a desire to know something of their Sovereign; and
private Men in every State have this Curiosity, with respect to their
Ministers and Courtiers. These are the Characters which I have ventured to
draw, tho' I own, that I don't think I have always hit the Life, for want
of that Penetration and Delicacy of Imagination which Nature, to me a
Step-Mother, has deny'd me; and also because it would have been necessary
for me to have stay'd longer than I did at +Dresden+. Three Months
Residence at so great a Court, are hardly sufficient to make a Man
acquainted with it, were his Fund of Knowledge even as deep as mine is
shallow. Then what a Presumption would it be for me to think I have
attained to it!_
_I must not dissemble, that this Book with all its Imperfections, has cost
me more trouble in composing than one much larger would have done upon a
Subject that had been more familiar to me. There was a necessity for me to
make Inquiry into many Particulars, and to get some of my Information from
a private hand. I own my Obligation to the Civility of M. +Konig+, the
Counsellor of the Court, for the Intelligence I wanted relating
to some of the Court-Nobility. If I had been so happy as to have found out
but one or two Persons more as active for me as he was, my Work would have
been more correct and more extensive. Such as it is, I intreat the Reader
to accept it, and to forgive any Errors in it, in consideration that I am
the first who has ventured to treat of such a Subject. I own, there is a
certain degree of Rashness in the Undertaking, but the noble Motive that
has induc'd me to it, seems to plead for my excuse._
_All +Saxony+ knows in general, that 'tis govern'd by a Sovereign,
gracious, and vigilant to render it happy. It were needless to set the
King's Virtues and Actions before their Eyes, which the People already
admire, and pray for him. But as this Great Prince does not want those who
envy his Glory, they are the Persons whom I have chose to make asham'd of
themselves; and have endeavoured, if possible, to reclaim others whom a
fatal blindness keeps at a distance from his Majesty's Person[1]._
_All that ever had the honour of approaching +Augustus III.+ will agree
with me that he adorns that Throne, upon which a respectful Nation has
plac'd him; and that whatever I have said of this Monarch is short of what
might be mention'd. How is it possible to give the true Portraiture of a
King born without Vice, by Principle virtuous, and religiously good? To
admire him in silence is the only way to please him, which I know too
well, not to conform to it; and therefore I have not presum'd to expatiate
so far in his Praise as the Sublimity of the Subject demands._
_The same Aversion of the Queen to Praise, has confin'd me within the same
bounds. How many Virtues have not I been forc'd to smother? What Thoughts_
_have not I sacrific'd, lest I should offend the noble Modesty of that
August Princess, who with a Simplicity attending her Grandeur, makes her
Glory to consist in being humble in the midst of Honours?_
_I believe no body will dispute the Truth of what I have advanc'd relating
to the_ PRINCE ROYAL_ and _ELECTORAL_, the_ PRINCES HIS BROTHERS_, and the
_PRINCESSES HIS SISTERS_. The hopes I have raised of what may be expected
from_ THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES_, will surely be confirm'd by Time, and by
all those who have access to them._
_The Actions of the Duke +John-Adolphus+ of +Saxe-Weissenfels+ are so well
establish'd that I have not thought fit to anticipate History, by which
they are to be consecrated: And for the same reason, I have but just
touch'd upon the amiable Qualities of his Mind, which are rever'd both by
the Court and the Army._
_As to the Princess of +Saxe-Weissenfels+, I frankly own, that as I had
not the honour of paying my Court to her, what I have said of her Virtues
has no other Authority than the Voice of the Publick, which can never
speak enough in her Praise._
_I have been more copious in treating of the Ministers; and what I have
said of them is so true, that they who know them not may thereby form a
just Idea of what they are._
_I have taken as much notice of the principal Lords and the most
distinguish'd Ladies of the Court, as the little time I had for this Work,
and the Limits to which I was confin'd, would permit. I flatter myself
they will forgive the Freedom with which I use them; and hope I have
preserv'd a Decency in my Language which will secure me from Reproach._
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
ADDENDA to Vol. I.
Pap. 15. M. _Beausobre_, Minister of the Gospel at _Berlin_, and Author of
several learned Treatises, died in _May_ 1738.
P. 26. The Princess of _Brandenburg-Schwedt_, fourth Daughter of the King
of _Prussia_, was deliver'd of a Daughter in _April_ 1738.
P. 27. The Count _de Truchses-Walbourg_, Major-General in the Service of
the King of _Prussia_, died at _Berlin_ in _April_ 1738.
P. 34. In _July_ 1738, his _Prussian_ Majesty, together with the Prince
Royal and Prince _William_, made a Tour to _Holland_, and paid a Visit to
his most Serene Highness the Prince of _Orange_.
P. 66. His Excellency Baron _Hattorf_, Secretary of State for the Affairs
of _Hanover_, died in _August_ 1737.
P. 70. _Christina-Louisa_, Princess of _Oetingen_, died in 1736.
P. 72. _Philippina-Charlotte_, Duchess of _Brunswic-Wolfembuttle_, and
third Daughter to the King of _Prussia_, after having had two Sons by Duke
_Charles_ her Husband, _viz._ the first born in 1735, and the other, who
is called _George-Francis_, in 1736, was deliver'd also of a Daughter in
_September_ 1737, who in the Month following was baptiz'd by the Names of
_Christina-Sophia-Maria_.
P. 105. M. _de Miltitz_, who was Tutor to the present King _Augustus_ when
he was Electoral Prince of _Saxony_, died in _March_ 1738.
P. 113. The Princess Royal of _Poland_ was married in _July_ 1738, to Don
_Carlos_ King of _Naples_ and _Sicily_.
P. 130. The Count _de Sulkowski_ in _January_ 1738 fell under some
Disgrace, so that his Majesty order'd his Papers to be seal'd up, and
excused him from farther Attendance on him, but was willing he should keep
the Title and Rank of Minister of the Cabinet, and General of the Foot,
with 6000 Crowns Pension.
P. 140. _Adolphus de Bruhl_ was in _January_ 1738 appointed Grand-Master
of the Horse, at the _Saxon_ Court, in the room of the Count _de
Sulkowski_.
P. 142. The Count _de Moschinski_ died in _September_ 1737.
P. 147. The Count _de Diedrichstein_ died at _Prague_ in _September_ 1737.
He was Baron of _Hollenbourg_, _Finckenstein_, _Dahlberg_ and
_Landskroon_, Hereditary Great Huntsman of _Styria_, Hereditary Cup-Bearer
of _Carinthia_, Knight of the Order of St. _John_ of _Jerusalem_, Grand
Prior in _Bohemia_, _Moravia_, _Silesia_, _Carinthia_, _Styria_, _Tirol_,
_Austria_ and _Poland_, Bailiff of the aforesaid Order, and Commander of
the Commanderies of _Little Oels_, _Furstenfeld_ and _Mosling_, a
Privy-Counsellor of the Emperor, and Governour-General of the Kingdom of
_Bohemia_.
P. 168. The last Duke of _Saxe-Mersebourg_ mention'd in the Note of that
Page, died in _May_ 1738.
P. 182. In _April_ 1738, the Emperor appointed the Prince of _Saxe-Gotha_
Lieutenant Velt-Marshal of his Armies; and in _September_ following
he solicited the Diet of _Ratisbon_ for the Post of second
Velt-Marshal-General of the Empire, in the Disposal of the Protestant
States, vacant by the Death of the Baron _de Wutgenau_.
P. 182. _Augusta_ Princess of _Wales_ was deliver'd of a Princess on the
31st of _July_ 1737, who was baptized after her own Name; and on the 24th
of _May_ 1738, she was deliver'd of a Prince who was baptiz'd
_George-William Frederic_.
P. 208. The Margravine of _Brandenbourg-Culmbach_, Mother to the Queen of
_Denmark_, died at _Copenhagen_ in _August_ 1737, in the 70th Year of her
Age, very much lamented.
P. 220. Count _Philip Kinski_ was made Chancellor of _Bohemia_, in _May_
1738, in the room of the late Count _de Collowrat_.
P. 233. The Archduchess, Wife to the Duke of _Lorrain_, had a Daughter,
born _January_ 25, 1737, and another born in _September_ 1738.
P. 264. The eldest Son of the Duke _Ferdinand_ of _Bavaria_, died in
_April_ 1738.
P. 266. The Count _Maximilian de Fugger_ died at _Vienna_, in _January_
1738.
P. 266. The Count _de Thirheim_ died in _January_ 1738, at _Lintz_, the
Capital of _Upper Austria_.
P. 285. _Charles-Alexander_ Duke of _Wirtemberg-Stutgard_, died on the 1st
of _March_ 1737, and was succeeded by his eldest Son _Eugene-Lewis_ the
present Duke, who was born the 30th of _January_ 1728.
P. 298. The Margrave of _Baden-Dourlach_ died the first of _May_ 1738, at
_Carelsruhe_, who having no Issue living, is succeeded by _Frederic_ of
_Witgenstein_, who is marry'd to the Princess _Augusta-Amelia-Albertina_
of _Nassau-Siegen_. The Deceased was 58 Years and near 11 Months of Age,
being born the 17th of _June_ 1679. He was a General in the Emperor's
Army, and Great Master of the Artillery in the Circle _of Suabia_. By his
Wife, a Daughter of the Duke of _Wirtemberg-Stutgard_, he had four
Children, who are all dead. When he laid the Plan and Foundation of the
City and Castle of _Carelsruhe_, he gave equal Liberty of Conscience to
the Lutherans, Calvinists, and Roman Catholics.
P. 321. The Cardinal _de Schonborn_ died in _August_ 1737.
P. 335. The Baron _de Beveren_, Grand Marshal at the Elector Palatine's
Court, died there in _January_ 1738.
P. 357. In _January_ 1738, the Prince of _Hesse-Hombourg_ was married to
the Velt-Marshal _Trubetskay_'s Daughter.
P. 362. After the Death of the Count of _Hanau_ without Issue, the
Succession was awarded to the Prince of _Darmstad_ as next Heir, on
condition of his paying 200000_l._ by way of Compensation to the House of
_Cassel_.
[Illustration]
ADDENDA to Vol. II.
Pag. 14. Cardinal _Bissi_ died in _August_ 1737.
P. 44. Cardinal _Olivieri_, Secretary of the Pope's Briefs, died at _Rome_
in _February_ 1738.
P. 61. Prince _James Sobieski_ died in _December_ 1737.
P. 136. On the 28th of _June_ 1737, the Great Duke of _Tuscany_ died in
the 67th Year of his Age, and was succeeded by _Francis_ Duke of _Lorrain_
(who married the Emperor's Daughter) for whom possession was immediately
taken of the Duchy by the _German_ Forces.
_Ferdinand_, Duke of _Courland_, who is mentioned in the same Page, died
in 1737; and the Nobility assembling at _Mittau_ elected Count _Biron_, a
Native, to succeed him.
P. 150. The Affairs of _Corsica_ are very much alter'd since the first
Edition of these Volumes. Baron _Theodore_ having left the Island, and
promis'd to return soon with Succours, went to _Amsterdam_, where he was
confin'd for Debt; but being soon discharg'd by the Interest of some
foreign Power, he proceeded to _Paris_, and thence to _Marseilles_, in
order, as he gave out, to put himself again at the Head of the
_Corsicans_: But during this the _French_ having undertaken to be
Mediators betwixt the _Corsicans_ and _Genoese_, have, with the
Approbation of both, sent a General thither with some Troops, and the
_Corsicans_ have agreed to send over a dozen of their chief Men to the
Court of _France_ as Hostages for their good Behaviour; but since this,
_Theodore_ has set his Foot again upon that Island.
P. 257. The Duke of _Liria_, Son and Successor to the late Marshal Duke of
_Berwic_, died at _Naples_ in _May_ 1738.
P. 260. The Marshal _d'Estrees_ died the 5th of _December_ 1737.
P. 309. The Marshal _de Wrangel_, Governour of _Brussels_, died in
_August_ 1737, in the 87th Year of his Age.
P. 332. The Succession to the Duchies of _Juliers_ and _Berg_, is an
Affair which has been very much canvass'd for several Months past, between
the Elector Palatine and the Courts of _Prussia_ and _Saxony_. The
maritime Powers of _Great Britain_ and _Holland_ have proposed an
Accommodation, with regard to the Succession, into which the Elector
Palatine is willing to enter; but the Courts of _France_, _Prussia_ and
_Saxony_ don't concur with it; and _France_ has guarantee'd the actual
Possession of those Duchies to the Prince of _Sultzbach_.
P. 447. On the 20th of _November_ 1737, _Wilhelmina-Carolina_ Queen of
_Great Britain_ died of a Mortification in her Bowels; and on the 17th of
_December_ following she was privately interr'd in _Westminster-Abbey_.
[Illustration]
BOOKS _lately published_,
1. The Third and Fourth Volumes of the MEMOIRS of CHARLES-LEWIS BARON DE
POLLNITZ being the Observations he made in his late Travels from _Prussia_
thro' _Poland_, _Germany_, _Italy_, _France_, _Spain_, _Flanders_,
_Holland_, _England_, &c. discovering not only the present State of the
chief Cities and Towns, but the Characters of the principal Persons at the
several Courts.
2. CYCLOPÆDIA; or, An Universal Dictionary of ARTS and SCIENCES:
Containing, An Explication of the Terms, and an Account of the Things
signified thereby in the several Arts, both Liberal and Mechanical, and
the several Sciences, Human and Divine: The Figures, Kinds, Properties,
Productions, Preparations and Uses of Things, Natural and Artificial: The
Rise, Progress, and State of Things, Ecclesiastical, Civil, Military and
Commercial; with the several Systems, Sects, Opinions, &c. among
Philosophers, Divines, Mathematicians, Physicians, Antiquaries, Critics,
&c. The Whole intended as a Course of Antient and Modern Learning,
extracted from the best Authors, Dictionaries, Journals, Memoirs,
Transactions, Ephemerides, &c. in several languages. By E. CHAMBERS,
_F.R.S._ The Second Edition, corrected and amended, with some ADDITIONS.
In Two Volumes, Folio.
3. BAYLE's GREAT HISTORICAL and CRITICAL DICTIONARY, the second Edition,
carefully collated with the several Editions of the Original; in which
many Passages are restored, and the Whole greatly augmented; particularly
with a Translation of the Quotations from eminent Writers in various
Languages: To which is prefixed, the Life of the Author, revised,
corrected and enlarged, by Mr. Des Maizeaux, Fellow of the Royal Society;
compleat in 5 Volumes, Folio.
4. A Tour thro' the whole Island of Great Britain, divided into Circuits
or Journies, giving a particular and entertaining Account of whatever is
Curious, and worth Observation, viz. 1. A Description of the principal
Cities and Towns, their Situation, Government and Commerce. 2. The
Customs, Manners, Exercises, Diversions, and Employment of the People. 3.
The Produce and Improvement of the Lands, the Trade and Manufactury. 4.
The Sea-Ports and Fortifications, the Course of Rivers, and the Inland
Navigation. 5. The public Edifices, Seats and Palaces of the Nobility, and
Gentry. Interspersed with useful Observations. Particularly fitted for the
Perusal of such as desire to travel over the Island. The second Edition,
with very great Additions, Improvements and Corrections, which bring it
down to the beginning of the Year 1738, in three neat Pocket Volumes.
_Price, Nine Shillings._
All printed for D. BROWNE, without _Temple-Bar_.
[Illustration]
MEMOIRS
OF THE
Baron de POLLNITZ.
In SEVERAL LETTERS to Mr. _L. C. D. S._
LETTER I.
_SIR_, _Berlin, June 6, 1729._
From _Breslaw_ to _Berlin_ 'tis 40 _German_ Miles of very even Country,
well peopled and cultivated. There are I know not how many little Towns in
the Road, not worth mentioning.
The first Place of any Importance is CROSSEN. This City is the Capital of
the Dutchy from whence it has its Name, which formerly made a Part of
_Silesia_, but is now annex'd to the Electorate of _Brandenburgh_. There's
a Bridge at _Crossen_, by which we pass the River _Oder_, defended by
Fortifications. The Town is situate in a pleasant fruitful Country. The
Houses, which are all of Brick, are uniform, and the Streets as strait as
a Line. The chief of them terminate in a great Square in the middle of
the Town, where there is a Statue of the King of _Prussia_. The River
_Oder_ is of great advantage to the Commerce of _Crossen_, which carries
on a considerable Trade in Linnen-Cloth and Earthen Ware.
Going out of _Crossen_, we pass this River by a Bridge, as we do a second
time over to FRANCFORT, a considerable City of the Marquisate of
_Brandenbourg_, famous for its Fairs, and its University. This City has
stood the Shock of various Revolutions. It was put under the Ban of the
Empire by the Emperor _Charles_ IV. for having disobey'd his Orders; and
the Inhabitants to make him easy were forc'd to pay him down 12000 Marks
of Silver, which at that time was an immense Sum. In 1631 the _Swedes_
besieg'd and took it by Storm, when they put all the Inhabitants to the
Sword in reprisal for the Massacre of 2000 _Swedes_, whom the Emperor's
General Count _Tilly_ had inhumanly put to death in the City of
_Brandenbourg_. By the Peace of _Munster_, or _Westphalia_, which
establish'd the Tranquility of the Empire, _Francfort_ was restor'd to the
Elector of _Brandenbourg_ its lawful Sovereign.
Here is a University founded by _Joachim_ I. (Margrave of _Brandenbourg_)
in 1506, which is very much frequented by the _Silesians_, and by the
_Hungarian_ Protestants.
There are two Fairs a Year at _Francfort_, which render it a trading City,
and its Commerce consists in Linnen-Cloth, and Fells.
'Tis ten Miles from _Francfort_ to _Berlin_, and a flat sandy Country. The
Road leads thro' _Munchenbourg_, a little Town chiefly inhabited by the
Descendants of _French_ Men, who left their Country upon the Revocation of
the Edict of _Nantes_.
The nearer one comes to the Capital of _Brandenbourg_, the more sandy is
the Soil, yet the Country produces plenty of Corn and Fruits.
BERLIN is the common Residence of the King of _Prussia_, and one of the
largest, best built, and best govern'd Cities in all _Germany_. The
Streets are spacious, strait, neat and well pav'd. The Situation is
advantageous; for tho' it lies in a very sandy Soil, yet it is encompass'd
with agreeable Gardens producing Fruits and excellent Pulse, and its
Commerce is much improv'd by the River _Spree_; which passes thro' the
City, and has a Communication with the _Havel_, the _Oder_, and the
_Elbe_.
The _French_, who for the sake of Religion became Refugees, have
contributed in an extraordinary manner to the Establishment and
Aggrandisement of _Berlin_, by the establishing of all sorts of
Manufactures, and the introducing of Arts into it; and it may be said of
them, that they have omitted nothing to testify their Gratitude to the
Elector _Frederic-William_ and his Posterity, for the generous Reception
which he gave them in his Dominions.
_Berlin_ is divided into five Wards exclusive of the Suburbs, which are
very extensive. I will run thro' these Wards in the Order of their
Situation: But before I do this, I propose to shew you what is most
remarkable in the Suburbs; where the Houses are generally of Timber, but
so well plaister'd that they seem to be of Stone; and the Streets are
broad, lightsome and strait.
In the Suburb of _Spandau_ the Queen has a delightful House and Gardens.
The House is called _Monbijou_; a very proper Name for it, because 'tis
really a Jewel. 'Tis a Pavilion, the Apartments of which are laid out with
Art, and furnish'd with great Judgment and Elegance. The Gardens are
charming, and lie finely open to the River. This House was built by the
Countess _de Wartemberg_, Wife to the Prime Minister of King _Frederic_ I.
As her Husband's Power and Favour were at that time so great, that he did
whatever he pleas'd, all the King's Workmen and Architects us'd the
utmost Diligence to serve her well. But she did not enjoy this fine House
long; for it was scarce compleated when the King removed the Count from
all his Employments, and banish'd him to _Francfort_ on the _Maine_.
However, he settled a Pension upon him and his Lady of 24000 Crowns, and
the Countess by way of Acknowledgement gave the King this House, which of
all the immense Treasure that she had amass'd, was the only Piece that she
cou'd not carry with her. The King gave this House to the Princess Royal
now Queen, who has added great Embellishments to it, and brought it to its
present State of Perfection.
In the Suburbs of _Stralau_ is the House and Gardens of _Belvedere_,
belonging to the King. _Rollé_ Superintendant of the Finances to the
Elector _Frederic-William_, caus'd this Garden to be made, in which he
laid out considerable Sums; and as this Minister was at other very great
Expences, it so impair'd his Fortune, that he was oblig'd to throw up all
and retir'd to _Holland_; and being very much in debt to the Elector, his
Garden was forfeited to that Prince, who made a Present of it to M. _de
Fuchs_, one of his Ministers. King _Frederic_ I. purchas'd it of the
latter, and after having embellished it, made a Present of it to the Queen
his third Wife; but that Princess's ill state of Health obliging her to
retire to _Mecklenbourg_ her Native Country, _Belvedere_ became neglected.
Near this Royal House is the magnificent Gardens of _Craut_, who from a
Boy behind the Counter rais'd himself by his Industry to the Post of
Pay-master General of the Army, and at length to that of Minister of
State. He was to have been call'd to account in his last stage of Life,
but he cunningly diverted that Storm by feigning himself Lunatic; and
dying, he left an immense Estate, part of which fell to the King by way
of Restitution, and the rest to his Nephew, who makes a grand Figure at
_Paris_.
I enter'd _Berlin_ thro' that call'd the Gate _Royale_, which has had that
Name ever since the Day that _Frederic_ I. made his Entry there, after his
Coronation at _Koningsberg_ in _Prussia_. This Gate is defended by a
Half-Moon, and two Bastions fac'd with Brick, and fronts that call'd the
Street _Royale_; one of the longest and most frequented in all the City.
There are very fine Houses in it, particularly that of M. _de Catsch_, a
Minister of State, that of _Grumkau_, and the Post-House, which last
Building was begun by order of the late King, for his Favourite the Count
_de Wartemberg_, who was hereditary Post-Master.
Thro' the Street _Royale_ there run fine, spacious and beautiful Streets.
The first is call'd _la Rue du Cloitre_, in which we see the Royal
Manufactory. _Frederic_ I. who bought it of the Heirs of the Marshal _de
Flemming_, established an Academy of Nobles there; so that, on the Payment
of three hundred Crowns, they had Lodging, Provision, and Instruction in
every thing that it's natural a Man of Quality shou'd know. This
Establishment existed a few Years, but sunk at last meerly thro' the
Neglect of Persons whose Business 'twas to take care of it. The present
King has chang'd this Fabrick into a Work-house, and allowed Lodgings in
it for several Woollen Manufacturers.
Adjoining to the Royal Manufactory, there are public Warehouses, which
were established and built by the late King; and being destroyed by Fire,
the present King caus'd them to be rebuilt. Opposite to the Warehouses
stands the House of M. _de Creutz_, Minister of State; which has fine
Apartments, and is very neatly furnish'd. Higher in the same Street
there's the House of M. _Duvaine_, a _French_ Man by Birth, and
Lieutenant-General of his _Prussian_ Majesty's Forces: And contiguous to
his House, which makes a fine Appearance, is the _Calvinists_ new Church,
a Structure rais'd after the Model of _Grunberg_, an Architect who had
before acquir'd a Reputation, which did not suffer by his Contrivance of
this great Fabrick: The Front of it is magnificent, but the inside plain,
as are all the Churches of the _Calvinists_, which you know don't
admit of Images. The subterranean Places or Catacombs, for interring
those that worship here, are worth seeing. Several Persons have been
interr'd there of great Note, particularly _Casimir de Colbe_, Count
_de Wartemberg_, Prime Minister, Great Chamberlain, Master of the Horse,
Post-Master-General, Protector of all the Academies in the Dominions of
the King of _Prussia_, and Knight of the Order of the Black Eagle. Being
banish'd in 1711, to _Francfort_ upon the _Maine_, where he died the Year
following, he ordered that his Corpse shou'd be carry'd to _Berlin_; and
his Will was accordingly fulfill'd. He was so dear to King _Frederic_ I.
that he was very loth to part with him; but was, as it were, compell'd to
it by a Cabal, who oppos'd his Ministerial Authority; tho' he was provok'd
at the Insolence of _Wartemberg_'s Wife, and at his mean Submission to
her. The King made an Offer to him afterwards, by the Count _Christophle
de Dohna_, (who was then his Ambassador at _Francfort_, for the Election
of the Emperor,) to come and resume his Employments, on condition that he
wou'd not bring his Wife with him; but _Wartemberg_ refus'd, saying, he
was engag'd in honour not to forsake her. Perhaps he was very glad of this
Excuse for not returning, because he had once experienc'd the Vicissitude
of Fortune, and knew well that he had been too powerful a Man not to be
hated. King _Frederic_ I. who was desirous to see his Funeral pass by,
cou'd not refrain Tears; which undoubtedly was the greatest Character that
he cou'd give of his Minister.
Next to the Count _de Wartemberg_'s Tomb, is that of _Henrietta de
Pollnitz_, Wife to _Francis_ Count _de Duhamel_, the _Venetians_
Generalissimo. Her Husband dying in the _Morea_, this Lady return'd to
_Venice_, proposing to go and end her Days at _Berlin_, where she was
born; but while she was performing her Quarantain she died, after desiring
her Body to be carry'd to _Berlin_; which was accordingly done by two of
her Nephews, and one of her Nieces, whom she made her Heirs. There is also
the Tomb of the Count _de Denhoff_, Lieutenant-General of the King's
Armies, Knight of his Order of the Black Eagle, Minister of State,
Governour of _Memel_, and Ambassador at the Treaty of _Utrecht_, where he
acquired a high Reputation among the foreign Ministers. The Marshal _de
Villars_, who had known him at _Vienna_, when he the Marshal resided there
in the quality of Minister, to take care of the Affairs of _France_, said
to me one day, speaking of the Count _de Denhoff_, that the King of
_Prussia_ cou'd not do enough to reward the Count's great Merit. _If he
wou'd have been rul'd by me_, added he, _he wou'd have been in the Service
of the King my Master_.
The second Street that crosses the Street _Royale_, is the _Jews_ Street,
which runs into the Square _Molcke-Marck_; where the Hotel _de Schwerin_
makes a fine Appearance. Within a few Houses lower down, there's a
Manufactory of Gold and Silver Lace, which one _Schindler_ has established
with good success: This House belong'd to the Wife of M. _de Wensen_,
Marshal of the Court to King _Frederic_ I. but she resign'd it as part of
Payment of a Fine, to which her Husband had been condemn'd by the Count
_de Wartemberg_, then prime Minister; who confin'd M. _Wensen_ in
_Custrin_ Castle, because he had presum'd to represent to the King that
the Table of the prime Minister, which was served by his Majesty's Cooks
and Butlers, was more expensive than his Majesty's own Table. _Wensen_
however, upon the Payment of this Fine, obtain'd his Liberty, and was
banish'd to his Lands in the Dutchy of _Zell_.
In the middle of _Molcke-Marck_ is the Statue of _Frederic_ I. Father to
the present King, with a Crown on his Head, and a royal Mantle on his
Shoulders. The Statue was cast by order of _Frederic_ I. himself, who
intended to have it plac'd in the Court of the Arsenal; but dying before
it cou'd be brought about, the King his Son caus'd it to be set up where
it now stands, which is indeed a much better Place for it.
The _Spandau_ Street, which is the third that crosses the Street _Royale_,
contains the Town-House, and other fine Buildings: The Street _St. Esprit_
is altogether as beautiful, as is the Kay, which fronts the Castle or
Palace of the King. Upon this Kay we see the House of the Baron _de
Vernesobre_, whose Ancestors being _French_ Protestant Merchants, settled
at _Koningsberg_ in _Prussia_. He was in _France_ at the time of the
_Mississippy_ Plague, which, tho' so fatal to others, prov'd so fortunate
to him, that he gain'd several Millions of Livres, with which he came and
set up at _Berlin_, where he has taken to building, having purchas'd the
Estate of _Hohensihn_ from Monsieur _de Borstel_, one of the best
Gentlemen of the Country, procur'd himself the Title of Counsellor of
State, and cuts a Figure now among Persons of Quality.
The Churches of St. _Mary_, St. _Nicholas_, and that belonging to the
Garrison, are as magnificent as any of the Protestant Churches. St.
_Mary_'s has a beautiful Spire. When _Frederic_ I. made his royal Entry
here, at his return from his Coronation, a Man ascended to the Globe of
this Spire, and saluted the new King by flourishing a pair of Colours.
The Church of the Garrison was founded by the late King, but was very much
damag'd some Years ago by the blowing up of a Magazine of Gun-Powder in
the Neighbourhood, just as they were removing it to a safer Place. King
_Frederic William_ has caus'd it to be rebuilt with more Magnificence than
before. The Organs are very fine, and the Galleries very well contriv'd.
That Ward of _Berlin_ which I have now run through, is separated from that
of _Coln_ or _Cologne_ by the River _Spree_, over which there are four
Bridges, whereof there is one of Stone, call'd the _Pont-neuf_. _Frederic_
I. in imitation of the _Pont-neuf_ at _Paris_, famous for the Statue of
_Henry_ IV. caused the Equestrian Statue of his Father, the Elector
_Frederic-William_, to be erected upon this Bridge, with very great Pomp
and Splendor; for no Prince in _Germany_ strove more than he did to copy
_Lewis_ XIV. in Magnificence and every thing else. When this Statue was
dedicated, the Count _de Lottum_, who was then Grand Marshal of the Court,
accompanied by most of the Courtiers on horseback, and by the City
Companies, assisted at the Ceremony, which was performed with an
_Apparatus_, till then unknown in _Germany_ upon the like Occasions; but
had been practised at _Paris_, when the Statue of _Lewis le Grand_ was
erected in that City.
This entire Monument was design'd by one _Jacobi_, who after several Years
Labour and constant Application to it, has brought it to its present
State. This skilful Operator has represented the Elector in a _Roman_
Dress, and in an heroic Stature; that is to say, above the natural Size.
The Statue is placed on a magnificent Pedestal of white Marble. At the
four Corners of the Base, are placed as many Slaves in Brass, who seem as
if they were chain'd to it.
When one has pass'd the Bridge, the King's Palace offers itself to view; a
great and stately Fabric, which _Frederic_ I. began in the Year 1699, and
a worthy Monument of that Prince's Magnificence, who was of Opinion, that
of all the Sums expended by Sovereigns, those which they lay out in
Buildings are least liable to Censure. And indeed Magnificence is well
bestowed, and even Profusion seems justifiable in Architecture, because
grand Edifices are the principal Ornament of any State.
The Palace has been the Workmanship of several Architects; the Name of the
first was _Schluter_, but he not giving Satisfaction was dismiss'd, and
went into the Service of the Czar _Peter Alexiowitz_. Whatever he did is
extremely incumber'd with Ornaments which have not a due Proportion. His
Successor was _Eosander_, a _Swede_, who is a Lieutenant-General in the
Service of the King of _Poland_: He was oblig'd in some measure to pursue
what _Schluter_ had begun; so that if he has not come off well every
where, he has at least that for his Excuse. The third was _Bot_, a
_Frenchman_, and now General Officer in _Poland_; who without dispute was
a much better Artist than the others. Every thing that he has done is more
simple, yet more grand, noble, and complete.
These three Architects having gone upon different Plans, you will easily
imagine that the Fronts are not perfectly regular; yet for all this, had
the Palace been finish'd according to the Models approv'd of by the late
King, it wou'd have been inferior to no Edifice for Grandeur and
Magnificence, except the _Louvre_ of _Paris_. King _Frederic-William_ does
not think fit to carry on this Building, but leaves that Honour to his
Son, the Prince Royal.
As to giving you all the Particulars of this vast Palace, you will be so
good as to excuse me: Be satisfied if I only tell you, that it consists
of four Stories: The Apartments are large, have fine Cielings, and are
royally furnish'd. In no part of the World did I ever see such a
prodigious quantity of Plate, Tables, Stands, Lustres, Chandeliers,
Screens, Looking-Glass Frames, Couches, Arm-Chairs, all of Silver. The
late King left Plate to the value of two Millions eight hundred thousand
Crowns, not reckoning the Fashion. In that call'd the Knights Hall,
there's a Beaufet which takes up one intire side of the Room, where there
are Cisterns and Basons Silver gilt, of an extraordinary Size.
The Furniture of the grand Apartment is very rich; there's a fine Gallery
adorn'd with Pictures, the Cieling of which was painted by one _Peine_, a
_Frenchman_, who in divers Compartments has skilfully represented the
principal Actions of King _Frederic_ I. At the End of this Gallery there's
a Saloon, which was formerly magnificent to the last degree, being
wainscotted, if I may so call it, with Amber: But the late Czar coming on
_Berlin_ in his return from _Holland_ and _France_, and not a little
admiring this Furniture, which was the only thing of its kind, the King
made him a Present of it: so that what had been amass'd with great Care
and Cost by several Electors, fell in one Day into the hands of a Nation,
which, no longer ago than the beginning of the present Century, was
reckon'd Barbarian.
The Palace had fine Gardens belonging to it before they were destroy'd,
and converted into a Place of Arms, and a Parade for the Guards.
Hard by the Palace are the King's Stables, a very grand Building, facing
the great Street. The Architecture without is _Gothic_, but the inside is
more magnificent; the Stables are broad and spacious, very lofty, and
very lightsome: the Mangers are of Stone, and the Pillars which mark the
Stands for the Horses, are of Iron, and adorn'd with the King's Cypher,
gilt: Over the Mangers are several great Pictures of the finest Horses
that ever came out of his Majesty's Studs. The Backside of the Stables
projects towards the River _Spree_, to which they can lead the Horses by a
Stair-Case without Steps, built in the form of a Horse-Shoe.
The Main Body of the House contains grand Lodgings for the Master of the
Horse, and the Officers under him. Over the Stables are great Rooms where
they keep a deal of fine Furniture, both for the Horse and Mule;
magnificent Sleds, with convenient Harness, adorn'd with Bells of Silver,
or Silver gilt; a great number of fine Arms; the rich Accoutrements of the
Horse which serv'd _Frederic_ I. on the Day of his public Entry; all the
Ornaments of the Bridle, the Breast-Leather, and Crupper, as well as the
Bits and Stirrups, being of Gold adorn'd with Brilliants.
Over the Riding-House is the great Theatre, where, in the late King's
time, Interludes and Comedies us'd to be acted before the whole Court; but
the Opera of _Roxana_ and _Alexander_ was the last that was acted on it.
It was play'd in 1708, upon the Marriage of King _Frederic_ I. with
_Sophia_ of _Mecklemberg_. In 1706, an Interlude was acted there, on
account of the Arrival of the Princess Royal, now Queen; intitled, _Beauty
triumphing over Heroes_; at which the Markgraves _Frederic-Albert_ and
_Christian-Lewis_, the late King's Brothers, danc'd, with all the young
Courtiers.
As we go farther down the great Street, we come to the Fish-Market, where
is the Hotel of the City of _Cologne_, and _Dorffling_'s Hotel occupied by
the Count _de Finck_. This Family is oblig'd for its Rise to the Marshal
_Dorffling_, who from an Apprentice to a Taylor rais'd himself by his
Valour and Merit to the highest Posts in the Army. The Story goes, that
when he had serv'd his Apprenticeship at _Tangermunde_, having a mind to
go to _Berlin_, he came to a part of the Country where he cou'd not
proceed without crossing the _Elbe_, but not having wherewithal to pay his
Passage, the Ferry-Men refus'd to carry him over; which so vex'd him, that
he threw his Knapsack into the River in a Pet, curs'd the Trade of a
Taylor, and went back to _Tangermunde_, where he listed himself a Soldier.
There being a War at that time all over _Germany_, it was no difficult
matter for the young Warrior to find an Opportunity to shew his Courage;
and he signaliz'd it in such a manner, that his Officers, who were all in
love with him, strove to advance him, and therefore made him known to the
Elector _Frederic-William_. This Prince who lov'd, rewarded, and was a
good Judge of Valour, did not depend upon what Fame reported of him; but
in order to see his Officers and Soldiers fight with his own Eyes,
conducted them himself to the Enemy, and very soon took notice of
_Dorffling_. He saw him at every part of the Field where there was Honour
to be won: He saw he was a sensible industrious Fellow, that he hated
Parties and Cabals, and that he had that _Germanic_ Probity which was the
distinguish'd Virtue of our Forefathers, but which we now content
ourselves with admiring. The Elector observing such a Stock of Virtue in
_Dorffling_, thought him deserving of his Favour, advanc'd him to the
tip-top Employments, and made him very rich. Envy, which is as old as the
World itself, and which like that, never stands still, made several of the
Courtiers jealous of the Fortune or rather the Merit of _Dorffling_, and
there were some who did not stick to say, that if the Marshal came to be
ever so great a Nobleman, he wou'd always retain the Air of a Taylor. This
being carry'd to _Dorffling_, _True enough_, said he, _I was a Taylor,
and I have cut out Cloth; but now_, said he, clapping his Hand to the Hilt
of his Sword, _I have an Instrument in my Hand, with which I'll cut off
the Ears of any Man that slanders me_.
This brave Fellow liv'd to a great Age, and left a Son who was one of the
King of _Prussia_'s Lieutenant-Generals, and Colonel of a Regiment of
Dragoons, but died without Issue. He had not quite the Vivacity of his
Father, but he had his Honour and Integrity.
Going out of the Fish-market, as we turn to the right, one perceives the
_Lutheran_ Church of _St. Peter_[2], which is a considerable Structure;
and then we come into that call'd the _Fryars_ Street, the Houses of which
are all well built. In this Street stands the Palace where the _Aulic_
Council meets, which in _France_ they call the _Parlement_; 'tis here that
all Civil Causes are try'd, and from thence there lies an Appeal to the
King's Council.
Beyond the Palace there is a Square, on the Right side of which there's a
Church with a Cupola which belongs to the _Calvinists_, and is look'd upon
as the Cathedral of _Berlin_: For you know that the late King made two
Bishops, one in _Prussia_ and the other at _Berlin_, and they were the
Prelates that crown'd him. They are since dead, and the present King lets
their Sees lie vacant. In this Church is the Tomb of the Royal Family.
There's a great Row of Buildings over against it, which consists of
several uniform Houses belonging to Merchants, and supported by stately
Arches with Shops under them, where are sold all sorts of Goods. Turning
round by that Piazza, brings one to a second Branch of the River, which
divides the Ward of _Coln_ from that of _Werder_. This River, which has
three wooden Bridges over it, is confin'd in a Canal lin'd with Freestone,
and form'd by two fine Kays.
The most considerable Edifices in the Ward of _Werder_ are the Royal
Custom-House, so commodiously situate that Boats can come up close to it:
The _French_ School, and their Church, which is serv'd by able Ministers;
some of whom, as the late M. _Lenfant_ (Author of the celebrated _History_
of the _Council of Constance_, &c. and Chaplain to the King of _Prussia_)
M. _de Beausobre_ and M. _Jacquelot_, &c. have acquir'd a Reputation in
the Republic of Letters. The Royal Hunting-House is a large magnificent
Structure for lodging the great Huntsman and all his inferior Officers:
There too is the great Dog-Kennel and the Magazines for all the Hunting
Equipage. Near this place is the Hotel or Palace for Ambassadors, where
are likewise entertain'd such Foreign Princes as are not of a Rank high
enough to be accommodated in the King's Palace. This Hotel belong'd
formerly to the Baron _de Danckelman_, Prime Minister to King _Frederic_
when he was only Elector, and being built by the said Minister at a time
when he was such a Favourite that he did almost what he pleas'd, he spar'd
no Cost to render it a Mansion worthy of his high Station. I was assur'd
by Persons of Credit then alive, that after it was built, the late King
had a Desire to see it, upon which occasion M. _de Danckelman_ made a
great Entertainment for him; and that while the Queen and the whole Court
were dancing, the King retir'd into his Minister's Closet, to have a
private Conference with him; and looking very earnestly on a certain
Picture there, M. _de Danckelman_ told him, that Picture and all that he
saw would soon be his Majesty's. The King not knowing what he meant,
desir'd his Minister to explain himself; whereupon he made answer, 'That
he shou'd very shortly incur his Displeasure; that his Fall wou'd be
attended by the Forfeiture of all his Estate; that he should be arrested
and committed to the _Spandau_ Prison; and that there he should be
confin'd ten Years, at the Expiration of which his Innocence wou'd be made
to appear, his Estate wou'd be restor'd to him, and he shou'd be taken
again into his Majesty's Favour.' The King, who was at that time very fond
of his Minister, and did not think he cou'd ever do without him, ridicul'd
what he had said as the Surmise of a Visionary, and was going to swear by
the New Testament then upon a Table in the Room, that this sad Prophecy
wou'd never come to pass. But the Minister held his Hand, and begg'd him
not to take an Oath which it wou'd not be in his power to keep.
I tell you this Story just as I had it from a Lady of Quality to whom the
King himself told it: But in short, let the Story be as it will, 'tis very
certain that M. _de Danckelman_ was disgrac'd, committed Prisoner to
_Spandau_, and from thence remov'd to _Peitz_, without any Companion but
his Wife, who generously desir'd to suffer Imprisonment with him. His
Confinement lasted much longer than he had prophesy'd, and when at length
he obtained his Release, he was not restor'd to his Employments, nor even
to his Estate. 'Tis said indeed that the present King, who on his
Accession to the Crown sent for M. _de Danckelman_ to _Berlin_, offer'd
him the Ministry; but that the Baron excus'd himself by reason of his
great Age and his tedious Imprisonment, which had made him lose the
Connection of Public Affairs. This Minister died lately, having lived to
the Age of fourscore. His remarkable Disgrace, and fifteen Years
Confinement in a Prison, had not sunk his Spirits, nor shock'd his
Constancy of Mind; and one shall scarce meet with an Instance in History,
either before or since, of more Merit and more Misfortune in one and the
same Person. He was a passionate Admirer of Learned Men, and a Rewarder of
Virtue. In a word, by the Disgrace of this Great Man, the State lost a
faithful disinterested Minister, and Men of Learning lost a _Mecænas_,
full of Zeal and solid Knowledge, who never fail'd to support by his own
Authority, and to procure a Reward from his Master, for all Persons that
apply'd to him with any Proposal that was useful and uncommon.
To go from the Ambassadors Hotel to the New Town, one must pass before the
House belonging to the Governour of _Berlin_[3], who is at present the
Marshal Count _de Wartensleben_; a Nobleman whose Virtues, long Services,
and great Age, challenge Veneration. The House he lives in was built by
order of the Elector _Frederic-William_, for the Reception of the Marshal
_de Schomberg_, who resign'd the Battoon of the Marshal of _France_ to
_Lewis_ XIV. after that Prince had revok'd the Edict of _Nantes_, and came
with a numerous Retinue of Gentlemen, to desire Employment under the
Elector. Accordingly that Prince gave him the Command of his Troops, but
the Marshal quitted that Employment, to accompany the PRINCE of ORANGE to
_England_, in his famous Expedition against his Father-in-Law; and he
likewise attended that Prince to _Ireland_, where he acquir'd great Glory,
but was kill'd in passing the River _Boyne_.
The _Governour's House_ is separated by a great Square from the _Arsenal_,
which is one of the compleatest Fabrics in _Europe_, and was built
according to a Model design'd by _Bot_, whom I mention'd to you before;
which skilful Architect has, upon this occasion, equalled any thing that
was ever done by the famous _Bernin_.
The intire Structure consists of four main Bodies of Building, which form
a spacious Quadrangle in the middle. The lower Story is of Rustic
Architecture, with arch'd Windows. There are three great Porticoes at the
Entrance to each Front. Over the principal Gate there's the Picture of the
late King, in a great Medal of Brass. The four Cardinal Virtues of a
Gigantic Size, are plac'd on Pedestals by the Portico, and seem to look
towards the King's Effigies, which is supported by Fame and Victory. The
_Corinthian_ Order prevails throughout the first Story, and is very
artfully executed. A Gallery or Ballustrade runs round the whole Edifice,
and is adorn'd with Trophies and Statues, particularly a very perfect one
of _Mars_, sitting upon a Heap of Arms of different sorts; and the
Decoration of all together is noble and majestic. Studs of Iron in form of
Cannon are plac'd at proper Distances, and support Iron Chains, hung in
Festoons, which hinder People from clambering up to the Windows.
The Inside of this _Arsenal_ is as magnificent as the Outside. The lower
Rooms are stor'd with a great number of Brass Cannon. The Walls and
Pillars that support the Arch are garnish'd with Cuirasses and Helmets. In
the upper Story there are several Rooms full of Arms, rang'd in such Order
as can never be enough admir'd.
Behind the _Arsenal_ there's the House of the General of the Ordnance,
which also contains the Foundery, where Men are continually at work.
Besides this _Arsenal_, there are several others in _Berlin_, where they
keep Field-Pieces, Iron Cannon, and all that belongs to the Train of
Artillery. 'Twas the late Margrave _Philip_[4], Brother to _Frederic_ I.
who when he was Great Master of the Ordnance began to put the King's
_Arsenals_ into a good State. But King _Frederic-William_ has finish'd
what his said Uncle began, and has put the Artillery on such a footing,
that 'tis a question if any _Arsenal_ in _Europe_ is on a better
Regulation.
A Rampart and a Ditch separate the _Werder_ from the _Dorothy-Stadt_, or
new Town, which is for most part inhabited by _French_ Families. It had
the Name of _Dorothy-Stadt_ in honour of the Electress _Dorothy_ of
_Holstein-Glucksburg_, the second Wife of _Frederic-William_, who with her
own Hand planted the first Lime-Tree of the seven great Rows which divide
this Ward into two Parts. The middlemost Row, which is the widest, is
inclos'd with Ballustrades, and forms a pleasant Grass-Walk for
Foot-Passengers. The Walks on each side are pav'd, and serve as a Ring for
the Coaches. Nothing is more beneficial and agreeable than taking the Air
in this Place, where you may have any thing that can be desir'd in a City.
At the end of one of these Walks is a Gate which opens to the Park, the
Walks of which being above a League in length, form a fine Point of View.
On both sides the Lime-Tree Rows, are Houses, among which the Palace of
Madame the Margravine, Dowager[5] to the Margrave _Philip_, Brother to the
late King, is one of the best. The late Margrave purchas'd this Palace
(which at that time was inconsiderable) of the Wife of _Weiller_ Colonel
of the Artillery, who had thrown up his Employments, Wife, Children and
all, to go with a Lady of Quality, that was in love with him, to _Vienna_.
This Gentlewoman pass'd for a modern _Sappho_, and every body talk'd of
her Virtue and good Sense. But being a Slave to the Follies of Love, and
asham'd to let them be seen at _Berlin_, where she was counted an Oracle,
she resolv'd to quit the Place of her Birth, and engag'd her Lover to
leave all and follow her.
The Margrave made considerable Augmentations to this House, and render'd
it very commodious. The Furniture of the Palace also is rich, and worthy
of the Princess who resides in it.
Opposite to the Margravine's Palace is a Building which was formerly
call'd the King's Little Stables, but has been metamorphos'd into Caserns
for the Gendarmery; they discover the Magnificence of _Frederic_ I. who
caused them to be built. The Apartments that run over the Stables are
occupied by the Academy of Painters, and that of Arts and Sciences. Behind
the Stables there's the Observatory, with a great number of Astronomical
and Mathematical Instruments, of which there are many of a new Invention.
_Frederic-Stadt_, which is the fifth Ward of _Berlin_, communicates with
the New Town and the _Werder_. This is one of the pleasantest Wards in the
whole City, the Streets being spacious, strait, and planted with
Lime-Trees[6].
Perhaps I have dwelt too long upon the Metropolis of the Electorate of
_Brandenburgh_; but I thought that as there had been no true Account yet
given of this City, you wou'd not be sorry to have it from me.
The next day after my Arrival here, I had the Honour to see the King, who
was then seeing his Soldiers mount guard. He is a Prince of a middling
Stature, and in very good Plight of Body: His Air commands Respect; yet,
when he pleases, no Prince in the World can be more gracious. I heard him
speak to his Officers in such a kind manner as cou'd not but charm them; I
admir'd his Genius for military Discipline, and perceiv'd that with the
Glance of an Eye he cou'd discover the least Fault committed against that
wonderful Exactness which is introduc'd in the Evolutions of his Troops.
After the Guards had perform'd their Exercise, the King stay'd to see them
file off. I never yet saw Troops march with more Order and State, so that
it seem'd as if they were all mov'd by one Spring. All the Soldiers are
young, of an even Stature, and the cleverest Fellows that Nature ever
form'd: they are well cloth'd, and have such an Air of Neatness, that even
the private Centinels might all pass for Officers. I remember you was
prejudic'd against their Clothing; their Clothes you said were too strait,
and too short. I was of your Opinion once, and think so still, when I
happen to see one of their Officers and Soldiers singly among us, who wear
Night-Gowns rather than Coats; but when I see a whole Body of _Prussians_
together, I am of another Opinion, and think their Dress gives them a
warlike Air which other Troops have not. You will tell me perhaps, that
the Clothing of the _Prussians_ is good in a Garrison, but that in the
Field their Garments are not wide enough to cover the Soldiers in the
Night. I answer, that the _Prussian_ Soldiers are in no danger of not
being cover'd, because when they are in the Field, every Captain is to
carry as many Coverlids, as there are Comrades in his Company. But you'll
say, this must be a very great Incumbrance, and take up a deal of
Equipage. 'Tis true, it may require two Sumpter Horses in a Company, but a
Soldier fares the better for it; because when he goes wet into the Camp,
he can get his Clothes dry'd in the Night while he is under his Coverlid.
After all, the Incumbrance is no greater at present, for those Troops,
than it was at the time when all the _Prussian_ Infantry had Cloaks, which
the Soldiers wore, was the Weather ever so hot, folded over their
Shoulders, and ty'd both before and behind by their Belt. If they had any
hasty March to make, such as I saw they made in _Flanders_ in 1708, when
they went to attack the _French_ near _Audenarde_, the _Prussians_ left
their Cloaks behind with a Guard, and when the Battle was join'd, the
Captains were oblig'd to send for their Cloaks. In short, what makes me
think the _Prussian_ Clothing the most convenient for a Soldier, is, that
most of the _German_ Princes are now come into it, and like it well: The
Troops of _Saxony_, and _Brunswic_ in particular, are cloth'd like those
of _Prussia_.
The _Prussian_ Troops, which are new cloth'd every Year, have Breeches of
Woollen Cloth for the Winter, and of Linnen for the Summer; and they are
allow'd Shirts, Necks and Spatterdashes: Their Pay is good and regular;
the Soldier is compell'd to do his Duty, but when he does it, enjoys more
Liberty than in the Service of any other Nation: so that were I to carry a
Musket, I fancy it wou'd be in the Service of _Prussia_, where such a
strict Discipline is observ'd, that the Soldier is no Swearer, and is not
allow'd to game, and where in a word he does not abandon himself to
Licentiousness. On Sundays and Saints Days they are requir'd to go twice a
day to hear a Sermon: The Catholicks have the liberty of going to Mass. In
short, good Manners are introduc'd and observ'd in those Troops to such a
Nicety, that you would wonder at it.
All the Infantry is cloth'd in blue. It depends on the Colonel of every
Regiment, to order what Waistcoats and Trimming he pleases for the
Clothes. The Horse and Dragoons wear white, but the Houshold Troops blue,
with Campaign Coats of Gold Lace. The Hussars Clothing is red, but the
Garbs of the Officers both of Foot and Horse are plain, and only differ
from the Apparel of the Soldiers in the fineness of the Cloth; tho' there
are some Regiments whose Waistcoats are bedaub'd all over with Gold or
Silver Lace.
The Colours, which are uniform in all the Regiments, are white, with the
King's Device, representing an Eagle flying towards the Sun with this
Motto, _Nec Soli cedit_. There's such a Uniformity preserv'd in all things
throughout the Army, even in their Guns, Swords, Bayonets, &c. that in
every Regiment they wear the very same, even to their Shoe-Buckles.
The same Regularity is observ'd in the Horse and Dragoons, which ride both
upon black Horses; and indeed they are not permitted to have any others,
the Officers themselves being not exempt from this Rule, when they are at
the head of their Squadrons or Companies. The Housings and Equipage of the
latter are of the same Pattern, and extremely rich. All the Horse wear
Buff-Coats, and underneath Cuirasses. They perform their Exercise on Foot
like the Infantry, and with the same Exactness. The Kettle-Drums and
Trumpets of all the Horse are of Silver.
There is not a Captain in all the _Prussian_ Army but has at least ten
supernumerary Men; so that these included, the King's Forces amount to
near 100000, all pick'd Men. You cou'd not but admire if you were to see
how they behave; insomuch that whenever they take the Field, 'tis pity but
Fortune shou'd favour them.
Not many Days after my Arrival here, the King being gone to visit his
Kingdom, I had the Honour of waiting on the Queen. This Princess, whose
Name is _Sophia-Dorothea_, is Sister to the present King of _Great
Britain_, being the Daughter of _George_ I. the late King, and of
_Sophia-Dorothea_ Princess of _Brunswic-Zell_. And she does every thing
that is worthy of her August Extraction; for surely never did Daughter
more resemble a Father; she has the same Benignity and Wisdom, the same
Equity and Justice, and Sweetness of Temper. Like him she knows the Charms
of a private Life, and Friendship, on a Throne: Like him she is ador'd by
her Subjects and her Domestics, and is the chief Blessing and Darling of
both. To extend Goodness and Affability farther, were impossible; there
being no Foreigners but what are charm'd with the gracious Manner in which
this Princess receives them. To a thousand Virtues worthy of Veneration,
she has added the singular Talent of speaking the Language of several
Countries which she never saw, with as much Delicacy as if they had been
her Mother Tongues. The _French_ Language especially, is so familiar to
her, that one wou'd take her to be a Princess of the Royal Family of
_France_; and the Grandeur and Majesty that accompany all her Actions,
induce those even who don't know her, to be of Opinion that she was born
to reign.
That which still more endears this Queen to her People, is the Care she
takes of the Education of her Family; which consists of four Princes, and
six Princesses. The eldest of the Sons is stil'd the _Prince Royal_[7].
This young Prince is handsome, charms every one by his Kindness and
Good-Nature; and loves Reading, Musick, the Arts, and Magnificence: His
Sentiments, his Behaviour, and his Actions, make it probable, that if he
comes to the Crown, his Reign will be one of those mild and peaceable
Reigns, which procure Kings that Love of their People, wherein consists
their true Glory. The Care of the Prince Royal's Education was committed
first of all to Madam _de Camke_, one of the Queen's Ladies of Honour, and
Governess of the Children of _Prussia_. But this Lady left the Charge of
the latter to the Sub-Governess, Madam _de Rocoule_, and her Daughter
Madamoiselle _de Montbail_. Madam _de Rocoule_ had also the honour to be
Sub-Governess to the King; so that she was no Novice in the forming of
young Princes. As she talks nothing but _French_, she has taught it to the
King's Children; who speak it with as much ease as they do the _German_
Language. At seven Years of Age the Prince Royal was taken out of the
Hands of the Women; and the Count _de Finck_ of _Finckenstein_,
Lieutenant-General of the King's Forces, a Knight of his Order, and
Colonel of a Regiment of Horse, was appointed his Royal Highness's
Governour; and the Baron _de Kalestein_ was made Sub-Governour. The King's
Choice of both these Gentlemen was universally applauded.
The eldest of the King's Children is _Frederica-Sophia-Wilhelmina_, the
Princess Royal; who was born in 1709. I was at _Berlin_ at the Ceremony of
her Baptism, which was performed in the Chapel of the Castle, in presence
of _Frederic_ IV. King of _Denmark_, _Frederic-Augustus_ King of
_Poland_, and _Frederic_ I. King of _Prussia_. The Birth of this Princess,
and the Circumstances of three Kings and a Queen attending at her Baptism,
gave occasion to a great many Copies of Verses. All the Poets said that
the Presence of these three Kings, was a Sign that she wou'd one day have
Possession of three Crowns. They had then in view the Crowns of _Great
Britain_, that were to devolve to the Family of _Hanover_; in which there
was a young Prince[8], who, it was then imagin'd, was to be in time the
Husband of this Princess. Whether this Match will ever take place, and
whether the Princess will be Queen, I can't say; but if she is not,
Fortune will not do Justice to her Merit.
The Princess _Frederica-Louisa_, the King's second Daughter, is lately
married to the Margrave of _Brandenburgh Anspach_. 'Tis said that his
Majesty's third Daughter, the Princess _Philippina-Charlotte_, is promised
to[9]_Charles_, hereditary Prince of _Brunswic-Bevern_, Nephew to the
Empress Regent.
The other Princes and Princesses, the King's Children[10], are as yet too
young to furnish any Particulars for their Character. In a word, put them
all together, they form a very fine Family.
The Margravine, Dowager of the Margrave _Philip_, Brother to the late
King, is the first in Rank at Court, next to the King's Children: She was
born Princess of _Anhalt-Dessau_. Her Royal Highness was lately chose
Abbess of _Herford_, a sovereign Abby in _Westphalia_, (in a Town
belonging to the King of _Prussia_, as part of the Principality of
_Ravensberg_;) whose Canonesses must be all Princesses, or Countesses of
the Empire. This Princess, tho' she is past her Bloom, is still the
Ornament of the Court; and no Person can be more civil than she is to
Foreigners; so that 'tis as much a Pleasure as a Duty to pay one's Court
to her. When the King is at _Berlin_, and the Queen has no Drawing-Room,
the whole Court repairs to the Margravine's House, where her Royal
Highness daily keeps an elegant Table; to which she admits the Quality of
both Sexes. She is the Mother of two Princes and a Princess; the Sons are
the Margraves _Frederic_ and _Henry_, and the Daughter is married to the
hereditary Prince of _Wirtemberg_. The young Margrave _Frederic_ resides
at _Schwedt_ upon the _Oder_, where he has a very fine House; but does not
come to Court but when he can't avoid it. The young Margrave _Henry_
resides commonly at _Berlin_. Both these Princes are handsome, lusty, and
well shap'd.
The Margrave _Albert_, the King's Uncle[11], lives in his Majesty's
Palace, tho' he is eight Months of the Year at _Frederichsfelde_, a
Pleasure-House about a League from _Berlin_. He is the second Son of the
Elector _Frederic-William_, and _Dorothy_ of _Holstein Glucksburg_: He
is well shap'd, has a noble Air, and has been in his time a very good
Dancer: He is fond of Grandeur and Pleasures. At the beginning of the last
War he distinguished himself very much at the Siege of _Keyserswaert_, and
other Places, where he commanded the Troops of the King his Brother. His
Royal Highness is Governor of _Pomerania_, Knight of the Black Eagle, and
Colonel of a Regiment of Foot, and of another of Horse, in the King's
Service: He has also a Regiment of Foot in the Service of the _United
Provinces_; and is Grand Master of the six Commanderies of the Order of
St. _John_ of _Jerusalem_, who, at the Alteration of Religion in the time
of _Luther_, withdrew from the Grand Master of _Malta_, and assum'd to
themselves a Right of chusing a Grand Master under the Protection of the
Elector of _Brandenburgh_. The Margrave marry'd a Princess of _Courland_,
Heiress to the Freeholds of her Uncle Duke _Ferdinand_, the last of her
Family. This Princess, tho' not reckon'd a Beauty of the first Rate, has a
great Share of Charms and Good-nature, Modesty and Politeness. Their Royal
Highnesses are perfectly civil to those who have Access to them; which is
the reason, that notwithstanding the little Concern they have in Business,
they have always a numerous Court. They have three Princes, and two
Princesses. The eldest of the Sons is _Charles_, a Prince whose Person and
Character are very amiable. The eldest of the Daughters is married to the
Duke of _Saxe-Eysenach_.
The last Prince of the Royal Family, is the Margrave _Christian-Lewis_,
third Son of the Elector _Frederic-William_ by the second Marriage. This
Prince is Governour of the City and County of _Halberstadt_; he has a
Regiment of Foot, is Knight of the Order of the Black Eagle, and Commander
of that of St. _John_. He studied at _Leyden_; after which, he serv'd
with distinction in _Italy_. He now lives retir'd from Court at _Malchau_,
a House about a Mile from _Berlin_, which the late King bought of the
Heirs of M. _de Fuchs_, his Minister of State. There the Margrave, who has
a Relish for the Pleasures of private Life, passes his Time in Hunting,
Reading, and every innocent Pleasure that an agreeable Country is capable
of furnishing. This Prince has been a handsome well-made Man; he has a
grand Air, and there's something heroic in his Physiognomy: In the very
Flower of his Youth he was a constant Admirer of Virtue, and might ever be
quoted for an Example of Sobriety. He is so exceeding fat, that it's
fear'd he won't live to be a very old Man[12].
All the Princes of the Royal Family wear the _Prussian_ Order, _viz._ that
of the Black Eagle; and receive it as soon as they are born. 'Tis an
Orange Ribband, to which is appendant a Cross enamel'd with blue,
resembling the Cross of _Malta_. A Star of Silver is embroider'd on the
Coat; and in the middle of it is an Orange Escutcheon, over which is a
black Eagle crown'd with Wings display'd, holding in one of its Talons a
Crown of Laurel, and in the other a Thunder-bolt, with the Motto, SUUM
CUIQUE, in Letters of Gold. This Order was instituted by _Frederic_ I. the
sixth of _January_ 1701, _O. S._ on account of his Coronation at
_Koningsberg_. He call'd it the Order of the Black Eagle, because a Black
Eagle forms the Arms of _Prussia_; and he chose an Orange Ribband, in
memory of the Electress his Mother, who was a Princess of _Orange_; in
Right of whom he pretends to be next Heir to _William_ III. King of
_England_, and Prince of _Orange_.
The Princes of the Royal Family are not exempt from passing thro' the
Degrees of military Service; and 'tis not here as in other places, where
they have Regiments and Governments as soon as they are born. The King
will have them to know how to obey, before they come to command; and 'tis
an Encouragement to the Officers to find themselves so far honour'd, as to
be on a Par in the Service, with those who are born to be their
Sovereigns. The Prince Royal has a Regiment of Horse[13]. M. _de
Lopel_[14], a Major-General, commanded that Regiment formerly, but the
King preferring him to the Government of _Custrin_, this Regiment has for
Colonel M. _de Wreech_, a Person of a good Family in the new Marquisate.
His Father, who was one of the King's Lieutenant-Generals, had serv'd the
late Elector _Frederic-William_, the late King, and his present Majesty.
M. _de Wreech_, whom I am speaking of, was, at his return from his
Travels, appointed by the late King a Gentleman of his Bed-chamber: After
that Prince's Death, his present Majesty enter'd him into his Service, and
gave him a Troop of Horse. This Gentleman distinguished himself greatly in
1708, at the Battle of _Audenarde_; where he was _Aid de Camp_ to the
Marshal _de Natzmer_, then General of the Cavalry: He had a Horse kill'd
under him, and was taken Prisoner; but the Enemy in their Flight not
watching him very strictly, he found means to get off when the Night came
and put an end to the Battle. He lay hid in a Ditch till next day, in
danger every moment of being knock'd on the head by our own Men; but when
the Day broke, he rejoin'd his General, who had received a slight Wound
in the Head. M. _de Wreech_ is one of the richest Subjects the King has;
but he is worthy of his Fortune, and uses it like a Man of Quality. He is
certainly a valuable Gentleman, has a noble Soul, and Sense and Knowledge
enough to capacitate him to serve his King and Country both in Peace and
War.
_Berlin_ is not a City where you ought to look for the most lively
Diversions; the King, to whose Will every body conforms, not being fond of
them himself. Yet when once a Man is known there, he will find Amusement
enough; for the People are affable and civil, make plentiful
Entertainments, and have very good Wine.
When the King is absent, the Queen has a Drawing-Room every Night, from
seven o'clock till ten; when her Majesty sups with the Princes and
Princesses of her Family, and other Persons of Distinction of both Sexes.
But when the King is at _Berlin_, the Queen keeps no Drawing-Room, unless
some Foreign Prince happen to be there. Then there are Assemblies in the
City alternatively, among Persons of the first Rank, at which they
sometimes dance; and the King and Prince Royal frequently honour these
Assemblies with their Presence. When there is no grand Assembly, there are
particular Societies, where they sup, and play at small Game.
The Ministers of most consequence at this Court are Messieurs _d'Ilgen_,
_Grumkau_, and _Kniphausen_[15]; these are they who treat of Foreign
Affairs, and thro' whose hands pass the Secrets of State: but the King's
Prime Minister is the King himself, who is inform'd of every thing, and is
desirous to know every thing. He gives great Application to Business, but
does it with extraordinary Ease; and nothing escapes his Penetration, nor
his Memory, which is a very happy one. No body knows better than he where
his Government is strong, and where 'tis weak; and no Sovereign in the
World is of more easy Access, his Subjects being actually permitted to
write to him, without any other Formality than superscribing the Letter,
_To the King_. By writing underneath, _To be deliver'd into his Majesty's
own Hands_, one may be sure that the King receives and reads it, and that
the next Post he will answer it, either with his own Hand or by his
Secretary: these Answers are short, but peremptory, and they prevent a
tedious painful Attendance. The King, who is an Enemy to vain Pomp and
Pageantry, always goes abroad without any Guards, with only a small
Retinue, and sometimes too walks on foot; he makes his Greatness to
consist in solid Power, in the having his Troops well disciplin'd, his
Places kept up in good Order, his Arsenals well provided, and his Treasury
full enough to enable him to oppose his Enemy in case he be attack'd. He
never aims so much as to disturb his Neighbours, much less to rob them: I
heard him say one day, that _he had no Intention of attacking any body,
nor of beginning a War; but if he was attack'd, he would defend himself
the best he could_: a Conduct which he has religiously observed ever since
he has been plac'd upon the Throne, even towards _Charles_ XII. King of
_Sweden_, notwithstanding what is said of him by a certain Author, who
from sorry Memoirs has wrote that Prince's Life. But I will not deviate
from my Subject.
There's no Town in all the King of _Prussia_'s Dominions, except
_Neufchâtel_, where he has not been; no Province which he does not know
full well; not a noble Family but he can tell their Revenues; nor a Court
of Justice but he is well acquainted with their chief Members. His
Behaviour is plain; he knows no Gallantry, and does not easily pardon it
in his Officers. He is so true to his Consort the Queen, that he wishes
all Men would follow his Example, and that every Husband would live only
with the Woman whom God has allotted him. His Diversion is Hunting; and
for this reason, he resides commonly at _Potzdam_ or _Wusterhausen_, which
are Pleasure-Houses four Miles from _Berlin_. Yet he generally goes on
_Saturdays_ into his Capital, where he holds a Council on _Sunday_, and
returns on _Monday_. In the Winter he makes a longer stay at _Berlin_: but
let him be either here or there, he is on the Parade every Day at ten
o'clock, when his Soldiers mount the Guard; after which he gives Audience
to his Ministers, and holds a Council, or goes abroad for the Air. At Noon
the King appears in a great Saloon, where are all the Generals and
Officers, the Foreign Ministers, and all the Court in general: There he
converses a few Moments, and then goes into another Room, where he dines
with the Queen, the Princes and Princesses of his Family, and any other
Persons whom he has caused to be invited. His Table is commonly spread for
eighteen Guests. After he has sate about an Hour and half at Table, he
retires to his Closet till six at Night, when he appears again in the Room
where he held his Levee: There his Majesty gives Orders to the Marshal
_Wartensleben_ Governor of _Berlin_, and to the Marshal _Natzmer_
Commandant of the Gendarmery. After this, he talks a while with those that
are present, and then passes into a Room at some distance from his
Apartment, to which the Queen repairs sometimes with one or two Ladies in
company. There are ten or a dozen Officers whom the King honours with his
Confidence, who play here at _Picquet_, _Ombre_, and _Backgammon_. Here
they also smoak, and to this Place the King sends for such as he has a
mind to talk with about special Affairs. I have been there twice upon
such an account. Here there is no manner of Restraint, but every body sits
down, the King dispensing with all the Respect that is due to him, and at
eleven o'clock he dismisses the Company and retires.
The King hunts when he is at _Potzdam_ and _Wusterhausen_; but in other
respects he leads the same Life there as he does at _Berlin_. At _Potzdam_
he hunts the Stag, having for that end caused a great Forest to be paled
in, where he has made noble Roads.
The Castle at _Potzdam_, which is very convenient, was built by the
Elector _Frederic-William_, who commonly resided at it; and after having
run his glorious Race, died here the 29th of _April_, 1688. King
_Frederic_ I. made considerable Embellishments to it, particularly the
great Gate opening into the main Court of the Castle, which is an
admirable Piece of Architecture that was design'd by M. _Bot_, my Hero for
Buildings. But all that the late King did, does not come up to the Works
that have been added to it of late Years. The Town of _Potzdam_ has been
augmented two Thirds; the Streets are as strait as a Line, with Trees
planted, and Canals cut in them after the manner of _Holland_; the Houses
are uniform and built with Bricks. Besides a great Hospital, which the
King has founded here for his Soldiers' Orphans, here is a considerable
Fabric for Armourers, who make all those Arms for the Forces and Arsenals,
which were formerly made at _Liege_.
This Town is the Garrison for the first Battalion of those _Tall
Grenadiers_, so much talk'd of in _Europe_. I protest to you that they
exceed the common Report, being the compleatest, the finest, and
best-disciplin'd Body that can be imagin'd. The Men are of all Nations,
there being scarce a Prince in _Europe_ but takes a pleasure in sending
Recruits to it. Some of these Grenadiers have had 1500 Crowns List-Money;
and several receive two Florins _per diem_: Some of them are very rich;
others there are who trade, and have good Houses at _Potzdam_. The tallest
and the best Man among them all was one call'd _Jonas_, (lately dead) who
work'd heretofore in the Mines of _Norway_. The famous _Huguetan_, whom
_Frederic_ IV. King of _Denmark_ created Count _de Guldenstein_, took him
from the Mines, and presented him to the King. He then stoop'd in the
Shoulders, and hobbled in walking; but by tricking him up, they gave him
that good Air which he wanted.
'Tis certain, there are no Troops in the World where the Peasant sooner
shakes off the clownish Air, and more easily assumes the military one.
This gigantic Regiment has requir'd great Pains, and considerable Sums to
establish it; and I am assured it has cost the King more than six other
Regiments. But 'tis all his Majesty takes delight in; and surely this
Prince cannot but be commended for giving into a Pleasure so noble, and so
innocent.
Having given you some Account of _Potzdam_, I must also mention
_Charlottenbourg_, another Royal House, a Mile from _Berlin_. This Castle
stands on the _Spree_, so that one may go to it by Water: but the common
Way is thro' the Park which is at the end of the great Walk from the new
Town.
In the late King's time, whenever he was at _Charlottenbourg_, all the
Road from _Berlin_ to this Palace was lighted by Lanthorns erected on both
sides.
_Charlottenbourg_ was formerly call'd _Lutzenbourg_. It was a small
Village belonging to M. _Doberginsky_, Steward of the Houshold to the
Queen, (the King's Mother.) He had built a trifling House there, and that
Queen taking the Air there one day, lik'd the Situation of the Place so
well, that she bought it, and set about building there; but she died
before all the Works she had undertaken were finished. However, her
Husband King _Frederic_ I. caused them to be carried on, and made
considerable Additions to them; and in order to perpetuate the Queen's
Name, which was _Sophia-Charlotte_, he caused _Lutzenbourg_ to be called
_Charlottenbourg_. This Castle is one of the most considerable Structures
in _Germany_; the Apartments are grand and splendid, and the Furniture
very rich. There's a Cabinet adorn'd with the choicest Porcellane, ranged
in such order as is surprising: In another Cabinet there are Lustres, a
Tea-Table with Dishes, a Coffee-Pot, and the whole Equipage in short of
solid Gold. The Chapel is one of the most superb that can be; every side
being adorn'd with Gold and Painting. The Orangery is one of the most
magnificent in _Europe_; not only with regard to the Beauty and Number of
its Trees, but the Greatness of the Building in which they are kept all
the Winter.
I could tell you of several more Houses which the late King had in the
Neighbourhood of _Berlin_; but as they were suffer'd to run to ruin after
he died, I think I had better entertain you with the Characters of the
prime Nobility at this Court.
The Count _de Wartensleben_ is the oldest Marshal. He is by Birth a
_Westphalian_, and pass'd his early days in the Service of _France_. He
was Commander in chief of the Troops of the Duke of _Saxe-Gotha_, when
King _Frederic_ I. called him to his Service. The Count _de Wartemberg_,
who was at that time the Chief Minister, wanted a Person to be at the head
of the Troops, who should be intirely devoted to himself: This was an
Obedience he did not expect to find in the Counts _de Lottum_, _Dhona_,
and _Denhoff_, nor in the other Generals whose long Services and Birth
might make them aspire to this military Dignity. He believed the fittest
Person to be his Tool would be a Foreigner that should be oblig'd to him
for his Fortune: Therefore he caus'd the Marshal's Batoon to be given to
the Count _de Wartensleben_, who answer'd to a tittle the Intention of the
Minister his Benefactor. 'Tis true, that he never seconded his Revenge,
but neither did he oppose it. He did the Business of his Office, and
meddled not with the Intrigues of the Court. It may be said of him, that
he never deviated from the Path of Equity, and in Justice to him it must
be own'd that he always did good, when it was in his power. Since the
Death of the late King, his Authority and Interest are very much lessened.
Besides, he is too far advanc'd in years to concern himself with almost
any Business at all.
The General whose Power is most rever'd, is the Prince _Leopold_ of
_Anhalt-Dessau_. In consideration of his high Birth, and the Rank of
Sovereign which he holds in the Empire, I ought to have nam'd him first;
only the Count _de Wartensleben_ is the oldest Marshal.
The Prince of _Anhalt_ is Marshal, Governour of the City of _Magdebourg_,
Colonel of a Regiment of Foot, and Knight of the Order of the Black Eagle.
This Prince, who is a Person of a good Stature and noble Presence, happy
Features and a lively Aspect, was born with all the Qualifications of a
General and a Soldier, being vigilant, laborious, indefatigable, equally
patient of Heat and Cold, Want and Abundance; Brave even to Intrepidity,
and possibly never equalled in this respect, unless we except _Charles_
XII. King of _Sweden_: Being a Man of unexampled Rigour in Military
Discipline, he will be obey'd; but then he rewards his Soldiers when they
do their Duty, and sometimes makes himself familiar with them: A warm and
constant Friend, but an implacable Enemy when he thinks himself not well
us'd; haughty to his Equals, civil and courteous to his Inferiors. In his
Youth, he was a Wine-Bibber, and a Deboshee; but it has been observ'd,
that neither Wine nor Women can detain him, when he is in the pursuit of
Glory. He is a religious Observer of his Promises, and never makes any but
after mature Reflection. He is an Enemy to the Pomp and Constraint of the
Lives of Great Men; an [OE]conomist, perhaps more than becomes his
Dignity; and is an absolute Master in his Family and his Government,
having poor, but dutiful Subjects, and well-regulated Finances.
The Care of the Prince of _Anhalt_'s Education was committed to M. _de
Chalisac_, a Native of _Guienne_. This Gentleman found an ungovernable
Temper in the young Prince which he had much ado to manage. The Prince
happen'd very early to have a liking for Madamoiselle _de Fohsen_, (whom
he afterwards marry'd) which being not at all pleasing to his Mother, (who
was born Princess of _Orange_) she thought the best way to cure him of his
Fondness for her, would be to send him abroad; and therefore appointed M.
_de Chalisac_ to travel with him to _Italy_, and accordingly they made
that Tour.
_Chalisac_, who was my particular Friend, and whose Memory I honour, told
me that this Prince's extraordinary Vivacity and Intemperance, had often
made his Heart ake; but that whenever he happen'd to run astray, he was
sure to reclaim him by setting the Motives of Honour and Ambition in his
View. To this purpose he related what happen'd when they were at _Venice_,
viz. that the Prince came home one Morning very much in Liquor, after
having spent the whole Night in a Debauch; and M. _de Chalisac_ reproving
him, perhaps a little too sharply, as the young Prince thought, he ran and
snatch'd up a Pistol, and returning with it to his Governour, said, _You
Dog, I must kill you_. M. _de Chalisac_, without appearing surpriz'd,
looking sternly at the Prince, made him answer; _Shoot me if you think
fit; but think how worthy a Figure you'll make in History, when it shall
be recorded that a Prince of +Anhalt+, a Prince of a Family that has given
Emperors to +Germany+, murder'd his Tutor_. These Words spoke with an Air
of Authority made such an Impression on the young Prince, that he laid
down his Pistol saying, _You are indeed in the right; I should have
committed a villainous Action_.
The Prince on his Return from _Italy_ to _Dessau_ shew'd that Time and
Absence had not that Effect upon him as they generally have upon Lovers.
He returned as much in love with Madamoiselle _de Fohsen_ as he was at
setting out. He married her in 1698, and soon after, _viz._ in 1701, she
was by the Emperor acknowledged a Princess of the Empire. He has had five
Sons and two Daughters by her, the eldest of whom is dead.
But the Embraces of a tender Spouse cou'd not keep him at home; a Warrior
he was born, and a Warrior he would be. The War being then kindled between
the Emperor and the _French_, the Prince went to serve in the Army on the
_Rhine_, and was present at the taking of _Keiserswaert_. Soon after, King
_Frederic_ I. gave him the Command of 6000 Men, whom he sent to the
Emperor's Assistance in _Italy_, where he signaliz'd himself in every
Campaign, but especially at the raising of the Siege of _Turin_. The Duke
of _Savoy_, afterwards King of _Sardinia_, with whom the Prince had not a
very good Understanding, doing me the Honour to talk to me about him one
day, said, _The Prince of +Anhalt+ has too much Fire; but when he is
ripen'd by Age, he will be a great General. He was born with the Genius of
a Captain, and he has contributed to save my Crown_.
When a Neutrality was agreed on for _Italy_ between the Emperor, his
Allies, and _France_, the Prince of _Anhalt_ was recall'd, and the King
gave him the Command of his Troops in _Flanders_, where he maintain'd the
Reputation which he had acquir'd in _Italy_, and was continued in his
Command till the Peace of _Utrecht_.
The Obstinacy of _Charles_ XII. King of _Sweden_ in refusing to hearken to
a Treaty for the Sequestration of _Stetin_, having oblig'd the King of
_Prussia_ to make war upon him, the Prince of _Anhalt_ serving under the
King, who then commanded his Army in Person, had the Honour to defend the
Isle of _Rugen_, against the King of _Sweden_, who came in the Night and
attack'd it with Fury; but the _Swedes_ were repulsed, after having lost a
number of considerable Officers in the Action. Since the Treaty with
_Sweden_, this Prince has had no occasion to signalize his Valour. He
resides commonly at _Dessau_, or at _Magdebourg_; and does not come to
Court but when Affairs call him. He has three Sons in the King's Service,
of whom the two eldest have Regiments of their own, and the third commands
his Father's.
The King, who has a great Affection for the Prince of _Anhalt_, makes no
considerable Regulation with regard to his Troops, or in any thing
relating to the War-Office, without his Advice. His Majesty has given him
considerable Tracts of Land in _Prussia_, where 'tis said the Prince is
building not only Villages, but entire Towns.
M. _d'Arnheim_ is the third Marshal. This old Gentleman, who is past
fourscore, learnt the Art of War under two Great Masters, the Elector
_Frederic-William_ of _Brandenbourg_, and _Montecuculi_ the Rival of
_Turenne_.
The Marshal _de Natzmer_ is an old Soldier also, who has serv'd under
several Commanders with very great Distinction; particularly the Prince
of _Waldeck_, General of the _Dutch_ Forces, the Prince of _Orange_
afterwards King of _England_, and lastly under the Duke of _Marlborough_
and Prince _Eugene_ of _Savoy_; who had all an Esteem for his Valour and
Military Experience; this Marshal having been in all the Battles which
those Generals fought in the _Netherlands_, and having been always wounded
or had a Horse shot under him.
After having mentioned the chief Commanders of the King's Forces to you, I
think it incumbent on me to give you an Account of those Persons whose
Credit or Employments have the greatest Influence upon the Government; in
which you will please to excuse me, if I do not follow that Order I have
hitherto observ'd in my Narrative.
The Baron _d'Ilgen_ First Minister of State, was born of an obscure Family
in _Westphalia_. After he had finished his Studies, he commenc'd Secretary
to M. _de Meinders_, Minister of State to the Elector _Frederic-William_,
and to King _Frederic_ I. His Discretion and his Industry soon procur'd
him the Favour of his Master, who put him Governour over his Nephew the
Baron _de Heidekam_. M. _d'Ilgen_ travell'd with the young Baron to
_Holland_, _England_, and _France_, in which Tour they spent two Years. At
his Return to _Berlin_, M. _de Meinders_ enter'd him in Business, and the
Elector _Frederic-William_ dying not long after, he procur'd him the
Office of Secretary to the new Elector. In this Employment he behav'd with
such Circumspection that he is still continued in it, notwithstanding the
many Changes that have happen'd in the Ministry. The Baron _de Fuchs_ one
of the most able Ministers that ever _Germany_ produc'd, being charm'd
with his Genius, gave him such a Recommendation to the late King, that he
preferr'd him to a Seat in the Council, where _Ilgen_ soon found out the
way to make himself necessary. The Count _de Wartemberg_, whose Abilities
were not so great but he stood in need of a Second, being then at the Head
of the Council, consulted in all matters with M. _d'Ilgen_, who, after the
Count _de Wartemberg_ retired, had the Province of Foreign Affairs
committed to him solely, and has kept it ever since.
M. _d'Ilgen_ has both Gaiety and Solidity in his Temper, a lively,
fruitful Imagination, and most pleasing Aspect. He is extremely sober, and
an excellent [OE]conomist, being as great an Enemy to Pleasure, as he is a
Friend to Riches. He is humble sometimes, even to excess; revengeful,
crafty; a Master of his Temper, his Countenance, his Tongue, and his Eyes,
which he accommodates altogether to the Situation of his Affairs. As by
his Parts he raised himself, so by his Parts he supports himself. He is
the sole Repositary of his own Secrets, having no Confident nor Favourite
to share them. He is so indefatigable, that he composes and writes all
himself, keeping his Secretaries only to copy. In short, he works like a
Day-labourer, and makes the Ministry, as it were, a Handicraft. He speaks
well, but writes better; he affects _double Entendres_ in his Answers, and
artfully has recourse, when he needs it, to an ambiguous Expression. He
has so little scruple, in point of Oaths, that he takes and breaks them
with equal Indifference. He never made himself a Creature, but always
removed and humbled those that ever gave him any Umbrage. That which
heightens his Character, and proves his Genius, is, that he has supported
himself a long time, without Kindred, Friends, or Creatures, and perhaps
without being too much honoured by the Favour of his Master[16].
M. _de Grumkau_ Minister of State, Lieutenant-General of the King's
Forces, Colonel of a Regiment of Foot, and Knight of the Orders of St.
_Andrew_ of _Muscovy_, and of the White Eagle of _Poland_, is descended of
an illustrious Family in _Pomerania_. His Father was Grand Marshal of the
Elector _Frederic-William_, and died in that Post, at the beginning of the
late King's Reign. M. _de Grumkau_ being left a Minor, was sent very young
to _France_, to learn his Exercises, where he acquitted himself with
Diligence, and the Approbation of his Superiors. At his return to
_Berlin_, _Frederic_ I. appointed him Gentleman of his Bed-chamber, and
gave him a Company of Foot. Soon after which, he married Madamoiselle _de
la Chevallerie_, who was Maid of Honour to the Queen _Sophia-Charlotte_.
It was not long before he was advanced; and during the last War he served
as a Brigadier in the Army in the _Netherlands_. At the same time he had
the Care of the King's Affairs with my Lord Duke of _Marlborough_, and
Prince _Eugene_ of _Savoy_. His manner of
Behaviour shew'd that he was fit to be employ'd in great Affairs: but the
Count _Wartemberg_, the Favourite, and Prime Minister, being jealous of
his Genius, kept him as much as he could out of any Share in Authority,
and chose rather to prefer him by War, than to employ him in the Ministry.
The Favourites (Messieurs _de Camke_) who succeeded _Wartemberg_,
perceiving M. _de Grumkau_'s superior Abilities, were not more favourable
to him than the Count was. He was preferr'd to be a Major-General at one
of the last Promotions that was made by the late King; and
_Frederic-William_, on his Accession to the Throne, made him
Lieutenant-General, and Minister of State.
M. _de Grumkau_ is good-natur'd, civil, and affable. He has the Manners
and Sentiments of a Man of Quality, as he really is; he is generous,
liberal, loves Splendor and Pleasures, but is not so much addicted to them
as to neglect the Affairs of the Ministry. He is laborious, has a clear
and quick Apprehension; a pleasant, lively, and penetrating Fancy; and is
no Enemy to Satyr, when it does not attack his Neighbour's Reputation. As
he is of a beneficent Temper, he has Friends, and makes himself Creatures.
Of all the Ministers, he speaks to the King with the greatest Freedom; and
I believe one may safely venture to put him in the Rank of Favourites.
The Baron _de Kniphausen_[17], Minister of State, and Commander of the
Order of St. _John_, is descended of an illustrious Family in
_East-Friesland_. In the late King's time, his Father was President of the
Chamber, which is properly, Superintendant of the Finances. No Minister
has been employed in more Embassies. He was the King's Resident in
_Spain_, with _Charles_ III. the present Emperor; he was the same in
_Denmark_, _Muscovy_, and _France_; and every where supported the Dignity
of his Master, and the Honour of his Character. So many Embassies had very
much disconcerted his Affairs; and talking to me one day at _Paris_ about
his Lady, who was the Daughter of M. _d'Ilgen_, 'I know, _said he_, that
her Rank is not equal to mine, and that I may be reproach'd for having
married her; but I can return the same Answer which they report of the
Count _de Lude_ (Governor to _Gaston_ of _France_, _Lewis_ XIIIth's
Brother) who, when he was ruin'd like me, married a Tradesman's Daughter;
_Could I do better_, said he, _when I was persecuted Day and Night by my
Creditors, than to take Refuge in a Shop, rather than be carried to an
Alms-House_?'
M. _de Kniphausen_ has a wonderful natural Genius, and would have every
Talent requisite for a Minister, if he was not quite so averse to Labour;
but being as lazy as his Father-in-Law is laborious, Affairs suffer in his
hands by delay. Not but that he knows how to dispatch them, if he will,
for nobody is more lively nor more vigilant than he, when he sets his
heart upon a thing; but he is naturally indolent, being fond of his Ease
and good Cheer.
The Baron _de Gohren_, who is Director of the Chamber of Finances, and of
the Post-Office, is a Man of a good Family in the Marquisate of
_Brandenburg_. He has not been many years in the Ministry, but has the
Reputation of an upright Man, and one not to be corrupted. He is very
reserved, and a Person of few Words, which gives him an Air that those who
are not conversant with him mistake for Haughtiness.
M. _de Creutz_ has a happy Physiognomy, being a mixture of hard Features
with mild ones, that carry an Air of Probity and Frankness, which of all
external Appearances is undoubtedly the most advantageous. He is polite,
and magnificent; has an extraordinary Vivacity, an admirable Facility of
expressing himself, and an easy, affable, and genteel Behaviour. He never
promises but when he means to perform, and his Word may be safely depended
on. I always found him very sincere, and I cannot help saying, I love him.
_Frederic-William_ called him to his Councils, he having been his
Secretary when he was Prince Royal. His Assiduity and Punctuality in
performing the Duties of his Office, had procured him the King's Affection
to such a degree that his Majesty continues to honour him with his
Good-will, and gives heed to his Representations[18].
M. _de Creutz_ is one of the richest Subjects in the Country, having had a
very great Estate by his Wife: She has also brought him a Daughter, an
only Child, who is said to have a great deal of Wit; and being a rich
Heiress into the bargain, she will not fail of Suitors.
M. _de Vierec_ is a Man of Quality, and a Native of _Mecklemburg_; his
Father was Counsellor of State to the late King, and his Envoy
Extraordinary in _Denmark_. The Son, of whom I am now writing, quitted the
Service of Duke _Anthony-Ulric_ of _Brunswic-Wolfembuttle_, to be a
Gentleman of the late King's Bed-chamber. When he came to Court, he had no
Relations there, but he was so happy as to raise himself Friends; for his
modest Air, and his polite and submissive Deportment, gain'd him the
Good-will of the Favourites; and as he lov'd Play, he soon made himself
acquainted with the Court-Ladies, who always gave him their good Word.
In 1711, when the Count _de Dohna_ went as the King's Ambassador to
_Francfort_, for the Election of an Emperor, he desir'd of the King that
M. _de Vierec_, who was reckon'd the most sober young Man at Court, might
be Marshal of the Embassy, which was perform'd at the King's Expence. M.
_de Vierec_ acquitted himself so well in that Employment, that he had the
same Post at the Congress of _Utrecht_. He had afterwards, for a while,
the Care of the King's Affairs at the Court of _France_, when the Duke of
_Orleans_ was Regent; and at his Return from thence, he was employed in
the Regency of _Cleves_; from whence he was called home to better
Preferment, by means of _Gerstorf_, whose Daughter he had married. For
this General's only Son being killed in _Sicily_, his Majesty, in order to
comfort the Father, whom he lov'd, and who he saw took it very much to
heart, declared M. _de Vierec_ his Son-in-Law, Minister of State. M. _de
Gerstorf_'s Daughter dying afterwards, M. _de Vierec_ thereby came
possessed of a very great Estate, and married again to the Daughter of the
Count _de Finck_, who was formerly the Prince Royal's Governor.
M. _de Vierec_ is perfectly polite, and altogether as modest now as he was
before he was a Minister; but he is close and reserv'd, mysterious more
than needs must, and jealous. His Circumspection, which extends to the
minutest things, gave him the Air of a Minister, before he had a thought,
perhaps, of ever being one. What with his Kindred, his Estate, and his
Preferment, he is become powerful at Court.
These, Sir, are the Persons of the greatest Consequence at the Court of
_Prussia_, with whom I had a particular Acquaintance. I am not so vain as
to think I have painted them in their true Colours; but such as they
appear'd to be in my eyes, I have represented them to you. Men are not
always the same; nor do they appear in the same light to all that see
them; every Man having his own way of thinking, and few judging solidly.
I have now told you all the Particulars that I know of this Court. What
remains for me is to mention some things to you, which are worth your
seeing, if ever you live to come hither.
Such are the King's Cabinets of Medals and Antiquities; that of Natural
Curiosities, in which are a great many things not to be seen elsewhere;
the Chymical Laboratory, with its Furnaces and Instruments of a new
Invention; the magnificent Theatre, which the King caused to be built for
Anatomical Demonstrations, with all the Curiosities and Instruments which
are there kept; the Royal Library, one of the most valuable and compleat
in all _Germany_, where, besides scarce Books and Manuscripts, is a very
curious _Chinese_ Printing-Press.
All these things would be worth particularizing; but to do this, a Man
must have a larger Acquaintance here than I pretend to: Besides, my
Relation is already spun to such a length that I believe 'tis time to
conclude it.
I will, however, just acquaint you of a Foundation by the present King, in
favour of the young Gentlemen of his Dominions, which are the Academies of
Cadets, in _Berlin_, _Magdebourg_, and other Towns, where they are taught
the Rudiments of War; so that 'tis a Nursery from whence the King makes a
Draught of good Officers. His Majesty has moreover ordered his Generals of
Foot to take each a young Gentleman, whose Fortune does not happen to be
equal to his Birth, to keep them as Pages, and to make them learn their
Exercises, and every thing that an Officer ought to know. An excellent
Institution this, and a fine Resource for the poor Nobility!
I am preparing to set out forthwith for _Hamburgh_, _Hanover_, and the
Court of _Brunswic_; and after I have made that Tour, you shall have a
second Letter from me. Mean time, I am, _&c._
[Illustration]
LETTER II.
_SIR_, _Hamburgh, June 20, 1729._
Nothing gives me greater pleasure, than the Approbation with which you are
pleased to honour the Account I sent you of the Court of _Prussia_; which
I esteem as an infinite Reward for the little trouble it cost me. You must
not imagine that I can ever be weary of writing to you; I can never do any
thing more agreeable to myself, than to contribute to your Amusement; and
shall think myself exceeding happy, if I can succeed.
I set out from _Berlin_ upon the 10th of _June_, and in less than four
Hours came to ORANJEBOURG, a royal Seat, which King _Frederic_ I. caused
to be built, and to which he gave the Name of _Oranjebourg_, to perpetuate
the Memory of his Mother, who was born Princess of _Orange_. This Prince,
great in every Action, spar'd no Cost to render this House worthy of his
magnificent Taste. The Situation of this Place is very charming, in the
midst of fine large Meadows, with Canals cut in them after the manner of
_Holland_. The Apartments of the Palace are grand, tho' the rich
Furniture it had formerly has been removed to _Berlin_. The present King
not taking a fancy to it, all runs to ruin; the Gardens, which were the
finest in _Germany_, are not kept in order; the great Vessels of
Porcellane; which were not to be match'd in _Europe_, the late King having
procur'd the choicest Rarities of that Ware, that were in the Magazines of
_Holland_; all these fine things, I say, are pass'd into the hands of the
King of _Poland_, at _Dresden_. The Gallery and the Salon of
_Oranjebourg_, which were furnish'd with them, and which were reckoned
among the Beauties of _Germany_, are of no account now but for the
Richness of their Cielings.
From _Oranjebourg_, I went and lay at FERBELLIN, a Town which is only
remarkable for a Victory gain'd here by the Elector _Frederic-William_
over the _Swedes_. The latter enter'd his Dominions, while he was engag'd
with his Army in defence of the Empire then attack'd by the _French_ on
the _Upper Rhine_. The Elector being inform'd of the Invasion of his own
Country by the _Swedes_, came away from the _Rhine_ with his Troops, and
by one of the bravest Marches that ever any General made, deliver'd it
from the Enemy. He surprized them in _Ratenau_, a Town in the Marquisate
of _Brandenbourg_, the Garrison of which he made Prisoners; and then
continuing his March, he came up with the _Swedes_ near _Ferbellin_, at a
time when the latter thought him still upon the _Rhine_, and gain'd a
compleat Victory. A venerable old Gentleman, who was very near the
Elector's Person at this Battle, told me, that before the Engagement
began, the Prince being at the head of his Army, took out his Pistols,
fir'd them in the Air, and lifting up his Eyes to Heaven, said, _'Tis to
thy Glory, _GREAT GOD_, that I discharge my Arms; defend my Cause, thou
knowest it to be just; punish my Enemies_. Then drawing his Sword, and
turning about to his Soldiers, _My Comrades_, said he, _I desire no other
Defence, nor no other Weapons, but the Protection of God, your Courage,
and my Sword. Follow me therefore, my Friends, do as I do, and be assur'd
of Victory_.
In this Battle, _Forbenius_, the Elector's Gentleman of the Horse,
perceiving that a white Steed which his Master rode, made his Person a
very plain Mark for his Enemy, so that they had singled him out to fire
at, desir'd the Prince to change Horses with him. The Elector, who had a
great Soul, above all Fear, refus'd at first to do so, but upon the
repeated Instances of _Forbenius_, he consented to it; and the Moment that
the Gentleman mounted the Horse which the Elector quitted, a Cannon-Shot
kill'd him dead upon the Place, so quick, that he expir'd without the
Comfort of knowing that he had thereby preserved the Life of his Master.
_HAMBURGH_, a Hanse-Town in the Circle of Lower _Saxony_, is, without
dispute, one of the richest and most considerable Towns in all the Empire
of _Germany_. It depends solely upon its Magistrates, who are chose by the
Burgers themselves. Its Liberty has been often contested by the Kings of
_Denmark_, who as Dukes of _Holstein_, pretend that _Hamburgh_ is built
upon their Territory, and that therefore they ought to be the Sovereigns
of it. The Electors of _Brandenbourg_, and the Princes of the House of
_Brunswic_, always opposed the Incroachments of the _Danes_; nor will they
suffer any Power whatsoever to oppress the City of _Hamburgh_, because, if
it were possible, they would be glad to annex it to their own Domains. The
City being exposed to these Attacks, has taken all the Measures possible
to be in a condition to defend its Liberty. 'Tis very well fortified,
maintains a good Garrison, and has an Arsenal provided with all
Necessaries.
The Commerce of _Hamburgh_ is considerable, tho' 'tis very much lessen'd
since _Frederic_ IV. King of _Denmark_, prohibited the Importation of
Merchandize from _Hamburgh_ to his Dominions[19].
The manner of living in this City is different from that of all the Hanse
Towns. Here is a tolerable Opera all the Year round[20]; charming Walks,
choice Company, much Visiting and hearty Cheer. There are several good
Houses of the Nobility, where Foreigners are well receiv'd. The Merchants
are affable and civil; most of them in their youth travel to the most
remarkable Countries of _Europe_, where they then pass for Gentlemen of
_Holstein_. As they are rich, they can easily afford to make a good
Appearance where-ever they come. There they learn that polite Air, and
that Behaviour which one would wish to see in all Gentlemen of good
Families. The only thing for which I find fault with them, is, that they
treat their Wives too much like the _Levant_ People, where the Women are
only suffer'd to go to the Mosques; so here, the Women scarce go any where
but to Church, or if they at any time take the Air, 'tis in company with
their Husbands: and a Foreigner is so seldom admitted to their
Assemblies, that when he is, those poor Women are as much astonish'd at
the sight of him, as a Sultana would be to see a Capuchin enter the
_Seraglio_.
There's a great many worthy People here. I have made an Acquaintance with
M. _de Brocks_, one of the Magistrates, who has acquir'd a Reputation for
his Skill in Poetry, by such Compositions as cannot but convince
Foreigners, who understand the _High-Dutch_, that as good things may be
said in that Language, as in any other[21]. This M. _de Brocks_ is of an
amiable Character, civil, and complaisant, and has acquir'd the Love and
Esteem of all that know him.
Most of the _European_ Princes have Residents here, for which reason here
are several Chappels of the _Roman_ Catholicks, who otherwise would be
obliged to go to the Church at _Altena_, as the _Calvinists_ are forc'd to
do, the _Lutheran_ being the Religion that is uppermost at _Hamburgh_; but
the _Jews_ have their Synagogues here. What an odd Establishment is this
in a Christian Country![22] how uncharitable, and even nonsensical! and
how must it make the _Turks_ laugh! We grant Synagogues to the _Jews_, the
Enemies of JESUS CHRIST, who would crucify him again, if they had not done
it already; and we refuse Churches and Temples to those that believe as
we do in JESUS CHRIST! No, were you to call me Heretic a thousand times, I
would say, HOLLAND FOR EVER! where 'tis a Maxim, to leave every Man to his
Conscience; and where they think it would be a Contradiction to admit
People to be their Fellow-Citizens, and to deny them the Liberty of
worshipping God in their own way.
The Emperor's Minister, who has the Title of _His Imperial Majesty's
Plenipotentiary_ to the Circle of Lower _Saxony_, commonly resides at
_Hamburgh_. The last Gentleman that had this Employment was the Count _de
Metsch_[23]; and since his being made Vice-President of the Emperor's
_Aulic_ Council, it has not been fill'd up[24].
The Populace of _Hamburgh_, just such another ungovernable Herd as the
_Amsterdam_ Mobs, having taken it into their heads some years ago, out of
a mad sort of Zeal for Religion, to plunder the House and Chapel of the
Emperor's Resident; the City in order to make Satisfaction for the Insult,
was condemned to build a House which was to be the Residence of the
Emperor's Minister always for the future. For this end, the City bought
the Palace of the late Baron _de Gortz_, a Man of great Fame in the
History of _Charles_ XII. King of _Sweden_; and whose Fortune and
Catastrophe are worthy your notice.
_Henry_ Baron _de Gortz_ was born of an independent Family in _Franconia_,
which is a Province that abounds with Nobility of Distinction. He enter'd
young into the Service of the Duke of _Holstein-Schleswic_, and rose to be
his Minister. He was a Man generous, noble, and magnificent, even to
Profusion; vigilant, full of Projects and Stratagems; a Man whom nothing
could surprize, nothing dissuade from a Design that he had once form'd;
whose Ambition was boundless, and who always aim'd to do something to be
talk'd of. In the _North_ there was no Intrigue in which he had not a
hand, and into which he did not likewise draw his Master, whom he push'd
upon Enterprizes so far above his Power to execute, that he thereby lost
his Dominions. The Baron _de Gortz_ thought _Holstein_ too narrow a Sphere
for him to move in, and therefore he attach'd himself to _Charles_ XII.
King of _Sweden_, after that Prince return'd from his long Stay at
_Bender_. _Charles_ was just such a Master as the Baron wanted, and he
just such a Minister as was necessary for the King of _Sweden_; nor was
there ever in the World a greater Sympathy between two Men. _Gortz_ was
born to form great Designs, _Charles_ to put them in execution; and the
constant Design of both was only to throw _Europe_ into a Ferment.
The Baron, besides other happy Gifts of Nature, had the Talent of
insinuating and pleasing. He soon got an Ascendant over _Charles_, to such
a degree that tho' this Prince was never to be advis'd by his Ministers,
yet the Baron's Opinion was a Law to him. _Gortz_ frighten'd _Europe_, and
made _Sweden_ tremble; being as much fear'd and dreaded there as the King
himself. The _Swedes_ were uneasy to see so great a Share of Authority
vested in a Foreigner; and therefore form'd Parties and Cabals to strip
him of it; but they durst not discover their Designs. The Minister knew
all the while they envy'd him, but was in no manner of Concern about it;
for being sure of the Favour of the King, he despised the Hatred, both of
the Populace and the Great Men[25].
But after the Death of _Charles_ XII. who was killed at the Siege of
_Frederickshall_, in the Month of _December_, the _Swedes_ did not fail to
punish him; for the Baron, before he cou'd have Intelligence of the King's
Death, was actually put under an Arrest; and upon that Occasion he said to
the Officer, _Surely the King must be dead!_ From that Moment he was never
once heard to complain or murmur; for he was intrepid even to Death; the
Sentence of which he received with a wonderful Constancy of Mind, chose to
die like a Philosopher, and thought too freely of Religion to the very
last. A Divine, who is now one of the King of _Denmark_'s Chaplains,
turn'd his Heart, and brought him to acknowledge that 'twas the Hand of
God which smote him. He was conducted to the Place of Execution in a
mourning Coach, in which the Chaplain rode with him. He had a long Robe of
black Velvet, ty'd with Ribbands over his Shoulders; and as he was
mounting the Scaffold, which was hung with black Cloth, perceiving one
_Duval_, a _Frenchman_, who was his Steward, he held out his Hand, saying,
_Farewell +Duval+, I shall eat no more of thy Soups_. When he was on the
Scaffold, an Officer of Justice read a Paper to him with a loud Voice; in
which it was declared that he was degraded from the Rank of Nobility, and
that the Queen had order'd him to be beheaded. _Alas!_ said he, _I am born
a free Baron of the Empire. +Sweden+ cannot take from me what it never gave
me; and if I had really deserv'd to be degraded, none has a Right to do it
but the +Emperor+._ Having requir'd one of his Valets de Chambre to undress
him, he deliver'd the Ribband of the Order of the Black Eagle of _Prussia_
to a Gentleman who stood near him, and enjoin'd him to carry it to one of
his Kindred, that he might return it to the King of _Prussia_. Then he
fell on his Knees, without shewing the least Sign of Fear; and receiv'd
the Stroke of Death with a Constancy of which there are very few Examples.
His Head being exposed to the People, was a pleasing Victim to their
Hatred and Revenge. The Baron's Corpse was interr'd, at the Place of
Execution, from whence one of his Footmen took it away in the Night-time,
put it into a Barrel, and carry'd it to _Hamburgh_; where it was laid upon
a Bed of State, and bury'd with all the Formalities fitting the Rank which
he had held in the World.
Within a Cannon-Shot of _Hamburgh_, stands the Town of ALTENA, which
belongs to the King of _Denmark_. The _Swedish_ General, _Steinbock_,
reduc'd it to Ashes, the 9th of _January_ 1712, by way of Reprisal, as he
said, because the _Danes_ had burnt _Staden_: but there was this
Difference, that the _Danes_ had besieg'd _Staden_ in form, and destroy'd
it by their Bombs; whereas _Steinbock_ acted the part of an Incendiary. As
soon as he appear'd before _Altena_, he sent in a Message to advise the
Inhabitants to retire with what they could carry off, for that he was
going to destroy their Town. The Magistrates came out in a Body, and
falling at his Feet, begg'd for Mercy, and offer'd him a considerable Sum
of Money. _Steinbock_ insisting on more, they granted him his whole
Demand, only they desir'd Time to go to _Hamburgh_ for the Money. The
merciless General would admit of no such Delay. The poor Inhabitants were
oblig'd to turn out; the Mothers carry'd out their Infants; the young
Fellows, the paralytick old Men; some groan'd under Loads of Furniture;
all lamented their Fate, and uter'd Cries that wou'd have almost pierc'd
a Stone. The _Swedes_ stood at the Barriers, with flaming Torches in their
Hands, to see them pass; and before the poor Inhabitants were all gone
out, they enter'd the Town, and set fire to all parts of it; not sparing
even the Vaults of the Dead.
Never was a greater Desolation known; but what compleated the Ruin of the
_Altenois_, was the Necessity of the Times, which was such as oblig'd the
_Hamburghers_ not to entertain them. Several prejudic'd Authors have said
that the _Hamburghers_, insensible, if not overjoy'd at the Calamity of
their Neighbours, kept their Gates shut, that they might see them perish.
But the truth is, that the _Hamburghers_ were oblig'd to be thus strict;
because the Plague raging at that time in _Holstein_, the Elector of
_Hanover_ had forc'd them to stop all Commerce with that Country;
threatning them, that if he heard they had the least Communication with
_Altena_, he wou'd prohibit his Subjects from all manner of Correspondence
with the City of _Hamburgh_. Besides, it wou'd not have been prudent in
the _Hamburghers_ to have open'd their Gates in the Night-time; for the
_Swedish_ Army being so near, they could not tell but the _Swedes_ might
come into the Town as well as the _Altenois_. To the Misfortune of the
Times therefore must be ascribed the Distress of the Inhabitants of
_Altena_, most of whom perished with Cold, Want, and Despair.
_Frederic_ IV. King of _Denmark_, being touched with Compassion for the
Misfortune of his Subjects of _Altena_, relieved them as far as the
Necessity of the Times wou'd give him leave. He caus'd them to be supply'd
with Materials for rebuilding their Houses; and now _Altena_ has recovered
her Losses: for the King of _Denmark_ has not only granted it many new
Privileges, but has caus'd a Harbour to be made there; and does all that
is in his power to draw a Trade to it. This City being a privileg'd Place
for Bankrupts, many of that Character come from _Hamburgh_ to settle here;
and there is a general Toleration for those of all Religions, who have
their Churches and Temples here; which draws such numbers of People, that
in time _Altena_ will probably become _Hamburgh_, and _Hamburgh_ _Altena_:
For the _Hamburghers_, on the contrary, will tolerate no Christian Sects;
tho' they grant the _Jews_ the public Exercise of their Religion, as has
been already observed. The Governour of _Danish Holstein_ resides here,
who is the Count _de Reventlau_, Brother to the[26]Queen of _Denmark_. I
am, _&c._
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
LETTER III.
_SIR_, _Hanover, July 5, 1729._
This Letter is to acquaint you of some things that I remark'd in the Road
from _Hamburgh_, and in this City itself; where I have now been these
three Days.
I set out from _Hamburgh_ the 22d of _June_, and went by Water to
HARBOURG, having sent my Chaise thither the Day before. This Town is a
Dependant on the Dutchy of _Lunenbourg_, and belongs to the Elector of
_Brunswic-Lunenbourg_. It has nothing very remarkable but its Castle,
which is a Pentagon, lin'd with a good Cover'd-Way. Madamoiselle
_d'Olbreuse_[27], whom the Duke of _Zell_ marry'd, had the Title of Madame
_de Harbourg_, till she was recogniz'd by the Emperor a Princess of the
Empire. For by the Laws of _Germany_, a Prince of a Sovereign Family can
marry none but a Princess, or a Countess. If he weds a private
Gentlewoman, he not only marries below himself, but his Wife does not go
by his Name; and the Children of such Marriage cannot succeed, unless the
Emperor declare the Mother a Princess; as he commonly does in favour of
Princes of antient Families.
Between _Harbourg_ and _Zell_, which is twelve Miles, there is scarce any
thing but Heath. The Post-Stages, which are of four Miles, are very ill
serv'd, and the Inns the worst in _Germany_; all which together render
the Road extremely disagreeable.
ZELL is a little Town with great Suburbs. All its Buildings are of Timber,
except the Churches, the Castle, and the House of Correction, which are of
Brick. There is a Trade from hence to _Bremen_, by the River _Aller_.
After the Death of _George-William_, the last Duke of _Zell_[28], this
City, and its Dependency, the Dutchy of _Lunenbourg_, devolv'd to his
Nephew _George_, Elector of _Brunswic-Hanover_, afterwards King of _Great
Britain_. This Prince had a Regency at _Zell_, which judged all Causes,
without any Appeal but to the Council of State at _Hanover_. The President
of it at this time, is the Baron _de Friesberg_, a Person of a good Family
in the Country of _Hildesheim_; who has been a long time the Elector's
Envoy at the Diet of _Ratisbon_, where I knew him, and received a world of
Civilities from him. He is esteem'd for the prudent Management of his
Office, and his noble manner of living. There are a great many Persons of
Quality settled at _Zell_, who for a trifling Expence enjoy the Pleasures
of agreeable Society. They visit and regale one another very much, and are
not wanting in Civilities to Foreigners. Monsieur _de Schulenbourgh_[29],
Lieutenant-General of the _Hanoverian_ Horse, and Knight of the
_Prussian_ Order of the Black Eagle, is the Governour of this Town. He is
a Gentleman of good Extraction, of Behaviour, Noble, Polite, and Easy; and
though he is Father of a numerous Family, he affects to live grand, and
keeps a very good Table. One of his Sons is in the Service of _Prussia_,
the others are in that of the King of _England_. I mention them to you,
because they are worthy Gentlemen; and whoever knows them, cannot but
esteem them.
Here are a great many _French_ People, _Catholick_ as well as
_Protestant_, of whom the former have a Chapel, and the latter a Church;
but the Religion which is predominant, is the _Lutheran_. The last
Dutchess of _Zell_, of the Family of _Olbreuse_, being a _French_ Woman,
fill'd her Husband's Court and Guards with her own Countrymen; who were
even preferr'd before the Natives of _Zell_. I have been told that these
_Frenchmen_ really thought themselves so much at home, that there happen'd
to be one day no less than a dozen of 'em at Dinner at the Duke's Table,
who all except the Prince were _Frenchmen_; which one of them observing,
said to the Duke, _My Lord, this is really very pleasant; there is no
Foreigner here but you_!
In the Neighbourhood of this Town there's the Castle of _Ahlen_, where,
(about nine Years ago,) the unfortunate Daughter of the last Duke of
_Zell_, by Madamoiselle _d'Olbreuse_, ended her Days, after she had been
retir'd thither about thirty six Years: She had been promised
in Marriage to _Augustus-William_, the hereditary Prince of
_Brunswic-Lunenbourg-Wolfemhuttle_; but her Father the Duke, by the
Intrigues of the Princess _Sophia_, Dutchess of _Hanover_, marry'd her
against her Will, and against the Consent of her Mother, to the hereditary
Prince _George-Lewis_, who was afterwards King of _Great Britain_, by
Right of his Mother, and who died in the Year 1727, as he came to make
the Tour of his hereditary Dominions. She was sixteen Years old at her
Marriage with that Prince, who was then twenty-two.
Tho' there's a good deal of Heath between _Zell_ and _Hanover_, yet the
Country is very well cultivated; for the Inhabitants not only make Turfs
of the Heath for Fewel, but it serves also for Pasturage, and for Manure.
'Tis about five _German_ Miles from one Town to the other, and I travell'd
it in less than five Hours.
HANOVER, the Capital of the Electorate of _Brunswic-Lunenbourg_, is bigger
than _Zell_. The River _Leine_ divides it into the old and new Towns,
which are both encompass'd with Ramparts that scarce deserve the Name.
There is nothing very extraordinary in the Palace or Castle, which is
rather commodious than magnificent; and the Town of _Hanover_, generally
speaking, is but ill built. The most remarkable Structure in it, is the
_Roman Catholick_ Church, which was granted to those of that Communion by
_Ernest-Augustus_ of _Brunswic-Lunenbourg-Hanover_; that being one of the
Conditions which the Emperor _Leopold_ demanded of him when he honour'd
him with the Electoral Dignity. That Prince moreover engag'd to admit of
an Apostolical Vicar in his Dominions, and to give him leave to reside at
_Hanover_, as _Spiga_, who lately died at _Francfort_[30], did for many
Years. Divine Service is perform'd in this Church as regularly as in a
Cathedral; and they who officiate in it are Missionaries. The number of
Catholicks is very considerable; but few Persons of Quality are of that
Communion, the Nobility being all _Lutherans_.
When _George_ I. King of _Great Britain_ left his _German_ Dominions to
take possession of his Kingdom, he was willing that all Affairs at
_Hanover_ shou'd continue on the same footing as they were before he was
called to the Throne; and he left behind him Prince _Frederic_ his
Grandson, now Prince of _Wales_; who not only had a Drawing-Room every
Day, but the same Attendance as had the Elector before he was King.
His Majesty King _George_ II. has made no Alteration in the Establishment
of the King his Father. When he sent for the Prince of _Wales_ to
_England_, he order'd the Courtiers to continue their Assemblies at the
Castle; and that his Table shou'd always be serv'd in the same manner as
if he himself was at _Hanover_. His Majesty keeps up the same number of
Gentlemen, Pages, Domestics, and Guards; and the same number of Horses,
Grooms, &c. in his Stables. There's a _French_ Comedy acted three times a
Week at the Palace, to which all People are admitted _gratis_; and there
are frequently Concerts, Balls and Assemblies. The Gentlemen who do the
Court-Honours at these Entertainments, and who invite Persons to dine or
sup at the King's Table, are either M. _de Hardenberg_, the Grand Marshal,
or, in his absence, the Baron _de Gortz_[31], Chief Steward of the
Houshold; or else M. _de Rheden_, Captain of the Castle of _Hanover_.
In the King's absence, the Government is compos'd of a Council of State,
whereof M. _de Hardenberg_ is Chief or President; which meets every day in
an Apartment of the Castle. To this all the Courts of Justice in the
Dominions of _Hanover_ are subject, and accountable. The Council of State
receives its Orders immediately from the King; and they are counter-signed
either by the Count _de Bothmar_, or by M. _de Hattorf_, the two _German_
Ministers that attend his Majesty's Person.
The Count _de Bothmar_[32] is an old Gentleman, who for a long time
resided in quality of the Elector's Envoy at the Court of _England_,
where, by his prudent Management for his Master, he cherished the most
incontestable Right that a Prince can possibly have to a Crown; I mean,
the Voice of the People.
M. _de Hattorf_ is not only the Minister's Son, but has been his
Co-adjutor, for they had both the War-Office in their Province; for which
reason they were called _Louvois_ and _Barbesieux_, a Comparison which
does no Dishonour either to the one or to the other: for if the two
_Hattorfs_ have not made such a Blaze in the World, 'tis because they had
not a _Lewis_ XIV. for their Master, for they were not inferior to the
_French_ Ministers in Capacity, and Application to Business, and had not
their Pride and Arrogance.
M. _de Munchausen_ is one of those Ministers of State who bears the most
Sway. He is of a Temper beneficent, mild, civil, very candid, sober, and
religious. He lives with Dignity, and his House is as open to Foreigners
as any in the City.
The Marshal Baron _de Bulau_, is Commander in chief of the Forces[33]. He
has no manner of Dependance on the Council of State, and receives his
Orders immediately from the King, by M. _de Hattorf_ the Secretary at War.
The Promotion which the King makes of Officers is by the Recommendation of
M. _de Bulau_; and such as would enter into the Service must make their
Application to him. He serv'd with Distinction in the _Netherlands_, under
my Lord Duke of _Marlborough_. He has actually under his Command 18000
Men, which is the Complement of the King of _Great Britain_'s Forces, as
Elector. His Majesty indeed, keeps in pay 12000 _Hessians_,[34] and 4000
Men of the Troops of _Wolfenbuttle_. 'Tis true, those Forces are paid by
_England_, but to me it seems they are only to defend the King's Dominions
in _Germany_.
Tho' the Sovereign is absent, yet here are not wanting Amusements; there
being many good Families, and a number of amiable Persons.
The lovely Countess of _Delitz_, Niece to the Dutchess of _Kendal_, cou'd
not fail of Adorers, even in the most barbarous Countries; for the Charms
of her Mind are not inferior to the Beauty, Sweetness, and Gracefulness of
her Person.
No Lady can have a better Temper or Behaviour than the Baroness _de
Bulau_, Daughter-in-law to the Marshal, and Daughter to the late Countess
of _Platen_: her Husband is a worthy Gentleman, and keeps a very good
House.
The Count _de Platen_, hereditary Post-Master-General, is one of the
richest Subjects in the Electorate, and one that spends the most Money. A
Foreigner will always have cause to speak well of M. _de Rheden_, Captain
of the Castle, and M. _de Wagenheim_, the great Cup-Bearer. Messieurs
_d'Ilten_ live splendidly; and both the Brothers, the eldest of whom is a
Colonel of the Guards, are amiable and infinitely polite. If ever you come
hither, you will certainly have reason to be fond of their Company.
The Situation of _Hanover_ is very agreeable; and in its Neighbourhood are
several pretty Seats. Among these _Herenhausen_ (the House of the _Lord_,
or the _Master_) is a Castle which was built by Order of the Elector
_Ernest-Augustus_, the King's Grandfather. This House, to which a strait
Walk leads, bears no proportion to the Magnificence of its Gardens, which
are undeniably some of the finest in all _Europe_; being particularly
adorn'd with Water-Works that throw the Water up much higher than the
famous Fountain at _St. Cloud_, which was always look'd upon as the most
considerable of the kind[35].
Between _Hanover_ and _Herenhausen_, there are two fine Seats; of which,
one is call'd _Fantasie_, i. e. _the Whim_; and the other, _Monbrillant_,
or, _Mount-Pleasant_. They were built by two Sisters-in-law, _viz._ Madame
_de Kilmanseck_, (who after her Husband's Death, was by King _George_ I.
created Countess of _Arlington_) and the Countess of _Platen_. These two
Houses are a Proof of the good Taste of those Ladies, who were really an
Honour to _Germany_, for their Beauty, good Sense, Manners, and Genius.
They both died in their Prime, a little time after one another; my Lady
_Arlington_ in _England_, and the Countess of _Platen_ at _Hanover_, to
which she was not only an Ornament, but a Lustre.
The Dominions of _Hanover_ are so considerable, that I have been assured
the Revenues are no less than six Millions of Crowns _per An._ Whether
this be true, I do not know; but I tell you what I was told myself.
_Hamelen_ upon the _Weser_ is the only Town that can be reckoned a Place
of Defence. _Hanover_, _Zell_, and _Lunenbourg_, have Ramparts;
_Harbourg_, a Castle, or Citadel; but all so inconsiderable, that they are
not worth mentioning.
There are few Sovereigns whose Finances are in so good a Condition as this
Elector's; which has been the happy Produce of three succeeding Reigns;
and the good [OE]conomy wherewith they were managed by the three last
Princes of the Electoral Family, has contributed infinitely to the Figure
it makes at this time. Mean-while, notwithstanding these Regulations, the
People were never oppress'd, and the Princes always lived with a Splendor
suitable to their Grandeur. _Ernest-Augustus_ obtained the Electoral
Dignity, not without making great Presents to the Court of _Vienna_, at a
time too when his Power was limited to the Dutchy of _Hanover_, and the
Bishoprick of _Osnabrug_. Tho' this Prince had a numerous Family to
provide for, he lived with Splendor, was fond of Magnificence and
Pleasures, gallant, generous, and liberal; and when he died, he left no
Debts to pay, and his Finances were in a good State.
GEORGE I. his Son and Successor kept up a considerable Body of Troops, and
had a very splendid Court. As his Acquisitions were great, he distributed
his Favours where-ever he was inform'd there was a Necessity; and when he
came to the Throne, he made no Reform in this Court; so that their not
seeing him was the only Token of his Absence. At his Death, he left
immense Sums in his Treasury, and so glorious a Character, that his
Subjects still bless the Memory of his Reign.
GEORGE II. his Son, and the Heir of his Crown, his Dominions, and Virtues,
behaves in the very same manner. While he lives and acts like a King, he
neither gives, on the one hand, into the Extravagance of vain Pomp and
Pageantry, nor on the other, into that sordid Thriftiness which debases
Royal Majesty, and extinguishes the Love of Subjects. He accumulates
Treasure without oppressing his People, who love him, and offer up their
Prayers for him, as I do for your Preservation; and
_Am_, &c.
[Illustration]
LETTER IV.
_SIR_, _Blanckenbourg, July 30, 1729._
I was six Hours travelling from _Hanover_ to BRUNSWIC, the Capital of the
Dutchy of that Name, which is a very great City, with Houses for the most
part of Timber. It was formerly a Free and Imperial City, and one of the
_Hanse_-Towns; but falling under the Sovereignty of the Princes of the
House of _Brunswic_, they reduced it to a level with the other Towns of
their Dominions. It belongs to the Duke of _Brunswic-Lunenbourg
Wolfembuttle_. The Duke _Anthony-Ulric_ began to fortify it; and his Son
_Augustus-William_, the present Duke[36], perfected what remained
unfinished at his Father's Death, and made _Brunswic_ a Place which cannot
be besieged without a numerous Army: But then on the other hand, it would
require such an Army to garison it as the Duke could not furnish without
the help of his Neighbours, and which besides, wou'd not perhaps be
extraordinary convenient for him to introduce. The said Duke has caused a
new Palace to be built, which is large and magnificent, and the Furniture
is rich, new, and excellently well chosen. Among the rest, there are very
fine Pictures, and a Cabinet full of Curiosities.
The Duke of _Blanckenbourg_, Brother to the Duke of _Wolfembuttle_, has a
particular Palace, where he resides in the Fair-time, but it did not
appear to me to be a House of any consequence.
The Fairs of _Brunswic_ contribute very much to make it a rich and famous
City, there being two held every Year, and a considerable Trade carried on
at both.
There is very good Diversion during these Fairs; for then all the Ducal
Family is generally at _Brunswic_; to which foreign Princes come often,
and there is always a great Concourse of the Nobility. The Duke sends
every Morning to invite the Quality of both Sexes, who at Noon repair to
the Palace. The Grand Marshal, for avoiding all Disputes about Precedency,
causes the Ladies to be match'd with the Gentlemen by the drawing of
Tickets; and sometimes it happens that a Dutchess is at the lower end of
the Table, which is served with very great Magnificence and Elegance. When
there are too many Guests to sit at one Table, the two Brothers keep each
a separate Table at his own Palace. At Night, the Company repairs to the
_German_ Opera, which being ended, they pass into Rooms joining to the
Theatre where they play, and sup, and then dance. The Ball is open'd by
the Gentleman who happened to draw the first Number in the Morning, and
continues till Day-break.
The Ducal Family of _Brunswic-Wolfembuttle_ consists now but of two
Brothers; the eldest of whom, the Duke[37] _Augustus-William_, has had
three Wives, but no Issue. He is married to a Princess of
_Holstein-Norbourg_.
These two Princes are so far advanced in Years, that the Duke
_Ferdinand-Albert_ of _Brunswic-Lunenbourg-Bevern_, Son-in-law to the Duke
of _Blanckenbourg_[38], is looked upon as their presumptive Heir. _Europe_
produces few Princes of more distinguished Merit, who have equal
Knowledge, more Learning, and Integrity, or more Valour and Experience in
War. He has acquired a noble Reputation in _Hungary_; and he is not only a
Brother-in-law to the Emperor, but one of his favourite Generals, and has
a Regiment in his Service[39].
His Family consists of four Sons and three Daughters[40] by his Wife
_Antonietta-Amelia_ of _Brunswic-Blanckenbourg_. These are very hopeful
young Princes. The eldest, whose Name is _Charles_[41], is of a lovely
Make, and has Sense infinitely beyond his Years. The eldest Princess,
_Elizabeth-Christina_[42], at twelve Years of Age may pass for one that is
compleatly grown; her Air is noble and modest; her Features regular; in a
word, she is form'd to make that Prince happy who is one day to be her
Husband.
The Court of _Wolfembuttle_ is numerous, and when assembled does not want
for Magnificence.
The Ministers of most Power are the Baron _Stein_[43], and the Count _de
Debn_[44]. The former is descended of an illustrious Family in _Swabia_:
He was in the Service of the Landgrave of _Darmstadt_, and his Envoy at
the Dyet of _Ratisbon_, and several Courts, where he made himself
considerable by his Eloquence, the Justness of his Sentiments, by the Ease
with which he expresses them, and by his Politeness.
The Count _de Dehn_ is a Native of _Mecklemburg_, where he was born of a
good Family, and enter'd very young a Page to Duke _Anthony-Ulric_ of
_Brunswic-Wolfembuttle_. He had the Happiness to please that Prince, but
much more his Successor, the Duke _Augustus-William_, who of his Page,
made him his Favourite and Minister, heaped Wealth and Honours upon him,
and match'd him to the Daughter of his Chancellor, who was one of the
richest Heiresses in all _Germany_.
The young Minister finding himself rich and powerful, quickly thought the
Court of _Wolfembuttle_ too narrow a Stage for Action. He had chose the
Count _de Fleming_, Prime Minister of the King of _Poland_, for a Model.
He saw that this Minister, under pretence of important Negotiations, went
to the chief Courts of the Empire to make a Parade of his Riches; and
young _Dehn_ long'd with Impatience to imitate him. He procur'd himself to
be nominated the Duke's Envoy Extraordinary to _Holland_ and _France_,
where he vy'd in every respect with the Ambassadors of the chief Crowns.
In fine, after having staid about eighteen Months at _Paris_, he went away
very much lamented by the Merchants and Workmen with whom he had dealings.
He came to _Wolfembuttle_ to receive the Applauses of his Master, and to
rest himself after the Fatigues he had undergone in his important
Negotiations.
As Count _Fleming_ was honoured with the Orders of _Denmark_, _Russia_,
and _Poland_, his Rival too thought he could not do without one Ribbon at
least; and thinking the Order of _Dannebrock_ the most proper for him,
because it was white, he demanded and obtained it of _Frederic_ IV. the
King of _Denmark_. When he saw himself thus adorn'd, he procured himself
to be sent to _Vienna_. What business he had there, I know not; but he was
scarce ever from the Emperor, and in order to be nearer to his Person, he
lodged just by the Palace of the _Favorita_. He often relieved the Cares
of the Ministry by making some Entertainment or Ball. He had an admirable
Genius for Dancing, so that every body thought him the Inventor of
Country-Dances. The Emperor gave him the Title of a Count, with which he
returned to his own Court.
When Glory has once fir'd a noble Soul, nothing can keep it within Bounds.
The Count _de Dehn_ had lost his first Wife, who left him the Heir of
three great Estates; and he married again to an amiable Lady, who return'd
him Love for Love. Tho' he was dear to his Master, yet he could not
resolve to continue at _Wolfembuttle_, because he had a Taste for nothing
but Treaties and Negotiations. He returned a second time, as Envoy
Extraordinary to the _States-General_, but did not stay long at the
_Hague_; for after having had his publick Audience, wherein he assured
their High-Mightinesses of the sincere Affection of his Master for their
Republic, and of his own personal Joy to find himself seated in an
Arm-Chair in their Assembly, he went over to _England_ to reside at the
Court of his _Britannic_ Majesty. He was admired for his Grandeur, as much
in _England_ as elsewhere; but the Air of that Country not agreeing with
the Delicacy of his Constitution, he return'd to _Germany_; and, after
having made a tour to the chief Courts of the Empire, he is come back to
_Wolfembuttle_, where he stays in expectation that some great Event or
other will turn up, that he may be employ'd in some remarkable Embassy,
whereby _Europe_, attentive to every thing that relates to him, may have
fresh Proofs of his great Talents.
The Baron _de Hagen_ is Commander in Chief of the Duke's Troops, which
actually amount to above 4000 Men, and 'tis said, that his Highness's
Revenues exceed two Millions of Crowns. His Subjects are not the worst
used of any in _Germany_. 'Tis a good fruitful Country; the Peasants, who
are sober and laborious, are as clownish and as stupid as those that herd
with the Hogs in _Westphalia_; but they are robust, strong, and good
Soldiers.
In _Brunswic_ there is a Catholick Church which is small, but neat. The
Duke _Anthony-Ulric_ caus'd it to be built at the time he embraced the
Catholick Religion; which he did, after full Conviction, not many Years
before his Death.
_Saltzdahl_, a Pleasure-House belonging to the Duke, is a League from
_Brunswic_, and from _Wolfembuttle_. It was built by Duke _Anthony-Ulric_,
one of the most magnificent Princes of his Time, and one who had the most
elegant Taste. This House is worthy of nice Observation. It has a great
Gallery with a Collection of Pictures in it by the chief Painters, which
is not to be met with elsewhere. In one great Cabinet there is very fine
Porcellane; and in another, a vast number of Vessels and Urns painted by
_Raphael_. In short, the Curious can't want here for Entertainment.
The Road from _Brunswic_ to WOLFEMBUTTLE is as pleasant as most Roads. We
cross a little Wood through which there are several Routes cut, and as we
come near the Town, several pretty Seats appear in view.
The Town of _Wolfembuttle_ is not half so big as _Brunswic_, nor is it
better built, the Houses being of Timber. The Fortifications seem to me to
be in good Repair. The Castle, or Ducal Palace, is ancient, and makes no
great Appearance, but 'tis commodious, and has good Lodging-Rooms. That
which most deserves the Attention of a Traveller, is the Library, which is
one of the best chosen in _Europe_, and contains very scarce Books and
Manuscripts.
As I had left the Court at _Brunswic_ I did not stay many Hours at
_Wolfembuttle_, but came to lie here at BLANCKENBOURG, where I have all
that Heart can wish for.
The Duke is as affable and as civil a Prince as any in the World. In his
Youth he visited the principal Courts of _Europe_, where he contracted a
great Politeness, and a solid Taste of Elegancy. He loves the _Belles
Lettres_, protects the Arts and Sciences, and looks out for Men of Ability
to serve him. He is magnificent, generous, a good Prince, and a kind
Master. He was at one and the same time, the Father of an Empress, and the
Grandfather of an Emperor. As a Father, he has a considerable Pension from
the Emperor of _Germany_; and as a Grandfather, he has been honour'd with
the Order of St. _Andrew_ of _Muscovy_, founded by _Peter_ the Great,
which is a blue Ribbon, with St. _Andrew_'s Cross appendant to it
enamell'd with blue. This Prince is also a Commander of _Suplenbourg_, a
Commandery of the Order of St. _John_, annexed to the House of _Brunswic_.
He has had three Daughters by his Wife _Elizabeth-Christina_ of
_Oetingen_.
The Dutchess, tho' advanc'd in Years, retains an Air of Grandeur and
Majesty which strikes the Beholders, and her Features discover the Marks
of that shining Beauty which she had in her Youth. But what renders this
Princess more venerable than even her Birth, is her solid Piety, her just
Discernment, her lively Imagination, her noble and easy manner of
expressing herself, and her Principles of Humanity, accompany'd with a
Generosity free from all Ostentation.
I had the honour to pay my Duty to her at _Brunswic_, some Years ago, when
she receiv'd me with such Tokens of Goodness as rejoic'd my very Heart;
and upon all Occasions since, she has been pleas'd to give me fresh Proofs
of it. As I can be of no service to this Princess in any Case, nor so
happy as to be able to contribute to her Glory, 'tis my Ambition to make
every one, and you, Sir, in particular, sensible of the Respect and
Attachment with which I am devoted to her, and of the grateful Sense I
have of the Benevolence with which she has honour'd me.
The Courtiers of _Blanckenbourg_ are, like their Master, very polite. M.
_de Munchausen_ is the chief of the Duke's Council, and was formerly in
the Service of the Duke of _Wolfembuttle_. He is a Gentleman of great
Learning, Labour, and Vigilance, and has a distinct and noble Manner of
Delivery. He is heartily attach'd to his Master; and the Courtiers seem'd
to me to have an Esteem and Affection for him. Men of solid Judgment, and
who have been more conversant with this Minister than I, have assured me
that he is one of the greatest Genius's at this present, in _Germany_[45].
M. _de Sporck_ is the Grand Marshal, which Employment he acquits himself
in with very great Politeness and Care. He is come of a good Family, his
Father being Minister of State, and Director of the Dutchies of _Zell_
and _Lunenbourg_. M. _de Polentz_[46] does the Honours of the Court under
him, in quality of Great Cup-Bearer. As he had his Education at Court, he
is vastly polite; and Foreigners cannot but be pleas'd with his good
Behaviour.
The Duke and Dutchess delight to see Foreigners at their Court, whom they
load with Civilities, and will have them always to dine and sup with their
Highnesses. After Dinner, they take the Air, or make Visits; and in the
Evening there's an Assembly in the Dutchess's Apartment, where they play,
then sup, and afterwards every one retires. We have had a Comedy twice or
thrice, which is acted by the young People of the Family, who perform
their Parts very well; especially in the Tragedies of _Corneille_ and
_Racine_, translated into _High-Dutch_.
The Pleasures of the Carnival are more gay, at which time the Duke makes
Entertainments: There's a Ball, a Masquerade, and Comedy at Court, every
Day; and for the time there's so great a Concourse of Strangers here from
the neighbouring Towns, that sometimes 'tis impossible to get a Lodging.
The Town of BLANCKENBOURG is small, and the Houses ill built, and
inconvenient. The Duke has done all in his power to engage the Inhabitants
to build; he has offer'd them Materials _gratis_, and has moreover
endeavour'd to inspire them with a Taste for the Arts; but all without
Success.
I never in my whole Life, saw People more indolent and clownish than those
of _Blanckenbourg_, and the neighbouring Towns. They are so bigotted to
old Customs, that they say, _My Father liv'd so, and so will I; My Father
did not do this, nor will I_. I cannot conceive how People, so dull as
they are, and so strongly attach'd to the Institutions of their
Forefathers, came to give into _Luther_'s Reformation.[47]
_Blanckenbourg_ is a petty County, which Duke _Anthony-Ulric_ yielded in
his Life-time to his second Son, to make him some sort of Compensation for
the Right of Primogeniture, which he had newly introduc'd into his Family,
to that Son's prejudice: For the Princes of _Brunswic_ had for a long time
been us'd to a Partition of Lands in their Families. The _Hanover_ Branch
was the first that abolish'd that Custom, pernicious to great Families.
Duke _Anthony-Ulric_ was only restrain'd from it by Pr. _Lewis_ his second
Son, whom he lov'd more than his eldest; and not caring to leave him
without Dominions, to the Discretion of a Brother, he gave him Possession
of this State in his Life-time; because he was of Opinion, that after his
Death, his Will wou'd have the Fate of not being executed by his
Successor, according to the Custom introduc'd among Sovereigns. With them
'tis a Right of Regale, but for us to do so, is a Crime.
As the County of _Blanckenbourg_ does not give Admittance into the College
of Princes at the Dyet of the Empire, so it does not give the Rank of a
Sovereign Prince to the Person in possession of it. The Duke, in order to
procure himself both these Privileges, made a Treaty with the Elector of
_Hanover_, whereby he got that Prince to yield him the Vote and Seat which
he enjoy'd in the Dyet for his Dutchy of _Grubenhagen_: And the Duke, on
his part, engaged never to vote at the Dyet but in conformity to the
Sentiments of the Elector. After his Decease, or if he happens to succeed
his Brother, the Vote and Session for _Grubenhagen_ revert to the
Elector[48].
This, Sir, is all that I can say to you at present. Their Highnesses being
to set out in a few days for _Oetingen_, where they use to go every
Summer, I propose to go forthwith to _Leipsic_ and _Dresden_: And at the
latter Place I hope to hear from you.
I am, _&c._
[Illustration]
LETTER V.
_SIR_, _Dresden, August 30, 1729._
From _Blanckenbourg_ we have till'd Lands, and fruitful Fields; with Woods
of Oak interspers'd all the way, till we come to MAGDEBOURG, the Capital
of a Dutchy of that Name, formerly an Archbishoprick, but secularised at
the Treaty of _Westphalia_, in favour of the House of _Brandenbourg_, to
whom that Dutchy was yielded in exchange for their resigning Hither
_Pomerania_ to _Sweden_. This City has for these two Centuries past,
suffer'd very much. It was besieg'd by the Emperor _Charles_ V. who
squeez'd considerable Sums from it. But it fared worse in that unhappy War
which divided _Germany_ during the space of 30 Years; for the Counts _de
Tilly_ and _Papenheim_ commanding the Imperial Army in 1631, took it by
Storm, put the Inhabitants to the Sword, and reduc'd the whole City almost
to Ashes. Nevertheless, 'tis since pretty well recover'd, and has some
fine Houses. The great Square before the King's Palace has few equal to it
for its Extent, and for the fine Houses that encompass it, which are all
uniform, three Stories high, and were all raised in this Reign. In this
same Square there's an Arsenal, which really is not so magnificent as that
of _Berlin_, but may be rank'd among the chief Arsenals in _Europe_. This
is a populous Town, and has a more flourishing Trade than any other City
in the King of _Prussia_'s Dominions.
The great Church, which was formerly the Metropolitan, is ancient, and one
of the largest and most magnificent Buildings in _Germany_. It has still
some Reliques to shew, particularly the Basin in which _Pilate_ washed his
Hands, after having pass'd Sentence of Death upon our Saviour; the
Lanthorn[49] which _Judas_ made use of when he went to apprehend him; a
Thorn of the Crown that was planted on his Head: and things of the like
kind.
The Chapter of _Magdebourg_ is still, bating the change of Religion, on
the same footing as before the Reformation. The Canons must all make Proof
of their Nobility; tho' 'tis a _Punctilio_ with which the King, who
confers all the Prebends and Dignities of the Chapter, sometimes
dispenses. The present Provost is the Duke of _Saxe-Barbi_, who succeeded
his Father in that Dignity, which brings him in 12000 Crowns a-year. He
lives in a fine House on the great Square, fronting the Palace, built by
the Order of King _Frederic_ I. who also caus'd a Citadel to be erected
here, on the other side of the _Elbe_, over which there is a Bridge. That
King began likewise to fortify the Town; and King _Frederic-William_, who
carried on, and finish'd the Fortifications, has now made _Magdebourg_ one
of the most important Places in _Europe_. M. _de Walrave_, Chief Engineer,
had the Direction of those Works, which are a Proof of his great Ability.
The Margrave _Albert_ of _Brandenbourg_[50], Brother to the late King
_Frederic_ I. is Governour of the Dutchy of _Magdebourg_; as is the Prince
of _Anhalt-Dessau_ of the Town, where he has a numerous Garrison under his
command. The Arsenal, which is a fine Structure, and full of Cannon, and
small Arms, is worth seeing.
The King of _Prussia_ having it much at heart to render _Magdebourg_ a
flourishing Town, has transferr'd the Regency of the Dutchy hither, which
was heretofore at _Halle_; and for this reason there are several good
Houses in the Town. The Dutchy of _Magdebourg_ is one of the best
Provinces in the _Prussian_ Dominions. It has a great Income from the
_Elbe_, and the Salt-Works. The Catholicks are allowed a Toleration of
their Religion in the Dutchy, and have Churches in the Town.
The Roads from _Magdebourg_ to _Leipsic_, are so bad at this time, by
reason of the Rains that have fallen for some Days past, that I have been
three Days in getting from the one Town to the other. Indeed I went some
Leagues out of my way, on purpose to see BARBI and COHTEN. The first of
these Towns belongs to a Prince of the House of _Saxony_, of the Branch
of _Weissenfeld_; and has nothing considerable but the Prince's Palace,
which makes a good appearance, and has commodious Apartments, elegantly
furnished. There is a Salon, and a Closet, the Cielings of which are
painted by _Peine_, and not the worst things he has done. The Palace has
Gardens delightfully situate by the side of the _Elbe_. The Duke _de
Barbi_ is the only Prince of the House of _Saxony_ who professes the
_Calvinist_ Religion, in which he was educated by his Father, who was at
first a _Lutheran_. This Prince is a comely handsome young Man. He married
_N---- de Wirtemberg-Oels_[51], but has no Children. He has been in the
Service of _Prussia_, and is Grand Provost of the Chapter of _Magdebourg_,
and Knight of the Order of the White Eagle of _Poland_.
COHTEN, which is bigger than _Barbi_ by one half, belongs to a Prince of
_Anhalt_[52]; the only one of his Branch, tho' he has had two Wives. I
desired leave to kiss his Hand; but he excused himself by pretending an
Indisposition. I have observed that petty Princes are always more
difficult of Access than great ones. The Town has no Fortifications; and I
walk'd about a good while to see if there was any thing remarkable, but
'twas to no purpose; and I was oblig'd to confine myself to my Inn, which
was one of the worst in _Europe_.
LEIPSIC stands in a fruitful Plain. This City, so famous for its Fairs,
and for its University, may justly pass for the Jewel of the Electorate
of _Saxony_; not only for the Beauty of its Structures, but for the
considerable Revenue which it yields to its Sovereign, the King of
_Poland_. 'Tis small, and fac'd with Ramparts, and a Ditch; but all these
Fortifications are of little consequence. Its Castle, or rather Citadel,
which joins to the Town, is a Place of greater Importance. There is always
a good Garrison and Governour in it, who is at present General
_Baumgarten_. As the Castle passes under the Denomination of the King's
House, the _Roman_ Catholicks have had a Chapel there ever since
_Augustus_ II. embraced their Religion.
The Suburbs of _Leipsic_ are very large. The City has four Gates newly
built of Free-Stone, which are magnificent, tho' not according to the
Rules of Architecture.
At each Gate they have newly set up a Mile-Post, such as the _Romans_ had
formerly. There are the like Posts at the Gates of all the Towns, and even
at the Villages in the Electorate of _Saxony_. From hence they count the
Leagues, which are divided at the end of every Quarter of a Mile, by other
Posts not so big, upon all the great Roads, shewing the Distances of the
Places, and of the chief Towns; which is a mighty Convenience to
Travellers, who were heretofore often impos'd upon by the Post-Masters, as
to the Length of the Roads.
The Houses of _Leipsic_ are large, very high, and substantially built of
Free-Stone; and their being adorn'd with great fine Windows helps to set
them off to the Eye. The Ground-Floors of most of the Houses are
Warehouses, in which the foreign Merchants store the Goods they sell at
the Fairs, which are three in number every Year, _viz._ at
_New-Year's-day_, _Easter_, and _Michaelmass_. The Concourse of Foreigners
here at the Fair-Season, is so great that 'tis often a hard matter to get
a Lodging here for Love or Money. I myself saw in 1709, at the
_New-year's_ Fair, the late King of _Prussia_, the King and Queen of
_Poland_, and 44 Princes or Princesses of Sovereign Families. The two
Kings and the Queen lodged at the House of _Appel_, a Merchant; where the
King of _Poland_ always resides when he comes to _Leipsic_.
The University, formerly so famous, is very much decay'd: That of _Halle_,
its Neighbour, and its Rival, in the King of _Prussia_'s Dominions, takes
away a great many Students from it. They say that for some time past there
have been more able Professors at _Halle_, where besides 'tis much cheaper
living than at _Leipsic_; and where the Students are not such
Spendthrifts, nor so much addicted to Expence and Gallantry.
The Gardens of Messieurs _Appel_ and _Pose_, Merchants, in the Suburbs,
are worth seeing. The first is large and magnificent: In the second are
very uncommon Plants, cultivated with very great Care. The Gardeners of
_Leipsic_, who are reckon'd the best in all _Germany_, value themselves
upon forcing Nature; so that I have seen here, at _Easter_ Fair, the
Fruits, Flowers, and Pulse, of all the Seasons. The Asparagus here is
delicious, and extraordinary large. Another Nicety at _Leipsic_, is its
Larks, which are sent over all _Germany_; nay, to _Poland_, _Holland_ and
_Denmark_. I was assured, but I will not vouch for the Truth of it, that
the very Custom-Duty paid for Larks at _Leipsic_, amounted to 12000 Crowns
a-year; which Sum I thought the more considerable, because I think I have
heard it said, that 60 Larks pay but a Grosh[53] the Duty; judge then how
many there must be to make up the Sum of 12000 Crowns. But be it true or
false, 'tis certain that there is not a Country in the World where these
Birds are taken in such quantities; for, from _Michaelmass_ to
_Martinmass_, the Fields are cover'd with 'em.
Another Singularity is the multitude of Nightingales, in the Woods near
_Leipsic_; whereof they take great numbers, and keep them in Cages: The
Innkeeper's Daughter, where I lodged, had seven of them; and I have seen a
great many at other Houses.
'Tis surprizing that so plentiful a Country as _Saxony_ shou'd have no
better Ordinarys. I don't mean _Leipsic_ and _Dresden_, where, considering
one is in _Germany_, we come off pretty well; tho' were it so in
_Holland_, the _Netherlands_, or in _France_, we shou'd not think
ourselves well us'd. I mean the little Towns and Villages in a Road so
frequented as that from _Leipsic_ to _Dresden_. There's Provision to be
had at these Ordinarys, but then 'tis so ill dress'd, and the Houses so
nasty, that 'tis enough to turn one's Stomach.
Setting out from _Leipsic_, at the opening of the Gates, I came betimes to
WERMSTORF, or HUBERTSBOURG, (St. _Hubert_'s Palace,) a magnificent
Hunting-Seat, which the Electoral Prince of _Saxony_ is building at the
Entrance of a Forest, where there are several Roads cut. This House is
five Miles from _Leipsic_, and eight from _Dresden_; and when 'tis
finish'd, will be large and magnificent: Men are hard at work upon it, and
the main Body of it is already compleated. Their Royal Highnesses, the
Prince and Princess, generally hunt here at Spring and Autumn. The
Equipage for the Stag-hunting is very fine, the Liveries being Yellow,
with Facings of blue Velvet, and Silver Lace at all the Seams.
After I had walk'd an Hour or two at _Hubertsbourg_, I proceeded on my
Journey, and came to Dinner at MEISSEN, the Capital of _Misnia_. This City
has nothing particular, besides its Manufacture of Porcellane, which is
so finely painted and enamell'd with Gold, that it is more beautiful than
the Porcellane of _Japan_, and much dearer. The Invention of it is owing
to an Alchymist, or one that pretended to be such; who had persuaded a
great many People he cou'd make Gold. The King of _Poland_ believ'd it as
well as others, and to make sure of his Person, caus'd him to be committed
to the Castle of _Konigstein_, three Miles from _Dresden_. There, instead
of making Gold, that solid precious Metal, which puts Mankind on
committing so many Follies, he invented Brittle Porcellane; by which, in
one Sense, he made Gold, because the great Vent of that Ware brings a deal
of Money into the Country.
After having pass'd the _Elbe_, over a wooden Bridge, going out of
_Meissen_, I came in less than three Hours to DRESDEN, the Capital of the
Electorate of _Saxony_. The City is pretty large, fortify'd with Art and
Regularity; and very lightsome. Its Houses are high and substantial, the
Streets broad, strait, well pav'd, neat, and in the Night-time well
lighted. There are great Squares in it; and the whole City is so well laid
out, that _Dresden_ may be rank'd among the finest in the World.
The _Elbe_ divides it into two Parts; which are distinguished by Old and
New _Dresden_, and join'd together by a Bridge of Stone.
In order to give you a more perfect Idea of this City, I shall point out
to you such things as I took most notice of. I shall begin with Old
_Dresden_, which is the first that we come to from _Meissen_. At the
Entrance of the Town, on the right hand, there is a great House, called
the Palace of the _Indies_, or _Holland_ House, which the King bought some
Years ago of his Prime Minister, the Marshal Count _de Fleming_. All the
Rooms of this Palace, which consists of three Stories, are so many
Closets of _Japan_ and _China_ Wares. I don't believe that all the
Warehouses in _Amsterdam_ put together, are capable of furnishing such a
quantity of uncommon old Porcellane, as is to be found here. The value of
it is computed at a Million of Crowns. The very Houshold-Goods are
_Indian_. There is one Set of Furniture, the like of which I never saw
elsewhere: It consists of Feathers of various Colours, and all natural;
inlaid with so much Art, that it might be taken for a fine flower'd
Sattin.
This magnificent Palace has a Garden belonging to it, which looks towards
the _Elbe_. It is adorn'd with Statues of white Marble, which the King
caus'd to be purchas'd at _Rome_, of the Cardinals _Annibal_ and
_Alexander Albani_, Nephews to _Clement_ XI. These Statues are much more
priz'd here than they were at _Rome_.
Near the Palace of the _Indies_ stands that of the Cadets; a magnificent
Structure built by the States of _Saxony_, for maintaining two Companies
of Cadets, all Gentlemen of the Country; who are there instructed in all
the Sciences fitting for Persons of Quality.
Farther up in the same Street, there is an Amphitheatre, or Area, for the
Battles of wild Beasts; of which a great number is kept for that purpose.
Here are Lions, Tigers, Bears; in short, all the fiercest Animals from the
four Quarters of the World.
The Bridge over the _Elbe_, which joins Old _Dresden_ to the New, is
scarce to be parallel'd, either for its Length or Substance. It has lately
been made broader by forming Demy-Arches which support the Riders on each
side. The Barriers are of Iron, well wrought. An Equestrian Statue of the
King is going to be erected upon it.
The Palace or Castle joins to the Bridge, at the Entrance of New
_Dresden_. This is an ancient Structure, which makes but a mean
Appearance; and 'tis said, that the King intends it shall be pull'd down,
and another built in its room; and that his Majesty has set apart eight
Millions of Crowns for the Expence of it.
The inside of the Castle surpasses the outside. The State-Room is
splendidly furnish'd. The Great Gallery contains several Curiosities, such
as antique Busts, Vessels, and Pictures.
This Palace has two Chapels, one of which belongs to the _Roman_
Catholicks, and the other to the _Lutherans_. The first was heretofore the
Theatre for Operas, but the King turn'd it into a Chapel, upon account of
the Marriage of his only Son with the Archdutchess, eldest Daughter to the
Emperor _Joseph_; the second was always the Chapel of the Electors of
_Saxony_. The King might, if he pleas'd, have order'd Mass to be
celebrated in it, but he wou'd not give his Subjects that Handle for
Complaint; besides, the late Queen, his Wife, having always stuck to the
_Lutheran_ Religion, in which she was born, he left her that Chapel for
her use. The Treasure of it is extremely rich, and contains Vessels,
Chasubles, and other things heretofore consecrated and given to this
Chapel by the Piety of the Electors.
The Royal Treasury, commonly call'd the _Grune Gewölbe_, (the Green
Vault,) is in the Palace. They are three arch'd Rooms, which contain
immense Riches, and shine all over with Gold, Precious Stones, and
Diamonds. 'Tis one of the finest Places in the World. There are several
Sets of Brilliant Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds, Pearls, Saphirs, and other
Precious Stones. Every Set is compleat, and consists of Buttons for
Clothes, Loops for Hats, Swords, Hangers, Canes, Sleeve-Buttons,
Shoe-Buckles, Muffs, and Sword-Belts, Snuff-Boxes, Watches,
Tweezer-Cases, Pocket-Books; in short, all the Jewels that can possibly be
imagin'd, even to the Furniture of a Horse; so that were I to write down
every Particular, I should furnish you a Volume. And they all look the
better, for being ranged with wonderful Nicety in Cases of Crystal.
To the Castle belongs a Garden, call'd the _Zwinger Garten_, which is the
_Tuilleries_ of _Dresden_, but not extensive enough to deserve the Name of
a Garden. 'Tis encompass'd with Buildings of Free-Stone, which are
Green-Houses for Orange-Trees. The Structure consists but of one Floor, on
which are rais'd six large Pavilions, _viz._ three in front at the
Entrance, two on the sides, and one over the Portico at the Entrance;
which have all a Communication with one another, by a Platform that has
Balustrades adorn'd with Statues. It wou'd be hard to lay what Order of
Architecture prevails most in this Edifice, the Carv'd-Work with which it
is decorated, being more of the _Gothic_ than the modern Taste.
Near to this Building there's a Palace which makes a great Shew, but the
Apartments are by much too small, and too low for the Ornaments employ'd
about them. The King caus'd this House to be built for the Countess _de
Cosel_, at the time when that Lady was in high Favour. No Cost was spar'd
in it; but 'tis pity that a more skilful Architect had not been pitched
upon to conduct it.
There are five or six other Houses, which are here call'd _Hotels_, but in
_Italy_ wou'd certainly pass for Palaces. The Hotel _de Fuhl_ in the
Street of _Pirnitz_ is one of this number. It was erected by the Great
Marshal _de Fuhl_ who on his Death-bed left it to his Wife, of whom it was
purchas'd by the Count _de Fleming_. That Minister sold it soon after to
the King, who made considerable Embellishments in it, and furnished it
richly. In this Condition his Majesty gave it in 1728, to the Marshal _de
Wackerbarth_, to make him amends when he had been burnt out of the House
he liv'd in, as Governour of _Dresden_. After this, the Governour's House
being rebuilt, the King bought the other House again of the Count _de
Wackerbarth_, and has made it a Depositary of his Medals, Antiquities, and
Curiosities.
To be sure you have heard that this Fire broke out at the Governour's
House in the Night-time, while the King of _Prussia_ was here. His Majesty
actually lodg'd at the Governour's House; and was in Bed when the Fire
burst out with such fury that he had but just time to make his Escape in
his Night-Gown, and to save a little Box in which there were Papers of
consequence; for the Floor of his Bed-Chamber fell in, the moment after
the King was gone out of it. An Officer, his Wife, and her Maid-Servant
perish'd in the Flames. The Count _de Wackerbarth_ only sav'd his Wardrobe
and his Plate; for his fine Library, and a noble Collection which he had
of Drawings, one of the compleatest and best chosen Setts in _Europe_,
were consum'd.
The Hotel of _Hoyhm_ is the most considerable Building in _Dresden_. In
about six Years time it had four different Owners. It was founded by the
King's Favourite, the Count _de Fitztuhm_[54], his Great Chamberlain, and
Minister of State; who having been kill'd in a Duel at _Warsaw_, by the
Count _de St. Gilles_, a _Piedmontese_ that came to _Poland_ to seek
his Fortune, his Widow sold it to Marshal _Fleming_, who dying at _Vienna_
not long after he had purchased it, the House fell to his Son, a weakly
Child, who did not long survive him. His Mother, who was a _Radzivil_, was
his Heiress, and one of the greatest Matches in _Europe_. She was soon
after married again to a _Polander_ whom she follow'd into his own
Country; and when she left _Dresden_, she sold her House to the Count _de
Hoym_, who at present occupies it.
Not far from this House are the King's Stables, which are well worth
seeing, there being a great number of wonderful fine Horses, and some of
all sorts of the rarest Breeds. Over the Stables, are Rooms full of fine
Equipage, consisting of sumptuous Saddles and Housings, Sleds and
magnificent Harness. Many of these Equipages are of the _Turkish_ Mode,
and plated with massy Silver, adorn'd with precious Stones.
The Arsenal, which is much boasted of here, cannot be reckon'd a fine one
by any but such as have not seen the Arsenal of _Berlin_, to which it is
not to be compar'd. There are several Rooms in it full of Arms, Brass
Cannon, Helmets, and Cuirasses, which are the Tapestry of Arsenals.
Thus, Sir, you have all that I observed in _Dresden_: it remains for me to
give you some Account of its Suburbs, and of the Pleasure-Houses which the
King has in the Neighbourhood of this City.
The Suburbs of _Dresden_ are very extensive, but have no Building of
consequence, except the Palace in the King's great Garden, built by his
Majesty's Mother, and that call'd the _Turkish_ Palace, because it is
furnished entirely after the _Turkish_ manner. The King gave an
Entertainment at this Palace to the Princess his Daughter-in-law, on
account of her Arrival at _Dresden_, which was so particular that I think
it deserves a Digression.
Upon the Feast-Day, the whole Court appeared at the _Turkish_ Palace, in
the Habits of _Turks_. The King came in the Dress of a _Sultan_, but
without any Attendance. His Majesty was soon after follow'd by the
Princess his Daughter-in-law, with her Ladies. Her Royal Highness, for
whom the Entertainment was made, found a Body of Janizaries drawn up in
the Court-Yard of the Palace. The King receiv'd her at the Entrance of his
Apartment, and conducted her into a Hall spread with fine Tapestry, and
laid with Cushions richly embroider'd.
The King and Princess being seated, were served by twenty-four Negroes in
sumptuous Dresses, with Sherbet, Coffee, and Sweet-Meats, in great Vessels
of massy Silver; nor were scented Waters, and perfumed Handkerchiefs
forgot. After this Collation, they drew near the Windows to see the
_Pillau_ (which is the Rice of _Turky_) and the King's Bounty-Money
distributed to the Janizaries. This was follow'd by a Comedy, with an
Entertainment of _Turkish_ Dances. Then came the Supper, the Guests
sitting cross-legg'd upon the Cushions, and the Courses being served up
after the fashion of _Turky_, by the Negroes and young _Turks_. While they
were at Table, the Company was diverted by the various Leaps and Postures
of certain Tumblers and Rope-Dancers. Supper being over, they went into
the Garden, which was illuminated with several Thousands of Crystal Lamps.
There was Tilting, and shooting at the Mark, and whenever the Mark was
hit, a Sky-Rocket was sent up, which for the time seem'd to sprinkle
Thousands of Stars among those in the Firmament. After this, the Company
retir'd into the Palace, where the King and the Princess open'd the Ball,
and there was dancing till five o'clock in the Morning, when the Ball was
concluded with a sumptuous Breakfast that was serv'd at the several
Tables, after the manner of our own Country; which, with the leave of the
_Mussulmen_, is as good as theirs.
The finest Royal Houses, are _Pilnitz_ and _Moritzbourg_. The King, who is
certainly of all Sovereigns the most magnificent, keeps Men continually at
work, in embellishing those Places. The Works are carried on by the
Direction of Mons. _Bot_, whom I think to be not inferior to _Bernini_,
and I doubt not, such is my high Idea of him, that as he is supported by
the Generosity of a Great King, he will accomplish such Works as are
worthy of himself, and of his Master too.
I have now done with the Description of the Palaces and Royal Houses, in
which, I own I have been defective, and would gladly have been excus'd
from giving it; but you would have it, and I cou'd not help gratifying
you. I pass now to something more important; and shall entertain you with
the present State of the Royal Family, and the Characters of the most
distinguish'd Persons at Court.
FREDERIC-AUGUSTUS II. King of _Poland_, and Elector of _Saxony_, is the
Chief of this August Family. This Monarch, whom no Man surpasses in
Strength and Dexterity, and whom few Princes equal in Generosity, is the
second Son of _John George_ III. Elector of _Saxony_. He succeeded his
Brother _John George_ IV. in the Electorate, and was chose King of
_Poland_ after the Death of the Great _Sobieski_, notwithstanding the
Intrigues of the Emissaries of _France_ who declared for the Prince of
_Conti_.
When _Frederic-Augustus_ ascended the Throne, he brought all the Virtues
to it fitting for a Great King. The Agreeableness of his Person, his
Majestic Air, his Heroic Strength, his Good-Nature, his Politeness, and
his well-known Valour, were the least of his Qualities. Never was any
Prince more magnificent, nor did any one either give more, or with a
better Grace. As a General and a Statesman, he was never too much lifted
up by Prosperity, nor shock'd by Adversity; so that he was observed, when
in the depth of his Misfortunes, to act and treat even with his Enemies,
with that Air of Complaisance and Satisfaction, which Men inur'd to great
Affairs know how to assume, in the midst of the cruellest Mortifications.
This Prince, in his Youth, travelled to the chief Countries of _Europe_,
and where-ever he came, was admir'd for his Strength, his Air, and
Dexterity. Amongst other Adventures, a very odd one befel him in his
Travels, at _Venice_. There happen'd to be in that City a famous
Astrologer, who had the Reputation of being well read in the Book of Fate.
The King, who was only Prince at that time, had a mind that he should
calculate his Nativity, and for that purpose went to the Astrologer's
House, accompanied by two Gentlemen. They were all three dress'd in plain
Apparel, and the Prince, to disguise himself still the more, had conceal'd
his brown Hair under a fair Peruke. He enter'd the last Man, into the
Astrologer's House, and seem'd to be rather as an Attendant, than a
Companion of the others. But to him the Astrologer first address'd
himself, calling him by the Titles of _My Lord_ and _Highness_. The Prince
told him that his Rank in the World was much too mean for such high
Compliments; but the Astrologer made answer, he knew very well whom he
spoke to, and that it was in vain for him to think of concealing himself
from such a Man as he. The Prince and his small Retinue were then
conducted by him into a Closet, where he shewed him a Looking-Glass. _Cast
your Eye on that Mirror_, said he to the Prince, _and there you will see
the principal Events of your Life_. The Prince without any scruple,
look'd accordingly, and saw himself at first in the Habit of an Elector;
afterwards, with a Crown on his Head, and a royal Mantle on his Shoulders;
and at last, full of Wounds, and bath'd in his Blood.
This Story, which I should not give you for true, if I had not heard it
from a great Nobleman who told me he had it from the King's own Mouth, is
however, not without a Parallel; for it is pretended, that a Mason told
Madam _de Maintenon_, when she was no more than Madam _Scarron_, what her
Fortune and Rank would be in _France_. I could mention several other
Instances to you of the same nature, which all surprize me, tho' they
don't convince me. Be it as it will, two Articles of the Prediction made
to the King of _Poland_ are fully accomplished; as to the third, may
Heaven confound the Astrologer[55].
The King of _Poland_ spends part of his time in his Kingdom, and part of
it in his Electorate. 'Tis true, that he seems to take more delight in
_Saxony_ than in _Poland_; and 'tis in my Opinion very natural for him to
do so; _Saxony_ being his hereditary Country, where he is so absolute
that his Will is the Law of his Subjects, by whom he is rather ador'd than
belov'd: besides, 'tis _Saxony_ that furnishes him wherewithal to support
his Dignity, and offers him every thing conducive to the Pleasures of a
Great King; and it is there that he has a Court, the most brilliant in
_Europe_, not only for its Splendor, but for Magnificence and Pleasures;
whereas in _Poland_, he has only the vain Pageantry of Royalty; being
under greater Limitations than any Sovereign in the World; so that the
least Innovation, the least Act of Authority, makes the _Poles_ clamorous,
and they presently think they are excused from paying him that Obedience
which they owe him. All the Gentlemen here are their own Masters; and the
Noblemen behave so much like Sovereigns, that they never go to Court but
to demand Favours, which if they obtain, they go away ungrateful, and if
they are deny'd, they retire with the Intention of taking a Revenge on the
first Opportunity: For the Climate being rough, the People are fierce; and
the King, tho' adored in _Saxony_, is scarce beloved in _Poland_.
The Electoral Prince, this King's only Son, is lusty, proper, and well
made, and like the King his Father is adroit in all bodily Exercises. He
loves Pleasure, but 'tis with Moderation, and is heartily attach'd to the
Religion which he has embrac'd. He is stiff and reserved, without being
haughty, which is a Temper that he derives from the late Queen his
Mother[56], whom he very much resembles. To such as have the Honour of
Access to him, and of being known to him, he is gracious, familiar and
very civil. His Royal Highness has been admit'd for his good Qualities in
a great part of _Europe_, particularly in _Germany_, _France_, and
_Italy_, where he has spent several Years. No Son can have more respect to
a Parent than he has for the King his Father, whose Will and Pleasure he
never oppos'd in any one Instance; and whose Person he has always honour'd
even in his Ministers. Of all Pleasures he seems to bestow most Time in
Hunting; nevertheless he makes it only as an Amusement without being
passionately fond of it. His Royal Highness's Confident is _Solckofski_ or
_Sulkowski_[57], a _Polish_ Gentleman who was once his Page; and by thus
making him his Favourite, for which he cannot but be applauded, he shews
that he is capable of distinguishing true Merit. I had frequently the
Honour of making my Compliments to this Prince while he was at _Paris_,
and this is now the second time that I have had the same favour at
_Dresden_, where I find he is the same gracious Personage as ever. The
last time that I had the Honour of being introduc'd to him he talk'd a
great deal to me about _Paris_, and when he dismiss'd me, he said he was
sorry to think t
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