The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz Volume I Part 2

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 n.o.ble 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 Amus.e.m.e.nt 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 s.e.xes.

But when the King is at _Berlin_, the Queen keeps no Drawing-Room, unless some Foreign Prince happen to be there. Then there are a.s.semblies in the City alternatively, among Persons of the first Rank, at which they sometimes dance; and the King and Prince Royal frequently honour these a.s.semblies with their Presence. When there is no grand a.s.sembly, 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 pa.s.s 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 a.r.s.enals 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 _Neufchatel_, where he has not been; no Province which he does not know full well; not a n.o.ble 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 G.o.d 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 _Sat.u.r.days_ 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 pa.s.ses 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 n.o.ble 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 Ca.n.a.ls 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 a.r.s.enals, 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 a.s.sumes the military one.

This gigantic Regiment has requir'd great Pains, and considerable Sums to establish it; and I am a.s.sured 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 n.o.ble, 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 l.u.s.tres, 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 n.o.bility at this Court.

The Count _de Wartensleben_ is the oldest Marshal. He is by Birth a _Westphalian_, and pa.s.s'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 t.i.ttle 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 n.o.ble 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 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 s.n.a.t.c.h'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 a.s.sistance 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 inc.u.mbent 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 Circ.u.mspection 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 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 ill.u.s.trious 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 ill.u.s.trious 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 Emba.s.sies. 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 Emba.s.sies 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 n.o.body 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 a.s.siduity 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-Wolfemb.u.t.tle_, 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 Amba.s.sador 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 Emba.s.sy, 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 Circ.u.mspection, 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 Ma.n.u.scripts, 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 Inst.i.tution this, and a fine Resource for the poor n.o.bility!