The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz Volume I Part 7

You will not perhaps be sorry to know the Names, _&c._ of the late King's legitimated Natural Issue, who are rank'd immediately after the Princes of the Blood. They are four Sons and three Daughters, of whom I shall now give you an Account, and who were their Mothers.

1. Count _Maurice_ of _Saxony_ is the eldest of the late King's Natural Children, by _Aurora_ Countess of _Koningsmark_, the most worthy of her s.e.x in _Europe_ to be the Mistress of a great King; and of all the King's Favourite Ladies, she kept longest in his Favour, so that after her Retirement she acquitted her self so well that she continued in the possession of his Majesty's Esteem and Regard. She is still living, and after having been a Prioress of the Imperial _Lutheran_ Abbey _Quedlinbourg_ she rose to be the Abbess. The Count is a Lieutenant-General, and Colonel of a Regiment of Foot in _France_.

2. The next is the Count _Rotofski_ or _Rutowski_, Lieutenant-General, and Colonel of the Crown-Guards, who owes his Birth to the King's tender Pa.s.sion for _Fatima_ a _Turkish_ Lady who was taken Prisoner very young, and fell to the share of M. _Schoning_, a Lieutenant-General in the Service of the Elector of _Brandenbourg_, who carried her to _Berlin_, and had her baptiz'd without altering her Name, tho' she afterwards went by that of Madame _de Spiegel_. Madamoiselle _de Flemming_, known by the Name of _Brebentau_, having married the Palatine of that Name, took a fancy to her, obtain'd her of M. _de Schoning_, and carried her with her into _Poland_, where from a Slave she became the King's Mistress, tho' Madame _Brebentau_ did not perceive it till _Fatima_'s Waist betray'd her. She had as much Wit as Beauty, and every body said she deserv'd her Fortune.

Nevertheless, she did not enjoy it long; for Madame _de Lubomirski_, who was Wife to the Great Chamberlain of the Crown, stole away the King's Heart from her. The Count _Rutowski_ is a Major-General of the King's Forces, Colonel of the Life-Guards, and of a Regiment of Foot, and Knight of the Order of the _White Eagle_. This n.o.bleman very much resembles the late King his Father, having his Strength, Dexterity, Valour and Politeness. He had his Education in _France_, and from thence went into the _Service_ of _Victor Amadeus_ the late King of _Sardinia_. Then he enter'd for a little while into the Service of the King of _Prussia_, and at length fix'd himself in that of _Saxony_, when he signaliz'd his Valour at the Siege of _Dantzic_, and afterwards made the Campaign as a Voluntier in the Imperial Army on the _Rhine_. As for his Religion, he professes the _Roman_ Catholic.

3. The third of the late King's Natural Sons is _George_ Prince _de Teschen_, otherwise call'd the _Chevalier de Saxony_, whom he had by Madame _de Lubomirski_ above-mentioned, who was Niece to the famous Cardinal _Radjouski_ Archbishop of _Gnesna_, and Primate of _Poland_.

After this Lady had indulg'd the King's Pa.s.sion she got a Divorce from Prince _Lubomirski_, and took the t.i.tle of the Princess _de Teschen_, which was granted to her by the Emperor. This Son of her's was brought up in the _Roman_ Catholic Religion. He is a Colonel in the King's Service, and Knight of the Order of the _White Eagle_. He is a well-set Man, has a n.o.ble Air, and supports his t.i.tle by a great share of Valour and good Sense. He is perfect Master of military Architecture, and has great Talents for War, which he cultivates to such a degree that his very Amus.e.m.e.nts are the Study of what a great Captain ought to know. This Desire of his to be qualify'd some day or other for the Command of an Army engag'd him, at his return from the Siege of _Dantzic_, to repair to the Army of Prince _Eugene_ of _Savoy_ to improve himself in the Art of War under that Great Master.

4. The fourth and youngest of the Natural Sons of the late King of _Poland_ is the Count _de Cosel_, Knight of the Order of the _White Eagle_, whose Mother was the Countess _de Cosel_; which Lady is also Mother to the Countesses of _Friesland_[62] and _Moschinski_[63]. The Count is a tall handsome Youth, modest and reserv'd, and more prudent than might be expected from his Years. This n.o.bleman, who does not disparage his Birth, is now making the Campaign upon the _Rhine_ in the Imperial Army. He is of the _Lutheran_ Communion.

Madame _de Cosel_ is of the Family of _Bruchstorf_, and a Native of _Holstein_. She was Maid of Honour to the Dutchess of _Wolfemb.u.t.tle_, when the Count _de Hoym_ Minister of State to the King of _Poland_ married her: The Count soon after the Marriage carried her to _Dresden_, where the King fell in love with her, and no sooner made it known to her but gain'd her compliance. M. _de Hoym_ enrag'd at this, demanded a Divorce from her, which his Wife readily came into; so that the Consistory of _Dresden_ declared their Marriage null and void. M. _de Hoym_ married again, and Madame took the t.i.tle of the Countess _de Cosel_; but this Lady at once lost the King's Favour and her Liberty into the bargain, and is kept close Prisoner in a Castle, where she has nothing to do but to indulge her melancholy Reflections upon the Revolutions of her Fortune[64].

The NATURAL DAUGHTERS of the late King are, 1. The Countess of _Bilinski_, (Sister of the Count _Rutowski_) who was born in _Poland_ as well as her Brother, and educated in the _Roman_ Catholic Religion. _Augustus_ II.

gave her in Marriage to the Count _Bilinski_. The Countess's frequent Ailments obliged her to go to _Paris_ for her Health; so that not being of this Court, 'twill not be expected I should give her Character.

2. The Countess of _Orselska_, who was born at _Warsaw_, of one _Renard_ a _French_ Woman, and bred up in the _Roman_ Catholic Faith: She is of a good Stature, and very charming. Of all the late King's legitimated Children his Majesty seem'd to be fondest of this. She was at first very much neglected, and it did not appear that the King ever intended to own her. But Count _Rotofski_ seeing her at _Warsaw_ in a Plight too mean for her Birth took the freedom to mention her to the King her Father, and told him that she merited some Kindness from him. The King thereupon desir'd to see her, and she came into his Presence in the _Amazonian_ Habit, which was her favourite Dress. The King thought she resembled him very much, and not being able to resist the tender Impressions of Nature he embrac'd her, and call'd her his Daughter. At the same time he order'd the whole Court to acknowledge her in that Quality, gave her a magnificent Palace, with Diamonds without number, and settled great Pensions on her. 'Tis certain, in short, that never was Daughter more like her Father; she had the same Features, Temper and Genius. It was impossible for her to be handsomer with a more grand Air. She is fond of Magnificence, Expence, and Pleasures. One of her Diversions is to dress in Mens Apparel. It was in this Habit that I saw her the first time, when she was on horseback, in a purple Habit embroider'd with Silver, and wore the blue Ribband of _Poland_. Being all alone, I could not learn who she was, but really took her to be some young Foreign n.o.bleman whom I had not yet seen. I never beheld any body sit better than she did on horseback, or have a more amiable Air; insomuch, that many Ladies would have been glad of a Lover so handsome. The same evening I saw her at the Ball, where she was still dress'd like a Man, only her Habit was more rich than it was in the morning, and her dishevell'd Locks of Hair hung down in fine Curls about her Shoulders; so that _Cupid_ himself was not more tempting when he appear'd before _Psyche_. Her good Mien, and the graceful Air with which I saw her dance a Minuet, made me inquire who this pretty Youth was? Count _Rotofski_, who overheard me, made answer, _The young Man whom you admire wou'd do you no great harm if you were a Woman, but may possibly hurt you as the Case stands; but come along with me_, continued he, taking me by the Hand, _I will make him known to you, then leave you to come off with him as well as you can_. I guess'd by these Words that the Person he was going to usher me to was the Countess _Orselska_; and I was confirmed in my Suspicion when I heard Count _Rotofski_ say to her, _Sister, here is a Gentleman who has all due Respects for you, and who, I'll engage will be ready to serve you in whatever you shall require of him_. Madamoiselle _Orselska_ smiling at this Discourse, I saluted her with all the Respect which I ow'd to her Rank, and she receiv'd me in the most obliging manner possible. I saw her next day in Womens Apparel, and thought her still more amiable. I visit her every day, and now whenever I go to her I generally find with her _Charles Lewis_, a younger Prince of the Family of _Holstein-Beck_, who 'tis said is the happy Man for whom she is design'd in Marriage[65].

3. The Countess _Moschinski_, Daughter of the Countess of _Cosel_, was born at _Dresden_, and match'd by the late King to the Count _de Moschinski_, a _Polish_ n.o.bleman. Her sober and courteous Deportment, and the Goodness of her Temper, have procured her both Love and Reverence.

Having now treated of the Princes of the Royal Family, I proceed to give you an account of the chief n.o.blemen of the Court; and in the first place, of the MINISTERS of the CABINET.--These are, 1. _Waldemar_ Baron _de Lowendahl_ Grand Marshal, Knight of the _Saxon_ Order of the _White Eagle_, and of the _Danish_ Order of the _Elephant_, who by his Post of Grand Marshal holds the first Rank at the Court of _Saxony_, because the Elector is Arch Grand Marshal of the Empire. He is a _Dane_ by birth, and is descended from a Count of _Guldenlowe_, a natural Son of the Blood-Royal of _Denmark_. He spent his youthful Days in the Service of the _States-General_, and was made a Captain in the Blue Guards; which he afterwards quitted, and went into the Service of the Emperor _Leopold_, and distinguish'd himself in quality of a Lieutenant-Colonel in 1683, at the raising of the Siege of _Vienna_; after which he return'd to _Denmark_, where he serv'd with Honour. But leaving that Court upon some Disgust, he came into _Saxony_, where _Augustus_ II. declared him President of the Chamber, which Office he held when the King of _Denmark_ recall'd him home. It was with the Approbation of his Master the King of _Poland_ that he return'd to _Copenhagen_, where his _Danish_ Majesty gave him the Command of his Army in _Norway_ against the _Swedes_; which Commission he discharged with so much Honour, that he was dignify'd with the Order of the _Elephant_, as he had already been by that of _Dannebroc_. He might, had he pleased, have enjoy'd the greatest Offices in _Denmark_; but he had promised _Augustus_ II. not to forsake him, so that he refus'd all the Advantages which _Frederic_ IV. offer'd him, and return'd into _Saxony_. After the death of the Count _de Phlug_, the late King appointed him Grand Marshal, which Office he still executes with Honour. Tho' he is now advanced in years he has a sound Const.i.tution, and the Air, Behaviour, and Way of Thinking of a Man of his Quality. Being affable and polite, he does the Honours of the Court in a Gentleman-like manner, for which the Courtiers reverence him, and the King professes an esteem for him. His Majesty is the sixth King whom this Minister has serv'd. He has married to his second Wife a Lady of the Family of _Rantzau_, in the Country of _Holstein_, who bears a valuable Character, and is as polite as can be desired, speaking _French_ as well as if she was born at _Versailles_. The Grand Marshal has two Sons by his first Marriage with a Lady of _Revenclau_: his youngest, _viz._ _Woldemar_ Baron _de Lowendahl_ is Major-General of the King's Armies, Inspector General of the _Saxon_ Infantry, and Colonel of a Regiment of Foot. He was fourteen years old when the Grand Marshal sent him to _Denmark_; where he made a Campaign at Sea under Admiral _Tordenschild_. At his return to _Dresden_ he carried a Musket, and afterwards pa.s.s'd through all the subaltern Degrees. When he was but a Lieutenant he accompany'd General _Seckendorf_ to _Vienna_, where the Marshal Count _Guido de Staremberg_ gave him a Company in his Regiment, and he distinguish'd himself in a particular manner at the Sieges of _Temiswaer_ and _Belgrade_, and in _Sicily_. Since that, he enter'd into the Service of _Augustus_ II. who gave him a Regiment. Afterwards he made two Campaigns as a Voluntier with the Imperialists in _Corsica_; and upon all occasions manifested that Valour, Skill, and Prudence, as he did lately in the Defence of _Cracow_; where, with a weak and sickly Garrison, he not only made a vigorous stand against the Attacks of the Primate's _Polish_ Adherents, but also obliged them to retire. This General is so fond of signalizing his Bravery, that he was scarce return'd from _Poland_, but he went to make the Campaign as a Voluntier, with the Imperial Army on the _Rhine_. He lives magnificently, keeps a good Table, and is very civil to Foreigners.

2. _Anthony_ Count de _Lutzelbourg_, who is by birth a _Lorrainer_, and an exemplary Professor of the _Roman_ Catholic Religion, is Lieutenant-General of the Forces, Knight of the Order of the White Eagle, and General of the Horse. He is pretty tall, and has a chearful Countenance, with a n.o.ble easy Behaviour, which shews the Man of Quality.

His Merit procured him the Honour of being the King's Governour after the Decease of the Count _de Costa_, which Post he held 'till his Majesty came of age, when he was appointed Steward of his Houshold, and was as much esteem'd by their Royal Highnesses as he is valued by the Courtiers, and belov'd by the Domestics of the Prince who are under his command: but his frequent Ailments oblig'd him to quit that Office: Nevertheless he was last year at _Vienna_, where he receiv'd for the King his Master the Invest.i.ture of the Feudatory States of the Empire, and concluded the Treaty of Alliance still subsisting between the two Courts.

3. _Henry-Frederic_ Count of _Friesland_, is Great Chamberlain, General of the Infantry, Lieutenant-General of the King's Forces, and Knight of the Order of the _White Eagle_. He is descended from a Family which has for a long time been of ill.u.s.trious Rank in _Saxony_. He spent part of his Youth in the Service of _Peter_ the Great, Czar of _Muscovy_, and signaliz'd his Valour very much at the Battle of _Pultowa_; where _Charles_ XII. King of _Sweden_ in a few Hours lost all the fruit of nine years Toil, and of an infinite number of Victories. Soon after this great Battle he shew'd his Wisdom to be equal to his Bravery at the Battle of _Pruth_; which though it did not turn out so much to the Czar's Honour, was altogether as fortunate to him, since it extricated that Prince out of the worst sc.r.a.pe that perhaps ever King was reduced to. He enter'd afterwards into the Service of the late King; who being sensible of his Merit, raised him to the greatest Dignities of his Court, and married him to one of the Daughters that he had by the Countess of _Cosel_. The Great Chamberlain, who has the Looks and Behaviour of a Man of Quality, thinks and acts too like a n.o.bleman. Few Persons surpa.s.s him in Politeness and Learning: He is perfect Master of several Languages, and of every thing that forms the Minister and the General. He loves Literature and the Arts, and was always their Supporter. He lives handsomely, and has such a Presence as commands the Veneration of all that have to do with him.

4. _Joseph_ Count _de Gabaleon-Wackerbarth-Salmour_, the adopted Son of the Velt-Marshal _Augustus Christopher_ Count _de Wackerbarth_ who succeeded Marshal _de Flemming_ in the chief command of the Troops in _Saxony_, and was not only Marshal, but a Minister of State, Grand Master of the Artillery, Governour of _Dresden_, and Knight of the Order of the _White Eagle_. The Father was born of a good Family in _Mecklembourg_; but from his very youth he attach'd himself to the Elector of _Saxony_; and by his own Merit, and the Friendship of his Predecessor Count _Flemming_, he was raised to the chief Posts in the Army and the Court. In 1709 he had the Command of the _Saxon_ Troops before _Tournay_, as he had in 1715 before _Strahlsund_, when 'twas besieg'd by the Kings of _Denmark_ and _Prussia_, and defended by _Charles_ XII. King of _Sweden_. M. _de Wackerbarth_ was made Count of the Empire by the King his Master, while that Prince was Vicar of the Empire, after the death of the Emperor _Joseph_. After being grac'd with this Dignity, the Count _de Wackerbarth_ was employ'd in sundry important Negotiations, especially at _Vienna_; where he married a _Piedmontese_ Lady, the Dowager of _Charles_ Margrave of _Brandenbourg_, Brother to _Frederic_ I. King of _Prussia_, who when he was but very young at the University of _Turin_; married her by the Left-hand, as you know is the Fashion among our Princes when they marry below themselves. However the Lady went by the Name of Madame _de Brandenbourg_ to the very day that the Count _de Wackerbarth_ married her, being so proud of the t.i.tle that she was resolv'd never to part with it 'till she was married again: Notwithstanding the advantageous Offers made to her from the King of _Prussia_ to engage her to renounce it, her refusal of which was the more generous because it was at a time too when she was in narrow Circ.u.mstances; yet her constant Answer was, that nothing in the Universe should tempt her to debase herself; and that she had rather be poor, and pa.s.s for the Wife of the Margrave of _Brandenbourg_, than be rich, and pa.s.s for his Mistress. Before she became Madame _de Brandenbourg_ she was the Widow of a certain Count _de Salmour_, by whom she had a Son whom she engaged the Count _de Wackerbarth_, when she married him, to adopt for his own. I confess I never saw this Lady; for at the time of my former Voyage hither she was at _Vienna_; and now she is dead. They talk of her still as one of the acutest Women of her time. But to return to the Marshal; he is very civil, lives with great Splendor, and his House is open to all Foreigners. He is mighty intimate with the Count _de Flemming_, Prime Minister and Favourite of the King; so that they fully contradicted the Proverb, _That Fire and Water can't agree_; for Count _Flemming_ was lively almost to the Degree of a Fury, whereas the Count _de Wackerbarth_, on the contrary, abounds with Phlegm[66]. We go back now to his adopted Son _Joseph_ above-mention'd, a _Piedmontese_, at present one of the Ministers of the Cabinet[67].

He is also Knight of the Order of the _White Eagle_, and Governour of his Royal Highness the Prince Royal and Electoral. He bears the Name and Arms of _Wackerbarth_, by reason of his being adopted as above by the Velt-Marshal his Father-in-law; upon whose death, he succeeded to his Estate. He took to arms betimes; but having receiv'd a Wound in the Foot, which he feels to this day, he was oblig'd to quit a Profession in which he distinguish'd himself, and apply'd afterwards to Affairs of State. The late King sent him to the Courts of _Bavaria_ and _Vienna_, where he supported the Prerogatives of his Character with Dignity, and gain'd the extraordinary Esteem of their Imperial Majesties and the Ministers.

_Augustus_ II. recall'd him from _Vienna_, and sent him to _Rome_, to the new Pope _Clement_ XII. The _Romans_, those Masters in the Art of Politics, were soon convinced that this Minister knew more than they could teach him: They admired the Prudence and Resolution with which he behav'd when the _Sbirri_ presum'd to invade the Franchise of his Quarter; and all own'd that the most experienced Minister could not have better supported the Honour of his Master. At his Return from _Rome_, the late King, to the Satisfaction of all Men, appointed him Governour to Prince _Frederic_, the present Prince Royal and Electoral; the Count having all the necessary Qualifications to fill that Post with Honour: For besides a good Share of Religion, he is a Gentleman of known Candour, great Experience in Business, and abundance of Good-nature, Politeness, and Modesty: And he is not only deeply learn'd, but always studious how to answer the great Trust repos'd in him by their Majesties; and as the Method he takes to instruct the Prince has won him his Royal Highness's Esteem and Friendship, so it cannot fail of procuring him one day the Praise and Grat.i.tude of those who are concern'd for the Glory of the Royal Family.

When _Augustus_ III. came to the Government he sent the Count, with M. _de Baudissin_, in Quality of his Plenipotentiaries, to the Republic of _Poland_; in which Post he answer'd the Expectation which the King had of his Capacity. His Wisdom got the better of all Opposition; and he had the advantage of triumphing over the Intrigues and Cabals of the Primate.

After the King had been proclaim'd the Count swore, in his Majesty's Name, in the Church at _Warsaw_, to the Observation of the _Pacta Conventa_ drawn up by the Members of the Republic; and then accompanied the Grand Deputation of the _Polish_ n.o.bility at _Tarnowitz_. 'Twas he that made answer, in the Name of their Majesties, to the Harangues of the Bishop of _Cracow_ declaring the Republic's Acknowledgement of his t.i.tle, and their Obedience. And the Answer he return'd was in the two Languages in which the Prelate address'd him: He spoke in _Latin_ for the King, and in _French_ for the Queen.

The Count being return'd to _Dresden_ since their Majesties Coronation, is wholly taken up in the Education of the Prince Royal; and his care of him has been crown'd with such Success, that we may prophesy his Royal Highness will one day draw down that Blessing of G.o.d upon himself, which is upon the Head of the Just.

5. _Wolff-Henry de Baudissin_, General of the Horse, Colonel of a Regiment of Carabiniers, and Knight of the Order of the _White Eagle_, and that of _Dannebroc_, has all the Qualities requisite for a well-born Gentleman, _viz._ an agreeable Aspect, a good Stature, a n.o.ble Air, easy and engaging Behaviour, approv'd Valour, a Generosity free of all Ostentation; and finally what is superior to all these Qualities, he has a Fund of Probity and Candour which nothing can corrupt. He is a Native of _Holstein_, and spent his early Years in the Service of _Sweden_, and afterwards in that of the Duke his Sovereign, who gave him a Regiment, with which he serv'd all the last War in the _Netherlands_, in the Post of Major-General.

_Augustus_ II. calling him to his Service, made him Lieutenant-General of his Forces, and then General of the Cavalry. When _Augustus_ III. came to the Government he summon'd him to his Cabinet-Council, and sent him as his Plenipotentiary to _Poland_, where he had a hand in every Transaction for the Advantage and Honour of the King. He afterwards commanded the Army which his Majesty was obliged to carry into his Kingdom for the Defence of his oppressed Subjects; and there he fell so dangerously ill that he was obliged to return to _Germany_, to make use of the Waters of _Pyrmont_; by which he found benefit; and he is now at _Dresden_, where his Seniority gives him the Command in chief of the Forces.

6. _Alexander-Joseph_ Count _de Sulkowski_, Starost of _Sokolnick_, Chief Huntsman of _Lithuania_, Master of the Horse, Great Master of the Wardrobe, Major-General of the King's Forces, Colonel of the Crown-Guards and of a Regiment of Foot, and Knight of the Order of the _White Eagle_, is a _Polander_. Being taken into Service very young as Page to the King, then Prince Royal and Electoral, he accompanied him in his Travels, and there acquir'd a good Fund of Knowledge. His great Sobriety, his a.s.siduity, his Application to the discharge of his Duties, his Sense, and his sincere Attachment to Religion, won his Master's Heart, of which he keeps possession even to this day; with a Distinction that does him the more Honour, because he derives it from the King's thorough conviction of his Merit.

The Count is of a good Stature, has a n.o.ble and modest Air, and a Candour in his Conversation and his Action, which is very engaging. He is civil, and makes no other Use of his Favour but to do as much Good as he can, without prejudicing the Interests of the King whom he serves with Grat.i.tude, Affection, and Zeal. He is a generous Minister, and his House is open to all Persons of Distinction.

After he had serv'd as a Page, he was by the late King made a Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber; and not long after that, his present Majesty, who was then still Prince Royal, declar'd him Director of his Hunting Equipage, and trusted him with the Management of his Domestic Affairs. The late King also appointed him one of his Chamberlains.

At the famous Camp at _Zeithaim_, the Count commanded an Independent Company. He discover'd so great Application, and such a happy Genius for the Art of War, that the late King, whose Penetration nothing cou'd escape, took it for a good Omen, and gave him a Regiment of Foot. Thus did the Count make his way towards the splendid Fortune which he now enjoys.

M. _de Bruhl_ resigning his Post of Great Master of the Wardrobe, soon after the King's Accession to the Government, his Majesty gave that Post to his Favourite. He afterwards call'd him to his Cabinet-Council; and at his Coronation, he made him Knight of the Order of the White Eagle. After the Court's Return from _Cracow_, the Count went to the Army before _Dantzic_; where he gave demonstration of his being as good a Soldier as he is an able Statesman. It being not compatible with his Ministry to be long absent, and _Dantzic_ being on the point of capitulating, he went to give the King an account of the Success of its Siege, and the Prosperity of his Arms. He accompanied his Majesty to the Abbey of _Oliva_, and by his Prudence contributed very much to put such _Polish_ Lords in mind of their Obedience, who had thought of being exempted from it. And his only View being more and more to deserve that Favour with which the King honours him, and being desirous of having it in his power to serve him, as well in his Armies, as in his Cabinet, he went last of all to the Imperial Army, in order to qualify himself for a Command under Prince _Eugene_ of _Savoy_.

To complete the good Fortune of this Count, he married a Lady, who, besides her Birth and personal Charms, has a Character which gains her the Applause and Veneration of all that know her. She is hereditary Baroness of _Stein_; and when he marry'd her, she was Lady of Honour to the Queen.

They are both Members of the _Roman_ Catholic Church.

7. _Henry de Bruhl_, Knight of the Orders of _Poland_ and _Prussia_, a Member of the Privy-Council, President of the Chamber of Finances, Director General of the Excise, and Vice-President of the Taxes, is the Son of _John de Bruhl_, who was of the Privy-Council to _Augustus_ II. and Grand Marshal and Director of the Privy-Council to the Duke Regent of _Saxe-Weissenfels_. He is by Birth a _Saxon_, and has a Brother who is Knight of the Teutonick Order. He made great progress at _Leipsic_ in the _Belles Lettres_, and in the Exercises suitable to a Person of his Extraction. His Recreations there, were Music, and Conversation with Persons of his own Taste. He sometimes made Verses, which were esteem'd for the bright Thoughts in them, and the Harmony of the Versification.

When he quitted _Leipsic_, he was enter'd Page to the late King: In this Post he behaved with so much Sobriety and a.s.siduity, that his Majesty soon distinguish'd him from the Croud, admitted him to Familiarity with him; and finding he had a sound Judgment, a quick Apprehension, a Penetration beyond what might be expected from one of his Age, and that he was a Person of Discretion, and inviolable Secrecy, join'd with a n.o.ble Freedom, and such a happy way of expressing himself as to render the most difficult Subjects easy and pleasant; he readily judg'd that such a one was fit to be employ'd in great Affairs. He had a mind to instruct him; and having nominated him one of the Gentlemen of his Bed-Chamber, he had him under his Eye. M. _de Bruhl_ improv'd so well from the Lessons of this great Master, so thoroughly study'd his Humour, and so exactly suited himself to his Genius, that he made himself necessary. His Application, his Love to Business, and the Ease with which he dispatch'd it, won him the intire Confidence of _Augustus_ II. who declar'd him Great Master of the Wardrobe, and a Privy Counsellor; and to him he moreover committed the Direction and Regulation of Affairs, Foreign and Domestic. Never had the King shewn more Affection or Esteem for any of his Favourites; yet this n.o.bleman took ne'er the more State upon him for it, but living always humble, polite, and ready to do Services, he made himself Friends, and secur'd himself by that means against all the Hatred and Envy with which Courtiers are very ready to treat those who are in Power.

When the King of _Prussia_ went to the Camp at _Zeithaim_, he conferr'd his Order of the Black Eagle upon M. _de Bruhl_: The late King also honour'd him with that of the White Eagle; but this was at a time when this Minister had no Relish for Honours, and wou'd have been glad to have renounc'd them for ever, if he cou'd thereby have prolong'd the Days of a Master so worthy of Immortality.

It was in those last Moments, when the Professions of Friendship cannot be so much as suspected, that _Augustus_ II. gave his Favourite his Order, as a certain Token that he retain'd a value for him even to Death. This great King having finish'd his glorious Career, M. _de Bruhl_, without suffering himself to be too much cast down, knowing that an Ocean of Tears was too little to shed for the Loss he had sustain'd, thought of nothing more than paying the due Devoirs to the deceas'd Sovereign, and to the Prince, his Son and Successor. Having therefore caus'd the Corpse of the former to be embalm'd, and put a Seal upon all the Effects which belong'd to him, besides securing the Jewels and Papers of Consequence; he came to _Dresden_ to join the Elector, now King of _Poland_, who received him with such Marks of Kindness, as were enough to have put the deceas'd Monarch out of the Minister's Thoughts, if his Grat.i.tude had not dictated to him, that such a King and such a Master ought never to be forgot.

The King confirm'd him in all the Employments and Honours which he had held by the Favour of _Augustus_ II. and moreover appointed him one of the Ministers of his Cabinet. Some time after this, his Majesty declar'd him President of the Chamber of Finances; consequently, this great, this true King, by distinguishing Merit, did farther Honour to the Memory of his august Father, since he did what that magnanimous Prince wou'd have undoubtedly done for his Favourite.

At this time the Minister resign'd to the King his Office of Great Master of the Wardrobe, which his various Occupations did not permit him to manage with that Care he thought was necessary. After the Return of the Court from _Cracow_, whither this Gentleman had accompany'd the King, he marry'd the Countess _de Collowrat_, one of the Queen's Ladies of Honour, whose high Birth was supported with such personal Qualities as can never be enough commended. The Bride being a _Roman_ Catholic, the Ceremony of the Marriage was performed at _Moritzbourg_, in presence of their Majesties, by the Bishop of _Cracow_. Never was a Couple better match'd; the Lady's Person being a Collection of Charms, and M. _de Bruhl_ a Man of as n.o.ble Presence as one wou'd wish to see; which he generally sets off with a rich Dress of a good Fancy. No body at Court surpa.s.ses him in a generous way of living; for he keeps a n.o.ble Table, and at his House Persons of Distinction have their a.s.semblies. This Minister has something so attracting in his Looks and Behaviour that he easily wins the Hearts of People who are the most indifferent to him. He is so polite, affable, and engaging, that he listens attentively to those who lay their Wants before him, returns them courteous and distinct Answers; and whenever he is constrain'd to give a Denial, he does it in such a manner as plainly demonstrates his Concern that 'tis not in his power to oblige. And 'tis owing to this Good-nature of his, and to the Kindness with which he treats his Inferiors, that he can boast of possessing the Love and Veneration of the Public.

In short, the Count _de Sulkowski_ who has the first place in the Cabinet, and this Gentleman who has the second, are the Ministers who decide all Affairs with the King's good Pleasure. They are Gentlemen who know nothing of Jealousy nor Envy; and, as they act from one and the same Principle, so they have both the same View, which is to increase, if possible, the Glory of the King, and the Happiness of the Government.

The Office of all the above-mention'd, as Ministers of the Cabinet, is so eminent at this Court that it gives those who are invested with it the Precedence of all the Generals, both of Horse and Foot.

Besides these, there are three other Ministers of the Cabinet, who, tho'

retir'd from Court, enjoy the Rank and Pensions annex'd to the Ministry.

They are the Count _de Manteuffel_, the Count _de Promnitz_, and the Marquiss _de Fleuri_.

_Ernest_ Count _de Manteuffel_, Knight of the Order of the White Eagle, is descended of a Family which has been for a long time of distinguish'd Rank in _Prussian Pomerania_. He was Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber to _Frederic_ I. King of _Prussia_. Certain Ballads being handed about at Court, which were insulting Lampoons upon the Count _de Wartemberg_, the King's Prime Minister and Favourite, M. _de Manteuffel_ was charged with being the Author of 'em; who knowing that the Favourite wou'd not put up with the Affront, retir'd to _Saxony_, where the Count _de Flemming_, who then bore the greatest sway at the King of _Poland_'s Court, receiv'd him as his Countryman, and employ'd him in foreign Affairs; which he managed with the Approbation both of his Majesty and the foreign Ministers he had to treat with. M. _de Manteuffel_ kept in with the Favourite without giving into the Flattery which that Minister expected from his Creatures; and while the King was Vicar of the Empire, he made M. _de Manteuffel_ Count of the Empire. His Majesty had some time before honour'd him with the Order of the White Eagle, and preferr'd him to his Cabinet-Council; and after Marshal _Flemming_'s Death, M. _de Manteuffel_[68] had the princ.i.p.al Direction of the foreign Affairs. But this able Minister, and one of the chief Ornaments and Confidents of the late King's Court, retir'd from it in 1730, to his Estate in _Pomerania_, and now resides at _Berlin_; where he still enjoys a Pension of 24000 Crowns, or 12000 Rixdollars, which was secur'd to him by the present Elector. It adds to his Character, that after he was retired, the Want of him was lamented.

He is pretty tall, well set, has a grand Air, and is one of the handsomest Men that I have seen. His Behaviour is n.o.ble and easy, he has a good Fund of Learning, an extraordinary Memory, and such a Happiness of expressing himself that when he talks he never fails to give Pleasure. He lives n.o.bly, and when he was at _Dresden_ his House was open to all Persons of Distinction and Merit. He married a Baroness of _Pludouska_, who is, as well as himself, of the _Lutheran_ Religion.

_Erdmann_, Count _de Promnitz_, is more at his Estate than at Court; he is also Knight of the Order of the White Eagle. He married a Princess of _Saxe-Weissenfels_. He always distinguish'd himself by his Zeal, and his Attachment to the Royal Family; of which he gave Proofs by raising an Independent Company at his own Expence, for the Service of the late King, which he sent to reinforce his Majesty's Troops in the Camp before _Zeithaim_: And for the same Use he has since rais'd a Regiment of Horse.

_Francis Vicardel_, Marquiss _de Fleuri_ and _de Beaufort_, is a _Savoyard_. He was the King of _Sardinia_'s Minister, and his Envoy to the Court of _Vienna_, when the late King of _Poland_ invited him into his Service, admitted him to his Cabinet-Council, and made him a Knight of his Order. This Minister is endow'd with all the Talents that can be desir'd in a Man who has an Employment. He has an agreeable Aspect, engaging Manners, a just Discernment, a quick Apprehension, and a very even Temper. But his frequent Ailments disabling him from the Exercise of his Talents, he desir'd, and obtain'd leave to retire to his Estate in _Savoy_; and the late King, who had always a great and n.o.ble Soul, being desirous that he shou'd be a Witness of his Goodness and Royal Magnificence, secur'd the Enjoyment of his Pensions to him; which the present King has also been pleased to confirm.

Another of the Cabinet Ministers, who was also formerly Prime Minister to the late King of _Poland_, was the Count _de Hoym_, descended from one of the princ.i.p.al Families in _Saxony_, and Brother to the Gentleman that married Madame _de Cosel_. I knew him intimately before he was advanced to the Ministry, at _Paris_, and at _Vienna_, as well as here at _Dresden_.

You must have seen him in _Silesia_, where he has a very fine Estate.

There is not a Minister at this Court more civil, more learned, or a better Friend to learned Men. During his long Residence at _Paris_ as Amba.s.sador from the King of _Poland_, his House was open to all Men of Learning as it is now at _Dresden_; and he had the splendid t.i.tle given him of the _Mecaenas_ of _Saxony_[69].

They who are actually PRIVY COUNSELLORS, or MINISTERS OF STATE here, are eight in number. They are descended from some of the best Families in _Saxony_, and profess the Protestant Religion. The Detail of their Characters, their Experience, and their Merit, wou'd oblige me to transgress the Limits of this Work, were I only to treat of those who are bound by their Employments to attend the King's Person, and who compose his Majesty's Houshold. But for the Reputation of the Privy Council, 'tis proper just to observe that all its Members are Subjects who do Honour to the King's Choice; that they are vigilant for promoting the Good of the Public, and that in their Deliberations they manifest their Zeal for the King, and their Affection to their Country.

The President of this Council, is _Alexander de Milt.i.tz de Scharffenberg_, who is a Native of _Saxony_, the same that was the King's Governour; of whom so much has been already said, that I avoid to make any more particular mention of him here.

Two of the Privy Counsellors are Counsellors of the Conferences, which are held in presence of his Majesty, _viz._ _Gotlob-Frederic_ Baron _de Gersdorff_, and _Bernard_ Baron _de Zech_. The former comes from an ancient Family of Distinction, which has given several great Men to this State. The latter has acquitted himself with Success in the several Negociations wherein he has been employ'd. They are both laborious, vigilant, upright Men, and of great Experience in Business.

_The King's_ GREAT OFFICERS_ are,_

I. The GRAND MARSHAL; which Office is now held by _Waldemar_, Baron _de Lowendahl_, who has under him

The Gentlemen of the Bed-Chamber, The Pages, The Huntsmen, The Musicians of the Chapel and the Chamber, The Dancers, The Comedians, The Trumpeters, The Footmen, The _Turks_, The _Heydukes_, The Messengers, The _Negroes_;

and in short, a considerable number of other Officers and Domestics of the King's Houshold. His Jurisdiction extends not only over those that I have mention'd, but also over all Foreigners of Quality who happen to be at _Dresden_; and there is a Tribunal or Court for this purpose, of which the Great Chamberlain, the Great Master of the Kitchens, the Great Cup-Bearer and the Marshal of the Court are Members.

II. The GREAT CHAMBERLAIN; who is at present _Henry-Frederic_ Count of _Friesland_. 'Tis he that receives the Amba.s.sadors and other foreign Ministers, and introduces them to an Audience of the King. He has under him the several Chamberlains.