The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz Volume I Part 8

III. The MASTER of the HORSE, _Alexander-Joseph_ Count _de Sulkowski_, is in possession of this Office, which is one of the best and n.o.blest Employments at Court, the Person who is invested with it being serv'd by the King's Equipages and Livery, and having the disposal of all the inferior Offices appertaining to the Stables. He has under him the Equerries, the p.r.i.c.kers, and all the Workmen employ'd for the Service of the Stables, and the making of the Equipages.

He that is the only chief Equerry is _Adolphus de Bruhl_, one of the King's Chamberlains. He officiates in the absence of the Master of the Horse, is Brother to _Henry de Bruhl_ Minister of the Cabinet, and resembles him in Candour and Integrity. His Honesty, which is imprinted on his very Countenance, reflects a l.u.s.tre on all his Actions. He is so sensible of the Charms of Friendship that he fulfils all the Obligations of it; and besides those Qualities of the Mind, he makes an agreeable Appearance, is dextrous in his Exercises, has a solid Relish of the Arts and Sciences, is perfect Master of Music, and plays on several Instruments.

He was heretofore in the Service of the Duke Regent of _Weissenfels_, and next in that of the Duke of _Saxe-Weimar_, who had such an Esteem for his Merit that to him he referred the Direction of his Court. Nevertheless he left this Prince, and enter'd into the Service of the late King, who conferred those Employments on him which he now enjoys. Since he came to Court, he married a young Lady of Quality of the Family of _Opelen_, whose Fortune and Charms into the bargain made her such a considerable Match that she did not want Suitors.

IV. The GREAT HUNTSMAN. The Gentleman who at present possesses this Office, one of the most lucrative at Court, is _Charles de Leubnitz_. It gives him the Superintendance over all the Officers of the Venery, in which Number are included the Rangers, the Verdurers, the Gentlemen and Pages, and above a hundred Huntsmen or other Persons depending on them.

The Great Huntsman is a Protestant, as well as his Lady, who is of the Family of _Schaurot_.

V. The GREAT MASTER of the KITCHENS is _Adolphus_ Baron _de Seyffert.i.tz_, of a Family which has been for a long time distinguish'd in this Electorate. His first Step at Court was in the Employment of Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber. _Augustus_ II. at the request of the late Czar _Peter the Great_, plac'd him Governor to the Czarowitz when that young Prince came into _Germany_. He continued in this Post till after the Marriage of the Czarowitz to the Princess of _Brunswic-Wolfemb.u.t.tle-Blanckenbourg_. After his return to _Saxony_ he accompanied the late King to _Berlin_, when his Majesty together with _Frederic_ IV. King of _Denmark_, went thither to make a visit to _Frederic_ I. King of _Prussia_. In 1711, M. _de Seyffert.i.tz_ was appointed Marshal of the Emba.s.sy which _Augustus_ II.

sent to _Francfort_, for the Election of an Emperor. His Imperial Majesty _Charles_ VI. at the Ceremony of his Coronation, made him a Knight of the Empire, and at length the late King made him one of his Chamberlains, and then Great Master of the Kitchens, which Office he manages with Dignity and Politeness. He married a Lady of the Family of _Haxthausen_, Widow of the Count _de Beichling_ the Great Faulconer. They are both of the _Lutheran_ Communion.

In the absence of the Grand Marshal, the Great Master of the Kitchens officiates, and at the grand Ceremonies wears like him a Staff tipp'd with Silver gilt. Under his Province are the Comptrollers of the Kitchen and of the Houshold, the Clerks of the Kitchen, the Purveyors, the Cooks and Turn-spits, the Pastry-Cooks, the Pursers, Fishmongers, _&c._

VI. The GREAT CUP-BEARER is _John-Adolphus de Haugwitz_, a Gentleman of good Extraction. His Father was Grand Marshal to the late King. He is a handsome Man, has a n.o.ble Mien, performs all sorts of Exercises with a Grace and with Dexterity, and does the Honours of the Court in a becoming manner. He is of the Protestant Religion, and married to a Lady of the Family of _Beist_. His Employment sets him above all the Officers of the King's b.u.t.tery, Cellar, and Pantry. In the absence of the Grand Marshal and the Master of the Kitchens, he officiates for them, and at great Ceremonies he carries like them a Staff of Silver gilt.

VII. The GREAT FAULCONER is an Office held by _Anthony_ Count _de Moschinski_, a _Polish_ n.o.bleman, and a _Roman_ Catholic. He was formerly Page to the King, and attended his Majesty in his Tours to _France_ and _Italy_, where he acquir'd great Politeness, and a very engaging Deportment. At his return to _Dresden_, he was made one of the Gentlemen of the Bed-Chamber to the King, who was then the Prince Royal. Afterwards the late King appointed him one of his Chamberlains; and when the Count _de Fitztuhm_ unhappily lost his life at _Warsaw_, his Majesty who had given his Office of Great Chamberlain to the Count _de Friesland_, bestow'd that of _Great Faulconer_, which was held by that n.o.bleman, upon the Count _de Moschinski_, who was grac'd almost at the same time with the Order of the _White Eagle_, and the Post of Treasurer to the Court of _Poland_. His Majesty also granted him in Marriage one of his natural Children, the Daughter of the Countess _de Cosel_. Never was a Person more deserving of Honours than the Great Faulconer, who is truly magnificent, and makes such an Appearance, that he does an Honour to his Character. By his Behaviour he engages the Friendship and Regard of all that have to do with him. He has under his command the Officers of the Faulconry or Mews where the Hawks are kept, the Faulconers, and in general all those Persons that have any relation to the Faulconry.

VIII. The GREAT MASTER of the WARDROBE is _Alexander-Joseph_ Count _de Sulkowski_. He has under his Jurisdiction the _Catholic_ Clergy, the _Physicians_ of the _Body_, the _Footmen_, the _Secretaries_, _Writers_ and _Clerks_ of the _Chamber_, the _Inspectors_ of the _Chamber_ of _Curiosities_, the _Ushers_ of the _Chamber_ and of the _King's Closet_, his _Peruke-makers_, _Surgeons_ and _Taylors_, the _Negroes_, _Dwarfs_, and _Pages_ of the _Back-Stairs_, the _Architects_, _Engineers_ and _Designers_.

IX. The POST-MASTER-GENERAL is _Maurice-Charles_ Count _de Linar_, who is also one of the Chamberlains, and a Knight of the Order of St. _John_. He is descended from a Family which has been of Eminence for a long time in this Electorate. His good Mien is answerable to his Birth, and by his Politeness, his Manners, and his Expences, he does an honour to the Prince that employs him. The King, after his Coronation, sent him to _Muscovy_ to notify the Accomplishment of that Ceremony to the Empress of the _Russians_, and he still continues at that Princess's Court, to take care of his Master's Interests, which he does in a way that cannot but turn to his own Advantage, and the Honour of the King.[70] This Gentleman was also employ'd by the late King at the Court of _Prussia_, and at the _British_ Court when at _Hanover_, and always discharg'd his Commissions with such Success as was crown'd with his Majesty's Approbation.

X. The MARSHAL of the COURT is _John-George d'Einsiedel_, who is also a Privy-Counsellor, and a Gentleman of a good Family, his Ancestors having possessed the chief Offices of the State. He has visited the princ.i.p.al Courts of _Europe_, where he contracted that polite Turn which is seen in his Behaviour. He is a handsome Man, has a n.o.ble Air, and his Demeanour is answerable. He knows a great deal, and performs all the academical Exercises very well. He married the Daughter of the General Count _de Flemming_ Governor of _Leipsic_, who was a rich Heiress, and to be valued for the Qualities of her Mind. The Marshal of the Court and his Lady are both of the _Lutheran_ Communion. His Office joins him in Commission with the Grand Marshal, the Great Master of the Kitchens, and the Great Cup-Bearer; and like those Officers he carries the short Staff of Silver gilt at the grand Ceremonies. 'Tis commonly he that makes the Court-Entertainments.

_Curt d'Einsiedel_ Marshal of the Court, and one of the Chamberlains, is remarked for his genteel Mien and Extraction. His good Qualities and Deportment render him worthy of all Employments. He is of the establish'd Religion of _Saxony_, and lately married Madamoiselle _de Schoneberg de Maxen_, whose Personal Charms are an Ornament to the Court.

_Ernest-Ferdinand d'Ermandsdorff_, Marshal of the King's Houshold, and one of the Chamberlains, has procur'd himself Esteem by his Merit as well as his good Birth and Breeding. Besides his Knowledge of various kinds which qualifies him for Business, he is Master of several Languages, particularly the _French_. He married a Lady of the Family of _Hesler_, and they are both of the _Lutheran_ Religion.

XI. The CHAMBERLAINS. Of these there are too many to be all mention'd here, so that I shall only take notice of the twelve Pensioners who are in waiting about their Majesties, and without regarding the Seniority of their Admittance. They commonly attend the King and Queen, each a whole Week in their turn, and have the Rank of Major-Generals. The finest Prerogative of their Employment; is the Honour of eating with their Majesties when they are in Waiting, and of being the Depositaries of the Pet.i.tions which are presented to the King in his Pa.s.sage.

1. _Henry Rodolph de Schonfeld_, Lord of _Lowenitz_, is the King's first Chamberlain. He has a fine Presence and Behaviour, and a sweet and amiable Temper. He keeps a handsome Table and Equipage, suitable to his Fortune.

He attended the King, by his Majesty's Order, to _Cracow_, and lastly to _Oliva_.

2. _Helmuth de Plesk_ is of a Family in the Dutchy of _Holstein_, of some Note for their great Estate there, and for the Rank they bear at the Court of _Denmark_, where several Lords of _Plesk_ are in the Ministry. The Gentleman here mention'd is actually the King's Envoy Extraordinary to the Court of _Denmark_.

3. _Augustus-Henry Gottlob_, Count _de Callenberg_, is of this Electorate, where his Family has for a long time enjoy'd a considerable Rank, and a fine Estate. He has been the King's Envoy Extraordinary to the Courts of _France_, _Brussels_, _Cologn_, _Triers_, and the Elector _Palatine_, to notify the Death of the late King, and the Accession of their present Majesties to the Electorate. He married the Countess of _Bose_, lives n.o.bly, and adorns the Court by his Politeness. He is of the Protestant Communion.

4. _John-George de Carlowitz_ is of the same Religion. He is a _Saxon_, and married to Madamoiselle _de Neitsch_. He has a peculiar Talent of gaining the Love of all Mankind; which he owes to his Travels, and his natural Genius.

5. _Frederic-Augustus de Brandstein_, after having finish'd his Studies at _Wittenberg_, travell'd to good purpose to the princ.i.p.al Countries of _Europe_. At his return the late King declar'd him a Gentleman of his Bed-Chamber, and some time after one of his Chamberlains. He is well descended, and what is convenient for a Courtier, he adheres to the Religion which is uppermost in the State.

6. _Detler-Henry d'Einsiedel_, Brother to the Marshal of the Court, honours his Name by his personal Qualities. He is a handsome tall Gentleman, has a grand Presence, and few Gentlemen surpa.s.s him in Good Manners, Address, and polite Literature. He study'd at _Wittenberg_, and afterwards made a Visit to the princ.i.p.al Courts of _Europe_: The last he made was to that of _Sweden_, whither he was sent by the King to notify the Death of his late Majesty, and the Accession of his present Majesty to the Electorate.

7. _Sigismond d'Arnim_, is not only one of the King's Chamberlains, but Colonel of a Regiment of Horse. He is of an ancient Family which has Lands in _Lusatia_. His Employments are owing both to his Birth and personal Merit. He is of the Religion of the Country.

8. _Maximilian_, Count _d'Herzan_, is of _Bohemia_. The late Countess his Mother was the Queen's first Lady of Honour, and attended her Majesty hither from _Vienna_. He is able to cut a Figure at Court, but is absent above half of his time; and is a _Roman_ Catholic.

9. _Charles-Christian de Minckwitz_, is a Gentleman of a fine Mien. As he has been a great Traveller, he has acquir'd a great share of Knowledge and Politeness. He was born a _Saxon_, but has embrac'd the _Roman_ Catholic Faith; tho' he has defeated himself by it of the Reversion of a considerable Inheritance.

10. _Henry-Augustus de Breitenbauch_, is a Gentleman of fine Sense and Manners suitable to his Extraction. Such is his good Taste and Skill in Music, that he has been singled out for the Direction of the King's Pleasures. He is of the Communion of the Country, and marry'd to a Lady of the Family of _Schonberg_.

11. _Nicholas-Schwizinski_ is a Native of _Poland_; he has valuable Qualities, and a great Attachment to the _Roman_ Catholic Religion.

12. _N. N. de Sehgutt-Stanislawski_ is of a Family which was formerly possess'd of a great Estate in _Silesia_, with the t.i.tle of the Counts _de Sehgutt_, till the Conquest of the Country by the _Teutonic_ Knights, when his Ancestors remov'd to _Prussia_; and spreading afterwards in _Poland_, they a.s.sum'd the Name of _Stanislawski_, as what was more agreeable to the _Poles_. This Chamberlain is a Person of strict Honour and Integrity, without any manner of Guile. He spent his Youth at the Academy of _Berlin_ which was erected by King _Frederic_ I. and afterwards enter'd as Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber to _Augustus_ II. who not many Years after made him a Chamberlain of _Poland_, and put him upon the Establishment of _Saxony_; and when the present King came to the Government, he continued him in his Employment. His Majesty also made choice of him to attend him to _Cracow_, and lastly to _Oliva_.

XII. Of the STEWARD of the QUEEN'S HOUSHOLD. Since the Queen's Arrival at _Dresden_, there have been four Stewards of her Majesty's Houshold. The Count _de Diedrichstein_ was the first that had this Place, which he resign'd for the Grand Priory of _Bohemia_. His Successor was the Count _de Konigsegg_ who actually commands the Emperor's Army in _Lombardy_.

This General being recall'd to _Vienna_, was replac'd by the Count _de Wratislau_, and he by the Count _de Waldstein_ who lately quitted that Post to go and take possession of the Office of _Landshauptmann_, or Intendant of _Silesia_, which was conferr'd on him by the Emperor. The Count _de Wratislaw_, who has the care of his Imperial Majesty's Affairs at this Court, officiates there again as Steward. This is the Officer who leads the Queen, and gives Orders to all her Officers and Domestics, and who must be apply'd to by those that solicite for an Audience of her Majesty.

XIII. The _Queen's first Lady of Honour_, is _Theresa_ Baroness of _Stein_, and Countess Dowager of _Collowrat_; who honours her Station by her Virtues, and by the Dignity with which she fills it. The late Count _de Collowrat_ her Husband was Great Chamberlain of _Bohemia_, and one of the chief n.o.blemen of that Kingdom. This Lady, his Relict, is a _Roman_ Catholic, and is such in an exemplary manner. Those Ladies who want to kiss the Queen's Hand, or to pay their Duty to her, must apply to this Lady, who introduces and presents them. She has the Precedence before all other Ladies, and only yields it to the Princesses of the Blood.

XIV. Of the _Governess of the Ladies of Honour, and of the Ladies of Honour themselves_. In the absence of the first Lady of Honour, the Governess of the Ladies officiates. The Baroness Dowager of _Rohr_ worthily fills this Station, and has under her six Ladies, two of whom, _viz._ the Countesses of _Waldstein_ and _Kokersowitz_, are Ladies of the Bed-Chamber, a t.i.tle which procures them Admittance to the Queen's Closet.

All the Ladies of Honour must always appear in the Court-Dress. Their manner of Living is such that it obliges Calumny itself to respect them.

XV. Of the _Lords and Ladies that are attach'd to the Court by their Offices, or by the Favours of the King_.

Tho' the _Polish_ Lords cannot be put upon the Establishment of the Court of _Saxony_, that there may be nothing in common between the two States, yet it may be thought inexcusable not to mention in this place _John-Alexander Lipski_, Bishop of _Cracow_, Duke of _Servia_, and Great Chancellor of _Poland_; not only because this Prelate, who is descended from one of the best Families in the Kingdom, was appointed Bishop of _Cracow_ by the late King, but because he has given signal Proofs of his Grat.i.tude and Attachment to the august Family of his Benefactor. The Virtues of this Gentleman int.i.tle him to Respect: He is pious without Hypocrisy, generous without Ostentation, magnificent without Pageantry, officious meerly for the Pleasure of obliging, a Courtier without Servility, a Man strictly attach'd to his King and his Country, learned without being positive, a great Orator, a good Bishop, and a wise Minister, always ready to embrace a good Proposal, and firm to support it, laborious, vigilant, acting only out of Principle, and by consequence susceptible of Friendship, and scorning Revenge. The late King, out of his Esteem for the Qualities of this Prelate, made him Bishop of _Cracow_, Great Chancellor of _Poland_, and honour'd him with his Order of the White Eagle. By this means he so rivetted him to his Interest, and to that of the Prince his Son, that after his Majesty's Decease, his most Reverend Highness directed Affairs in such a manner that the Republic chose his Son for their King. _Augustus_ II. being proclaim'd accordingly, the Prince and Bishop was appointed Head of the Emba.s.sy which the States of the Kingdom sent to the new Monarch at _Tarnowitz_, to carry him the Diploma of his Election. He spoke upon this occasion with a n.o.ble Eloquence, rendering to their Majesties all due Respects, and yet maintaining the Dignity of the most Serene Republic. Having discharg'd this Commission, he went before the King to _Cracow_, made his Entry there, and took possession of the Bishop.r.i.c.k. Some days after this, he consecrated and crown'd their Majesties in his Metropolis. When the King return'd to _Saxony_, the Prelate followed him, and attended him to _Oliva_; and 'twas he that receiv'd the Allegiance and Homage of the _Dantzickers_ to his Majesty. He is since come hither to rejoin the Court, is belov'd, reverenc'd, and every one does Justice to his Virtues.

_Charles-Lewis_, Prince of _Holstein-Beck_, Colonel in the Service of the King, and Knight of the Order of the White Eagle, is the second Son of the late _Lewis-Frederic_ Veldt-Marshal of _Prussia_, Governour of _Koningsberg_, and Knight of the Order of the Elephant. This Prince married _Anne_ Countess of _Orselska_, the legitimated Daughter of the late King.

_George-Ignatius_, Prince _de Lubomirski_, Sword-Bearer of the Crown, Lieutenant-General of the King's Forces, Colonel of the Life-Guards, and Knight of the Order of the White Eagle, is descended from a Family of very great Distinction in _Poland_. After he return'd from his Travels, being attach'd to the Court of _Augustus_ II. he married the Daughter of the Count _de Fitztuhm_, who was Great Chamberlain; a Lady of such Beauty, such personal Charms, and such fine Sense, that she engages the Veneration of all that know her. Prince _Lubomirski_ is a jolly handsome Man, very polite, thinks and acts agreeable to his Birth, has a good share of Literature, and is perfect Master of Music. He lives in a handsome manner very suitable to his Rank.

The _Princess_ of _Teschen_ is a _Polish_ Lady, and ally'd to the greatest Families in the Kingdom. Her Uncle was the famous Cardinal _Radjowski_, Archbishop of _Gnesna_, and Primate of the Kingdom. She was formerly marry'd to Prince _Lubomirski_, Great Chamberlain of the Crown; but the Marriage was dissolved, so that she quitted the Name of _Lubomirski_ for that of _Teschen_, which she still bears, tho' she afterwards marry'd Prince _Lewis_ of _Wirtemberg_. This Princess supports her Rank with Dignity, has a grand Air, is respected for a n.o.ble distinguish'd and engaging Behaviour, and lives in so handsome a manner, that she is one of the most shining Ornaments of this Court.

_Josepha_ Countess _de Lagnasco_ is the Daughter of the Count _de Wallenstein_, who was Great Chamberlain to the Emperor _Joseph_, and one of the most worthy n.o.blemen of the Imperial Court, by _Eleonora_ Countess of _Losenstein_; a Lady whose Memory is with Justice rever'd by all _Vienna_. The Countess _de Lagnasco_ was the Widow of Count _Thaun_, when she marry'd the late Count _de Lagnasco_, Minister of the Cabinet to _Augustus_ II. General of the _Saxon_ Cavalry, Captain of the Horse-Guards, and Knight of the Order of the White Eagle. Since that n.o.bleman's Decease, which was in _April_ 1732, his Widow has always liv'd at _Dresden_; where she enjoys the Esteem of their Majesties, and the Veneration of the Courtiers. This Countess is Mistress of several Languages to Perfection, thoroughly understands Music, and sings with Grace and Method. Her n.o.ble generous way of living, and her graceful and distinguish'd Behaviour cannot be express'd, nor indeed equall'd to any thing but the Goodness of her Temper. The late Count _de Lagnasco_ is of a good Stature, and his Behaviour polite and civil. I think you know that he was of a Family in _Piedmont_ of some Distinction. How, or when he first enter'd into the Service of the King of _Poland_, I cannot tell you; but I know that he presently insinuated himself into his Master's Favour, by his very great a.s.siduity, agreeable Temper, and by a vast Complaisance to enter into his Pleasures. He establish'd himself so firmly in the King's Favour that the Count _de Flemming_ look'd upon him as the only Rival he had to fear, and therefore he never much lik'd him. The Count _de Lagnasco_ was employ'd in several Emba.s.sies; and when he had finish'd that at _Rome_, which was his last, there was a Talk that he was to go Amba.s.sador to _Vienna_, and that the young Count _de Wackerbart_ was to go to _Rome_. I must further acquaint you that M. _de Lagnasco_ was happy in all respects, even in Marriage, not only with his first, but his second Wife, who, when he married her, was a young, rich, brisk Widow. His first Wife was the Daughter of the Count _de Noyelles_, Lieutenant-General in _Holland_, a Lady of great Virtue, esteemed by all the People at the _Hague_, and possess'd of a considerable Estate, of which, dying young, and without Issue, she made her Husband sole Heir.

_Francis_, Count _de Montmorency_, is a Name too well known to speak of his Extraction. He was a Colonel in _France_ when he went into the Service of _Augustus_ II. who receiv'd him with that Demonstration of Esteem which that King was so ready to grant to Persons of Merit. His Majesty first appointed him Major-General of his Forces, and some time after he declar'd him a Lieutenant-General, and Captain of his Horse-Guards. At that time the Count married Madame _Potschin_, Widow of the Great General of _Lithuania_; a Lady whose Birth, Qualities, and Fortune, recommended her for a very considerable Match. The Countess _de Montmorency_, in the time of her former Husband, went to _Paris_ for the Recovery of her Health, and receiv'd extraordinary Honours at the _French_ Court, where she was admir'd for her Politeness, the Delicacy of her Sentiments, and the Ease with which she express'd them in the Language of _France_; from whence they conceiv'd an advantagious Idea of the Court of _Augustus_ II. not imagining how 'twas possible for the Manners of a Foreign Lady so much to resemble their own. She is also as much rever'd at _Dresden_ as at _Paris_; and all that know her, agree she is highly to be valued for her Sentiments.

_Antoinetta_ of _Lichtenstein_, Countess of _Wallenstein_, is Wife to _Leopold_ Count _de Wallenstein_, heretofore Great Master of the Queen's Houshold; a Lady both belov'd and honour'd at this place, for her Virtues and civil Deportment; and as she is preparing to follow her Husband into _Silesia_, she will carry with her the Esteem of their Majesties, and leave the Court sorry for her Absence.

XVI. _Of the Foreign Ministers who reside at this Court._

_Francis-Charles_ Count _de Wratislaw_, one of the Emperor's Privy Council, and Knight of the Orders of _Russia_ and _Poland_, resides at this Court in quality of Amba.s.sador from his Imperial and Catholic Majesty. He is descended from one of the greatest Families in the Kingdom of _Bohemia_, and a Family which has given wise Ministers to the august House of _Austria_. This Gentleman has been for a long time in the Management of the most important Affairs: He was Amba.s.sador for the Kingdom of _Bohemia_ to the Dyet of the Empire at _Ratisbon_; From thence he went in the same Character to _Poland_, where he was present at the Dyet of _Grodno_. The Emperor afterwards nam'd him Great Master of the Houshold to the Princess Royal and Electoral, now Queen of _Poland_. The Count having worthily acquitted himself of that Office, was for several Years Amba.s.sador at _Russia_, where he concluded that happy Alliance subsisting between the two Empires, and acquired the Esteem of the Empress, who honor'd him with her Order of St. _Andrew_; _Augustus_ II.

having before given him that of the White Eagle.

This Minister, since his Return from _Muscovy_, has moreover been charg'd by the Emperor with important Commissions to the Courts of _Prussia_, _Brunswic_, and _Holstein_. At length he is come back again to this Court, as Amba.s.sador from his Imperial and Catholic Majesty; and officiates also as Great Master of the Queen's Houshold. This n.o.bleman is of a middling Stature, of a happy Physiognomy, is civil, beneficent, and loves Grandeur and Pleasures, but does not abandon himself to them so far as to neglect the Interests of his Master, whose Affairs he negociates with a n.o.ble Candour which has render'd him as much esteem'd at the Courts where he has resided, as he is beloved for his Affability and Politeness. His Wife is the Countess of _Kinski_, whose Father was Great Chancellor of _Bohemia_, under the Emperor _Leopold_, and whose Brother is now in that Office under the most August _Charles_ VI.

_Hermann-Charles Keyserling_, Plenipotentiary Minister from the Empress of the _Russians_, is of a Family of Note in _Courland_. He study'd at _Koningsberg_ in _Prussia_. After he had visited the princ.i.p.al Courts of _Germany_, and return'd to his own Country, he was made Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber to the Dutchess of _Courland_, _Anne_ of _Muscovy_, the present Empress, who employ'd him in several Commissions to the Courts of _Prussia_ and _Poland_. Nevertheless he quitted her Service for one of the judicial Offices in that Country.

When _Anne_ came to the Throne, the States of _Courland_ deputed M.

_Keyserling_ to that Princess, who offer'd him an Employment at her Court, and appointed him Vice-President of the Chamber of Justice of the _Russian_ Empire. Some time after, she made him President of the Academy of Sciences at _Petersbourg_, and sent him to this Court, where he discharges his Ministerial Office with universal Approbation. The Wife of this Minister is the Daughter of the Starost _Forchs_, who, for opposing the Pretensions of a certain Power which challeng'd more Respect, was a.s.sa.s.sinated at _Mittaw_. Both he and his Lady are of the _Lutheran_ Communion.

_John-Hartwig-Ernest_, Baron of _Bernsdorff_, Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber to the King of _Denmark_, and his Majesty's Envoy at this Court, is of a Family which is possess'd of a fine Estate in _Mecklembourg_, and has given an able Minister to the House of _Hanover_. The Envoy, of whom mention is here made, does honour to his Character, and behaves with a Prudence not inferior to Ministers of the greatest Experience.

By the Detail I have now given you, Sir, you must have observ'd that the chief Employments of the Court are in the hands of Foreigners, and that _Saxons_ have little to do in Affairs of State, for which they are oblig'd indeed to the Count _de Flemming_. This vain, haughty, and imperious Minister expected every one shou'd truckle to him. He found that Foreigners were much more submissive than the _Saxons_, who are by nature stately, and Enemies to Slavery in any shape. Count _Flemming_ being dead, it's probable that the _Saxons_ will be more employ'd than they have been; and indeed they have Capacities equal to any Nation in the World. They are well made, robust, agile, laborious, good Soldiers, cunning Courtiers.

They have naturally more Spirit than the _French_ allow to the _Germans_; they improve in the Sciences, and in bodily Exercises, and they have good Writers among them upon all sorts of Subjects; witness the Works of M.

_Leibnitz_, the famous Philosopher, and of _Thomasius_, one of the most able Civilians of his time. The _Saxons_ are addicted indeed to all Pleasures in general, but to none so much as the Bottle and Gaming. They love Pomp and Expence, and are naturally not very engaging, being exceeding ceremonious, and affecting more than all the _Germans_ to ape the _French_, with whom they sympathise very much, particularly in their Fondness for new Fashions, their Forwardness to make new Acquaintance and Friendships, and perhaps too in their Readiness to fall out with them upon very trivial Occasion.

Since I have spoke so much of the Men, I must also give you some account of the _Saxon_ Women. They are all of a fair Complexion, and there are among them the finest Faces in the World. They are generally well shap'd too, which is what they are chiefly taken notice of for: They are tall and slender; they dance well, and have a surprising genteel Air, which they take great care to improve by rich Dress. One Fault I find with them is, that they are very affected, and that they have too much Action when they talk. As to their Tempers, they are reckon'd to be good-natur'd; but then they are subtile and crafty. They love Dress and Ornament more than all Women that I ever saw. They are lively and gay, and pa.s.sionately fond of Dancing and Merriment. When they are told that they are handsome, they are so far from being surpriz'd that they look upon it as a Compliment due to them. When once they love, they love with Tenderness; and there are among them such Examples of Constancy as would eclipse even a _Cleopatra_, or a _Clelia_. These heroic Sentiments of Love they learn from Romances, which they are vastly fond of: But this must be said to their Honour, that Gallantry does not take up so much of their Time and Thoughts as to make them neglect their Business; for they are laborious, dextrous, and amuse themselves with all sorts of Work. They do every thing too with a good Grace; and in a word it may be added to their Praise, that a _Saxon_ Woman wants nothing more to make her amiable, but an Inclination to acquire that Character.