THE SECRET HISTORY
OF THE
COURT OF BERLIN
A NEW letter, excessively rigorous, and tolerably incoherent, has suspended Launay in the exercise of all his functions. Yet I scarcely can believe it is intended to sully the beginning of a reign by useless cruelty. The victim is immolated to the nation the moment the man is no longer in place. The remainder would only be the explosion of gratuitous hatred, since the unfortunate Launay no longer can give umbrage to anyone. Verder is placed at the head of the customs. We shall see what the new established order will produce; or rather, whether they will know how to establish any new order. In the meantime the discharge of forty Frenchmen is determined on, in petto. But I cannot perceive that these kind of Sicilian vespers are likely even to gain the public favour. The theatre here is not sufficiently vast to conceal from the pit what is passing behind the scenes. There is scarcely any illusion possible, except that of actually doing good. I shall endeavour to save Launay, by causing Prince Henry to say, who has at least preserved the privilege of uttering all he pleases, that hitherto the King has really acted in this business as the man of the nation; but that, should he go farther, he will become the man of the persecutors of Launay; that there are public murmurs which affirm he has espoused their hatred, &c. Certain it is that the repetition of the self-important I, in Launay’s estimate, has put the King out of humour, and even in a passion.
His Majesty arrived yesterday, and returned this morning. This seems to be an episode in the romance of Voss which approaches the dénouement, and which is suspended to obtain the three following articles :— Two hundred thousand crowns for her portion. The King refuses (or will only count out a thousand crowns per month, so that the payment will not be completed in less than sixteen years and eight months, which will render the sum a little problematic); a left-handed marriage (to this he consents, but the lady finds that a very equivocal kind of circumstance), or to marry her to a man who shall depart on the bridal day as ambassador to Sweden (there is no certainty of finding a man sufficiently base, in that class which should rank him among ambassadors). Miss avows that, without being amorous, she is rendered exceedingly sensible by a three years’ siege. But what shall become of her?—of her uncle?—her family? What place shall she hold in the public opinion, in city , and Court? Such is the purport of the negotiation conducted by Bishopswerder. I do not suppose him young enough to be the King’s substitute; so that the speculation does not appear to be very certain.
As to the King, there is, indeed, some little curiosity, a degree of obstinacy, and somewhat of vanity, but still greater want of a companion with whom he may be as much of a gossip, may loll, and dress as slovenly as he pleases. The circumstance that shackles the negotiation is that Rietz and her tribe must evacuate the country, and the King is exceedingly attached to her son. It is necessary, however, to add to all this that Mademoiselle Voss relates herself all the tales repeated in public, and even of the most secret courtiers, which concern herself; and this may render the probability of these conjectures suspicious.
The King, it is said, returns to Potsdam till the 8th. He is not there so entirely occupied by business or secret pleasure as to exclude all company. Mr. Arnim is one of his society; a kind of unfinished man of the world, who has acquired many friends by the affability and amenity of his manners and his great fortune, and whose understanding, sufficiently upright and little brilliant, being timid and wavering, neither gives umbrage to the King nor inspires him with fears. In all despotic, countries, one grand means of good fortune is mediocrity of talents. If it be generally true that no positive assertions ought to be made in the presence of princes, and that hesitation and deliberation always please them, I think it peculiarly so applied to Frederick William II.
It is affirmed the assignments are made out, and that this has been the labour of Welner alone. For this reason all the ministers, Schulemburg excepted (perhaps because of his connections with Count Finckenstein, whom the inauguration of Mademoiselle Voss must render powerful), are restless and terrified. Some of them have not yet given in the least account to the King. Estimate by this the state of a country in which everything depends on the industry of the King. Be not astonished that so little mention is made of business, for no business is transacted; the affair of Launay is the only one which is pursued with activity and hatred; everything else slumbers.
A person who comes from Russia assures me that the Empress has long omitted going any more to the senate, and that she habitually intoxicates herself every morning with Champagne and Hungary wine (this is contradictory to every account I have hitherto received); that Potemkin elevates his ambition to the grandest projects, and that it is openly affirmed he will either be made Emperor or be beheaded, at the accession of the Grand Duke. This artful and decisive man, possessed of uncommon fortitude, has not a single friend; and yet the number of his creatures and creditors, who with him would lose their all, is so great in every class of the people, that his party is extremely formidable. He amasses immense treasures, in a country where everything is venal. Accustomed never to pay his debts, and disposing of everything in Russia, he does not find any difficulty in accumulating enormous sums. He has an apartment, the key of which he keeps himself, partitioned out from top to bottom, and divided into a great number of boxes, filled with bank bills of Russia, Denmark, and particularly of Holland and England. A person in his employment proposed the purchase of a library to him, appertaining to a great lord that had lately died. Potemkin took him into his bank bill apartment, where the only answer he made was asking whether he imagined this library was of equal value with the one proposed. Possessed of such pecuniary aid, he has no need of any other to perform whatever he shall dare to undertake at Petersburg.
I must here mention that Doctor Roggerson, who yesterday departed on his return to Petersburg, affirms that no person in Europe leads a more sober and regular life than Catherine II. He, however, has been eight months absent.
I have collected some particulars that are rather curious, relative to the usurpation made on the ducal rights of postage in Courland, of which I have spoken to you in my former despatches. This is an object of some importance, in so small a state; independent of the inquisition that thence results, and of the infraction of the rights of nations. This branch of revenue does not annually amount to less than a hundred and sixty thousand livres. But the following is a singular circumstance, which characterises Russian politics.
Not to commit an act of violence too openly, and to avoid marching troops, which always draws the attention of neighbouring Powers, the Court of Russia proposed, or rather demanded, an amicable conference between the deputies of Courland and commissaries, named to that effect; and appointed their sittings to be at Riga, a Russian fortress on the frontiers of Courland, under the presidency of the Governor of that town. Four deputies from Courland repaired thither at the time appointed; and the Governor signified to them that he had received orders from his Sovereign to arrest them, if they did not sign an act, which he produced ready drawn up, by which the ducal rights of the postage of Courland were transferred to Russia. The deputies, should they refuse, having no other prospect before their eyes but Siberia, purely and simply affixed their signatures : after this, several stipulations, which alienated lesser rights and even portions of the borders of Courland, were in like manner presented and sanctioned. One of the most artful, and the most important, of these stipulations is that which relates to reclaiming the subjects of Russia, who may be found in Courland, and in which the Cabinet of Petersburg have included the very descendants of those who may have been naturalized for ages. It is very evident that this concession leads to unlimited abuse, and innumerable disputes, which will be more injurious to Courland than the most burdensome tax could be; for nothing can prevent the Russian superintendents from feigning, whenever they please, the existence of one or of several of such or such Russian subjects, in such or such a part of Courland, or from taking the refusal of restitution for granted, in order to lay the country under the contribution of an equal number of hundreds of ducats (the sum fixed by the stipulation for each Muscovite whom the Courlanders shall refuse to deliver up), whenever the Russian treasury, or the Russian delegate, shall stand in need of, or whenever the country shall be enabled to pay, such sums of money. I again repeat that similar practices, openly in Courland, in other parts more secretly, similar projects I say, are carried on in all the countries that border upon Russia. Let us return to Berlin.
Trumpel, the groom whom I mentioned to you in my last, is discharged. This exertion has excited much astonishment. The King certainly rouses himself as much as he can, that he may not be governed, and this is the most distinct act of self-will which has hitherto been discernable in the Monarch.
On Thursday evening he supped at the confidential table, at which there are no servants, but the guests are supplied by Tours.[1] The supper was more than gay. Ten persons were present. When it was over, the ladies of honour were visited, one after the other.
Prince Henry, who has this week given grand dinners to the civil and military officers of the Court, a thing he never did before, supped on Monday with the reigning Queen and her whole Court. This proves nothing, except a desire to keep up the appearance of politeness. I forgot to say that he is to give a dinner to-morrow to all the subalterns of the regiment of Braun. This is gratuitous and ridiculous affectation, and will never make his peace with the army, by which he is truly despised.
Baron Bagge, after refusing to pay any visits here, even those that common decorum required, saying that, according to the manner in which he had lived with the Heir-Apparent, it was for the King to send him an invitation, yesterday received this invitation to Potsdam. The incident proves that music still is a passion.
That infamous C—— has written to Chauvier, affirming that he knew, past all dispute, it was to him he was indebted for the obligation of not being permitted to see the King; that he was going into a country in which he should find it easy to injure; and that he would use every exertion to effect his ruin; exclusive of the means with which he had been furnished by Chauvier himself. Chauvier has acted with propriety, and laid the letter before the King.
The nocturnal jaunts continue, I still remain ignorant of the object of the grand motions toward Austria, and reciprocally.
1 Dumb-waiters, or rather a kind of machinery, of French invention, made to ascend through the floor, or pass through apertures in the wall, that the unobserved guests may indulge in the most detestable licentiousness.
THE King himself has interfered to produce a reconciliation between Bishopswerder and Goltz, the Tartar. Peace for the present, therefore is concluded; and the more firmly, because that war open and avowed, is hotly carried on between the fast favourite and Count Goertz. There has been great difficulty in preventing them coming to blows. What may be argued of a King for whom they thus openly contend ? Probably a regiment will be given to Goertz to send him out of the way ; but the payment of his debts is the difficulty, for it appears that the last thing the King will part with is money. The treatment of the aides-de-camp is at length determined on. Bishopswerder has two thousand crowns ; Goltz, the Tartar, and Bowlet each seventeen hundred. The head groom, Lindenau, also has two thousand crowns, with eight places of forage, which may be estimated at six hundred crowns, and fire and candle.—Behold how the sandy plains of Brandenburg, with the aid of Silesia, be it understood, are capable of maintaining an army of two hundred thousand men.
The thermometer of business remains still at the same fixed point. There is no riddance of letters; one chamber is full of packets that remain unopened. The state minister Zedlis has not been able to obtain an answer to his reports for more than three weeks. Everything is in arrear. Yet the mode of living at Potsdam appears to have been tolerably well regulated, though Madam Rietz has been there. The latest hour that the King has risen at has been six o’clock. The Prince of Dessau has never seen him before half-past twelve, and perhaps not half an hour each day, dinner-time excepted. It is at supper that the women make their appearance, and that wrinkled cares are discarded.
Welner has not quitted Potsdam, and two men are continually writing in his apartment. Hitherto he may be regarded as the monarch of domestic affairs. That he is neither deficient in talents nor information is a point undisputed and the eternal disorder of the accounts, added to suspicion of the financiers in power, must have impelled the King to have abandoned himself wholly to Welner, whose obscurity is his recommendation.
I say the eternal disorder; because that in effect Frederick William I., with whom all domestic regulations originated, and in which no alterations were made by his son, kept no general and exact accounts; and acted thus systematically. Being acquainted himself with the whole of his affairs, as he would not suffer any one of his ministers to divine what the state of them was, he made out imperfect, over-charged, and false accounts. Frederick II., who never understood anything of finance, but who very well knew that money is the basis of all power, confined his views to the amassing of large sums and he was so certain that his savings were enormous that he was satisfied with partial accounts. Such an interpretation is certainly more probable, in my opinion, than the imputation of having burnt the general state of debtor and creditor, with the malicious intention of embarrassing his successor. The present King wishes for order, and he has reason so to do ; but it is an Augean stable, and I see no Hercules; at least, among those by whom he intends to be served.
Count Finckenstein has written in very warm terms to the King, to inform him that the provocations of Count Hertzberg are so frequent that they are become insupportable; and that his great age and his last illness made him sincerely desirous of retreat. The King returned a very mild answer, very obliging, and what may be called apologetic; in which he earnestly requested him to remain in office, and promised that the cause of his complaints should cease. He promised, perhaps, more than he can perform. Men of the most opposite tempers served together under Frederick II., and this is one of the characteristic traits of his reign. But it is no small presumption to imitate his manner; it cannot be expected that such imitation should succeed; for, in spite of the servility of the country, liberties are taken that were not permitted under the late King, of whom world spoke very freely, but with whom no person was familiar. The very Academicians now make encroachments. Three new members have been proposed—one Boden, an astronomer; one Meierotto, the rector of a college ; and one Ancillon, a minister of the holy Gospel. Admirable choice! The King testified his surprise with asperity, at this unusual proposition, made without its being even known whether he did or did not intend to increase the number of Academicians. The indiscretion will probably occasion some regulation. He has, however, signed a large YES to the proposal for I know not what Druid of the name of Erman, author of a multitude of vile sermons, and a refugee history, of which four volumes are already written, that might be reduced to thirty pages ; and who has been proposed by the curator only, Count Hertzberg, without the question having been put to the vote.
The Boden of Paris seems to be forgotten, or worse. The King was told that he had written three letters to his Majesty without having received any answer, “I have no answer to give; the fellow came here without orders.”[2] Such was the royal decision ! The King returns to-morrow for a few days. He has been so accustomed to run from place to place, and to make only a momentary stay, that the habit seems to have become one of his wants. M. de H—— wrote to him, three days ago, to know when he might take his leave, but has received no answer.
The grand dinner of Prince Henry to the regiment of Braun was given, yesterday, as I before wrote. All the officers and forty subalterns, who had served under him at the battle of Prague, sat at the Prince’s table. He gave a medal worth fifteen ducats to each officer, a ducat to each subaltern, and a crown to each private. It would be difficult to be more awkwardly ostentatious. Had there been any need to have further injured himself in the King’s opinion, he could not have found a better method; but this was completely done before, and it must be well known too, for Roggerson, who had often visited Prince Henry during his two journeys into Russia, has not been to pay him his respects. The King gave him an audience, it is said, but only for a few moments.
I do not at this instant recollect the name of the person who is arrived from Vienna, and who at the King’s table was very pleasant at the Emperor’s expense, which occasioned a coolness in the King and some gloominess, so as to denote marks of disapprobation-silent, but strong.
The new ribbands are preparing. Moral coin seems to cost the King least. Never was the remark of Frederick II, to Pritwitz more true than at present. The latter complained that the ribband had been bestowed on Braun before himself.—“My ribband,” said the King, “is like saving grace; it may be given, cannot be merited.”
Count Arnim has been appointed master of the hounds and a minister of state, with a vote and a seat in the grand directory. In one of my former despatches I have spoken of him circumstantially. This is a pure choice of favour (and is the more marked because that the place of master of the hounds, taken from Schulemburg, had continually been solicited by Colonel Stein, who was rather in the King’s good graces), but of favour founded, as I imagine, merely on the pleasure taken in the company of Arnim, who is irreproachable in mind and manners. It is only another person of incapacity added to the ministry.
Rotten before ripe. Such I greatly fear will be the motto of the Prussian power. But their millions are good. It will, therefore, be of use to remit new propositions for a loan, if it be really intended to erect a bank, as all packets, gazettes, and private letters affirm, so that, myself excepted, everybody is informed of the project; for in my opinion these would be of more importance than the loan of a hundred and twenty-five millions, which the bank apparently will be able to borrow on its own credit. Struensee, who doubtless will be glad of this occasion of rendering himself useful to the King, has in plain terms asked what he is to think of the disorder of the Caisse d’Escompte; of the letter of the Comptroller General to his administrators; of the project of a bank; of its approaching realization; of the principles on which it is to be established; and especially what kind of directors shall have the management. He thinks the plan good, but is convinced that everything depends on those who shall have the direction. To all these questions, as you must be sensible, I know not what to reply; yet It is requisite I should soon know, because that, not to mention that any negotiation of this kind cannot succeed here except by his aid, for not one of the others understands anything of such affairs, he has a right to interrogate me since I made the first advances.
2 C’est un f—u coquin, qui est venu sans ordre. There is no translating the St. Giles’s eloquence of this phrase.
UNFORTUNATELY, I cannot be blind to what is here daily confirmed by traits which are each more pitiable than the other, concerning the opinion that I have so long forborne to take of the man and of affairs.
The King has just bestowed the riband of the Black Eagle on Anhalt. This gentleman is the son of a cook-maid, and of a multitude of fathers. He was originally a groom; he next sold smuggled coffee to the officers. I know not by what means he became what he is, but I know that his principal function was that of a spy. He was afterwards placed in the service of the present King while Prince of Prussia; and, as he mingled poisonous advice and odious tales, they destined him, as it is said (and the word they is in this case the most bitter of the enemies of the late King), to execute a crime which they neither had the address to colour nor the courage to consummate. Anhalt possesses more military talents than his native folly could promise. His warlike vocation seems to be remarkable by this singular characteristic, that he never possesses coolness except when heading his men. He has arrived whether by these or other means, at the rank of lieutenant-general. As he is without understanding (the little he had he was deprived of by a dreadful fall, for which he was obliged to be trepanned), he continued in favour. He was detested at Königsberg, where he commanded, and this was a kind of recommendation to him at Potsdam, where the kingdom endured forty-six years of disgrace.[3]
Some days before the King’s death, General Anhalt was sent for to Sans-Souci. “You have lately married one of your daughters,” said the King.—“Yes, Sire, I feel I have.”—“How much did you give with her?”—“Ten thousand crowns.” — “That is a large sum for you, who have nothing.” On the morrow they were sent him by the King. Anhalt returned into Prussia. His benefactor died; he beheaded his portrait, and substituted the head of his successor. The new King repairs to Königsberg to receive homage, and bestows a superb box on Anhalt; but, indeed, gives him notice he must quit the government of Prussia in two months’ time, that is to say, at present. Anhalt, being at an auction some days since and seeing a portrait of the late King sold at a low price, very coolly said, “ Right, I’ll give you the other[4] into the bargain.” He retires with a pension of five thousand crowns, a riband, and a promise of being employed in war. This prostitution of reward, apparently extorted from weakness, is endeavoured to be excused by alleging the fear that Anhalt should pass into the service of the Emperor, as he threatened in the following speech, which does not want dignity :— “If you refuse me this favour, I must then go elsewhere, and prove that it is not because of my want of merit.” I do not think this a sufficient reason, for the estates he had purchased near Magdeburg were a sufficient pledge for his person.
Be this as it may, and however singular the choice may appear, which has made a impression upon the public, it must be allowed that Anhalt is a great commander, an officer worth preserving, and that some recompense due to him for the loss of his government of Prussia, with which, mad as he was, and often furious, he could not be entrusted.
But none of these reasons can be alleged in behalf of Manstein, a simple captain, a common and even ignorant officer, but a devout mystic ; who, without any pretext, has been sent for and is destined, as it is said, to be the governor of Hie young Princes, with the title of lieutenant-colonel. To those who look into futurity, this is The whole army is offended. Indeed, it is probably not true; but the very suspicion speaks the public opinion.
A singularity which has not excited less murmuring is that Heynita, minister of state for the department of the mines, is placed at the head of the commission against Wertenberg, a Mad of disagreeable man who has long had the clothing of the troops; a subaltern knave, and perhaps nothing more; or perhaps less so than his predecessors. This species of inquisition, which appears to be the adopted method, and which will not easily be made familiar to the people, whom it will be difficult to persuade that the late King was negligent and a bad economist—this species of inquisition, I say, seems to indicate suspicions of the commanding officers, since the direction of such trials is taken from these officers, to whom they entirely appertained. There are great complaints, and still greater contempt. This must be an ill symptom, especially after a reign of only two months.
Indolence and stagnation, its necessary result, continue to be felt. In consequence of not having the letters sent after him, as was the custom of Frederick II., the King is prodigiously in arrear. He found thousands on his return from Silesia, his journey through which is a striking contrast to the incredible activity of the late King; who, however, did not devote more time, or rather who devoted less, than another to his trade of King. He only set apart an hour and a half each day on ordinary occasions for this purpose; but he never put off the business of the present day to the morrow. He knew, so well was he acquainted with man, that a bad reply was better than none. A heap of memorials and projects are on the table of the present King, most of which relate to military changes, on which he has never cast his eyes, and which have been productive of nothing, except of his vehement aversion for memorials. He regards them as a tax on his sovereign authority; and supposes advice of any kind to be an avowal of an opinion of his incapacity. Among the useless writings which have been remitted to him, there is said to be a memorial from Baron Knyphausen, on foreign politics. There are Indications which lead me to believe it is favourable to our system, and this has given him particular displeasure; its fate, therefore, was to be thrown aside, without hesitation, as the reveries of dotage. The Baron, however, has disowned to me that he is the author of this memorial.
To the same sensation, apparently, which makes him so much detest advice, we must attribute the following singularity. Welner has only had a stipend of three thousand crowns, deducted from the pensions formerly paid to the head officers of the commercial departments; the smallest of which pensions only is granted him, so that he is but the equal of those who have least influence, and have not the same industry. As the few preparations which are made are all made by him, his labour must be very great. A single statement of the money accounts is said to have given him much trouble. At present, the exceedings of the receipts over the expenditure, at least the civil, are known. The sum is greater than was supposed by near one quarter, which is much. It is imagined that the chief part of this surplus will be applied to increase the pay of subalterns. Private soldiers undoubtedly deserve no greater honour than that of dying with hunger. But I scarcely can believe they will dare to offend the corps of the captains.
If the King give but little to those who seem to be his greatest favourites, there yet are indications that he bestows secret largesses; or that he has secret reasons for conferring such on some persons. The chamberlain Doernberg, an insignificant person in my opinion, who quitted the service of the Princess Amelia with ingratitude, she having paid his debts, to enter into that of the Queen, has twice within five days had his salary considerably augmented. At present he has two thousand crowns as chamberlain, a sum hitherto unheard of. What does this denote? Have they at length determined on the scheme or marrying Mademoiselle Voss? Have they cast their eyes on this fortunate mortal, who resembles a baboon? Do they intend insensibly to make his fortune? A captain in the Gendarmes said to me yesterday, “Since royal munificence is so amply showered on Doernberg, I for my part expect an annual gratification of fifty thousand crowns,” This must be either an affair of mysticism, pimping, or marriage. But, if the last, why make so ridiculous a choice? What courtier is there who would refuse Mademoiselle Voss, with plenty of money? I did them too much honour in supposing such were to be found in this Vandalian Court. Not in places where men are accustomed to walk double, will any be found who shall stand erect when such temptations are thrown in their way. Besides, what cannot money effect in a nation so poor ? I not long since saw Brederic, late lackey to Prince Henry, become a kind of favourite, because of his art as a chamber counsellor, and ostentatiously display the cross and riband of a canonry of Magdeburg (Prince Henry is provost of this chapter). Seven thousand crowns, lent by the Prince, have purchased the stall; and the Prince’s well-beloved groom bears the sacred insignia, in a country where there is so much delicacy pretended on the article of birth.
Apropos of his patron. For a week past I have not heard this musical Prince mentioned, the height and depth of whose thermometer are the greatest that ever fell under my observation. The Count of Brandenburg requested permission of him to be present at the banquet he gave to that part of the regiment of Braun who fought under him at Prague. The Prince granted the child permission; and, after having highly caressed him, said, “It is difficult, my little friend, to converse with you here, but ask your father leave to come to my palace, and I shall be very glad to see you.” Thus artful are his politics. He must employ a quantity of such stratagems to reimburse himself for his dinners. One of his table-confidants and admirers said to me the other day, “Is it not very singular that the Prince is so little esteemed, after all that he has done for the army ?” — And he meant by this to criminate the army ! It appeared to me a notable speech.
The anecdote respecting the Academy is still more curious than according to the manner Is which I related it in my last. The Academician Schutz has written a very violent letter to the King, against Count Herlzberg, and concerning the arbitrary manner in which he governs the Academy. The King sent the letter to Hertzberg, a marked token of disapprobation in this country. Busching, the geographer, on the same day, refused a seat in the Academy, unless a should be granted him of a thousand crowns. The only answer given to the complaints of Schutz was the nomination of Erman, by berg, without consulting any person; and the King signed his YES, without objecting to this nomination. Schutz wrote another letter, still more violent; what the consequences were I do not know.
The disgrace of Launay is not so mild as it appears. It is openly avowed that Government only waits till he has furnished Silesia with coffee, and that then he is to be displaced. He very rashly undertook this contract, which he has bargained with traders to fulfil, who are emboldened by his downfall to disown or break their engagements at the moment when, all the navigable canals being frozen, there are such few means of repairing so great a deficiency. But the truth is the commission is suspended, because that they are secretly sending, through different parts of the kingdom, in search of proofs; a truly cruel and tyrannical inquisition, which shows they are rather desirous of the guilt of Launay than of the public benefit.
A man named Dubosc, formerly an eminent merchant at Leipsic, where if I do not mistake he failed, and well known for his visionary adherence to mysticism, has been sent for, and is at present employed, as is supposed, to give in a plan of commercial regulations, as a substitute for exclusive privileges. It should seem they meditate a sally against the Splittgerbers,[5] and that means are seeking to deprive them of the monopoly of sugar; a very just and salutary, but a very difficult and delicate act.
An article of intelligence still more important is that Baron Knyphausen has had a secret conversation with the King; but, though it comes from a good quarter, I will not warrant it to be true. Not that this would much astonish me, I know past doubt that the King, enraged at being obliged to send Count Goertz to Holland, at the very moment when the House of Orange itself complains of this ambassador, wished, after venting a torrent of passion and abuse, to recall both Goertz and Thulemeyer; but that he was stopped short, because of the impossibility of finding a man in a country where there are none; and particularly none fit for ambassadors, a part of administration that was highly neglected by the late King. His successor, perhaps, will be taught that fools are not good for any one purpose.
Postscript.—Nothing new since I wrote this long letter. Various particulars assure me that the Princess Frederica, the daughter of the King, gains great influence, and never meets with any refusal. This doubtless appertains to the history of Voss.
3 By the kingdom, Prussia Royal is meant, for which province the late King had a fixed aversion.
4 Meaning the present King.
5 Splittgerber is a sugar-baker at Berlin, who has for many years enjoyed a monopoly of that commodity.
I FLATTERED myself that M. de H——— would bring me a packet from your Grace. He Informed me you had intended to entrust him with one, and I am exceedingly grateful for the Intention, although I have not profited by it; this I attribute to unforeseen circumstances, which, while I pray for you, have my hearty maledictions.
I hope that the Abbé de P——— has sent you the news of the country, concerning which I have not neglected occasionally to remit anecdotes tolerably characteristic of the moment. I feel the poverty of my own harvest more forcibly than any person; but it ought not to be forgotten that I am neither provided with the pecuniary nor the ministerial means. It is impossible anything should escape the man of France[6] if he be adroit, active, liberal, and has the art to invite proper guests to his daily dinners and suppers; for these are the efficacious means, and not public dinners. He is, besides, a kind of register office, to which all the discontented, the babblers, and the covetous resort. Besides that, his intercourse with subalterns is natural to him, and permitted. I, on the contrary, have need of great art and circumspection, in order to speak without offence or intrusion on public affairs. I rarely can address my discourse to persons in power. My very aspect terrifies them too much. The King never deigns to look at me but their countenances lengthen and grow pale. I have acted, however, to the best of my abilities, and, as I believe, done all I could with means that are very mutilated, very ungracious, and very sterile; nor can I tell whether the person on whom the King bestows a salary of sixty thousand livres, and a post of honour here, sends much more information than I do. But I well know that I, under the same circumstances, would have penetrated many clouds through which, stationed as I am, I have very dark views; and that I would not discredit my nation, as he is accused of doing, by his haughty behaviour, his bitter-sweet aspect, and idleness that greatly resembles ignorance.
M. de H——— will more fully relate, as I suppose, the particulars I have sent. He will tell you our cause is a lost one here, unless a change should take place among the judges; that the way to re-establish our affairs is not to be over hasty; since this would but prolong resistance, among men naturally phlegmatic, and whose phlegm we may safely conclude will not suffer them to continue long impassioned; that he himself was too hasty to come to a country which, at the beginning of the present reign, when each is looking for advancement, is too restless and jealous to suppose that a general officer and an inspector in the service of France could really wish to be in the service of Prussia; that the chaos (for so affairs at present may well be called) must be suffered to subside, and from the nature of things acquire consistency (if on the contrary it should not suffer destruction), though it be but the consistency of apathy, before attempts should be made to interfere; that no person is at present firmly placed; that the grand question—“ Will the King, or will he not, have the courage to take a first minister ?” — is far from being resolved, even by the calculation of probabilities; that on this determination, however, the fate of the country depends, and even the ultimate capacity of the King, whose inability will be of little import if this remedy should be found to be a substitute for his indecision ; that the symptoms are vexatious, and indeed disagreeable, but that we must not pronounce too hastily, because our information is the reverse of complete.
It appears to me indubitable that Prince Henry is ruined past resource; and I fear (in his behalf) that, on this occasion as on many others, chance has arranged affairs better than our precaution. But, whether or no, his cunning, his boasting, his inconsistency, the intemperance of his tongue, and the vileness of his creatures, seconded by the most universal discredit, have added to personal antipathy, and the general and habitual fear of appearing to be governed.
The destiny of the Duke of Brunswick is far otherwise uncertain; nor do I believe it will be decided before there is an open rupture. But it is peculiar to him, and to him alone, that, should he once grasp power, it will not afterward escape him; for a better courtier, a man of deeper views, more subtle, and at the same time more firm and more pertinacious, does not exist.
You may well imagine, my Lord, that, if I suppose facts are too partial and hitherto not sufficiently numerous to be reduced to system, on which conjectures may be formed respecting the King and politics, “I am still much farther from thinking I can, with any appearance of probability satisfactory for a wise man, divine what will be the grand foreign connections, and political influence of Prussia, under the present reign, I have sketched my ideas on the subject in a memorial, which is a work of labour; but which (except the proofs the country affords, and which here, as I imagine, will be found united, and compared, more accurately than anywhere else) is only a succeession of conjectures. It contains many things which may, and perhaps not one of which will, happen. I am fortunate if, in this calculation of the arithmetic of chances, I have so far succeeded as to describe things as they are, and as they may be. From this memorial, accompanied by three or four others, on parts of Germany which lucky chance has given me opportunities of perfectly knowing, a plan may be formed according to which the Germanic edifice may be reconstructed, a work that ought to be begun, if its ruin is not desired. And here, I confess, the indecision of man, the complication of incidents, and the obscurity of future contingencies arrest me at each step; and I have no other guide than what is offered by your grand and noble project of coalition, between France and England, the end of which is to give happiness to the world, and not afford amusement to orators and newswriters.
* * * * *
M. de H———has informed me that your Grace intends coming hither in the spring. This certainly would be the only means of rendering my stay here supportable. But I hope you will not so long be left in inactivity so unworthy of your talents. As to myself, after having paid a tribute for six months, during which I have the satisfaction conviction gives of having employed uncommon assiduity and research, in compensation for want of natural talents, I think I have a right to shake off an equivocal and doubtful existence, every way embarrassing, requiring dexterity fortitude seldom found to preserve personal respect, and in which I consume my time and my strength in a species of labour that has no charms for me, or in the languor of etiquette and company still worse than this labour. Of this I have Informed the Abbé de P——- in express terms.
6 The author undoubtedly means the ambassador.
THE most distressing incident possible has just happened to me. It is a very extraordinary story. Madam de F——— the famous Tribade,[7] coming from the waters of Schwalback, has dropped here as if from the clouds, under a borrowed name, with an immense train, and not a single letter of recommendation except to bankers. Can you imagine what project this profoundly audacious and indeed capable woman has entertained ? The conquest of the King I And as, in punishment for my sins, I have known her long and well, the damnable Syren has addressed herself to me, to lay down a chart of the country for her; and, in return, receive, as a deposit, that high confidence which I should most willingly have bequeathed to Beelzebub. However, as she is a demon of seduction, as she does not ask for money, at least, not at present, and as her qualities of body and mind in many respects correspond with those of the Monarch, if this be not an opportunity to be sought after neither is it one to reject. Beside, as the design is begun, and as it will be better to undertake the direction than be exposed to ridiculous broils, I am at present in search of means to afford her a decent pretence of remaining here a fortnight; taking care to draw my stake, or rather taking care not to put it down.
If the Count d’Esterno were not in every respect one and the same, the affair might presently be managed. She might be going to Petersburg, through Warsaw; waiting here till she could travel in a sledge, which from the setting in of the frost cannot be long first; might give a few select suppers; excite curiosity, &c., &c. But this mode is not to be depended on; it is too subtle for his understanding.
Were not Prince Henry indiscretion itself, nothing could be more easy than by his aid to introduce her to the Court. She might have brought him letters. But in an hour’s time the aide-de-camp, Tauensien, would be informed of everything; as would his aunt, Madam Knibbeck, in five minutes afterwards ; and her I suspect to be the go-between of Mademoiselle Voss. We must depend on our own resources. I shall take care not to entangle myself; though, indeed, her very first step has entangled me. It is a kind of fatality; and how might I escape ?
I have made many reflections on this odd adventure. Our plan must be not to abandon our purpose, and not to be too scrupulous concerning the means. The few we have are, in truth, impracticable.
If she remain in her present situation, there will be no means of seeing the King. The mystics, the Voss party, and the anti-French in general, will all be her enemies. If she conceal her intentions, she will be opposed by the party of the Rietz, and the subalterns. Either I must often visit her, which will render her suspected; or I must not, and she will conduct herself improperly.
If this partake of the adventurer, I voluntarily engross the blame.
Nothing can be done in haste, with a German Prince. Should her stay be long, that stay will of itself divulge the secret.
It is not possible but that, in a week, her true name must be known. The reputation she has acquired will then spoil everything, in a country where seductive qualities will not excuse vice, and where a trip is not the less a trip because made by a woman.
The follies most inexcusable are those which expose to ridicule without compensation, of the number of which this is one. D’Esterno will relate his trifling tales; Boden his trifling scandal; Tauensien propagate his trifling intrigues; before appearance, it will be necessary to let the crowd go by, who will come and endeavour——— I will, therefore, send her to Warsaw, and procure her letters. She may return with other letters, if you do not inform me by what means she may be prevented, should such be your wish; for, though I can delay, how may I forbid her return ? Such I have thought the least hazardous proceeding in this fantastic farce, which I, with good reason, think of greater importance than you may be tempted to do, because that at Paris Madam de F——— is, like many others, little more than a courtesan; while here, the niece of an ambassador and the widow of a P—— G——, &c., will never be supposed not to have been sent by Government, or, at least, not to have come hither under its protection. She, therefore, must not be suffered to commit any great folly.
The King has lately terminated a suit which had been in contest for three-and-twenty years. The Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin formerly borrowed a hundred thousand crowns of Frederick II., and gave some bailliages (or districts) as a security. Hither Frederick immediately sent a regiment of hussars into quarters. The regiment, as you may well suppose, raised recruits. The people of Mecklenburg were shocked by this act of despotism, and offered to repay the late King; who, during twenty-three years, always found pretences to avoid receiving the money. His successor has withdrawn the troops. It is true he loses an opportunity of enlisting some of the country people, but he will annually save thirty thousand crowns ; and there is likewise a new member gained for the Germanic confederation, and what that might be valued at, this is worth.
On Sunday (the 12th), at the principal inn in Berlin, the marriage of the Countess Matuska and a Prussian officer, named Stutheren, was celebrated. The Countess is a sister of Mademoiselle Hencke (Madam Rietz). She thought to have married a Polish gentleman, who some months since withdrew. Once deceived, she next made choice of a young officer. The King has given money, and money enough. It is supposed that Mademoiselle Hencke, who now is said not to be married to Rietz, will retire and live with her sister, that she may not impede the projects formed to enjoy the maid-of-honour in peace.
There are whisperings of a very remarkable: and very secret supper, at which the shade of Caesar was taken. The number of mystics increases. They affirm that the credit of Bishopswerder declines. I do not believe a word of it.
No new act of finance. Depositions against poor Launay are poured in, and in all probability his fortune must purchase his freedom.
Nothing new, or at least nothing certain from Holland, except that Count Goertz has found the way to displease the States, the House of Orange, and the principal persons who are enumerated among the French faction. I well know what a philosopher would deduce from this: the politician will perceive there are commissions the discharge of which he never ought to undertake.
7 A woman-lover.
IT is every day more apparent that the King does not forget those who were attached to him before his accession to the throne; and this propensity, which is successively developed, proves him, at least, an honest man. Count Alexander Wartensleben, an officer in the guards, whom I have several times mentioned, had been educated with him. Hence that intimacy which will not admit of secrets. The late King sent for Wartensleben, and said to him, “I am pleased to see you so very intimate with my nephew; continue your friendship. But it is also necessary you should serve the state, I ought to be informed of the proceedings of my successor. Mein liebes Kind[8] you will come and let me know what passes at your parties of pleasure. I shall not forbid them. I shall only warn you when there is any danger; and of this you yourself will inform the Prince of Prussia. Depend upon me, mein Schatz.”[9] Wartensleben, who knew the old fox, replied “that he was the friend of the Prince, the friend of his heart, and that he would never become his spy.” The King then assumed his furious countenance. “Herr Lieutenant,[10] since you will not serve me, I will at least take care that you shall obey.” On the morrow he was sent to Spandau, where he was imprisoned three months, and after that, ordered to a garrison regiment in the very farther part of Prussia.[11] On the new King’s accession he was recalled. After a momentary displeasure, which Wartensleben’s refusal to go to Sweden occasioned, and which perhaps was the contrivance of the other favourites, the King has bestowed a prebendary on him, the income of which is valued at twelve thousand crowns; and, according to all appearance, intends to give him the command of the guards.
The following is a second example of a like kind. When the suit was carried on against the minister Goern, who was superintendent of the College of Commerce, among his papers was a bill on the Heir-Apparent for thirty thousand crowns. The money must be procured within twenty-four hours. Arnim went in search of the Prince, and offered him the sum, which was most joyfully accepted. This probably is the origin of the favour which the new minister enjoys; I cannot conjecture any other, except what may be deduced from the King’s easiness of character, his indecision and mediocrity of mind ; which, however, is just and clear, as I have said in my former despatches.
The King has done a third humane and generous act. His first wife, the Princess Elizabeth of Brunswick,[12] has received an increase of allowance, consisting of the revenues of the bailliage of Ziganitz, which amount to twelve thousand crowns, with liberty to retire wherever she pleases. Certain of not being received by her family, she will remain at Stettin. But the news has transported her with joy. She has publicly declared that the lady of General Schwerin, her gouvernante, has no more right to give her any orders; and, for the first time these eighteen years, she took an airing on horseback with Mademoiselle Plates, that she might immediately enjoy that liberty to which she was restored.
A trait which we ought to add, in proof of the King’s morals, is his having given up the letters to Prince Henry, which passed in his correspondence with Frederick. Their number amounts to five hundred and eighty-seven, on state affairs, from the year 1759 to the year 1786. It had been unseasonably reported that the Prince was privately of his brother’s opinion concerning their nephew. These letters, however, have proved that he did not wish it should be known. He even rendered him services; and, for example, when Count Wartensleben, of whom I have just spoken, was imprisoned, he sent him a grant of a pension of a hundred a year, which he still enjoys.
The famous chamber hussar, Schoening, the confidential man of the deceased King, has lately been appointted assistant to the cashier of the military chest, with a salary of three thousand crowns. This certainly is not a rancorous act. Schoening, indeed, is not a man without intelligence ; and he is the depositary of numerous secrets, which ought not at present to be made public, perhaps never.
In opposition to all these good actions, we must place the apathy of the King, on the subject of his personal debts. He is in no haste to pay those that are not of the household, and there is a very considerable sum appertaining to the latter which remains unsettled.
It is determined that the King is to discharge all the persons employed as tax-gatherers on the French finance system, which in itself is a laudable act; for, were there a necessity for some years to prolong the farming of the customs, yet, either the French collectors already have, or never will have, taught the Germans the mode of transacting the business. And is not the Prussian Monarch the king of Germans ? But innovation is a very delicate thing; and I see no preparations made to lessen the shock that must be received. The farmers of tobacco and snuff have been informed that their administration must cease on the 1st of June, 1787. All persons thenceforward will be allowed to cultivate tobacco, and to make and sell snuff. This is a very important object; for the tobacco that grows on these barren sands is some of the best in Germany, and formerly was a very considerable branch of trade. On the 1st of July grants are to be delivered, gratis, to whoever shall make the requisition. (Nay, freedom is promised for coffee, too.) From 1783 to 1786, the duties on snuff and tobacco had yielded about sixteen hundred thousand livres more than the sum they had been estimated at by the King; so that these formed a revenue of something more than a million of crowns, and sometimes a million four hundred thousand; amounting from about a hundred and seventy to two hundred thousand pounds sterling. Yet the collectors had not the right of buying the leaf tobacco; they were obliged to purchase it from the warehouses of the Maritime Company, by whom it was sold at a profit of cent per cent. These collectors committed infinite vexations on the subject, to obtain a surplus, with which it was necessary to come before the King when they delivered in their accounts; otherwise, he could neither find wisdom in their proceedings nor talents in themselves. The King leaves the collectors their salaries till they can be provided for, and this is humane; for the change will affect not less than twelve hundred families. But how will they find a substitute for this revenue ? A capitation tax is spoken of, and is certainly under deliberation. The subjects are to be comprised in twelve classes: the rich merchants are to pay twenty-four crowns ; the rich inhabitants, twelve crowns; two crowns for obscure citizens; and the peasants something less than two shillings. What a manner of beginning a reign it is, to tax persons before property ! In the collection of this odious tax, which sets a price on the right of existence, the tobacco excisemen are to be employed. The capitation, however, is somewhat softened by being paid by the family and not by the head. But the proselytes to, and even the apostles of, this project do not estimate the tax at more than two millions of crowns annually; which sum is the product of tobacco and coffee united, but which scarcely will supply the deficiency; and those who understand calculation in finance will be careful not to estimate a tax equally productive in figures and in reality. I am surprised that he does not first gain a better knowledge of substitutes; and that he should begin by operations which I have pointed out as things to prepare, and should defer those with which I thought he ought to commence.[13]
Heinitz, minister for the department of the mines, and president of the commission commanded to examine the administration of General Wartenberg, warned no doubt by universal clamour, has remonstrated to the King that it is requisite to add some military men to the commissioners. His Majesty has in consequence appointed General Moellendorf.
To give a specimen of the malversations attributed to the Jew Wartenberg, which it is said were highly surpassed by his predecessors, the following trait is cited. He made up clothing for a regiment of foot, without having milled the cloth. The coats were so tight that they scarcely would button on the men. The first day they were worn by the regiment there happened a heavy shower. The quartermaster said that, if the soldiers pulled off their regimentals, they never could put them on again; accordingly they were commanded to lie all night in their clothes, and dry them upon their backs.
The next is an example of another kind, and characteristic of Frederick II. One of the cash-keepers of Wartenberg stole eighty thousand crowns. The General informed the King, and waited his commands. Frederick replied he had nothing to say to the matter, for he was for his own part determined not to lose the money. Wartenberg understood this jargon, assembled all the army clothiers, and requested they would divide the loss, under pain of being no more employed. The clothiers cried, cursed, lamented their wretched destiny, and subscribed. Wartenberg wrote to the King that the money was again in the military chest. Frederick sent a very severe answer, and concluded his letter by telling him “this was the last time he should be pardoned.”
Private anecdotes continue much the same. The general report is that the King is to espouse Mademoiselle Voss with the left hand; a German mode of ennobling courtesans, invented by pliant courtiers and complaisant priests to save appearances, say they. This lady still continues a mixture of prudery and cynisme,[14] affectation and ingenuousness. She can find understanding only in the English, whose language she speaks tolerably well.
Manstein is suspected to be the author of some of the intended changes in the army, the purport of which is to better the condition of the soldier and the subaltern, at the expense of the captain. I repeat, this last is a formidable cohort ; and that innovations of such a kind require great foresight and inflexible fortitude. Prince Henry, who is profoundly silent, in public, concerning all operations, will very warmly take part with the army, should it find cause of complaint; and hopes thus to regain what, by his excessive haughtiness, he has lost. But the army aristocracy know him too well to confide in him; they know that the Gitons[15] have been, and will always continue with him, the sovereign arbiters; that, when circumstances have obliged him to seek the aid of men of merit, he has always found their presence a burden, which his crazy frame has shaken off as soon as possible; that, in fine, his day is ended, with respect to war, and that he is odious to the ministry.
It seems one Count Brühl is chosen governor of the Prince Royal; and nothing better proves the influence of Bishopswerder than this eternal preference of Saxons. Count Brühl, son of the ostentatious satrap of the same name,[16] brother of the Grand Master of the Saxon Artillery, amiable, well informed, really or pretendedly believing in the reveries of the mystics, with little of the soldier, yet willing to profit by circumstances and to enter the military career with gigantic stridesthis Count, I say, demands to enter the service as a lieutenant-general; a thing unheard of in the Prussian army, and which will cause infinite discontent.
An interdict has lately been issued, prohibiting the discount of bills at the bank; which is very wise in theory, but here accompanied by great inconveniences in practice; for either the bank or the King must pay the interest of two and a-half per cent, for about seventeen millions of crowns, which is the amount of the capital of and the money brought into the bank, in a country where monied men find no means of employing their capitals. The bank cannot pay this two and a-half per cent, without becoming burdensome to the King, except by discounting bills of exchange; and it will hereafter be the less able, if the Maritime Company, founded as I have before said, on so frail a basis, and obliged to divide at least ten per cent, to the proprietors, should lose any one of its most beneficial exclusive privileges; that of wood, for example; and should not be able to afford the bank, to which the Maritime Society pays five per cent, for all the money it there borrows, the same sources of profit which have hitherto been open.
First Postscript.—The minister Schulemburg has resigned; his resignation is not yet accepted.
The King yesterday supped with his daughter. Mademoiselle Vierey—the intimate friend of Mademoiselle Voss, and placed by her in his daughter’s service since his accession to the throne—and the well-beloved. Hence it should seem that the romance draws toward a conclusion.
It is more than ever certain the King transacts no business, and that he is mad after pleasure. The secrets of the palace on this subject are very ill kept indeed ; and nothing, as I think, can better prove the feebleness of the master, the little awe in which he is held, and the worthlessness of his creatures.
Second Postscript.—The King is so terrified by the universal clamour which the capitation tax has excited, that it is renounced. Some of his intimates to-day spoke to me of substitutes ; but what can be expected from an avaricious and weak prince, whom two days’ murmuring have caused to retreat, and to whom we can only say, “ Tax the estates of the nobility, and lend out some of your millions ; that you may procure the interest which nations in debt are obliged to pay.”
8 My good child.
9 This corresponds very well with the Irish phrase, my jewel, or, my honey.
10 Mr. Lieutenant.
11 This was a mode of punishment with the late King, and a very disagreeable one to the sufferers; for, beside confinement, little pay, and no hopes of preferment, it was a public mark of contempt.
12 Divorced, banished the Court, and confined at Stettin, for her incontinence.
13 The author doubtless alludes to his memorial, which will be found at the end of this volume.
14 We know no such word.
15 This word has a meaning too offensive to be translated. If the reader has unfortunately ever heard of the most contemptible of wretches, and the most unnatural of crimes, he may then be his own interpreter.
16 Who was page to Augustus II. of Saxony, prime minister to Augustus III., favourite to his Consort, hated by the late King of Prussia, and who had the greatest number of coats, waistcoats, etc., than any other man in the world.