Chapter II: Part 2

His Court was so numerous that upon the Road from _Berlin_ to _Konigsberg_, which is reckon’d fourscore _German_ Miles, there were no less than thirty thousand Hackney-Horses, besides those belonging to the Stables of the King and Princes. The King, who was excessively fond of Ceremony, omitted nothing that could be an addition to the splendor of his Coronation. This Ceremony cost him immense Sums of Money, and convinc’d Foreigners who came thither from a curiosity to see it, that our Court was inferior to few others for Magnificence.

Tho’ one would think the preparations for such a solemn Festival must take up a tedious deal of time, yet the King’s Impatience hurry’d them so fast that every thing was ready by the eighteenth of _January_, about a Fortnight after the Arrival of the Court. The Proclamation for erecting _Prussia_ into a Kingdom was made two Days before the King’s Coronation, with the sound of the Cannon, and all the Bells of the City, by four Heralds at Arms in Mantles of blue Velvet with the Royal Arms thereon embroider’d, and riding upon Horses richly accouter’d, the Housings being of Silver-Brocade, sprinkled with Eagles and Coronets of Gold. They went with a very numerous Train to the chief Quarters of the City, and there made Proclamation in these terms:

_Whereas it has pleased the Divine Providence to erect this Sovereign Duchy of +Prussia+ into a Kingdom, and to set up for our King the most High and most Potent Prince +Frederic I.+ our gracious Sovereign; we have thought fit to give notice thereof to the People of this Kingdom, that they may say as we do, “Long live +Frederic+, our most Merciful and most Gracious King! Long live +Sophia-Charlotte+, our most Gracious Queen.”_

The King to render the Ceremony of his Coronation still more august, instituted the Day before[2] the Order of the _Black Eagle_, the Badges of which are an Orange Ribband with a Cross hanging to it enamell’d with Blue, in form of the Cross of _Malta_: In a Star of Silver which is embroider’d upon the Coat, there is a black Eagle which gripes in one Claw a Crown, and in the other a Scepter; and round the ’Scutcheon are these words, _SUUM CUIQUE_, (i. e. to every one his own.) The principal Statutes of this Order are, 1. That the Number of the Knights shall not exceed thirty, exclusive of the Princes of the Royal Family, and Sovereign Princes. 2. That the Knights shall prove their Nobility by sixteen Descents. 3. That they shall promise to be just, chaste, and to protect and support Widows and Orphans, according to their motto, _Suum cuique_.

Tho’ it was contrary to custom, to install the Knights before the Coronation, the King was not so scrupulous as to conform to it, foreseeing that the Ceremony of his Coronation receiv’d a new Lustre from this Foundation. Nevertheless the Knights and Officers of the Order had then no other Badges but the Ribband and Star embroider’d on their Clothes; and ’twas not till two Years after that the King gave to the new Knights, for days of Ceremony, a Dress consisting of a Vest of Cloth of Gold, with another over it of Sky-blue Velvet, reaching down to the Mid-leg, with a Lining of Straw-color, and ty’d under the Cravat with yellow Ribbands, the Tassels of which hang down to the Knees. Their Sash is of Straw-color’d Velvet, embroider’d with Gold. Their Mantle is also of Straw-color’d Velvet, lin’d with Gold-Mohair, and over it is a Collar of Gold enamell’d with blue, forming these two Letters _F. R._ to signify _Fredericus Rex_: This is call’d the Grand Collar of the Order. The Knights wear black Velvet Caps on their Heads, with white Plumes of Feathers. The King’s Habit differs not from that of the Knights; but the Habits of the Grand Master of the Ceremonies, the Secretary, and the Treasurer, differ in that they only wear over their common Clothes full Gowns of Straw-color’d Velvet, with an Orange-color’d Lining, and upon them the Cross of the Order, fasten’d only by an Orange-color’d Ribband that hangs to their Neck.

The King at the first Promotion, or rather on the day that he instituted the Order, created the full number of Knights, prescribed by the Statutes. He also gave the Ribband of the Order to the Electoral Prince his Son, and to his two Brothers the Margraves _Christian_ and _Albert_. The Margrave _Philip_ staying behind at _Berlin_ to govern in the King’s Absence, the Ribband was sent to him by a Gentleman of the Bed-chamber.

On the Coronation-day, about nine in the Morning the King was dressed by the great Chamberlain, attended by all the Officers of the Bed-chamber. His Coat was Scarlet embroider’d with Gold, and brilliant Diamonds were his Buttons. Over that, he had a Royal Mantle of Crimson-Velvet, lin’d and turn’d up with Ermin, which was fasten’d to his Breast by a Clasp of three Diamonds. As soon as the King was dressed he went into a Hall in his Apartment, where a Throne had been erected, on each side of which, there lay on two Tables of Silver the Royal Ornaments that were to serve the King and Queen. The King being seated on his Throne, ordered they should be brought to him, and they were accordingly presented to him on the Knee. Having the Crown in his Hand, he put it himself on his Head, and then taking the Sceptre in his right Hand and the Royal Globe in his left, in that posture he receiv’d the first Homages of the Prince Royal and of the Margraves, who bent one Knee before him. After this the King arose and went to the Queen’s Apartment, preceded by the Knights of the Order, the two Margraves, the Prince Royal, and the Noblemen that carried the Regalia design’d for the Queen.

Her Majesty was dress’d in a Purple Gown, and a Royal Mantle like the King’s. She was dress’d in her own Nut-brown Hair without any Powder, which in conjunction with the Lustre of the Diamonds gave her an Air still more noble and majestic. As soon as she perceiv’d the King, who met her at the entrance of his Chamber, she fell on her knees, in which situation the King embrac’d her, and with his own Hands set the Crown upon her Head. She took the Scepter and Globe from the hands of the Lords who carried them, and the King raising her up she follow’d him into his Apartment, where she also receiv’d the Homage of the Prince Royal and the Margraves, in the same manner as they had perform’d them to the King.

Their Majesties went afterwards to Church with all the Pomp and Magnificence, (I dare to say it) of the ancient Kings of _Asia_. The King walk’d under a Canopy of Silver-Brocade embroider’d with Gold borne by ten _Prussian_ Lords of the first Quality, and at some distance came the Queen under another Canopy like to that of the King. The Grand Chamberlain held up the Train of the King’s Mantle, and the Queen’s was born by the Duchess of _Holstein_, and the Ladies _Stingland_ and _Bulau_, the one Lady of Honour to the Queen, and the other having the first Reversion of that Office. The Duke of _Holstein_ officiated as Great Master of her Houshold; and the Princess of _Holstein_ walk’d at the head of the Court-Ladies. Their Majesties were receiv’d by the two Bishops that were to perform the Ceremony of the Coronation, who were dress’d in purple Velvet, after the _English_ mode, and had for their Assistants six Ministers, three of them _Calvinists_ and three _Lutherans_. They conducted the King and Queen to their Thrones which had been erected on the two sides of the Altar, the King’s on the Right, and the Queen’s on the Left. Tho’ there is no Altar in the _Calvinist_ Churches, the King had one, and had actually made a present of a magnificent Crucifix to be plac’d upon it, in order to shew how much he wish’d the Union of the two Protestant Churches.

The Prince Royal seated himself a little behind the King towards the Right on a Folding-chair, with his Governor the Count _de Dobna_ behind him: The Margraves also sate in two Folding-chairs on both sides of the Queen. The Duke and Duchess of _Holstein_, and the Ladies _Stingland_ and _Bulau_, sate upon Stools immediately behind the Queen. The Princess of _Holstein_ was also placed upon a Stool, but a little farther off. On both sides of the Altar two Galleries were erected, the one for the Duchess of _Courland_ the King’s Sister, the young Duke her Son, and the three Princesses her Daughters-in-Law, the other for the Ambassadors and Foreign Ministers.

When the King was to receive the sacred Unction, he went and kneel’d at the foot of the Altar, gave the Globe and Sceptre to the Lords who had before carried them, took off his Crown with his own hands, which he plac’d on a Cushion like to that on which he kneel’d, and then receiv’d three Unctions, one on the Forehead, and the two others on his Wrists. The Great Chamberlain dried up the Oil with Cotton and Linnen, which one of the Ministers presented to him on a Plate of Gold. After this the King took his Crown again which no other hand had touch’d, and plac’d it himself on his head; and having also taken the Sceptre and Globe again, he went and replac’d himself on his Throne. The same Ceremonies were observ’d at the Anointing of the Queen, with this difference only, that she all the while kept the Crown on her Head, and that Madame _Stingland_, her Lady of Honour, dried up the Oil.

This done, the two Bishops with the six Ministers pay’d the first Homage to both the King and Queen. The Bishop at Consecration said to the King, _May Blessing and Prosperity attend_ FREDERIC KING OF PRUSSIA! _May the Lord, the God of our King say the same! May he continue his Presence with him as he has done hitherto, to the end that his Royal Throne may aggrandize his Power from day to day._

The same Bishop said to the Queen, _May Blessing and Prosperity attend_ SOPHIA-CHARLOTTA QUEEN OF PRUSSIA! _May the Lord our God preserve her for a Token of his Blessing to her People, and may she from this time forward see Prosperity and Salvation spread ever her Royal Family, and over her Children, in the Peace of_ Israel!

While the Music as it were repeated these same words, the Prince Royal and the Margraves went and paid their Homage also to the King and Queen, kneeling on the last Step of their Throne and kissing their Hands. The Homage of the other Nobility only consisted in their making a profound Obeysance without stirring out of their places.

The Bishop who had perform’d the Consecration, turning about to the People, said with a loud Voice, _Fear God and honour your King and your Queen, for their Power cometh from the Lord who hath created Heaven and Earth. May the same Lord vouchsafe to be their Guide and Guardian! May he cover them with his Shadow, that the Heat of the Sun and the Rays of the Moon, may never hurt their Sight! May the Lord keep them from all Evil? save their Souls, and go in and out before them with Blessing, till Time Shall be no more._ After some other Prayers, the King renew’d the Edicts against Duels, and swore to observe them upon the Holy Gospels. And therewith ended this long Ceremony.

The King had all the reason in the World to be pleased with it, by reason of the exactness with which every one perform’d his Function, which was a thing hardly to have been expected in a Ceremony that was quite new to the Performers; but they so well knew his delicacy in every matter of Ceremony, and the Emulation they had to please him in this Taste was such, that the most consummate Experience could not have acquitted itself better.

The Queen herself was the only Person that got a reprimand, and that was by her taking some Snuff. Her Throne being over-against the King’s, she watch’d a long time for an opportunity, and when she thought his Majesty did not observe her she stole out her Snuff-Box. The King happening to turn his Eyes towards her the very same moment, she would fain have conceal’d it, but his Majesty’s Countenance was so fix’d on her that she was convinc’d he perceiv’d it; and indeed this Prince who was upon this occasion not to be trifled with, immediately order’d one of his Gentlemen who was behind him to go and ask the Queen in his Name, _Whether she remember’d the Place where she was, and the Rank she held there_.

The King and Queen going out of the Church caus’d Gold and Silver Medals to the value of ten thousand Crowns to be scatter’d among the People, which had on one side their Effigies with these words, _FREDERICUS ET SOPHIA-CHARLOTTA, REX ET REGINA_; and on the reverse a Crown with these words, _PRIMA MEÆ GENTIS_.

The Ceremonies at the Royal Feast which follow’d, were not much short of those at the Coronation. It was kept in the great Hall of the Palace, to which the King and Queen repair’d almost with the same Train, and in the same order as they had observ’d going to Church.

When they were seated at Table, their Majesties return’d their Sceptres and Globes into the hands of the Lords who had the Honour of carrying them before. These Lords then plac’d themselves at each side of the Table, and remain’d there during the whole Feast. The Prince Royal, the two Margraves and the Duchess of _Courland_ the King’s Sister, were the only Persons that had the honour of dining with their Majesties. Of all the Ceremonies that were observ’d there, the two following are what I have no where seen but in _Germany_. As soon as the King and Queen had taken their Seats at Table, the two Grand Marshals went out of the Hall into the Courtyard of the Palace, and from thence rode on horseback to the great Stables attended by Kettle-drums, Trumpets, and a great many Officers of the King’s Kitchen. There they found a whole Ox roasting on a Spit and stuff’d with all sorts of Wild-fowl, of which they cut off a piece and carry’d it in a Gold Dish to their Majesties Table.

After this, the Great Cup-Bearer went with the like Train to the same Stables, where there were two Fountains of Wine running from the Beaks of two Eagles. Of this he fill’d a gold Goblet, and went and presented it to the King. His Majesty having taken it and return’d it to him, he presented it afterwards to the Queen, who return’d it to him in like manner; and then he carry’d it to the great Beaufet, which was set up at the other end of the Room over-against the King’s Table. As often as the King or Queen drank, nine Cannon were fired; six when the Prince Royal drank, and three whenever the Margraves and the Duchess of _Courland_ drank.

This Repast held a very long time, yet none of the Courtiers sate down to Table till their Majesties were retir’d to their Apartments. About nine o’clock at Night all the Bells in the City were rung, and the Noise of the Cannon added to that of the Kettle-drums and Trumpets, serv’d as a signal for the Bonfires that were lighted in all the Cross-streets. The Burghers illuminated the Fronts of their Houses. Some of the most substantial had also erected Triumphal Arches before their Houses, with Emblems and Devices; others let Wine run for the Populace, and in short there was no Burgher but strove to signalize their Joy some way or other.

Their Majesties being desirous to honour the public Rejoicings with their presence, went into the Streets about ten o’clock in a magnificent Coach, accompanied by all their Courtiers on horseback. When they came before the Town-House they were harangu’d by the chief Burgo-Master, who presented them with a Collation in Panniers of Silver, after which they pass’d by the House of the Duke of _Holstein_ Governour of _Konigsberg_. The Front of the House represented the Temple of Glory; the Duke’s Gentlemen represented the Priests of the Temple, and threw Amber and Incense into the Coals which were upon the Altar; the Duke’s Children, who were eight in number, were dressed like Shepherds and Shepherdesses, and as the King and Queen pass’d by, the eldest presented them with a Basket of Flowers, and pronounc’d some Verses to them in the _German_ Language, expressing the Vows which all the People made for the duration of their Prosperity. Their Majesties, after stopping some time before this House, return’d to the Palace.

Throughout all the King’s Dominions there were the like Demonstrations of Joy, and the Coronation-day was celebrated every where like a Sunday. The King and Queen spent the whole Carnival at _Konigsberg_, where they receiv’d the Count _de Tobianski_ the Great Cup-bearer of _Poland_, who came as Ambassador from the King his Master, to congratulate their Majesties on their Coronation. It must be observed in the mean time, that the Republic of _Poland_ never recogniz’d the King of _Prussia_’s Royalty, tho’ two of its Kings, _viz._ the Elector of _Saxony_, and King _Stanislaus_ four years after recogniz’d him by their Ambassadors.

The departure of the Court for _Berlin_ was fix’d for the eighth of _March_. As the King had not yet made his entry at _Konigsberg_, the Citizens entreated him to permit them to accompany him as far as the limits of their Territory, which was granted them. Then several triumphal Arches were erected, all the Streets were hung with Tapestry, and the King set out from _Konigsberg_ attended by all the City Companies. His Majesty rode on horseback, supported by two Equerries on foot. His Clothes were of Crimson-Velvet lin’d with Ermin and embroider’d with Gold, and the Buttons were of Diamonds. He had on his Hat a Loop and a Hat-band of Diamonds. His Horse was most richly accouter’d: The Bit, Stirrups, and all the Ornaments of the Bridle, were of massy Gold; the Housing of Crimson-Velvet, all cover’d with Gold Embroidery and Diamonds. The Queen’s Coach was also of extraordinary Magnificence. Her Majesty sate in it accompanied only by the Duchess of _Courland_, who sate over-against her.

In short, they went out of _Konigsberg_ with all the Pomp and Apparatus that us’d to attend Public Entrys. When their Majesties were got a quarter of a League out of the Town, they alighted and went into their Travelling-Coaches, and there they received the last Compliments which were paid by the Echevins bare-headed and kneeling. Then the King and Queen return’d into the City through another Gate, and staid in their Palace till next day that they set out for _Berlin_.

The Court was oblig’d to go by the way of _Dantzic_, because of the sudden Thaw of the _Weissel_, which render’d it impassable. The Magistrates of _Dantzic_ immediately sent out Deputies to their Majesties, to intreat them to permit their City to make a public Entry for them; but the King thank’d them, and was not willing they should be at any expence. Nevertheless at the Entrance of the Territory of _Dantzic_ two Burgo-Masters, four Counsellors, and the Syndic of the Town, at the head of the Youth on horseback, went and paid their Majesties a Compliment. He that spoke was the chief Burgo-Master, who pray’d their Majesties to suffer the City to defray their Expences, while they stay’d in their Territory. The King and Queen alighted at a House erected on purpose for their Reception, which was of Wood, and represented the Temple of Glory. There their Majesties found a magnificent Collation and a very fine Concert of Music. In other Rooms several Tables were set up for the Gentlemen of his Retinue. The King and Queen having spent the Night there, pass’d thro’ _Dantzic_ next day, and went over the _Weissel_, which at that part of it was still frozen. Yet as there was cause to apprehend that it was not froze hard enough to be pass’d with safety, the Magistrates, to prevent any Accident, had cover’d the Ice with Straw, Beams and Planks; and twenty-four young Men and as many Lasses, dressed like Sailors in Jackets of Velvet and Sattin, assisted the King and Queen in their passage; during which, the Girls presented them with Fish, Fruit, Sweet-Meats and Flowers, and the young Sailors play’d to them on several Instruments of Music. When their Majesties had passed the River, they dismiss’d the Deputies of the City, and made them each a Present of a Gold Chain and Medal, on which were their Effigies. On the seventeenth of _March_ the King arriv’d at _Potzdam_[3], and the Queen at _Lutzelbourg_. The King who had a Design to make a solemn Entry at _Berlin_, stay’d at _Potzdam_ till the sixth of _May_, to give time for making the necessary Preparations to receive him, and for the finishing one of the Fronts of his Palace, which he wish’d might be compleated by that day.

Towards the latter end of _April_ the King set out from _Potzdam_ for _Schonhausen_, where the Queen met him some days after, and there their Majesties prepared to make their Entry into Berlin.

This Ceremony was perform’d with all the Pomp and Magnificence possible. The City had caus’d seven Triumphal Arches to be erected; the Description of one of those Arches may suffice to give an Idea of the Taste of our Court for Entertainments of this kind. This Arch, which was at the Bars entring the Suburb, seem’d to have been built by Gardeners. It was one entire Green-house with Pillars and Pilasters, adorn’d with Flowers. _Pomona_ and _Flora_ were seen to support the Pictures of the King and Queen. The _Spring_, attended by the _Zephyrs_, presented them with Fruits and Flowers, and a Row of Orange-Trees and Laurels in gilded Boxes lin’d the Way from that Arch to St. _George_’s Gate, which has ever since that Day been call’d the Royal Gate, because their Majesties enter’d thro’ it into the Town.

Next day after their Entry the Deputies of the Provinces presented the King with Free Gifts on his joyful Arrival, and the Margrave _Philip_ Grand Master of the Artillery, caus’d a Fire-work to be play’d off, which represented the King’s Return to _Berlin_, by that of _Jason_, after the Conquest of the Golden Fleece.

After some other Festivals of this nature, occasion’d by the public Joy, the Court separated, when the King set out for _Oranjebourg_[4], and the Queen to _Lutzelbourg_. The Prince Royal staid at _Berlin_ to finish his Exercises. Care had been taken to form a numerous Court for him, of all young Gentlemen of his own Age, of whom this young Prince had form’d two Companies, of which himself commanded the first, and the Duke of _Courland_ the second. I was of this second Company, and we went sometimes to perform our Military Exercises at _Lutzelbourg_ before the Queen, who lov’d to see the Prince her Son display the first Fruits of his Military Genius. We also acted some Comedies before her; for the Princess aim’d to inspire the Prince her Son with a delicate Taste, even in Pleasures.

’Twas at this time that a Storm arose at Court against the Count _de Wartemberg_ Great Chamberlain, and lately declar’d Prime Minister, which threaten’d his Ruin; but it spent itself upon those only who had rais’d it. The principal Authors of the Cabal were the Count _de Lottum_, M. ----, and the Grand Marshal, who had been for a long time the Great Chamberlain’s sworn Enemy. The Count _de Wesen_, my Father-in-law, was pitch’d upon by these Gentlemen to raise the first Prejudices in the King’s Mind against this Minister. I have had the Honor to acquaint you, _Madame_, that the Countess _de Wartemberg_ always wish’d well to M. _de Wesen_ of which the advantagious Match she had procur’d for him was a very convincing Proof. One would have thought therefore after such great Service, that he ought in Gratitude to have devoted himself entirely to the Fortune of the Count her Husband. But my Father-in-law puff’d up by the Choice which the Count’s Enemies had made of him, forgot his Duty and his Interest, and accepted a Commission for the undertaking of which he had in truth all the necessary Temerity, but not that Judgment nor that Favor, which was absolutely requisite for conducting so ticklish an Affair.

The King had a real Love for M. _de Wartemberg_, yet he sometimes made him feel his ill Humors. The Prince seem’d one day to be so angry with him, and spoke of him to my Father-in-law with so much Resentment, that the latter thought he had now a fair Opportunity to ruin the Count. He said to the King, that the whole Court was surpriz’d at his extraordinary Kindness to a Minister who every day abus’d his Name in the Oppression of the People, and in the Commission of a thousand Acts of Injustice against his faithful Servants; that his Rapines were excessive; and that his Wife’s Extravagance was so great, that he could shew by the Accounts of the Comptrollers of the Kitchen, that the Great Chamberlain’s Table cost more than his Majesty’s. _I know very well_, added M. _de Wesen, that if the Prime Minister should hear of what I have now had the Honor to say to your Majesty, I am undone; but if I held my peace, I thought I should be wanting in my Duty; and what I have asserted I am ready to prove._

The King heard what he said very attentively, and my Father-in-law was so vain as to think he had made Impression enough upon him to strike M. _de Wartemberg_ quite out of his Favor; but this shallow Statesman, my Father-in-law, did not consider that a Prince who complains of his Favorite is not always dispos’d to receive the ill Impressions that others are ready to give of him. Whether the King therefore thought after this manner, or whether he was shock’d at the Ingratitude of M. _de Wesen_, who ow’d his Fortune to M. _de Wartemberg_, he told the Minister the Conversation that had pass’d, but assur’d him that he did not give Credit to the Report; and that if he pleas’d he would take a Revenge on the Man that had made it.

The crafty Minister affected at that time an Air of Moderation, which cost him the less Pains because he was an excellent Comedian. He said to the King that he thought himself sufficiently reveng’d, by the little Heed his Majesty gave to the scandalous Tales which his Enemies gave out against him, and he desir’d his Majesty to pardon those who had offer’d to abuse his Goodness, for the sake of oppressing him. Thus did he for a while conceal the keenest Resentment under the Mask of the most forgiving Temper; being resolv’d in his Heart to ruin those who had employ’d M. _de Wesen_, tho’ they were protected by the Queen, but especially to make their Tool feel all the Weight of his Vengeance.

A Journey which the King took to _Goltz_, one of his Hunting-Seats, near the Fortress of _Custrin_, gave him a good Opportunity for it. Being alone with the King in the same Coach, he put him so much out of conceit with M. _de Wesen_, that when he arriv’d at _Goltz_, all that came to wait on him, as he alighted out of the Coach, perceiv’d he was in an ill Humor. Contrary to his usual custom, he spoke to no body, only he order’d my Father-in-law to give his Attendance. When he had sat down, he scarce touch’d the Bread, but he found fault with it, and complained of it to M. _de Wesen_, as the Person who had the Direction of what came to his Table. M. _de Wesen_ said to the King, That ’twas true the Bread was not as it us’d to be, because the Carriage of the Pantry broke down by the way, and the Baker came too late to Town to provide more. The King not well pleas’d with this Answer, said, he was weary of being ill serv’d, and that he expected every one shou’d do their Duty. At the same time he threw his Napkin on the Ground. M. _de Wesen_ fetch’d another, and offer’d it to the King, but he would not take it, and order’d him to be gone that Moment out of his Presence. Two Hours after, M. _de Wesen_ was arrested by an Exempt of the Life-Guards, who conducted him in his Coach under a Guard to _Custrin_, the Capital of the New Marquisate, situate upon the _Oder_. There my Father-in-law was kept as a State-Criminal, and the Minister sent Orders to the Aulic Counsellor to go to my Mother’s House, and clap a Seal upon her Husband’s Effects. She was at that time in the Country, and my Brother happen’d to be at Church with our Governor, so that I was alone in the House when those Gentlemen came to execute their Order. After they had shew’d it to me, they ask’d me which was my Father-in-law’s Apartment, that they might not be oblig’d to put the Seal upon every thing. I made no scruple to shew it to them, and as they withdrew they left me a Writing which was an Order to my Mother not to come to Court, nor to sollicite her Husband’s Liberty. I sent immediately For my Governor, that he might go with this disagreeable News to my Mother, whose Surprize was as great as her Sorrow; for as she had an entire Love for her Husband, so she knew nothing of his Intrigues against the Minister, to whom she thought he was all along devoted. As the King’s Order tied up her Hands, and hinder’d her from coming to Court, I was charg’d to do what I could there, to obtain my Father-in-law’s Liberty.

One day as the Queen made an Entertainment at _Lutzelbourg_ for the King, I presented a Petition to him, in my Mother’s Name, intreating him to remove the Seal from her Effects, and the Guard from her House; and that his Majesty would be pleas’d to appoint Commissioners to try her Husband; to the end, that if guilty, he might be punish’d, or if innocent, that he might be set at liberty. My Youth, and the Tears which I shed at the Delivery of this Petition, melted the King’s Heart, who told me, That he would do what my Mother desir’d, for her sake only; that he sympathiz’d in her Affliction; but that her Husband had so justly provok’d him, that he could not avoid making him sensible of his Indignation: That withal, he was very glad to see me so good-natur’d, as to sollicite in favor of a Man who he knew had not dealt well either by my Brother or me, notwithstanding the Injunction he laid upon him, when he match’d him to my Mother. I made him answer, that I had no reason to complain of my Father-in-law; and that tho’ I had, my Mother’s extreme Concern of Mind for what had happen’d, wou’d be a sufficient Motive for me to sollicite his Liberty. _I commend you_ said the King, _for these Principles. Go and tell your Mother that she shall be made easy, and be assur’d that I will take care of you_. Those were the very Expressions of the King, who, when I stoop’d to embrace his Knees, encourag’d me also by clapping his Hand upon my Shoulder. As soon as he was gone, the Queen sent for me into her Closet, to give her an Account of this Conversation. I found her resting on a Couch, attended by none but Madamoiselle _de Pollnitz_ my Cousin, who sat on the Ground at her Feet. When the Queen had enquir’d after my Mother’s Health, she order’d me to assure her of her Esteem and Friendship; and when I had repeated to her what the King had said to me, she made Answer, That she was very glad the King was so well inclin’d to me. _Cultivate his good Disposition_, said she, _make it your Study to merit his Favor. As for me, I will do every thing in my power to preserve you in it; and you may always be sure of my Protection._

So gracious a Reception both from the King and Queen gave me great Hopes; and I return’d to _Berlin_, not doubting but the Promises he had made to me wou’d soon be perform’d; yet ’twas not without tedious Sollicitations from my Mother’s Friends that she obtain’d her Husband’s Liberty, after seven Months Confinement, besides paying a Fine for him of ten thousand Crowns. The Revenge which the Minister took upon those who had made my Father-in-law their Agent, was not so much talk’d of; for he contented himself with banishing them to their respective Estates or Governments, and disposing of their Offices among his most obsequious Creatures. One of these was the Count _de Witgenstein_, upon whom he confer’d the Office of the Grand Marshal. He was a Person of a good Family, but neither he nor his Ancestors had ever done any Service to the State; and all his Merit was an entire Devotion to the Prime Minister, to whom he was more a Slave than a Friend. As long as the Count _de Wartemberg_ continu’d in Favor, he kept his ground at Court; but the Fall of that Minister was attended with his. The Disgrace of my Father-in-law did not fail likewise to create a great deal of Trouble in my Family. My Mother follow’d him to his Estate in the Duchy of _Zell_, and I was sent with my Brother under the Conduct of a Governor to _Lunebourg_, there to finish my Studies.

All _Europe_ was at this time in motion, and had taken part in the Quarrel between the Houses of _Austria_ and _Bourbon_, on account of the Succession to the Monarchy of _Spain_. _Philip_ of _Anjou_ was already in possession of it, by virtue of _Charles_ II’s last Will and Testament; and in pursuance of the Right he had to it by his Grandmother _Mary Theresa_ of _Austria_. The Emperor founded his Claim upon the Renunciation made by that Princess when she was married to _Lewis_ XIV. The greatest part of _Europe_, which the exorbitant Power of _France_ had begun to alarm, sided with the Emperor, who quitted his Rights in favor of the Archduke his Son. Besides the common Interest which it seem’d to be of all _Europe_ to hinder two such Monarchies as _France_ and _Spain_ from being govern’d by one Prince, several Potentates had their particular Reasons, for laying hold of this opportunity, to make war with _France_.

The Court of _England_ was alarm’d at the Proceeding of _Lewis_ XIV. who had just recogniz’d the Son of _James_ II. lately deceas’d at _St. Germains_, for King of _England_, by the Name of _James_ III. in prejudice of King _William_, who had been recogniz’d by the Treaty of _Ryswic_.

The _Dutch_ govern’d themselves by the Views of King _William_, who was all along their Stadtholder: And they could not forget the War in 1672, the Wounds of which were still bleeding.

The King of _Prussia_, besides his Interest in common with the other Electors, to hinder _France_ from becoming too powerful, for fear lest hereafter the said Court should saddle them with whom it pleas’d for an Emperor, had Engagements subsisting with the Court of _Vienna_ and the King of _England_. And in consequence of those Engagements he furnish’d the Emperor with 6000 Men, and gave Orders for a Levy in his Dominions of 20,000 Men, which King _William_ had demanded of him, and which were during the whole War in the Pay of the United Provinces.

_France_ had no Allies but the Electors of _Bavaria_ and _Cologn_, who suffer’d themselves to be prevail’d on by the Promises of _France_; the chief of which was, That she would not make an end of the War till she had caus’d the Elector of _Bavaria_ to be declar’d King of _Swabia._

The Duke of _Savoy_ was proof against the Advantages offered him by _France_: And notwithstanding the Marriage of his two Daughters to the Duke of _Burgundy_ and the Duke of _Anjou_, King of _Spain_, he was the most zealous Ally against those two Crowns. He foresaw too very plainly, that as long as those two Powers were united, such was the Situation of his Dominions, that they wou’d hem him in between them; and therefore when the Duchess his Mother, who was a thorow _French_ Woman, ask’d him, What would become of his Daughters, if he dethron’d the King of _Spain_, and ruin’d _France_, he reply’d to her, _And if I do not, what will become of my Son?_

These, _Madame_, were in general the various Motions that affected _Europe_ when King _William_ of _England_ died: Nor did this Accident occasion any Alteration; for the Princess _Anne Stuart_, who succeeded him by the Name of Queen _Anne_, pursued the same Views as her Predecessor, and the War of the Allies against _France_ was carried on with the same Vigor.

By the Death of the King of _England_, who was the last Prince of the _Orange_ Branch, our King was Heir to all his personal Estate; yet his Right was contested by the Prince of _Nassau-Friesland_, who, tho’ not so nearly related as the King, had the Advantage of Kindred by the Male Line, and had a Will of King _William_ in his Favor, which intitled him to his Succession. As the States-General of the United Provinces were the Executors of this Will, the King immediately communicated his Pretensions to them, as he did also to Queen _Anne_, by M. _de Spanheim_ his Ambassador at _London_. He founded his Right upon a Will of _Frederic-Henry_ Prince of _Orange_, King _William_’s Grandfather, who had a Son and three Daughters, the eldest of whom married to the Elector of _Brandenburg_ the King’s Father; the second to the Prince _de Simmeren_, a younger Prince of the present reigning _Palatine_ Family, who dying without Issue, left his Right of Succession to the Electorate, to the Branch of _Neuburg_; and the third was married to the Prince of _Anhalt-Dessau_.

The Will of _Frederic-Henry_ call’d the Male Descendants to his Succession; and on Failure of them the three Princesses his Daughters; by virtue of which, the King who descended from the eldest, claimed to be the lawful Heir, notwithstanding the Testament of King _William_, who could not dispose of an Estate which was intail’d. The King, for the better Manifestation of his Rights, set out for the _Hague_, accompanied by the Margrave _Albert_, his Brother, who left him at _Wesel_ in order to join the Army at _Keiserswaert_[5].

At _Wesel_[6] the King receiv’d Messieurs _de Lintelo_, _Slingenlandt_, and _Tour_, Deputies from the States-General, to whom he paid the same Honors as to Sovereigns, and receiv’d them standing, with only an Arm-Chair behind him. They gave him an Account of the last Will and Testament of King _William_, which they had caus’d to be open’d in the Presence of M. _Schmettau_ his Ambassador, Mr. _Stanhope_ the Envoy Extraordinary of _England_, the Envoys of the Princesses of _Anhalt_ and _Nassau-Friesland_, the Envoy of the Prince of _Nassau-Siegen_, the Commissioners of the States appointed for that purpose, and the Counsellors of the Domains of the late King _William_. They added that they had found in this Will, that the Prince of _Nassau_, hereditary Governor of _Friesland_, was call’d to the Succession as universal Heir, and they exhorted the King to own him as such. But notwithstanding all this, he enter’d his solemn Protest against the Will, and then set out for the _Hague_.

The King at his arrival alighted at the Palace of the Old Court, which was part of the Inheritance of the King of _England_, and of which he had already taken Possession, as well as of _Honslaerdyke_, another Palace of the late King of _England_. The _Dutch_ wou’d fain have secur’d the Succession to the Prince of _Nassau-Friesland_, but they could not easily do this, without embroiling themselves with the King. Therefore they chose to temporize, and came to no Conclusion while the King staid in _Holland_, during which they endeavor’d to amuse him by procuring him all the Pleasures that their Country afforded; but the Grand Affair of the Succession to the King of _England_ engross’d all his Thoughts, and he went away very much dissatisfy’d with the Conduct of the States-General at this Juncture.

As soon as he return’d to _Berlin_, he sent for my Brother and me from _Lunenburg_, for fear lest my Mother, who was a _Lutheran_, should persuade us to embrace that Religion. Next year he establish’d an Academy, into which he gave Orders for our Entrance. The View of this Establishment was to educate the young Nobility of the Court, in a manner suitable to their Extraction. The King had the Nomination of those that were to be admitted into this Academy, and Care had been taken to furnish it with the best Masters in all the Arts and Sciences. The Expence of the Students there were very moderate, the King having taken upon him to pay the Extraordinaries. This illustrious School, which was then call’d, _The Academy of Princes_, has lost very much of its former Splendor.

I found the Court of _Berlin_ in the same State as when I left it. The Count _de Wartemberg_ was still in the highest Favor; and the Count _de Barfous_, the only Man who had presum’d for some time to make head against the Minister, had at length been oblig’d to retire to his Estate; but what made his Banishment from Court the more tolerable to him, was a Pension which the King allow’d him of 20,000 Crowns. His Post of Velt-Marshal was given to M. _de Wartensleben_, Lieutenant-General of the Emperor’s Troops, and General of those of the Duke of _Saxe Gotha_. This was also a Creature of the Prime Minister; yet he had Honor and Honesty enough to oppose him on Occasions, where he thought the Welfare of the State was concern’d. The Count _de Lottum_, who had been involv’d in the Disgrace of my Father-in-law, and whose Office of Grand Marshal had been conferr’d on the Count _de Witgenstein_, retain’d a certain Air of Favor in his Disgrace, as did also the Count _de Barfous_. The King had given him the Government of _Wesel_, to which he retir’d; and as he could not avoid doing justice to his Merit and Fidelity, he gave him the Command of the Troops design’d for the _Netherlands_. He was charg’d with the Blockade of _Rhinberg_, a Place in the Electorate of _Cologn_, which the _French_ then possess’d, under color of being that Elector’s auxiliary Forces. The Town surrendring in a little time, he undertook the Blockade of _Guelders_, which made a part of the _Spanish Netherlands_, and was yielded to us by the Peace of _Utrecht_. The taking of these two important Places in the midst of Winter, and the Behaviour of the Count _de Lottum_, who notwithstanding the Severity of the Season, and the Treatment he had received from Court, took all the Care possible for the Preservation of the King’s Troops, made him so much extoll’d at Court, as was mortifying to the Prime Minister.

_France_ endeavor’d to repair the Loss of these two Places by seizing the Principality of _Orange_, which we were not near enough to defend, and he put the Prince of _Conti_ in immediate Possession of it, who had some claim to it through the _Chalons_ Family, of which he call’d himself Heir. But he soon after yielded the said Principality and his Pretensions, to _Lewis_ XIV. who likewise caus’d an Edict to be publish’d there, by which it was put to the choice of all the Inhabitants to turn Catholics, or to sell their Effects and retire out of the Kingdom within the space of three Months. The Generality of those who were not willing to change their Religion, retir’d to our Court, and among others, the Members of the Parliament. The King reliev’d them as far as he could, and caus’d Collections to be made in all the Churches of his Dominions, the Money of which was distributed to those who had the most pressing Occasion for it.

Soon after the Loss of _Orange_, the Margrave _Albert_ married the Princess of _Courland_. That Prince in 1696, had succeeded the late Margrave _Charles_, his Father, in the Grand Mastership[7] of the Order of St. _John_. This Order is the same as that of _Maltha_, and is only separated from it since _Luther_. The Commanderies, subject to the Elector of _Brandenburg_, which became Protestant, put themselves under the Elector’s Protection, and chose a Grand Master, or rather the Elector chose one for them. The Choice has always fallen upon a younger Prince of the Family, who is not engag’d by it to any Vow, more than the Knights, who are only obliged to prove their Nobility, to which the Sovereign very often objects.

The Princess of _Courland_ was the eldest of the three Daughters that the Duke of _Courland_ had by his first Lady. He married to his second Wife the King’s Sister, and some time after he died. The Duchess his Widow, who had been oblig’d to abandon _Courland_, which the _Swedes_, the _Poles_ and the _Muscovites_ equally harass’d, came to _Konigsberg_, to be present at the Coronation of the King her Brother, who gave her that Protection she expected. Here it was, that the Year before she had married the Margrave of _Brandenburg Bareith_, the King’s Cousin; and when she went with her Husband into his Dominions, she left the eldest of her Daughters-in-law with the Queen, in hopes of her marrying the Margrave _Albert_: And the Queen, who was fond of this Princess, ordered it so, that she obtain’d the King’s Consent to the Marriage, which was celebrated some time after at _Lutzelbourg_.

Much about this time we had a new Ceremony in our Climates. This[8] was the Erection of a Statue which the King caus’d to be set up in honor of his Father _Frederic-William_ the Great. ’Tis perfectly like that of _Lewis_ XIV. in the Square of _Vendôme_ at _Paris_. The Pedestal and Base are of white Marble. This Statue was set up _July_ 12, 1703; and the King in order to do the more Honor to the Elector his Father, caus’d the Ceremony to be perform’d with a magnificent Apparatus, in presence of the whole Court, and all the Benches of Justice.

The following Year 1704 was happy to the Allies, by their Victories at _Donawert_ and _Hochstet_. The Troops that the King had sent into _Franconia_ and _Bavaria_, to the Emperor and the City of _Nuremberg_[9], which call’d for Help against the _Bavarians_, contributed not a little to the obtaining of those Victories. The King received the News of it by an Express that was dispatch’d to him from the Prince of _Anhalt_, under whose Command those Succours acted. This Express was follow’d some Days after by a second, charg’d with a Letter from Prince _Eugene_ of _Savoy_, who therein gave a sublime Encomium on the Valor of the _Prussian_ Troops. _I have been an Eye-witness, +said he in his Letter+, particularly with regard to the Infantry of the Right Wing, that all the Officers as well as the common Soldiers fought with the most intrepid Courage, and for several Hours check’d the Efforts of the Enemy, who at length not being able to resist their Bravery, and the continual Fire which they made, were put into such a Confusion, that they were oblig’d to fly with Precipitation, and to abandon the Field of Battle to us._ The Prince attributes this vigorous Action of the _Prussian_ Soldiers to the most exemplary Courage and Valor of the Prince of _Anhalt_ their Commander. _’Tis but Justice_, continu’d Prince Eugene, _to give the Prince of +Anhalt+ the Praise he has so well deserved. He hazarded his Person upon all Occasions, and not intimidated by the Danger to which he expos’d it, I always saw him at the Head of his Troops, leading them on to Battle, and encouraging them by his own Example; so that it may be said to his Honor, that he contributed the greatest Share to that Victory._ This was a Panegyric the more pleasing to the Subject of it, because it proceeded from the Mouth of a Prince, who was too great a Master of Courage to be mistaken.

After the Campaign was over, my Lord _Marlborough_ came to _Berlin_, where he receiv’d all the Marks of Esteem from the King, which he could possibly have desired. Every Point that he negociated for the Operations of the Campaign was granted him, and he went away from Court highly satisfied. As soon as he was gone the Prince Royal set out for _Hanover_, from whence he went to _Holland_; and he intended to pass over to _England_, but an Event which happen’d to the Grief of him and the whole Court, oblig’d him to return to _Berlin_.

This was the unexpected Death of the Queen, on the 1st of _February_ 1705, after a few days Illness. This Princess us’d for some time past to go to _Hanover_, to make a Visit to the Electoress her Mother, of whom, as I have already had the Honor to acquaint you, she was extremely fond. The Day that she was to set out for this Journey she found herself indispos’d, but did not discover it, for fear lest the King should not permit her to go. Her Illness continu’d during the whole Journey, and When she came to _Hanover_, what with the fatigue of receiving Visits from the Ladies of the Court, and her dancing at a Ball the same day, she grew much worse. She came from the Ball with a Soreness in her Throat, which prov’d so violent that the Physicians and Surgeons soon despair’d of curing her. The Queen, tho’ in the Flower of her Age, was not at all terrify’d when she saw Death approaching her. She wrote a very tender Letter to the King, in which she thanked him for the Love he had always manifested to her, and recommended her Domestics to him. Her Brother the Duke _Ernest Augustus_ was so deeply concern’d to see her in such a condition, that she did what she could to comfort him: _There is nothing so natural_, said she to him, _as Death; ’tis unavoidable, and tho’ I am young enough to hope to live a few Years longer, yet I am not loth to die_.

M. _de la Bergerie_ the Minister of the _French_ Church, who assisted her in her last Moments, was so surpriz’d at her courage and calmness, that he was more attentive to hear her than to exhort her. _I have_, said she, _for twenty Years seriously study’d my Religion, and have read the Books that treat of it with too much application to be in any doubt as to my Principles. You cannot mention any thing to me but what I have read, and what you can say to me will certainly add nothing to my Opinion._ Then turning towards my Cousin, who was on the other side of her Bed, _Alas!_ said she, _what a deal of needless Ceremony is now going to be us’d about this Body of mine_! At the same time almost, she stretch’d out her Hand to Duke _Ernest_ her Brother, and said to him, _Dear Brother, I am choak’d_; and that Moment she expir’d.

A Courier was immediately dispatch’d to the Prince Royal, who was at the _Hague_, and M. _de Bulau_ the Steward of the Queen’s Houshold carried the News to the King, who was so surpriz’d at it, that he fainted away several times. When he came to himself he shew’d marks of the sincerest Affliction, and seem’d fully sensible what a loss he had sustain’d. Indeed this Princess truly deserv’d his Lamentation, as well as the Sorrow of the whole State; and I for my part with my whole Family lost a solid and sincere Protectress.