Chapter IV: Part 4

’Twas at the time of the King’s Marriage that I lost my Father-in-law: I was very much concern’d for his Death, especially on account of the Trouble it gave my Mother, who could never get over it as long as she liv’d. The very day that the News of it was brought to me, the King declar’d me a Gentleman of his Bed-chamber. I have had the Honor to tell you, _Madame_, that I was taken out of the Army in hopes of being plac’d near the Queen, but when I came to Court I found all her Houshold settled, and my Name not in the List. I spoke of this to the Grand Marshal, who bid me not be vexed, for that he would shortly get me a Post about the King, and that was the Office of Gentleman of the Bed-chamber, to which I was nominated some time after, _i. e._ about the latter end of the Year 1708.

You know, _Madame_, and one can hardly forget the prodigious cold Weather we had the Winter following. It began on the Feast of _Epiphany_, 1709, and was universal all over _Europe_. The Corn and Vines suffer’d so much by it that there was a scarcity which lasted long enough to starve a number of poor People, who cou’d not get Bread, it was so excessive dear. Never was there a more melancholy Year; and there was such a poor melancholy Court all the while, that it seem’d as if the severe cold Weather had chill’d our Spirits. But when the fine Weather return’d they began to revive, and every one prepar’d to set out for the Army. The Prince Royal went to make the Campaign in _Flanders_ as a Voluntier, and M. _d’Arnheim_ departed to rejoin the Troops of which he had the Command in _Piedmont_. This Campaign was very glorious to the Allies, but ’twas a very bloody one. The famous Battle of _Malplaquet_ was one of those Victories which procured us Laurels cover’d with Funeral Scutcheons, and two more such Victories would have ruin’d the Infantry of the Allies. The Prince Royal was Witness of the Bravery of our Troops, which distinguish’d themselves in this Campaign, wherein they had been great Sufferers. The Enemy on their part besides the Battle lost also _Mons_ and _Tournay_.

I could have wish’d to have made this Campaign, but when I ask’d the King’s Leave to go, his Majesty refus’d me, saying, that he design’d me for some other Business than that of Arms. This Answer pleas’d me to the Life, and as I was young and by consequence apt enough to be vain, I was so simple as to believe my self for a while in the highest Favor. But I was soon convinc’d of my mistake. What serv’d to open my Eyes was this. The Post of Gentleman of the Bed-chamber, with which the King had honor’d me, made it my duty to attend the King’s Coach on horseback as often as his Majesty went abroad; but being one day so much out of order that ’twas impossible for me to ride a Horse, as ill luck would have it, the King happen’d to go that very day from[10]_Charlottenbourg_ to _Berlin_, and perceiv’d that I was not upon Duty. This incens’d him so much against me, that when I attended to receive his Hat and Cane upon his Return, he said the harshest things that cou’d be to me, the least of which was, that if I ever fail’d in my Duty again, he would deprive me of the Honor of serving him. Guess, _Madame_, how much I was mortify’d at such a Reprimand given in presence of eight or ten Persons that were in the King’s Chamber. Indeed I had much ado to brook it, and at first dash I really had a Thought of resigning my Post. I spoke of it to the Count _de Witgenstein_, who pacify’d me a little by giving me to understand, that if I did not abate of my Fire I had nothing to do but to renounce all Advancement in the Service of my King, a Service always preferable to any Fortunes that can be made at the Court of any Foreign Prince. He promis’d to set me right in the King’s Opinion, and he kept his Word; for two or three Days afterwards as the King return’d to _Charlottenbourg_, when I happen’d to be all alone in his Chamber with the Chamberlain in waiting, his Majesty did me the Honor to ask me, _If I was still in a Pet?_ I return’d no other Answer but a profound Obeisance. The King said to me a second time, _I ask you if you are out of humor because I chid you t’other day?_ I made Answer with all the Respect possible, _That indeed I was vex’d to my heart that I had given his Majesty any Cause to be out of Temper with me; that no body was more ambitious than I was of serving him faithfully; and that tho’ I had the Misfortune lately to be wanting in my Duty, it was owing to a very sad Indisposition. But_, said the King, _you should have let me know it then, and I should not have reprimanded you. After all, I did so only to try you, for in the main I was not so angry as I seem’d to be._ _Jackel_ the King’s Jester, who was present at this Conversation, took up the Discourse and said to the King, _But, good Sir, the Indisposition he talks of, is of his own making; for the true Cause is, he has no Saddle-Horses, and the reason of this, is because he has not wherewithal to feed them._ _Why then_, said the King, _I will give him wherewithal: The Great Chamberlain_, said he to me, _shall dispatch you a Warrant for that purpose; go to him._ I then advanc’d to kiss the King’s Robe, but he drew back, and as I was stooping he laid his Hand upon my Head, and said to me, _You are young, be good, and I will take care of you._ In a few days after, I had my Warrant dispatch’d to send for Forage to _Michlenhoff_, where the like was distributed to other Courtiers who had obtain’d the same Favor.

At the same time the Duke of _Meckelbourg_ the Queen’s Brother came to _Berlin_, where he had a magnificent Reception, yet he was not very well pleas’d with his Journey; for this Prince expected, as he was a Sovereign, to have Precedency of the Margraves the King’s Brothers, which was deny’d him. He eat in private with the King, but the Margraves were not present, and he stay’d at Court but three or four days, during which he was lodg’d at the Palace and serv’d by the King’s Officers.

As for our new Queen she became so devout in a little time after her Marriage, that every body was surpriz’d, and the Courtiers very much disgusted. Nothing was talk’d of in her presence but Religion, and in the Morning her Anti-chamber was frequented by Ministers, by Dr. _Francke_ whom she had sent for on purpose from _Hall_, and by _Borst_ her Confessor. It look’d as if one was in the Anti-chamber of some Governess of a Convent, rather than in the Palace of a great Queen. Under pretence of Prayers for Deliverance from the Plague which infected some of our Provinces, there was nothing to be heard in her Apartments but Litanies. The King did not like all this Cant; for tho’ he had a great deal of Religion, he did not love Bigotry. He made the Queen sensible that her manner of living was not suitable to one that sate upon a Throne, and got her content to the Removal of those Persons from about her who had exhorted her to embrace the Party of the Pietists. _Francke_ was sent back to _Hall_ to the great College which the Queen had newly founded for Orphans, and whereof that Doctor had the Direction. Then there was only _Borst_ her Majesty’s Confessor left at Court, and he was advis’d not to give himself so much Trouble about the Queen’s Salvation. This Princess was so zealous for her Religion, that she did not believe those who profess’d a contrary one could be saved. I remember that one day as she was talking about Religion to the King, she told him that she was very much grieved to find him a _Calvinist_, and by that means out of the Road to Salvation. The King who seem’d in an amaze at the Compliment, said to her, _What, do you think then that I shall be damn’d? And what will you say then when you speak of me after Death_? For you could not say _der SEELIGE Konig_, (an Expression us’d in the _German_ Tongue, speaking of a Person deceas’d, and which signifies, the _King is sav’d_.) The Queen was a little puzzled how to reply, but after a few Moments Reflection she said, I will say, _der liebe verstorbene Konig_, which signifies the _Dear King deceas’d_. This Answer made the King uneasy, who return’d soon after to his Apartment. I was that day in Waiting, and by consequence in his Majesty’s Apartment with some of the Court-Nobility, when the King told us with a deal of Concern upon his Mind of the Conversation he had with the Queen, which affected him the more, because at that time he thought very seriously of the Union of the _Protestant_ Churches.

Mean time the Pestilence, which had discover’d it self in some of our Provinces, frighten’d us very much. The King upon this occasion acted like a true Father of his People, by sending Money and Provisions to those that were afflicted with it, and by causing a Day of solemn Fasting and Prayers to be celebrated in all the Churches of his Dominions to beg of God that he wou’d please to avert this Scourge from our Country. Moreover he caused Lazarets or Pest-Houses to be erected at the Gates of all the Towns where those who came from any suspected Place were to perform Quarantain. As the whole time was now spent in Sermons and Prayers for removing the Pestilence, the detail of which would not be very pleasing, I think it will not be amiss here to tell you how the Service was perform’d before the King and Queen. I will begin by giving you some Account of[11]_Berlin_, and of his Majesty’s[12]Palace.

The City of _Berlin_[13] wou’d not have been what it is at this day, had it not been for the _French_ Protestants. They had been kindly receiv’d by the Elector _Frederic-William_: And the King, every whit as generous as his Father, prolong’d and even augmented the Franchises granted to the _French_, and in order to convince those Exiles that he was dispos’d to be a Father to them, he had a mind that they should be no longer distinguish’d from his natural-born Subjects; but caus’d Churches to be built for them of which he maintain’d the Ministers, gave them a very fine College for the Education of their Children, and also chose a Company of Musketeers out of them in which none but _French_ were admitted.

These Refugees were so sensible of the King’s Goodness to them, that they had an Emulation to shew their Gratitude to him by making Trade to flourish. They were equally zealous for the embellishing and aggrandizing of the City, and caus’d a great many Houses to be built there which were both neat and commodious. They added to the City all that Quarter call’d the _New Town_, which is certainly the most beautiful part of _Berlin_. Of the Streets which run in a strait Line, the principal is adorn’d with six Rows of Lime-Trees that form as many Walks, the middlemost of which is lin’d with a Balustrade to keep off Coaches and Carriages. These Walks terminate in a Wood, thro’ which there’s an Avenue of a League, which leads to _Charlottenbourg_, a Royal Palace.

At the Entrance of the _New Town_ there’s the Arsenal[14], a Structure which may pass for one of the finest in _Europe_: ’Tis a Quadrangle with a large Square in the middle. The four outward Fronts are almost exactly alike. The principal is divided into three Buildings, of which that in the middle projects a little forwards. The Grand Floor consists of Arches charged with Rustics, which support Pilasters of the _Ionic_ Order. The part which projects from the middle is adorn’d with four Columns, and has a large Pediment at the end of it. The grand or principal Gate is in the middle. On the two sides there are four great fine Statues representing the Cardinal Virtues on Pedestals. These seem to look towards the King’s Picture, which is represented in a great Medal of Brass gilt in the coping of the Gate. Over this Picture, there’s his Majesty’s Cypher in the middle of a Cartridge crown’d, supported by Fame and Victory. The Cartridge is fill’d up with an Entablature upon which there’s a _Latin_ Inscription in Letters of Gold, to the Honor of the King. Finally, over this Entablature there’s a great Pediment in Basso-Relievo perfectly beautiful, representing a _Mars_ which seems to rest upon a Trophy, and to look upon a couple of Slaves chain’d at his Feet. The whole is compleated by a Balustrade which rests upon the Pedestals that support the Trophies. This stately Edifice is encompass’d with Spurs of Iron in the form of Cannon, upon which there’s the King’s Cypher gilt; and these Spurs serve for a Support to the Iron Chains which are hung in Festoons from one to the other.

The Inside of this Structure is as magnificent as the Outside. Two Rows of Pillars support the lowermost Arch-Roof and form three Walks, of which the middlemost is the narrowest, but the only one that serves for the Passage; those on the sides being full of noble Brass-Guns. The King had a Design to have a Cannon of a hundred Pounder plac’d at each Corner; but there is only one finish’d which is call’d _Asia_, a terrible Machine fitter to adorn an Arsenal than for any other use. The Ascent to it is by a Step, because they were oblig’d to build the Carriage in proportion to the piece that it bears. This Cannon is adorn’d all over with Eagles and Crowns; and the King’s-Arms are represented on it under a Royal Pavilion, as are also those of the Margrave _Philip_ the King’s Brother, as Grand Master of the Artillery. This is all that is remarkable on the side of the _New Town_.

The King’s Palace is also very magnificent; and the whole is so majestic, that it appears at the first sight to be the Residence of some great Monarch. Yet there’s one fault in it, which is, that Uniformity has not been nicely observ’d in it, because it has been carry’d on by Fits and Girds, and every Architect has followed his particular Plan.

This Palace consists of four large Buildings, which forms in the middle a Court that is not so broad as ’tis long. The first Thing in the main Front is a great high Portico with two Gates Arch-wise on the two sides. The Proportions of the Columns and the Height of the Portico were copy’d from _Constantine_’s Triumphal Arch at _Rome_. On the two sides of the Portico there are twelve great Transom Windows encompass’d with Ornaments. The Fronts that are on the side of the Court are much more magnificent than the outer ones, but then they are more irregular. The Inside of the Palace is not executed much better. Two Grand Stair-Cases lead to the Guard-Room, the one on the Right and the other on the Left of the Entry. The Stair-Case on the Left-hand is of a particular Contrivance, being in form of a Glacis without any Step, so that a Coach may go up to it. The Guard-Room is long but narrow, and has no Light but what comes from the Windows on the Cupola over the Stair-Case. The Entry is in the middle. There is a Turning on the Left to enter into the King’s Apartment, which shews at first sight three Chambers in a Row. The third of these Rooms separates the least Apartment from the greatest, of which the former is on the Right and the latter on the Left. I will only speak to you of the last, which is the most magnificent. In turning therefore to the Left one perceives a long Suite of Apartments, which form a magnificent Point of View. The Furniture is surprizingly rich; nor is any thing to be seen, look which way you will, but Gold, Silver, Marble, Brass, Painting, Glass, China, _&c._ in a word, every thing that can be wish’d for, that is rich and elegant. At the end of this Suite of Apartments there is a long Gallery, the Cieling of which, like that of _Versailles_, represents the principal Actions of the King, and the sides are adorn’d with Pictures done by the most famous Hands, the Frames of which are of Brass gilt.

At the end of this Gallery there was formerly a great Amber-Cabinet, with divers Compartiments in Basso-Relievo, which perhaps had not its Fellow in the World; but the King being desirous to make the _Czar_ a Present worthy of his Acceptance, gave him this Cabinet and a Yatcht that cost eighty thousand Crowns.

Were I to enter into the detail of the Beauties and Magnificence one meets with at every step in this Palace, I should never have done; I believe it may be sufficient to say that the King, as far as possible, imitated the Inside of the Palace of _Versailles_. This great Prince took _Lewis_ XIV. for a Model, and after his Example was intent on building magnificent Structures and establishing different Manufactures, whereby the Poor might earn their Living, and get for a reasonable Price those Commodities which heretofore they used to import from Foreign Countries, at a very great Expence. Thus, _Madame_, have I given you an account of almost all the greatest Remarkables at _Berlin_. I shall now let you know after what manner their Majesties are every day attended.[15]

I begin with the King’s Levee. His Majesty commonly rose between five and six o’clock in the Morning, (I mean at the time that I have the Honour to speak to you of;) tho’ formerly he rose at three or four o’clock. As soon as the King awak’d, the Page of the Back-Stairs who had watch’d with him went and gave notice of it to the Valets de Chambre and the Yeomen of the Wardrobe, who presently came in, undrew the Bed-Curtains, and open’d the Window-Shutters, after which they went out and declar’d that the King was stirring. Then the Chamberlain in waiting, the Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber, and the Officers upon Guard came in and made a very low Bow. The next that enter’d were the Physicians, to whom his Majesty gave an account how he had rested. Then the Pages of the Back-Stairs brought a great Silver Table with Coffee upon it, which was presented to the King by the first Valet de Chambre in waiting upon a Gold Salver, and the Page presented it about to all the Persons of Quality that were at the Levee. Every body was oblig’d to drink two Cups, or else they run the risk of being reprimanded. After drinking of the Coffee the Table was carry’d away, and the King convers’d half an hour or more with those that were present: Then he veil’d his Bonnet and all the Company retir’d. The Valets de Chambre and the Grooms of the Wardrobe stay’d to dress the King, which when they had done, his Majesty retir’d into his Closet, where was a Desk for Prayer, and there he commonly stay’d an Hour, while they made his Bed. After this he return’d into his Chamber, and then the Prime Minister came in to give him an account of his Dispatches, which lasted till ten o’clock or thereabouts. After this the King went to Council, where he stay’d a little above an Hour. This Council consisted of the Prince Royal, the Margrave _Philip_ Brother to the King, and the Ministers. When the Council broke up the King went into his Closet, and there gave out his Orders. Then two Kettle-Drummers plac’d in opposite Balconies that look’d into the lesser Court, gave notice by the Sound of their Kettle-Drums to the Officers of the Kitchen and Buttery to get everything ready for the King’s Service. As soon as the Cloth was laid, the Kettle-Drums were sounded a second time. During this, the King accompany’d by the Prince Royal and the Margraves his Brothers, pass’d thro’ the Guard-Room into the Queen’s Apartment, where were all the Princesses. A few moments after, the Kettle-Drums and twenty-four Trumpets divided into two Bodies, gave notice for serving up Dinner. At the same time, two of the Life-Guards and six of the Guard of Hundred _Swissers_ took possession of the Room where the King was to eat. The two Life-Guard Men posted themselves behind the Arm-Chair of the King and Queen, and the six _Swissers_ encompass’d the Table three on each side with their Halberds in their hands. When Dinner was serv’d up, the Great Chamberlain with his Staff in hand went and acquainted the King of it, who immediately enter’d the Hall, follow’d by the Queen, who was led by the Prince Royal; as were the Princess Royal and the Margravines by the Margraves. At their entrance into the Hall, the King gave his Hat and Cane, and the Queen her Gloves and Fan, to the Chamberlains in waiting. Then two Gentlemen of the Bed-Chamber held out a great Silver gilt Bason for them to wash in, and when they had wash’d, the two Chamberlains gave them the Napkins. The two Gentlemen of the Bed-Chamber always offer’d the Bason in like manner to the Princes and Princesses to wash in, but they wou’d not accept it.

When their Majesties had wash’d, the Grand Marshal who stood about the middle of the Table opposite to the King gave a Rap with his Staff; at the same time making a profound Obeisance; then a Page that stood by him did the like, and after saying a short Grace their Majesties seated themselves in their Arm-Chairs, and their Royal Highnesses in other Chairs, with only Backs. Then the Carver approaching the Table tasted the Provision, and therewith serv’d their Majesties, and the Princes according to their Rank. When their Majesties call’d for Liquor the Chamberlain gave the hint to a Page, and he did the same to a Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber upon Duty, who then went to the Side-board and fetch’d Wine and Water in two Bottles upon a Salver of Gold. The Chamberlain tasted both, and then presented both to their Majesties. The King always drank the Queen’s Health, and the Queen in like manner drank the King’s. This done, their Majesties dismiss’d the Court by making a Salute to the Grand Marshal. Then the Court retir’d, and none stay’d but the Waiters. Before their Majesties rose from Table the Prime Minister as well as the Master of the Horse approach’d, with the Grand Master of the Wardrobe and the Captain of the Guards, to receive the King’s Orders, in case his Majesty was willing to ride out. When the Dessart was ready to be serv’d, notice was brought to the Grand Marshal or to him that bore the Staff in his absence, who then return’d to the King’s Table. When his Majesty rose from Table the Chamberlain brought him Water to wash his Mouth, and the Queen’s Chamberlain and their Royal Highnesses Gentlemen attended the Queen and Princesses with the same. After this the King led the Queen into her own Apartment, where he stay’d a little time, then return’d to his own, and rested himself for an hour in his Closet.

When the King was awaked, the Chamberlain and the Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber enter’d his Majesty’s Closet, where sometimes the Queen paid him a Visit, and at other times the Prime Minister came and talk’d with him about Business. In the Summer-time the King went abroad for the Air, or the Pleasure of Fishing or Hunting, especially the Heron, in which he took great delight. About six o’clock in the Evening his Majesty went to the Queen’s Apartment, and stay’d there about an Hour, after which he return’d to his own, to that call’d _la Tabagie_ or the Tobacco-Room, because there he smoak’d his Pipe, and several of the Nobility had the Honour of smoaking there with him. The King never supp’d unless it was in extraordinary cases, but amus’d himself with a Game at Chess. When he had done playing he conversed very familiarly with the Chamberlain, the Gentlemen of the Bed-Chamber, and some privileg’d Courtiers; and when he had a mind to put an end to the Conversation, he gave his Orders to the Grand Master of the Wardrobe what Clothes to equip him with next day, and then every body retir’d, and the Valets de Chambre and the Grooms of the Wardrobe went and put his Majesty to bed. This, _Madame_, was the manner how the Service was perform’d at our Court. Never was there any Interruption in the Hours prescrib’d for his Majesty’s Exercises, unless he labor’d under some Ailment. I thought that this Detail, tho’ perhaps a little tedious, wou’d not be quite so unpleasant as the Recital of all the Litanies and other Prayers, in which the Queen was constant for the remainder of the Year.

In the beginning of the Year following, that is to say the 19th of _January_ 1710, the Count _de Lottum_ presented the King with eleven Pieces of Cannon, and several Colors and Standards that fell to his Majesty’s share in the distribution that was made of those that were taken from the _French_, during the Campaign.

At the same time we lost the Duke of _Courland_ for ever. This young Prince was the King’s Nephew by his Mother, who was his Majesty’s Sister by the same Father, but not by the same Mother. He was but an Infant when he lost his Father the Duke of _Courland_, whose death was to him the greatest of all Misfortunes, because of the Misunderstanding which the Guardianship of this young Prince created between those who aspir’d to it. The Duchess his Mother asserted that she was the rightful Guardian of the Prince, her Son. His Uncle also pretended ’twas his Right. In short, the Nobility of _Courland_ disputed it with them both. During these Domestic Troubles, the several Parties, not watchful of their Neighbours Motions, quickly found they had powerful Enemies to cope with. The _Saxons_ being the nearest, were the most forward to take possession of their Country. The _Muscovites_ were soon at their heels, and in concert with the _Saxons_ rush’d upon what they thought most convenient. But they were both soon oblig’d to abandon that Duchy to the King of _Sweden_, who came at the head of his Troops, and without much difficulty sent them going. But after all, Fortune being weary of seconding the Arms of the _Swedish_ Monarch, he was oblig’d not long after his Entrance into _Courland_, to yield the said Duchy to the _Muscovites_, who remain’d the sole Possessors of it.

All these Troubles had oblig’d the Duchess, with the Prince her Son, to retire. She came to _Berlin_ where she was present at the King’s Coronation, and afterwards, as I have already had the Honor to tell you, she marry’d the Margrave of _Brandenburg Bareith_. This Princess followed the Margrave her Husband into his Dominions, and took the Duke of _Courland_ her Son along with her. There did this young Prince stay with the Margrave his Father-in-law, till after the King of _Sweden_’s Defeat at _Pultowa_ by the _Muscovite_ Army. When the latter were become Masters of _Courland_, the Duke flatter’d himself that he should be able to prevail on the Czar to restore him to his Dominions: nor was he deceiv’d in his Expectation; for the Czar was very ready to consent to it, on condition nevertheless that he should marry his Niece, the Daughter of the late Czar, his Brother. The Match was truly illustrious, for the Princess was both the Daughter and Niece of a potent Monarch; but her Education had been very different from that of the young Prince, and there was all the Reason in the World to think, that they would not like one another long. The Duke for his part could have wish’d to be restor’d to his Duchy upon other Terms; but at length, thinking he could not do better than to accept of those, and to put himself again at the head of his Subjects, who had for several Years wish’d for his Presence; he set out for the Czar’s Court, and there married the Princess. This Marriage, which was concluded with some Reluctance on the part of the young Duke, seem’d to portend him none but unhappy Days; and in short, he was scarce married, but he fell dangerously sick, and in a few days after died, which Illness they said was owing to his having been forc’d to drink to excess on his Wedding-Day. This occasion’d a general Desolation throughout the Duchy of _Courland_, the poor People having entertain’d some Hopes that the Presence of their lawful Sovereign would make them forget the Evils they had suffer’d by several years continual Wars.

Towards the Conclusion of this Year, the famous Count _de Wartemberg_, Prime Minister and Great Chamberlain was disgrac’d; which, tho’ it had been long wish’d for, was surprizing to all Mankind, who thought the Credit of that Minister too well establish’d, the chief Places of the Kingdom being in the hands of his Creatures, from whose Gratitude there was nothing that he might not promise himself; besides, they did not think any Person would be so daring, as to cast the first Stone; the then recent Instance of the Count _de Wesen_ being a sufficient Warning to deter any Persons from entring into so dangerous a Combination. Nevertheless there were two Persons at Court who were not terrify’d by the Peril, to which an Enterprize of this nature expos’d them. The Name of both these Courtiers was _Kamcke_, and being Cousins into the bargain, they were only distinguish’d by the Appellations of _Great_ and _Little_.

The _Great Kamcke_ had been successively Page to the King, Page of the Bed-chamber, afterwards a declar’d Favorite, and at last Great Master of the Wardrobe, which Post he held at the time of the Prime Minister’s Disgrace. The Favor with which the King honor’d him, was what made him esteem’d more than any thing else; for setting that aside, he was not remarkable for either the Virtues or the Vices which contribute almost in the same measure to the forming of Great Men. He was reckoned a Man of fine Parts, because he was fortunate enough to gain, and to preserve the King’s Favor; and he had the Reputation of being good-natur’d, because having a place in which he might have done a great deal of Mischief, he did none at all. ’Tis true too on the other hand, that he did no body any Service; the Lethargy of his Temperament not permitting him to put himself upon those Motions, which are equally necessary to serve a Friend, and to ruin an Enemy.

The _Little Kamcke_, his Cousin, was of a Temper quite different. He was not only a Person of a piercing sparkling Wit, but had all the Politeness of the most elegant Courtier. Being ambitious and vain, but always with Temper; he was cut out for those delicate Undertakings to which the Success alone gives a Sanction; and what is seldom to be found in so young a Man, he had all the Management and Dissimulation necessary for Execution. The Count _de Wartemberg_ had always hated him; for he suspected him to have had a hand in those Ballads which _M----_, afterwards the King of _Poland_’s Minister, had made upon the whole Court, and in which the Count and Countess were very ill treated; but _Little Kamcke_, who never despair’d of his Success, still continued to make his court to the King, without seeming to take the least Notice of the Minister’s Ill-will. His assiduous Attendance was at length rewarded; the King begun by granting him the Honor of playing with him every Night at Chess; which was a Favor this young Courtier so artfully improv’d, that in a little time after, his Majesty made him a Minister of State. The Count _de Wartemberg_ was mortify’d in two Respects by the Advancement of _Little Kamcke_; for he did not expect such a Favor to be convey’d by any Canal but himself; and besides it was granted to a crafty Enemy, whose rising Credit might well give him Umbrage. _Kamcke_ for his own part believing that he was only obliged to his own Merit for his Preferment, had even less regard for the Prime Minister than before. They star’d upon one another at first, without venturing to make an Attack; but by degrees they came to high Words; and at length _Kamcke_ being puff’d up with his Favor; and being moreover supported by all good Men, he vow’d the Destruction of the Prime Minister, and his Creature, the Grand Marshal. He was so cunning as to engage his Cousin _Kamcke_ in the Scheme, because the latter being Great Master of the Wardrobe, cou’d give the Prime Minister the fatal Blow with more Ease than any other Person; and he succeeded happily; for he aggravated to his Majesty the Complaints of the People, and the Murmurings of the whole Court. The Queen too being prejudic’d by the _Kamcke_ spoke sharply against the King, who at last consented to the removal of a Minister, whom till then he had thought he could not be without.

This great Scene was open’d by the Disgrace of the Count _de Witgenstein_, the Grand Marshal of the Court, and the Prime Minister’s Creature, who was arrested in his House on the 27th of _December_ at 10 o’clock at Night, by a Lieutenant of the Guards and ten Grenadiers. Next day, about 9 in the Forenoon, M. _de Gersdorf_, Colonel of the Regiment of Guards, accompanied by _Stoffius_, Treasurer of the Order of the Black Eagle, came from the King to demand his Ribban. He presently restor’d it, assuring them that he was wrongfully maltreated; but that nevertheless he did not complain of the King, and that they were only his Enemies who had impos’d upon his Majesty’s Goodness to ruin him. Not long after an Officer of the Guards came in and told him, that he had Orders to carry him to _Spandau_. He made answer, that he was ready to go wherever the King commanded him; only he desir’d Leave to write to his Mother-in-law, who was the Queen’s Lady of Honor. The Officer told him, that he was forbid to let him speak or write to any Person whatsoever; and then he took him with him into a Coach that was attended by 12 Life-Guard Men.

The Noise of his Confinement being presently spread throughout the Town, a Multitude of People gather’d in a trice before his House, every one crying out against the Grand Marshal, calling him the People’s Blood-sucker, and the Author of all their Taxes. When they saw him put into a Coach to be carried to _Spandau_[16], their Shouts, were doubled; but the Grand Marshal, without being shock’d, let down the Glasses of his Coach, and told the furious Rabble, that he had been a faithful Servant to his King, and that he had never done any thing in his Administration that could be laid to his Charge; but the Clamours of the People hinder’d him from being heard, and he went out of Town, laden with Curses.

The Hatred that was manifested against him, came from a Source which always touches the People in the most sensible part; he was suspected to have had a hand in the Creation of several Taxes; and to have been the Projector of the Insurance-Office from Fire. The Establishment of this Office was very well design’d; for it undertook to indemnify private Persons for the Loss they might have sustain’d by Fire; and for this purpose, every one was tax’d in a certain Sum of Money, that there might always be a Fund sufficient to answer the Losses by Fires. Frauds were soon committed in the Management of the Moneys that seem’d to be appropriated for a very good Use; and by degrees that Establishment, which was erected for the Relief of the People in their extreme Necessities, serv’d only to oppress them.

The Disgrace of the Grand Marshal was soon followed by that of the Prime Minister. Two days after the Confinement of the former, the King ordered M. _d’Ilgen_ one of his Ministers, and principal Secretary of State, to demand the Seals of his Prime Minister, and to order him in his Name to have nothing more to do with the Affairs of the Government. He receiv’d this News with Courage, and said to the Secretary of State, that he never had any other Will but his Majesty’s, and that therefore he was ready to obey his Orders. The next day he received Orders to quit the Palace, and to retire to his Estate at _Wolfersdorff_, a few Leagues from _Berlin_. He immediately made ready to be gone; but before he set out, he sent to desire the King to give him leave to wait on him, to thank him for all the Favors he had receiv’d at his Majesty’s hands; to which the King consented, and the Prime Minister appear’d with an Air suitable to the situation of his Affairs. He put every Wile in practice that is possible to be of service to a Minister who has had long experience of a Court, and a perfect Knowledge of his Master’s Temper; he pray’d, he wept, but contrary to his own Expectation and that of the whole Court, the King continu’d stedfast, and dismiss’d him, tho’ with all the possible marks of Friendship and Affection; for when he was going out of his Closet the King call’d him back, and taking a Ring of twenty thousand Crowns from his Fingers, he gave it to him, and said that he desir’d him to keep it as a mark of his Esteem. Thus did the King to his regret dismiss a Person, whom if he had pleas’d he might still have kept in his Service.

The Prime Minister, the moment he went from the King, set out for _Wolfersdorff_, from whence he wrote a very moving Letter to his Majesty to desire him to accept of that Estate for a Present, together with his Wife’s Garden which is now the Queen’s, (they call it _Monbijou_[17]) and all his Porcellane Ware. The King return’d him a very obliging Answer, and accepted of the Presents he offer’d him, on condition however to pay him for them; and indeed not long after the Count _de Wartemberg_ receiv’d the Value of them. Yet notwithstanding this mark of Esteem he was on the brink of being arrested; and _T----_ who was near the King’s Person at that critical Juncture, assur’d me afterwards that ’twas _Little Kamcke_ that had diverted the King from it. The Count’s Enemies had so incens’d his Majesty against him, that the Order for his Arrest was just ready to be dispatch’d, when _Little Kamcke_ represented to the King, that all things duly consider’d, the Prime Minister was not so culpable as to deserve being arrested; that Banishment was sufficient; that however, if his Majesty was apprehensive, that the Count knowing the Secrets of the State would discover them to other Powers, the only way was to secure his Fidelity to him by a handsome Pension, on condition however that he should never lie out of _Francfort on the Main_, where he would be near his Majesty’s Territories and out of a Capacity to give him any Umbrage. The King approved of this Advice, and sent to tell the Count that he would continue a Pension of twenty-four thousand Crowns to him for his Life, on condition that he would promise not to stir out of _Francfort_. This was a very advantageous Offer, to a Man who trembled every moment for fear of losing his Liberty, and therefore without much deliberation what to do, he thought of nothing but packing up and carrying off the Wealth he had heap’d together. When the Count and Countess came to Court they had not wherewithal to subsist; but they went away with Millions, and the Countess alone had as many Diamonds as were worth half a Million of Crowns. She was mortally uneasy for fear of being stripp’d of her Treasure, till she saw herself quite out of the King’s Dominions, and then her Spirits began to rise. Upon the Road they were overtaken by an Express, who brought an Order to the Count _de Wartemberg_ to deliver up the Golden Key to the Great Chamberlain, together with the Commission of Hereditary Post-Master; which he obey’d instantly with very great Submission, and afterwards continued his Journey towards _Francfort_.

The King gave the Chamberlain’s Key to the _Great Kamcke_, Grand Master of his Wardrobe, and the Office of Post-Master was executed in Commission by _Little Kamcke_. As to the place of Prime Minister, it was not fill’d up; and the King, lest it should be thought that he intended to be still govern’d as he had been all along, declar’d he would have no more Prime Ministers. Not long after the Count _de Wartemberg_’s Departure, the King sent for Count _Christoper de Dobna_, and the Count _de B----_, to come to _Berlin_. The former for some time made a Figure very like to that of a First Minister, but had not the Title. The Post of Grand Marshal was supply’d by M. _de Printz_, with the Applause of the whole Court. The Count _de Witgenstein_ was restor’d not long after to his Liberty, on paying down a Fine to the King of fourscore thousand Crowns. Thus, _Madame_, have you had the Catastrophe of the two chief Favorites of our Court.

I had left _Berlin_ for some Months when this great Revolution happen’d, which I heard the first News at _Hanover_. I happen’d to be with the Electoress when she receiv’d the Letter from the King, that inform’d her of the Change he had made At his Court, and of his Intention to be for the future his own Prime Minister. For my part I was gone from _Berlin_ with a design to travel, because of some very harsh words which the King said to me one day when I had fail’d to pay my Attendance as a Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber. The Assiduity with which I made my Court to the Margrave _Philip_ subjected me to a very sharp Reprimand from the King. What gave occasion to it was this, I endeavour’d to be with the Margrave as often as possible, tho’ indeed I was not there so often as I wish’d; for I don’t think there was a Prince in the World to whom a Man could make his Court with so much Pleasure and Freedom. As the Margrave was almost always at _Schwedt_, it happen’d one day that when ’twas my turn to wait on the King, I took it in my head to stay at the Margrave’s Court, so that a Man who happen’d to be then going out of the Service was oblig’d to be continu’d in it some time longer. The King asking him the reason, the Gentleman made him Answer that I was the cause of it, and that I had not so much as taken care to speak to any body to officiate for me. I arriv’d in two, or three days, and enter’d into the Service the Week following. The King who knew very well that my Attachment to the Margrave his Brother was the only cause of my Absence from my Post, ask’d me as soon as I made my Appearance before him, whether I serv’d his Brother or him, and why I did not do my Duty better? I was so thunder-struck at the manner with which the King said these few words to me, that really I don’t remember in the least what I said for my Excuse; but I don’t forget, that whether he thought my Plea good or bad, he made me no Answer. I was so nettled at this Rebuke from the King in the presence of several Persons, that I resolv’d to be gone out of sight for a while, the better to digest my Resentment. I therefore ask’d his Majesty’s Leave to travel, which I easily obtain’d, on condition however that I should not go to _France_. For the King was then at War with that Crown, which besides did not look upon him in any other Light than as Elector.

As soon as I had obtain’d a Permission to travel, I prepar’d to set out, but after having taken Leave of their Majesties, I went to pass a few days more at the Court of the Margrave _Philip_: And the Margravine engag’d me to go to _Dessau_ to pay my Devoirs there to the Princesses her Sisters. I had the Honor to find them at ORANJEBAUM, a House built by the late Princess of _Orange_, their Mother; and ’tis a magnificent Palace, worthy of the Princess by whose Order it was erected. I stay’d there eight or ten Days, and then continu’d my Journey towards the Duchy of _Hanover_, where I wanted to go and see my Mother, before I engag’d farther in the great Journey that I had in my Thoughts.

From _Oranjebaum_ I went to[18]HALL in _Saxony_, which is a City that belongs to the King, and is a part of the Duchy of _Magdebourg_. The Courts of Justice and the Regency of the Duchy were formerly held in this City, but now they are kept in the City of _Magdebourg_[19]. And _Hall_ is only remarkable for its University which was founded in 1695, and for its excellent Salt-Works. From _Hall_ I went to HALBERSTADT, the Capital of a Principality of the same Name. This City was for eight hundred Years subject to its Bishops till it was seculariz’d and yielded by the Treaty of _Westphalia_ in 1648, to the Electoral Family of _Brandenburg_. The River here is very small, for which reason the Trade of this Town is inconsiderable; but as it is the Seat of the Regency of the Principality, and of the Courts of justice, ’tis much frequented. Its Cathedral Church, which is worth seeing, belongs to a Chapter wherein the Catholics and the Protestants are equally admitted, and both have the Liberty of their Public Worship. The Catholics have several Convents in the Town, of which that of the Recollets is the most beautiful, and their Church is very fine. These Fryars say they owe their Foundation to the ancient Counts of _Regenstein_, who were heretofore Feudataries to the House of _Brunswic_, and whose Lands belong now to the King, notwithstanding the very fair Pretensions of the Dukes of _Brunswic_, and especially of the Duke of _Blankenbourg_, Father to the Empress, to whose share those Pretensions devolv’d. In 1709 this Prince gave a Sum of Money for new vamping the Tomb of their Founder, which they have done, and moreover added a _Latin_ Inscription to it in Capital Letters of Gold. When the King went to _Halberstadt_ he honor’d this Convent with his Presence, on which occasion the Father-Guardian preach’d before him and gave the Sacramental Benediction, because his Majesty had a mind to see the Ceremonies of the Catholic Church.

From _Halberstadt_ I went to WOLFEMBUTTLE[20], which City is the common Residence of the Dukes of _Brunswic_. Tis built only of Timber, and has no remarkable Structure but the Palace which is very fine, and the Library which is worthy of the Observation of the Learned and the Curious, not only for the Beauty of the Room and the regular Disposition of the Books, but for the Number of the Printed Volumes and Manuscripts. As soon as I arriv’d I sent to know if I might have the Honor of waiting on the Duke, who was then at _Saltzdabl_, a League from _Wolfembuttle_. From this City to the Castle the Road is lin’d with a very fine Row of Trees. His Highness having permitted me to pay him my Respects, I waited on him, and was receiv’d with extraordinary Kindness. This Prince, who was then fourscore Years of Age, had nevertheless all the Presence of Mind and all the Vigour of a Man of thirty. I believe it needless to observe to you that the Person whom I have the Honor to mention to you was the late Duke _Anthony-Ulric_. This Duke besides a superior Understanding knew many things, which Princes are glad to abandon to Persons of a mean Condition. If you have read the Romance of _Octavia_, and his Translation of several of _Corneille_’s and _Racine_’s Tragedies, you will readily own that no Person ever wrote in our Language more politely. This Prince was also perfect Master of the _Roman_ History, which he had made his particular Study. He had moreover a wonderful Taste for every thing that was Elegant, and especially for the Liberal Arts. One may judge of the Skill he had in Architecture by his Castle of _Saltzdabl_, which is a Structure not inferior in Magnificence to any that has been rais’d by Sovereign Princes. In this Castle, besides immensely rich Furniture, there is a numerous but choice Collection of Pictures that are put up in a great Gallery, which is one of the finest Rooms in all _Germany_. The Duke did me the Honor after I had din’d to carry me to it.

The Ducal Family of _Brunswic_ was at that time no more than the Duke _Anthony-Ulric_, and his two Sons, of whom the present Duke Regent was the eldest. Tho’ this Prince has been three times married he has had no Issue, so that the only one of the Family that has had Children is the Duke of _Blankenbourg_, who marry’d a Princess of _Oetingen_, by whom he has had three Daughters, the eldest of whom wears the Imperial Crown, the second was marry’d to a Prince of the _Czarian_ Family, and the third to the Prince of _Brunswic-Bevern_ presumptive Heir of the Dominions of _Wolfembuttle_.