History Of Frederick The Second Called Frederick The Great

Preface

IT is not surprising that many persons, not familiar with the wild and wondrous events of the past, should judge that many of the honest narratives of history must be fictions — mere romances. But it is difficult for the imagination to invent scenes more wonderful than can be found in the annals of by-gone days. The novelist who should create such a character as that of Frederick William, or such a career as that of Frederick the Great, would be deemed guilty of great exaggeration, and yet the facts contained in this volume are beyond all contradiction.

Mr. Carlyle has written the Life of Frederick the Great in six closely printed volumes of over five hundred pages each. It is a work of much ability and accuracy. There are, however, but few persons, in this busy age, who can find time to read three thousand pages of fine type, descriptive of events, many of which have lost their interest, and have ceased to possess any practical value. Still, the student who has leisure to peruse these voluminous annals of all the prominent actors in Europe during the reign of Frederick and of his half-insane father, will find a rich treat in the wonderfully graphic and accurate pages of Carlyle.

This volume is intended to give a clear and correct idea of the man — of his public and private character, and of his career. It would be difficult to find, in the whole range of English literature, a theme more full of the elements of entertainment and instruction.

The reader of these pages will be oppressed with the consciousness of how vast a proportion of the miseries of humanity is caused by the cruelty of man to his brother man. This globe might be a very happy home for those who dwell upon it. But its history, during the last six thousand years, has presented one of the most appalling tragedies of which the imagination can conceive. Among all the renowned warriors of the past, but few can be found who have contributed more to fill the world .with desolated homes, with the moans of the dying, with the cry of the widow and the orphan, than Frederick the Great ; but he laid the foundations of an empire which is at this moment the most potent upon the globe.

Chapter I. Parentage Of Fredeeick The Geeat

Origin of the Prussian Monarchy.— The Duchies of Brandenburg and Prussia.— The Elector crowned King Frederick I.— Frederick William.— His Childhood, Youth, and Marriage.— Birth of Fritz.— Death of Frederick I.— Eccentric Character of Frederick William. — His defective Education.— His Energy.— Curious Anecdotes.— Hatred of the French.— Education of Fritz.— The Father's Plan of Instruction Page 17

Chapter II. Life In The Palace

The Palace of Wusterhausen. — Wilhelmina and Fritz. — Education of the Crown Prince.-— Rising Dislike of the Father for his Son. — The Mother's Sympathy. — The double Marriage. — Character of George I. — The King of England visits Berlin. — Wilhelmina's Account of the Interview. — Sad Fate of the Wife of George I. — The Giant Guard. — Despotism of Frederick William.— The Tobacco Parliament. — A brutal Scene.— Death of George I.— The Royal Family of Prussia. — Augustus, King of Poland. — Corruption of his Court. — Cruel Treatment of Fritz. — Insane Conduct of the King 36

Chapter III. The Sufferings Of Fritz And Wilhelmina

The King an Artist.— Cruel Exactions of the King.— Conflicts of Etiquette.— Quarrel with George II. — Nuptial Intrigues. — Energetic Action of Frederick William. — Marriage of Frederica Louisa. — Fritz and his Flute. — Wrath of the King.— Beats Wilhelmina and Fritz.—' Attempts to strangle Fritz.— The Hunt at Wusterhausen.— Intrigues in reference to the Double Marriage. — Anguish of Wiihelmina. — Cruelty of her Mother. — Resolve of Fritz to escape to England , .... 58

Chapter IV. The Attempt To Escape

Objections to the British Alliance.— Obstinacy of the King.— Wilhelmina's Journal. — Policy of Frederick William and of George II.— Letter from Fritz.— The Camp of Miihlberg.— The Plan of Escape.— The Flight arrested. — Ungovernable Rage of the King.— Endeavors to kill his Son. — Arrest and Imprisonment of Fritz. — Terror of his Mother and Sister, — Wilhelmina imprisone'd 80

Chapter V. Imprisonment Of Fritz And Wilhelmina

Spirited Conduct of Fritz. — Fortress of Ciistrin. — Prison Fare. — Wilhelmina's Captivity. — Sad Fate of Doris Ritter.— Motives of the King.— -Doom of Lieutenant Katte.— Pathetic Supplications,— The Execution.— Peril of Fritz.— Theology of the King.— Letter from Fritz.— Sufferings of Wilhelmina. — Brutality of the King. — Wilhelmina brought to Terms 100

Chapter VI. The Marriage Of Wilhelmina

Wilhelmina's Letter to her Mother. — Cruel Response. — The Court Festival. — First Interview , with the Prince of Baireuth.— His Character and Appearance.— Interview between the King x CONTENTS.

and Fritz.— The Partial Reconciliation.— Divine Decrees.— The King's Sense of Justice.— The King's Discipline of the Judges.— Character of Fritz.— Wilhelmina's Annoyances.— Her Marriage.— Interview between Willielmina and Fritz. —The Departure Page 118

Chapter VII. The Marriage Of The Crown Prince

Matrimonial Intrigues.— Letters from the King to his Son.— Letter from Fritz to Grumkow.— Letter to Wilhelmina.— The Betrothal.— Character of Elizabeth.— Her cruel Reception by the Prussian Queen.— Letter from Fritz to Wilhelmina.— Disappointment and Anguish of Elizabeth.— Studious Habits of Fritz.— Continued Alienation of his Father.— The Marriage. —Life in the Castle at Reinsberg ^

Chapter VIII. Developments Of Character

The Castle at Reinsberg. —Slender Purses of Fritz and Wilhelmina.— Liberality of Fritz.— The Ball at Monbijou.— Adventures of Fritz and Wilhelmina. — Letters.— The Interview. — Anecdote of the King.— Wilhelmina's Account of Jier Brother.— Mental and Physical Maladies of the King.— Frederick's cruel Neglect of his Wife.— Daily Habits of the young Prince.— The shameful Carousal ir>~

Chapter IX. The Death Of Frederick William

Voltaire and Madame Du Chatelet.— Letter from Frederick to Voltaire.— The Reply.— Visit to the Prince of Orange. — Correspondency. — The Crown Prince becomes a Mason. — Interesting Letter from the Crown Prince. — Petulance and declining Health of the King, — Scenes in the Death-chamber.— Characteristic Anecdotes. — The Dying Scene 172

Chapter X. The Accession Of Frederick The Second

Establishment of the Berlin Academy of Sciences. — Religious Toleration. — A Free Press. — Sternness of the young King. — Domestic Habits of the King. — Provision for the Queen-mother.— Absolutism of the King. — Journey to Strasbourg. — First Interview with Voltaire. .. 101

Chapter XI. Diplomatic Intrigues

The Herstal Affair. — The Summons. — Voltaire's Manifesto. — George II. visits Hanover. — The Visit of Wilhelmina to Berlin. — Unpopularity of the King. — Death of the Emperor 'Charles VI t>OG

Chapter XII. The Invasion Of Silesia

Deceptive Measures of Frederick.— Plans for the Invasion of Silesia.— Avowed Reasons for the Invasion.— The Ball in Berlin.— The March of the Army.— Hardships and Successes.— Letter to Voltaire.— Capture of Glogau.— Capture of Brieg. — Bombardment of Neisse 218

Chapter XIII. The Campaig-n Of Mollwitz

Embarrassments of Frederick. — Attempts a Compromise. — New Invasion of Silesia. — Intrigues for the Imperial Crown.— Rivalry between England and France.— Death of Anne of Russia. —Energy of Austria.— Narrow Escape of Frederick.— Frederick's Antipathy to Christianity. —Capture of Glogau.— Peril of Frederick.— The Siege of Neisse 237

Chapter XIV. The Defeat And Flight Of Frederick

Preparing for the Battle.— The, Surprise. —The Snow-encumbered Plain. —Horror of the Scene,

CONTENTS. xi

—Flight of Frederick. —His Shame and Despair.— Unexpected Victory of the Prussians.— Letters of Frederick.— Adventures of Maupertuis ............................. ,.,..„ ........ Page 254

Chapter XV. The War In Silesia

The Encampment at Brieg. — Bombardment.— Diplomatic Intrigues,— Luxury of the Spanish Minister.— Rising Greatness of Frederick.— Frederick's Interview with Lord Hyndford.— Plans of France.— Desperate Prospects of Maria Theresa.— Anecdote of Frederick.— Joint Action of England and Holland.— Heroic Character of Maria Theresa. — Coronation of the Queen of Hungary ............................................................. , ............................ 265

Chapter XVI. The Conquest Of Silesia

An extraordinary Interview.— Carlyle's Sympathy. — Trifling Demeanor of Frederick.— Conspiracy in Breslau.— Guile of Frederick. — The successful Stratagem. — Crossing the Neisse.— The Co-operation of France.— Anguish of Maria Theresa. — Inflexible Will of Frederick. — Duplicity of the King.— The Surrender of Neisse .................................................. 275

CHAPTER

THE CAMPAIGN OF MORAVIA.

Frederick's Motives for the War. — Marriage of William Augustus. — Testimony of Lord Macaulay.— Frederick and his Allies.— Visit to Dresden.— Military Energy. — Charles Albert chosen Emperor. — The Coronation. — Effeminacy of the Saxon Princes. — Disappointment arid Vexation of Frederick.— He withdraws in Chagrin.— The Cantonment on the Elbe.— Winter Campaigning. — The Concentration at Chrudim .......................................... 295

Chapter XVIII. Frederick Triumphant

The Battle of Chotusitz. — Letter to Jordan. — Results of the Battle. — Secret Negotiations. — The Treaty of Breslau. —Entrance into Frankfort. — Treachery of Louis XV.— Eesults of the Silosian Campaigns. — Panegyrics of Voltaire. — Imperial Character of Maria Theresa. — Her Grief over the Loss of Silesia. — Anecdote of Senora Barbarina. — Duplicity of both Frederick and Voltaire. — Gayety in Berlin, — Straitened Circumstances. — Unamiability of Frederick .............................................. . .............................................................. 309

Chapter XIX

THE INVASION 03? BOHEMIA.

Correspondence between Frederick and Voltaire.— Voltaire's Visit to Frederick.— Domestic Habits of the King.— Unavailing Diplomacy of Voltaire.— The New Alliance.— The Renewal of War.— The Siege of Prague.— -The Advance upon Vienna.— Darkening Prospects.— The Pandoura.— Divisions in Council.— Sickness- of Louis XV.— Energy of Frederick.— Distress of the Army ................................................................................................. 326

Chapter XX. The Retreat

The Retreat ordered.— Awful Suffering.— Narrow Escape of the King.— The Flight from Prague. — Military Mistakes of the King.— Frederick returns to Berlin.— His wonderful administrative Ability.— Poland joins Austria. — The Austrians enter Silesia.— Unreasonable Demands of Frederick.— Humiliation of the King.— Prince Charles and his Bride. — Character of Leopold.— Death of the Emperor,— Bavaria turns against Frederick. — Anecdotes of Prince Leopold.— Peril of Frederick.— Battle of Hohenfriedberg.— Signal Victory of Frederick ................................................................................................. 335 xy CONTENTS.

Chapter XXI. Battles And Victories

Battle of Hohenfriedberg.— Religious Antagonism.— Anecdote of the King.— Retreat of the Austrians.— Horrors of War.— "A slight Pleasantry."— Sufferings of the Prussian Army.— The Victory of Fontenoy.— Frederick's Pecuniary Embarrassments. — Executive Abilities of Maria Theresa. —Inflexibility of the Austrian Queen.— The Retreat to Silesia.— The Surprise at Sohr.— Military Genius of Frederick.— Great Victory of Sohr Page 352

Chapter XXII. The Peace Op Dresden"

Sufferings of the Peasantry.— Renown and Peril of Frederick.— New Plan of Maria Theresa.— Despondency of Frederick.— Surprise and Rout of the Austrians.— The "Old Dessauer" enters Saxony.— Battle of Kesseldorf.— Singular Prayer of the Old Dessauer.— Signal Victory of the Prussians.— Elation of Frederick.— The Peace of Dresden.— Death of M. Duhan . 304

Chapter XXIII. Frederick The Great At Sans Souci

Days of Peace and Prosperity.— The Palace of Sans Souci.— Letter from Marshal Keith. — Domestic Habits of the King.— Frederick's Snuff-boxes. — Anecdotes. — Severe Discipline of the Army.— Testimony of Baron Trenck.— The Review.— Death of the " Divine Emilie."— The King's Revenge.— Anecdote of the Poor Schoolmaster. — The Berlin Carousal. — Appearance of his Majesty. — Honors conferred upon Voltaire 375

Chapter XXIV. * The Quarrel

Voltaire and the Jew.— Letter from Frederick to D'Arget.— Letter to Wilhelmina..— Caustic Letters to Voltaire. — Partial Reconciliation. — Frederick's brilliant Conversational Powers. — His Neglect of his Wife. — All Females excluded from his Court. — Maupertuis and the Academy.— Voltaire's Malignity. — Frederick's Anger. — Correspondence between Voltaire and Maupertuis. — Menaces of War. — Catt and the King...,, 387

Chapter XXV. Commencement Of The Seven Years' War

Secret Preparations for a Coalition. — Frederick's Embarrassments. — The uncertain Support of England. — Causes of the War. — Commencement of Hostilities. — Letter from Frederick to his Sister Amelia. — Letter to his Brother. — The Invasion of Saxony. — Misfortunes of the Royal Family of Poland. — Battle of Lobositz. — Energetic Military Movements. — Prisoners of Waicompelled to enlist in the Prussian Service. — Dispatches from Frederick. — Battle of Prague. — Battle of Kolin. — Retreat of Frederick. — Death of Sophia Dorothea 402

Chapter XXVI. Defeats And Perils

Grief of the King over his Mother's Death.— Interesting Letters.— Forces in the Field. —The March upon Dresden. —Devotion of Wilhelmina. —Atheism of the King.— Wilhdniina to Voltaire.— Despair of Frederick.— Great Victoiy of Rossbach.— Description of the Battle.-- Utter Rout of the Allies. —Elation of Frederick. —His Poem on the Occasion. — Ravage of War .... 4J8

Chapter XXVII. The Leuthen Campaign

Results of the Battle of Rossbach.— The Attack upon Breslau. -—Extraordinary Address of the King to his Troops.— Confidence of the Prussians in their Commander.— Magnificent Array of the Austrians at Leuthen.— Tactics of Frederick.— -The Battle Hymn.— The Battle and the Victory.— Scenes after the Battle.— Recapture of Breslau by Frederick... 434

CONTENTS. xiii

Chapter XXVIII. Domestic Griefs And Military Reverses

Destruction of the Army of Prince Charles. — Dismay in Vienna. — Testimony of Napoleon I. — Of Voltaire.— Wretchedness of the King.-— Compromise rejected.— New Preparations for War.— Treaty between England and Prussia.— Plan of the Campaign.— Siege of Olmutz.— Death of Prince Augustus William. — The Baggage Train. — The irreparable Disaster.— Anxiety of Frederick for Wilhelmina.— The March against the Russians.— The Battle of Zorndorf. — Anecdotes of Frederick Page 445

Chapter XXIX. The Third Campaign Of The Seven Years' War

Frederick's Attempt to Rescue his Brother. — Captured Dispatches.— Battle of Hoehkireh.— Defeat and Retreat of Frederick. — Death of Wilhelmina. — Letter to Voltaire. — Rejoicings at Vienna. — The Siege of Neisse. — The Siege of Dresden. — Conflagrations and Terror. — The Siege raised by Frederick. — Results of the Third Campaign. — Unavailing Efforts for Peace. — Despair of Frederick 463

Chapter XXX. Fourth Campaign Of The Seven Years' War

Desperate Exertions of Frederick. — Aid from England. — Limited Resources. — Opening of the Campaign. — Disgraceful Conduct of Voltaire. — Letter to Voltaire. — An Act of Desperation. — Letter to Count Finckenstein. — Frankfort taken by the Prussians. — Terrible Battle of Kunersdorf. — Anguish of Frederick. — The Disastrous Retreat — Melancholy Dispatch. — Contemplating Suicide. — Collecting the Wrecks of the Army. — Consternation in Berlin. — Letters to D'Argens.— Wonderful Strategical Skill.— Literary Efforts of the King 475

Chapter XXXI. The Struggle Continued

Winter Encampment. — Death of Maupertuis. — Infamous Conduct of Voltaire. — Reproof by the King. — Voltaire's Insincerity. — Correspondence. — The King publishes his Poems. — Dishonorable Conduct of the King. — New Encampment near Dresden. — Destruction of Frederick's Army in Silesia. — Atrocities perpetrated by the Austrians. — Astonishing March. — The Austrians outwitted. — Dresden bombarded and almost destroyed by Frederick. — Battle of Leignit8. — Utter Rout of the Austrians. — Undiminished Peril of Frederick. — Letter to D'Argens... , 495

Chapter XXXII. The End Of The Fifth Campaign

Incessant Marches and Battles. — Letter from Frederick to D'Argens. — Letter to his Brother Henry. — Berlin summoned to Surrender. — Sacking of the City. — Letter to D'Argens. — Desperate Resolves of Frederick. — The Resort of Suicide. — Remarkable Address of Frederick to MB Generals. — Bloody Battle of Torgau. — Dismal Night-scene. — Familiarity of the King with the Soldiers. — Winter Quarters at Freiberg. — Singular Letter to the Countess of Camas. — Death of the Princess Amelia. — Anecdotes of the King. — His domestic Habits. — His unscrupulous Measures to obtain Men and Money. —Letter of Charlotte of Mecklenburg.... 507

Chapter XXXIII. The End Of The Seven Years' War

Commencement of the Sixth Campaign. — The Fortified Camp at Bunzelwitz. — Skillful Engineering.— Unintermitted Toil of the Soldiers. — Retreat of the Russians. — Loss of Schweidnitz. — Peculiar Treatment of General Zastrow.— Close of the Sixth Campaign.— The King at BrcHlau.— Desponding Letter to D'Argens. — Death of Elizabeth of Russia.— Accession of Peter III. — His Marriage with the Daughter of a Prussian General.— Takes the Baptismal Name of Catharine.— Assassination of Peter III.— Curious Proclamation by the Empress.— xiv CONTENTS.

Commencement of the Seventh Campaign. — Alliance of Eussia with Prussia. — Withdrawal from the Alliance. — Termination of the War Page 522

Chapter XXXIV. The Paktition Of Poland

The King patronizes literary and scientific Men. — Anecdotes. — The Family Quarrel. — Birth of Frederick William III. — Rapid Recuperation of Prussia. — The King's Tour of Observation. — Desolate Aspect of the Country. — Absolutism of Frederick. — Intern ew between Frederick and D'Alembert. — Unpopularity of Frederick. — Death of the King of Poland. — Plans for the Partition of Poland. — Intrigues of Catharine. — Interview between Frederick and the Emperor Joseph. — Poland seized by Russia, Prussia, and Austria. — The Division of the Spoil. — Remorse of Maria Theresa. — Indifference of Frederick to public Opinion 530