I could have wish’d to have made this Ca_The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz, Volume III Being the Observations He Made in His Late Travels from Prussia thro' Germany, Italy, France, Flanders, Holland, England, &C. in Letters to His Friend. Discovering Not Only the Present State of the Chief Cities and Towns; but the Characters of the Principal Persons at the Several Courts.

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_.

The Ducal Family of _Brunswic_ is intirely _Lutheran_; yet the late Duke

_Anthony_ died a Catholic, to which Religion he was converted a little

before his Death. The Enemies of his Reputation affected to give out, that

Ambition was the motive of his entring into the Pale of the Church, and

that the Bishopric of _Hildesheim_ or the Electorate of _Cologne_, which

were both vacant at that time by the Elector’s being put under the Ban of

the Empire, was the View of his Conversion: but ’tis easy to perceive that

this Reproach is nothing but meer Calumny, if it be consider’d, that the

Duke of _Brunswic_ consider’d only in that Quality had too high a Rank in

the Empire to be flatter’d with the Episcopal or Electoral Dignity,

especially at the Age of fourscore, and when he could not hope for

Posterity to inherit either. ’Tis very certain that the Conversion of this

Prince was the Effect of a long Examination which he had made of the

Religion that he embrac’d, he having entertain’d Thoughts of it for

several years. When he consented that his Grand-Daughter should be

married to the Emperor, it was demanded of that Princess, that she should

abjure the Religion in which she had been educated. There was at that time

an Assembly of the ablest Divines in _Germany_, who agreed as the _French_

Ministers did when _Henry_ IV. consulted them about his Conversion, that

Salvation was to be had in the Catholic Religion. This Confession of the

Ministers was some encouragement to the timorous Princess, who being but

young and very tender-conscienc’d, thought there was Danger in taking such

a Step. The Duke, in order to reconcile her thoroughly to it, promis’d her

to turn Catholic himself; and _Imhoff_ his Minister did the same. As the

latter was a Man of good Sense, and moreover of great Probity, he had

acquir’d his Master’s Confidence, and as Religion had for some time past

the principal Share in their Conversation, _Imhoff_ after having weigh’d

every thing well, could not deny, that the Catholic was the only true

Religion; and he made his Abjuration of the Protestant, some time after

the Princess. The Duke was a good while longer before he took this Step;

for tho’ he was a real Catholic in his Heart, he was willing to prepare

his Subjects for this Alteration by gentle means; but when he receiv’d a

Letter from his Grand-Daughter, he made no longer Delay. This Princess

arriving at _Barcelona_, and hearing that the Duke had not yet perform’d

the Promise he made to change his Religion, she wrote a long Letter to

him, wherein she let him know how uneasy she was, for fear that the

Religion which he had advis’d her to chuse was not the true Religion,

because he was so long in embracing it himself. Then the Duke declar’d

himself, and convinc’d his Grand-Daughter, that not content with having

procur’d her one of the principal Crowns in this World, he had also done

his Endeavor to secure her another that was more glorious and more

durable.

After the Duke had embrac’d the Catholic Religion, he caus’d a Church to

be built at BRUNSWIC[21], which is a City but two small Leagues from

_Wolfembuttle_, thro’ a very strait Road, lin’d on both sides with Trees.

When I had taken a good View of all that was worth seeing at _Saltzdabl_,

I came to this City, which I found did not come up near to the Notion I

had of it; nevertheless ’tis the Capital of the Duchy of _Brunswic_. They

say ’twas built _Anno_ 868, by _Bruno_ the Son of _Alphonsus_ Duke of

_Saxony_, who call’d it after his own Name. It was afterwards very much

enlarg’d by the Emperor _Henry_ the _Faulconer_. ’Twas formerly rank’d

among the chief _Hanse_ Towns, and govern’d it self after the manner of a

Republic, pretending to be independent of its Dukes, who always oppos’d

it’s Liberty Sword in hand, and ’twas not without great difficulty that

they brought it in Subjection to them. _Henry_ Duke of _Brunswic_,

surnam’d the _Young_, besieg’d it three times, but always in vain. At

length in 1617, the City was compell’d to perform Homage to Duke

_Frederic-Ulric_, the then Regent. Nevertheless it preserv’d its

Privileges, which still gave it an Appearance of Freedom till 1671, when

_Rodolph Augustus_, Duke of _Brunswic-Wolfembuttle_, made himself absolute

Master of it. Duke _Anthony-Ulric_ once had a Design to fortify this

Place, and the Duke his Son seem’d at first to have the same Intention;

but afterwards he chose rather to have noble Structures erected in it,

amongst which there’s a very great Palace, where ten Sovereigns might

lodge without incommoding one another. This Prince caus’d it to be built

for the Duchess his Wife, in case she should survive him; and no Cost was

spar’d to render it one of the richest and most magnificent Palaces that

was ever seen, to the intent that the Charms of so fine a Habitation might

contribute in some measure to make the Duchess more cheerful in her

melancholy State of Widowhood; which indeed could not but be the more so

to the Princess, because by losing her Husband, she must also lose her

Sovereignty; for they had no Children, and the Duke was too old for them

ever to expect any.

This is the only Palace in _Brunswic_ that is remarkable. The Duke of

_Blankenbourg_’s, ’tis true, is very large, and has very fine Apartments,

but is old, and has nothing extraordinary; it joins to the Church of St.

_Alaise_, which is the principal Church, and the Place where several of

the Dukes are buried. On the Square over-against the Church, there’s a

Lion of Brass, on a very high Pedestal, representing that which they say

was tam’d by the Duke _Henry_ surnam’d the _Lion_, to such a degree, that

the terrible Animal follow’d him wherever he went; and even after the

Duke’s Death and Interment in the Church of St. _Alaise_, the Lion went

towards the Church Door, try’d to break it open, stay’d there in spite of

all the Attempts to take him off, and died on the very Spot, for Grief

that he had lost his Master.

I afterwards went to ZELL[22], and from thence to HANOVER. The first of

these Towns is small, and has nothing remarkable. It was formerly the

common Residence of the Dukes of _Zell_, who had a very commodious Castle

in it; but since that Country devolv’d by Inheritance to the House of

_Hanover_, there’s nothing remaining here but the Courts of Justice and

the Regency.

HANOVER[23] is the Capital of the Electorate, and the Seat of the

Electors. This Court was always one of the politest in _Germany_,

especially during the Life of the late Princess _Sophia_, the Electoress

Dowager and Mother. This August Princess, who was descended from the most

illustrious Blood in _Europe_, was the Daughter of the unhappy _Frederic_,

the Elector _Palatine_, and of the Princess of _England_, Daughter of K.

_James_ I. by whom the Right of Succession to the Crown of _England_

devolv’d to the House of _Hanover_. This Princess, tho’ she was full

Fourscore when I was at _Hanover_, labour’d under none of those

Infirmities, which one would think to be inseparable from so great an Age:

She was really a Prodigy for Vivacity and Memory; she spoke _French_,

_English_ and _Italian_ as well as her Mother-Tongue, and had moreover a

wonderful just way of Thinking, which she had taken the pains to cultivate

by great Reading. This Princess had been the Mother of several Children,

of whom there were then but three Princes surviving, _viz._ the eldest,

who was then the Elector, and afterwards King of _Great Britain_; the

second whose Name was Duke _Maximilian_; and the third the Duke _Ernest

Augustus_, afterwards Bishop of _Osnabrug_ and Duke of _York_.

Of the Electoress’s three Sons, none but the Elector had any Children; and

these are the Electoral Prince, now King of _England_, and the Princess

Royal, now our Queen.

The Electoral Prince’s Family was more numerous. He has had a Son and

several Daughters by the Princess of _Brandenburg-Anspach_. I had the

Honor of waiting on the Princes and Princesses the very next day after my

Arrival, and was received very graciously, especially by the Electoress

Mother, who all the Time that I staid at Court, honor’d me with her

special Protection.

I spent all the _Carnival_ time at this Court, where ’twas open’d on the

2d day of _January_ by a _French_ Comedy, after which there was Play and a

Drawing-Room at the Electoress’s Apartment till ten o’clock at Night. Next

day there was a Ridotto in imitation of that of _Venice_, that is to say,

a public Ball, to which every body was admitted that had a Mask, but not

with Arms. This Ball was held at the Town-House, every other day during

the whole _Carnival_. In the same Room where the Ridotto was perform’d,

they play’d at _Ombre_ and _Picquet_, and in another at _Basset_; there

was a third Room in which the Tables were cover’d with a cold Treat; and

next to this third Room there was a fourth, in which were distributed

Coffee, Chocolate, Liquors, _&c._

I had a very great Share in all the Diversions of the _Carnival_, being

then at an Age when nothing is so much minded as Pleasures; especially

when a Person has Money enough to keep him from the Uneasiness, which is

the necessary consequence of the want of that precious Metal. Of this I

was now furnish’d with a handsome Stock, and therewith cut a very gay

Figure; but was soon oblig’d to lessen my Expences, because nothing would

serve me but I must try a fatal Experiment, in which I was bit. I had a

mind to try Fortune at Gaming; and play’d at first with pretty good Luck;

but afterwards the Chance turn’d, and I was soon in a very great Quandary

what to do with my Person, being neither able to proceed in my Journey,

nor return from whence I came; and much less to stay at _Hanover_, where I

had always made some Figure. I then did what young Fellows us’d to do in

such a Situation; that is to say, made several Bargains, but none to my

Advantage. At last I was oblig’d to expose my Circumstances to my Mother,

who was still my Guardian. I had much ado to get the Money of her that I

wanted; but I wrote such moving Letters to her, that she was sensible at

last that she was my Mother, and after having made me wait a little while,

she was so good as to send me the necessary Sums.

This little Disorder in my Affairs happen’d at a very unseasonable Time:

for the Electoress had been so kind as to get a Passport for me to go to

_Paris_, by means of the late Madame of _France_; but as the same was only

granted for two Months, ’twas impossible for me to make use of it, having

been oblig’d to spend almost all that time in contriving Expedients to

retrieve my Finances.

The Money that my Mother was so kind as to send me, put me again into a

Condition of travelling. The Emperor _Joseph_’s Death happening at that

time, I resolv’d to go and see the Election of a new Emperor. This great

Prince died at _Vienna_, the 17th of _May_, at 32 years of Age and nine

Months. He left the Imperial Throne vacant, but his other Crowns devolv’d

by Hereditary Right to his Brother. As soon as that Emperor died, the

Empress Mother assum’d the Government of his Hereditary Kingdoms and

Dominions, in the Absence of the King her Son, to whom she sent an Express

to carry the News, as she did also to each of the Electors. The _Saxon_

and _Palatine_ Electors, as Vicars of the Empire, took Care of the

Government of it during the Inter-regnum; and the Elector of _Mentz_, as

Great Chancellor of the Empire, wrote circular Letters (which are call’d

Letters of _Intimation_) to invite the Electors to the Assembly that was

to be at _Francfort_ for the ensuing Election.

As this Assembly was not to be till _August_, I went in the mean while to

_Holland_. The first Town I pass’d thro’ after I left _Hanover_, was

MINDEN, which is a Town upon the _Weser_, encompass’d with Walls, and

defended by some Half-Moons, which nevertheless don’t hinder one’s seeing

every thing that passes in the Square from a Hill that commands the Town,

and from whence ’tis an easy matter to beat it to the ground. ’Twas

formerly a Hanse Town, being a part of _Westphalia_, and had always the

Title of a Bishopric, till the Treaty of _Munster_, when it was

seculariz’d, and given to the Family of _Brandenburg_, who settled a

Regency here. It always retain’d two Chapters, one of Canons, and the

other of Canonesses, into which the Ladies must make proof of their

Nobility to be admitted. The famous Count _Tilly_, General of the Imperial

Troops, when he was pursuing _Maurice_ the Landgrave of _Hesse-Cassel_,

attack’d and took this Place in 1626, when the General, exasperated with

the Town, which tho’ extremely weak, refused to comply with the very

advantagious Terms that he offer’d it, took it by Storm, and put near 3000

Men, Soldiers and Inhabitants, to the Sword.

As I proceeded, I passed thro’ HERVORDEN, which is an ill-built Town, in

the County of _Ravensberg_. ’Tis an Imperial Town, and yet the King

maintains a Garison in it. There’s a Chapter of Ladies, the Abbess of

which is a Native Princess of the Empire; and indeed this is what the Town

is most remarkable for, it being otherwise not very considerable any more

than the Towns of LIPSTADT and HAM. These belong both to the King, of

which the first is fortify’d, and Justice is therein administer’d, in the

Name of the King and the Count _de la Lippe_, who has half of the Revenue.

Every thing relating to the Fortifications or the Garison, is the King’s.

The Baron _de Heiden_, General of the Horse, was Governor of it when I was

there.

After having left these two Places, there is no considerable Town till we

come to WESEL, which stands upon the _Rhine_, and is a part of the Duchy

of _Cleves_. ’Tis now one of the strongest Places in _Europe_; for the

King, who was about fortifying it when I was there, ordered that no Cost

should be spar’d to carry the Works to the utmost Perfection. The Person

he employ’d to direct them was M. _Bot_ a _Frenchman_, and Governor of the

Place, one of the ablest Engineers now living. When I had rested a few

days at _Wesel_ I fell down the _Rhine_ to _Nimeguen_, and by the way saw

EMMERICK and SCHENK. _Emmerick_ is a Hanse Town upon the _Rhine_, which

was taken by the _French_ in 1652, and restor’d two years after to the

Elector of _Brandenburg_. _Schenk_, which is the first place in _Holland_,

stands at the Point where the _Rhine_ divides it self into two Branches,

one of which is call’d _Vahal_, and the other retains the Name of the

_Rhine_. This Place was built in 1586, by _Martin Schenk_ a _Gueldrian_,

from whom it took the Name.

NIMEGUEN[24] is built upon a Hill which rises by degrees to the very

Centre of the Place, and is part of the Province of _Guelderland_. This

Town is famous for having been taken and re-taken in the War the _Dutch_

carry’d on with _Spain_ for preserving their Liberty. That Crown was

oblig’d at last to yield it to the _Dutch_, from whom _Lewis_ XIV. took it

in 1672; but it was restor’d to them soon after. ’Twas in this Place that

the Peace was concluded between _France_ and the Allies in 1678. At the

beginning of the War for the _Spanish_ Succession, the Duke of _Burgundy_

endeavor’d to make himself Master of it, but he had not the Fortune to

succeed. The _Dutch_ have made it very strong, it being their main Bulwark

towards the Duchy of _Cleves_. To go by Land from _Nimeguen_ to UTRECHT, I

cross’d the _Vahal_ over a Flying-Bridge. I shall not speak of this City

now; for I did not stay there, but went strait to LEYDEN[25], a City in

the Province of _Holland_, famous for its University, founded in 1575.

This is without dispute one of the finest Cities in all the United

Provinces. ’Tis situate in the ancient Channel of the _Rhine_. The Streets

which are broad and very long, are extremely neat, and are for the most

part divided by Canals, that are of a great Conveniency to its Trade,

which consists chiefly in Woollen Cloth, whereof the City of _Leyden_

makes more than any other Town in _Holland_. There’s a Library also in

this City, which is a very good Collection of the most curious printed

Volumes, and a great Number of very scarce old MSS. Here is likewise a

Physic-Garden worth seeing, and especially a Hall for Anatomies, in which

there is all manner of Curiosities. This City sustain’d a Siege by the

_Spaniards_ in 1574, when the _Dutch_ shook off their Tyrants Yoke. During

this the City was reduc’d to the last Extremity, the Siege having

continu’d from _Easter_ to the 3d of _October_, when the _Spaniards_ were

oblig’d to retire. Tho’ _Leyden_ is a very pretty City, yet I take it to

be one of the dullest Places in all _Holland_ to live in; for go where one

will, we meet with such sickly Countenances as makes one melancholy to see

them: not but that the Town’s-People are as healthy here as elsewhere;

only the Habit they have got of appearing always in their Night-Gowns, and

of even walking the Streets in them, makes them look more like

Valetudinarians, than People in Health.

After a few days stay at _Leyden_, I went to the HAGUE[26], which I think

may well be call’d the principal Village of _Europe_, it having neither

Walls nor Ramparts; but bating that, ’tis one of the pleasantest Places in

all _Holland_; it being so delightful that the States-General have chose

it, preferably to any other, for holding their Assemblies; and here also

reside the Ministers of the Foreign Courts. There is not a Place in all

_Holland_ that yields such fine Walks, and the People are polite and much

more sociable than in any other part of the Country. Most of the People of

Quality meet every Evening alternately at one another’s Houses: These

Assemblies would be much finer than they are in general, if the Company

was not so promiscuous; but the Freedom of the Country, and the Wealth of

the Inhabitants, very often set the Burgher upon a Level with the Man of

Quality, and sometimes too above him.

The Houses at the _Hague_ are very fine, yet they are all without the

Rules of Architecture, without Ornament, and in a manner without

Regularity, excepting the Palaces of the Old Court and of Prince

_Maurice_, and the House of M. _Obdam_. There’s not a House in short that

has the air of a great Man’s House; the inner Rooms are commonly very

mean, and not very commodious; they have no Notion of Anti-Chambers; the

Domestics pass their Time in the Kitchens or the Entries; and, except at

the Houses of Ambassadors, what we call a _Swiss_ or Porter, is no where

to be seen. There’s a great Number of _Jews_ at the _Hague_, who make a

fine Figure, especially the _Portuguese Jews_. These Gentlemen have the

Equipages of Ambassadors, with magnificent Houses and Gardens; and they

often make Treats with the utmost Delicacy and Splendor. They are admitted

into all Companies, and only differ from the Christians of this Country by

being possess’d of much more Wealth, and living at a far greater Expence.

I knew one of ’em whose Name was _Duliz_, that was very much esteem’d: He

was good-natur’d, generous, extremely charitable, and reliev’d all

indifferently that were Objects of Compassion, without giving himself the

Trouble of enquiring whether the Sharers of his Bounty were _Jews_ or

_Christians_: And to my own knowledge he contributed as freely for the

Maintenance of a Church, as if it had been his own Synagogue.

When I had staid about a Month at the _Hague_, I set out to see the chief

Towns of _Holland_. The two first that one comes to are DELFT and

_Rotterdam_. _Delft_[27] is a League from the _Hague_. They say that this

Town was built by _Godfrey_ the _Crooked_ when he had conquer’d this

Country; and that _Albert_ of _Bavaria_ having made himself master of it,

demolish’d its Walls and Castle. It was entirely burnt to the ground by

Accident in 1536, and afterwards re-built. The like Misfortune happen’d to

it again in 1654, when the Powder Magazine took fire, and the Town, tho’

not totally consum’d, was nevertheless very much damag’d. It was again

entirely re-built in the general Taste of all the Towns of _Holland_, that

is to say, with Canals. There are two fine Churches at _Delft_, in the

Chief of which there is the Tomb of Prince _William_ of _Orange_, who was

assassinated in this Town in 1584, by _Belthazar Gerard_, a Native of

_Franche-Comte_; and in the other Church there is the Tomb of the famous

_Dutch_ Admiral _Martin Trompe_, which is of Marble, with a very fine

Inscription, and beautiful Basso-Relievo’s, which represent the principal

Actions of that great Man. ’Twas in this Town, that the Plenipotentiaries

of _France_ resided during the Congress of _Ryswic_. All Ambassadors are

receiv’d here on the part of the States, and ’tis here that they begin

their March for their public Entry at the _Hague_. The Road which leads

to it is lin’d with Elms, and entirely pav’d with Brick. There is not a

Place in all _Holland_ where so many Passage-Boats are continually coming

and going. They set out every Half-hour for the _Hague_, and every Hour

for _Rotterdam_. These Boats are the favorite Carriers of the Country; and

they are the most convenient Passage, not only for the Regularity of their

Departure and Arrival, but because the Fare is settled. I forgot to tell

you, that _Delft_ is the Place where they make the fine Earthen Ware.

From _Delft_ I went and lay at ROTTERDAM[28]. This City, which stands upon

the _Maese_, is second to _Amsterdam_ for Trade, notwithstanding the

Difficulty of entring the _Maese_, at the Mouth of which River Ships are

oblig’d to stay for the Tide, and for a Pilot that knows the Coast. They

say that _Rotterdam_ derives its Origin from _Ruther_ King of the

_Franks_. This City is large and well built; and by its several Canals has

a convenient Communication with all the Towns of _Holland_. The only

Monument at _Rotterdam_ is a Statue of Brass in the great Square,

representing the famous _Erasmus_, to whom this City gave Birth.

From _Rotterdam_ I went to DORT, or DORDRECHT, which is a very ancient

Town, and the first in Rank in the Dominions of _Holland_. It stands in an

Island between the _Maese_, the _Merwe_, the _Rhine_, and the _Ling_,

having been broke off from the main Land in 1421, by an Inundation, which

laid almost all its Territory under Water, and drown’d about 100,000

Persons. All these Rivers form a kind of Sea; so that at a distance the

Situation of this Town looks very much like that of _Venice_. This Place

was anciently the Residence of the Counts of _Holland_, one of whom,

_viz._ _Albert_ of _Bavaria_, founded a Collegiate Church here in 1363.

The Protestants assembled that famous National Synod here in 1618, which

did not separate till the year following, after having establish’d that

Religion which prevails at this time in the United Provinces.

When I had staid at _Dort_ as long as was necessary to see the Town and

Parts adjacent, I return’d to _Rotterdam_, from whence I went next day in

a Boat for AMSTERDAM[29]. This is the most famous City in all _Holland_,

its Extent, vast Trade and Riches being the Admiration of all Foreigners;

and what is more surprizing is, that it owes its Aggrandizement to itself,

and its great Wealth to its Commerce. ’Tis said that this City was not

known before the Year 1204; and that then it was no more than a little

Castle call’d _Amstel_, from the Name of the River on which it was built.

The then Lord of it, _Gysbrecht van Amstel_ brought Inhabitants to it, who

were for most part poor Cottagers, that carried on a small Trade with

their Neighbours by means of their Fishery; and at last by the force of

Industry throve so well, that _Amstel_ from a Village, became in a few

years, a very considerable Town, which was always subject to its own

Lords, till a second _Gysbrecht_ being concern’d in the Assassination of

_Florence_ V. Count of _Holland_, was oblig’d for some time to get out of

the way, which prov’d to the Detriment of _Amsterdam_; but _Gysbrecht_

returning at length began to build Bridges and Towers, as he did several

Houses at the same time in the neighbouring Country; and then they began

to call the Place _Amsteldam_, by the Addition of the Word _Dam_, i. e. a

_Dyke_, to its former Name of _Amstel_. This little Town was united

afterwards to the County of _Holland_. _William_ IV. Sovereign of the

Country, gave it several Privileges in 1342. These _Albert_ of _Bavaria_

confirm’d afterwards, by giving the Inhabitants a Power also of enlarging

the Town, which by its Situation, and the Industry of the Inhabitants to

improve its Commerce, soon became considerable; yet it continued without

any Walls, even so long as the Year 1482. In the 16th Century this City

increas’d considerably in Power; and during the Troubles which arose on

account of Religion, took great Care to preserve the Catholic Religion,

and their due Allegiance to its Princes. It turn’d out the Ministers of

the Reformed Religion, and all that had embrac’d that Doctrine several

times. But at length finding its Trade decay; and that the Succours

brought to it by the Duke of _Alva_, Governor of the _Netherlands_, were

scatter’d, ’twas oblig’d to surrender to the Prince of _Orange_ in 1587,

on condition nevertheless that the Catholics should not be molested. This

indeed was promis’d, but not duly perform’d; for the Clergy and Friars

were soon after expell’d, and the Altars demolish’d; the consequence of

which was the putting an entire stop to all the public Exercise of the

Catholic Religion. The War which the Inhabitants of _Amsterdam_ had upon

their hands, and the Persecution of the Catholics had hurt its Trade very

much, till the Civil Wars kindled in the neighbouring Provinces drove

several Merchants from _Brussels_, _Antwerp_, _&c._ to _Amsterdam_, where

these new Citizens contributed so much to the Revival of its Commerce,

that they have render’d it one of the finest and richest Cities in Being;

and ’tis commonly call’d, _The Warehouse of the World_.

If the Situation of _Amsterdam_ be duly considered, it may be said to be

one of the Wonders of the World. It stands so low, that it wou’d be

continually in danger of being drown’d, were not the Water kept out by

Dykes as high as the Waves. The River _Amstel_, so gentle that one can

hardly perceive which way it runs, passes thro’ the whole City, and forms

the great Canal over which there are two Bridges. That which is at the

Mouth of the Sea, call’d the _Pont-neuf_, is one of the finest of the

kind, not only for its Sluices, but for the noble View there is from

thence of the Harbor, where Ships are continually going out or coming in

from all parts of the World. Besides the Great Canal, there are others

which deserve to be taken notice of, as, _The Emperors_ Canal, _The Lords_

Canal; that of the _Cingle_, and the _Princes_ Canal: All these Canals are

broad and deep, and furnish’d with great Kays. The Sides are fac’d with

Free-stone or Brick, and adorn’d with Lime-Trees and Elms. Very fine

Houses are built on most of these Kays, and especially upon the Kay of

_The Lords_ Canal; and new ones are building every day, which are very

beautiful; and tho’ they are small, and not in the Rules of Architecture,

have a certain Air of Neatness which is to be found no where else. Almost

all the Houses have very fine Steps of shining black Marble, and noble

Window-Frames, with very fine Panes, which are often of polish’d Glass.

The Streets of _Amsterdam_ are generally pretty narrow, yet very fine and

neat; and on certain Days of the Week great Care is taken to wash them. I

must tell you by the way, that there is not a place where the People are

so fond of washing as they are at _Amsterdam_; for they scour the inside

of their Houses every Week without fail, together with the Furniture of

the Kitchen; so that they are always in the Suds. ’Tis true, that without

this Care every thing would grow mouldy and spoil, as Foreigners have very

often experienc’d, who, how loth soever to comply with this sort of

Slavery, which they thought only the Fashion of the Country, were soon

oblig’d to submit to it: And I believe, that were it not for this

Necessity of always washing, the _Dutch_ wou’d not lose so much Time about

it; for in other respects I have not observ’d ’em so nice. These People

wear a Shirt for a Fortnight very well under a nasty, greasy Woollen

Waistcoat: and their manner of eating is as slovenly; for the Generality

know no Forks but their Fingers, wherewith they scoop up the Sallad

swimming in the Vinegar, which is commonly their favorite Dish[30].

Of all the Public Buildings at _Amsterdam_, the Stadt-house is certainly

the most magnificent. ’Tis a great Pile built of Free-stones very finely

set, and forms a long Square. The 7 Porticoes which are in the main Front,

and which the Architect has reduc’d to the number of 7, to denote the 7

United Provinces, are look’d upon as a defect in Architecture; for they

are so narrow, that three Persons can scarce walk a-breast in them: which

indeed is contrary to the Rules of Architecture, but yet no Fault in a

Building, which like the Stadt-house is frequently expos’d to the Rage and

Riots of a People as turbulent as the _Amsterdamers_. These seven

Porticoes lead to two Gates at the Foot of the Grand Stair-Case. I don’t

pretend, _Madame_, to give you all the particular Beauties of this

Structure, being not acquainted enough with the Rules, or even the Terms

of Architecture, to presume to enter into any Description of this nature;

therefore I shall confine my self to what most strikes the Eye.

The Pediment of the principal Front was to my mind well fancy’d. ’Tis

adorn’d with a Relievo of white Marble, in which a Woman is represented

supporting the Arms of the City. There is also a _Neptune_, some Figures

of Heroes, Lions, Unicorns, and the whole is of admirable Workmanship.

This Pediment is crown’d with three fine Statues of Brass, which denote

Justice, Power and Plenty. On the very Top of this whole Building there’s

a Tower in form of a Dome. Here is a very fine Clock with Chimes, which

are a pretty Amusement for such as are fond of that sort of Music.

The Inside of this House is every part of it very magnificent. The Chamber

where they pass Sentence on Criminals is lin’d throughout with Marble, and

adorn’d with Basso-Relievo’s, representing all the Emblems and Attributes

of Justice. That which is most admir’d there is a fine Marble Statue

representing _Themis_. This Room is rais’d very high, and a little too

dark; yet ’tis so contriv’d, that all the People in the Square may see the

Criminals try’d. The three Porticoes at the Entrance answer to the three

Windows of this Hall, which Windows instead of Glass, have noble Bars of

Brass curiously wrought.

The Great Hall is another stately Room, to which there’s an Ascent by a

large Stair-Case with two Flights. All the Walls are lin’d with

Basso-Relievo’s of Marble, intermix’d with fine Paintings. There are two

Galleries or Corridors at the two ends of the Hall, which lead to

Apartments on the right and left. In these Chambers are kept the several

Offices relating to Affairs of the City. The Jurisdiction or Province of

each Chamber is inscrib’d over the Door; and the Affairs there treated,

are represented in magnificent Basso-Relievo’s. In one of these Rooms,

such Persons as are not of the Reform’d Religion are oblig’d to be married

before the _Echevin_, or else they are condemn’d in a Fine; and according

to the Laws, their Marriage is to be reckon’d null and void.

In the Town-House is kept the famous Bank, which is the Repository of such

a vast Treasure. Prodigious Arches and huge double Bars of Iron before the

Windows, render it inaccessible. The Vaults are admirable, being built

upon Piles in the middle of the Water, and yet so dry as if they were cut

out of a Rock. One part of these Vaults serves for containing the immense

Wealth, the other for confining Criminals. I had the Curiosity to go and

see those Dungeons, which are all very lightsome and kept very neat; and

in spite of the Proverb, they may be said to be very fine Prisons.

After I had been at the Town-House, I went to visit the Square where the

Merchants assemble about the Affairs of their Trade from Noon till half an

Hour past one o’clock. This Square, which is longer than ’tis broad, is

surrounded with a large open Gallery or Corridor, supported by Free-stone

Pillars, for shelter in case of Rain; and is call’d the _Bourse_ or

_Exchange_. Here are Merchants of all Nations, the diversity of whose

Habits and Languages is as pleasing as the Beauty of the Place; and

especially the Hurry those People are in that are call’d _Brokers_, who

are the Men employ’d by the great Merchants to traffick the Bills of

Exchange, or to transact their other Affairs. To see them scowering from

one to the other all about this Square, there’s no body but wou’d think

they were mad.

The _India_-House and Admiralty-Office are also worth seeing. The first

serves as a Warehouse for laying up such Merchandize as comes from the

_Indies_. In the latter there is all the necessary Rigging for fitting out

a Fleet to Sea. The _India_ Company have their separate Arsenal, which is

in nothing inferior to that of the States. In this City there are

Hospitals also of every Kind very well maintain’d, and Houses of

Correction for both Sexes. _Amsterdam_ is the Place of Refuge for Sects of

all Denominations, who have their several Chappels or Chambers there,

wherein they exercise their Religion, but the _Calvinists_ and _Lutherans_

only are allow’d the Liberty of Public Worship. However the _Jews_ have

two fine Synagogues here; the one for the _German_, and the other for the

_Portuguese_ Nation. Of this Sect there are great Numbers, and they live

in a particular Quarter, which is not the most inconsiderable of the City.

But notwithstanding all this Magnificence of Buildings, and the Concourse

of so many Nations, I was quite out of conceit with _Amsterdam_. Every

body sticks to Trade, and the Gratification of their Avarice is their

whole Study. The Generality with their immense Wealth live like Misers;

and all their Happiness, their Pleasure and their Pride consists in having

a great deal of Money: They think of nothing but how to acquire Riches;

and they look upon every Man that lives genteelly as a Prodigal. As to the

_Dutch_ Freedom, I don’t believe there’s a Place where it bears greater

Sway than at _Amsterdam_. ’Tis true, that this so much boasted Liberty

serves very often but to render the Citizens insolent with Impunity; for

there is not a Scrub but thinks himself as good a Man as the best in the

Country: Foreigners have sometimes much ado to bear it, they being often

abus’d without daring to complain; for it costs so much to obtain Justice

here, that People had rather put up with an Insult, than seek a Remedy by

due Course of Law. The Attorneys and Solicitors of this City outdo those

of all other Countries in flattering their Clients to their Ruin, and most

of this Gentry cut a great Figure, have noble Houses and Gardens, and some

too have very spruce Equipages.

From _Amsterdam_ I went to HARLEM[31], which is but three Leagues.

Heretofore, while the Catholic Religion subsisted in this Country, it was

a Bishopric, Suffragan of _Utrecht_. The Town stands but a League from the

Sea, or rather upon its Shore, the Sea having overflow’d a considerable

part of the Country, which forms a Lake, now call’d the _Harlem Meer_, or

Sea of _Harlem_. This Town communicates by its Canals both with

_Amsterdam_ and _Leyden_. They pretend it was founded by the _Normans_ in

the ninth Century. Pope _Paul_ IV. erected it into a Bishopric in 1559,

at the Request of _Philip_ II. King of _Spain_. In 1572 the Bishop was

turn’d out by the Protestants, not long after which the Town was besieg’d

and taken by _Frederic_ of _Toledo_ Son to the Duke of _Alva_, who oblig’d

the Inhabitants to surrender at Discretion, and caus’d them to be treated

in the most barbarous manner in the World. The _Dutch_ retook it

afterwards, and have held it ever since. There are very fine Walks in this

City, and especially a Grove which is deem’d a charming Place by the

Citizens of _Amsterdam_, who come hither in the Summer to make their

Parties of Pleasure.

After having seen what was most remarkable at _Harlem_, I return’d by the

way of _Leyden_ to the _Hague_, where I had not been many days, before the

King arriv’d, having pass’d the same day before _Rotterdam_, where he had

been saluted with a triple Discharge of the Cannon, as he was also at

_Delfshaven_, where he found his Yatcht, follow’d by several others that

had been sent to him from the _Hague_. These attended the King to _Delft_,

where his Coaches staid for him, with which he came to his Palace of the

_Old Court_.

There he found a Guard of fourscore Men, with a Captain and a Pair of

Colors. His Majesty caus’d his Arrival to be immediately notify’d to the

President of the Assembly of the States-General, and next day, after

Sermon time, he receiv’d the Deputation from the said States, consisting

of nine Members, who when they arriv’d at the King’s Palace found the

Guard under Arms, Colors flying, and the Drum beating, and were receiv’d

at the bottom of the Stairs by the Grand Marshal and several Gentlemen of

the Chamber, and introduc’d into the King’s Bed-chamber, who receiv’d

them bare-headed and standing before an Arm-Chair. As the Audience was

only to compliment his Majesty upon his Arrival, it was very short; and

the States returning to the usual Place of their Assembly, went afterwards

and din’d with the King.

Some days after this his Majesty set out for _Honslaerdyk_, a Place two

Leagues from the _Hague_, which he enjoy’d by Inheritance from the late K.

_William_ of _England_. Thither I follow’d the King, who staid there till

he had receiv’d Advice, that the Prince of _Nassau_, Governor of

_Friseland_, was to come from the Army in _Flanders_ to the _Hague_, there

to make an end of the Differences betwixt him and his Majesty about the

Succession to the Family of _Orange_, of which that Prince took the Title,

by virtue of the last Will and Testament of the late King of _England_,

the last Prince of the said Family. The King had been expecting him for

some days, when a Courier arriv’d with the News, that the Prince was

drown’d in the Passage of the _Moerdyke_. Having embark’d there with his

Retinue to pass the _Stryen-Sas_, he was not got above thirty or forty

Paces from Shore, when a furious Gust of Wind arose, by which the Vessel

was overset and lost. As the Sea swell’d at the same time, and the Prince

knew not how to swim, he could not get ashore. Colonel _Hilkes_ who

accompanied him was drown’d with him, and none but his Domestics escap’d.

The unfortunate Prince was seen to hang by the Mast of the Vessel for some

Moments, and there were some hopes of relieving him, had it not been for a

Wave, which drove by a Blast of Wind carried him off from the piece of

Wood he clung to, and cast him away. The Body of this Prince, who was

very much regretted, was not found till about a Week after, in the very

same place where the Vessel happen’d to be cast away. ’Twas carried to

_Dort_ where ’twas embalm’d, and then remov’d to _Lewarden_, there to be

interr’d in the Tomb of his Family.

The King was the more afflicted at this sad Accident, because the News was

told him too hastily, by a foolish Courier, who, for want of knowing his

Master’s Temper, thought that the News of the Prince of _Friseland_’s

Death wou’d not be disagreeable to him; but the King gave public

Demonstration how sorry he was for his Loss, and sent a Gentleman of the

Bed-chamber to the last Princess-Dowager of _Nassau_, to assure her how

much he sympathiz’d in her loss.

The Death of the Prince of _Friseland_ interrupted the whole Treaty of

Accommodation. The said Prince left a Daughter, and the Princess his Wife

pregnant, who wrote to the States to desire them not to do any thing in

prejudice of the Infant of whom she hoped to be deliver’d; and that as

they were Executors Testamentary, they would preserve the Bulk of his

Inheritance entire; and that otherwise she openly protested against every

thing that might be done. This Demand did not hinder the States from

granting the King a provisional Portion; and it was agreed, that his

Majesty, as well as the Heirs of the Prince of _Nassau_, now deceas’d,

should be paid 150000 _Dutch_ Florins a year, out of the Estate of the

_Orange_ Family: That the Palaces of Prince _Frederic-Henry_, of which the

King was already in Possession, shou’d continue his; but that the _Dieren_

Palace shou’d be common both to the King and the Prince’s Heirs; and that

the rest should be referr’d to a definitive Accommodation, which is the

Thing that still remains to be done. I had the Honor to pay my Court

punctually all the Time that his Majesty spent at the _Hague_; and when he

set out, I went with him to _Dieren_, where I took leave of the King,

little thinking ’twou’d be the last Time I should see him.

I went thro’ DUSSELDORFF[32], the Capital of the Duchy of _Berg_, which

was then the Residence of the Elector _Palatine_, who, it must be noted,

was the first of the _Palatine_ Electors that liv’d here; for the Electors

commonly resided heretofore at _Heidelberg_ or _Manheim_. The Elector

_John-William_ had preferred _Dusseldorff_ to all other Places, from an

early liking that he took to that Town, of which he was Master, even in

the Life-time of the Elector his Father; who when he married his Son to

the Emperor _Leopold_’s Sister, yielded to him the Duchies of _Juliers_

and _Berg_, of which _Dusseldorff_ is the Capital City, and wou’d have

been one of the finest in _Germany_, if the Emperor had liv’d long enough

to put the great Projects which he had form’d in execution. This Prince

had already begun to augment the City with one entire Quarter, the Streets

whereof were as strait as a Line; and I saw the Plan of a new Palace that

he intended to build, which wou’d certainly have been one of _Europe_’s

Grand Structures. As to that now at _Dusseldorff_, the only beautiful part

of it is that call’d the Gallery; tho’ why it has that Name I can’t

imagine, since nothing resembles a Gallery less. It contains five Rooms,

three of which are much bigger than the others. One of these Rooms is

quite full of magnificent Paintings by the famous _Rubens_. In another

there’s a great number of Paintings by _Van der Werf_, a _Dutch_ Painter

who died lately at the _Hague_. If a Man has ever so little Taste or Skill

in Painting, ’tis impossible for him to be indifferent for such Pictures,

which may be said to be all Master-pieces. Such are those representing the

good old Man _Simeon_ holding the Savior of the World in his Arms; our

Lord teaching in the Temple; and the Pictures of the Elector and

Electoress, in two particular Rooms of the first Story of this Gallery,

are the Models of the most magnificent Statues of _Italy_, sent for by the

Elector from all parts of that Country at a vast Expence. The three others

are full of modern Statues of Marble and Brass, which are for the most

part done by the famous _Gripilli_ an _Italian_, and an excellent Artist,

especially for Busts that require a Likeness.

In the Court-yard of the Palace there’s an Equestrian Statue of the

Elector arm’d cap-a-pee, with the Electoral Bonnet on his Head, and

mounted upon a very fine Horse of yellow Copper. In the same Court there

is likewise a very fine Fountain, the Group of which is of Brass very

curiously wrought, but so incumber’d with Works of different Kinds, that

’tis difficult to distinguish them.

Five Leagues from _Dusseldorff_ there’s a Hunting-Seat call’d

_Bensberg_[33], which is built in a Forest on a Hill, from whence there’s

a fine Prospect of the City of _Cologne_, the _Rhine_, and all the flat

Country. To this Castle there’s a large Avenue, by a gradual Ascent, till

one comes to the Grate of the first Court, on each side whereof there’s a

large Guard-House, the Front of which forms a Gallery supported by Pillars

of grayish Marble, which is dug in this Country. The rest of this Seat has

very much the air of the Castle of _Versailles_, only ’tis not so large or

lofty. In the two Wings of this Building, there are two Stair-Cases which

lead to the Apartments. ’Tis plain that this Structure was design’d

entirely by an _Italian_; because, according to the Fashion of that

Country, the Apartments consist of a great number of Rooms all upon one

Floor too, but without any Closets or Conveniencies. The outside of this

Structure is the oddest thing in the World. It consists of numberless

Ornaments, which ’tis impossible to distinguish: And I think it no

Injustice to the Castle of _Bensberg_, to say, ’tis a noble fine House

full of Imperfections.

After having given you an Account of the Elector’s several Buildings, I

fancy, _Madame_, that some short Memoirs of his Family will not be

disagreeable to you. To be sure you are not ignorant, that the Succession

of the _Neubourg_ Family to the Dignity of Elector _Palatine_, is owing

only to the Extinction of the Protestant _Palatine_ Family, the last of

which was the Elector _Charles_, who left but one Sister, married to

MONSIEUR _Philip_ of _France_, Duke of _Orleans_, Brother to _Lewis_ XIV.

_Philip-William_ Duke of _Neubourg_, the Father of him whom I have had the

Honor of mentioning to you, was the first Elector of this Branch. This

Prince, who had a numerous Family, match’d them to the chief Crowns of

_Europe_, and he had no less than four Princes and five Princesses.

The eldest of the Princes was the Elector _John-William_ of _Neubourg_,

who married to his first Wife an Archduchess of _Austria_, Sister to the

Emperor _Leopold_, by whom he had no Issue. He married to his second Wife

_Anne-Mary-Louisa_ of _Medicis_, Daughter to _Cosmo_ III. Great Duke of

_Tuscany_; but having no more Issue by this Match than by the former, he

took the Hereditary Prince of _Sultzbach_ to his Court, where he was

brought up as the Heir of his Family, in case that himself and the Princes

his Brothers died without Male Issue. This young Prince was then look’d

upon as the Electoral Prince, and receiv’d all the Honors as such. The

Person who had the Care of his Education was the Baron _de Seckingen_; and

it may be said, that he did his utmost to make a great Prince of him.

The second was _Charles-Lewis_, now the Elector.

The third _Francis-Lewis de Neubourg_, Elector of _Triers_ and Grand

Master of the _Teutonic_ Order.

The fourth _Alexander-Sigismond_, Bishop of _Augsbourg_.

The Princesses were all married. The eldest, whose Name was

_Eleonora-Magdalena-Theresa_ of _Neubourg_, married the Emperor _Leopold_,

Father to the present Emperor, and died _Jan. 19, 1719_, aged 74.

The second was married to the King of _Portugal_.

The third, nam’d _Mary-Anne_ of _Neubourg_, was married to _Charles_ II.

King of _Spain_.

The fourth, _Dorothy_ of _Neubourg_ was married to the Duke of _Parma_, by

whom she had among other Children Princess _Elizabeth Farnese_, the second

Wife of _Philip_ V. King of _Spain_.

The fifth and last of these Princesses, _Hedwiga-Elizabeth_ of _Neubourg_,

was married to _James-Lewis Sobieski_, by whom she had _Clementina

Sobieski_, Wife to the Chevalier _de St. George_. The Mother died at

_Olaw_ the 10th of _August_ 1722, aged 50.

After having pass’d some time at the _Palatine_ Court, I set out about the

middle of _August_ for _Francfort_ on the _Main_, where I arriv’d a few

days before the opening of the Conferences for the Election of an Emperor.

FRANCFORT[34] is one of the most considerable Towns of all _Germany_, has

the Title of an Imperial City, and is a part of the Diocese of _Mentz_.

’Tis divided into two parts by the _Main_, over which there is a fine

Stone Bridge. The frequent Fires which this City has suffer’d, and

especially that of 1719, have contributed not a little to its

Embellishment, all the Houses being re-built in a better Taste than

before; yet most of the Buildings are still of Timber and fac’d with

Plaister that is color’d, few private Men having been at the Expence of

building with Stone. _Francfort_ may thank the _Jews_ for most of those

Fires; for the _Jews_ who are very numerous here, live in a Quarter by

themselves, which is shut up every Night; and being so narrow, that they

are straiten’d for Room, they are oblig’d to lie in Heaps as it were upon

one another, in very high Houses, which being moreover of Timber, easily

catch Fire. They have seen their whole Quarter in Ashes twice

successively, because they refus’d the Assistance they might have had to

extinguish the Flames; for they never wou’d open their Gates for fear of

being robb’d, unless when they saw that the People were going to break

them open by Force. Notwithstanding all the Reasons for not suffering them

at _Francfort_, they have a better Toleration than the _Calvinists_, and

have fine Synagogues; whereas the _Calvinists_ do not enjoy the free

Exercise of their Religion, the Magistrates and most of the Inhabitants

being _Lutherans_.

The City of _Francfort_ is one of the first that embrac’d the Opinions of

_Luther_, which presently occasion’d a Revolt: For the Inhabitants

demanding the free Exercise of _Lutheranism_, and the Clergy and Senate

vigorously opposing it, there was an Insurrection, in which the

Inhabitants having the Advantage, they depos’d the Senate, and establish’d

a sort of Magistracy compos’d of twenty-four, taken from the Body of the

Populace. These Acts of Violence had such fatal Consequences, that at last

in 1530 the City embrac’d the Confession of _Augsbourg_, enter’d into the

League of _Smalcald_, and had a share in the other Calamities which

afflicted the Empire. ’Twas besieg’d twice in 1552, by _Maurice_ Elector

of _Saxony_, and by _Albert_ Margrave of _Brandenburg_, surnam’d the

_Alcibiades_ of _Germany_, who made himself Master of it; but it soon

after recover’d its Liberty, and since that time has increas’d very much.

The Elections and Coronations of the Emperors render it a very

considerable Place. These two Grand Ceremonies are perform’d in the Church

of St. _Bartholomew_, which is a vile, little, dark Building, very

improper, in short, for Solemnities of that sort. The Imperial Feast is

kept on the very Day of the Coronation, in the Great Hall of the

Town-house, which is indeed a very wide but irregular Room. The Town-house

is called _Romer_: They say ’twas anciently the House of a private

Gentleman, who made a Present of it to the City. If that be true, it may

be said the Gentleman liv’d at large.

This City has considerable Fairs, which draw a great Number of Merchants

to it and People of Quality. The River _Main_ which falls into the _Rhine_

near _Mentz_, is a great Advantage to its Commerce. This, _Madame_, is

within a Trifle all that can be said of _Francfort_. I am now to have the

Honor of giving you a particular Account of the chief Circumstances that

attended the Election and Coronation of the Emperor.

The Conferences for the Election were open’d on the 25th of _August_, and

held from nine o’clock in the Morning till Noon. The Plenipotentiaries of

the absent Electors therein communicated their full Powers, and referr’d

them to the Elector of _Mentz_, who afterwards made a Speech upon what had

given occasion to that August Assembly. In this first Session it was

resolv’d, that every thing there treated of shou’d be kept secret; and

then they adjourn’d.

The March of the Electors of _Mentz_ and _Triers_ to and from the

Town-house was very grand. The first was _Lotharius-Francis de Schonborn_,

of the Family of the Counts of _Schonborn_; and the second was

_Charles-Joseph de Lorrain_, who was of the _Lorrain_ Family, and died in

1715, on the 4th of _December_. These two Princes rode each in a great

Coach, cover’d with black Cloth, attended by all their Houshold and Guards

in close Mourning.

The Equipages of the Ambassadors of the absent Electors were very spruce,

especially the Equipages of the Ambassadors of _Saxony_, who had also the

Honor to have with them their Master’s Son, who went by the Name of the

Count of _Lusatia_. Besides, the King of _Poland_ had given them his own

Equipage, and permitted them to cloath their Domestics in his Livery.

The Ambassadors whom the King (of _Prussia_) sent in quality of Elector of

_Brandenburg_, appear’d likewise with a Splendor worthy of the Prince whom

they represented. They were the Count _de Dlona_ and M. _Henning_; but the

former had the Honors of the Embassy. This Minister appear’d with a Train

of 40 Gentlemen of the King’s Bed-chamber; he had 5 Coaches drawn by 6

Horses each, 8 Pages, 36 Footmen and 2 _Swiss_. M. _Henning_, who was

appointed to attend to the Business, had not the Satisfaction to see the

Success of these Assemblies; for having in the very first Session spoke

with great Zeal for the Interests of his Country, he heated himself to

such a degree, that he found himself out of Order when he came home; and

that very Night he had a Fit of an Apoplexy of which he died next day. The

Count _de Metternich_ was appointed to supply his Place. No body was

fitter to serve the King in the Assembly at _Francfort_ than this

Nobleman, who had in several Embassies acquir’d a great Knowledge of the

Affairs of the Empire; and particularly in the Embassy at _Ratisbon_, in

which he was employ’d a long time.

As soon as the Conferences were open’d, the Foreign Ministers, _viz._ the

Pope’s Nuncio, the Envoys of _Savoy_ and of the other Princes of _Italy_,

the Envoy Extraordinary of the States-General, and those of the Princes of

the Empire, notify’d their Arrival to the Electoral College, and sent

their Credentials to the Chancery, which was kept at the Palace of the

Elector of _Mentz_, that Prince being by Birth Chancellor of the Empire.

At the beginning of these Conferences there were some Difficulties

started, relating to the Pretensions of the Nuncio and Nephew of the then

Pope _Clement_ XI. who pretended that the Electors should pay him the

first Visit; and that when he return’d it to them, they were bound to give

him the Right Hand. The Electors were very much startled at the Nuncio’s

Demand, and publickly refus’d to subscribe to such Claims; so that no

Visit was made on either side, and the Nuncio only saw the Electors in a

Garden where they happen’d to meet by Chance. The Nuncio threaten’d he

would protest against the Ninth Electorate establish’d in favor of the

Family of _Brunswic-Hanover_, and against the Royal Dignity of _Prussia_;

but he was given to understand, that neither of his Protestations would

avail any thing. And the Ambassadors of _Prussia_ sent him word in plain

Terms, that if he offered to protest against the Regal Dignity of their

Master, the King would not fail to give Order to his Troops that were in

_Italy_, to enter into the Ecclesiastic State, and to live at Discretion

therein, as if it were an Enemy’s Country. The Nuncio frighted by those

Menaces, and thinking he already saw the _Prussian_ Troops in his

Holiness’s Territories, sent his Secretary forthwith to the Ambassadors to

assure them that he wou’d not protest; that he never had a Thought nor

Order for it; that his Holiness had all the Respect and Esteem for the

King their Master which so great a Prince deserv’d; and that he would be

glad to give Proofs of it upon every Occasion.

The Electors of _Cologn_ and _Bavaria_ protested likewise against the

Assembly, in case they were refused Admission to the Conferences for the

Election; but they were of no more avail than those of the Nuncio. Those

Princes sent their Protests by the Post, in form of Letters, directed to

the Count _de Papenheim_ Marshal of the Empire, and seal’d with an unknown

Seal. The Situation those Electors stood in at that time, did not permit

them to cause their Protests to be publish’d with the due Formalities,

nevertheless they were soon made public. The Respect and Friendship People

had for the illustrious Family of _Bavaria_, made every body eager to have

Copies of ’em, but they signify’d nothing, and the Conferences continu’d.

On the 2d of _October_ the Conferences being ended for that Day, the

Magistrates and Heads of the Militia, went in a Body to the Town-house, to

take the Oath prescrib’d by the Golden Bull. They there found the

Electors, who were at that time in _Francfort_, and the Ambassadors of the

absent Electors, all sitting in Chairs of State, under a great Canopy of

black Velvet. After the Oath was read, the Magistrates and the Officers of

the Militia took it in presence of the Elector of _Mentz_, as did also the

Citizens and the Garison, but the Ceremony was different; for it was not

taken in the Town-house, but without it, in an open Gallery, rais’d in a

great Square, and hung with Cloth. There the Chancellors of the two

Spiritual Electors and the Magistrates receiv’d the Oath of the Citizens,

in presence of the Electors and Ambassadors, who were plac’d at the

Windows of the Town-house. The Burghers, who were to the Number of 14

Companies, took the Oath first, and then the Soldiers of the Garrison.

On the 10th of _October_ Proclamation was made by Sound of Trumpet for all

Foreigners, who were not in the Retinue of the Electors, or the Electoral

Ambassadors, to retire out of the City before the Sun was set, till the

Electors had chose an Emperor. The Nuncio thought at first, that his

Character and the Respect due to the Holy Father would exempt him from the

general Rule; but being inform’d of the contrary, he retir’d to

_Aschaffenbourg_.

On the 12th, about seven in the Morning all the Bells were rung, upon

which the Burghers and the Soldiers of the Garrison assembled at the

Houses of their respective commanding Officers; and then went and posted

themselves in the Streets leading from the Town-house to the Church of St.

_Bartholomew_. The Burghers had the Post of Honor from the Soldiers. At

nine o’clock the Electors and Ambassadors went to the Town-house, the

Courts and Equipages of all but the Ambassadors of _Bohemia_ having laid

aside their Mourning.

The Moment after the Electors arriv’d in the usual Chamber of the Assembly

they went into other Rooms, where they caus’d themselves to be dress’d in

their Electoral Habits, which are very majestic, being wide Gowns very

much plaited with very long Sleeves, the Linings and Facings being of

Ermin; and over all the Electors wear a sort of Mantle of Ermin. The

Habits for the Spiritual and Temporal Electors are much the same, only

those of the former are of Scarlet, and those of the latter of

Crimson-Velvet. Their Caps are of the Color of their Habits, and like them

turn’d up with Ermin.

As soon as the Electors were dress’d they return’d to the Assembly-Room,

and then went with the Ambassadors of the other Electors from the

Town-House to the Square, where they found Horses sumptuously caparison’d,

which they mounted, and thus rode in Cavalcade to St. _Bartholomew_’s

Church. The three Electors rode first in one Row bare-headed. The four

Ambassadors of the absent Electors rode next, according to the Rank of

their Masters. Their Electoral Highnesses and the Ambassadors were

receiv’d at the Door of the Church by the Bishop of _Neustadt_ at the Head

of the Chapter, who conducted them into the Choir, where they plac’d

themselves, according to their Rank, in the Stalls of the Canons, which

were lin’d with Velvet and Gold-Lace. The Elector of _Triers_ sate by

himself opposite to the Altar, where a Praying-Desk and an Arm-Chair were

set up for him, which were lin’d also with Crimson-Velvet.

When all the Company were seated, the Bishop of _Neustadt_ began the Mass.

At the first Consecration, the Ambassadors of the Protestant Electors went

into the Chappel of the Conclave which joins to the Choir: After the

Elevation of the Host they return’d to their Places, where they remain’d

during the rest of the Office, and then the Electors and Ambassadors all

went up to the Altar. The Elector of _Mentz_ was in the middle between the

Elector of _Triers_ on his Right and the Elector-Palatine on his Left. The

Ambassadors were in the same Row, according to their Rank, on the Right

and Left of the Electors. The Elector of _Mentz_ took the Book of the

Gospels and laid his Right Hand upon it, as did also the Electors that

were present, and the Ambassadors of those who were absent, and then took

the customary Oath to elect no Person for Emperor but one that they should

think in Conscience to be most qualify’d. After having taken the Oath they

went into the Chapel of the Conclave, where they were shut up near three

Hours. Then they return’d into the Church and plac’d themselves in a

Gallery erected over the Grate that separates the Choir from the Nave,

which was lin’d with Scarlet Cloth and hung with Tapestry, and had seven

Arm-Chairs plac’d in it of red Velvet, adorn’d with Lace and Fringe of

Gold. The Electors and Ambassadors being seated, the Chancellor of _Mentz_

read aloud the Act which had been just drawn up in the Conclave, whereby

CHARLES King of the _Romans_, and of _Spain_, was proclaim’d Emperor. Then

the whole Church resounded with great Shouts of _Long live the Emperor_!

And at the same instant the Cannon was fir’d from the Ramparts, and the

Burghers and the Garison made three Discharges of their small Arms.

After the Proclamation the Electors and the Ambassadors descended from the

Gallery to their Places in the Choir, and after the singing of _Te Deum_

which was tun’d by the Bishop of _Neustadt_, they return’d to the

Town-House in the same Order that they came. There the Electors quitted

their Robes of Ceremony, and each return’d to their Palaces, where they

stay’d till the Evening; and the Ambassadors did the same. At Night they

all supp’d at the House of the Count _de Windisgratcht_, the first

Ambassador of _Bohemia_, and by consequence the Ambassador of the new

Emperor, who gave a magnificent Feast, which was accompany’d with a very

fine Concert of Music. This great Day’s Work was concluded by the Choice

which the Electoral College made of Prince _Charles_ of _Neubourg_, to

carry to the new Emperor the Act of his Proclamation.

Notwithstanding the surprizing Concourse of People from all Quarters to

see this august Ceremony, there was not the least Disorder in the whole

Solemnity, excepting a little Dispute that happen’d between the Prince _de

la Tour Taxis_ and the Count of _Nassau-Weilbourg_. The former, tho’ of a

modern Family in comparison to the Count, yet presuming upon his Title of

Prince, claim’d Precedency of the Count, but the latter decided the

Difference in an instant; for he took the Prince by the Arm, and pushing

him behind him, said to him, _You are to know, Sir, that such Princes as

you are, walk behind such Counts as I am_. The Prince very much stunn’d at

the Compliment, did not think proper to push his Pretensions farther.

Immediately after the Ceremony of the Election was over, I set out for

_Zell_, where I had the Misfortune to find my self Motherless as well as

Fatherless. My Mother having died there during my stay at _Francfort_,

whose Death grieved me very much, and the more because ’twas the first

Incident I had met with in all my Life to give me a serious Concern: But

now perhaps, that I am more us’d to Disappointments, such News would not

make so much Impression upon me as it did then.

I stay’d some time at _Zell_ to settle several Affairs with my Brother

relating to my Mother’s Succession, till I had a Letter acquainting me

that the Ceremony of the Emperor’s Coronation was fix’d for the 22d of

_December_, and thereupon I set out immediately again for _Francfort_.

I travell’d thro’ _Hanover_, which I have already had the Honor to mention

to you, and from _Hanover_ I went to CASSEL, which Town is the common

Residence of the Landgrave of _Hesse_, and divided into two Parts by the

River _Fulde_. The New Town is very well built with pretty Houses, and the

Streets are very even and spacious. The Landgrave’s Palace which is old is

encompass’d with Ramparts, part of which on that side next to the Country

forms a Terras planted with Orange-Trees, which in Winter are cover’d by a

boarded House. The Name of the present Landgrave is _Charles_, who was

born the 3d of _August_ 1654, and has had seven Children by _Mary-Amelia_

of _Courland_.

1. Prince _Frederic_, born the 28th of _August_ 1676, who became King of

_Sweden_ by his Marriage with _Eleonora_ Princess of _Sweden_, who

succeeded _Charles_ XII. He had to his first Wife _Louisa-Dorothea-Sophia_

only Daughter of the King of _Prussia_, at which time he was Stadtholder

of _Cleves_, and had a Regiment of Foot in his Majesty’s Service.

2. The Princess _Sophia-Charlotta_ Duchess-Dowager of

_Mecklemburg-Swerin_, who lives still in _Mecklemburg_, from whence she

often goes to the Court of her Father.

3. Prince _William_, who is a Lieutenant-General of the _Dutch_ Forces,

and Governor of _Maestricht_. He marry’d _Wilhelmina_ of _Saxe-Zeits_.

4. The Princess _Mary-Louisa_, Dowager of the Prince of _Nassau-Friesland_

drown’d in his Passage at the _Moerdyke_.

The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz, Volume III Being the Observations He Made in His Late Travels from Prussia thro' Germany, Italy, France, Flanders, Holland, England, &C. in Letters to His Friend. Discovering Not Only the Present State of the Chief Cities and Towns; but the Characters of the Principal Persons at the Several Courts. · 第 10 / 49 题

I could have wish’d to have made this Campaign, but when I ask’d the