L30/27/6

Transcription of a letter from the King of Prussia to the Marquis d’Argens: [Text in French]. Entitled, “Authentic copy of a letter from His Majesty the King of Prussia, written to the Marquis d’Argens, from the headquarters at Herndorf near Breslau, 27 August 1760”. Refers to the outcome of a military campaign, and thanks him for his assistance. However he is pessimistic about the future for himself and his country, commenting “I do not know if I will survive this War”. [Appears to be Catherine Talbot’s hand]:

Transcription not dated c.1800

From: 1800 To: 1800

Translation: Authentic copy of a letter from His Majesty the King of Prussia, written to the Marquis d’Argens, from the headquarters at Herndorf near Breslau, 27th August 1760. Delivered to Mr de Valltravers in Upsala in Sweden 8th October 1760 by the Archbishop of Sweden. ______________________________________________ In former times my dear Marquis, the affair of 15th August would have decided the campaign; at present this action is but a scratch. A battle is needed to make an decide our fate. We will give it soon according to all appearances, therefore we will be able to rejoice if the Event is advantageous to us. However, I sincerely thank you for the part you play in this advantage. Great address and many ruses have been necessary to bring the Thing to this point. Do not speak to me of danger; the last action only cost me a suit of clothes and a horse. That is to buy Victory cheaply. I have not received the other letter you speak of, we are so blocked for correspondence, by the Russians on one side of the Oder, and by the Austrians on the other. A little skirmish was necessary to allow Cocey to pass: I hope he will give you my letter. Never in my life have I been in such a dangerous situation as in this campaign. Believe me, something miraculous is needed to enable us to surmount all these difficulties that I see ahead. I will surely do my duty on this occasion, but always remember my dear Marquis, that Fortune is not at my disposal, and I am obliged to admit that there is too much of flesh in my purposes, from lack of the means to make more solid ones. I must complete the Labours of Hercules at an age when strength is abandoning me, and my infirmities are increasing and to tell the truth when even hope, only Consolation of the Unfortunate, is beginning to lack. You are not sufficiently up with things for you to have a clear idea of all the dangers which threaten the State. I know them; I hide them: I keep all apprehensions to myself, and I only communicate to the public the Hopes and the good news that I am able to give them. If the coup I am thinking of succeeds, then my dear Marquis, it will be time for an outpouring of joy. But until then, do not let us flatter ourselves, for fear that unexpected sad news bring us too low. Here, I lead the life of a Military Carthusian. I have much to think about regarding my affairs; the rest of the time I give to Letters, which console me, as they did the Consul Orator, Father of the Homeland and of Eloquence. I do not know if I will survive this War; but I am resolved that, in the case of that happening, to spend the rest of my days in retirement, in the bosom of Philosophy and Friendship. As soon as correspondence moves more freely, you will give me pleasure if you write to me more frequently. I do not know where we will have our Winter quarters. My house in Breslau perished during the bombardment. Our enemies envy us even the Daylight and the Air we breathe. They must however leave us some room and if it is safe I will have a feast on seeing you again.

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King of Prussia,
Argens

Poland, WARS & TREATIES