the Prussian ranks especially-may be said to have been chiefly due. How often has it happened, that after desperate fighting, and on the very eve of success, the slightest check to their armies, or an unexpected advantage gained by the French, has dispelled all the valour which, in the heat of the conflict, they had warmed up to; and like men in despair they have turned tail and fled-their officers unable, or making no attempt, to rally them.

The terrible disasters of the Russian campaign inspired high hopes at first, and it was thought that the moment was come for Prussia to shake herself free of her shackles. But these hopes have fallen considerably since the "Invincible Hero" has reappeared with an army far outnumbering that of the Allies, and with his infantry mowing down the squadrons of cavalry on which they so much relied, and killing, or putting hors de combat, at least half of the allied army.

One complete victory would do much for us; but a repetition of Lützen and Bautzen, though disastrous to the enemy, must be still more so to the Allies.

3 o'clock.-Captain Charles reports the French at Lauban. We must gather up our papers and finish our despatches where we may, as we are now to fly off to Goldberg as fast as our poor, half-starved, tired steeds can carry us; for the enemy, with Bonaparte at the head of the advance, is after us as fast as he

can.

25th, Goldberg.-Just managed to finish and close the despatches-in which we have put as good a face

upon things, short of declaring ourselves victorious, as circumstances will allow-and sent off the messenger, Vick, to England. Firing, and the retreat of the rear-guard through the town announce the approach of the enemy. Since ten o'clock, and it is now nearly two, in expectation of this, carriages and horses have been waiting at the door. Our next halt will be Jauer.

11 o'clock.-Reached Jauer between seven and eight. Glad to find Sir Charles already there, and not sorry that I was just in time to sit down, with him and several others of our party, to a very good late dinner they had found means of providing.

After dinner, Sir Charles proposed my going on to Breslau in the morning, to look after Baron Hardenberg, of whom we had heard nothing for some days; which, coupled with a sudden journey of the King to that city, looked extraordinary.

A letter from Colonel Cooke announces the arrival of Bernadotte at Stralsund. The Colonel complains bitterly to his friend Sir Charles Stewart of the state of inactivity he is in there, of his extreme ennui, of his great discomfort, and of his desire to be with us. He is at all times a great croaker about himself, Sir Charles says. But he has written him a comforting letter; telling him what good service he is rendering to our cause by attaching himself to the Crown Prince and keeping him assured of the confidence he may place, generally, in the English Government, and, particularly, in Lord Castlereagh. That by and bye, the gallant Colonel's reward will come in the

shape of promotion; but that we must all be content to work up-hill; and that as to his discomfort, he would be no gainer by being here, where comfort is a thing unknown. This is true enough, for there surely never was such a mission ambulante as this; always on the road, the enemy close at our heels, and flying like fugitives from one miserable berth to another and often not knowing exactly whither.

27th. At eight yesterday morning, I left Jauer, the first place in which I remarked a bad spirit in the inhabitants. Half way on our journey we stopped at a large country house belonging to a M. de Diebetsch He was absent, but his wife, apparently a woman of the very best ton, received me very courteously and invited me and my companions to dinner. A large family party was assembled, ready to set out for Les Bains de Landeck, where, they said, they hoped to be quiet until peace was signed. Their departure was hastened by a very heavy cannonade, which was distinctly heard all day in the direction of Brenzlau. Our hostess, after very liberally and hospitably entertaining us, offered to furnish us with fresh horses for the rest of our journey, our own poor beasts being so thoroughly worn out they were ready to drop on the road. By this means, and a very fine chaussée, in two hours we got over four German miles and within sight of Breslau, which from the number and loftiness of its spires had a rather grand appearance in the distance and promised a fine city-a promise by no means belied on a nearer inspection. There is a considerable population here-near sixty thousand

VOL. II.

I

the greater part Protestants; but the same cordiality, and anxiety to oblige that we experienced in Saxony, no longer exists. We are well lodged, but have disagreeable hosts. M. Niebuhr and Sir F. d'Ivernois supped with us at a traiteur's.

This morning I called on the Chancellor, and found him very busy, surrounded with official people, all anxious to be informed of the state of affairs and to receive instructions for their own guidance. News came in of General Blücher having yesterday defeated the French, with some loss, at Brenzlau; and in consequence there have been such rejoicings and exultations as only a great victory could warrant. An injudicious proceeding, as I think, to attribute so much importance to an affair which nobody believes will retard the advance of the enemy for a single day. On leaving the Chancellor, I called on MM. d'Altenstein, Jazow, and Kircheisen-the latter on the eve of departure for Neisse-the conversation turned on the King, who is here in a most desponding state of mind, and who would be willing, it is believed, if left to himself, to make peace with Bonaparte on almost any terms. Austria, it appears, is the sheet anchor they look to, but, notwithstanding, little dependence is placed in her.

I met here also Field-Marshal Kalkreuth. The same caustic, sarcastic personage as ever. He was in an excessive ill-humour, and he has certainly good reason to be discontented with the disposition there seems to be in the Prussian government to draw back from the contest. Kalkreuth, who is entirely laid on the

shelf, still gives himself credit for being a clever negotiator, and is annoyed at not being consulted. His advice might, perhaps, lead to as happy results as those that followed his interference at Tilsit-Boney might take the remaining half of Prussia, and Frederick William retain the name of King, and have permission to reside in some corner of his former dominions.

29th. I had yesterday a long conversation with the financier, Sir Francis d'Ivernois, on the pretensions of Russia and Prussia, with regard to the proposed Convention; and we agreed to renew the conversation this morning. But this morning I was roused early by a message from head-quarters: "Enemy advancing. Have every thing ready for a start." Every thing was made ready-horses saddled, and harnessed. Having been allowed to remain quiet till two, and there being no appearance of being immediately disturbed, I ventured to invite the assembled party; Sir F. d'Ivernois, Perceval, Stanhope, James, Colonel Campbell, Rumbold and Mr. Addington-Heley's son, who arrived last night and is attached to our mission-to dine with me. They accepted, and I despatched my servant to order the traiteur to have ready in one hour the very best dinner he could provide for nine persons. This he did very fairly, considering the shortness of the notice, and I took in a tenth diner with me, Marshal Kalkreuth, whom I met on my way and persuaded to sit down with us; and whose caustic gibes and jeers on persons and things, the high and mighty coming in for their full share, enlivened