your way. You may be sure that that is a strong interest here now, and Münster has many opportunities of putting in an efficacious word for or against a man. The same of Russia. But this applies more strongly to either of the royal dukes who may go to Hanover, and from whom I should, if necessary, appear to receive orders.

You must be on a footing of great civility and etiquette with Lord Cathcart; and by praising his despatches and style of writing, and, if an opportunity offers, telling him what an effect they had in England this winter, make him believe you know nothing of his military incapacity. He fancies himself a great officer, and why wake him from his dream? You must, therefore, affect to look up to him as to a Malmesbury or an Ewart.

As an object of general enquiry, I do not know that you can fall upon a subject more interesting at the present moment, or more likely to influence the future events of the campaign, than the actual state of Prussia, as compared with that in which it was at the beginning of the last reign, when all her resources were entire; or with that of the present reign, when she had made large territorial acquisitions and considerable portion of her treasure had been spent ; and, owing to the relaxed system of administration, the different branches of it were not so productive as under the severe régime of Frederick the Second.

At the former of the two periods, the Prussian revenue amounted to about thirty millions of dollars, not so much as the produce of either our excise, cus

toms, or stamp duties. Of this sum, about three millions of dollars, or half a million sterling, were annually laid up in the Royal Treasury; according to the old but impolitic maxim of the Prussian monarchy of always having a large, but unproductive sum of money ready for all contingencies. With this small revenue, an army-with the constitution of which I presume, as you ought to be, you are acquainted-was kept on foot to the number of two hundred and fifty thousand men, the regiments being, in many instances übercomplet. I have an authentic list of it, which establishes this fact, for the year 1791, when every particular was considered a secret.

A change in the pay of the different ranks of officers, and what horses and baggage they were allowed, was in contemplation when I left Berlin in 1806, and was probably rendered indispensable by the déroute at Jena. The pay of the soldiers used to be eight groschen every five days, and one and a half or two pounds of bread per day. The subalterns had ten or twelve dollars per month. sidering their companies a sort of freehold, were well paid, and so were, in their way, the field-officers.

The captains, con

I suppose there is a great want of arms in Prussia, and that the manufactories of them are probably at a standstill for want of funds and raw material.

Muskets and bayonets ought to be furnished from this country to any amount; but I see no reason why the infantry should be allowed side arms, as was formerly the case.

As the allied forces, if defeated, must retire

through the Prussian territory, you should enquire particularly-but of course underhand-what are the Posts intended to be occupied, and any, or what fortresses the King of Prussia possesses on the line of march towards Poland. I know only of Colberg; Schweidnitz, Glatz, and Silberberg are too far to the right to be of use. They should nevertheless be well garrisoned and provisioned, as a last resource; as his Prussian Majesty may rely upon it that, if matters come thus far, Silesia will be taken from him.

After so long an interval, and knowing as we do the nature of our Berlin friends, I should look to find amongst them a certain leaven of French principles, and an apprehension of the return of Bonaparte, from which many evils might be expected. This is a nice matter for observation, and one in which your former knowledge of individuals may be of great service to you. Whilst I should not pin my faith upon the strength or violence of people's professions, neither should I in any case reproach them with their past subserviency to France, but rather appear to consider it as the inevitable consequence of untoward events, and give them credit for good intentions. Many a sinner may be reclaimed in this way. It will answer your purpose to ascertain distinctly the state of things and of parties. I need hardly recommend to you, as they are the habits in which you have been trained, to transact business regularly and completely, as well for your comfort as advantage, that is, not to leave things to be finished at future times, but to get finally rid of them when they are undertaken; not

to put off men and things till to morrow, but to despatch them, even if inconvenient, at the time they present themselves. By a contrary practice you become overwhelmed with a multiplicity of odds and ends which must at some time be attended to, and you are disabled from undertaking any business that may occur without, in a similar manner, leaving a part of it to be finished the next day.

At all events and at all times, appear not to be in a hurry. Those who know what business is, know that a certain time is requisite for the despatch of it; those who do not, should be taught that lesson. Nothing contributes more to self-possession, than the being disembarrassed, in the manner above mentioned, from a multiplicity of little affairs.

It may be, that there will arise a question when you are separated from Sir Charles, of your reporting to him, instead of writing directly to the Secretary of State. I should myself originate nothing on this point, but when the case occurred should write straight home, according to diplomatic custom, and send him either an abstract or a duplicate of my despatch. Remember that many cases may occur in which your despatches may appear in the Gazette ;' they should therefore be, both in style, and certainty of intelligence, fit to meet the public eye: or when you are not certain of facts you should say so. I would avoid, as much as possible, speaking of myself, as well as every sort of circumlocution.

Much of this advice, my dear George, may seem superfluous, addressed to a veteran diplomatist. I

VOL. II.

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hope and believe that it is so; but so anxious were you that I should on all points say all that occurred to me, that I have done so. I have no doubt that the élève will do credit to the master; yet I think it will do him no harm to read over advice that will remind him, though it be not actually necessary, of what has hitherto been and I trust will continue to be, as regards the conduct of business, his practice and the habits of our school.

F. J. J.

Brighton, April 6th, 1813.

I add letters for Kircheisen, Hardenberg, and Gentz. Kircheisen and his wife are very worthy people; I know they will receive you well, and perhaps may be of use to you. I shall like to know what is done up to the time of your leaving London; but pressed as you are, I cannot look for much of your writing. You have, I dare say, some rough notes that will give me an inkling of what is going on. If you do not want them, they can go into "the Archives," which, I suppose, are still with the great seals, &c., in the same good keeping, at Bath. I would advise you, generally, not to encumber yourself with unnecessary papers, which can be safely deposited here.

F. J. J.

Diaries.-Stevens's Hotel, April 6th.-At last I believe it is finally settled that I am to be off on