In his _Reminiscences_ he has described his depression of spirits on hearing the news of the withdrawal of Prince Leopold's candidature and of his nearly formed resolve to resign as a protest against so tame a retreat before French demands.

But while Moltke, Roon, and he were dining together, a telegram reached him from the King at Ems, dated July 13, 3.50 P.M., which gave him leave to inform the ambassadors and the Press of the present state of affairs.

Bismarck saw his chance.

The telegram could be cut down so as to give a more resolute look to the whole affair.

And, after gaining Moltke's assurance that everything was ready for war, he proceeded to condense it.