[History of Friedrich II. of Prussia Vol. XX. (of XXI.) by Thomas Carlyle]@TWC D-Link bookHistory of Friedrich II. of Prussia Vol. XX. (of XXI.) CHAPTER IV 16/37
Soltikof,--theoretically Soltikof, but practically Fermor, should the dim German Books be ambiguous to any studious creature,--with the Main Army (which by itself is still a 20,000 odd), moves to Frankfurt, to support the swift Expedition, and be within two marches of it.
Here surely is a feasibility! Berlin, for defence, has nothing but weak palisades; and of effective garrison 1,200 men. And feasible, in a sort, this thing did prove; indisputably delivering Daun from strangulation in the Silesian Mountains; filling the Gazetteer mind with loud emotion of an empty nature; and very much affecting many poor people in Berlin and neighborhood.
Making a big Chapter in Berlin Local History; though compressible to small bulk for strangers, who have no specific sympathies in that locality. "FRIDAY, 3d OCTOBER, 1760, Tottleben, with his hasty Vanguard of 3,000, preceded by hastier rumor, comes circling round Berlin environs; takes post at the Halle Gate [West side of the City]; summons Rochow [the same old Commandant of Haddick's time];--requires instant admittance; ransom of Four million Thalers, and other impossible things.
Berlin has been putting itself in some posture; repairing its palisades, throwing up bits of redoubts in front of the gates, and, though sounding with alarms and uncertainties, shows a fine spirit of readiness for the emergency. Rochow is still Commandant, the same old Rochow who shrunk so questionably in Haddick's time: but Rochow has no Court to tremble for at present; Queen and Royal Family, Archives, Principal Ministries, Directorium in a body, went all to Magdeburg again, on the Kunersdorf Disaster last year, and are safe from such insults.
The spirit of the population, it appears, even of the rich classes, some of whom are very rich, is extraordinary.
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