Volume 2 — LETTER V.

SIR,Dresden, August 30, 1729.

From Blanckenbourg we have till'd Lands, and fruitful Fields; with Woods of Oak interspers'd all the way, till we come to Magdebourg, the Capital of a Dutchy of that Name, formerly an Archbishoprick, but secularised at the Treaty of Westphalia, in favour of the House of Brandenbourg, to whom that Dutchy was yielded in exchange for their resigning Hither Pomerania to Sweden. This City has for these two Centuries past, suffer'd very much. It was besieg'd by the Emperor Charles V. who squeez'd considerable Sums from it. But it fared worse in that unhappy War which divided Germany during the space of 30 Years; for the Counts de Tilly and Papenheim commanding the Imperial Army in 1631, took it by Storm, put the Inhabitants to the Sword, and reduc'd the whole City almost to Ashes. Nevertheless, 'tis since pretty well recover'd, and has some fine Houses. The great Square before the King's Palace has few equal to it for its Extent, and for the fine Houses that encompass it, which are all uniform, three Stories high, and were all raised in this Reign. In this same Square there's an Arsenal, which really is not so magnificent as that of Berlin, but may be rank'd among the chief Arsenals in Europe. This is a populous Town, and has a more flourishing Trade than any other City in the King of Prussia's Dominions.

The great Church, which was formerly the Metropolitan, is ancient, and one of the largest and most magnificent Buildings in Germany. It has still some Reliques to shew, particularly the Basin in which Pilate washed his Hands, after having pass'd Sentence of Death upon our Saviour; the Lanthorn[49] which Judas made use of when he went to apprehend him; a Thorn of the Crown that was planted on his Head: and things of the like kind.

The Chapter of Magdebourg is still, bating the change of Religion, on the same footing as before the Reformation. The Canons must all make Proof of their Nobility; tho' 'tis a Punctilio with which the King, who confers all the Prebends and Dignities of the Chapter, sometimes dispenses. The present Provost is the Duke of Saxe-Barbi, who succeeded his Father in that Dignity, which brings him in 12000 Crowns a-year. He lives in a fine House on the great Square, fronting the Palace, built by the Order of King Frederic I. who also caus'd a Citadel to be erected here, on the other side of the Elbe, over which there is a Bridge. That King began likewise to fortify the Town; and King Frederic-William, who carried on, and finish'd the Fortifications, has now made Magdebourg one of the most important Places in Europe. M. de Walrave, Chief Engineer, had the Direction of those Works, which are a Proof of his great Ability.

The Margrave Albert of Brandenbourg[50], Brother to the late King Frederic I. is Governour of the Dutchy of Magdebourg; as is the Prince of Anhalt-Dessau of the Town, where he has a numerous Garrison under his command. The Arsenal, which is a fine Structure, and full of Cannon, and small Arms, is worth seeing.

The King of Prussia having it much at heart to render Magdebourg a flourishing Town, has transferr'd the Regency of the Dutchy hither, which was heretofore at Halle; and for this reason there are several good Houses in the Town. The Dutchy of Magdebourg is one of the best Provinces in the Prussian Dominions. It has a great Income from the Elbe, and the Salt-Works. The Catholicks are allowed a Toleration of their Religion in the Dutchy, and have Churches in the Town.

The Roads from Magdebourg to Leipsic, are so bad at this time, by reason of the Rains that have fallen for some Days past, that I have been three Days in getting from the one Town to the other. Indeed I went some Leagues out of my way, on purpose to see Barbi and Cohten. The first of these Towns belongs to a Prince of the House of Saxony, of the Branch of Weissenfeld; and has nothing considerable but the Prince's Palace, which makes a good appearance, and has commodious Apartments, elegantly furnished. There is a Salon, and a Closet, the Cielings of which are painted by Peine, and not the worst things he has done. The Palace has Gardens delightfully situate by the side of the Elbe. The Duke de Barbi is the only Prince of the House of Saxony who professes the Calvinist Religion, in which he was educated by his Father, who was at first a Lutheran. This Prince is a comely handsome young Man. He married N—— de Wirtemberg-Oels[51], but has no Children. He has been in the Service of Prussia, and is Grand Provost of the Chapter of Magdebourg, and Knight of the Order of the White Eagle of Poland.

Cohten, which is bigger than Barbi by one half, belongs to a Prince of Anhalt[52]; the only one of his Branch, tho' he has had two Wives. I desired leave to kiss his Hand; but he excused himself by pretending an Indisposition. I have observed that petty Princes are always more difficult of Access than great ones. The Town has no Fortifications; and I walk'd about a good while to see if there was any thing remarkable, but 'twas to no purpose; and I was oblig'd to confine myself to my Inn, which was one of the worst in Europe.

Leipsic stands in a fruitful Plain. This City, so famous for its Fairs, and for its University, may justly pass for the Jewel of the Electorate of Saxony; not only for the Beauty of its Structures, but for the considerable Revenue which it yields to its Sovereign, the King of Poland. 'Tis small, and fac'd with Ramparts, and a Ditch; but all these Fortifications are of little consequence. Its Castle, or rather Citadel, which joins to the Town, is a Place of greater Importance. There is always a good Garrison and Governour in it, who is at present General Baumgarten. As the Castle passes under the Denomination of the King's House, the Roman Catholicks have had a Chapel there ever since Augustus II. embraced their Religion.

The Suburbs of Leipsic are very large. The City has four Gates newly built of Free-Stone, which are magnificent, tho' not according to the Rules of Architecture.

At each Gate they have newly set up a Mile-Post, such as the Romans had formerly. There are the like Posts at the Gates of all the Towns, and even at the Villages in the Electorate of Saxony. From hence they count the Leagues, which are divided at the end of every Quarter of a Mile, by other Posts not so big, upon all the great Roads, shewing the Distances of the Places, and of the chief Towns; which is a mighty Convenience to Travellers, who were heretofore often impos'd upon by the Post-Masters, as to the Length of the Roads.

The Houses of Leipsic are large, very high, and substantially built of Free-Stone; and their being adorn'd with great fine Windows helps to set them off to the Eye. The Ground-Floors of most of the Houses are Warehouses, in which the foreign Merchants store the Goods they sell at the Fairs, which are three in number every Year, viz. at New-Year's-day, Easter, and Michaelmass. The Concourse of Foreigners here at the Fair-Season, is so great that 'tis often a hard matter to get a Lodging here for Love or Money. I myself saw in 1709, at the New-year's Fair, the late King of Prussia, the King and Queen of Poland, and 44 Princes or Princesses of Sovereign Families. The two Kings and the Queen lodged at the House of Appel, a Merchant; where the King of Poland always resides when he comes to Leipsic.

The University, formerly so famous, is very much decay'd: That of Halle, its Neighbour, and its Rival, in the King of Prussia's Dominions, takes away a great many Students from it. They say that for some time past there have been more able Professors at Halle, where besides 'tis much cheaper living than at Leipsic; and where the Students are not such Spendthrifts, nor so much addicted to Expence and Gallantry.

The Gardens of Messieurs Appel and Pose, Merchants, in the Suburbs, are worth seeing. The first is large and magnificent: In the second are very uncommon Plants, cultivated with very great Care. The Gardeners of Leipsic, who are reckon'd the best in all Germany, value themselves upon forcing Nature; so that I have seen here, at Easter Fair, the Fruits, Flowers, and Pulse, of all the Seasons. The Asparagus here is delicious, and extraordinary large. Another Nicety at Leipsic, is its Larks, which are sent over all Germany; nay, to Poland, Holland and Denmark. I was assured, but I will not vouch for the Truth of it, that the very Custom-Duty paid for Larks at Leipsic, amounted to 12000 Crowns a-year; which Sum I thought the more considerable, because I think I have heard it said, that 60 Larks pay but a Grosh[53] the Duty; judge then how many there must be to make up the Sum of 12000 Crowns. But be it true or false, 'tis certain that there is not a Country in the World where these Birds are taken in such quantities; for, from Michaelmass to Martinmass, the Fields are cover'd with 'em.

Another Singularity is the multitude of Nightingales, in the Woods near Leipsic; whereof they take great numbers, and keep them in Cages: The Innkeeper's Daughter, where I lodged, had seven of them; and I have seen a great many at other Houses.

'Tis surprizing that so plentiful a Country as Saxony shou'd have no better Ordinarys. I don't mean Leipsic and Dresden, where, considering one is in Germany, we come off pretty well; tho' were it so in Holland, the Netherlands, or in France, we shou'd not think ourselves well us'd. I mean the little Towns and Villages in a Road so frequented as that from Leipsic to Dresden. There's Provision to be had at these Ordinarys, but then 'tis so ill dress'd, and the Houses so nasty, that 'tis enough to turn one's Stomach.

Setting out from Leipsic, at the opening of the Gates, I came betimes to Wermstorf, or Hubertsbourg, (St. Hubert's Palace,) a magnificent Hunting-Seat, which the Electoral Prince of Saxony is building at the Entrance of a Forest, where there are several Roads cut. This House is five Miles from Leipsic, and eight from Dresden; and when 'tis finish'd, will be large and magnificent: Men are hard at work upon it, and the main Body of it is already compleated. Their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess, generally hunt here at Spring and Autumn. The Equipage for the Stag-hunting is very fine, the Liveries being Yellow, with Facings of blue Velvet, and Silver Lace at all the Seams.

After I had walk'd an Hour or two at Hubertsbourg, I proceeded on my Journey, and came to Dinner at Meissen, the Capital of Misnia. This City has nothing particular, besides its Manufacture of Porcellane, which is so finely painted and enamell'd with Gold, that it is more beautiful than the Porcellane of Japan, and much dearer. The Invention of it is owing to an Alchymist, or one that pretended to be such; who had persuaded a great many People he cou'd make Gold. The King of Poland believ'd it as well as others, and to make sure of his Person, caus'd him to be committed to the Castle of Konigstein, three Miles from Dresden. There, instead of making Gold, that solid precious Metal, which puts Mankind on committing so many Follies, he invented Brittle Porcellane; by which, in one Sense, he made Gold, because the great Vent of that Ware brings a deal of Money into the Country.

After having pass'd the Elbe, over a wooden Bridge, going out of Meissen, I came in less than three Hours to Dresden, the Capital of the Electorate of Saxony. The City is pretty large, fortify'd with Art and Regularity; and very lightsome. Its Houses are high and substantial, the Streets broad, strait, well pav'd, neat, and in the Night-time well lighted. There are great Squares in it; and the whole City is so well laid out, that Dresden may be rank'd among the finest in the World.

The Elbe divides it into two Parts; which are distinguished by Old and New Dresden, and join'd together by a Bridge of Stone.

In order to give you a more perfect Idea of this City, I shall point out to you such things as I took most notice of. I shall begin with Old Dresden, which is the first that we come to from Meissen. At the Entrance of the Town, on the right hand, there is a great House, called the Palace of the Indies, or Holland House, which the King bought some Years ago of his Prime Minister, the Marshal Count de Fleming. All the Rooms of this Palace, which consists of three Stories, are so many Closets of Japan and China Wares. I don't believe that all the Warehouses in Amsterdam put together, are capable of furnishing such a quantity of uncommon old Porcellane, as is to be found here. The value of it is computed at a Million of Crowns. The very Houshold-Goods are Indian. There is one Set of Furniture, the like of which I never saw elsewhere: It consists of Feathers of various Colours, and all natural; inlaid with so much Art, that it might be taken for a fine flower'd Sattin.

This magnificent Palace has a Garden belonging to it, which looks towards the Elbe. It is adorn'd with Statues of white Marble, which the King caus'd to be purchas'd at Rome, of the Cardinals Annibal and Alexander Albani, Nephews to Clement XI. These Statues are much more priz'd here than they were at Rome.

Near the Palace of the Indies stands that of the Cadets; a magnificent Structure built by the States of Saxony, for maintaining two Companies of Cadets, all Gentlemen of the Country; who are there instructed in all the Sciences fitting for Persons of Quality.

Farther up in the same Street, there is an Amphitheatre, or Area, for the Battles of wild Beasts; of which a great number is kept for that purpose. Here are Lions, Tigers, Bears; in short, all the fiercest Animals from the four Quarters of the World.

The Bridge over the Elbe, which joins Old Dresden to the New, is scarce to be parallel'd, either for its Length or Substance. It has lately been made broader by forming Demy-Arches which support the Riders on each side. The Barriers are of Iron, well wrought. An Equestrian Statue of the King is going to be erected upon it.

The Palace or Castle joins to the Bridge, at the Entrance of New Dresden. This is an ancient Structure, which makes but a mean Appearance; and 'tis said, that the King intends it shall be pull'd down, and another built in its room; and that his Majesty has set apart eight Millions of Crowns for the Expence of it.

The inside of the Castle surpasses the outside. The State-Room is splendidly furnish'd. The Great Gallery contains several Curiosities, such as antique Busts, Vessels, and Pictures.

This Palace has two Chapels, one of which belongs to the Roman Catholicks, and the other to the Lutherans. The first was heretofore the Theatre for Operas, but the King turn'd it into a Chapel, upon account of the Marriage of his only Son with the Archdutchess, eldest Daughter to the Emperor Joseph; the second was always the Chapel of the Electors of Saxony. The King might, if he pleas'd, have order'd Mass to be celebrated in it, but he wou'd not give his Subjects that Handle for Complaint; besides, the late Queen, his Wife, having always stuck to the Lutheran Religion, in which she was born, he left her that Chapel for her use. The Treasure of it is extremely rich, and contains Vessels, Chasubles, and other things heretofore consecrated and given to this Chapel by the Piety of the Electors.

The Royal Treasury, commonly call'd the Grune Gewölbe, (the Green Vault,) is in the Palace. They are three arch'd Rooms, which contain immense Riches, and shine all over with Gold, Precious Stones, and Diamonds. 'Tis one of the finest Places in the World. There are several Sets of Brilliant Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds, Pearls, Saphirs, and other Precious Stones. Every Set is compleat, and consists of Buttons for Clothes, Loops for Hats, Swords, Hangers, Canes, Sleeve-Buttons, Shoe-Buckles, Muffs, and Sword-Belts, Snuff-Boxes, Watches, Tweezer-Cases, Pocket-Books; in short, all the Jewels that can possibly be imagin'd, even to the Furniture of a Horse; so that were I to write down every Particular, I should furnish you a Volume. And they all look the better, for being ranged with wonderful Nicety in Cases of Crystal.

To the Castle belongs a Garden, call'd the Zwinger Garten, which is the Tuilleries of Dresden, but not extensive enough to deserve the Name of a Garden. 'Tis encompass'd with Buildings of Free-Stone, which are Green-Houses for Orange-Trees. The Structure consists but of one Floor, on which are rais'd six large Pavilions, viz. three in front at the Entrance, two on the sides, and one over the Portico at the Entrance; which have all a Communication with one another, by a Platform that has Balustrades adorn'd with Statues. It wou'd be hard to lay what Order of Architecture prevails most in this Edifice, the Carv'd-Work with which it is decorated, being more of the Gothic than the modern Taste.

Near to this Building there's a Palace which makes a great Shew, but the Apartments are by much too small, and too low for the Ornaments employ'd about them. The King caus'd this House to be built for the Countess de Cosel, at the time when that Lady was in high Favour. No Cost was spar'd in it; but 'tis pity that a more skilful Architect had not been pitched upon to conduct it.

There are five or six other Houses, which are here call'd Hotels, but in Italy wou'd certainly pass for Palaces. The Hotel de Fuhl in the Street of Pirnitz is one of this number. It was erected by the Great Marshal de Fuhl who on his Death-bed left it to his Wife, of whom it was purchas'd by the Count de Fleming. That Minister sold it soon after to the King, who made considerable Embellishments in it, and furnished it richly. In this Condition his Majesty gave it in 1728, to the Marshal de Wackerbarth, to make him amends when he had been burnt out of the House he liv'd in, as Governour of Dresden. After this, the Governour's House being rebuilt, the King bought the other House again of the Count de Wackerbarth, and has made it a Depositary of his Medals, Antiquities, and Curiosities.

To be sure you have heard that this Fire broke out at the Governour's House in the Night-time, while the King of Prussia was here. His Majesty actually lodg'd at the Governour's House; and was in Bed when the Fire burst out with such fury that he had but just time to make his Escape in his Night-Gown, and to save a little Box in which there were Papers of consequence; for the Floor of his Bed-Chamber fell in, the moment after the King was gone out of it. An Officer, his Wife, and her Maid-Servant perish'd in the Flames. The Count de Wackerbarth only sav'd his Wardrobe and his Plate; for his fine Library, and a noble Collection which he had of Drawings, one of the compleatest and best chosen Setts in Europe, were consum'd.

The Hotel of Hoyhm is the most considerable Building in Dresden. In about six Years time it had four different Owners. It was founded by the King's Favourite, the Count de Fitztuhm[54], his Great Chamberlain, and Minister of State; who having been kill'd in a Duel at Warsaw, by the Count de St. Gilles, a Piedmontese that came to Poland to seek his Fortune, his Widow sold it to Marshal Fleming, who dying at Vienna not long after he had purchased it, the House fell to his Son, a weakly Child, who did not long survive him. His Mother, who was a Radzivil, was his Heiress, and one of the greatest Matches in Europe. She was soon after married again to a Polander whom she follow'd into his own Country; and when she left Dresden, she sold her House to the Count de Hoym, who at present occupies it.

Not far from this House are the King's Stables, which are well worth seeing, there being a great number of wonderful fine Horses, and some of all sorts of the rarest Breeds. Over the Stables, are Rooms full of fine Equipage, consisting of sumptuous Saddles and Housings, Sleds and magnificent Harness. Many of these Equipages are of the Turkish Mode, and plated with massy Silver, adorn'd with precious Stones.

The Arsenal, which is much boasted of here, cannot be reckon'd a fine one by any but such as have not seen the Arsenal of Berlin, to which it is not to be compar'd. There are several Rooms in it full of Arms, Brass Cannon, Helmets, and Cuirasses, which are the Tapestry of Arsenals.

Thus, Sir, you have all that I observed in Dresden: it remains for me to give you some Account of its Suburbs, and of the Pleasure-Houses which the King has in the Neighbourhood of this City.

The Suburbs of Dresden are very extensive, but have no Building of consequence, except the Palace in the King's great Garden, built by his Majesty's Mother, and that call'd the Turkish Palace, because it is furnished entirely after the Turkish manner. The King gave an Entertainment at this Palace to the Princess his Daughter-in-law, on account of her Arrival at Dresden, which was so particular that I think it deserves a Digression.

Upon the Feast-Day, the whole Court appeared at the Turkish Palace, in the Habits of Turks. The King came in the Dress of a Sultan, but without any Attendance. His Majesty was soon after follow'd by the Princess his Daughter-in-law, with her Ladies. Her Royal Highness, for whom the Entertainment was made, found a Body of Janizaries drawn up in the Court-Yard of the Palace. The King receiv'd her at the Entrance of his Apartment, and conducted her into a Hall spread with fine Tapestry, and laid with Cushions richly embroider'd.

The King and Princess being seated, were served by twenty-four Negroes in sumptuous Dresses, with Sherbet, Coffee, and Sweet-Meats, in great Vessels of massy Silver; nor were scented Waters, and perfumed Handkerchiefs forgot. After this Collation, they drew near the Windows to see the Pillau (which is the Rice of Turky) and the King's Bounty-Money distributed to the Janizaries. This was follow'd by a Comedy, with an Entertainment of Turkish Dances. Then came the Supper, the Guests sitting cross-legg'd upon the Cushions, and the Courses being served up after the fashion of Turky, by the Negroes and young Turks. While they were at Table, the Company was diverted by the various Leaps and Postures of certain Tumblers and Rope-Dancers. Supper being over, they went into the Garden, which was illuminated with several Thousands of Crystal Lamps. There was Tilting, and shooting at the Mark, and whenever the Mark was hit, a Sky-Rocket was sent up, which for the time seem'd to sprinkle Thousands of Stars among those in the Firmament. After this, the Company retir'd into the Palace, where the King and the Princess open'd the Ball, and there was dancing till five o'clock in the Morning, when the Ball was concluded with a sumptuous Breakfast that was serv'd at the several Tables, after the manner of our own Country; which, with the leave of the Mussulmen, is as good as theirs.

The finest Royal Houses, are Pilnitz and Moritzbourg. The King, who is certainly of all Sovereigns the most magnificent, keeps Men continually at work, in embellishing those Places. The Works are carried on by the Direction of Mons. Bot, whom I think to be not inferior to Bernini, and I doubt not, such is my high Idea of him, that as he is supported by the Generosity of a Great King, he will accomplish such Works as are worthy of himself, and of his Master too.

I have now done with the Description of the Palaces and Royal Houses, in which, I own I have been defective, and would gladly have been excus'd from giving it; but you would have it, and I cou'd not help gratifying you. I pass now to something more important; and shall entertain you with the present State of the Royal Family, and the Characters of the most distinguish'd Persons at Court.

Frederic-Augustus II. King of Poland, and Elector of Saxony, is the Chief of this August Family. This Monarch, whom no Man surpasses in Strength and Dexterity, and whom few Princes equal in Generosity, is the second Son of John George III. Elector of Saxony. He succeeded his Brother John George IV. in the Electorate, and was chose King of Poland after the Death of the Great Sobieski, notwithstanding the Intrigues of the Emissaries of France who declared for the Prince of Conti.

When Frederic-Augustus ascended the Throne, he brought all the Virtues to it fitting for a Great King. The Agreeableness of his Person, his Majestic Air, his Heroic Strength, his Good-Nature, his Politeness, and his well-known Valour, were the least of his Qualities. Never was any Prince more magnificent, nor did any one either give more, or with a better Grace. As a General and a Statesman, he was never too much lifted up by Prosperity, nor shock'd by Adversity; so that he was observed, when in the depth of his Misfortunes, to act and treat even with his Enemies, with that Air of Complaisance and Satisfaction, which Men inur'd to great Affairs know how to assume, in the midst of the cruellest Mortifications. This Prince, in his Youth, travelled to the chief Countries of Europe, and where-ever he came, was admir'd for his Strength, his Air, and Dexterity. Amongst other Adventures, a very odd one befel him in his Travels, at Venice. There happen'd to be in that City a famous Astrologer, who had the Reputation of being well read in the Book of Fate. The King, who was only Prince at that time, had a mind that he should calculate his Nativity, and for that purpose went to the Astrologer's House, accompanied by two Gentlemen. They were all three dress'd in plain Apparel, and the Prince, to disguise himself still the more, had conceal'd his brown Hair under a fair Peruke. He enter'd the last Man, into the Astrologer's House, and seem'd to be rather as an Attendant, than a Companion of the others. But to him the Astrologer first address'd himself, calling him by the Titles of My Lord and Highness. The Prince told him that his Rank in the World was much too mean for such high Compliments; but the Astrologer made answer, he knew very well whom he spoke to, and that it was in vain for him to think of concealing himself from such a Man as he. The Prince and his small Retinue were then conducted by him into a Closet, where he shewed him a Looking-Glass. Cast your Eye on that Mirror, said he to the Prince, and there you will see the principal Events of your Life. The Prince without any scruple, look'd accordingly, and saw himself at first in the Habit of an Elector; afterwards, with a Crown on his Head, and a royal Mantle on his Shoulders; and at last, full of Wounds, and bath'd in his Blood.

This Story, which I should not give you for true, if I had not heard it from a great Nobleman who told me he had it from the King's own Mouth, is however, not without a Parallel; for it is pretended, that a Mason told Madam de Maintenon, when she was no more than Madam Scarron, what her Fortune and Rank would be in France. I could mention several other Instances to you of the same nature, which all surprize me, tho' they don't convince me. Be it as it will, two Articles of the Prediction made to the King of Poland are fully accomplished; as to the third, may Heaven confound the Astrologer[55].

The King of Poland spends part of his time in his Kingdom, and part of it in his Electorate. 'Tis true, that he seems to take more delight in Saxony than in Poland; and 'tis in my Opinion very natural for him to do so; Saxony being his hereditary Country, where he is so absolute that his Will is the Law of his Subjects, by whom he is rather ador'd than belov'd: besides, 'tis Saxony that furnishes him wherewithal to support his Dignity, and offers him every thing conducive to the Pleasures of a Great King; and it is there that he has a Court, the most brilliant in Europe, not only for its Splendor, but for Magnificence and Pleasures; whereas in Poland, he has only the vain Pageantry of Royalty; being under greater Limitations than any Sovereign in the World; so that the least Innovation, the least Act of Authority, makes the Poles clamorous, and they presently think they are excused from paying him that Obedience which they owe him. All the Gentlemen here are their own Masters; and the Noblemen behave so much like Sovereigns, that they never go to Court but to demand Favours, which if they obtain, they go away ungrateful, and if they are deny'd, they retire with the Intention of taking a Revenge on the first Opportunity: For the Climate being rough, the People are fierce; and the King, tho' adored in Saxony, is scarce beloved in Poland.

The Electoral Prince, this King's only Son, is lusty, proper, and well made, and like the King his Father is adroit in all bodily Exercises. He loves Pleasure, but 'tis with Moderation, and is heartily attach'd to the Religion which he has embrac'd. He is stiff and reserved, without being haughty, which is a Temper that he derives from the late Queen his Mother[56], whom he very much resembles. To such as have the Honour of Access to him, and of being known to him, he is gracious, familiar and very civil. His Royal Highness has been admit'd for his good Qualities in a great part of Europe, particularly in Germany, France, and Italy, where he has spent several Years. No Son can have more respect to a Parent than he has for the King his Father, whose Will and Pleasure he never oppos'd in any one Instance; and whose Person he has always honour'd even in his Ministers. Of all Pleasures he seems to bestow most Time in Hunting; nevertheless he makes it only as an Amusement without being passionately fond of it. His Royal Highness's Confident is Solckofski or Sulkowski[57], a Polish Gentleman who was once his Page; and by thus making him his Favourite, for which he cannot but be applauded, he shews that he is capable of distinguishing true Merit. I had frequently the Honour of making my Compliments to this Prince while he was at Paris, and this is now the second time that I have had the same favour at Dresden, where I find he is the same gracious Personage as ever. The last time that I had the Honour of being introduc'd to him he talk'd a great deal to me about Paris, and when he dismiss'd me, he said he was sorry to think that Dresden would not afford me so many Pleasures as Paris.

The same Day that I waited on the Prince, I was introduced to the Princess his Royal Highness's Consort, who is the late Emperor Joseph's eldest Daughter. The Voice of the People is unanimous in the Character of this Princess. All Mankind agrees that she has not her superior for Good-nature, Piety, Charity, Modesty, and in a word for all, the Virtue of the Soul: To please her Husband, and to give her Children an Education suitable to their Birth, is her principal Endeavour. 'Tis rare to find a happier Couple than their Royal Highnesses; for Marriage, which generally cools the warmest Passions, seems on the contrary to have animated their reciprocal Affection to such a degree that they are a Pattern for the Imitation of their Court.

Their Royal Highnesses Children are so young that I shall say but little of them[58]. Their eldest Son very much resembles the Pictures that I have seen of the Emperor Joseph when he was a Child. This young Prince seems to me to be of a very delicate Constitution, and has so great a Weakness in his Knees that he can scarce stand: The Physicians say it will go off as he grows up, but their Promises are no Gospel for me.

The two Princes of the Blood, who commonly reside at Dresden, are John-Adolphus of Saxe-Weissenfels[59], a Prince of uncommon Merit, whose Sentiments and Actions are no disparagement to his Birth; and Maurice-William of Saxe-Zeits, the last of his Branch. He was persuaded by his Uncle the late Cardinal de Saxe-Zeits to abjure the Lutheran Religion and to embrace the ecclesiastical State: He is Bishop of Konigsgratz in Bohemia, Provost of Alten Ottingen in Bavaria, and a Canon of Cologne, Liege, and Aichstedt, and is descended from such a Family that it may be presum'd, he will some day or other, be advanc'd to the Purple[60].

N. B. What follows, is a more particular Account of the Electoral Family of Saxony, translated from the Baron's State of it; which is prefix'd to the second Edition of these Memoirs.

Augustus III. King of Poland Great Duke of Lithuania and Elector of Saxony, was born the seventh of October 1696. He is the only Son of Augustus II. the last King of Poland and of Eberhardina of Brandenbourg-Bareith. His Grandmother, Anne Princess Royal of Denmark, Widow of John George the third Elector of Saxony, took care of him in his Infancy, and impress'd him with those Sentiments of Piety, Humanity, and Justice, which render him at this day the Darling of his People, and the Pattern of Kings.

At a proper Age, the King his Father took him out of the hands of the Women, and committed him to the Care of Monsieur de Miltitz, a Gentleman of a good Family; whom Learning, good Behaviour and solid Virtue render'd worthy of such an Employment.

The Prince, who always found Charms in Virtue, was sensible of the Merit of his Governor: He lov'd him, was inseparable from him, and receiv'd his Advice with a Docility, which, at his tender Age, was a presage he wou'd be possess'd of that Fund of Wisdom which now renders him worthy of his Throne.

While the young Prince was under the Conduct of the Women, God was pleas'd to touch the Heart of the late King his Father: That Monarch, who happen'd to be born a Lutheran, was converted to the Roman Catholick Religion, and not long after elected King of Poland; and his Majesty being convinc'd of the Purity of the Religion which he had embrac'd, was inclin'd to make a Convert also of the Prince his Son. Nevertheless, such was the Respect the King had for her Royal Highness his Mother, that he was loth that august Princess shou'd be an Eye-witness of the young Prince's renouncing a Religion which she had taught him, and to which she was strenuously attach'd: He resolv'd therefore to remove him, and sent him to Francfort to be present at the Coronation of the Emperor Charles VI. His Companion in this Journey, was M. de Miltitz; but as this Gentleman's Attachment to Luther's Doctrine made the King apprehensive that he wou'd thwart his Views, he recall'd him, and appointed the Count de Costa, and the Baron de Hagen, to be his Son's Governors.

The Count who was a Polander and Palatine of Livonia, was not only of noble Birth, but a Gentleman of solid Piety, profound Learning, great Probity, and as much respected for his Principles as belov'd for his good Behaviour and Politeness.

The Baron de Hagen was of a Family of some Distinction in the Electorate of Triers: He was Ambassador from the King at the Emperor's Election, and at his Coronation at Francfort: His Behaviour was more grave than the Count de Costa's, but he was not inferior to the Count for Learning, Integrity, and good Sense.

Under the Conduct of these two Gentlemen, the Prince set out to visit a part of Germany and Italy, where he embrac'd the Roman Catholick Religion; his Profession of which, was however for a long time as private as it is now exemplary; for he did not declare his alteration of Religion 'till after the Death of her most Serene Highness his Grandmother, who died the first of July 1717. During this the Prince made the Tour of France, where, tho' he travell'd under the Name of the Count de Misnia, Lewis XIV. caus'd all the Honours to be paid to him which were due to the Son of a great King.

The Court of France was charm'd with that Politeness, that noble Modesty, and that Fund of Wisdom which accompany'd this Prince's Actions and Conversation: They admir'd him and were sorry for his Departure. He travell'd a second time to Italy, where he acquired that fine Taste of Men and Things and that Knowledge of Architecture, Painting, and other curious Arts, which is so useful for great Princes. Germany, upon the return of this Prince, bless'd itself for having given him birth, and offer'd up Prayers that all its Princes might be like him. His Royal Highness stay'd a considerable while at Vienna, where he maintain'd the Reputation he had acquir'd in the several Countries he had seen. He returned at length to Saxony, where there was an universal Joy for his Arrival. The Saxons were charm'd to see the Prince that was design'd by Heaven to be their Sovereign, so worthy of that Command. One day or other, they said, we shall lose the most righteous of Kings, and the best of Masters, but we shall find restor'd in his Son, his heroic Stature, his majestic Air, his Magnanimity, the same Temper for Goodness, Equity and Generosity; the Spirit of the great Augustus will be always present with us; and all our Loss will be that of his Personal Appearance.

Not long after the Prince's Return to Dresden, Augustus Christopher Count de Wackerbarth[61] treated at Vienna for the Marriage of his Royal Highness to the most serene Archdutchess Maria Josepha, eldest Daughter of the late Emperor Joseph. The Count de Flemming, Prime Minister and Velt-Marshal of Saxony, solemnly demanded the most serene Archdutchess in Marriage; and the Prince repair'd to Vienna to espouse her. The Ceremony was perform'd in the Chapel of la Favorita, with all the Pomp suitable to so great a Match. Some Days after this, their Royal Highnesses set out for Dresden, where they were receiv'd with an unparallell'd Magnificence. Augustus II. the most splendid of Kings, and a Prince who had the best Fancy for ordering of Entertainments, outdid himself; he thought nothing too good for celebrating the Nuptials of his so worthy a Son, with a Princess whose Ancestors were all Emperors.

The Rejoicings having lasted forty Days, the King set out for his Kingdom, leaving the Prince Regent, as he always did whenever he went from his Electorate.

In 1726, the Prince himself took a Journey to Poland, to which Country he had once before accompanied the King his Father in 1711, but then made no long stay. There he won the Hearts of the chief Nobility, who from that moment thought him worthy of succeeding one day to their Governor, the Great Augustus. They were pleased to see, that he honour'd their Countryman, the Count Sulkowski, with his Confidence, and they thought it a happy Omen for their Nation, blessing their Stars, that the Prince distinguished Virtue in one born among themselves.

His Royal Highness being convinced that of all the Sums laid out by Princes, there are none less liable to censure than what they expend in Buildings, undertook that of Wermsdorf, which he afterwards call'd Hubertsbourg; and he finish'd that great Work in a little time, by the assistance of the King his Father: For, in short, it would have been impossible for his Royal Highness to have defray'd all the Expence of it himself. It was already very wonderful to see with what Prudence he directed his Finances. His Revenue being settled, his Expence was suitable to his Rank; he had a numerous Houshold, his Hunting Equipage was sumptuous, yet he did good to all that made their Necessity known to him; his Charities were truly Royal, every body was paid; the Noblemen and the Tradesmen receiv'd their Pensions and Salaries punctually; and his Accounts were so regularly kept and discharged by the Count Sulkowski, that the Prince was never in debt.

The Prince commonly spent the Season for hunting the Stag at Hubertsbourg, and employ'd the remainder of his time at Dresden, in all manner of Exercises, being admired in every Action, for the Grace, Strength, and Dexterity with which he perform'd it, as well as for the Sobriety and Regularity of his Manners; for he kept as regular Hours then, as he does now.

Augustus III. never knew what it was to be idle or vicious. Such is his Chastity and Fidelity to his august Spouse, that he never gave her the least Reason so much as to suspect his Honour. He games only for amusement, and never plays so high that the loss of the Stake can put those out of temper who have the Honour to be of his Party. But of all the Virtues of Augustus III. there is none, most certainly, which has made him more the Favourite of Heaven, than the inviolable Respect he always manifested for the King his Father, who tenderly lov'd him; and never was a Son, Heir to so powerful a Dominion, more affected for the loss of a Father, than he was when he heard of the death of his. His Affliction was impress'd deeply in his Countenance, when he receiv'd the homage of his capital City, at his first appearance in publick; and to this very day, he is ready to melt in tears at the sight of any Object that calls him to mind; for which reason the People of Dresden, rather than renew his Sorrow, forbear the mention of a King whom Europe has plac'd in the Rank of its greatest Men.

Prince Frederic-Augustus, when he became Elector, did not alter his Manners, but retain'd the same Piety, the same Regularity. He kept most of the Servants of the late King his Father, and settled Pensions on those whom he thought fit to dismiss. His first Care, when he came to the Electorate, was to provide himself with Ministers, whose Candor and Sincerity were above Envy it self. For this purpose, he call'd to his Cabinet-Council, the Count de Gabaleon-Wackerbarth-Salmour, M. de Baudissin, the Count Sulkowski, and M. de Bruhl; to the two last of whom he committed the Direction of Affairs.

All Saxony applauded this Choice, and doubted not of being very happy under the Reign of a Prince, who was capable of forming so true a Judgment of Persons for his Ministers. But what the Saxons saw with extraordinary Satisfaction, was the sure Proof the King gave of his Gratitude and Esteem for Virtue, in recalling M. de Miltitz, heretofore his Governor, who for some Years past was retired to his Estate. This Gentleman wou'd fain have been excus'd from returning to Court, alledging his great Age, and his being a Stranger to Business; when his Majesty sent him word, that he requir'd no more at his hands than what his Health wou'd permit; that he knew his Probity, his Love for his Country, and his Attachment to himself; that therefore he was willing he shou'd be near his Person, and assist him with his Advice, which he knew wou'd be solid, by what he gave him when he had the charge of his Education. In this manner Frederic-Augustus, by the display of his Gratitude, an uncommon Virtue (especially among Princes) encourag'd his Courtiers to do what might also give them a Title to it.

These great Qualities procur'd him the Suffrages of the most judicious Part of the Republic of Poland which chose him for King. His Majesty having sent the Count de Gabaleon-Wackerbarth-Salmour, and M. Baudissin to Warsaw, with the Character of Plenipotentiaries, to take care of his Interests, these Ministers found the Polish Lords very much divided: Foreign Gold, with the Intrigues, Cabals, and ensnaring Promises of a Minister who was lavish of it; all these had corrupted a great number of them, and others were oppress'd, and must undoubtedly have submitted to Violence, if they had not had a very great share of Courage and Love to their Country. God, who never abandons the Virtuous, was their Support and their Protector, as well as the Shield of the Plenipotentiaries, whose sacred Character could not guard them from all manner of Outrage. And tho' the Blood of the Jagellons, which flows in this Prince's Veins, tho' his being the Son of one of the greatest Kings that Poland ever had, as well as his own Dignity of a Sovereign, ought to have procured him the Respect of all the Poles, yet every Person and Thing belonging to him at Warsaw, was maltreated. Such was, at that time, the unhappy Fate of Poland; Oppression and Tyranny having succeeded the glorious, mild, and peaceful Reign of Augustus II.

Mean time, those generous Noblemen who had so bravely stood up in the defence of the Liberties and Honour of their Country, after having tried all their Efforts to reclaim their wandering Brethren, found they could not succeed, and therefore broke up; after which, they met in the very same Place where Henry de Valois had been elected, and there they chose and proclaim'd Augustus Elector of Saxony, King of Poland. They then sent a Deputation to his Majesty, to intreat him to come immediately, with the Queen his Consort, to take possession of the Throne. The King comply'd with their Intreaty, and set out from Dresden, after having return'd solemn Thanks to God, the sovereign Disposer of Crowns, and of the Fortune of Kings.

In a few days the Queen followed the King, and overtook him at Tarnovitz, where their Majesties received the grand Deputation from Poland; and after giving them Audience, proceeded in their Journey towards Cracow. There the King made his Royal Entry on the 14th of January 1734, and on the 17th of that Month, their Majesties were consecrated and crowned by Lipsky the Bishop of that See.

Some time after this august Ceremony, which, in Poland, is absolutely necessary and essential for a King Elect, the Queen return'd to Saxony; but the King staid at Cracow, where he held a Diet, in which he made several Regulations for restoring the Tranquillity of the Kingdom. When the Diet was ended, his Majesty march'd towards Dantzic, which the Russians, his Allies, had invested, in order to drive out the Primate and his Adherents, who were retir'd thither.

But after a March of several Days, which the Severity of the Weather render'd very painful, his Majesty yielded to the Instances that were made to him from Saxony, to assist in Person at the opening of the Assembly of States which he was under a necessity of calling; and he returned to Dresden, where his Arrival caus'd an inexpressible Joy. Mean time the Army, under the Command of the Prince of Saxe-Weissenfels continued its March towards Dantzic.

The King was accompanied by a great number of Polish Noblemen, who finding themselves unable to oppose the Rage of the Primate's Party in their several Countries, came to seek shelter in Saxony, where his Majesty receiv'd them, and still entertains them, in a manner which cannot but convince them of his Gratitude, and give them greater Hopes of what Favours they may expect, when the Tranquillity of Poland is restor'd.

The King, after his Return from Cracow, summon'd the States of his Electorate, and open'd the Assembly with the usual Ceremonies. He was seated on his Throne, accompanied by the chief Lords of his Court, as well the Polish as Saxons. M. de Miltitz, his Privy Counsellor, sat on the Right-hand of the Throne; and, in the King's Name, made a Speech to the States, wherein he declared to them that his Majesty intended to make no Innovation in the Affairs of Religion, but to let his Protestant Subjects enjoy their Privileges, as they had been granted and confirm'd to them by the late King. Then they told him the Motives which had engag'd the King to call them together, and demanded the necessary Subsidies for defraying the extraordinary Expences which his Majesty had been necessarily involved in thro' the Calamities of the Time. M. de Hesler, Administrator of the Office of hereditary Marshal of Saxony, return'd an Answer in the Name of the States, and spoke with a Dignity, and all the Decorum due to so august an Assembly. He assur'd the King of the respectful and inviolable Fidelity and Attachment of his Subjects to his sacred Person. And in truth, 'tis impossible for a People to be better affected to their Sovereign, and more disposed to contribute to every thing that is capable of augmenting his Glory.

The King's voluntary Declaration to his States that he would make no Innovation in the Affairs of Religion, won the Hearts of his Subjects to such a degree, that there is not a Saxon who would make any scruple to sacrifice his Life and Fortune for his Service. And the said Declaration does equal Honour to the Justice of the Monarch, and the Wisdom of his Ministers.

While the King was employ'd with his States in securing the Happiness and Tranquility of Saxony, his Majesty received Advice, that his Army, after having join'd the Russians, had obliged the Dantzickers to surrender, and that the Polish Lords of the contrary Party petition'd for leave to remove to some Place where they might pay him their homage. The King, in imitation of the great Emperor whose Name he bears, after having made a Conquest, thought, like him, of nothing more than to make those happy whom the Fortune of War had submitted to his Arms. His Majesty did not take any advantage of his Victory, but forgetting past Offences, repair'd to the Abbey of Oliva, near Dantzic, where he receiv'd the Submission of the Dantzickers, and the Allegiance of the Lords that were the Primate's Adherents. By his Modesty and Goodness, he charm'd the Vanquished, and convinc'd them of their Obligation to pay him that Esteem which before perhaps they did not think was their Duty to grant to him. The Greatness of his Soul, which inclines him to sympathize with the Misfortunes of the Unhappy, hinder'd him from entering Dantzic, the desolate State of that City being so afflicting a Scene to him, that he cou'd not bear to see it. The Dantzickers, by their submission, were become his Subjects; their present Misfortunes, and their past Mistakes, affected him to such a degree, that he was fearful of being put in mind of them, and refus'd to appear among them, crown'd with those Laurels which he had reap'd by their defeat. So much Modesty, worthy of the most glorious Triumph, gain'd him the Prayers of the People, in which his Majesty saw more Charms, than he wou'd have found in Trophies, and the most stately Triumphal Arches.

The King having provided for the pressing Necessities of his Kingdom, return'd to his Electorate, where the States continued their Deliberations ever since his Absence. Now that his Majesty is return'd, the Care of the State is almost his constant Employment. His Recreations are either taking the Air on horseback, Hunting, the Italian Opera, or else going to Concerts, which the Queen, who is a great Lover of Music, causes to be perform'd in her own Apartment. Their Majesties generally dine together, and admit the Nobility of both Sexes to their Table.

There, the King observes that Temperance which so much becomes sovereign Princes. All his Hours, as has been already observ'd, are regulated; and all his Actions accompanied with Devotion, good Order, and Equity. Never did King better discharge that sacred Character; being always firm and tranquil, Danger cou'd never affright him. He accepted the Crown, tho' he saw he cou'd never fix it on his Head without infinite Pains, Peril, and Cares. The Advantage he had gain'd over his Enemies did not seem to have flush'd him; he was sorry he had not been able to reclaim them by gentle Methods, and ascribes the happy Success of his Arms solely to Providence.

Thus have I given you a very imperfect Account of the Virtues and Actions of a King, which plainly denote that the perfect honest Man (a Title not unworthy even of the sacred Majesty of Kings) forms his Character. As for his Stature, 'tis such as, one wou'd think, those ought to have who are born to command. He has a robust and vigorous Constitution, a sound Judgment, a happy Memory, a generous and beneficent Soul, the necessary Constituents of the Hero and the Christian. His Conduct is regulated by a great Attachment to the Principles of Religion. His Aim and his Application are to render his Subjects happy; and he only longs for Peace that they may taste the Fruits of it.

As to her Majesty the Queen, the Name of that august Princess, whom Heaven has endowed with all manner of Virtues, to be the worthy Wife of a King, is Maria Josepha, who was born the 8th of December 1699, and is the eldest Daughter of Joseph Emperor of the Romans, and of Wilhelmina-Amelia of Brunswic-Lunenbourg-Hanover. Her Marriage to the King, then the Prince Royal, was celebrated at Vienna, the 20th of August 1719, betwixt 8 and 9 a Clock at Night, in the Chapel of the Palace of the Favorita, by the Pope's Nuncio, who next day perform'd the solemn Mass. In a few days after, this Princess set out with her Husband for Saxony. It has already been observed with what Pomp she was received by the King her Father-in-law; and the Veneration paid her by the Subjects, was equal to the Magnificence of her Reception by the King. The Returns that the Princess made on her part, manifested a Goodness which nothing cou'd resist; so that she had the Homage and the Hearts both of the Courtiers and the common People. Being the Daughter of a Princess, whom the World respects even more for her Virtues than for the Splendour of that extraordinary Grandeur with which she is inviron'd, her Royal Highness's sole Concern was to walk in the Steps of that august Mother, the Pattern of Princesses, and the Honour of Religion. She conceiv'd a Respect for the King her Father-in-law, and the Queen her Mother-in-law, from which she never departed; and now that she is a Sovereign, she has no other Cares than to render a Nation happy which is worthy of being so for its Affection and Fidelity to its Electors. She is inviolably attach'd to her Duties, full of Tenderness and Respect for her Husband, and always wisely employ'd in what may procure him solid Comfort. She continually gives him Examples of Piety and Charity; she is beneficent to all that make their Necessities known to her, and seems to think every unfortunate Subject merits her Protection. The Care she takes of her Children is not only the Care of a tender Mother, but of a Queen, who, in love to the State, is desirous to form their Minds, so as to render them worthy of being its Sovereigns, and to procure them the advantage of being more respected, if possible, for their Virtues than their Birth.

The Queen, who went with the King to Cracow, and there receiv'd the Crown, return'd after her Coronation to Saxony, where she is belov'd and reverenc'd by People of all Ranks. This august Princess seems to have an Air of Gravity, as have all the Princes of the most serene House of Austria; but as she is serious, so she is discreet, modest, and good-natur'd. She was educated, as are all the Archdutchesses, in the knowledge of Things useful for those who are born to govern States; she speaks several Languages very readily, and particularly the Latin, in such a manner as both charms and surprizes the Poles. She is Mistress of History and Geography, and has a solid Taste of Musick, Painting, and all the Sciences in general: Yet never did Queen take less Pride in her Talents; for, by kindly condescending to accommodate her self to the Capacities of those with whom she converses, she conceals all her Superiority. Her high Rank serves only to render her affable; she is the Mother of the People, and particularly of the Poor. And to sum up the Character of this great Princess, it may be said in short, that she is a virtuous Wife, a faithful Companion, a tender Mother, and a compassionate Sovereign.

His Royal Highness the Prince Royal and Electoral was born at Dresden, the 5th of September 1722, and baptized in the Roman Catholick Church, by the Name of Frederic-Christian: He is handsome, and has a Countenance full of Good-nature, and indeed his Goodness charms all that pay their court to him. His Knowledge and Learning are beyond one of his tender Years; he talks several Languages justly, and with ease; and his strong Inclination to follow the wise Counsels of his Governor, the Count Gabaleon-Wackerbarth-Salmour, is a sure Presage that when he comes to the Age of Maturity, he will walk in the glorious Steps of the King his Father.

As to their Royal Highnesses the other Princes, the eldest of them, Prince Augustus-Albert-Christian-Xavier was born the 25th of August 1730. He is handsome, full of Life and Spirit, and already discovers a great Inclination to every thing military. He is infinitely better pleased to see the Officers of his Regiment about him than the Women his Attendants. The Noise of Drums and Trumpets is the most agreeable Music to him, and according to all appearance, 'tis what he will always prefer to the Flute. When he went with their Majesties to Cracow, and heard talk of the Ravages committed by the Palatine of Kiow, he said, he had a mind to go and fight him, and cut off his Head. In fine, all the Actions of this young Prince give hopes that he will add one to the Number of Heroes descended from the august Blood of Saxony.

Charles-Christian-Joseph came into the World July 13, 1733, so that his Royal Highness is too young as yet for any Character in History; and I shall proceed next to their Royal Highnesses the Princesses.

Her Royal Highness Mary-Amelia, their Majesties eldest Daughter, was born at Dresden, the 24th of September 1724. She is fair, very well shap'd, and has the Air of her Mother. Her Features are regular, and 'tis heartily to be wish'd that the Small-Pox may spare them. The Care the Queen takes of her Education is so well bestow'd on her, that she is much better form'd than Princesses of her Age generally are.

Mary-Anne-Sophia was born the 24th of August 1728. She is brown, and likely to be much admir'd for her Beauty. There is something in her Physiognomy so subtle and witty, that she has already secur'd the Suffrages of the Courtiers.

The Princess Mary-Josepha was born the 4th of November 1731. Heaven has been pleas'd to grant her a share of Beauty with all the Princes and Princesses her Brothers and Sisters.

I should make some mention of all the Princes and Princesses of the Blood, viz. all the most serene Dukes, Princes and Princesses of the Family of Saxony, particularly those who are deriv'd from the Albertine Branch, as descending with the King from the Elector John-George I. who form'd the four Branches, viz. the Electoral Branch, and those of Weissenfels, Mersbourg, and Zeits. But as this is only an Epitome of Augustus III's Court, I shall only take notice of those Princes who reside there; viz. John-Adolphus Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels, and the Princess Christina of Saxe-Weissenfels.

The Duke, who was born September 4, 1685, is of a good Stature. His Air, Behaviour, and way of thinking, denote his Birth; and never was Prince more worthy of being so. He is beneficent, generous; and all the Qualities which attract Love and Esteem are united in his Person. After having spent his early Days in the Service of Hesse-Cassel, he enter'd into that of the late King; and in the several Campaigns which he made in Germany, Italy, Flanders, and Poland, he always signaliz'd his Valour; and particularly not long ago, when he supported the Reputation of the King's Arms before Dantzic in a conspicuous manner. His Goodness, his Modesty, and his Care to distinguish true Merit, gain him the Love and Veneration both of the Officers and Soldiers. This Prince is actually a Lieutenant-General in the Emperor's Army, General of the Saxon Horse and Foot, Colonel of the Life-Guards, and of a Regiment of Foot, and Knight of the Order of the White Eagle. He is the Widower of Caroline Princess of Saxe-Eysenach, and professes the Lutheran Religion.

The Princess Christina of Saxe-Weissenfels, who was born the 27th of July 1690, adheres to the Roman Catholic Doctrine, Prince Albert her Father being a Convert to that Communion. She is of a good Stature, has a grand Majestic Air, and her Behaviour is graceful and polite. Her most serene Highness receives all that draw near to her with Respect and Kindness, and demonstrates her high Birth only by discharging the Obligations of it. She is so firmly attach'd to the Queen by the Bands of Love and Virtue that she is caress'd and distinguish'd by her; and all the Court honours and respects her more out of Inclination than Duty.

You will not perhaps be sorry to know the Names, &c. of the late King's legitimated Natural Issue, who are rank'd immediately after the Princes of the Blood. They are four Sons and three Daughters, of whom I shall now give you an Account, and who were their Mothers.

1. Count Maurice of Saxony is the eldest of the late King's Natural Children, by Aurora Countess of Koningsmark, the most worthy of her Sex in Europe to be the Mistress of a great King; and of all the King's Favourite Ladies, she kept longest in his Favour, so that after her Retirement she acquitted her self so well that she continued in the possession of his Majesty's Esteem and Regard. She is still living, and after having been a Prioress of the Imperial Lutheran Abbey Quedlinbourg she rose to be the Abbess. The Count is a Lieutenant-General, and Colonel of a Regiment of Foot in France.

2. The next is the Count Rotofski or Rutowski, Lieutenant-General, and Colonel of the Crown-Guards, who owes his Birth to the King's tender Passion for Fatima a Turkish Lady who was taken Prisoner very young, and fell to the share of M. Schoning, a Lieutenant-General in the Service of the Elector of Brandenbourg, who carried her to Berlin, and had her baptiz'd without altering her Name, tho' she afterwards went by that of Madame de Spiegel. Madamoiselle de Flemming, known by the Name of Brebentau, having married the Palatine of that Name, took a fancy to her, obtain'd her of M. de Schoning, and carried her with her into Poland, where from a Slave she became the King's Mistress, tho' Madame Brebentau did not perceive it till Fatima's Waist betray'd her. She had as much Wit as Beauty, and every body said she deserv'd her Fortune. Nevertheless, she did not enjoy it long; for Madame de Lubomirski, who was Wife to the Great Chamberlain of the Crown, stole away the King's Heart from her. The Count Rutowski is a Major-General of the King's Forces, Colonel of the Life-Guards, and of a Regiment of Foot, and Knight of the Order of the White Eagle. This Nobleman very much resembles the late King his Father, having his Strength, Dexterity, Valour and Politeness. He had his Education in France, and from thence went into the Service of Victor Amadeus the late King of Sardinia. Then he enter'd for a little while into the Service of the King of Prussia, and at length fix'd himself in that of Saxony, when he signaliz'd his Valour at the Siege of Dantzic, and afterwards made the Campaign as a Voluntier in the Imperial Army on the Rhine. As for his Religion, he professes the Roman Catholic.

3. The third of the late King's Natural Sons is George Prince de Teschen, otherwise call'd the Chevalier de Saxony, whom he had by Madame de Lubomirski above-mentioned, who was Niece to the famous Cardinal Radjouski Archbishop of Gnesna, and Primate of Poland. After this Lady had indulg'd the King's Passion she got a Divorce from Prince Lubomirski, and took the Title of the Princess de Teschen, which was granted to her by the Emperor. This Son of her's was brought up in the Roman Catholic Religion. He is a Colonel in the King's Service, and Knight of the Order of the White Eagle. He is a well-set Man, has a noble Air, and supports his Title by a great share of Valour and good Sense. He is perfect Master of military Architecture, and has great Talents for War, which he cultivates to such a degree that his very Amusements are the Study of what a great Captain ought to know. This Desire of his to be qualify'd some day or other for the Command of an Army engag'd him, at his return from the Siege of Dantzic, to repair to the Army of Prince Eugene of Savoy to improve himself in the Art of War under that Great Master.

4. The fourth and youngest of the Natural Sons of the late King of Poland is the Count de Cosel, Knight of the Order of the White Eagle, whose Mother was the Countess de Cosel; which Lady is also Mother to the Countesses of Friesland[62] and Moschinski[63]. The Count is a tall handsome Youth, modest and reserv'd, and more prudent than might be expected from his Years. This Nobleman, who does not disparage his Birth, is now making the Campaign upon the Rhine in the Imperial Army. He is of the Lutheran Communion.

Madame de Cosel is of the Family of Bruchstorf, and a Native of Holstein. She was Maid of Honour to the Dutchess of Wolfembuttle, when the Count de Hoym Minister of State to the King of Poland married her: The Count soon after the Marriage carried her to Dresden, where the King fell in love with her, and no sooner made it known to her but gain'd her compliance. M. de Hoym enrag'd at this, demanded a Divorce from her, which his Wife readily came into; so that the Consistory of Dresden declared their Marriage null and void. M. de Hoym married again, and Madame took the Title of the Countess de Cosel; but this Lady at once lost the King's Favour and her Liberty into the bargain, and is kept close Prisoner in a Castle, where she has nothing to do but to indulge her melancholy Reflections upon the Revolutions of her Fortune[64].

The Natural Daughters of the late King are, 1. The Countess of Bilinski, (Sister of the Count Rutowski) who was born in Poland as well as her Brother, and educated in the Roman Catholic Religion. Augustus II. gave her in Marriage to the Count Bilinski. The Countess's frequent Ailments obliged her to go to Paris for her Health; so that not being of this Court, 'twill not be expected I should give her Character.

2. The Countess of Orselska, who was born at Warsaw, of one Renard a French Woman, and bred up in the Roman Catholic Faith: She is of a good Stature, and very charming. Of all the late King's legitimated Children his Majesty seem'd to be fondest of this. She was at first very much neglected, and it did not appear that the King ever intended to own her. But Count Rotofski seeing her at Warsaw in a Plight too mean for her Birth took the freedom to mention her to the King her Father, and told him that she merited some Kindness from him. The King thereupon desir'd to see her, and she came into his Presence in the Amazonian Habit, which was her favourite Dress. The King thought she resembled him very much, and not being able to resist the tender Impressions of Nature he embrac'd her, and call'd her his Daughter. At the same time he order'd the whole Court to acknowledge her in that Quality, gave her a magnificent Palace, with Diamonds without number, and settled great Pensions on her. 'Tis certain, in short, that never was Daughter more like her Father; she had the same Features, Temper and Genius. It was impossible for her to be handsomer with a more grand Air. She is fond of Magnificence, Expence, and Pleasures. One of her Diversions is to dress in Mens Apparel. It was in this Habit that I saw her the first time, when she was on horseback, in a purple Habit embroider'd with Silver, and wore the blue Ribband of Poland. Being all alone, I could not learn who she was, but really took her to be some young Foreign Nobleman whom I had not yet seen. I never beheld any body sit better than she did on horseback, or have a more amiable Air; insomuch, that many Ladies would have been glad of a Lover so handsome. The same evening I saw her at the Ball, where she was still dress'd like a Man, only her Habit was more rich than it was in the morning, and her dishevell'd Locks of Hair hung down in fine Curls about her Shoulders; so that Cupid himself was not more tempting when he appear'd before Psyche. Her good Mien, and the graceful Air with which I saw her dance a Minuet, made me inquire who this pretty Youth was? Count Rotofski, who overheard me, made answer, The young Man whom you admire wou'd do you no great harm if you were a Woman, but may possibly hurt you as the Case stands; but come along with me, continued he, taking me by the Hand, I will make him known to you, then leave you to come off with him as well as you can. I guess'd by these Words that the Person he was going to usher me to was the Countess Orselska; and I was confirmed in my Suspicion when I heard Count Rotofski say to her, Sister, here is a Gentleman who has all due Respects for you, and who, I'll engage will be ready to serve you in whatever you shall require of him. Madamoiselle Orselska smiling at this Discourse, I saluted her with all the Respect which I ow'd to her Rank, and she receiv'd me in the most obliging manner possible. I saw her next day in Womens Apparel, and thought her still more amiable. I visit her every day, and now whenever I go to her I generally find with her Charles Lewis, a younger Prince of the Family of Holstein-Beck, who 'tis said is the happy Man for whom she is design'd in Marriage[65].

3. The Countess Moschinski, Daughter of the Countess of Cosel, was born at Dresden, and match'd by the late King to the Count de Moschinski, a Polish Nobleman. Her sober and courteous Deportment, and the Goodness of her Temper, have procured her both Love and Reverence.

Having now treated of the Princes of the Royal Family, I proceed to give you an account of the chief Noblemen of the Court; and in the first place, of the Ministers of the Cabinet.—These are, 1. Waldemar Baron de Lowendahl Grand Marshal, Knight of the Saxon Order of the White Eagle, and of the Danish Order of the Elephant, who by his Post of Grand Marshal holds the first Rank at the Court of Saxony, because the Elector is Arch Grand Marshal of the Empire. He is a Dane by birth, and is descended from a Count of Guldenlowe, a natural Son of the Blood-Royal of Denmark. He spent his youthful Days in the Service of the States-General, and was made a Captain in the Blue Guards; which he afterwards quitted, and went into the Service of the Emperor Leopold, and distinguish'd himself in quality of a Lieutenant-Colonel in 1683, at the raising of the Siege of Vienna; after which he return'd to Denmark, where he serv'd with Honour. But leaving that Court upon some Disgust, he came into Saxony, where Augustus II. declared him President of the Chamber, which Office he held when the King of Denmark recall'd him home. It was with the Approbation of his Master the King of Poland that he return'd to Copenhagen, where his Danish Majesty gave him the Command of his Army in Norway against the Swedes; which Commission he discharged with so much Honour, that he was dignify'd with the Order of the Elephant, as he had already been by that of Dannebroc. He might, had he pleased, have enjoy'd the greatest Offices in Denmark; but he had promised Augustus II. not to forsake him, so that he refus'd all the Advantages which Frederic IV. offer'd him, and return'd into Saxony. After the death of the Count de Phlug, the late King appointed him Grand Marshal, which Office he still executes with Honour. Tho' he is now advanced in years he has a sound Constitution, and the Air, Behaviour, and Way of Thinking of a Man of his Quality. Being affable and polite, he does the Honours of the Court in a Gentleman-like manner, for which the Courtiers reverence him, and the King professes an esteem for him. His Majesty is the sixth King whom this Minister has serv'd. He has married to his second Wife a Lady of the Family of Rantzau, in the Country of Holstein, who bears a valuable Character, and is as polite as can be desired, speaking French as well as if she was born at Versailles. The Grand Marshal has two Sons by his first Marriage with a Lady of Revenclau: his youngest, viz. Woldemar Baron de Lowendahl is Major-General of the King's Armies, Inspector General of the Saxon Infantry, and Colonel of a Regiment of Foot. He was fourteen years old when the Grand Marshal sent him to Denmark; where he made a Campaign at Sea under Admiral Tordenschild. At his return to Dresden he carried a Musket, and afterwards pass'd through all the subaltern Degrees. When he was but a Lieutenant he accompany'd General Seckendorf to Vienna, where the Marshal Count Guido de Staremberg gave him a Company in his Regiment, and he distinguish'd himself in a particular manner at the Sieges of Temiswaer and Belgrade, and in Sicily. Since that, he enter'd into the Service of Augustus II. who gave him a Regiment. Afterwards he made two Campaigns as a Voluntier with the Imperialists in Corsica; and upon all occasions manifested that Valour, Skill, and Prudence, as he did lately in the Defence of Cracow; where, with a weak and sickly Garrison, he not only made a vigorous stand against the Attacks of the Primate's Polish Adherents, but also obliged them to retire. This General is so fond of signalizing his Bravery, that he was scarce return'd from Poland, but he went to make the Campaign as a Voluntier, with the Imperial Army on the Rhine. He lives magnificently, keeps a good Table, and is very civil to Foreigners.

2. Anthony Count de Lutzelbourg, who is by birth a Lorrainer, and an exemplary Professor of the Roman Catholic Religion, is Lieutenant-General of the Forces, Knight of the Order of the White Eagle, and General of the Horse. He is pretty tall, and has a chearful Countenance, with a noble easy Behaviour, which shews the Man of Quality. His Merit procured him the Honour of being the King's Governour after the Decease of the Count de Costa, which Post he held 'till his Majesty came of age, when he was appointed Steward of his Houshold, and was as much esteem'd by their Royal Highnesses as he is valued by the Courtiers, and belov'd by the Domestics of the Prince who are under his command: but his frequent Ailments oblig'd him to quit that Office: Nevertheless he was last year at Vienna, where he receiv'd for the King his Master the Investiture of the Feudatory States of the Empire, and concluded the Treaty of Alliance still subsisting between the two Courts.

3. Henry-Frederic Count of Friesland, is Great Chamberlain, General of the Infantry, Lieutenant-General of the King's Forces, and Knight of the Order of the White Eagle. He is descended from a Family which has for a long time been of illustrious Rank in Saxony. He spent part of his Youth in the Service of Peter the Great, Czar of Muscovy, and signaliz'd his Valour very much at the Battle of Pultowa; where Charles XII. King of Sweden in a few Hours lost all the fruit of nine years Toil, and of an infinite number of Victories. Soon after this great Battle he shew'd his Wisdom to be equal to his Bravery at the Battle of Pruth; which though it did not turn out so much to the Czar's Honour, was altogether as fortunate to him, since it extricated that Prince out of the worst scrape that perhaps ever King was reduced to. He enter'd afterwards into the Service of the late King; who being sensible of his Merit, raised him to the greatest Dignities of his Court, and married him to one of the Daughters that he had by the Countess of Cosel. The Great Chamberlain, who has the Looks and Behaviour of a Man of Quality, thinks and acts too like a Nobleman. Few Persons surpass him in Politeness and Learning: He is perfect Master of several Languages, and of every thing that forms the Minister and the General. He loves Literature and the Arts, and was always their Supporter. He lives handsomely, and has such a Presence as commands the Veneration of all that have to do with him.

4. Joseph Count de Gabaleon-Wackerbarth-Salmour, the adopted Son of the Velt-Marshal Augustus Christopher Count de Wackerbarth who succeeded Marshal de Flemming in the chief command of the Troops in Saxony, and was not only Marshal, but a Minister of State, Grand Master of the Artillery, Governour of Dresden, and Knight of the Order of the White Eagle. The Father was born of a good Family in Mecklembourg; but from his very youth he attach'd himself to the Elector of Saxony; and by his own Merit, and the Friendship of his Predecessor Count Flemming, he was raised to the chief Posts in the Army and the Court. In 1709 he had the Command of the Saxon Troops before Tournay, as he had in 1715 before Strahlsund, when 'twas besieg'd by the Kings of Denmark and Prussia, and defended by Charles XII. King of Sweden. M. de Wackerbarth was made Count of the Empire by the King his Master, while that Prince was Vicar of the Empire, after the death of the Emperor Joseph. After being grac'd with this Dignity, the Count de Wackerbarth was employ'd in sundry important Negotiations, especially at Vienna; where he married a Piedmontese Lady, the Dowager of Charles Margrave of Brandenbourg, Brother to Frederic I. King of Prussia, who when he was but very young at the University of Turin; married her by the Left-hand, as you know is the Fashion among our Princes when they marry below themselves. However the Lady went by the Name of Madame de Brandenbourg to the very day that the Count de Wackerbarth married her, being so proud of the Title that she was resolv'd never to part with it 'till she was married again: Notwithstanding the advantageous Offers made to her from the King of Prussia to engage her to renounce it, her refusal of which was the more generous because it was at a time too when she was in narrow Circumstances; yet her constant Answer was, that nothing in the Universe should tempt her to debase herself; and that she had rather be poor, and pass for the Wife of the Margrave of Brandenbourg, than be rich, and pass for his Mistress. Before she became Madame de Brandenbourg she was the Widow of a certain Count de Salmour, by whom she had a Son whom she engaged the Count de Wackerbarth, when she married him, to adopt for his own. I confess I never saw this Lady; for at the time of my former Voyage hither she was at Vienna; and now she is dead. They talk of her still as one of the acutest Women of her time. But to return to the Marshal; he is very civil, lives with great Splendor, and his House is open to all Foreigners. He is mighty intimate with the Count de Flemming, Prime Minister and Favourite of the King; so that they fully contradicted the Proverb, That Fire and Water can't agree; for Count Flemming was lively almost to the Degree of a Fury, whereas the Count de Wackerbarth, on the contrary, abounds with Phlegm[66]. We go back now to his adopted Son Joseph above-mention'd, a Piedmontese, at present one of the Ministers of the Cabinet[67].

He is also Knight of the Order of the White Eagle, and Governour of his Royal Highness the Prince Royal and Electoral. He bears the Name and Arms of Wackerbarth, by reason of his being adopted as above by the Velt-Marshal his Father-in-law; upon whose death, he succeeded to his Estate. He took to arms betimes; but having receiv'd a Wound in the Foot, which he feels to this day, he was oblig'd to quit a Profession in which he distinguish'd himself, and apply'd afterwards to Affairs of State. The late King sent him to the Courts of Bavaria and Vienna, where he supported the Prerogatives of his Character with Dignity, and gain'd the extraordinary Esteem of their Imperial Majesties and the Ministers. Augustus II. recall'd him from Vienna, and sent him to Rome, to the new Pope Clement XII. The Romans, those Masters in the Art of Politics, were soon convinced that this Minister knew more than they could teach him: They admired the Prudence and Resolution with which he behav'd when the Sbirri presum'd to invade the Franchise of his Quarter; and all own'd that the most experienced Minister could not have better supported the Honour of his Master. At his Return from Rome, the late King, to the Satisfaction of all Men, appointed him Governour to Prince Frederic, the present Prince Royal and Electoral; the Count having all the necessary Qualifications to fill that Post with Honour: For besides a good Share of Religion, he is a Gentleman of known Candour, great Experience in Business, and abundance of Good-nature, Politeness, and Modesty: And he is not only deeply learn'd, but always studious how to answer the great Trust repos'd in him by their Majesties; and as the Method he takes to instruct the Prince has won him his Royal Highness's Esteem and Friendship, so it cannot fail of procuring him one day the Praise and Gratitude of those who are concern'd for the Glory of the Royal Family.

When Augustus III. came to the Government he sent the Count, with M. de Baudissin, in Quality of his Plenipotentiaries, to the Republic of Poland; in which Post he answer'd the Expectation which the King had of his Capacity. His Wisdom got the better of all Opposition; and he had the advantage of triumphing over the Intrigues and Cabals of the Primate. After the King had been proclaim'd the Count swore, in his Majesty's Name, in the Church at Warsaw, to the Observation of the Pacta Conventa drawn up by the Members of the Republic; and then accompanied the Grand Deputation of the Polish Nobility at Tarnowitz. 'Twas he that made answer, in the Name of their Majesties, to the Harangues of the Bishop of Cracow declaring the Republic's Acknowledgement of his Title, and their Obedience. And the Answer he return'd was in the two Languages in which the Prelate address'd him: He spoke in Latin for the King, and in French for the Queen.

The Count being return'd to Dresden since their Majesties Coronation, is wholly taken up in the Education of the Prince Royal; and his care of him has been crown'd with such Success, that we may prophesy his Royal Highness will one day draw down that Blessing of God upon himself, which is upon the Head of the Just.

5. Wolff-Henry de Baudissin, General of the Horse, Colonel of a Regiment of Carabiniers, and Knight of the Order of the White Eagle, and that of Dannebroc, has all the Qualities requisite for a well-born Gentleman, viz. an agreeable Aspect, a good Stature, a noble Air, easy and engaging Behaviour, approv'd Valour, a Generosity free of all Ostentation; and finally what is superior to all these Qualities, he has a Fund of Probity and Candour which nothing can corrupt. He is a Native of Holstein, and spent his early Years in the Service of Sweden, and afterwards in that of the Duke his Sovereign, who gave him a Regiment, with which he serv'd all the last War in the Netherlands, in the Post of Major-General. Augustus II. calling him to his Service, made him Lieutenant-General of his Forces, and then General of the Cavalry. When Augustus III. came to the Government he summon'd him to his Cabinet-Council, and sent him as his Plenipotentiary to Poland, where he had a hand in every Transaction for the Advantage and Honour of the King. He afterwards commanded the Army which his Majesty was obliged to carry into his Kingdom for the Defence of his oppressed Subjects; and there he fell so dangerously ill that he was obliged to return to Germany, to make use of the Waters of Pyrmont; by which he found benefit; and he is now at Dresden, where his Seniority gives him the Command in chief of the Forces.

6. Alexander-Joseph Count de Sulkowski, Starost of Sokolnick, Chief Huntsman of Lithuania, Master of the Horse, Great Master of the Wardrobe, Major-General of the King's Forces, Colonel of the Crown-Guards and of a Regiment of Foot, and Knight of the Order of the White Eagle, is a Polander. Being taken into Service very young as Page to the King, then Prince Royal and Electoral, he accompanied him in his Travels, and there acquir'd a good Fund of Knowledge. His great Sobriety, his Assiduity, his Application to the discharge of his Duties, his Sense, and his sincere Attachment to Religion, won his Master's Heart, of which he keeps possession even to this day; with a Distinction that does him the more Honour, because he derives it from the King's thorough conviction of his Merit.

The Count is of a good Stature, has a noble and modest Air, and a Candour in his Conversation and his Action, which is very engaging. He is civil, and makes no other Use of his Favour but to do as much Good as he can, without prejudicing the Interests of the King whom he serves with Gratitude, Affection, and Zeal. He is a generous Minister, and his House is open to all Persons of Distinction.

After he had serv'd as a Page, he was by the late King made a Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber; and not long after that, his present Majesty, who was then still Prince Royal, declar'd him Director of his Hunting Equipage, and trusted him with the Management of his Domestic Affairs. The late King also appointed him one of his Chamberlains.

At the famous Camp at Zeithaim, the Count commanded an Independent Company. He discover'd so great Application, and such a happy Genius for the Art of War, that the late King, whose Penetration nothing cou'd escape, took it for a good Omen, and gave him a Regiment of Foot. Thus did the Count make his way towards the splendid Fortune which he now enjoys. M. de Bruhl resigning his Post of Great Master of the Wardrobe, soon after the King's Accession to the Government, his Majesty gave that Post to his Favourite. He afterwards call'd him to his Cabinet-Council; and at his Coronation, he made him Knight of the Order of the White Eagle. After the Court's Return from Cracow, the Count went to the Army before Dantzic; where he gave demonstration of his being as good a Soldier as he is an able Statesman. It being not compatible with his Ministry to be long absent, and Dantzic being on the point of capitulating, he went to give the King an account of the Success of its Siege, and the Prosperity of his Arms. He accompanied his Majesty to the Abbey of Oliva, and by his Prudence contributed very much to put such Polish Lords in mind of their Obedience, who had thought of being exempted from it. And his only View being more and more to deserve that Favour with which the King honours him, and being desirous of having it in his power to serve him, as well in his Armies, as in his Cabinet, he went last of all to the Imperial Army, in order to qualify himself for a Command under Prince Eugene of Savoy.

To complete the good Fortune of this Count, he married a Lady, who, besides her Birth and personal Charms, has a Character which gains her the Applause and Veneration of all that know her. She is hereditary Baroness of Stein; and when he marry'd her, she was Lady of Honour to the Queen. They are both Members of the Roman Catholic Church.

7. Henry de Bruhl, Knight of the Orders of Poland and Prussia, a Member of the Privy-Council, President of the Chamber of Finances, Director General of the Excise, and Vice-President of the Taxes, is the Son of John de Bruhl, who was of the Privy-Council to Augustus II. and Grand Marshal and Director of the Privy-Council to the Duke Regent of Saxe-Weissenfels. He is by Birth a Saxon, and has a Brother who is Knight of the Teutonick Order. He made great progress at Leipsic in the Belles Lettres, and in the Exercises suitable to a Person of his Extraction. His Recreations there, were Music, and Conversation with Persons of his own Taste. He sometimes made Verses, which were esteem'd for the bright Thoughts in them, and the Harmony of the Versification. When he quitted Leipsic, he was enter'd Page to the late King: In this Post he behaved with so much Sobriety and Assiduity, that his Majesty soon distinguish'd him from the Croud, admitted him to Familiarity with him; and finding he had a sound Judgment, a quick Apprehension, a Penetration beyond what might be expected from one of his Age, and that he was a Person of Discretion, and inviolable Secrecy, join'd with a noble Freedom, and such a happy way of expressing himself as to render the most difficult Subjects easy and pleasant; he readily judg'd that such a one was fit to be employ'd in great Affairs. He had a mind to instruct him; and having nominated him one of the Gentlemen of his Bed-Chamber, he had him under his Eye. M. de Bruhl improv'd so well from the Lessons of this great Master, so thoroughly study'd his Humour, and so exactly suited himself to his Genius, that he made himself necessary. His Application, his Love to Business, and the Ease with which he dispatch'd it, won him the intire Confidence of Augustus II. who declar'd him Great Master of the Wardrobe, and a Privy Counsellor; and to him he moreover committed the Direction and Regulation of Affairs, Foreign and Domestic. Never had the King shewn more Affection or Esteem for any of his Favourites; yet this Nobleman took ne'er the more State upon him for it, but living always humble, polite, and ready to do Services, he made himself Friends, and secur'd himself by that means against all the Hatred and Envy with which Courtiers are very ready to treat those who are in Power.

When the King of Prussia went to the Camp at Zeithaim, he conferr'd his Order of the Black Eagle upon M. de Bruhl: The late King also honour'd him with that of the White Eagle; but this was at a time when this Minister had no Relish for Honours, and wou'd have been glad to have renounc'd them for ever, if he cou'd thereby have prolong'd the Days of a Master so worthy of Immortality.

It was in those last Moments, when the Professions of Friendship cannot be so much as suspected, that Augustus II. gave his Favourite his Order, as a certain Token that he retain'd a value for him even to Death. This great King having finish'd his glorious Career, M. de Bruhl, without suffering himself to be too much cast down, knowing that an Ocean of Tears was too little to shed for the Loss he had sustain'd, thought of nothing more than paying the due Devoirs to the deceas'd Sovereign, and to the Prince, his Son and Successor. Having therefore caus'd the Corpse of the former to be embalm'd, and put a Seal upon all the Effects which belong'd to him, besides securing the Jewels and Papers of Consequence; he came to Dresden to join the Elector, now King of Poland, who received him with such Marks of Kindness, as were enough to have put the deceas'd Monarch out of the Minister's Thoughts, if his Gratitude had not dictated to him, that such a King and such a Master ought never to be forgot.

The King confirm'd him in all the Employments and Honours which he had held by the Favour of Augustus II. and moreover appointed him one of the Ministers of his Cabinet. Some time after this, his Majesty declar'd him President of the Chamber of Finances; consequently, this great, this true King, by distinguishing Merit, did farther Honour to the Memory of his august Father, since he did what that magnanimous Prince wou'd have undoubtedly done for his Favourite.

At this time the Minister resign'd to the King his Office of Great Master of the Wardrobe, which his various Occupations did not permit him to manage with that Care he thought was necessary. After the Return of the Court from Cracow, whither this Gentleman had accompany'd the King, he marry'd the Countess de Collowrat, one of the Queen's Ladies of Honour, whose high Birth was supported with such personal Qualities as can never be enough commended. The Bride being a Roman Catholic, the Ceremony of the Marriage was performed at Moritzbourg, in presence of their Majesties, by the Bishop of Cracow. Never was a Couple better match'd; the Lady's Person being a Collection of Charms, and M. de Bruhl a Man of as noble Presence as one wou'd wish to see; which he generally sets off with a rich Dress of a good Fancy. No body at Court surpasses him in a generous way of living; for he keeps a noble Table, and at his House Persons of Distinction have their Assemblies. This Minister has something so attracting in his Looks and Behaviour that he easily wins the Hearts of People who are the most indifferent to him. He is so polite, affable, and engaging, that he listens attentively to those who lay their Wants before him, returns them courteous and distinct Answers; and whenever he is constrain'd to give a Denial, he does it in such a manner as plainly demonstrates his Concern that 'tis not in his power to oblige. And 'tis owing to this Good-nature of his, and to the Kindness with which he treats his Inferiors, that he can boast of possessing the Love and Veneration of the Public.