<230> of English troops would raake upon the French, he added, if anything can, this measure will induce the Dutch to join in the alliance and to give assistance.“1
Mitchell berichtet an Holdernesse, Breslau 9. Februar (private and secret):
„My Lord. The letter inclosed, from Mr. Keith,2 will give Your Lordship an account of the audience he had of the King of Prussia, who told him fairly, that money was the only thing that would do at the court of Petersburg, and that, if he was not authorised to spend money, his mission would be of no avail. I hope, therefore, the necessary Orders will be given for that purpose.
As, in this audience, the King of Prussia said that he was willing to make peace with the Russians, I took the liberty to ask, if the Russians could be brought to médiate a peace, whether it would be agreeable. He answered: « By no means, I am Willing to make a separate peace with them, but will have none of their mediation » . . .“
Mitchell berichtet an Holdernesse, Breslau 9. Februar (private and particular) :
„My Lord. In several conversations the King of Prussia has thrown out hints how easy he thought it for the English to make a descent of 20 or 25,000 men at Boulogne, Calais, or Port l'Orient, which, if well conducted by a bold and enterprising officer, might lay the city of Paris under contribution; that an attempt of this kind, if successfull, would greatly contribute to bring about a peace, as it would throw everything into confusion, the French having very few troops at home, and those greatly scattered.
I only said that I believed there wanted not inclination in the English to do all the mischief to the French, wherever it was practicable. He replied there were many things practicable which they did not so much as attempt; and that he hoped, however, as soon as the season permitted, we would at least give all the uneasiness and jealousy possible to the French, by either actually making, or seeming to make embarkations for a descent somewhere in France.3 This, he said, could not fail to have a good effect; that, by constantly alarming their coasts, they might be induced to draw off 20 or perhaps 30,000 from their armies.“
Nach den Ausfertigungen im Public Record Office zu London.
1 In einem „most private“ Schreiben an Holdernesse, ebenfalls vom 9. Februar, äussert Mitchell: „The King was so nettled at the refusai of troops, fleets etc., that he said to me in private that he thought of sending another minister.“ Vergl. S. 209.
2 Vergl. S. 188.
3 Vergl. auch Bd. XV, 36. 161. 199.