<239> be very general, that all the contracting parties should keep what they had conquered“ .

Der König hat dem Gesandten weiter mitgetheilt, dass nach der Rückkehr des Prinzen Heinrich 15000 Mann gegen die Russen detachirt werden sollten; General Manteuffel habe Befehl, zwischen Colberg und Landsberg eine centrale Stellung zu wählen, um die Russen zu erwarten, die vor dem Juni nicht ihre Bewegungen beginnen würden. Es sei inzwischen eine Abtheilung nach Polen gesandt worden, „to endeavour to get behind the Russians, to cut them off from their magazines; and I find that his expectations of success are partly founded on the idea he has of the incapacity and want of military skill in the [Russian] generals and officiers ...“

Mitchell berichtet an Holdernesse, Landshut 20. Mai: „I have only to add to what is contained in my other letters, that the King of Prussia, in the conversation I had with him yesterday, expressed his most ardent désire for peace, and expatiated much on the danger of his own situation, and, indeed, of the whole System upon the Continent...

„It is impossible to describe the fatigue of body and mind which this hero King daily undergoes, and that with an appearance of perfect tranquillity, even in the most unfavourable and perplexing circumstances.“

Mitchell berichtet, Landshut 20. Mai, an den Herzog von Newcastle: . . . „That Prince never talked to me in so strong terms of the necessity there was for peace, and added, with great candour, « It was a miracle things had gone so well hitherto ». « I have, » said he, « deceived my enemies this year by acting where they did not expect I should, and by being on the defensive where they thought I intended to have made my push. This stratagem will do for once, but must not be repeated; for my enemies will learn at last to be upon their guard and strong every where, and then I shall have a very bad time of it. »“

Mitchell berichtet an Pitt, Landshut 20. Mai: . . . „Yesterday, in the conversation I had with the King of Prussia, some things dropped from him, which I think my duty to acquaint you with in particular.

„After that Monarch had expressed his warmest wishes for peace, and expatiated on the dangerous situation in which he was, he asked me: « But can your ministers make a peace? Are things yet in that situation »? I answered: « I was sure they wished for peace », and says he: « I hope I shall not be forgot. » My reply was prevented by the King's adding immediately: »No, I am in no danger; Mr. Pitt is an honest man, and firm; my interests are safe in his hands.“ I took the liberty of saying that, from a very long correspondence with you, I was firmly persuaded His Majesty in the end would find you really was what he now thought you to be.