8735. UNTERREDUNG DES KÖNIGS MIT DEM GROSSBRITANNISCHEN MINISTER MITCHEL.
[Dresden, 16. März 1757.]
Mitchell berichtet an Holdernesse, Dresden 16. März (secret): „The King of Prussia told me with the utmost surprise that he had just received notice that the King's Hannoverian ministers had refused the accept of the six bataillons380-2 he had offered from Wesel.380-3 He asked me if I had any account of it. I answered I had none. He then said he could not believe this was done by His Majesty's command, that he saw clearly what these ministers meant, and could have no confidence in them, that they would ruin the King's affairs, that he heartily wished the Duke of Cumberland380-4 had the command of that army, that if it was given to any other, that gentleman would be the dupe of the ministers . . .
It is a great satisfaction to be able to assure Your Lordship that the King of Prussia has yet not distrust of His Majesty nor of the nation.“380-5
Nach der Ausfertigung im Public Record Office zu London.
<381>380-2 Vergl. S. 360. 366.
380-3 Nach Schmettau's Bericht vom 12. März (vergl. Nr. S734) gebrauchten die hannoverschen Minister die Ausflucht, sie könnten die preussischen Bataillone erst annehmen, wenn sie directen Befehl aus London dazu bekommen haben würden.
380-4 Vergl. S. 360. 363.
380-5 Vergl. S. 362. 372. 381.