Heroic actions of this kind were performed at the taking of Magdebourg.  The King of Prussia is certainly now in a situation that must soon decide his fate, and make him Caesar or nothing.  Notwithstanding the march of the Russians, his great danger, in my mind, lies westward.  I have no great notions of Apraxin’s abilities, and I believe many a Prussian colonel would out-general him.  But Brown, Piccolomini, Lucchese, and many other veteran officers in the Austrian troops, are respectable enemies.

Mr. Pitt seems to me to have almost as many enemies to encounter as his Prussian Majesty.  The late Ministry, and the Duke’s party, will, I presume, unite against him and his Tory friends; and then quarrel among themselves again.  His best, if not his only chance of supporting himself would be, if he had credit enough in the city, to hinder the advancing of the money to any administration but his own; and I have met with some people here who think that he has.

I have put off my journey from hence for a week, but no longer.  I find I still gain some strength and some flesh here, and therefore I will not cut while the run is for me.

By a letter which I received this morning from Lady Allen, I observe that you are extremely well with her; and it is well for you to be so, for she is an excellent and warm puff.

‘A propos’ (an expression which is commonly used to introduce whatever is unrelative to it) you should apply to some of Lord Holderness’s people, for the perusal of Mr. Cope’s letters.  It would not be refused you; and the sooner you have them the better.  I do not mean them as models for your manner of writing, but as outlines of the matter you are to write upon.

If you have not read Hume’s “Essays” read them; they are four very small volumes; I have just finished, and am extremely pleased with them.  He thinks impartially, deep, often new; and, in my mind, commonly just.  Adieu.

LETTER CCVI

Blackheath, September 17, 1757

My dear friend:  Lord Holderness has been so kind as to communicate to me all the letters which he has received from you hitherto, dated the 15th, 19th, 23d, and 26th August; and also a draught of that which he wrote to you the 9th instant.  I am very well pleased with all your letters; and, what is better, I can tell you that the King is so too; and he said, but three days ago, to Monsieur Munchausen, he (meaning you) sets out very well, and I like his letters; provided that, like most of my English ministers abroad, he does not grow idle hereafter.  So that here is both praise to flatter, and a hint to warn you.  What Lord Holderness recommends to you, being by the King’s order, intimates also a degree of approbation; for the blacker ink, and the larger character, show, that his Majesty, whose eyes are grown weaker, intends to read all your letters himself.  Therefore, pray do not neglect to get the blackest ink you can; and to make your secretary enlarge his hand, though ‘d’ailleurs’ it is a very good one.