er since (30,000 strong, says rumor, but perhaps 10,000 of them mere
Pandours) unweariedly climbing the Mountains, laboriously jingling
forward with his heavy guns and ammunition-wagons; "contending with the
steep snowy icy roads;" intent upon saving Neisse. This is the
fact; profoundly unknown to Friedrich and Schwerin; who will be much
surprised, when it becomes patent to them at the wrong time.

SCHWEIDNITZ, 27th MARCH. This day Friedrich, with considerable
apparatus, pomp and processional cymballing, greatly the reverse of
his ulterior use and wont in such cases, quitted Schweidnitz and his
Algarottis; solemnly opening Campaign in this manner; and drove off for
Ottmachau, having work there for to-morrow.

The Siege of Neisse is now to proceed forthwith; trenches to be opened
April 4th. Friedrich is still of opinion, that his posts lie too wide
apart; that especially Schwerin, who is spread among the Hills in
Jagerndorf Country, ought to come down, and take closer order for
covering the siege. [_OEuvres de Frederic,_ ii. 70.] Schwerin answers,
That if the King will spare him a reinforcement of eight squadrons and
nine battalions (say 1,200 Horse, 9,000 Foot), he will maintain himself
where he is, and no Enemy shall get across the Mountains at all. That
is Schwerin's notion; who surely is something of a judge. Friedrich
assents; will himself conduct the reinforcement to Schwerin, and survey
matters, with his own eyes, up yonder. Friedrich marches from Ottmachau,
accordingly, 29th March;--Kalkstein, Holstein-Beck, and others are to be
rendezvoused before Neisse, in the interim; trenches ready for opening
on the sixth day hence;--and in this manner, climbs these Mountains, and
sees Jagerndorf Country for the first time.

Beautiful blue world of Hills, ridge piled on ridge behind that Neisse
region; fruitful valleys lapped in them, with grim stone Castles
and busy little Towns disclosing themselves as we advance: that is
Jagerndorf Country,--which Uncle George of Anspach, hundreds of years
ago, purchased with his own money; which we have now come to lay hold of
as his Heir! Friedrich, I believe, thinks little of all this, and
does not remember Uncle George at all. But such are the facts; and the
Country, regarded or not, is very blue and beautiful, with the Spring
sun shining on it; or with the sudden Spring storms gathering wildly
on the peaks, as if for permanent investiture, but vanishing again
straightway, leaving