ncertain, too likely the wrong
way: What is to be done? We are cut off from our Magazines, have only
provision for one other day. "Had this weather lasted," says an Austrian
reporter of these things, "his Majesty would have passed his time
very ill." [_Feldzuge der Preussen_ (the complete Title is, _Sammlung
ungedruckter Nachrichten so die Geschichte der Feldzuge der Preussen von
1740 bis 1779 erlautern,_ or in English words, _Collection of unprinted
Narratives which elucidate the Prussian Campaigns from 1740 to 1779:_
5 vols. Dresden, 1782-1785), i. 33. Excellent Narratives, modest, brief,
effective (from Private Diaries and the like; many of them given also
in SEYFARTH); well worth perusal by the studious military man, and
creditably characteristic of the Prussian writers of them and actors in
them.]

Of the Battle of Mollwitz, as indeed of all Friedrich's Battles, there
are ample accounts new and old, of perfect authenticity and scientific
exactitude; so that in regard to military points the due clearness is,
on study, completely attainable. But as to personal or human details, we
are driven back upon a miscellany of sources; most of which, indeed all
of which except Nicolai, when he sparingly gives us anything, are of
questionable nature; and, without intending to be dishonest, do run out
into the mythical, and require to be used with caution. The latest and
notablest of these, in regard to Mollwitz, is the pamphlet of a Dr.
Fuchs; from which, in spite of its amazing quality, we expect to glean
a serviceable item here and there. [_Jubelschrift zur Feier_ (Centenary)
_der Schlacht bei Mollwitz, 10 April, 1741,_ von Dr. Medicinae Fuchs
(Brieg, 10th April, 1841).] It is definable as probably the most chaotic
Pamphlet ever written; and in many places, by dint of uncorrected
printing, bad grammar, bad spelling, bad sense, and in short, of
intrinsic darkness in so vivacious a humor, it has become abstruse as
Sanscrit; and really is a sharp test of what knowledge you otherwise
have of the subject. Might perhaps be used in that way, by the Examining
Military Boards, in Prussia and elsewhere, if no other use lie in it?
Fuchs's own contributions, mere ignorance, folly and credulity, are not
worth interpreting: but he has printed, and in the same abstruse form,
one or two curious Parish Manuscripts, particularly a "HISTORY" of this
War, privately jotted down by the then Schoolmaster of Mollwitz, a good
simple accurate old fell