on the increase, his outlooks becoming grimmer
and grimmer. He has a poorish Garrison for number (3,700 in all
[Schmettau's LEBEN (by his Son), p. 408.]), and not of the best quality;
deserters a good few of them: willing enough for strokes; fighting
fellows all, and of adventurous turn, but uncertain as to loyalty in a
case of pinch. He has endless stores in the place; for one item, almost
a million sterling of ready money. Poor Schmettau, if he knew it, has
suddenly become the Leonidas of this campaign, Dresden its Thermopylae;
and"--But readers can conceive the situation.

"AUGUST 20th, Schmettau quits the Neustadt, or northern part of Dresden,
which lies beyond the River: unimportant that, and indefensible with
garrison not adequate; Schmettau will strengthen the River-bank, blow up
the Stone Bridge if necessary, and restrict himself to Dresden Proper.
The Court is here; Schmettau does not hope that the Court can avert a
Siege from him; but he fails not to try, in that way too, and may at
least gain time.

"AUGUST 25th, He has a Mine put under the main arch of the Bridge: 'mine
ill-made, uncertain of effect,' reports the Officer whom he sent to
inspect it. But it was never tried, the mere rumor of it kept off
attacks on that side. Same day, August 25th, Schmettau receives that
unfortunate Royal Missive [Tempelhof, iii. 208; Schmettau's LEBEN (p.
421) has "August 27th."] written in the dark days of Reitwein, morrow of
Kunersdorf (14th or 13th August)," which we read above. "That there is
another Letter on the road for him, indicating 'Relief shall be tried,'
is unknown to Schmettau, and fatally continues unknown. While Schmettau
is reading this (August 25th), General Wunsch has been on the road four
days: Wunsch and Wolfersdorf with about 8,000, at their quickest pace,
and in a fine winged frame of mind withal, are speeding on: will cross
Elbe at Meissen to-morrow night,--did Schmettau only know. People say
he did, in the way of rumor, understand that Kunersdorf had not been
the fatal thing it was thought; and that efforts would be made by a King
like his. In his place one might have, at least, shot out a spy or two?
But he did not, then or afterwards.

"Already, ever since the arrival of Wehla and Brentano in those parts,
he has been laboring under many uncertainties; too many for a Leonidas!
Hanging between Yes and No, even about that of quitting the Neustadt,
for example: carrying over portions of his goods, bu