Folio 153. From Colt. Reflects, with exasperation, on the delay of the march of the...

Folio 153. From Colt. Reflects, with exasperation, on the delay of the march of the forces raised by the Elector who, though determined to move and to lead, will never consent to the high command of the margrave of Baden, though the Saxons might 'on some great undertaking be prevaled with to lend him a part' [of their troops]. Concludes that the 'frivolous' continued refusal of passage by the circle [of Franconia], which has already stopped the departure of the Hanoverians planned for April 25, is caused by 'nothing but party and self interest that hath made some great ones in the Circle oppose the passage'. Detects a serious threat in the movements of duke Frederick who, after 'severall pretences' to the Elector, left [Dresden] a fortnight ago [without taking leave (see f.150)]; he is known to have passed Berlin 'where young Schöning saw him' and then to have been at Hamburg where he was with count Horn, of the electoral court. Hopes that his return which some expect any day will put an end to 'these discourses', at least to those who say that he is gone to Denmark and that 'orders are given to be in readiness and that the duke shall be put into the possession of Saxony-Lauenburg'. This might cause the house of Lüneburg to recall their troops and put the march of the Saxons and the sending of Brandenburg troops to Hungary in jeopardy. Suspects Haxthausen to have 'managed this affaire with the Duke'. Many would not be sorry 'if the thing were done', but who will [in that case] take the territory from the Danes who will promptly demand repayment of their charges? 'And if they make their own reckoning, how shall they be paid?' The Elector seems much concerned. Count Clary is now doing all he can, though at first he showed 'great partiality' to the circle [of Franconia]. There is amicable co-operation between himself and Ham according to whose most recent letters [Jacob] Hop has orders to go to Vienna.

Date and Place: 1693 Apr 21/May 1 Dresden