at Custrin.



Chapter V.

INTERVIEW OF MAJESTY AND CROWN-PRINCE AT CUSTRIN.

Ever since the end of November last year, Crown-Prince Friedrich,
in the eclipsed state, at Custrin, has been prosecuting his
probationary course, in the Domain Sciences and otherwise, with
all the patience, diligence and dexterity he could. It is false,
what one reads in some foolish Books, that Friedrich neglected the
functions assigned him as assessor in the KRIEGS- UND
DOMANEN-KAMMER. That would not have been the safe course for him!
The truth still evident is, he set himself with diligence to learn
the Friedrich-Wilhelm methods of administering Domains, and the
art of Finance in general, especially of Prussian Finance, the
best extant then or since;--Finance, Police, Administrative
Business;--and profited well by the Raths appointed as tutors to
him, in the respective branches. One Hille was his Finance-tutor;
whose "KOMPENDIUM," drawn up and made use of on this occasion, has
been printed in our time; and is said to be, in brief compass, a
highly instructive Piece; throwing clear light on the exemplary
Friedrich-Wilhelm methods. [Preuss, i. 59 n.] These the Prince did
actually learn; and also practise, all his life,--"essentially
following his Father's methods," say the Authorities,--with great
advantage to himself, when the time came.

Solid Nicolai hunted diligently after traces of him in the