As the History of Friedrich, in this Custrin epoch, and indeed in
all epochs and parts, is still little other than a whirlpool of
simmering confusions, dust mainly, and sibylline paper-shreds, in
the pages of poor Dryasdust, perhaps we cannot do better than
snatch a shred or two (of the partly legible kind, or capable of
being made legible) out of that hideous caldron; pin them down at
their proper dates; and try if the reader can, by such means,
catch a glimpse of the thing with his own eyes. Here is shred
first; a Piece in Grumkow's hand.

This treats of a very grand incident; which forms an era or
turning-point in the Custrin life. Majesty has actually, after
hopes long held out of such a thing, looked in upon the Prodigal
at Custrin, in testimony of possible pardon in the distance;--sees
him again, for the first time since that scene at Wesel with the
drawn sword, after year and day. Grumkow, for behoof of Seckendorf
and the Vienna people, has drawn a rough "Protocol" of it;
and here it is, snatched from the Dust-whirlwinds, and faithfully
presented to the English reader. His Majesty is travelling towards
Sonnenburg, on some grand Knight-of-Malta Ceremony there;
and halts at Custrin for a couple of hours as he passes:--

GRUMKOW'S "PROTOKOLL" OF THE 15th AUGUST, 1731; OR SUMMARY
OF WHAT TOOK PLACE AT CUSTRIN THAT DAY.

"His Majesty arrived at Custrin yesterday [GESTERN Monday 15th,--
hour not mentioned], and proceeded at once to the Government
House, with an attendance of several hundred persons.
Major-General Lepel," Commandant of Custrin, "Colonel Derschau and
myself are immediately sent for to his Majesty's apartment there.