"The Princess is not ugly, nor beautiful. You must mention it to
no mortal;--write indeed to Mamma (DER MAMA) that I have written
to you. And when you shall have a Son, I will let you go on your
Travels,--wedding, however, cannot be before winter next.
Meanwhile I will try aud contrive opportunity that you see one
another, a few times, in all honor, yet so that you get acquainted
with her. She is a God-fearing creature (GOTTESFURCHTIGES MENSCH),
which is all in all; will suit herself to you [be COMPORTABLE to
you] as she does to the Parents-in-law.

"God give his blessing to it; and bless You and your Posterity,
and keep Thee as a good Christian. And have God always before your
eyes;--and don't believe that damnable PARTICULAR tenet
[Predestination]; and be obedient and faithful: so shall it, here
in Time and there in Eternity, go well with thee;--and whoever
wishes that from the heart, let him say Amen.

"Your true Father to the death,

"FRIEDRICH WILHELM.


"When the Duke of Lorraine comes, I will have thee come. I think
thy Bride will be here then. Adieu; God be with you." [
OEuvres de Frederic, xxvii, part 3d, p. 55.]

This important Missive reached Custrin, by estafette, that same
midnight, 4th-5th February; when Wolden, "Hofmarschall of the
Prince's Court" (titular Goldstick there, but with abundance of