, of
whom he never scruples to speak to us in terms of the most
unqualified dislike; so that as far as can be collected from what
we hear, there ought to be no ground to suspect any plan of
intimate concert between his Court and Berlin.

It is possible, to be sure, that independently of any such concert,
the Government here, if unassisted by money from us, might
endeavour to withdraw from the prosecution of the war; but, as we
have had no reason to expect any ultimate success to the
propositions which _we_ brought here, we have endeavoured, as much
as possible, to learn what their conduct would be in failure of the
proposed Convention, and to consider them in all that we have said
as equally bound to continue in their co-operations with us
according to the existing agreement, whether any new arrangement
should succeed or not. To this view they have not only acceded
always in distinct terms, when urged by us, but they have
frequently stated this of their own accord, confining themselves
only to the observation, that their means are limited, and will no
longer allow of the exertions which they wish; but solemnly
protesting against any present idea of peace, and always expressing
their belief that Prussia is now desirous of peace being made,
because, in the present situation of things, it might probably be
made to the disadvantage of Austria. Unless, therefore, their
opinions should be disguised to a degree which I cannot well
believe, or should undergo an entire change, I do not see what
ground there is to suspect in them any intention of abandoning the
war, though I can entertain no great hopes of such a vigorous
prosecution of it as we might wish and expect from them.

There is but one opinion as to the Emperor's inclinations on this
subject, and if his personal character had steadiness enough to
influence the Government, his disposition to the true principles of
the war would be a great security to us; at present, however, it is
of little or no avail; and it is much to be lamented in times like
the present, that though there is no dislike entertained to him,
there is not either the respect or consideration which ought to be
attached to his situation, to make it tell with any of the effects
one wishes to derive from it. With respect to his Mi