ed it, for seven weeks, in the hot summer days of 1758, to no
purpose. Friedrich has been in Olmiitz more than once before; his
Schwerin once took it in a single day, and it was his for months, in the
old Moravian-Foray time: but the place is changed now; become an arsenal
or military storehouse of Austria; strongly fortified, and with a
Captain in it, who distinguishes himself by valiant skill and activity
on this occasion.

Friedrich's Olmutz Enterprise, the rather as it was unsuccessful, has
not wanted critics. And certainly, according to the ordinary rules of
cautious prudence, could these have been Friedrich's in his present
situation, it was not to be called a prudent Enterprise. But had
Friedrich's arrangements been punctually fulfilled, and Olmutz been got
in fair time, as was possible or probable, the thing might have been
done very well. Duke Ferdinand, in these early May days, is practically
making preparations to follow the French across the Rhine; no fear of
French Armies interfering with us this year. Dohna has the Swedes locked
in Stralsund (capable of being starved, had not the thaw come); and
in Hinter-Pommern he has General Platen, with a tolerable Detachment,
watching Fermor and his Russians; Dohna, with Platen, may entertain the
Russians for a little, when they get on way,--which we know will be at a
slow pace, and late in the season. Prince Henri commands in Saxony, say
with 30,000;--King's vicegerent and other self there, "Do YOUR wisest
and promptest; hold no councils of war!" Prince Henri, altogether on
the aggressive as yet, is waiting what Reichs Army there may be;--has
already had Mayer and Free Corps careering about in Franken Country once
and again, tearing up the incipiencies and preparations, with the usual
emphasis; and is himself intending to follow thither, in a still more
impressive manner. Friedrich's calculation is, Prince Henri will have
his hands free for a good few weeks yet. Which proved true enough, so
far as that went.

And now, supposing Olmutz ours, and Vienna itself open to our insults,
does not, by rapid suction, every armed Austrian flow thitherward;
Germany all drained of them: in which case, what is to hinder Prince
Henri from stepping into Bohmen, by the Metal Mountains; capturing Prag;
getting into junction with us here, and tumbling Austria at a rate
that will astonish her! Her, and her miscellaneous tagraggery of
Confederates, one and all. Konigsberg, Stralsund, Bam