and was much beloved by the princess Czartoryska. I cannot
tell though why my heart leans so strongly toward prince Charles.
Poniatowski is a Pole, but the other is said to possess many noble
qualities. I will here add all that I have heard and thought upon the
subject of these two candidates.

Stanislaus Poniatowski is young and very handsome, affable, and
fascinating; he has travelled much, his manners have all the elegance of
the French, and he is generally pleasing to women. He loves science and
learned men; he was more than four years in St. Petersburg in the
capacity of secretary to the embassy. Some time has elapsed since his
recall, and he is in high favor at court; hence the probability of his
future elevation.

Charles, the prince royal, is twenty-six years of age; he is the king's
third son, and is beloved by all who approach him. His figure is said to
be noble, and his face most pleasing in expression; his manners are
mild, and he is very accessible; he wins all hearts to love him. He has
lived in Poland since his infancy, and hence loves the people, and
speaks their language wonderfully well. Educated at the court of our
republic, he is neither proud nor humble, but maintains a happy medium
with every one. The king, recognizing all these qualities in his son,
sent him to many foreign courts, beginning with that of St. Petersburg.
Relying upon the aid of Muscovy, he desired that his son should make his
first essay in arms under that power; besides which, he had other ends
in view. He hoped that Charles would be made duke of Courland, a duchy
tributary to Poland. In 1737 the czarina Anna appointed the count de
Biren governor of Courland, but some years later he fell into disgrace,
and was sent to Siberia with his family. The dukedom was consequently
vacant during several years.

Our king, who had the right so to do, conferred the dignity upon his
son, but the sanction of the court of St. Petersburg was required, and
no one could have been more likely to obtain what he desired than the
prince royal himself, for the fascination of his manners had become
proverbial. He accordingly went to St. Petersburg, remaining on his way
some time at Mittau, the capital of Courland, where he succeeded in
winning the esteem and affection of the inhabitants of the duchy. The
czarina soon after confirmed the nomination of the prince royal. Her
consent was formally announced to the king of Poland during the past
year, at the