74 "^KE LIFE OF 



cavalry can be redoubtable or fuccefsful. Should 

 in meet with your Majefty's approbation, and 

 Ihould it be found to poffefs the qualities which 

 I have attempted to defcribe, I fhall efteem 

 myfclf the moft fortunate man on earth. 



*' The hour in which I mufl: be liberated, though, 

 alas! 'tis too diftant, neverthelefs advances ; and 

 as it approaches, I tremble for the difficulties 

 which I fhall have to encounter: that averfion 

 which mankind in general have for the unfor- 

 tunate, will throw unfurmountable difficulties in 

 my way, unlefs your Majefly, as confpicuous for 

 compadion as for military talent, will fuffer me 

 to (land as a volunteer in the ranks with your 

 grenadiers ; there I may find an opportunity of 

 periihing as I ought ; further I do not expedl. 

 I have forfeited all claim to confidence, of 

 couife, to command; and only feck fuch a grave, 

 as (in fpite of my prefent difgrace) the hard fer- 

 vice which I have feen, and the dangers which I 

 have braved, give me fome title to demand. 



" If it is a fad, Sire, that men of courage are 

 ever pofTefTcd of the moft tender feelings, I can 

 no where look for compaffion, for pity, or par- 

 don, with fuch hopes of fuccefs, as to your Ma- 

 jefly, and your gallant army ! Have mercy on 

 me, Sire, and command your brave General de 

 Mollendorff to announce to me, that you will 

 fuffer me to carry armiS with your Majefty's 



grenadiers. 



