ORDERED TO THE FIREWORK LABORATORY. 35 



Luckily I was not again sent to Wittenberg, but 



/ O- 



received an order to go to the pyrotechnic factory 

 at Spandau. My discovery had in the eyes of my 

 superiors doubtless made me appear less qualified for 

 active service! The firework factory was a relic of 

 the old times when "gunnery*' (Coristablerthum) was 

 still an art. of which the manufacture of fireworks was 

 held to be the crown. My interest in the activity 

 assigned to me was great; in good spirits I repaired 

 to Spandau and took possession of the rooms in the 

 citadel allotted to the pyrotechnic manufacture. 



My new occupation was in fact very interesting, 

 and I devoted myself to it with the greater eagerness 

 as a large order had arrived at the pyrotechnic 

 department for a quantity of fireworks, which it was 

 intended to let off on the birthday of the Russian 

 Empress in the park of Prince Charles at Glienicke 

 near Potsdam. Owing to the progress of chemistry 

 means were afforded at that time for the production 

 of very beautiful coloured flames unknown to the old 

 gunners. My fireworks on the Havel lake at Glienicke 

 brought me therefore much honour and recognition 

 especially by the splendour of their colours. I was 

 asked to the prince's table, and received an invitation 

 to engage the young Prince Frederick Charles in a 



o o / o 



sail ing -match, as the sailing boat in which I had 



c o 



come from Spandau to Glienicke had distinguished 

 itself by its excellent speed. I had the honour of 

 conquering the future victor of famous battles, who 

 even then impressed me in a high degree by his 



