THE KIEL GUARD CALLED OUT. 69 



nance charged with hatred: "Oh. it would give me 

 infinite pleasure if a couple of hundred of those monsters 

 were to be seen sprawling in the air!" Her intended 

 had been wounded at Ban and taken prisoner and was 

 according to rumour being badly treated by the Danes 

 along with the other captives on board the war-ship 

 "Droning Maria". Hence this sudden revolution in 

 her humane sentiments! 



It was really said at the time that it had been 

 resolved in Copenhagen to bombard Kiel, even before 

 it was occupied by the German troops. I was indeed 

 somewhat anxious about the town, for the channel 

 proved on exact investigation to be broader for ships 

 of moderate size than was originally supposed. The 

 Danish fleet could also quietly drop anchor at Friedrichs- 

 ort and effect the bombardment at their leisure by 

 means of gun-boats. I considered it therefore of ex- 

 treme importance that the Fried richsort fort should 

 not remain in Danish hands. It was said to be occupied 

 by only a small number of disabled soldiers, its capture 

 accordingly did not appear difficult. 



I expressed my opinion to the newly nominated 

 commander of Kiel, a Hanoverian major. He entirely 

 agreed with me. had also received news that a Danish 

 squadron was in fact on the way to occupy Friedrichs- 

 ort. lamented however that he was without men, and 

 therefore unable to do anything. When I mentioned 

 the Kiel civic guard, who certainly would be willing, 

 he doubted this indeed, but offered to have the drum 

 beat and the civic guard informed of my proposal. 



