War may be carried on in three different kinds of country: either in our own territories,
those belonging to neutral powers, or in the country of an enemy. If glory were my only
object, I would never make war but in my own country, by reason of it's manifold
advantages, as every man there acts as a spy, nor can the enemy stir a
foot without being betrayed.
Detachments of any strength may boldly be sent out, and may practise in safety all the
manoeuvres of which war is capable.
If the enemy have the advantage, every peasant turns soldier and lends a hand to annoy
him, as was experienced by the Elector Frederick William after the battle of Fehrbelin,
where a greater number of Swedes was destroyed by the peasants than fell in the
engagement. After the battle of Hohen-Friedberg, also, I observed that the mountaineers
in Silesia brought into us the runaway Austrians in great abundance.
When war is carried on in a neutral country, the advantage seems to be equal, and the
object of attention then is, to rival the enemy in the confidence and friendship of the
inhabitants. To attain this end, the most exact discipline must be observed, marauding and
every kind of plunder strictly forbidden, and it's commission punished with exemplary
severity. It may not be amiss also, to accuse the enemy of harboring some pernicious
designs against the country.
If we are in a protestant country, we wear the mask of protector of the lutheran
religion, and endeavor to make fanatics of the lower order of people,
whose simplicity is not proof against our artifice.
In a catholic country, we preach up toleration and moderation, constantly abusing the
priests as the cause of all the animosity that exists between the different sectaries,
although, in spite of their disputes, they all agree upon material points of faith.
The strength of the parties you may be required to send out, must depend on the
confidence that can be placed in the inhabitants of the country. In our country you may
run every risk, but more caution and circumspection are necessary in a neutral country, at
least till you are convinced of the friendly disposition of the whole, or the greatest
part of the peasantry.
In a country that is entirely hostile, as Bohemia and Moravia, you are to hazard
nothing, and never send out parties, for the reasons already mentioned, as the people
there are not to be trusted any farther than you can see them. The greater part of the
light troops are to be employed in guarding the convoys, for you are never to expect to
gain the affection of the inhabitants of this country. The Hussites in the circle of
Konigingraetz are the only people that can be induced to render us any sort of service.
The men of consequence there, though seemingly well disposed towards us, are arrant
traitors, nor are the priests or magistrates at all better. As their interest is attached
to that of the house of Austria, whose views do not altogether clash with our's , we
neither can nor ought to repose any sort of confidence in them.
All that now remains for our management is fanaticism, to know how to
inspire a nation with zeal for the liberty of religion, and hint to them in a guarded
manner, how much they are oppressed by their great men and priests. This may be said to
be moving heaven and hell for one's interest.
Since these notes have been put together, the empress queen has materially increased
the taxes in Bohemia and Moravia: advantage may be taken of this circumstance to gain the
good-will of the people, especially if we flatter them that they shall be better treated
if we become masters of the country.
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