The confederation of the Rhine and the Continental system,—­terms synonymous with all the evils which have brought Germany and Europe to the brink of destruction,—­will in future have no other signification in the vocabularies of the writers on political economy than that interval of severe probation when Germany seemed to be annihilated, but yet rose from her ruins with renewed energies, and, united more firmly than ever, by new ties, with the other states of Europe, resumed her ancient rights.  The battle of Leipzig was the watch-word for this great revolution.  History, therefore, when partiality and passion shall have long been silent, will not fail to class it among the most important events recorded in her annals.

Here permit me to conclude my letters respecting those eventful days of October, which must ever be so deeply impressed upon the memories of us all.  What may be called the military part of my narrative may be imperfect; the names of the generals who commanded, the positions of particular corps, and other circumstances of minor importance, may perhaps be incorrect; yet the circumstantial details which I have given will enable you to form to yourself in some measure a complete picture of that memorable conflict.

FOOTNOTES: 

[2] The 14th of October is the anniversary of the battles of Ulm and of Jena.

[3] What is yet called the Kohlgaerten was formerly gardeners’ ground for the supply of the city, and is now converted into a fashionable village, consisting chiefly of the country-houses of merchants; and where is also a public garden for the recreation of the citizens.

[4] The following fact will serve to shew how completely the king of Saxony was duped by the imperial plunderer:—­The king was standing with one of his ministers at a window of his palace in Dresden at the moment when a drove of remarkably fine cattle, intended for the French army, passed by.  His majesty took occasion to praise the paternal care which the emperor manifested for his troops, in procuring them such abundant supplies of provisions.  “But,” replied the minister, “your majesty is surely not aware that it is at the expense of your poor subjects, as Napoleon pays for nothing.”—­“Impossible!” exclaimed the king with evident indignation.  While they were yet in conversation, intelligence was brought from his domain of Pillnitz, which is well known to be the most beautiful in Saxony, that the French had taken away by force all his fine cattle, and just driven them through the city.  These were the very same beasts which he had seen passing, and now for the first time he became sensible at what price Bonaparte obtained provisions from his faithful ally.