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Valory's instructions
Date: 2022-01-08 09:58 pm (UTC)The intro to the instructions that La Chétardie1 arrived in Prussia in mid 1732 and was accredited as minister at the beginning of 1733. I'm guessing that means that's when he let on to FW about his official envoy-ness. He was originally only supposed to stay in Prussia a few weeks, because Sauveterre had left, and the French wanted someone at the Prussian court. But eventually it turned into a real mission, and La Chétardie stayed until 1738.
(1. It is "La", btw, not "Le", since he's the Marquis de La Chétardie. Just like La Condamine. Who's in Rheinsberg if
The intro, written by a turn of the twentieth-century Frenchman, also gives La Chétardie credit for FW's lukewarmness toward the Austrians in the mid to late 1730s, FW's giving asylum to Stanislas, his not sending troops to fight in Poland and his sending of only 10,000 troops to the Rhine. Now, I had understood that FW wanted to send a lot more troops to the Rhine but was refused by Charles VI, who didn't want the Prussians upstaging him (and conquering Berg along the way). So it seems like the editor may be giving La Chétardie a little too much credit. But I'm also not an expert on 1730s diplomacy, unlike a certain other decade I could mention. ;) The editor does at least acknowledge that Charles VI managed to alienate FW with his own choices (which I suspect was far more responsible for his change of heart than La Chétardie).
Anyway, by 1739, the French actually want to negotiate with the Prussians. So they send Valory, because he's considered superior in skill and experience to Super Casual Traveler La Chétardie. There's also a mention that Grumbkow has just died, and the French are trying to move into that vacuum.
The instructions don't explicitly say "talk all military, all the time", but, I'm getting that between the lines. First, the instructions say that Valory, being a brigadier in the French army, seems to have all the traits necessary to get on FW's good side. Second, they say that La Chétardie not only introduced Valory to FW, but gave him tips on dealing with FW, before leaving for St. Petersburg (where he later helped stage the Elizaveta coup in 1741). So I'm guessing Valory got the tip orally, if not in writing, that "all military, all the time," is the way to go.
More advice he got: Say nice things to Fritz, but not too nice, because being nice to Fritz is an FW landmine that we do not want to step on. Save the super nice things to Fritz for "special occasions" when it won't get back to FW. In other words, make nice with the rising sun very discreetly and privately where the setting sun can't see you.
Hot or not from our 1901 editor:
Valory was tall, with an above average plumpness, colored complexion, strong head, thin and slightly ironic gaze; his somewhat brusque manners at first softened during his diplomatic life, and his natural wit, his easy going, the anecdotes which he sowed profusely in the conversation, assured him a real superiority over the other ambassadors in Prussia. He was made, said Voltaire, when he was appointed to Berlin, "to dine with the King of Prussia and to sup with the Prince Royal". The unfavorable impression which he produced at first on "Fritz" was not long in dissipating when he became better known, and he subsequently became one of the favorite companions of the Great Frederick, whose campaigns he recounted with a lot of verve in his “Mémoires."
So yeah, putting everything together, Valory got told to not be too nice to Fritz publicly, and to disguise his learning and culture around FW, and as a result made a bad initial impression on Fritz, but eventually figured out how to run with the hares and hunt with the hounds.
1739: Not an easy year for diplomats to Prussia, in conclusion.
Re: Valory's instructions
Date: 2022-01-09 08:37 am (UTC)*nods*
More advice he got: Say nice things to Fritz, but not too nice, because being nice to Fritz is an FW landmine that we do not want to step on.
Especially in 1739. Reminder to
Also possibly in 1739: that statement of FW's to Fritz that Valory quotes in his early 1750s pen portrait of Fritz. Reminder:
He's harsh and masterful towards his brothers. He holds them in an utter dependency which he himself never got used to when having it on his father who made everyone tremble. This father knew him very well and once told him: "When you are lord and master here, you will betray everyone, for you can't help yourself. You are false to the core of your being, and a betrayer. Be careful, Friedrich! Make that first betrayal as complete as possible, for you won't manage to fool them a second time."
Now in theory, FW could have said this at any point - he certainly never changed his opinion on Fritz being a liar from Fritz' later teenage years onwards - but between Valory arriving in 1739, and Valory in his 1750s description saying AW is one of his sources for the quote, putting that particular outburst in 1739 in a reasonable guess.
(Not that kid AW can't have witnessed FW ranting about Fritz at earlier times, but not while speaking to Fritz, with a certainty that Fritz will succeed him.)
And while FW's health is visibly declining, this has been true before, and he's recovered from confidently predicted impending death. So anyone banking on FW's near demise by openly courting Fritz could make a massive miscalculation.
Valory was tall, with an above average plumpness
Fritz certainly has a go at that in the Palladion, though he admits it didn't stop Valory from travelling with the army on campaign.
1739: Not an easy year for diplomats to Prussia, in conclusion.
No kidding.
Re: Valory's instructions
Date: 2022-01-09 05:15 pm (UTC)Exactly why my closing remark was about 1739 not being an easy year!
(Pesne seems to have been not too worried up in Rheinsberg, though, painting that ceiling about the rising sun (I keep typing "rising son", lol).)
does not hold another Tabacco Parliament again.
I remembered the anecdote but had forgotten this detail. Man, no wonder the French are all "DON'T STEP ON THAT LANDMINE" in their diplomatic instructions!
(Not that kid AW can't have witnessed FW ranting about Fritz at earlier times, but not while speaking to Fritz, with a certainty that Fritz will succeed him.)
Not even earlier in the 1730s, when Fritz was visiting for the holidays every year? Though I agree, 1739, is the most *likely* year.
So anyone banking on FW's near demise by openly courting Fritz could make a massive miscalculation.
Yup, this.
Re: Valory's instructions
Date: 2022-01-11 06:05 am (UTC)