This is a form of activity of which it is of course not possible to give any full account; it seems, however, clear that in a remarkably short time Bismarck shewed great aptitude for his new duties.

His letters to Manteuffel are full of curious information as to the intrigues of those who are hostile to Prussia.

He soon learns to distrust the information supplied by the police; all through his life he had little respect for this department of the Prussian State.

He soon had agents of his own.

We find him gaining secret information as to the plans of the Ultramontane party in Baden from a compositor at Freiburg who was in his pay.