The letter bearing these offers was signed by the minister of war and Louis XVI.

himself.
M.de Custine set out from France in the month of January; on his arrival he handed his letter to the duke.

Four days elapsed before an interview was accorded to him.

On the fifth day, the duke admitted him to a personal and private interview.

He expressed to M.de Custine with military frankness his pride and gratitude that the price attached to his merits by France must inspire in him: "But," he added, "my blood is German and my honour Prussia's; my ambition is satisfied with being the second person in this monarchy, which has adopted me.