Carlyle's "History of Friedrich II of Prussia" BOOK VIII.
Page: 37

errand at Sonnenburg. Majesty is going to preside to-morrow "at
the Installation of young Margraf Karl, new HERRMEISTER
(Grand-Master) of the Knights of St. John" there; "the Office
having suddenly fallen vacant lately." Office which is an
heirloom;--usually held by one of the Margraves, half-uncles of
the King,--some junior of them, not provided for at Schwedt or
otherwise. Margraf Albert, the last occupant, an old gentleman of
sixty, died lately, "by stroke of apoplexy while at dinner;"
[21st June, 1731: Fassmann, p. 423; Pollnitz, ii. 390.]--and his
eldest Son, Margraf Karl, with whom his Majesty lodges to-night,
is now Herrmeister. "Majesty came at 6 P.M. to Sonnenburg [must
have left Custrin about five]; forty-two Ritters made at
Sonnenburg next day,"--a certain Colonel or Lieutenant-General von
Wreech, whom we shall soon see again, is one of them; Seckendorf
another. "Fresh RITTER-SCHLAG ["Knight-stroke," Batch of Knights
dubbed] at Sonnenburg, 29th September next," which shall not the
least concern us. Note Margraf Karl, however, the new Herrmeister;
for he proves a soldier of some mark, and will turn up again in
the Silesian Wars;--as will a poor Brother of his still more
impressively, "shot dead beside the King," on one
occasion there.

We add this of Dickens, for all the Diplomatists, and a discerning
public generally, are much struck with the Event at Custrin;
and take to writing of it as news;--and "Mr. Ginkel," Dutch
Ambassador here, an ingenious, honest and observant man, well
enough known to us, has been out to sup with the Prince, next day;
and thus reports of him to Dickens: "Mr. Ginkel, who supped with
the Prince on Thursday last," day after the Interview, "tells me
that his Royal Highness is extremely improved since he had seen
him; being grown much taller; and that his conversation is
surprising for his age, abounding in good sense and the prettiest
turns of expression." [Despatch, 18th August, 1731.]

Here are other shreds, snatched from the Witch-Caldron, and
pinned down, each at its place; which give us one or two
subsequent glimpses:--

POTSDAM, 21st AUGUST, 1731 (King to Wolden the Hofmarschall). ...