With a hope, as is credibly surmised, that the English might soothe
or muzzle this implacable Czarina, Friedrich, directly after
Hanbury's feat in Petersburg, applied at London, with an Offer
which was very tempting there: "Suppose your Britannic Majesty
would make, with me, an express 'NEUTRALITY CONVENTION;' mutual
Covenant to keep the German Reich entirely free of this War now
threatening to break out? To attack jointly, and sweep home again
with vigor, any and every Armed Non-German setting foot on the
German soil!" An offer most welcome to the Heads of Opposition, the
Pitts and others of that Country; who wish dear Hanover safe enough
(safe in Davy-Jones's locker, if that would do); but are tired of
subsidizing, and fighting and tumulting, all the world over, for
that high end. So that Friedrich's Proposal is grasped at;
and after a little manipulation, the thing is actually concluded.

By no means much manipulation, both parties being willing.
There was uncommonly rapid surgery of any little difficulties and
discrepancies; rapid closure, instant salutary stitching together
of that long unhealable Privateer Controversy, as the main item:
"20,000 pounds allowed to Prussia for Prussian damages; and to
England, from the other side, the remainder of Silesiau Debt,
painfully outstanding for two or three years back, is to be paid
off at once;"--and in this way such "NEUTRALITY CONVENTION OF
PRUSSIA WITH ENGLAND" comes forth as a Practical Fact upon mankind.
Done at Westminster, 16th January, 1756. The stepping-stone, as it
proved, to a closer Treaty of the same date next Year; of which we
shall hear a great deal. The stepping-stone, in fact, to many large
things;--and to the ruin of our late "Russian-Subsidy Treaty"
(Hanbury's masterpiece), for one small thing. "That is a Treaty
signed, sure enough," answer they of St. James's; "and we will be