Cardinal Fleury.--The Emperor of Austria urges the Pragmatic Sanction.--He promises his two Daughters to the two Sons of the Queen of Spain.--France, England and Spain unite against Austria.--Charles VI. issues Orders to Prepare for War.--His Perplexities.--Secret Overtures to England.--The Crown of Poland.--Meeting of the Polish Congress.-- Stanislaus goes to Poland.--Augustus III. crowned.--War.--Charles sends an Army to Lombardy.--Difficulties of Prince Eugene.--Charles's Displeasure with England.--Letter to Count Kinsky.--Hostilities Renewed. Page 878
CHAPTER XXV. CHARLES VI. AND THE TURKISH WAR RENEWED. From 1735 to 1739.
Anxiety of Austrian Office-holders.--Maria Theresa.--The Duke of Lorraine.--Distraction of the Emperor.--Tuscany assigned to the Duke of Lorraine.--Death of Eugene.--Rising Greatness of Russia.--New War with the Turks.--Condition of the Army.--Commencement of Hostilities--Capture of Nissa.--Inefficient Campaign.--Disgrace of Seckendorf.--The Duke of Lorraine placed in Command.--Siege of Orsova.--Belgrade besieged by the Turks.--The third Campaign.--Battle of Crotzka.--Defeat of the Austrians.--Consternation in Vienna.--Barbarism of the Turks.--The Surrender of Belgrade.
CHAPTER XXVI. MARIA THERESA. From 1739 to 1741.
Anguish of the King.--Letter to the Queen of Russia.--The Imperial Circular.--Deplorable Condition of Austria.--Death of Charles VI.--Accession of Maria Theresa.--Vigorous Measures of the Queen.--Claim of the Duke of Bavaria.--Responses from the Courts.--Coldness of the French Court.--Frederic of Prussia.--His Invasion of Silesia.--March of the Austrians.--Battle of Molnitz.--Firmness of Maria Theresa.--Proposed Division of Plunder.--Villainy of Frederic.--Interview with the King.--Character of Frederic.--Commencement of the General Invasion. Page 411
CHAPTER XXVII. MARIA THERESA. From 1741 to 1743.
Character of Francis, Duke of Lorraine.--Policy of European Courts.--Plan of the Allies.--Siege of Prague.--Desperate Condition of the Queen--Her Coronation in Hungary.--Enthusiasm of the Barons.--Speech of Maria Theresa.--Peace with Frederic of Prussia.--His Duplicity.--Military Movement of the Duke of Lorraine.--Battle of Chazleau.--Second Treaty with Frederic.--Despondency of the Duke of Bavaria.--March of Mallebois.--Extraordinary Retreat of Belleisle.--Recovery of Prague by the Queen. Page 427