[Born at Ruppin, in Germany, 1699. Died at Berlin, 1786. Aged 87.]
One of the bravest and best of the great Frederic’s generals. Served
with great honour in the campaign of Silesia, 1742; secured the victory
of Hennesdorf by the eminent skill displayed in the retreat from
Bohemia. As lieutenant-general, made the campaign in Saxony, 1756, and
won further distinction in 1760 at Torgau. When 80 years old still eager
for action, and kept out of battle only by the kind interdict of the
king. He died honoured by his sovereign, beloved by his inferiors, and
worshipped with enthusiastic admiration by the great mass of the people.
Frederic the Great was fond of proposing military problems to his
officers, asking them, in such or such an imaginary situation,--“What
would you do?” to which the other officers replied, as they best might.
All that he could ever get from old Ziethen was: “Sire, only let me see
the enemy coming, and I shall know well enough what to do with him.”--So
he did.