Chrétien-Adolphe d'Erbach-Schönberg

## Chrétien-Adolphe de Schönberg

Baron de Lauterthal

Chrétien-Adolpe de Schönberg by Johannn Micheal Miltz , c. 1754

Kingdom of Prussia (1748 - 1773)

Cornet, Ansbach Dragoon Regiment

* (1748)

Captain, Ansbach Dragoon Regiment

* (1750)

Major, Ansbach Dragoon Regiment

* (1758)

Adjutant, Ansbach Dragoon Regiment

* (1765)

Intendant of Dragoons

* (1773)

Seven Years' War (1756 - 1762)

* Third Silesian War
* Saxon Campaign (1756)
* Silesian Campaign (1756-1762)
* Bohemian Campaign (1757-1762)
* Battle of Lobositz (1756)
* Siege of Dresden (1756)
* Defense of Berlin (1757)
* Battle of Rossbach (1757)
* Battle of Leuthen (1757)
* Raid on Cherbourg (1758)
* Raid on Saint-Malo (1758)

### Died

29th May, 1799, Mergentheim, Ville d'Eaux, Duché de Wurtemberg, Kingdom of Prussia

### Burial

Saint Jean-Baptiste Minster, Mergentheim, Ville d'Eaux, Duché de Wurtemberg, Kingdom of Prussia

### Siblings

Christine de SchönbergGeorges-Louis II de Schönberg

François-Charles de Schönberg

Chrétien de Schönberg (1725-1726) †

Caroline-Ernestine de Schönberg

Auguste-Frédérique de Schönberg

Georges-August de Schönberg

Charles-Eugène de Schönberg

Frédéric Schönberg (1733) †

Louise-Éléonore de Schönberg

Casimir de Schönberg

Gustave-Ernest de Schönberg

### Religion

Protestant-Lutheranism

***Chrétien-Adolphe d'Erbach-Schönberg*** (7th Octobre 1728 - 29th May 1799) was a Franconian nobleman, soldier and ***Baron de Lauterthal***, an appanage of the County of Erbach-Schönberg. Born from humble origins, Chrétien-Adolphe blossomed into the epitome of an adventurist; rising through the ranks of several armies, his military career saw him travel Western Europe in the service of the English, Dutch and Prussians . In his private life, he was an active proponent of mercantilism, vouching for the introduction of Cuban cigars on the European markets and lobbied for reforms in merchant guilds.

Had he not been born the son of an aristocrat, Chrétien-Adolphe was described to have been a destined carpenter, if he was not constrained by his duty to the Crown and Fatherland. Described as a shy, but kind and helpful man in his youth, he spent many happy hours toiling away in the workshops of the Château de Schönberg to make inventions- a trait inherited from his father, build and repair carriages, carve wood and was quite fond of transportation engineering. Among blacksmithing and carpentry, he was fond of manual labour and innovating matters in that industry.

Fond of solitude, Chrétien-Adolphe was often found in the search for knowledge; spending many long nights in his study, reading books, studying engineering and idly making carvings from wood or crafting tools and weapons. It took little thought for him to make sculptures, which later contributed to an interest in furniture-making, much to the impression of his family, but the awkward chagrin of those with more courtly pursuits.

In his later life, Chrétien-Adolphe had dedicated himself to the patenting of an unfinished carriage he had finessed during the course of his life- what was meant to become the Schönberg never saw the road. The vehicle was described as a cross-breed between a barouche and chariot. Built with a light frame and streamlined body, it was designed to be driven without the need of a coachman, but required a skilled driver to control the two horses.

## Early Life

### Birth

Chrétien-Adolphe's entry to the world was marked by neither great fanfare or little despair. Born as the third of what would become seven sons out of ten children to his father's name, Chrétien-Adolphe was but another pillar to support the ambitions of the growing House of Erbach. Conceived, born and raised at the family seat, the Château de Schönberg, Chrétien-Adolpe's infancy was nothing short of a fairytale. From the moment he was born, there was no shortage of servants to coddle and pamper him while his father was on the battlefield- political or military.

### Childhood & Education

Akin to many other sons of provincial noblemen, Chrétien-Adolphe was raised in a strict, militaristic, Lutheran manner. From the moment he could talk, it was ingrained to him to pray to God for thankfulness, be honest in his work and faithful to his kin. When it came to life lessons, he looked to two men: His father, the Comte, and his tutor, Theodor Eustace Schmidt. The latter being the family chaplain, who took no quarter in giving lessons on morals, piety and familial duty to the Fatherland, was a strict but kind mentor to Chrétien-Adolphe.

Georges-August d'Erbach-Schönberg was a proud patriarch and well-respected in the Franconian circle. He took great pride and joy to ensure that his sons received ample educations in order to prepare them for servitude to their liege lords, the King of Prussia. To that end, it was ensured that all of the Schönberg children received the finest education at the University of Giessen in Hesse-Darmstadt. Hesse, a region renowned by Franconians for being the spitting image of Prussia outside the Iron Kingdom, took pride in its militarism and Protestant values. This land of youthful soldiers, scholars and future statesmen was unknowingly contributing to the destiny of Chrétien-Adolphe.

### Adolescence

Chrétien-Adolphe would be described as typical for any other boy in the Schönberg valley- aristocratic or not. He had a keen joy in equestrian matters, participating in hunts and excursions with other boys his age. There was no shortage of eagerness for satiating his curiosity with machines or girls. Described as ''enthusiastic'' by some, Chrétien-Adolphe was fascinated in gunsmithing, carpentry and even weaving.

In the great libraries of the Château, Chrétien-Adolphe spent many evenings in the company of books, wood carvings and tools he had learned to craft by techniques he had read about. His mind was always active, filled with a curiosity. During the day, he was often seen wandering around town in a frock, armed with a hunting rifle, looking for game to shoot or joining soldiers for marksmanship practice. This only pleased his father more. In light of his sons growing interest in the military, Georges-August went so far as to build a miniature fortress in the gardens of the Château de Schönberg, armed with cannons and even trenches. Many summer evening's were spent during garden parties in which Chrétien-Adolphe and his brothers conducted mock-battles as make-believe generals, leading formations of regimental cadets into ''sieges''.

As he matured, Chrétien-Adolphe was remarked by his family for his proficiency in education. With Herr Schmidt, he learned literature, rhetoric, history, theology, etiquette and political sciences. When he was joining the local military garrison for exercise, Chrétien-Adolphe was eager to acquire the techniques of soldiering: fortifications, civil and military engineering, sapper techniques, siegeworks, marksmanship and fencing.

## As a Courtier, Soldier and Adventurist

### Military Career

#### *In the Low Countries:*

In 1745, Chrétien-Adolphe had graduated from the University of Giessen, receiving a diploma in law. Like his pupils, he was faced with a choice for his future: To return home and become an apprentice, or to enlist in the military and embark as an officer. For him, the latter was most appealing.

Since the previous century, Hessians and other Franconian nobles provided military support to neighbouring states in return for a fee and diplomatic benefits, such as commercial monopolies or reduced tariffs on the turnpikes. Europe was still very much entangled with the War of the Austrian Succession. The Dutch Republic was eager to arm its defenses against an impending invasion from either the Anglo-Hanoverian union, France or even the Habsburg-governed dominions. To enact a safeguard against this, the Dutch were eager to accept both soldiers and commanders from their peers, such as the Franconian Circle.

Chrétien-Adolphe answered this call to service, departing from his family and joining other young officer-cadets to serve in the Dutch Army. Joining the Prince of Nassau-Saarbrücken's regiment as an Ensign, Chrétien-Adolpe endeavoured to make his family proud. Upon arrival, however, his dreams of war were soon muted by the revelation of his status as an attaché instead of being destined for the frontier. Nonetheless, it was an opportunity to instruct drill, regulate discipline and showcase his diligence. This would be a rewarding experience, however, as Chrétien-Adolphe received above-par treatment from his cousin-in-law and commanding officer: **Guillaume Henri, Prince de Nassau-Sarrebrück**.

##### *Jacobite Rebellion of 1745*

While Chrétien-Adolphe made merry with his extended family in the Netherlands, news soon reached the continent about the landing of **Charles Edward Stuart** and the rise of another Jacobite rebellion. Incidentally, the Jacobites landed a month after Chrétien-Adolpe's 17th birthday. On November 15th, Carlisle Castle, garrisoned by 80 elderly yeomen, capitulated to the Jacobite forces. That night, news reached the coast of Western Europe. While dining at the Prince de Nassau-Sarrebrück's table in Nijmegan, Chrétien-Adolpe remarked to his company: *''Why, has the fun just begun over there?''*

In France, over the winter of 1745 to 1746, Maréchal **Maurice de Saxe** was assembling troops in in preparation for an offensive into Flanders; Dunkirk was a major privateer base and became busy as a hub for the coming campaign. It was in Dunkirk that Chrétien-Adolphe and a company of men from his regiment boarded a Dutch privateer's ship, bound for London, where they were due to join a contingent of the Government Army, bound for the frontlines under the Captain-General of England, His Royal Highness the **Duke of Cumberland**.

A lack of heavy weapons permitted the Jacobites to manoeuvre quickly and out-march their opponents. Despite the reduced burden of a slow-moving train, this decision would prove a disadvantage in a set-piece battle. The fast-moving Jacobite army evaded pursuit with only a minor skirmish at Clifton Moor on December 18th before crossing back into Scotland on the 20th. Cumberland's army arrived outside Carlisle on December 22nd. A week later, the Jacobite garrison was forced to surrender, ending the insurgent's military presence in England. The invasion itself achieved little, but reaching Derby and returning was a considerable military achievement for Stuart's forces. Jacobite morale was high. While reinforcements from Aberdeenshire and Banffshire under Lewis Gordon along with Scottish and Irish regulars in French service brought Jacobite strength to over 8,000, French-supplied artillery was used to besiege Stirling Castle, the strategic key to the Highlands.

Cumberland's army advanced along the coast, allowing it to be resupplied by sea; the Government Army entered Aberdeen on February 27th, but made camp due to bad weather. Despite high morale on both sides, the weather of the late winter inhibited both forces. Eventually, a few French shipments evaded the Royal Navy's blockade, yet, by the spring, the Jacobites were short of both food and money. Cumberland left Aberdeen in early April; the Jacobite leadership agreed giving battle was their best option. What the Jacobites did not calculate was the fact that the Government Army had taken an occasion to develop a drill to counter the Highland tactics of suicidal charges: Cumberland's troops had been drilled in countering the Highland charge, which relied on speed and ferocity to break the enemy lines. When successful, it resulted in quick victories like at Prestonpans and Falkirk.

###### **The Battle of Culloden: 16th April, 1746**

Unable to capture Stirling Castle from the redoubtable General Blakeney, Prince Charles Edward Stuart retreated north to Inverness. From there, he undertook operations across the Highlands, capturing Fort George and Fort Augustus, and harrying the remaining government forces. While at Aberdeen, Cumberland prepared his troops for the forthcoming battle. The Government Army was determined not to repeat their mistakes at Prestonpans and Falkirk. In addition to practising volley-firing, troops were drilled in a new doctrine of bayonet fighting; the first time in the British army that the use of the bayonet was the subject of tuition.

The Jacobite Army was not so well-placed. It was in serious decline after Falkirk, with many of the highlanders leaving for home after the battle. Supply was badly organised. The regiments that assembled on the moorland outside Inverness to meet the Royal Army were on short rations. There was dissent among the senior officers and Prince Charles refused to concern himself with his deteriorating military situation. In addition to the shortage of supplies and the exhaustion of the men, the Jacobite Army was beset with difficulties. Important units of the army were in the north, pursuing government decoy forces. Many of the men who had left their regiments to forage and sleep failed to hear the summons to battle.

For Chrétien-Adolphe, it was a long and harsh campaign. He had fought through shot-and-shell, making a name for himself as ''Eager Erbach'' by his contemporaries. He was ruthless with his sword and merciless with both rifle and pistol in-hand. In camp, Chrétien-Adolpe made a reputation as a jovial, light-spirited, courteous gentleman. He made no effort to distinguish him from the common soldier in exception to his uniform. Contrary to other officers, he preferred having his hair unpowdered, which, to some extent, made him less of a target on the field. Throughout the campaign, Chrétien-Adolpe continued to show a deep understanding of military strategy and pursued a later career in this when he returned to the continent.

At around midday on April 16th, the Government Army arrived on the field of battle after marching some ten miles across the moorland from their camp at Nairn. Deployed in their order of battle, Cumberland's forces then advanced to bring itself closer to the Jacobites and halted 300 hundred yards away. The Royal guns opened fire on the Jacobite lines, a fire that the inadequate Jacobite artillery could not effectively answer.

It was Prince Charles’s expectation that Cumberland would attack. He waited for the word that Cumberland was advancing but the Royal Army did not move. The bombardment continued, inflicting casualties on the highlanders and wreaking havoc with the morale of many of the less steadfast Jacobite regiments. Prince Charles was finally persuaded that he must order the highlanders to charge before the army began to melt away. He dispatched aides-de-camp to signal the command to various regiments of the army to attack; Elsewhere in the Jacobite front line the order to attack was instantly obeyed, the highlanders keen to escape from the galling gunfire and get to grips with the enemy.

The highlanders’ charge was a fearsome episode; bunches of clansmen running at top speed with broadswords, target shields and dirks, yelling their clan war cries. Melee combat of great ferocity ensued. This time, unlike at Prestonpans and Falkirk, the government troops stood their ground. Despite the hand-to-hand onslaught, the Jacobite's soon grew weary as Cumberland's right-flank regiments wheeled to outmaneuver and box them in. Cumberland ordered up several regiments in support of the first line; the highlanders who managed to pass through were shot-down by these regiments. Any highlanders that survived the charge wavered and broke, retreating to rebel lines, all while being shot mercilessly in the back by the pursuant Government regiments.

With his forces in disarray, Prince Charles rode away and the Jacobite regiments left the field. Meanwhile, the Duke of Cumberland ordered a general advance, to which resulted in the thunderous roar of soldiers cheering war-cries as they pursued the Jacobite's with bloodied bayonets and hungry musket barrels. Among these hoards of ''lobsters'' (the common term to refer to the English soldier), a handful of powder-blue uniformed grenadiers with a Dutch banner fluttering in the winds charged forth under Chrétien-Adolphe's leadership. The tradition of Erbach officers was now being carried-on with this new chapter of Chrétien-Adolphe's heroism, which had much pleased his father upon his hearing of the news of the battle.

##### War Hero

Culloden marked the end of the military phase of the Jacobite Rebellion. The battle was followed by a lengthy period of suppression in the Highlands marked by massacre and despoiling. Of the Jacobite officers and chiefs who escaped the battle, many fled to Europe and served in foreign armies. Some were in due course permitted to return. Many of the rank and file fled to the American colonies.

Chrétien-Adolphe would later remark that the Jacobite Campaign was *''The worst thing one man could ever have to do. Warfare of such shall be the end of the human race.''* Following the quelling, Chrétien-Adolphe and his men returned to Holland, where he was much-celebrated by the circle of the Prince de Nassau-Sarrebrück. He found this celebration odd he never really believed that what he did was right once stating "*I have killed, yet I am being celebrated for such things. It is quite odd."* In the months following the peace, Chrétien-Adolphe accompanied the Prince to various functions in the Dutch court, being introduced to figures from all lengths of society. On one occasion, a ball was being held at Het Loo Palace in honour of the State Visit of the King of Prussia. That evening would forever change Chrétien-Adolphe's life.

#### Prussian Service

In the spring of 1747, Frédéric II was invited by his cousin, William IV of Orange, Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic, to attend a ball at Het Loo Palace on April 10th. The venue, which was previously the Prussian seat in the Duchy of Guelders, had been leased to the Dutch State by Frédéric-Guillaume I in 1732. In honour of his ''landlord'', William IV, as a gesture of goodwill, invited his Prussian relative as a means to bolster Protestant relations to counter the French hegemony in the Rhine after Louis XV proved to be a mediocre ally in the conflict against Maria-Theresia.

Chrétien-Adolphe's introduction to the King of Prussia was one by accident. He had only heard of the King by words of gossip and the letters of his father. There hadn't been an occasion to actually view a likeness of the monarch. Mistaking Frédéric II for a mere officer in the Prussian cortège, Chrétien-Adolphe inquired with the King (unaware of who he was) about borrowing a pair of gloves for his gala uniform as his pair were lost in a baggage mix-up. The King, chuckling at Chrétien-Adolpe's innocence, provided him with a pair of white satin gloves, not before disappearing into the crowd, remarked in presence only by his infamous cane, cocked-hat and lavish Guard's uniform. When Chrétien-Adolphe slipped on the pair of gloves, he noted an embroidered golden cypher: ***F.R.*** on the back of the gloves. Later, during the reception, he would be gob-smacked at the sight of the King of Prussia's introduction. The reasons being are more than obvious.

It wasn't until after a sincere apology for insolence that Chrétien-Adolphe had learned from the King's own mouth that his father had been conversing with him in regards to entering the Prussian service as an officer in a cavalry regiment. That evening, it had been orchestrated that Chrétien-Adolphe would be released from Dutch service and enter the ranks of the Prussian Army as a cornet in the Margrave of Ansbach's Dragoons- the very same regiment that had the King's favour from the Battle of Hohenfriedberg in 1745.

### *Début at Court*

Following the ball at Het Loo, Chrétien-Adolphe returned to Germany. He briefly returned home to the Schönberg valley, where he was greeted with great fanfare and celebration in honour of his triumphs at war. Despite the bitter fighting in England, his unquenchable desire to serve his country and his family was still aflame. Prussia had entered an armistice with Austria following the cessation of war in 1745 and the official annexation of Silesia to that end. With peace now in the air, Georges-August looked to further his interests of hegemony in the Franconian Circle. For this, he required the patronage of the King.

Georges-August purchased a townhome in Berlin, subsequently, it became known as the ''Palais Schönberg''; this would be the family's ''camp'', sort-to-speak, while they established themselves at court. One day, during the fall of 1747, a postillion arrived in the vestibule of the Palais Schönberg. Presenting a marked letter with blue wax, stamped with the royal cypher, the letter would reveal the King's invitation for the House of Schönberg to be presented at the Débutante's Ball of that season.

The ball was held at the residence of the Queen-Dowager of Prussia, the Chateau de Monbijou. The occasion was one of lavish splendour; footmen in eccentric liveries, bunting plastered about the gates and halls, and enough candles to have illuminated all of Berlin... and the débutantes: All clad in an assortment of white and cream attire. Above all else, it was an occasion for Chrétien-Adolphe to repay the debt of generosity he owed to the King from that faithful ball at Het Loo.

What Chrétien-Adolphe gathered about Frédéric II is that flattery was perpetually the last resort of gaining his ear. Like himself, the King was a man of war and the sciences of that subject. When the time came for the Schönberg's to be presented, Chrétien-Adolphe joined his siblings, following their father. The mere reflections of what seemed like a hundred candles in possibly a thousand crystals hanging from the chandeliers put Chrétien-Adolpe in awe. Opposite them sat the man he mad mistook for a mere officer... no, a great warrior. Frédéric II, reposed gracefully on a silver armchair in cloth of purple, sat proudly in that same uniform. When all graces and courtesies were exchanged, Chrétien-Adolphe took a stride forward, bowing reverently to the King before beckoning a footman forward with a wooden box engraved with the King's own cypher. Remarking to the King, Chrétien-Adolphe recalled that: *''I am indebted to Your Majesty for a kindness that I was not owed. In respect of your generosity, Sire, I come before you in the humble fealty of my father's name;''* - The King had opened the box, revealing a newly-woven pair of satin gloves below a pair of heavily-ornamented, silver-inlaid ebony pistols. The King, perplexed, could do nothing but smile charmingly and recant: *''Monsieur, I likewise require no humbling favours to learn that you are a gentleman. We who study the art of war gain respect not by showing pistols, but by showcasing our skills to vanquish others with these instruments of war.''*

The audience was considered a successful one as Chrétien-Adolphe was later presented with letters-patent gazetting him into the Prussian Army under the command of the King's cousin, the infamously tempestuous Margrave d'Ansbach- a man famous for his passion of falconry, his characteristic military personality and a temper that could've been mistaken for that of the late Soldier King. It was otherwise remarked that his propelled entry into a military career enabled Chrétien-Adolphe's position at court and as a bachelor to attract the attention of many debutantes and patriarchs of the native Prussian aristocracy: The *Junkers.* Yet, despite the prospects of marriage, Chrétien-Adolphe was much more interested in his personal interests. After all, he wasn't the heir, but rather, a spare.

### Grand Tour: 1747-1750

Following his introduction to Prussian society, Chrétien-Adolphe embarked upon the Grand Tour: a culturally-enriching pilgrimage taken by all prospective gentlemen in their youth to acquire the taste and dignity of foreign cultures. Among his itinerary were the courts of Amsterdam, Saint James, Versailles, Florence, Venice, Vienna and Prague.

#### *Amsterdam*

In the late autumn of 1747, Chrétien-Adolphe, along with his brothers and a handful of servants, boarded a trio of coaches, bound for the Dutch frontier. The journey spanned almost two weeks, involving numerous changes of horses and paying many tributes to numerous minor courts: They were the guests of the King's ducal in-laws of Brunswick, later staying in the Hanoverian capital as guests of the Prussian ambassador to their court; They took mass in Osnabrück before crossing the frontier to Nijmegan, calling upon their princely cousin who so fondly embraced them at their reception in his palace.

Upon arrival in Amsterdam on November 12th, they were settled as guests of their host, the Prince de Nassau-Sarrebrück. The Prince, who was fond of his recent aide-de-camp, took an early shining to the other Schönberg siblings. While in the Low Countries, Chrétien-Adolphe often snuck away from the cortège, preferring to travel incognito through the streets of Amsterdam. He often visited the shipyards, interested in learning the methods of the Dutch, just as Emperor Peter I of Russia once had. At one point, he adopted the identity of ''Christiaan Leeuwental'', working as a shipbuilder. In the time when there was no work in the gantries, he took to the streets, becoming an apprentice in the workshops of clockmakers and carpenters. He was able to use his charisma, charm and ease of acting lowly-born to get by, pretending to be ''just another immigrant from Germany'' as he put himself.

#### *London and the Court of Saint-James*

After spending six months in Holland, the Schönberg's embarked on a merchant ship bound for London. The voyage, although uneventful otherwise, was a happy moment for Chrétien-Adolphe. He was readily happy to put his newly-acquired naval knowledge to the test, often volunteering with the daily maintenance of the vessel. Whereas his siblings were offered cabins, Chrétien-Adolphe preferred the hammocks with the ratings. It was a brief voyage, spanning two days. They arrived in London on June 5th, 1748, just before the double-birthday of Princess's Amelia and Caroline of Great Britain.

Upon arrival in England, the Schönberg's were invited to court under the escort of their chaperone, the Prussian Ambassador, Count Finckenstein. Finckenstein, who was a dear friend and confidant of Frédéric II, ensured that the Schönberg's would be well taken care-of during their stay in England. On June 10th, the double-birthday of the Princess's Amelia and Caroline was celebrated at Hampton Court Palace, just outside of London. The Princess's, who shared the same birthday, were actually born two years apart. Among the festivities at Hampton Court was a great feast laid-out in the Great Hall, to dancing in the Ballroom, of which was said to have lasted until dawn, accompanied by a great display of illuminations on the River Thames.

The remainder of their tour in England involved much attendance to the events of the social season, from débutante balls, hunts, theatre performances, and soirées at the great country estates of the English aristocracy. Among the itinerary of hunts were those for wolves, boars and foxes. As he was no stranger to wolf hunting himself, Chrétien-Adolphe thought the English passion for hunting to be a finely traditional fashion. On one occasion, during a hunt held by Charles Spencer, 3rd Duke of Marlborough with dozens of bloodhounds and sighthounds, Chrétien-Adolphe, armed with a pair of pistols, a rifle and sword, led a small party in the forests near Blenheim Palace, of which saw the death of over a dozen wolves and at least seven stags. The eventual success in the hunt secured Chrétien-Adolphe's reputation as a fine huntsman and ingenious tracker, at least with the English.

#### From the City of Lights to the Palace of Pleasures

In January of 1749, the Schönberg's arrived in Paris: *the nest of enlightenment that all of Europe both envied was was vexed by.* Paris in winter was still busy as it was during the summer. It seemed as if there was an endless amount of salons, parties and festivities where the bourgeoisie and low nobles divulged in their luxuries. In the aftermath of the New Year, it was as if there were weeks of balls was held in honor of both the New Year and the upcoming birthday of Louis XV, along with ornate feasts and eccentric events of every nature.

On February 14th, the Schönberg cortège departed for Versailles, where they were to rent a Hôtel for the remainder of their stay. Like thousands of others on their Grand Tour, Versailles was a beacon of splendour, drawing all sorts of visitors to its gates. Chrétien-Adolphe and his siblings were no exception. Even under a blanket of snow, frost and ice, the palace was a stupendous sight in its enormous scale, towering above the town upon the hill of which it was built. What struck Chrétien-Adolphe the hardest was the resplendent walls of gilded panels or the glorious frescoes. He was once cited getting lost in the halls of Versailles. He greatly admired the dance, artwork, and fashion of Versailles. However, at times he did think all of it was a little overwhelming.

However, whenever permitted, he greatly indulged in the more 'frivolous' activities of the court, such as card games in the Great Apartments. Despite there being a seemingly endless sea of courtiers, Chrétien-Adolphe was most relieved by a familiar face: **Louis Philogène Brûlart, Marquis de Puysieux**. Brûlart, who was the French minister to both the Netherlands and England, was a happy sight for Chrétien-Adolphe. The Marquis, who was now Louis XV's foreign minister, had been introduced to Chrétien-Adolphe in 1745 during one of the balls held by the Prince de Nassau-Sarrebrück in Nijmegan. Subsequently, Chrétien-Adolphe and the other Schönberg's positions as guests at court improved. Brûlart, who had the ear of the King, had obtained gracious permission for the Schönberg's to temporarily occupy an apartment in the attic of the Palace of Versailles for the duration of their stay.

The following day from their arrival at Versailles, the Schönberg's attended the elaborate festivities for the birthday of Louis XV on February 15th. Although the ball was set to begin that evening, there was no lack of ceremony from the moment the day began. Like kippers being put into a jar, the courtiers crammed into the Hall of Mirrors or elsewhere, hoping to either gain entry or at least witness the King's levée. As a guest of the Marquis, Chrétien-Adolphe was fortunate-enough to even enter the *Salon de l'Œil-de-Bœuf* and eventually the infamous bedchamber of Louis XIV, where the ceremony was to be held. After which, mass was said in the Royal Chapel, followed by a series of audiences and odes held in the King of France's honour. Among those to present honours and gifts to Louis XV was the Prussian Ambassador, the ancient but revered **Jean, Baron de Chambrier**- a Swiss-born aristocrat from the Prussian-ruled Principality of Neuchâtel in Switzerland.

By nightfall, Versailles was glowing from the light of thousands of candles. The already eccentric clothing worn by the court during the day was trumped by their lavish replacements in the evening. Gold-threaded brocade shined in the candlelight, heads of powdered queues carried whiffs of perfume as they serenaded-by, fine mahogany canes tapped on the floors while silken fans waved like the wings of hummingbirds. Although he was not a fond dancer, Chrétien-Adolphe was introduced to one lady: the Marquise de Pompadour. Although it was unknown that she would soon occupy an important role in French history, Madame de Pompadour was happy to oblige Chrétien-Adolphe with a minuet.

#### The Roman Empire - or what's left of it

1750 saw the final chapters of the Grand Tour for the Schönberg's. While Chrétien-Adolphe mastered shipbuilding in Holland, hunting in England and courtly intrigues in France, Italy would enrich his taste for architecture, art and fine foods. However, he was obliged, along with his brothers, to keep a low-profile in regards to their religion. A group of Protestants entering the heartlands of Catholocism were bound to attract trouble.

While in Italy, the brothers paid visits to the various squabbling courts: Savoy, Milan, Florence, Rome, and naturally, Venice. The Italians had a rigorous talent for drama, both in music, and at court. From women, wine to food and art, Italy was a land of passion, pleasure and rustic finery. There was neither the strictness of the French, nor the plainness of the English, but certainly not the staunch honesty of the Prussians. It was a merry land of simple folk. Among these folk were **Pompeo Batoni**, who Chrétien-Adolphe and his brothers sat for to take their portraits.

### Court of Frédéric II

#### *The Dragoon Cornet*

The dawn of the new decade signaled a change for Chrétien-Adolphe. Following the Grand Tour, he returned to Prussia. Writing to his father, he informed him that he would not be returning to Berlin, but would arrive in Potsdam to receive his orders from the King. Following a brief audience where the King received newly-gazetted Officers, Chrétien-Adolphe was dispatched to Ansbach, where he was to begin training and learn the craft of the Margrave's regiment.

**Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric de Brandebourg-Ansbach** was a rigorous and strict commander. The Margrave took no quarter in any rider unwilling to meet the King's expectations of soldiery. The Officers were neither spared or pampered, either. The Prussian service, considered worse than the English, proved to be the most diligent system that produced Europe's finest soldiers- both on foot and horseback. Chrétien-Adolphe was enrolled in the *kadettenhaus,* where he was instructed in the art of war expected by a Prussian officer. Many exams were based on the curriculum outlined by Frédéric II, studying the campaigns of great figures, ranging from Alexander III of Macedon and Julius Caesar to Eugene of Savoy and most recently, the King's own triumphs in Silesia against the Austrians.

On the occasions when Chrétien-Adolphe was permitted leave from his regiment, he was happy to call upon his father in Berlin or return to the family seat. Life as a soldier in Prussia wasn't without merits, however. The uniform was respected, both in court and on the streets. The decade was proving peaceful, despite looming political tensions. Europe was left uneasy after the ink on the last treaties to close the War of the Austrian Succession dried. Another war was bound to happen, but the question remained: *When?*

#### *A Philanthropist and Businessman*

Chrétien-Adolphe undertook many hobbies throughout his life. Among his chief joys was carpentry and smithing. While in Holland, he procured various techniques of building ships, carriages and other methods of construction. A principal lesson he learned was the key to Dutch mercantile superiority: *Efficient infrastructure.* When he returned to Schönberg, he joined his father at an assembly of the local estates in Erbach. During this session, Chrétien-Adolphe spoke of a petition to improve the roads in the cities and countryside throughout the County. Although an unusual request from the son of an aristocrat, it was met with much approval by the commoners and councillors. Soon, 25,000 Thalers was allocated for the paving of roads in major cities, towns and important roads.

In the 18th-century, highwaymen still posed a threat to the hegemony of both merchants and civilians traveling in the country between settlements. Chrétien-Adolphe proposed measures to reform the constabulary in Schönberg, modeling them from the Prussian model: Trained provincial soldiers, capable of enforcing law and keeping peace. Well-impressed with his son's motivations for improving the land, Georges-August granted Chrétien-Adolphe the title of ''Commissioner'' in the newly-raised Schönberg Gendarmes. By 1752, this band of yeomen were 300-strong, organised in the fashion of both Dragoons and Hussars, They wore scarlet uniforms with white trim, indicative of the coat of arms of the House of Erbach. The Gendarmes actively patrolled the towns and principal country roads, both apprehending and engaging with highwaymen and criminals. Sometimes, bitter skirmishes ensued, involving casualties. Otherwise, it was a successful enterprise.

Among his favourite pleasures was the workshop in the stables of the Château de Schönberg. In order to prove himself capable as a businessman, Chrétien-Adolphe formed a circle of carpenters and blacksmiths to establish a carriageworks in the Château. His workshop employed 100 men and women, who built carriages, wagons and fashioned equipment for horses. Taking personal enjoyment in the work, Chrétien-Adolphe was often found in the workshop, helping in projects; carving wood, upholstering interiors, building lock mechanisms and the like. A popular product from the workshop was a coupe. The vehicle was affordable; its frame carved from a variety of local lumbers. Each carriage costed anywhere from 300 to 625 Thalers, dependent on the style and work involved.

## Later Life

### The Seven Years' War

The late 1750s proved to be unlike the start of the decade. In 1755, England terminated her alliance with Austria, the result of a series of parliamentarian turmoil and the outbreak of a conflict in the New World, which garnered much attention in Europe. Soon, a diplomatic revolution erupted. England extended an olive branch to Prussia under the Duke of Newcastle's premiership.

Louis XV's increasingly declining opinion of Frédéric II culminated upon his hearing of the *Convention of Westminster*. With France being at war with England in the New World, it was the overture of a minuet to outmaneuver the Prussians in Europe. In Austria, Maria-Theresia deployed her chief diplomat, Count **Wenceslas Antoine de Kaunitz** to the Catholic courts of Europe, searching for allies in fear of a possible Prussian invasion. After lengthy and secret negotiations, a defensive treaty was finally concluded between Austria and France in March of 1756, citing the event of a possible Austro-Prussian war. What became known as the *Treaty of Versailles* would also encompass Russia. This realpolitik was not being driven by Louis XV, but rather his favourite: *Madame de Pompadour*. The three leading ladies of Europe were uniting against the 'Prussian beast'.

#### *The Dresden Scandal*

In the summer of 1756, Count Brühl, the Saxon prime minister, was hosting a masked ball at the Residential Palace in Dresden. The ball, which was a façade against the Prussian embassy, to which Count Brühl was using to highlight his plans to pledge Saxony to the efforts of France, Russia and Austria against Prussia, attempted to keep the ambassadors at bay whilst a secret meeting was held. During this ball, while the Prussian ambassador played the fool, leading on Brühl as if he was unaware. In reality, Prussian agents had been gathering evidence of both the secretly-formulated Treaty of Dresden and the entailed plans of a surprise attack on Prussia. These plans, recovered by a Prussian agent, were conveyed to Berlin, where they were soon copied and published in newspapers across the Prussian capital and realm. Frédéric II, citing the debauched and disgraceful diplomacy of the nations involved, utilised their 'secret' plans as his casus-belli.

#### Prussian Invasion of Saxony

When Frédéric II realised that a formidable coalition was taking shape against Prussia, he decided to launch a "pre-emptive" invasion of Saxony. By a sudden 'flash-war' (blitzkrieg, if you will) into Saxony, he aimed to seize the line of the River Elbe in order to use the stretch of the river from Magdeburg to the Bohemian border to ease the resupply of his army there.

At dawn on August 26th, 1756, a Prussian Army of 65,000 men under Frédéric II and the ducal brothers Ferdinand and Auguste-Guillaume de Brunswick entered Saxony, seizing Leipzig, Torgau, Wittenberg and Bautzen. All Prussian troops carried a three-day supply of bread with them while their bread-wagons carried a further six days supply. Virtually unopposed in their advance, the Prussians intended to encircle Dresden and capture the still-unready 18,000-man Saxon Army, which was rallying at Pirna, a very strong natural fortress. By September 2nd, in the face of the Prussian invasion, the Saxon Army completed its retreat. The wagons accompanying the Saxons contained provisions for a month, assuming a siege was to be laid.

On the morning of September 3rd, the Puttkamer Hussars took possession of the Castle of Stolpen, blocking the Saxon lines between Pirna and Dresden. The same day as the Prussians approached Dresden, the Saxon Elector, Frédéric-Auguste II de Saxe, fled his capital, making a hastily attempt to join his army at Pirna, accompanied by his eldest sons and cabinet. Meanwhile, Electress Marie-Josèphe d'Autriche remained in Dresden with the Comte de Brühl. Unknown to the Electress, it was not long after his departure from the city that the Elector, princes and cabinet were captured by a platoon from the Puttkamer Hussars- the driver of one of the coaches was shot dead and the bodyguards capitulated, being outnumbered.

By September 6th, the three Prussian columns were respectively at Freiberg, Rothschönberg and Fischbach, surrounding the small Saxon Army. On September 9th, Frederick II himself entered Dresden with some regiments while his army encamped nearby. The same day, he resumed his advance towards Pirna. The next day, a great part of the Prussian army marched in precision- almost as if it was a parade to mock the enemy- towards the Saxon camp at Pirna; the headquarters for the campaign were established at Great-Sedlitz.

##### *Battle of Lobositz*

On Friday, October 1st, 1756, the opening pitched battle of what became the Seven Years' War took place. Frédéric II departed Dresden the previous week, rejoining his army. News had arrived that Empress Maria-Theresia had ordered **Maximilian Ulysses, Freiherr von Browne**, to counter-invade Saxony in an attempt to relieve the besieged army at Pirna. The battle began with the Prussian offence on the Austrians, who were encamped in the village and area of Lobositz. For Chrétien-Adolphe, this was to be his first real battle in a professional war.

At mid-day, dispatches were relayed to the Ansbach Dragoons to draw their swords and advance on the village to capture routing enemy troops and take prisoners. Hoofs thundered across the plains as men yelled and sabres flashed in the sunlight. Blood was drawn; heads fell; flags captured; prisoners taken; when all was said-and-done, the regiment had captured some 600 prisoners. Avoiding the possibility of capture or encirclement like the Saxons at Pirna, von Browne signalled a recall of troops and fled the field. For the Prussians, it was a resounding success. The Prussian force blockading Pirna noisily rejoiced the victory at Lobositz while the Saxon Army felt despair at this news.

##### *Saxon Capitulation*

On October 2nd, in the aftermath of Lobositz, Frédéric-Auguste de Rutowski, the Saxon commander-in-chief and maestre-de-camp at Pirna, convened with another war council. Considering the failure of the Austrians at Lobositz and their supplies running low, it was reasonable to capitulate. Furthermore, without any news from the Prime Minister or Electress (due to Prussians intercepting envoys), the choice was to inevitably surrender to the Prussians. At midnight, a peace party approached the Prussian pickets, where General Rutowski and his staff offered their swords and the arms of their men.

#### *From Pirna to Prague*

Following the neutralisation of Saxony and the capitulation of their army, Frédéric II laid his eyes on Bohemia. The March of Bohemia, which was considered ''jointly-occupied territory'' since 1745, was violated after the Battle of Lobositz, when the Austrians moved to fully-occupy Bohemia after the battle, sending the Prussian Garrisons terms of surrender. In April of 1757, the Prussian Army moved into Bohemia, marching towards Prague and relieved their captured garrisons. The King assembled the infantry and heavy artillery of his army in a camp near Ottendorf, while his cavalry concentrated in the neighbouring villages. At midnight on April 26th-27th, Frédéric II's forces left Saxony, entering Bohemia, once again, virtually unopposed. The Austrians, fearing looting and with little supplies, fled inland. Meanwhile, Charles of Lorraine, commander-in-chief of the Austrian Army, left Vienna in the morning on April 27th. Such was the speed of the advancing Prussian columns that considerable portions of the supplies, gathered in the Austrian magazines fell into their hands. These provisions were so important that they amounted to three months of supplies for the entire Prussian Army.

On April 29th, Charles of Lorraine arrived in Prague in the evening. As he was approaching the city, he saw a great number of inhabitants fleeing with their belongings. Within the walls all was confusion, the train of his army filling the streets and places. Frédéric II's Army marched in four columns towards Welwarn, where it encamped with its left wing anchored on the Moldau River; the King established his headquarters in Budschin. On Sunday, May 1st, 1757, Frédéric II advanced on Tursko, where his opponent from Lobositz, von Browne, was encamped as the rearguard to Prague. A skirmish ensued, resulting in several Austrian casualties and minimal Prussian ones.

Eventually, in June, 1757, Prague capitulated. The Austrians surrendered, after serious negotiations, capitulating on the reason to consent of surrendering their arms. This pattern followed for the rest of the war, resulting in severe Austrian defeats. An unrelenting machine was the Prussian Army.

### Peacetime

By 1762, Prussia had all but governed Silesia, Saxony and northern Bohemia, defending it from Austria. The final Austrian stronghold came in the form of the city of Schweidnitz, which fell in the summer of that year. On November 24th, a convention was signed and the Prussian and Austrian armies took their winter-quarters. The armistice was here. On February 15th, 1763, at the Château d'Hubertusbourg in Saxony, an eponymously-named peace treaty was signed, recognising the Prussian conquests.

#### A Squire of Knighthood

##### *L'Ordre Pour le Mérite*

Over the course of his extensive career as a soldier, Chrétien-Adolphe garnered much respect in the Royal Prussian Army, and across the Franconian Circle. In 1758, following action in the Combat of Güstow on November 18th, where the Prussians defended against a small marine invasion force of Swedes, he was mentioned in dispatches for courageous efforts. Upon returning to Silesia in December, Frédéric II awarded him with the Ordre Pour le Mérite, furthermore, he was promoted to Major.

##### *L'Ordre Teutonique*

In his adult life, Chrétien-Adolphe had made himself a career soldier, typical of the provincial nobility in Prussia. What he neglected to do, however, was become married and begin a family. Despite this negative appearance in the history books, he put himself forward in a positive manner, petitioning to join the Teutonic Knights. As early as 1752, he petitioned the Grand Master, His Most Serene Highness and Eminence, the Archbishop-Elector of Cologne.

In 1754, whilst on a business venture to promote his arms manufactory in Munich, Chrétien-Adolphe attended a ball at the Château de Nymphenbourg- the pleasure residence of the Wittelsbach dynasty in the Bavarian capital of Munich. While present, he was given a note by a footman to appear later that night in the Great Hall of the Residential Palace in the city. Under the cover of darkness, and unaware of the reason for these summons, Chrétien-Adolphe boarded his coach, en-route for the residence. He would go on to learn that the summons was to appear for his investiture as an ordained knight of the Teutonic Order.

The investiture in Munich was only the beginning of an extensive and life-long servitude to the Order. As a knight of the order, Chrétien-Adolphe developed a deep piety and spiritual outlook. Maturing in his prime, he took it upon himself to further his theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity. As a seasoned soldier, Chrétien-Adolphe was a prime candidate for the knighthood. Noble, chaste, and capable of arming himself, it was undeniable that he was a ripe figure who quickly rose through the ranks.

Following the armistice of the Seven Years' War in 1763, Chrétien-Adolphe was invested as an Officer of the order. This only filled him with a great sense of pride and dignity. As he grew older, it was noted by many that he had matured, abandoning his childhood antics for pleasures and ill-discipline for that of wise knowledge of history and the church; he habitually attended mass and gave sermons in churches at Schönberg. In the evening's, Chrétien-Adolphe would elect to spend the night in the library of the Château de Schönberg following vespers, reading and writing. He wrote extensively on philosophy and theology, in addition to his hobbies.

### The Teutonic Order, War of Bavarian Succession and Twilight

#### Commander-Governor of Mergentheim

In 1770, Chrétien-Adolphe was conferred with the office of Commander in the Teutonic Order. The then-Grand Master, Archbishop-Elector Maximilien-Frédéric de Königsegg-Rothenfels, appointed Chrétien-Adolphe as Governor-Commander of the order's headquarters fortress in Mergentheim. The role was of extreme importance to any knight in the Teutonic Order.

Among the principal reasons for Chrétien-Adolphe's appointment was Frédéric II challenging the candidacy of Charles of Lorraine as Grand Master. Citing a Prussian treaty with the diocese of Cologne as a member-state of the Prussian League of Princes, a series of negotiations took place, defeating Vienna's candidate, replacing him with Berlin's prime choice. Maximilien-Frédéric de Königsegg-Rothenfels, as a sign of gratitude, made his first act as Grand Master to appoint the new governor of the ancient Teutonic seat.

Chrétien-Adolphe's tenure as Commander-Governor was one of relative peace and economic growth. Often spending lengthy periods in residency, he reformed the commerce and government of the area, devising documents on a Prussian model of government. For the first time, it was lobbied in the order for their to be absolute freedom of religion practiced in their lands, albeit the condition it was a Christian faith. Now entering his twilight, Chrétien-Adolphe was convinced that he would be able to focus on his personal pleasures and gubernatorial duties. However, this peace was not to last.

#### Bavarian Succession Crisis

On December 30th, 1777, the Bavarian Elector, Max III Joseph, unexpectedly succumbed to smallpox, dying without any heirs. With this news, the Bavarian line of the House of Wittelsbach dynasty was legally extinct. Shortly, a diplomatic scandal erupted on the topic of the Bavarian succession. The legal heir of Bavaria was the late elector's cousin, Charles IV of the Palatinate.

The loss of Silesia to Prussia had weakened the Habsburgs. Likewise, the extinction of the Bavarian Wittelsbach's provided a welcome opportunity for the Habsburg Emperor, Joseph II, to expand his lands and thereby strengthen his position. Diplomats from Vienna plunged themselves into the lawbooks, launching ancient claims on Bavarian territory in exchange for 'peace'. Considering this a violation of his ally-vassal, Frédéric II mounted his saddle once again, declaring war on Austria. In his majestic old style, he crossed the border into Bohemia, sending letters of demands to Vienna.

All over Franconia, riots broke out in protest against Vienna's greed. Once again, but now in his later years, Chrétien-Adolphe summoned a war council in Mergentheim. It had been agreed to summon the Order's *Deutchmeister Regiment* to raise its banners for war in order to defend Bavaria from an Austrian attack. On July 7th, 1778, just two days after the Prussian advance, the Teutonic regiment marched towards Munich, where it was reviewed by the Grand Master and the Dowager-Electress of Bavaria.

Albeit the state of war existing, it was to be noted that no actual pitched battle ensued. The war would become characterised by petty engagements, raids and small actions or artillery bombardments. Due to the poor supply situation and the bad weather that winter, the soldiers had to subsist mainly on potatoes, which is why this conflict was mockingly referred to by the Prussians as the *"Potato War"*. In 1779, peace talks came about on the initiative of Russia and was guaranteed by France.

#### Schönberg Inheritance

In the midst of the Seven Years' War, the House of Erbach was not without losses. While taking the mineral waters in Bad König, Georges-Auguste passed away on March 29th, 1758. He was survived by Chrétien-Adolphe and his 10 other children. The news of their father's death was a striking blow during the war, yet it was required of his sons to remain focused on their duties. Following the succession proclamations, Chrétien-Adolphe pledged allegiance to his older brother, Georges II Louis, who was now the reigning Comte.

Eventually, in 1777, on February 11th, Georges II Louis also passed away. The question of the line of succession was brought up by the estates. Previously, Georges II Louis married Frédérique-Sophie de Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderbourg, however, she died in childbirth while producing a daughter, who succumbed shortly after as a stillborn. He never remarried. The throne passed to the next-eldest brother, François-Charles, who was still a bachelor.

François-Charles had left Germany in 1747 for the Low Countries, where he entered Dutch service alongside his brothers. Initially, due to the considerable amount of siblings, François-Charles, Chrétien-Adolphe and the others took up military or civil careers, relying on Georges II Louis to continue the line of succession. This was not the case. Hence, to secure the family, François-Charles hastily married. In 1778, François-Charles married Auguste-Caroline d'Isembourg-Büdingen. Unexpectedly, François-Charles suffered a fatal stroke on September 29th, 1788. Although he produced a daughter from his marriage, the succession laws required a male heir.

### Personal Rule

#### Comte d'Erbach-Schönberg

In 1788, after sixty years of soldiering, commerce and philanthropic venturing, Chrétien-Adolphe ascended the throne of the Comté. Despite his advanced age, he pledged himself to dutiful service, regardless of how much longer he may have to live. Among his first acts as Comte was to reorganise what remained of his father's tax reforms, building projects and addressing of spiritual matters.

#### Château de Bad-König

In 1790, Chrétien-Adolphe undertook a tour of the Erbach possessions, traveling across the various fraternal posessions, visiting towns, settlements, hamlets and relatives alike. Since 1348, the Schönberg line of House Erbach owned the town and castle of Bad-König, situated on the edge of the Odenwald, near the border with Hesse-Darmstadt. The castle, while not neglected, was infrequently used by the family and was often used by the comital government as spaces for managing the state. The ballroom was often used as a venue for the magistrates' court, portions of the cellars were converted into cells and so on.

In Schönberg-proper, the family seat was in need of renovations. Like the other family posessions, the Château de Schönberg lagged behind other residences in following the latest architectural fashions. Upon his return from touring the land, Chrétien-Adolphe signed a trio of cabinet orders, ordaining the renovation of the Château de Schönberg and the expansion of the Château de Bad-König. Taking two years to complete, a two-storey baroque mansion and freestanding bridge was added to the complex of buildings in Bad-König. Following completion in mid-1793, Chrétien-Adolphe moved his administrative centre to Bad-König, due to the closer proximity to his governorship of Mergentheim for the Teutonic Order. The renovations for the Château de Schönberg were taking longer than expected and threats of invasion by the French revolutionary armies hemorrhaged supplies.

#### Final Years & Death

In 1792, Chrétien-Adolphe appointed a personal secretary, Charles-Jules Weber- a satirist, pamphleteer and scholar. In his final years, Weber studiously supported Chrétien-Adolphe in the administration of Mergentheim, where he was granted lodgings. Together, for much of the 1790s, work had commenced between the two on Chrétien-Adolphe's chronicles; testaments, memoirs, books, treatises and instructions for the eventual funeral and succession in both his duties as Comte de Schönberg and Governor of Mergentheim.

In his work entitled *''The Last Knight's Watch in Mergentheim'',* Chrétien-Adolphe chronicled his tenure as governor and member of the Teutonic Order. He recounted in great detail his military, political and spiritual experiences, highlighting the changes facing the order as a biproduct of the Enlightenment. What was once considered a noble institution earlier in the century was now being seen as a stuffy gentleman's club for senile officers and generals. At first, Chrétien-Adolphe didn't react to such rumours. It wasn't until Weber persuaded him that he simply thought she could ignore them; This would have a decisive effect on events to come.

The night of May 29th, 1799, would prove to be memorable for many. The date was the anniversary of a handful of historical events: In 363 AD, Roman Emperor Julian defeated the Persians at Ctesiphon; In 1453, Constantinople capitulated to the Ottomans. Such great religious events were considered as venerable, especially for the Teutonic Knights. During a banquet that evening to honour the events at Ctesiphon and Constantinople, Chrétien-Adolphe complained to Weber of chest pains. At first, it was thought to be indigestion. During his speech, Chrétien-Adolphe began to slow his words before eventually collapsing, causing much alarm. He was hastily carried to his bedchambers. Soon, a slew of nurses and physicians flooded into the room with the leading officers stationed in Mergentheim. Following a reign of 11 years as Comte and tenure of 29 years as Governor, Chrétien-Adolphe succumbed to a stroke at the age of 71.

Following his death, Chrétien-Adolphe laid in state in the chapel of the Mergentheim Castle. It was said that more than a thousand people attended vigils and paid tribute. On June 16th, 1799, in a great procession, Chrétien-Adolphe's coffin was conveyed to the Église de Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Mergentheim, where a great funeral mass and internment ceremony was held.

## Personality & Appearance

Chrétien-Adolphe was descended from an ancestry of provincial aristocracy, of which were vassals to the various overlords vying for supremacy in Germany. Most commonly, the Hessians, Prussians, Austrians and Dutch. Despite a relatively active life in military, civil and diplomatic careers, Chrétien-Adolphe is not documented to have fathered any *legitimate* children. On his deathbed, the throne passed to his nephew. Even during life, many rumours floated about his person that Chrétien-Adolphe was likely to have sired a bastard here-and-there during his career as a soldier, although he was often cited to deny these rumors feverishly.

Although he was not unsightly, Chrétien-Adolphe was well-known to take little interest in the life of a courtier. His passion was in practical passions, such as carpentry, woodworking, blacksmithing and hunting. Outside of his military career, he was an avid hunter and rider, taking to the hunt daily in the prime season; he rarely stayed away from the hunt for long regardless of the time of the year. He was considered a stoic and humble figure, enjoying the company of his inferiors in society: soldiers, servants, and other commonfolk.

Privately, Chrétien-Adolphe was known as an approachable, kind man. He had a tendency to be quite open about his past and his experiences when speaking with those he trusted. However, he was often cited as being shy around woman. This is the most likely reason as to why he never married. Like many of those he was friendly with, he was a pious individual, often attending mass or praying in solitude. It was through this personal spirituality that he perhaps found solace in joining the Teutons.

Considered ''Slim'' in appearance, Chrétien-Adolphe wasn't without his graces. He was characterised as an ambitious figure, like his parents; generous to the poor, although reserved and oftentimes distant, he was diligent in every one of his duties. Particularly as a lad and later a gentleman, he was considered as a ripe suiter for any potential bride. It was not his destiny, however, to place a wedding ring on his finger. he instead often spent time in the library or his room reading. It was said that after he came home from war he did such things more. He was often described as being handsome and charming however his shyness towards woman did him no justice.

## Succession

Chrétien-Adolphe remained unmarried in his life. It is not known whether or not he sired any bastards throughout his military or courtly career. It is speculative that he did likely take on paramours throughout his travels, however, due to the lacking documentation of parentage, it is unlikely that Chrétien-Adolphe ever became aware of his illegitimate offspring. It is likely that, due to his patronage in the Teutonic Order, Chrétien-Adolphe may have likely discarded these affairs to align with the statues of the order, among which the principal requirement is celibacy and chastity.

## Titles, Styles, and Honours

### **Titles and Styles**

* **7th October, 1728 - 8th October, 1740:** His Honour, the Lord Christian Adolphus of Erbach-Schönberg
* **8th October, 1740 - 15th August 1770:** His Lordship, the Baron of Lauterthal
* **15th August, 1770 - 29th May 1799:** His Reverend Excellency, the Governor of Mergentheim

### **Honours**

* Chevalier de l'Ordre Pour le Mérite *(Prussia, 1758)*
* Chevalier de l'Ordre Teutonique *(Prussia, 1754)*
* Officier de l'Ordre Teutonique *(Prussia, 1762)*
* Commandeur de l'Ordre Teutonique *(Prussia, 1770)*
* Grand Officier de l'Ordre Teutonique *(Prussia, 1784)*