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Foreign News October 24, 1766

The Virginia Gazette

Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia

What is this article about?

The King of Prussia has suffered a fit of insanity while walking with Prince Henry at Potsdam, attempting to shoot him with a guard's firelock but was stopped. He is now confined under physicians' care, and if he does not recover soon, the Prince Royal will assume government.

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OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

LONDON, August 9. The King of Prussia, according to private letters from the continent, is absolutely deprived of his reason. The fit of insanity seized him one day as he was walking with his brother Prince Henry at Potsdam; he caught a firelock from one of his guards, and presented it at the Prince, but happily was prevented from discharging it; since which he has been confined under the care of several physicians. It is added that if he does not shortly recover, the Prince Royal will take upon himself the government of the kingdom.

What sub-type of article is it?

Royal Event Political

What keywords are associated?

King Of Prussia Insanity Potsdam Incident Prince Henry Prince Royal Succession

What entities or persons were involved?

King Of Prussia Prince Henry Prince Royal

Where did it happen?

Potsdam

Foreign News Details

Primary Location

Potsdam

Key Persons

King Of Prussia Prince Henry Prince Royal

Outcome

king confined under physicians' care; potential assumption of government by prince royal if no recovery.

Event Details

The King of Prussia experienced a fit of insanity while walking with his brother Prince Henry at Potsdam, seizing a guard's firelock and aiming it at the Prince but was prevented from firing. He has since been confined under medical care.

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