This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1919. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... APPENDIX I EXTRACTS FROM MY WAR-LETTERS The notes in diary form of which a selection is given below were regularly jotted down in haste, late every evening, or shortly before the departure of the dispatch-rider. I must not, therefore, be taken to task for disjointedness, and defects in style. The idea of publication never entered my head. When, after the debacle of our Fatherland, I decided on publishing a part of these fleeting past impressions, it was only because they seemed to serve as a not unimportant supplement to my recollections, and above all because they show that the opinions therein expressed did not arise after the war ended, but in all essential points agreed with the judgments I had formed while the war was running its course. 1914 COBLENZ, August 18th. A whole world is mobilizing against us. We must see it through to the last--that is the only possibility of maintaining our position in the world. Up till now, I feel that in this connexion I am of more use here than in Berlin. Will this feeling continue? Chi lo sa? 216 Pohl, released from his office, is more accessible. I pay him all honour and hitherto have given him the chief initiative. COBLENZ, August i9th. Ultimatum from Japan destroys twenty years of successful activity; but we must go through with it, so long as it is in the least possible. To-day, conversation with Bethmann and Jagow, lasting an hour-- Pohl also there. I have used every endeavour to keep them firm. Breakfast with His Majesty. His Majesty was pretty well pleased with the news from the seat of war. After the meal I had to walk about the garden with him, for more than two hours. Fortunately we walked slowly, and it was warm. I tried all I could to keep him firm. Most of the time it was not required. He saw the situa...