Frederick William’s son, later to be known as Frederick the Great, had been restored to the Prussian Army as Colonel of the Regiment von der Goltz, stationed near Nauen and Neuruppin.

When Prussia provided a contingent of troops to aid Austria during the War of the Polish Succession, Frederick had studied under Prince Eugene of Savoy during the campaign against France on the Rhine.

Frederick William, weakened by gout brought about by the campaign, had granted Frederick Schloss Rheinsberg in Rheinsberg, north of Neuruppin.

In Rheinsberg, Frederick has assembled a small number of musicians, actors and other artists.

He spends his time reading, watching dramatic plays, making and listening to music, and regards this time as one of the happiest of his life.

Frederick has formed the "Bayard Order" to discuss warfare with his friends; Heinrich August de la Motte Fouqué is made the grand master of the gatherings.