THE life of Kaiser Wilhelm I., prolonged to fourscore and ten years, comprised a strangely varied pilgrimage. It commenced in discomfort, and even penury, consequent upon national disaster, and culminated in the fulfillment of German unity and the title of German Emperor.

William was the second son of Frederic William, Crown Prince of Prussia, and Louisa, Princess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, noted for her graces, virtues, and brave endurance of misfortunes. He was born His baptismal name

at Berlin on the 22d of March, 1797. was Friedrich Ludwig Wilhelm, and among his many sponsors were the Emperor and Empress of Russia and the Prince and Princess of Orange. He was a very weakly child, and was reared with great difficulty. After a time his increased strength and vitality amply repaid all the care and attention bestowed on him. A few months after the prince's birth his father succeeded to the crown of Prussia as Frederic William III. In the course of a few years he was a king without a kingdom. In 1806 he had been induced to declare war against France. The crushing defeats of Jena, Eylau and Fried