278 THE WAR OF THE BAVARIAN SUCCESSION, 1778-9
13 May 1779 was the date for the signing of the Peace of Teschen,
and also, as Frederick knew, the birthday of Maria Theresa. The
provisions of the treaty were not supposed to take immediate effect,
but in honour of the empress-queen Frederick ordered his troops to
evacuate all the townships of the Austrian border before the day was
out. In itself this little courtesy will nowadays appear of little
account, but it signified a great deal when it proceeded from some-
body as austere and demanding as Frederick. It was the salute of one
old warrior to another, and it was acknowledged as such by Maria
Theresa.