History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 13Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 13
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
To-morrow, 16th May, before sunrise at Podhorzan, the supposed Lobkowitz
is clean vanished: there is no Enemy visible to Friedrich, at Ronnow
or elsewhere. Leaving Friedrich in considerable uncertainty: clear only
that there are Enemies copiously about; that he himself will hold on for
Kuttenberg; that young Leopold must get hitherward, with steady
celerity at the top of his effort,--parts of the ground being difficult;
especially a muddy Stream, called Dobrowa, which has only one Bridge
on it fit for artillery, the Bridge of Sbislau, a mile or two ahead of
this. Instructions are sent Leopold to that effect; and farther that
Leopold must quarter in Czaslau (a substantial little Town, with bogs
about it, and military virtues); and, on the whole, keep close to heel
of us, the Enemy in force being near, Upon which, his Majesty pushes on
for Kuttenberg; Prince Leopold following with best diligence, according
to Program. His Majesty passed a little place called Neuhof that
afternoon (Wednesday, 16th May); and encamped a short way from
Kuttenberg, behind or north of that Town,--out of which, on his
approach, there fled a considerable cloud of Austrian Irregulars, and
"left a large baking of bread." Bread just about ready to their order,
and coming hot out of the ovens; which was very welcome to his Majesty
that night; and will yield refreshment, partial refreshment, next
morning, to Prince Leopold, not too comfortable on his meal-diet just
now.
Poor Prince Leopold had his own difficulties this day; rough ground,
very difficult to pass; and coming on the Height of Podhorzan where
his Majesty was yesterday, Leopold sees crowds of Hussars, needing a
cannon-shot or two; sees evident symptoms, to southward, that the whole
Force of the Enemy is advancing upon him! "Speed, then, for Sbislau
Bridge yonder; across the Dobrowa, with our Artillery-wagons, or we are
lost!" Prince Karl, with Hussar-parties all about, is fully aware of
Prince Leopold and his movements, and is rolling on, Ronnow-ward all
day, to cut him off, in his detached state, if possible. Prince Karl
might, with ease, have broken this Dobrowa Bridge; and Leopold and
military men recognize it as a capital neglect that he did not.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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