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
This Breslau Adventure, which had yielded Friedrich so important
an acquisition, was furthermore the cause of ending these Strehlen
inactivities, and of recommencing field operations. August 11th,
Neipperg, provoked by the grievous news just come from Breslau, pushes
suddenly forward on Schweidnitz, by way of consolation; Schweidnitz,
not so strong as it might be made, where the Prussians have a principal
Magazine: "One might at least seize that?" thinks Neipperg, in his
vexed humor. But here too Friedrich was beforehand with him; broke out,
rapidly enough, to Reichenbach, westward, which bars the Neipperg
road to Schweidnitz: upon which,--or even before which (on rumor of it
coming, which was not YET true),--Neipperg, half done with his
first day's march, called halt; prudently turned back, and hastened,
Baumgarten way, to his strong Camp at Frankenstein again. His hope in
the Schweidnitz direction had lasted only a few hours; a hope springing
on the mere spur of pique, soon recognizable by him as futile; and now
anxieties for self-preservation had succeeded it on Neipperg's part.
For now Friedrich actually advances on him, in a menacing manner, hardly
hoping Neipperg will fight; but determined to have done with the Neisse
business, in spite of strong camps and cunctations, if it be possible.
[Orlich, i. 137, 138.]
It was August 16th, when Friedrich stirred out of Strehlen; August 21st,
when he encamped at Reichenbach. Till September 7th, he kept manoeuvring
upon Neipperg, who counter-manoeuvred with vigilance, good judgment,
and would not come to action: September 7th, Friedrich, weary of these
hagglings, dashed off for Neisse itself, hoped to be across Neisse
River, and be between Neisse Town and Neipperg, before Neipperg could
get up. There would then be no method of preventing the Siege of Neisse,
except by a Battle: so Friedrich had hoped; but Neipperg again proved
vigilant.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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