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
The French, now with Prag for their place of arms, stretched themselves
as far as Pisek, some seventy miles southwestward; occupied Pisek,
Pilsen and other Towns and posts, on the southwest side, some seventy
miles from Prag; looking towards the Bavarian Passes and homeward
succors that might come: the Saxons, a while after, got as far as
Teutschbrod, eighty miles on the southeastward or Moravian hand. Behind
these outposts, Prag may be considered to hang on Silesia, and have
Friedrich for security. This, in front or as forecourt of Friedrich's
Silesia, this inconsiderable section, was all of Bohemian Country the
French and Confederates ever held, and they did not hold this long. As
for Karl Albert, he had his new pleasant Dream of Sovereignty at Prag;
Titular of Upper Austria, and now of Bohmen as well; and enjoyed his
Feast of the Barmecide, and glorious repose in the captured Metropolis,
after difficulty overcome. December 7th, he was homaged (a good few of
the Nobility attending, for which they smarted afterwards), with much
processioning, blaring and TE-DEUM-ing: on the 19th he rolled off, home
to Munchen; there to await still higher Romish-Imperial glories, which
it is hoped are now at hand.
A day or two after the Capture of Prag, Marechal de Belleisle, partially
cured of his rheumatisms, had hastened to appear in that City; and for
above four weeks he continued there, settling, arranging, ordering all
things, in the most consummate manner, with that fine military head of
his. About Christmas time, arrived Marechal de Broglio, his unfortunate
successor or substitute; to whom he made everything over; and hastened
off for Frankfurt, where the final crisis of KAISERWAHL is now at
hand, and the topstone of his work is to be brought out with shouting.
Marechal de Broglio had an unquiet Winter of it in his new command; and
did not extend his quarters, but the contrary.
BROGLIO HAS A BIVOUAC OF PISEK; KHEVENHULLER LOOKS IN UPON THE DONAU
CONQUESTS.
Grand-Duke Franz edged himself at last a little out of that
Tabor-Budweis region, and began looking Prag-ward again;--hung about,
for some time, with his Hungarian light-troops scouring the country;
but still keeping Prag respectfully to right, at seventy miles distance.
December 28th, to Broglio's alarm, he tried a night-attack on Pisek, the
chief French outpost, which lies France-ward too, and might be vital.
But he found the French (Broglio having got warning) unexpectedly ready
for him at Pisek,--drawn up in the dark streets there, with torrents of
musketry ready for his Pandours and him;--and entirely failed of Pisek.
Upon which he turned eastward to the Budweis-Tabor fastnesses again;
left Brother Karl as Commander in those parts (who soon leaves Lobkowitz
as Substitute, Vienna in the idle winter-time being preferable);--left
Brother Karl, and proceeded in person, south, towards the Donau
Countries, to see how Khevenhuller might be prospering, who is in the
field there, as we shall hear.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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