History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 17Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 17
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
"By Schandau region, north side of the Elbe, is Browne's easiest, and
indeed one feasible, point of approach,--no Prussians at present
between him and that; the road open, though a far circuit northward for
Browne,--were he to cross the Elbe in Leitmeritz circle, and march with
velocity? That too will be difficult,--nearly impossible in sight of
Keith. And were that even done, the egress for the Saxons, by Schandau
side, is through strait mountain gorges, intricate steep passes,
crossings of the Elbe: what force of Saxons or of Austrians will drive
the Prussians from their redoubts and batteries there?" [_OEuvres de
Frederic,_ iv. 86, 93, 96.]
Browne's problem is none of the feasiblest: but his orders are strict,
"Relieve the Saxons, at all risks." And Browne, one of the ablest
soldiers living ("Your Imperial Majesty's best general," said the dying
Khevenhuller long since), will do his utmost upon it. Friedrich does
not think the enterprise very dangerous,--beating of Keith the
indispensable preliminary to it; but will naturally himself go and look
into it.
Tuesday, September 28th, Friedrich quits Pirna Country by the Prag
Highway; making due inspection of his Posts as he goes along; and, the
outmost of these once past, drives rapidly up the Mountains; gets, with
small escort, through Peterswalde on to Johnsdorf that night. Does
not think this Keith position good; breaks up this "Camp of Johnsdorf"
bodily next morning; and marches down the Mountains, direct towards
Browne; who, we hear, is about crossing the Eger (his Pontoons now
come at last), and will himself be on the advance. From Turmitz, a poor
mountain hamlet in the hollow of the Hills, which is head-quarters that
night, the march proceeds again; Friedrich with the vanguard; Army, I
think, on various country-roads, on both hands; till all get upon the
Great Road again,--Prag-Toplitz-Dresden Post-road; which is called,
specially in this part of it, and loosely in whole, "The Pascopol," and
leads down direct to Budin and Browne.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account