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
It is now 11 o'clock; the mist all clearing off; and Friedrich, before
that second charge, had a growing view of the Plain and its condition.
Beyond question, there is Browne; not in retreat, by any means; but in
full array; numerous, and his position very strong. Ranked, unattackable
mostly, behind that oozy Brook, or BACH of Morell; which has only two
narrow Bridges, cannon plenty on both: one Bridge from the south parts
to Sulowitz (OUR road to Sulowitz and it would be by Radostitz and
the Homolka); and then one other Bridge, connecting Sulowitz with
Lobositz,--which latter is Browne's own Bridge, uniting right wing and
left of Browne, so to speak; and is still more unattackable, in the
circumstances. What will Friedrich decide on attempting?
That oozy Morell Brook issues on Browne's side of Lobositz, cutting
Browne in two; but is otherwise all in Browne's favor. Browne
extends through Lobositz; and beyond it, curves up to Welhoten on
the River-brink; at Lobositz are visible considerable redoubts,
cannon-batteries and much regular infantry. Browne will be difficult to
force yonder, in the Lobositz part; but yonder alone can he be tried.
He is pushing up more Infantry that way; conscious probably of that
fact,--and that the Lobosch Hill is not his, but another's. What would
not Browne now give for the Lobosch Hill! Yesternight he might have had
it gratis, in a manner; and indeed did try slightly, with his Pandour
people (durst not at greater expense),--who have now ceased sputtering,
and cower extinct in the lower vineyards there. Browne, at any rate,
is rapidly strengthening his right wing, which has hold of Lobositz;
pushing forward in that quarter,--where the Brook withal is of firmer
bottom and more wadable. Thither too is Friedrich bent. So that Lobositz
is now the key of the Battle; there will the tug of war now be.
Friedrich's cavalry is gone all to rearward. His right wing holds the
Homolka Hill,--that too would now be valuable to Browne; and cannot be
had gratis, as yesternight! Friedrich's left wing is on the Lobosch;
Pandours pretty well extinct before it, but now from Welhoten quarter
new Regulars coming on thither,--as if Browne would still take the
Lobosch? Which would be victory to him; but is not now possible to
Browne. Nor will long seem so;--Friedrich having other work in view for
him;--meaning now to take Lobositz, instead of losing the Lobosch to
him! Friedrich pushes out his Left Wing still farther leftward, leftward
and downward withal, to clear those vineyard-fences completely of
their occupants, Pandour or Regular, old or new. This is done; the
vineyard-fences swept;--and the sweepings driven, in a more and more
stormy fashion, towards Welhoten and Lobositz; the Lobosch falling quite
desperate for Browne.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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