History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 18Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 18
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
Friedrich rides up to view the Zabern Hollow: "Beyond expectation deep;
very boggy too, with its foul leakage or brook: no attacking of their
western flank through this Zaberngrund;--attack the corner of them,
then; here on the southwest!" That is Friedrich's rapid resource. The
lines halt, accordingly; make ready. Behind flaming Zorndorf stands his
extreme left, which is to make the attack; infantry in front; horse to
rear and farther leftwards,--and under the command of Seidlitz in this
quarter, which is an important circumstance. Right wing, reaching to
behind Wilkersdorf, is to refuse itself; whole force of centre is
to push upon that Russian corner, to support the left in doing
it;--according to the Leuthen or LEUCTRA principle, once more. May no
mistakes occur in executing it this day!--
The first division of the Prussian Infantry, or extreme Left, marches
forward by the west end of flaming Zorndorf; next division, which should
stand close to right of it, or even behind it in action, and follow it
close into the Russian fire, has to march by the east end of Zorndorf;
this is a farther road, owing to the flames; and not a lucky one. Second
division could never get into fair contact with that first division
again: that was the mistake: and it might have been fatal, but was not,
as we shall see. First division has got clear of Zorndorf, in advancing
towards its Russian business;--is striding forward, its left flank safe
against the Zaberngrund; steadily by fixed stages, against the fated
Russian Corner, which is its point of attack. First division, second
division, are clear of Zorndorf, though with a wide gap between them;
are steadily striding forward towards the Russian Corner. Two strong
batteries, wide apart, have planted themselves ahead; and are playing
upon the Russian Quadrilateral, their fires crossing at the due Corner
yonder, with terrible effect; Russian artillery, which are multitudinous
and all gathered down to this southwestern corner, are responding,
though with their fire spread, and far less effectual. The Prussian line
steps on, extreme left perhaps in too animated a manner; their cannon
batteries enfilade the thick mass of Russians at a frightful rate
("forty-two men of a certain regiment blown away by a single ball," in
one instance [Tielcke.]), drive the interior baggage-horses to despair:
a very agitated Quadrilateral, under its grim canopy of cannon
smoke, and of straw smoke, heaped on it from the Zorndorf side here.
Manteuffel, leader of that first or leftmost division, sees the internal
simmering; steps forward still more briskly, to firing distance; begins
his platoon thunder, with the due steady fury,--had the second division
but got up to support Manteuffel! The second division is in fire too;
but not close to Manteuffel, where it should be.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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