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
Next day, Saturday, 26th, Fermor, again brought into some kind of rank,
and safe beyond the quaggy Zabern ground, sent out a proposal, "That
there be Truce of Three Days for burying the dead!"--Dohna, who happened
to be General in command there, answers, "That it is customary for
the Victor to take charge of burying the slain; that such proposal is
surprising, and quite inadmissible, in present circumstances." Fermor,
in the mean while, had drawn himself out, fronting his late battle-field
and the morning sun; and began cannonading across the Zabern ground;
too far off for hitting, but as if still intending fight: to which
the Prussians replied with cannon, and drew out before their tents in
fighting order. In both armies there was question, or talk, of
attacking anew; but in both "there was want of ammunition," want of real
likelihood. On Fermor's side, that of "attacking" could be talk only,
and on Friedrich's, besides the scarcity of ammunition, all creatures,
foot and especially horse, were so worn out with yesterday's work, it
was not judged practically expedient. A while before noon, the Prussians
retired to their Camp again; leaving only the artillery to respond, so
far as needful, and bow-wow across the Zabern ground, till the Russians
lay down again.
Friedrich's Hussars knew of the Russian WAGENBURG, or general baggage
reservoirs, at Klein Kamin, by this time. The Hussars had been in it,
last night; rummaging extensively, at discretion for some time; and had
brought away much money and portable plunder. Why Friedrich, who lay
direct between Fermor and his Wagenburg, did not, this day, extinguish
said Wagenburg, I do not know; but guess it may have been a fault of
omission, in the great welter this was now grown to be to the weary
mind. Beyond question, if one had blown up Fermor's remaining gunpowder,
and carried off or burnt his meal-sacks, he must have cowered away all
the faster towards Landsberg to seek more. Or perhaps Friedrich now
judged it immaterial, and a question only of hours?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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