History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 20Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 20
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
"Night of November 14th-15th, Eugen, his horse-fodder being entirely
done, and Heyde's magazines worn almost out, is obliged to glide
mysteriously, circuitously from his Camp, and go to try the task
himself. The most difficult of marches, gloriously executed; which
avails to deliver Eugen, and lightens the pressure on Heyde's small
store. Eugen, in a way Tempelhof cannot enough admire, gets clear away.
Joins with Platen, collects Provision; tries to send Provision in,
but without effect. By the King's order, is to try it himself in a
collective form. Had Heyde food, he would care little.
"Romanzow, who is now in Eugen's old Camp, summons the Veteran; they
say, it is 'for the twenty-fifth time,'--not yet quite the last. Heyde
consults his people: 'KAMERADEN, what think you should I do?' 'THUN
SIE'S DURCHAUS NICHT, HERR OBRIST, Do not a whit of it, Herr Colonel: we
will defend ourselves as long as we have bread and powder.' [Seyfarth,
iii. 28; Archenholtz, ii. 304.] It is grim frost; Heyde pours water on
his walls. Romanzow tries storm; the walls are glass; the garrison has
powder, though on half rations as to bread: storm is of no effect. By
the King's order, Eugen tries again. December 6th, starts; has again a
march of the most consummate kind; December 12th, gets to the Russian
intrenchment; storms a Russian redoubt, and fights inexpressibly; but it
will not do. Withdraws; leaves Colberg to its fate. Next morning,
Heyde gets his twenty-sixth summons; reflects on it two days; and then
(December 16th), his biscuit done, decides to 'march out, with music
playing, arms shouldered and the honors of war."' [Tempelhof, v.
351-377; Archenholtz, ii. 294-307; especially the Seyfarth _Beylagen_
above cited.] Adieu to the old Hero; who, we hope, will not stay long in
Russian prison.
"What a Place of Arms for us!" thinks Romanzow;--"though, indeed, for
Campaign 1762, at this late time of year, it will not so much avail us."
No;--and for 1763, who knows if you will need it then!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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