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
"Through the night, the Prussians proceed to build batteries, the best
they can;--there is no right siege-artillery yet; a few accidental
howitzers and 25-pounders, the rest mere field-guns;--but to-morrow
morning, be as it may, business shall begin. Prince von Holstein [nephew
of the Holstein Beck, or "Holstein SILVER-PLATE," whom we lost long
ago], from beyond the River, encamped at the White Hart yonder, is to
play upon the Neustadt simultaneously.
MONDAY 14th, "At 6 A.M., cannonade began; diligent on Holstein's part
and ours; but of inconsiderable effect. Maguire has been summoned: 'Will
[with such a garrison, in spite of such trepidations from the Court
and others] defend himself to the last man.' Free-Corps people [not
Quintus's, who is on the other side of the River], [Tempelhof, v. 67.]
with regulars to rear, advance on the Pirna Gate; hurl in Maguire's
Out-parties; and had near got in along with them,--might have done so,
they and their supports, it is thought by some, had storm seemed the
recommendable method.
"For four days there is livelier and livelier cannonading; new batteries
getting opened in the Moschinska Garden and other points; on the
Prussian part, great longing that the Magdeburg artillery were here.
The Prussians are making diligently ready for it, in the mean while
(refitting the old Trenches, 'old Envelope' dug by Maguire himself in
the Anti-Schmettau time; these will do well enough):--the Prussians
reinforce Holstein at the Weisse, Hirsch, throw a new bridge across
to him; and are busy day and night. Maguire, too, is most industrious,
resisting and preparing: Thursday shuts up the Weistritz Brook (a dam
being ready this long while back, needing only to be closed), and lays
the whole South side of Dresden under water. Many rumors about Daun:
coming, not coming;--must for certain come, but will possibly be
slowish."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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