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
Czernichef once come, and in his place in the Camp of Tintz, business
instantly begins,--business, and a press of it, in right earnest;--upon
the hitherto idle Daun. July 1st, there is general complex Advance
everywhere on Friedrich's part; general attempt towards the Mountains.
Upon which Daun, well awake, at once rolls universally thitherward
again; takes post in front of the Mountains,--on the Heights of
Kunzendorf, to wit (Loudon's old post in Bunzelwitz time);-and
elaborately spreads himself out in defence there. "Take him
multifariously by the left flank, get between him and his Magazine at
Braunau!" thinks Friedrich. Discovering which, Daun straightway hitches
back into the Mountains altogether, leaving Kunzendorf to Friedrich's
use as main camp. His outmost Austrians, on the edge of the Mountain
Country, and back as far as suitable, Daun elaborately posts;
and intrenches himself behind them in all the commanding
points,--Schweidnitz still well in sight; and Braunau and the roads to
it well capable of being guarded. Daun's Head-quarter is Tannhausen;
Burkersdorf, Ludwigsdorf, if readers can remember them, are frontward
posts:--in his old imperturbable way Daun sits there waiting events.
And for near three weeks there ensues a very multiplex series of rapid
movements, and alarming demonstrations, on Daun's front, on Daun's right
flank; with serious extensive effort (masked in that way) to turn Daun's
left flank, and push round by Landshut Country upon Bohemia and Braunau.
Effort very serious indeed on that Landshut side: conducted at first by
Friedrich in person, with General Wied (called also NEUwied, a man of
mark since Liegnitz time) as second under him; latterly by Wied himself,
as Friedrich found it growing dubious or hopeless. That was Friedrich's
first notion of the Daun problem. There are rapid marches here, there,
round that western or left flank of Daun; sudden spurts of fierce
fighting, oftenest with a stiff climb as preliminary: but not the
least real success on Daun. Daun perfectly comprehends what is on foot;
refuses to take shine for substance; stands massed, or grouped, at his
own skilful judgment, in the proper points for Braunau, still more for
Schweidnitz; and is very vigilant and imperturbable.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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