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
AUGUST 9th (BUNZLAU TO GOLDBERG), Friedrich, with his Three Columns
and perfect arrangements, makes a long march: from Bunzlau at 3 in the
morning; and at 5 afternoon arrives in sight of the Katzbach Valley,
with the little Town of Goldberg some miles to right. Katzbach River
is here; and Jauer, for to-morrow, still fifteen miles ahead. But on
reconnoitring here, all is locked and bolted: Lacy strong on the Hills
of Goldberg; Daun visible across the Katzbach; Daun, and behind him
Loudon, inexpugnably posted: Jauer an impossibility! We have bread only
for eight days; our Magazines are at Schweidnitz and Breslau: what is to
be done? Get through, one way or other, we needs must! Friedrich encamps
for the night; expecting an attack. If not attacked, he will make
for Liegnitz leftward; cross the Katzbach there, or farther down at
Parchwitz:--Parchwitz, Neumarkt, LEUTHEN, we have been in that country
before now:--Courage!
AUGUST 10th-11th (TO LIEGNITZ AND BACK). At 5 A.M., Sunday, August 10th,
Friedrich, nothing of attack having come, got on march again: down
his own left bank of the Katzbach, straight for Liegnitz; unopposed
altogether; not even a Pandour having attacked him overnight. But no
sooner is he under way, than Daun too rises; Daun, Loudon, close by, on
the other side of Katzbach, and keep step with us, on our right; Lacy's
light people hovering on our rear:--three truculent fellows in buckram;
fancy the feelings of the way-worn solitary fourth, whom they are
gloomily dogging in this way! The solitary fourth does his fifteen miles
to Liegnitz, unmolested by them; encamps on the Heights which look down
on Liegnitz over the south; finds, however, that the Loudon-Daun people
have likewise been diligent; that they now lie stretched out on their
right bank, three or four miles up-stream or to rearward, and what is
far worse, seven miles downwards, or ahead: that, in fact, they are a
march nearer Parchwitz than he;--and that there is again no possibility.
"Perhaps by Jauer, then, still? Out of this, and at lowest, into some
vicinity of bread, it does behoove us to be!" At 11 that night Friedrich
gets on march again; returns the way he came. And,
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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