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
Friedrich, we observe, has heard of certain Russian-Austrian intentions
on Berlin; but, after intense consideration, resolves that it will
behoove him to continue here, and try to dislodge Daun, or help Hunger
to dislodge him; which will be the remedy for Berlin and all things
else. There are news from Colberg of welcome tenor: could Daun be sent
packing, Soltikof, it is probable, will not be in much alacrity for
Berlin!--September 18th, at Dittmannsdorf, was the first day of Daun's
dead-lock: ever since, he has had to sit, more and more hampered, pinned
to the Hills, eating sour herbs; nothing but Hunger ahead, and a
retreat (battle we will not dream of), likely to be very ruinous, with a
Friedrich sticking to the wings of it. Here is the Note on Colberg:--
SEPTEMBER 18th, COLHERG SIEGE RAISED. "The same September 18th, what
a day at Colberg too! it is the twenty-fourth day of the continual
bombardment there. Colberg is black ashes, most of its houses ruins, not
a house in it uninjured. But Heyde and his poor Garrison, busy day and
night, walk about in it as if fire-proof; with a great deal of battle
still left in them. The King, I know not whether Heyde is aware, has
contrived something of relief; General Werner coming:--the fittest of
men, if there be possibility. When, see, September 18th, uneasy motion
in the Russian intrenchments (for the Russians too are intrenched
against attack): Something that has surprised the Russians yonder.
Climb, some of you, to the highest surviving steeple, highest
chimney-top if no steeple survive:--Yonder IS Werner come to our relief,
O God the Merciful!"
"Werner, with 5,000, was detached from Glogau (September 5th), from
Goltz's small Corps there; has come as on wings, 200 miles in thirteen
days. And attacks now, as with wings, the astonished Russian 15,000,
who were looking for nothing like him,--with wings, with claws, and with
beak; and in a highly aquiline manner, fierce, swift, skilful, storms
these intrenched Russians straightway, scatters them to pieces,--and
next day is in Colberg, the Siege raising itself with great
precipitation; leaving all its artilleries and furnitures, rushing
on shipboard all of it that can get,--the very ships-of-war, says
Archenholtz, hurrying dangerously out to sea, as if the Prussian Hussars
might possibly take THEM. A glorious Werner! A beautiful defence, and
ditto rescue; which has drawn the world's attention." [Seyfarth, ii.
634; Archenholtz, ii. 116: in _Helden-Geschichte,_ (vi. 73-83), TAGEBUCH
of Siege.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account