The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 9, August, 1836Various
History
The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 9, August, 1836
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
spirit for revenge, was advancing. A struggle too fierce to be
lasting, ensued. The Austrians, discouraged by frequent defeats and
constant misfortunes, were unnerved by this unexpected attack, which
like a blast of death had swept across the river; and their line was
already pierced and mangled, when Augereau coming up with his light
brigade under Gen. Rusca, led it keenly into action and completed this
double victory, which at one blow, severed a strong line of defence,
and routed a formidable army. Part of Beaulieu's force fled, with
their general, into the Venetian territory to Crema, part to
Pizzighitone, some even to Cremona. His hussars endeavoring to cover
the retreat, made several charges, which, owing to the firmness of the
French infantry, were not successful.
[Footnote 2: When Alexander's officers dissuaded him against
attempting the passage of the Granicus, and particularly at a late
hour in the day, he said—“The Hellespont would blush, if after having
crossed it, I should be afraid of the Granicus.”—_Plutarch's Life of
Alexander._]
[Footnote 3: Napoleon in his despatch reporting to the government the
battle of Lodi (Moniteur, 20th May, 1796) says, his column of attack
was formed of grenadiers, with the “second battalion of carabiniers in
front.” In the French army there are both foot and horse carabiniers,
the former of which were employed at Lodi, and are the grenadiers of
the light infantry.]
But the marches and fighting of the day had so much exhausted the
victorious troops, that though still eager for glory they were panting
for breath, and the pursuit was not carried far beyond the field of
battle. The Austrians left on the ground 1,200 men killed and wounded,
and in possession of the French 1,000 prisoners, 600 horses, 20 guns,
and several stand of colors. Bonaparte's loss scarcely exceeded 200 in
killed and wounded; such was the rapidity and effect of a movement
which, with the nicest calculations of judgment, seemed to combine the
wild boldness of inspiration.[4]
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