THE HISTORY
OF THE
SEVEN
YEARS WAR
IN GERMANY
Johann Wilhelm von
Archenholz
in
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MICRO
DAT
1
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OP THK
SEVEN YEARS WAR
NOW KIR ST
TRANSLATED FROM TOE ORIGINAL CiKRMAN
ORIGINAL EDITION.
With a Portrait
and a Map of the Seat of the Seven Years War.
Frankfort o. 91.
PUBLISHED BY C. J U G E L.
AT THK GKiOIAN AND K0RKICN LIBBAHY.
IN
GERMANY.
F. A.
* C. S.
1 8 4 3.
f
#
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IV
TRANSLATOR'S I'RKFACK.
historical works ; as there is none in I
that language which treats exclusively
of this period and of the operations of
the war in Germany. The original is
held in high estimation throughout Ger-
many and has gone through five edi-
tions from the last of which the present
translation is taken. The author says in
his preface: "I have in this history ad-
hered to the plan of endeavouring to
render it interesting to the general
reader, and have therefore not given
the military operations in detail being
anxious rather to give an idea of their
general character and to recount more
at length the political occurrences of
this period." In rendering into English
the work of von Archenholz, "the
historian of the seven years' war" as he
is justly called, the translator has fol-
lowed as closely as possible the original,
and at the same time, without introducing
the German construction, has sought to
give as nearly as may be a correct in-
terpretation of the language of the
author.
Bad Ems, May 1st 1843.
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♦
CONTENTS.
PACK
Book I. — Causes of the war— Opening of the
campaign August 1756. invasion of Saxony-
Occupation of Dresden by the Prussians. Battle
of Lowositz — Capitulation of the Saxons at
Pirna — End of the campaign 1
Book II —Preparations for the campaign of 1 7 5 7
— Invasion of Bohemia— Battle of Prague-
Death of Schweriii— Siege of Prague — Battle
of Kollin — The siege of Prague raised — Eva-
cuation of Bohemia 31
Book HI. — Campaign of the French in 1757.
They cross the Rhine— Battle of Hasteubeck
— Capitulation of Kloster Seeven— The Rus-
sians invade Prussia — Battle of Grossjagers-
dorf— Invasion of Pomerania by the Swedes;
driven to the island of Rugen— Battle of
Rossbach — Death of the Queen of Poland —
Battle of Gorlitz, death of Winterfeld— Battle
of Breslau — Battle of Lcuthen — End of the
campaign 75
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CONTKNTS
PAOK
Book IV. — Preparations for the campaign of
1758 — Siege of Schweidnitz — and of Olmutz
— Advance of the Russians and occupation
of Kdnigsberg— Siege of Custrin— Battle of
Zorndorf — Operations of the Austrians— Battle
of Hochkirch — Frederic's march into Silesia —
Siege of Neisse raised — Burning of the sub-
urb of Dresden — The Austrians retire into
winter quarters — Siege of Colberg— The Rus-
sians go into winter quarters — Inactivity of
the Swedes 145
Book V. — Campaign of the French in 1758 —
Siege ofMinden — Taking of Emden— Passage
of the Rhine by the allies under Ferdinand
Duke of Brunswick — Battle of Crefeld — Siege
of Dusseldorf — Battle of Sangershausen — Eng-
lish troops sent to Germany — Dusseldorf eva-
cuated—Battle of Lutternberg — End of the
campaign .205
Book VI. — New treaties of alliance between
France and Austria; England and Prussia-
Operations of Prince Henry during the win-
ter campaign 1759— Advance of the Russians
— Battle of Kai — Junction of the Austrians
and Russians Battle of Kunersdorf— Siege
of Dresden and Capitulation — The Russians
withdraw into Poland — The Prussians regain
possession of Saxony 235
Book VII. — Continuation of the campaign of
1759 — Defeat of the Prussians at Maxen—
Winter of 1759— 60. — Operations of tho
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Swedes— Campaign of the French 1759 —
Engagement at Bergen near Frankfort — Battle
of Minden— Death of the king of Spain . . 289
Book Vm.— Campaign of 1 7 60 — Battle of Lands-
hut— Surrender of Glatz — Siege of Dresden —
Siege of Breslau — Battle of Liegnitz — The
Russians withdraw to the other side of the
Oder — Letter of the king — The Prussians
evacuate Saxony — The Austrians retire to the
mountains of Bohemia 326
Book IX. — Siege of Colbert — Attack upon Ber-
lin and occupation of it by the Russians and
Austrians— Advance of Frederic — Retreat of
the Russians — The Prussians occupy Leipsic —
Battle of Torgau and defeat of the Austrians 363
Book X. — Finance operations of Frederic —
Means resorted to by Maria Theresa— Treat-
ment of prisoners during the war— Opening
of the campaign of 1760 by the French —
Battle of Kloster Campen— Blockade of Got-
tingen — The French retire into winter quar-
ters— Advance of Ferdinand 1761 — Siege of
Cassel— Battle of Grunberg— Battle of Vil-
lingshausen — Operations of the French armies
under Broglio and Soubise-The French re-
pulsed at Bremen — Extraordinary levies and
Conduct of the French 393
Book XI. — Death of George II. — Progress of
literature and arts in Germany — Campaign of
1761. Advance of Frederic into Silesia-
VIII
CON TK NTS.
TACK
Junction of the Austrians and Russians —
Camp of Bunzel wit z— Retreat of the Rus-
sians— Taking of Schweidnitz — Treachery of
Wargotsch — Operations of the Russians in
Pomerania — Siege of Col berg— Retreat of the
Prince of Wurtemberg - End of the campaign —
The Austrians, Russians, and Prussians retire
into winter quarters — Negotiations with the
Ottoman Porte — Reduction of the imperial
army— 1762 war between England and Spain
— War in Portugal 431
Book XII.— Death of the Empress of Russia-
Alliance of Russia with Prussia - Peace with
Sweden— Opening of the campaign of 1762.
— Dethronement of Peter — The Empress Ca-
tharine—Engagement at Burkersdorf— Taking
of Schweidnitz— Operations of Prince Henry
—Battle ofFreyberg — Cessation of hostilities
between Austria and Prussia — Prussians retire
into winter quarters — Operations of the allies
— Engagement at Wilhelmsthal — Siege of Cas-
sel — Preliminaries of peace between England
and France — Expedition of Kleist into the
states of the Empire— Peace with Bavaria Ac.
— Treaty of Hubertsburg 15th Feb. 1763.—
Conclusion 485
I
y Googl
HISTORY
OK THK
SEVEN YEARS WAR
IN
(i E R IH A M Y.
PART THE FIRST.
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BOOK I.
Causes of the war — Opening of the campaign August
1756. invasion of Saxony — Occupation of Dresden
by the Prussians. Battle of Lowositz — Capitulation
of the Saxons at Pirna— End of the campaign.
Aftkr a long and tedious war the treaty
of Aix la Chapelle had reestablished the tran-
quillity of Europe. The advantages of peace
were beginning to be felt, and the renewal of
hostilities appeared improbable for many years to
come. Nevertheless the great powers of Europe
were never less peaceably inclined than at this
time, and never was more zeal displayed, than
in the efforts of the different Cabinets to renew
the horrors of war. And they succeeded. Al-
liances were formed, based not upon the prin-
ciples of good state policy, but dictated by
private feeling. The desire of making conquests
gave way to the wish of satisfying the pas-
sions of revenge and hatred. Two princesses,
who at this time governed in their own right
large populations, considered themselves in-
jured by a monarch upon whom all eyes were
ARCHENHOLZ. 1
2 HISTORY OP THR
i
now turned, who, crowned with laurels, had al-
ready terminated two wars, the great powers
of whose mind caused universal astonish-
ment, and whose virtues as a monarch made
him an example for kings. The deepest plans
were laid in order to humiliate this Prince
or rather to annihilate his political existence ;
and thus began one of the most extraordinary
wars that ever devastated the world ; whether
it be considered from the numbers of troops of
different nations and languages which com-
posed the armies, the astonishing inequality of
the powers engaged, the commanders and their
deeds, the application of the improved science of
war, the bloody battles, the sieges and the
naval combats, or by its remarkable occur-
rences and its extent by land and sea.
The Empress Maria Theresa could ill brook
the loss of the territory of the beautiful and
populous Silesia, which Frederic the Second, king:
of Prussia, had conquered immediately after his
accession to the throne, and to which he hail
established his right both at the peace of
Breslau and at that of Dresden. She had been
forced to resign this province to a conqueror,
who from the small extent of his dominions
had hitherto not been feared, and whose fa-
mily had only been for the last two genera-
tions admitted into the circle of the crowned
heads of Europe ; but after Theresa's accession
he was the first of her crowned enemies who
took up arms against her, had made unexpected
demands, and established his right by five dif-
ferent victories. The value of this loss was
first discovered when it was in the hands of
I
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Frederic, who knew how to torn to his own
advantage its fertility and the industry of it*
inhabitants. But it appeared an easy matter
to obtain possession of it again, by means of
a powerful coalition, and Elizabeth, Empress of
Russia, who considered herself traduced in her
private character by some expressions of Fre-
deric, was the first to join the alliance; Augus-
tus the Third, king of Poland and Elector of
Saxony, who had already been driven out of
his capital by his powerful neighbour, and who
hoped by his defeat to strengthen himself, and
acquire fresh territory, followed her example,
and renewed the treaty which he had pre-
viously made with Austria in 1745. At last
Lewis the XV., king of France, increased the
number of Prussia's powerful enemies, and by
means of subsidies induced Sweden to do the
same.
(The alliance of Austria with France which
exciTeT! the astonishment of the whole world,
and was considered as a master stroke of di-
plomacy, was in fact the effect of circumstances!
For although France was much annoyed at
the recent alliance between England and Prus-
sia, and Count Kaunitz the Imperial ambas-
sador in Paris had for some years been paving
the way towards an alliance between the
courts of Versailles and Vienna, still France
was not really anxious to destroy the power
of the king of Prussia. The principal efforts
of this court were directed against England,
and the desire of gaining possession of Ha-
nover was caused by the wish to carry out
deeper plans in America. By this treaty with
4
HISTORY OF TUB
Austria, Prance had the privilege of sending
troops into Germany, and promised to assist
the Empress by sending 24,000 auxiliary troops.
This number was however increased to 180,000
in consequences of new projects, intrigues and
the occurrences of the war.
This extraordinary and powerful coalition
of such great powers against a young monarch
was not formed from the important considera-
tions of state policy, but by court intrigue;
and for some centuries without parallel, was
unworthy of an enlightened age. The great
alliance formed in the 16th century and known
by the name of the league ofCambray, against
the then powerful and warlike republic of Venice,
could not be compared with this; neither could
that of so many of the European Powers against
Lewis the XIV., and more especially in the
latter, in which the alliance was formed against
the most powerful empire of the world. The
Empress Theresa at the time of her greatest
need in her first war had many resources left.
In the midst of her enemies and with the loss
of whole provinces she placed her reliance upon
Hungary with its rich gold mines and courage-
ous people; upon English soldiers, ships and
money; rich and powerful resources which did
not deceive her hopes.
A pretext for the war was wanting in
Vienna, but one was easily found in the trifling
dispute which existed between the king of
Prussia and the Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin,
respecting the levying his troops. Prederic availed
himself in this quarrel of certain rights of his
house, which he made good by means of his
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SEVEN YEAHS WAR. 5
power. Austria called this a breach of the
treaty of Westphalia, and spoke of rousing up
all the powers M'ho had guaranteed it. This
was the outward and plausible excuse that
was given to the secret treaty of spoliation,
by which these mighty powers had determined
on the dividing among themselves, the terri-
tories of a monarch not so powerful; which
induced the wits of the day to say, that the
war was undertaken half through precaution
and half from speculation.
The overthrow of Frederic would have been
unavoidable, had he not gained timely informa-
tion of the alliance by means of the treachery
of a Saxon secretary of the name of Mentzal,
who handed over to the Prussian ambassador
Malzahn in Dresden, the originals of the secret
negotiations that he might take copies of them.
The ambassador had false keys made in Berlin
for the closets in which these documents were
kept. Never was treachery more beneficial to
a whole country, blessed as was Prussia with
a wise and benevolent king, who, without
being in the least aware of it, was on the
point of seeing the destruction of his improving
dominions. The nature of his kingdom consisting
or widely dispersed and undefended provinces,
♦ftftd his feeling of security, invited the allies
to commence a campaign, which promised none
of the usual impediments of warfare, but a
succession of easy victories. The timely dis-
covery of their political projects diminished
greatly the danger of a Prince who was prepared
for war, in a time of peace , in a manner as
yet unheard of in Europe, and who possessing
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HISTORY OK THE
the highest talents as a general, had an army of
disciplined and tried soldiers 160,000 strong and
a well filled treasury at his disposal. His great
mind knew how to make the most of these
advantages, and as the court of Vienna refused
to give him assurances of their peaceable inten-
tions in spile of the reiterated representations
of his ambassador Klinggraf and his informing
them of the discovery of the secret treaty, he
determined to be beforehand with his enemies,
and to be the first to commence hostilities.
Frederic had no other means of safety or of
diminishing the threatened danger but by being
the first to seek it.
The allies had hardly began their prepara-
tions for war ; money was wanting and the
troops destined for the war were for the most
part in their quarters, from the Pyranees to
the Caspian Sea, when the king of Prussia in
the month of August 1756 marched forth from
his camp like a giant, at the head of 60,000
men, and invaded Saxony. The possession of
this country was absolutely necessary to him
in order to make a descent upon Bohemia, and
by its acquisition he gained an other great
advantage, the command of the Elb. All the
troops retreated in haste, and the important
towns of Wittenberg, Leipsic and Torgau fell
into his power without resistance.
This sudden step was accompanied by a
Manifesto for bis justification, drawn up by
Frederic himself and by a friendly explanation
on the part of his ambassador at the conrt of
Saxony, of the necessity of his march through
that country into Bohemia. He had no ally
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but the king of England George the II., who
anxions about his electorate of Hanover, had
formed an alliance with Frederic, but which
promised only to be of advantage at a distant
peiiod. The safety of the Prussian monarch
depended entirely on the rapidity and the im-
pression made by his operations. The march
upon Saxony was masterly, not only from the
discipline observed throughout, but also from
the skilful direction of the troops. The army
marched in three columns under the command
of the king, the Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick
and the Duke ofBevern, with orders to concen-
trate in the neighbnuihood of Dresden.
As soon as the first intelligence of the march
of the army reached the court of Saxony, the
greatest excitement prevailed and secret councils
were held, at which count Bruhl presided. This
minister, whose greatness did not consist so
much in being a deep politician as in the art
of leading his king and living in kingly style,
possessed the talent of governing to such an
extent, that he is perhaps the only instance in
history of a man being the favourite of two
kings, father and son, of opposite characters
and opinions. In addition to this, he had the
all important title of prime minister. He hated
the king of Prussia, who, on his accession, had
endeavoured to gain him over to his interests,
but in vain, and had wished to procure for
him the dignity of Prince from the Emperor
Charles VII., which the minister would have
been glad to obtain by any other means, but
would not accept, offered through the interven-
tion of Frederic. This mutual hatred continued
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HISTORY OF THE
to grow, fostered on one side by rancour and
the want of power of injuring, and on the other
by power, talent and an advancing and vic-
torious army.
They were so little prepared for war in
Saxony, that Bruhl had not even thought of bring-
ing up the regiments which were in Poland.
He had also a short time previously reduced
the army in order to supply means for his own
luxuries. The magazines were empty, and there
was a deficiency of all the necessaries for an
army. In this dangerous position of affairs the
most unwise plan was pursued. The Saxon troops
were drawn together in the greatest haste,
forming an army of 17,000 men, and encamped
on the Bohemian frontier, not far from Pirna.
The camp was supported by the Elb which at
this place rushes with impetuosity between
rocky banks, and makes a bend near the fortress
of Konigstein and fort* Sonnenstein, and was
almost entirely encompassed by hills and a range
of steep rocks. Nature tad made this position
remarkably strong, and art did what was re-
quired to make it impregnable. The position
would have been well chosen, had the intention
been to prevent the Austrians from entering
Saxony, but against the Prussians it was useless
and Dresden and the whole Elect orate fell into
their hands m consequence of this step. The
extent of the camp was too great for the Saxon
army, and they were forced to increase the de-
fences by outworks, redoubts and palisades, for
which the woods on the neighbouring hills pro-
vided the materials. But they thought only of
defending themselves from the attacks of the
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Prussians, and forgot a far more dreadful enemy,
one who had attacked and dispersed so many
armies, had neutralised the effects of victories,
and put a stop to the most tedious wars. Hunger,
with the dreadful import of its name, and its
fearful consequences, must have been unknown
to a minister, accustomed to live in Asiatic
luxury and profusion, who never thinking of
scarcity made no preparation for the supply of
his brave troops, and in the midst of this dis-
tress, kept the most sumptuous table. In the
meanwhile the army had only provision for a
fortnight in the camp. There was ample suppy
of pallisades, but no bread, and no confidence
was placed but in the imperial troops, which
were assembling in the greatest haste under
the command of Pieldmarshai Count Brown, in
Bohemia.
Frederic was now in Saxony, and had entered
into a correspondence with the king of Poland,
who with his two eldest sons, the princes Xavier
and Charles, and his minister Bruhl had taken
refuge in the camp at Pima. Augustus in his
letters always .talked of neutrality, and Frederic
required convincing proofs of his sincerity, which
Augustus and Bruhl had no intention of giving.
The king of Prussia who knew the value of
these offers of neutrality, made every prepara-
tion for making himself master of Saxony, under
the assurance that he only took it in trust as
security; a new discovery this in state politics,
in order to prevent the taking possession of a
neighbouring state from being called an inva-
sion, but to which the opponents generally gave
its right name. Large supplies of forrage, corn
HISTORY Ofr THB
and provisions were exacted for the Prussian
army. The town of Torgau was fortified, and
mounted with cannon, which had been found in
the different towns of Saxony. Some thousands
of citizens and peasantry were forced to work
at these fortifications, and in the beginning were
paid for their labour. In this town the head
quarters of the commissariat and the military
chest were placed, and here likewise were all
the contributions of the country brought in. On
the 10th of September the king of Prussia
entered Dresden which had been deserted by
the troops, and took possession of the town and
the Palace. The conduct of the king and his
soldiers on this occasion are characteristic of the
spirit of the time, by the display of refined and
courtly manners, even during war and its dis-
tressing and horrid scenes. Frederic fixed his
head quarters in a garden in the suburb, in the
neighbourhood of which, his army was encamped.
Every means were taken to diminish the fear-
ful aspect of war in the eyes of the Saxons,
and to place the conduct of their new ruler in
the most amiable light. He wished to be looked
upon as a friend, as a future ally and as a guest,
and to make this impression, nothing was want-
ing in his amiable demeanour. The foreign am-
bassadors were received, and almost all persons
of any rank in Dresden, as well as the ma-
gistrature of the town paid their court, and
met] which a gracious reception. The king, con-
trary to his custom, attended church, and made
the clergyman a present of Champagne. He dined
in public, and crowds of Saxons came as spec-
tators.
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He paid his compliments to the Qaeen and
the rest of the royal family through Pieldmarshal
Keith; and the court, not to be behind hand,
invited him to dinner and offered him chamber-
lains for his service, both of which he declined.
Notwithstanding these acts of politeness, the
treasury in Dresden was placed under seals,
the Collegiate Halls closed, the mint seized,
some of the most important of the civil officers
dismissed, all the artillery and ammunition from
the arsenal removed to Magdeburg, the swiss
guard of the Palace disarmed, and the revenues
of the Electortae M ere appropriated. All com-
munication between Dresden and the camp was
broken off, excepting for the passage of some
carriages, laden with supplies for the table of
the king of Poland, and the couriers of the
two kings. The camp at Pirna was invested
ny an army of 39,000 Prussians, whilst an army
of observation of nearly the same number under
the command of Keith was posted on the fron-
tiers. The Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick entered
Bohemia at the head of the advanced guard,
and gained the first laurels of this war by dis-
lodging the Austrian general Wied, who was
posted at Nollendorf with 8000 men.
Although the alliance which had been formed
for the destruction of the king of Prussia had
been betrayed to this monarch, and he had be-
come possessed of copies of most of the papers
relative to it, still he was in the dark respect-
ing many points. An exact knowledge of the
projects of his enemies was absolutely neces-
sary to his safety; thus it became imperative
on liim to justify his invasion of Saxony by
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12 HISTORY OF THB
incontrovertible evidence, and he saw himself
under the necessity of seizing the Saxon ar-
chives These state papers were kept in three
apartments of the Palace, which communicated
with a private room of the Queen of Poland,
who alone had the Key and watched these ar-
chives as the most valuable treasure. The re-
quest that they should be delivered up, was
flatly refused by the Queen, his declared enemy.
The Prussian general Wylich, Commandant of
Dresden, had orders to take possession of them,
and to this effect sent Major Wangenheim, who
requested to have the key ; upon this the Queen
appeared and declared she would not permit
the apartments to be opened ; Wangenheim with-
drew, and the Commandant went himself to the
Queen. All his remonstrances were in vain; she
. kept firm to her determination, and declared she
would protect the door with her own person.
Wylich threw himself on his knees, spoke of
the necessity of fulfilling his orders, and while
he entreated her to give way, gave her to
understand that in case of further resistance he
must have recourse to force. Upon this the keys
were brought, and Frederic received the wished
for papers, which were handed over to his privy
councillor Count Hertzberg, and amongst others,
some remarkable state papers, which fully jus-
tified the Prussian monarch in the eyes of all
unprejudiced persons.
This disrespectful conduct to a Queen, al-
though justified by circumstances, was repre-
sented as a most unheard of outrage, and it
was enhanced by the dismissal of the Saxon
ministers a few hours after by the king of
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Prussia. The same day the queen called the
foreign ambassadors together, and described her
melancholy position, in a most pathetic discourse,
in which she distinctly stated, that her cause
was that of all the crowned heads of Europe.
This occurence, with great exaggeration was
reported in the different courts, painting the
conduct of Frederic in Saxony, in the blackest
colours; and this tended not a little to increase
the number of his enemies, and to cool the ar-
tlour of many of his friends. It is well known
that the wife of the Dauphin, mother of Lewis
the XVIth, who was daughter of the Queen of
Poland, threw herself at the feet of Lewis
the XVth, and implored him with tears, to assist
in the deliverance of her parents, and the land
of her birth. The court of Versailles was «<i
longer actuated by motives of policy, and France
declared herself openly against Frederic, as gua-
rantee of the treaty of Westphalia, which she
declared had been broken by the invasion of
Saxony. Thus France took an active part in a
war which was so contrary to her interests,
and which had been looked on in Paris as a
political farce. It now became the fashion in this
capital to detract from the merits of the king
of Prussia, and on account of its novelty, to
praise to the skies, the alliance with Austria.
It went so far that the French academy gave
as a prize subject, the praise of the treaty in
verse, which however was prevented by the
government. The French ambassador was re-
called from Berlin, and the Prussian ambassador
at Versailles received his conge. Frederic acted
in the same manner towards the French mi-
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14 HISTORY OF IHB
nister at the court of Dresden, Count Broglio,
who till now, notwithstanding his arrogant
bearing and intrigues, had heen allowed to
remain.
Nevertheless every effort was made to bring
about a peace between the kings of Poland
and of Prussia. The English and Dutch am-
bassadors, Count Stormont and Calkoen, devoted
all their energies to this praiseworthy under-
taking. Frederic required, that as a proof of
the most perfect neutrality, the Saxon troops
should be dispersed, and retire to their different
quarters; Augustus promised to remain neutral,
but re/used to enter into any engagements.
Shortly after his arrival in the camp, he had
harangued the troops, and entreated them to
cut their way, with him, through the enemy,
in order to reach Bohemia. He said, he was
ready to sacrifice his life in the attempt; it
was due to his subjects, and for the rest, he
trusted to heaven. The impossibility of success
was pointed out to him, and he retired with
the princes, his sons, and his minister to the
fortress of Konigstein. From hence he sent
another address to the army, offering them the
honour of saving their king, and declaring he
was ready to sacrifice the last drop of his
blood. The trusty Saxons, whose character-
istic is love and obedience to their rulers
under all circumstances, declared their willing-
ness to fulfil the expectations of Augustus.
But the scarcity was already so great in the
camp, that both men and horses were reduced
to a third of their rations. Their confidence
however increased in consequence of the news
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SKVHN YKAHS WAR.
of the approach of the Austrian army, which,
although in detached bodies, was already
70,000 strong in Bohemia.
The zeal and activity of the court of Vienna
to begin the war was extraordinary. In spite
of this the greater part of the cavalry in Bohemia
was not mounted, and did not receive their
horses until the end of August, in the camp
at Kollin, at a time when the Prussians were
already in Bohemia; so unprepared were they,
that there was a scarcity of horses to convey
the artillery and ammunition into Bohemia.
Theresa gave her own horses to draw the
cannon; and the Austrian and Bohemian nobi-
lity were . active . in following her example.
Every one assisted, and the transport was
effected with unexpected rapidity.
The state of affairs, and the loss of so
much valuable time, which might have made
Frederic master of Bohemia, altered his plans ;
and as he could no longer depend on the neu-
trality of the Saxons, so as to have no enemy
in his rear, he insisted upon a formal en-
gagement from Augustus, that, if he wished
to withdraw his trotfps from their present po-
sition, in case the Prussians were victorious
that should be no disadvantage to Saxony, but
if, on the other hand, they Mere unsuccessful,
the Saxons should share their fate. Augus-
tus however would hear of no engagement,
and in his answer of the 12th of September, he
says: "It would appear that your majesty only
looks for security in the destruction of my
army, either by the sword or by hunger.
With regard to the latter, as yet there is no
16
HISTORY OF THK
fear; and I trust that with the protection of
the Almighty, and the fortitude and fidelity of
iny troops I am far from being in danger of
the former. — I am ready to smooth all diffi-
culties for an arrangement upon a point, which
your majesty has so much at heart, and to do
all that is consistent with my honour."
This determination on the part of a mon-
arch, who by disposition was so easily led,
was quite unexpected. Frederic made one
more effort; he sent his favourite, General
Wiuterfeld, who was alike remarkable as a
soldier and as a courtier, that he might by his
eloquence give the necessary force to the written
representations of his master, who most ar-
dently desired an alliance with Saxony, "between
two neighbouring states", as he expressed
himself in his letter to Augustus, "which are
necessary to one another, and to whose real
advantages it is requisite to be always un-
ited". As this effort, however, remained fruit-
less, and all was to be left to honour and con-
science, Frederic wrote on the 15th September :
"I much regret that I cannot carry my com-
plaisance farther." Winterfeld was however
again sent to the king, but in vain; although
the difficulty of his position was increased by
the approach of the day for holding the Diet
of Poland, which was fixed for the 4th of Oc-
tober, and he was forced to beg for a safe
conduct to Warsaw. Frederic would not give
his consent to this before the decision of the
fate of Saxony. The request of Augustus be-
came more urgent; the High Chancellor of
Poland, Malachowsky, went in person to the
Digitized by Google
SKVKN YKAHS WAH. 17
Prussian camp, to support the request by the
threat, that the Poles would not tamely sub-
mit to the forcible detention of their king. But
Frederic remained unmoved.
Brown had received orders from his court
to venture every thing in order to extricate
the Saxons. The junction of the two armies
under so skilful a general, considered by Au-
stria as one of her greatest men, would have
given another character to the war. Frederic
was aware of this, and therefore doubled his
precautions in investing the Saxon camp, so
as to cut them oft* from all relief. In order to
do this more effectually, Fieldmarshal Keith ad-
vanced into Bohemia with a strong body of
men, to watch the operations of the Austrians.
The Prussian Fieldmarshal!, Count Schwerin, had
already marched from Silesia upon Bohemia,
with an army of 30,000 men, and was en-
camped near Konigsgratz. These two Prussian
armies were, according to Frederic's plan, to
keep the enemy in check, that they might not
he able to assist the Saxons. He himself awaited
daily the capitulation of the besieged army,
which he considered essential, previous to his
march upon Bohemia, as they might become
masters of theElb, and would have been in the
rear of the Prussians. The want of waggons
and boats to convey provisions, and the fearful
defiles, by which the entry into this kingdom is
on all sides defended, rendered much prepara-
tion necessary.
It was requisite that Brown, in order to
succour the Saxons, should cross the Eger;
but he had no pontons. These, and the requisite
Digitized by Google
18 HISTORY OF THE
artillery only arrived in the camp on tlie 80th
of September, and he immediately began his
march. Frederic's object was, by a battle to
force him to retreat; he gave the command
of the besieging army to the Margrave Charles ;
joined his troops that we e at Aussig, and
marched with them on the 301h of September,
the same day that Brown bad passed the Eger.
The two armies came in sight of each other
at day break the following morning near Lowo-
sitz, a small Bohemian town. The Austrian
army consisted of fifty two battalions, sixty
squadrons of horse, and ninety eight pieces of
cannon. The Prussians were twenty four battalions
strong, sixty squadrons of horse and one hundred
and two cannon. The heights of Lobosch and
Radosttz, which commanded the position of
the Austrians, were unoccupied by Brown, and
the fog was so thick, that it was not possible
to see any distance. These circumstances
induced Frederic to think, that the Autrians
had crossed the Elb, and that he had only fallen
in with the rear guard. Some thousand men,
Croats and Hungarian infantry, posted at the
foot of the hill of Lobosch in some vineyards,
and who made an ineffectual lire upon the
advancing Prussians, strengthened this supposi-
tion, as these light troops generally covered a
retreat The Austrian cavalry who exposed
themselves to the canonade of the Prussians,
and retained their position, confirmed the mistake.
They fought in the fog without seeing one
another. In the mean time the king had made
himself master of the heights.
Digitized by Google
SEVEN YKARS WAH
As Brown's center and left wing, from being
supported by a morass, and other impassable
barriers, were in security from all attacks, be
had directed all his attention upon the town
of Lowositz, which covered his right wing, and
in which he had posted his best infantry and
a number of o dnance; in advance of the town,
there was also a battery and a redoubt. Towards
midday the fog dispersed, and the Prussians made
a regular and spirited charge, leapt a wide
ditch, overthrew the Austrian*, and pursued
them under the fire of the cannon of Lowositz.
The heavy fire of the artillery drove them
back with great loss. The infantry of the left
wing of the enemy could not be attacked by them
from being posted on the bank of a deep ditch.
The next attack of the Prussians was to drive
the Croats out of the vineyard, who were
protected by its hedges and walls. They succeeded,
but with difficulty. Brown now endeavoured to
take possession of the heights. The Prussians
posted there fought like lions, and when they
had no more cartridges, attacked the storming
party with the butt end of their muskets. This
fighting, hand to hand, lasted till the Austrians
were driven down the hill, and into Lowositz;
the Prussians took advantage of the disorder
of the enemy to set fire to the town, and in
this confusion drove them out of it, by which
means the fate of the day was decided. Brown
made a masterly retreat covered by the infantry
of the left wing, which had not been in action,
and was the only part of his army, which was
not in disorder. He destroyed the bridge over
the Elb at Leutmeritz, and also all the bridges
Digitized by Google
20 HISTORY OF THK
on theEger, that his retreat might be secured.
He gave up the field of battle to the king, but
did not give up all claim to the victory. This,
however, was not doubtful, as the event proved
notwithstanding that the Prussian army hail
suffered severely, and a number of prisoners
had been made on either side. In Vienna for
nine days prayers were offered up for those
who bad fallen in the battle, which was called
by the wits, a thanksgiving : "that, it was no
worse."
Such were tlie occurrences of the first battle
of this remarkable war, which had lasted from
seven in the morning until three in the after-
noon, and was a pledge of the future conduct
of the Prussians, to the whole world, for the
battles that were to succeed. The king was
so impressed with the courage of his troops,
that, in his letter to FieldmarschallSchwerin, in
which he describes the battle, he says : "Never,
since I have had the honour of commanding my
troops, have they done such wonders of valour";
a valour, which was necessary against Ihe power-
ful resistance he met with, a* resistance, which
forced Frederic's troops to exclaim: "These are
no longer the old Austriaus;" on the other
hand the soldiers of the enemy, when they saw
their wounds, cried out: "We have got the old
Prussians again." The loss of the victorious
army, in killed and wounded, was 3,300 men,
and the number of prisoners was 700. The
loss of the Austriaus was some few hundreds
less.
Brown was ill ; nevertheless he constantly
exposed himself to the severity of the weather,
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SKVKN YEARS WAR
slept in the open air, and sufferred day and
night all the inconveniences of warfare, so
that at last, he one day fell to the ground
from exhaustion in the presence of his devoted
army. This general was forced to withdraw
his troops to the other bank of the Eger, and
to abandon entirely his plan of assisting the
Saxons. It was determined that this distressed
ally should cross the Elb, on the night of the
11th of October at Konigstein, in order to at-
tack the Prussians on both sides. However a
stormy and rainy night, and the transport of
the heavy copper pontons by land and with
half starv ed horses, delayed the passage of the
river, which it was decided should take place
two days later. Frederic employed this va-
luable time, in strengthening the posts on the
Elb, and in fortifying his own position with
barricadoes and entrenchments. The ground on
the right side of the river near Pima and Ko-
nigstein is hilly and covered with thick under-
wood. The deep hollows which separate these
lofty hills are nearly impassable, and especially
so to an army with a powerful enemy in the
neighbourhood, and in possession of the heights.
Such was the position of the Saxons; they
hoped, when they had passed the Elb, to hear
something of the approach of the Austrians;
but they saw no traces of their allies, who
had been prevented by the difficulties of the
ground, and a Prussian corps under general
Lestwitz, from advancing; on the other hand
the Prussians saw themselves masters of the
defiles, which must be passed to reach Bohe-
mia. The Saxon troops endeavoured to form
Digitized by Google
22
HISTORY OF THE
at the foot of the Lilienstein, which the narrow
space would not permit; here they encamped
without order and disheartened, full of anxious
expectation as to their melancholy fate. The
cause of this change of position for the worse,
was the want of knowledge, on the part of the
Austrians and Saxons, of the nature of the
ground, and from this, all their decisions were
guided by chance. This was also the cause of
the loss of a letter from Fieldmarshall Brown
to Rutowski. A continued heavy rain had
rendered the roads so had, that the advance
was most difficult, and the Saxons were forced
to leave their cannon on the opposite side of
the river. 9
The abandoned camp of Pirna was immed-
iately seized by the Prussians, who fell upon
the rear guard of the Saxons. A tremendous
storm prevented the report of the cannonade
from being heard, so that the Austrians were
not aware of it. All seemed to conspire against
the Saxons even to the very elements. After
a courageous resistance of four hours, this
bod}' of men. were taken prisoners, and the
Prussians became masters of the greater part
of the artillery and baggage. This, however, could
not have reached the army, in consequence
of the bridge having broken away. The king
of Poland was not an eye witness of this ac-
cumulation of misfortunes: he had removed
from his head quarters at Striippen, a few days
previously, with his sons and his minister to
Konigstein. From this place he issued repeated
orders to Fieldmarshall Rutowsky for the most
impracticable movements, which, had they been
Digitized by Google
SKVRN YKAHS WAR. *3
ulfilled, could not have led to a junction with
the Austrians.
Never was a well disciplined and coura-
geous army in such a melancholy position. It
was the counterpart of that of the Romans
at Caudinum,and if the passing under the joke
was not enforced, as by the Samnites, it was
from the change which had takeu place in the
maxims of warfare in the twenty two cen-
turies, which had intervened between the two
occurrences. Hunger raged amongst the Saxon
troops, added to this, the cold set in, and they
had lost their baggage. Three days and three
nights they were under arms, without food
and with a scarcity of ammunition. They were
encamped without covering, surrounded by
high hills and steep rocks, encompassed by a
watchful enemy, without hope or means of
deliverance. Their fate was completely in the
hands of the conquerors, to whom, with the
consent of Augustus, they capitulated on the
14th of October, after a blockade of four and
thirty days.
This monarch was bowed down by his mis-
fortune. He wrote on this day to Fieldmarshall
Rutowsky "One must submit to the will of
Providence. I am a free king, so will I live,
so will I die, both with honour. I place the
fate of my army in your hands; your council
of war must decide, if we are to surrender
or die, and whether it shall be by hunger or
the sword."
The minister Bruhl wished to induce Field-
marshall Brown to maintain his dangerous
position for another day, and wrote to him
24
niSTOKY OF THB
"If we capitulate, we will not neglect to insure
your Excellency's retreat, so that the whole
Prussian army may not fall upon you." Brown
took no notice of this proposition, which betrayed
a man, who did not know his opponent, and
expected to gain advantages by a capitulation.
The terms, under which this was agreed upon,
were hard, as well for the Saxon troops as for
the king. The whole army 14,000 strong were
to lay down their arms; the officers were dis-
missed, but the noncommissioned officers and
soldiers had no choice; they were obliged to
take the oath of fidelity to the king of Prussia.
It was a most touching spectacle, 14,000 soldiers
threw down their arms, and supplicated for
bread. Hunger and despair among high and
low, had produced the most distressing scenes
in this valley of lamentations, under the eyes
of Augustus himself. The distress had increased
to the highest pitch, but the relief was sudden.
The soldiers exhausted through deficiency of
nourishment and hardships, received supplies
for their most pressing wants ; to each company
twenty sixpound loaves of bread were distributed.
The general officers who were prisoners, were
invited to the king's table at headquarters at
Struppen.
The misfortune of the Saxons brought no
disgrace with it. It was indeed a glorious
epoch in their history. They had so Ion*,
with their small army, withstood the power
of Prussia, and fought courageously against the
greatest difficulties, and were now only obliged
to submit to the laws of nature and a higher '
destiny. Their resistance, however, saved the |
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SKVKN YEARS WAR.
ill prepared imperial army in Bohemia, and all
the provinces of Theresa in Germany, where
the troops were dispersed ; and especially for
Austria, it was attended by the most important
effects : it was the greatest service, which this
kingdom had received from a foreign power,
since the deliverance of Vienna, by the brave
king Sobiesky. This advantage was, however,
very relucantly acknowledged both by the
imperial troops and the Court. The soldiers of
Brown's army called the army of Pirna, in
derision, the Saxon pickets, and in the imperial
city this sacrifice of a great prince and his
country, was looked upon as a matter of
duty.
For more than a century no european
monarch had suffered such an humiliation as
the king of Poland. He was deprived at once
of the whole of his Saxon army, who were
devoted to him, ami he remained in Konigstein
with a small guard and only a few followers.
All his endeavours to gain better terms were
in vain ; Frederic himself dictated the answers
to the fourteen articles of capitulation of this
treaty of submission. Some of these answers,
which related to pressing necessities of the
troops, were laconic, and consisted in the
monosyllable, Good! But every thing betrayed
the decisive tone of a conqueror, who thought
r he granted more than they had a right to expect.
'Augustus implored that his own guard, a body
of chosen men, might be excepted, and remain
with him. Frederic's answer was humiliating
in the extreme, and expressed the right of the
strongest in the most offensive terms. It ran
1*
Digitized by Google
26 HISTORY OP THB
thus : "They must share the fate of the rest of
the army, as he did not wish to have the trouble
of taking them again prisoners.'' The colours,
standards, and drums of the Saxon army were
given up to the king of Poland, and in order
that at least one of his many requests might
he complied with, the fortress of Konigstein
was declared neutral during the whole of the
war.
Ten Saxon regiments of infantry remained
complete with the exception of being new
officered from the Prussian army, and being
clothed in the uniform of the Prussians. The
remainder, and the cavalry were draughted into
the different Prussian regiments. In addition to
this, Saxony was forced to supply 9284 recruits
to complete the regiments, in the course of the
next month.
The officers were released on parole, not
to serve again, in this war, against the king of
Prussia. So great, however, was Theresa's and
Augustus' hatred towards Frederic, that this
was derided, and they released the officers from
their parole, to the disgrace of the army.
Blinded by sympathy, (hey forgot that honour
is the bond which keeps european armies
together ; a phantom, an uncertain and invisible
power, upon which the light of truth must not
shine too brightly, but which leads men on
fearlessly to death.
The act of Frederic by which, as conqueror, he
turned to his own use the whole army of an
enemy, and made them serve in the war, is
without example in history. He had, however,
reckoned too much upon the distressed position
SR\ K\ YKAHS W All.
of Augustus, the impossibility of liis supporting
an army and on the state of need in which the
men were, without allowing for the national
love of the Saxons for their prince and their
country. This was displayed, much to the aston-
ishment of Frederic ; for although desertion was
expected, the deliberate and orderly desertion of
whole battalions had not been thought of. The
most of them went off in marching order, after
having dismissed or shot their officers; they
took with them the bread and ammunition wag-
gons, the military chest, in short, every thing
necessary for their march, which was, of part
towards Poland, and the remainder to join the
French army. To reconcile them to his service,
Frederic had promoted many of the noncommis-
sioned officers, but this was impolitic, for these
patriots became the leaders of the desertion, and
the other officers, who would not join them, were
forced to get out of the way. The Saxons who
remained, were placed in garrison in the towns;
but even this failed ; at Leipsic they forced open
the gates, and marched forth at midday. In Wit-
temberg, Pirn a and in other towns they forced
the Prussian officers to allow them to go over
to the enemy; and in many battles whole com-
panies deserted, and turned their arms against
the Prussians.
Augustus, who awaited his fate upon the
rock of Konigstein, received passports for himself
and his suite, that he might reach Warsaw in
safety, for which place he immediately started.
Frederic wrote to him a most courtly farewell letter
on the 18th of October. He addressed him in
this, as in all former letters, by the terra of
28
HISTORY OP THK
Brother, a term of politeness and affection in use
in the letters of congratulation and condolence
of the crowned heads of Europe, in the i8th
century, even in the midst of warfare. The king
was treated with the highest marks of respect
on his departure, and all the troops were re-
moved from the road by which he was to pass,
not to expose to their gaze, the infortunate
monarch in his distressing position.
The correspondence between the kings now
ceased. But general Sporken renewed it in
Augustus* name with Frederic. The principal
subject of these letters was the establishment
of a number of stations from Poland, through
Silesia into Saxony, in order to facilitate the
communication. Frederic appeared at first disposed
to enter into the arrangement, but in consequence
of the discovery of the repeated attempts of the
court of Saxony to give the enemy ail possible
information, and to induce the Saxons in the
Prussian service to desert, the correspondence
with Sporken was suddenly broken off. In his
letter of the 2nd of December he writes : "My
moderation is abused, and the unfriendly con-
duct of your court leaves me no alternative
but the force of arms; this is the last letter
you will receive from me."
No occurrence in the 18th century previous
to the French revolution caused such a sensa-
tion in Europe as the misfortunes of this royal
family, connected, as it was with so many mighty
potentates. All the crowned heads felt for them,
and even George the Second let it be known
at the principal courts, that he did not approve
of the conduct of Frederic in Saxony. The po-
uigmzea oy
SEVEN YEARS WAR.
litical pamphlets, which appeared in Vienna, were
dictated by the most deadly hatred, and were
of the most abusive character. The king of
Prussia was accused of the meanest practices,
and described as the instigator of the conspi-
racy which had been discovered in Sweden
against the senate; they went so far as to re-
proach him with the anger of his father, his
punishment in Custrin, and the imperial media-
tion, which they stated, had been the means of
saving his life.
This immeasurable hatred was now the lead-
ing feature of the court of Vienna, which hi-
therto had been noted for its pride. But this was
so far lost sight of, that the Empress Maria
Theresa, who but in this case, never forgot her
dignity, and looked on female chastity as the
first of virtues, lowered herself so far, as to
flatter the mistress of Lewis the XV., and to ad-
dress her as cousin. A correspondence was begun
between the Empress and the Duchess de Pom-
padour, which was commenced by the sending
a portrait of the former, set with diamonds, to
the Duchess; Avho was by this step led to forget
her low origin so far, as frequently to make
use of the familiar expression of, "my dearQueen",
-in her letters. Still Theresa, impressed from her
cradle with the dignity of her rank, the daughter
of the proud Charles the Sixth, and grand daughter
of Leopold, the most haughty of the Emperors,
who refused to receive Sobiesky, the preserver
of Vienna, from a point of court etiquette, was
content to put up with the conduct of the Duchess.
This occurred at the time that Frederic had
given the king's mistress repeated proofs of his
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30 HISTORY OK THK
contempt. These were the reasons, that at Ver-
sailles state policy was laughed at, against
which the Marquis of Belle Isle was the only
one to remonstrate. The balance of power in
Germany, the object for a hundred years of the
greatest French ministers, was derided. The cam-
paign was now at an end ; the Austrian army
withdrew further into Bohemia, which was also
evacuated by the Prussians, under Fieldmarshalls
Schwerin and Keith, in order to occupy their
winter quarters in Saxony and Silesia. Frederic
remained the whole winter in Dresden, and
treated Saxony as a conquered province. He
worked constantly with the Saxon ministers ;
gave his orders upon all points respecting the
government, and levied troops and money for
the war, throughout the country.
Digitized by
SBVRN YEARS WAR.
BOOK II.
Preparations for the campaign of 1757 — Invasion of
Bohemia — Battle of Prague — Death of Schwerin —
Siege of Prague — Battle of Kollin — The siege of
Prague raised — Evacuation of Bohemia.
Ghkat were the preparations of the allied
powers, for the approaching campaign against
Prussia. French and Swedes, Germans from all
the provinces of Germany, Hungarians and
Transylvanians, Italians, Walloons, Croats,
Russians, Cossacks and Calmuks, all were in
activity, and these people collected from far
and near, were congregated, not so much for
conquest, as to plunder, murder and lay waste
the country.
These armies required large sums for their
equipment, and as most of the courts were in
want of money, every nerve was strained to
raise it, either by loans, or by inducing capital-
ists to make advances of supplies on credit.
The king of Prussia had a great advantage
over all his opponents, in not requiring such
assistance. His well filled treasury, and the
Digitized by Google
3*
HISTORY OF THB
abundance of the country, of which he had
taken possession, enabled the Prussians to open
the campaign with a superfluity of every re-
quisite. Frederic, to make up for the deficiency I
of light troops, formed seven battalions of
volunteers, and in addition to these, increased
his army both cavalry and infantry, by 40,000
men. The Saxons of all ranks, who, from
similarity of language, manners and ideas were
more inclined towards the Prussians, than the
Austrian*, were anxious, that, as there must
be war, their monarch should ally himself with
the former. They were not treated with harsh-
ness by them, for the only hardships the
Saxons had to endure at this time, were find-
ing the supplies for the army, which were not
oppressive, moderate war taxes, recruiting sta-
tions and other trifling inconveniences. They
lived with the Prussians in good fellowship.
In Dresden the theatre Mas open, balls and
masquerades were given, at which the nobility
and the citizens attended, and the king gave
concerts repeatedly, in which, the mighty mon-
arch himself took part. His tranquillity of mind,
strengthened by his philosophy and the know-
ledge of his power, was, however, disturbed in
many instances. During this winter an occur-
rence took place, the particulars of which are
very little known. The king was to have been
poisoned. A lacquay, of the name of Giasau,
who was a great favourite of the king's, so
much so, that he was often required to sleep
in the king's bed chamber, had been bribed to
take away his life. But few knew of this pro-
ject, and it was not to be expected any of these
Digitized by Google
SBVKN YEARS WAR.
33
would betray it. An accident, at the moment of
its perpetration, discovered to the king, that
an attempt upon his life was intended. Glasau
threw himself at the feet of the monarch, and
entreated for mercy, which, however, could not
be extended to him. He was seized, judicially
interrogated in the presence of the king, arid
dispatched the following day in chains to Span-
dau, where he was immured in a dungeon in
solitary confinement, and in a short time after
ended his days. It appeared so necessary to
the king, to keep secret the names of all the
persons connected with this crime, that he would
not allow him even to be attended by a phy-
sician, in his last moments.
The moderation of the king of Prussia at
this time in Saxony, was grounded on the
slight hopes, which were not quite extinct, of
inducing Augustus to come to terms, and to
form an alliance with him. But the wound
was too deep, the alliance with Austria and
Russia too close, and the hopes of the king
of Poland of a speedy change of the aspect of
afFairs for the better, were too great to allow
him to listen to the propositions of Prussia.
On the other hand, the complaints of his am-
bassadors, supported by his powerful allies, in
Regensburg and in all the courts of europe,
were without bounds. At the imperial Diet the
most unseemly expressions were made use of,
both in speaking and by letter; even abuse was
not spared. Sympathy got the better of all
circumspection, and weakened the discretion
and memory of learned men so far, that, in
the political pamphlets of the day, Frederic's
Digitized by Google
34
HISTORY OF THK
invasion of Saxony was described as having
no example in history. The object was, howe-
ver, fully attained ; ail the allied courts re-
doubled their activity in their preparations for
the war. Prance displayed so far her earnest*
ness, that, in order to hasten the downfall
of the king of Prussia, the court of Versailles
offered George the II. to be neutral with regard
to Hanover, if he would neither increase nor
assemble his German troops, concede his fort-
resses to the French, and allow them free passage
into Prussia. The king of England, although
Hanover was of so much importance to him,
declined the proposition. This zeal against
Prussia, actuated the Marquis of Havrincourt,
the French ambassador, in all his endeavours
in Sweden, where most of the Senators were
venal, and where the minds of the higher classes
had been much embittered towards the name
of Prussia, by the discovery of the conspiracy
against the senate, of which the Queen had
been aware. The treaty of alliance between
Prussia and Sweden, formed in the yoar 1743,
was now at an end, and left the latter at
liberty to form fresh alliances; in addition to this,
c^me (he promise of France, that in case of
taking an active part in the war, Sweden should
have as a reward Stettin and the whole of
Prussian Pomerania. To all appearance this
decided the affair. Nevertheless Frederic made
one more attempt. He required lhe support of
Sweden, as responsible for the treaty of West-
phalia, that treaty so glorious for her, and so
intimatety connected with the well being of the
protestant religion, and which they were now
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so anxious to violate. These grounds appeared
to have some weight with a nation, who since
the reformation, had adhered to Lutheranism
almost to idolatry; and the danger of the pro-
testant church so far turned the balance with
the lawgivers of Sweden, who were obliged to
act in consideration of the feelings of the people,
that in December 1756, the king of Prussia
received assurances of the strictest neutrality;
and in fact, when at Regensburg, Frederic's
downfall was voted for, the minister for Sweden
held back his vote, for Swedish Pomerania,
under the excuse that he had no instructions.
But the intrigues and the gold of the French
minister at Stockholm finally gained the upper-
hand, and Avar was determined on, against Fre-
deric in Sweden.
The plan of division, and the intended
destruction of the Prussian monarchy, were as
extraordinary as the war itself. As Sweden
was to have Pomerania, so was Silesia to be given
to Austria, the kingdom of Prussia to Russia,
the Dutchy of Magdeburg with Halberstadt to
Saxony, and the Westphalian provinces fell to
the lot of France. The electorate of Branden-
burg aloue was to be reserved for the dethron-
ed king, in case he should submit in proper
time; if not, the power* had determined, that
it should be given to the next heir. This deter-
mination, supported oh all sides by strength
and vindictive feelings, against so contracted
a power, seemed to require no good fortune
for its completion, which might indeed be hastened
or retarded, but under all circumstances could
not fail in its fulfillment.
History of thk
In no part of Germany was greater activity
displayed than in the south. The Diet at
Regensburg resumed the long abondoned practice
of fulminating its thunder against the king of
Prussia. He was formally placed under the
Ban of the Empire, and forlfeited his lands in
the Empire, his rank and titles; nine protectant
princes voted for this, and amongst others, the
courts of Anspach and Darmstadt, who were
related to Frederic, the Duke of Holstein Gottorp
and the Princes of Schwarrzenburg and of An-
halt. Besides these Princes the opponents of
Frederic had, in addition to the catholic princes,
sixty votes in the princely Senate ; however
twenty six stood out for an enquiry into the causes
of the war, a cessation of hostilities, and the in-
tervention of the Empire in this quarrel. Amongst
these last, who were guided by reason and mo-
deration, were all the Counts from Weteravia,
Franconia and Westphalia. The imperial cities,
however, in whose walls state policy never, and
freedom seldom prevailed, and who all more or
less, from ignorance, looked upon the emperor as
their monarch, showed their usual characteristic
upon this occasion; they voted blindly with the
imperial party. For the most part the princes
of the Empire were drawn to the side of Maria
Theresa, through fear or by hope, and forget-
ing the friendship they owed to Prussia, the
many benefits they had received from this
house, the bonds of religion and of blood,
they justified the opinion of many statesmen,
that in case of a war with Austria, no one
could depend on the support of these princes
against her.
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Such terms of abuse were made use of in
the manifestoes and other state papers, against
the King, that he was forced to address himself
to the Empress Theresa, and to remind her,
that monarchs might be enemies without degrading
themselves by invective ; for it was not words,
which were unworthy of them, but the sword
which must decide their quarrel. This remon-
strance remained long unheeded, and it was
not until after he had gained some battles that
they had any effect.
The princes of the different circles were
directed to prevent the king from receiving
any assistance from these districts; all the
vassals of the Empire, in the army of the Prus-
sians, were recalled, and an imperial order was
issued that all booksellers and printers publish-
ing Prussian political pamphlets, should be pun-
ished by fine and imprisonment. The impartial
said that the emperor was forced to play the
despot in the Empire, from family circumstances.
Plotho, the Brandenburgian ambassador at the
Diet at Regensburg, answered all the anti-
prussian pamphlets, as well as the pedantic
discussion upon the sanctity of the archives,
with force and justice; and as he found insur-
mountable difficulties in getting them printed,
throughout the south of Germany, he established
a printing press for his own use, at Regensburg.
The putting in force the imperial ban, was
now set on foot. The attorney General of the
Empire commenced proceedings, and prevailed on
the imperial Notary, accompanied by two wit-
nesses, to serve a citation on the ambassador,
Baron Plotho. This citation required the ap-
ARCHEHHOLZ. 2
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HISTORY OK THK
pearance of the ambassador before the Diet,
within two months, reckoning from the 22nd
of August 1757 to state what he had to say
against the imperial edict. Plotho, who knew
what his rights were, treated this invitation
with the greatest disdain, requested the bearers
of it to take it back again, kicked it as far as
the door himself, and then ordered his servants
to throw it out of the house. In addition to
the determined conduct of this minister, who
always acted with discretion, and alarmed his
enemies, came the representations of France.
The court of Vienna was requested to give up
the project of the imperial edict, as no advan-
tage could be gained by it, and it might induce
the kings of Prussia and England, and other
German princes to withdraw from the German
confederation. It was also decided on, to pro-
ceed against Frederic without any imperial
edict, as an enemy of the Empire, and to
take no notice of his declaration, that he
had acted as sovereign of Prussia, and not
as Elector of Brandenburg, in his aggression
on Saxony.
This sentence of these German Amphyctions,
was to be supported, in spite of the reclama-
tions of the friends of Prussia and her ambas-
sadors, by an army raised from all parts of
Germany under the fearful name of imperial
army of execution, in order to give sufficient
weight to the decree of the majority. At first
120,000 men were required for this service,
but this number was afterwards reduced to
half. Thus a new army was added to the
numerous troops assembled for the downfall of
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39
Frederic, and people now began to fix upon an
early day for the ending of the war.
Frederic, who had nothing left to him but
to make the best use of his means to meet the
coming storm, set actively to woxfc at his
finance department in Saxony. He now saw
that the long wished for alliance with this
country would be disadvantageous, and that
the unencumbered possession of an extensive
and productive country would be of much more
advantage to him. No province could serve so
well as a centre for his operations, and for
covering his rear, and his flanks. The position
of this country, between two powers so dif-
ferent in politics, was a national misfortune
for the Saxons. It was only from Saxony that
Frederic could carry on his operations in Bo-
hemia, and by seizing on it, secure himself
from an invasion from the Austrians. From
the beginning of the war, there was no alter-
native for the Saxons but to be either the
allies of Prussia, or to fall into its power.
Frederic now renounced his former plans, and
no longer exercised the same moderation. Hi-
therto the sum of 190,000 dollars had been
required for the support of the courts of law ;
this was reduced to 30,000, and so in other
departments. The Queen of Poland required
money. Frederic who well knew what use, to
his disadvantage, would be made of it, sent her
only 7800 dollars; she renewed he request, and
stated the sum requisite for the present wants
of herself and her family, at 174,000 dollars
a month; the answer was, she must appy to her
husband. This reform extended to all depart-
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HISTORY OK THK
ments. The singers, and dancers of the opera
were not formally dismissed, bat, as they re*
ceived no pay, (hey started for Italy, for which
country, the celebrated director of music Hasse
departed also. The two most important people
at the court of Saxony, were the confessor of
the queen, and the director of the opera. The
first had a salary of 12,000, the latter of 15,000
dollars; but now they were forced to be satis-
fied with 2000 dollars. In this time of need
the Empress Elizabeth came to the assistance
of the Queen of Poland, and presented her with
100,000 Rubels.
The immense quantity of porcellain which
was found in Dresden, and in Meissen was now
sold for the benefit of the Prussian treasury,
as booty. Schimmelman, a Saxon dealer, bought
it for 200,000 dollars, and by this means layed
the foundation for the immense riches, with
which he first visited Berlin, then Hamburg, and
lastly Copenhagen. He rose to the rank of a
Danish minister of state, and died the richest
man, who had ever existed in this northern
kingdom.
Frederic, however, left the palace in Dres-
den untouched. He often visited the celebrated
picture gallery, but without appropriating any
of the pictures, and always made handsome
presents to those in charge of it. But he <lid
not preserve this moderation with regard to the
Count de Bruhl, whom he looked upon as the
prime mover of the alliance, which Saxony had
formed with his enemies. This minister had a
beautiful residence a few leagues from Dres-
den; this was, by Frederic's orders, destroyed.
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41
A like fate attended his palace in Dresden,
as well as his garden, which was an ornament
to the town, and was open as a promenade to
all. Here, where art and nature had done so
much, all was laid waste, and the remains of
a pavilion long remained as a monument of a
vengeance, hardly to be expected from so wise
a king.
Thus in a moment disappeared the invalu-
able collections of a private individual which
were hardly to be equalled in brilliancy, and
rarity, by those of any king. Every thing, that
for beauty of workmanship, and from expense
was remarkable, and from its cost could not
find purchasers in London, or Paris, was bought
to ornament his palace The most choice of
these were at Dresden; every room decorated
with the most costly ornaments, and clocks of every
description. But the most extraordinary was the
remarkable wardrobe of this minister; whole
apartments were fitted up with closets full of
dresses, to each of which, there was a par-
ticular watch, sword and snuffbox, and the dresses
were painted in miniature, in a book, which
was daily laid before him for his' selection.
Of his forty footmen four alone had charge of
this treasure of clothes, which was rarely
shown to strangers; but this practice was en-
tirely given up, in consequence of a traveller
exclaiming contemptuously : "Montrez-moi des
vertus, et non pas des culottes."
The Saxon recruits, for the Prussian army,
were now called upon to serve. The Elector of
Saxony made the strongest remonstrances against
this, but to his representations on this subject,
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HISTOHY OK THK
Frederic replied, by requesting him not to trouble
himself with such matters. The states general
were not more fortunate in their remonstrances,
and, as they pleaded the necessity of obedience
to their sovereign, Frederic replied :"l am your
monarch, so long as I retain possession of
Saxony; therefore you are bound to obey me."
Frederic knew but too well that he could
expect no assistance from the republic of Poland ;
but not to neglect any of the forms of state
policy, he sent a requisition for the 4,000 men,
guaranteed by the treaty of Wehlau, for the
protection of the states of Brandenburg, and at
the same time, he requested the republic not
to allow the Russians to march through their
territory, as otherwise, the war would be car-
ried on in Poland. This request was not attended
to at Warsaw ; for even the nobles, who did
not adhere to the king, trembled before the
Russians. The Empress Elizabeth kept up this
fear by menaces, and the taking possession
of Elbing and Thorn, by which she made it
to be understood, that she would, with her
army, prevent the king from disturbing the
tranquillity of Poland.
The Austrians were very desirous of getting
possession of Konigstein ; they therefore deter-
mined on taking it by surprise, with the consent
of the Saxon Commandant. Frederic was in-
formed of this plan, and in a letter, reminded
the commandant of his duty, which was, not
to allow a fortress, which had been confided
to him, and declared neutral, to be taken ;
with the remark, that, as he looked upon the
fortress as impregnable, it was not possible
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SKVKN YEARS) WAS
that it could be taken unexpectedly by surprise.
Should it occur, he would be looked upon as
a traitor, and incur the penalty of the loss
of honour and life. This admonition had its
effect, and the attempt was not made. Frederic
was always on his guard, and learnt every
thing that was going on by his watchfulness.
The Countess Briihl received a cask of Hungar-
ian wine from Poland; this circumstance, in
itself, was of no importance, but occurring to
such a person, whose most trifling actions
were watched, it was communicated to the
king. He ordered the immediate delivery of
the wine, and only required to have the cask.
The wine was drawn off in the palace, in
presence of witnesses, and the cask, which
was lined with letters and papers, was brought
to the king.
The activity in preparations for war, which
were making in all the provinces of Germany,
surpassed all example for the last few centuries.
In all the previous wars, even under Charles
the Fifth, and Gustavus Adolphus, when the
people fought with the zeal of religion, the
preparations were not so great, as now, that
all the people of Germany flew to arms. The
fear of the immense power of the enemy
diminished every day the party in favour of
Prussia. Even the brother in law of Frederic,
the Duke of Brunswick, to save his dominions,
wished to give them over to France ; the Land-
graf of- Hesse Cassel hesitated, and seemed to
have forgotten the friendship of Prussia, and
the protection she had hitherto extended to him,
together with the subsidies of England. In
44
HISTORY OF THK
the south of Germany, theMarkgraf of Bayreuth
alone, preferred to sacrifice his territory to
sending troops against his royal brother in
law. Frederic was touched by this instance
of heroism, and as he looked upon the states
of the markgraf as the inheritance of his house,
he refused the sacrifice dependant upon his
adherence, and gave his consent to the sending '
the Bayreuth army contingent, to the army
assembled against him.
Thus was the army of the Empire brought
together, but it rather placed the honorable
and old German confederation in a laughable
position. The contingents with the exception
of the Bavarians, the Wurtem burgers, and the
troops from the Palatinate, and some few others,
were a horde of undisciplined men, divided in
bands of a motley appearance, and not unlike
the armies of the Crusaders. In Swabia and
Franconia, there were states of the Empire,
who only furnished a few men; many had
only to send a lieutenant without men, and he
was not unfrequently a farming man taken from
the plough; others sent only a drummer, and
gave him a drum from their old armoury.
Many nuns, in the convents, laid aside their
rosaries to embroider banners, which by the
blessings of the priests, should overcome the
heretics. Pigdrivers advanced to the sound of
the fife, and old and worn out cart horses
were supplied to carry dragoons. The prelates
of the Empire, who prided themselves upon being
the confederates of so great a monarch made
their servants shoulder the .musket, and sent
them to the army. Arms, accoutrements, baggage,
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SEVEN YK.ARS WAR
45
ail was incongruous, in this congregated herd
of men, to whom the name of soldiers was
given, and of whom great things were expected.
The court of the king in Warsaw, found
it very hard to bear their present position and
one indiscretion followed close on another:
Plesmann, the accredited Prussian secretary of
legation to the Republic of Poland, in con-
sequence of his zeal in the service of his king,
had not the favour of the Polish court, who
therefore determined on his downfall. He was
at this time on a journey in Saxony, and, as
lie passed by Reichenbach, fifty Austrian hussars
fell upon him, and carried him off to Egra,
where he was placed in chains, and treated as
a fellon ; illtreatment, which had such an effect
on his health, that for many months he could
not speak out loud. He was carried to Vienna,
and thrown into prison in a dark cell. His
servant, who was taken from him, met with
the same fate. This conduct remained for some
time concealed from Frederic ; when he became
aware of it, and insisted upon his being set at
liberty, he received for answer, that Plesman
was arrested at the instigation of the court of
Poland; Frederic, however, soon brought the
affair to an end. As master of Dresden he
had an extensive field for reprisals. He con-
tented himself with seizing on the person of
one man; the secretary of legation, Just, was
thrown into prison. The royal family were in
dismay, and the elector made representations to
Brtihl. For the first time this minister perceived
that it would not answer to irritate this
determined man any further, and Plesman, after
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HISTORY OK THE
■
an imprisonment of seven months, was set at
liberty.
In the mean time the greatest preparations
were made, to be able to open the campaign
early, in order to be beforehand with the allies.
The most to be feared of these were the Aus-
trians, and against them, Frederic determined
to unite his strength, in order to strike a deci-
sive blow, if posssible, before the other troops
should come up. The imperial court took an
opposite course, and confined themselves to the
defensive, in order to fall upon the king on all
sides, and annihilate him at once ; Brown there-
fore divided his army into four bodies, in order
to cover Bohemia. Frederic invaded this country
in the end of April, in live divisions, after
having made other movements to deceive the
enemy; and, to act also on the defensive, had
fortified positions in the neighbourhood of Dres-
den, to protect Saxony. The leaders of these
five armies were; Fieldmarshall Schwerin, who
marched from Silesia by Trawtenau, the Duke
of Bevern, who advanced by Zittau, Prince
Maurice of Anhalt-Dessau by Commotau, Prince
Henry of Prussia by Newstadtel, and Frederic
himself led the fifth through Peterswald. With
such precision was the march directed, and
completed with such order and punctuality, that
the five corps d'arme entered the Bohemian ter-
ritory on the same day. They made themselves
masters of a very large imperial magazine ; and
the Duke of Bevern, with 16,000 men, soon
fell in with the enemy, 28,000 strong, who
were encamped near Reichenberg, under the
command of Count Kdnigsegg. His position lay
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47
between two thickly wooded hills, and his order
of battle resembled a fortification; his infantry
represented the bastion, and his cavalry the
curtain. The Austrians were immediately at-
tacked, and after fighting for live hours, were
driven out of the field with a loss of 1600 men,
killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. The Prus-
sians lost 300 men. After this battle, the duke
advanced, and shortly after formed a junction
with Fieidmarshall Scbwerin, who had entered
Bohemia over the mountains of Silesia in five
columns, and had beaten the rear guard of the
imperial army at Alt-Bunzlau, consisting of
1500 men, who were dispersed or taken pri-
soners, but with the loss of General Warten-
berg who commanded on this occasion, and
was killed.
Frederic marched over the Bohemian moun-
tain Paskopol without opposition, and crossed
the Moldaw in presence of the enemy, who had
here collected all their force, and neglected this
invaluable opportunity of falling upon the king's
small and detached force, and at a time that
he would have been taken at a disadvantage.
There wras now a great spirit of jealousy among
the commanders of the imperial troops, which
showed itself in many striking instances, and
Brown was under the orders of Prince Charles
of Lorraine, who acted as commander in chief.
These generals expected no invasion of Bohemia,
and rather thought that the king would en-
deavour to defend himself in Saxony. Brown
wrote on the 9th of April to Keith, requesting
the return of the hostages taken in the preceed-
ing year from Bohemia, as without doubt the
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HISTORY OF THE
Prussians would not return. Under Frederic's
dictation, Keith wrote, that Brown was in the
right, and that the hostages should return to
Bohemia.
Early on the morning of the 6th of May, the
whole Prussian army 100,000 men concentrated
in the neighbourhood of Prague, and with ex-
ception of the troops under Keith, and Prince
Maurice, who remained on the other side of the
Moldaw, were in the immediate vicinity of this
capital. A few hours after commenced one of
the most remarkable battles, recorded in the
annals of warfare. The Prussian army, actually
in action, was 64,000 strong, and the Austrian
74,000. The latter were posted on fortified hills;
and the approaches were through marshy mea-
dows, ponds partly dried up, of which the bottoms
were muddy and covered with grass, dams and
small foot bridges over which, the soldiers could
only pass in single file. The Austrians remained
quiet in this strong position ; they were occupied
in cooking, and the cavalry were out in search
of forrage, when Frederic advanced; for not-
withstanding the reports brought in from the
outposts of his approach, they would not believe
that he was actually on the march. Prince
Charles now recalled the forraging parties of
cavalry, and met the attack of the Prussian
infantry, which was made with the greatest
courage and determination, in spite of the dis-
advantages of the ground. They could only cross
the dams in single file, and those who waded
through the meadows, often stuck in the clay
at every step they took. The regiments of Meier-
rinck and Treskow sank to their knees in the
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morass, and were with difficulty extricated. Bat
they all helped and encouraged one another.
Several battalions were forced to leave their
cannon behind, notwithstanding the need they
stood in of them. About one o'clock the diffi-
culties were overcome, and the Prussians began
to form in order of battle. Without waiting to
recover from their fatigue, they rushed on the
enemy, who received them with a heavy can-
nonade. Winterfeldt's regiment attacked one of
the batteries, but the greater part of his men
were killed This did not hinder the grenadier
battalion ofWfeden from advancing, crying out:
. "Comrades! let us come oh, you have gained
glory enough." The king had given orders not
to fire, but to charge with fixed bayonets. The
fire of the Austrian small arms was so fatal,
that the courage of the Prussians was checked
by the prospect of certain death, and several
Prussian regiments began to give way.
During this lime, the cavalry of both armies
were engaged ; Prince Schoneich who commanded
the Prussians, attacked the whole Austrian ca-
valry with a part of his own, and forced the
first rank to retreat; but his flank was turned,
and he was driven back by the second rank of
the enemy. The Prussian cavalry, however, formed
again received reinforcements, and attacked the
Austrians again with success. The line of the
Austrian cavalry was broken, and they were
driven back on their infantry, which they threw
into confusion. The Prussian hussars took ad-
vantage of this disorder, to rush in, and com-
plete their defeat. Fieldmarshall Schwerin was
actively engaged in endeavouring to form the
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HISTOHY OP THK
infantry, who had been driven back by the
heavy fire of the Austrians, and lead them
against the enemy. He placed himself at the
head of his regiment, got off his horse, and
with the words "Forwards my children!" seized
a banner which in his hand led the way to
victory. The Prussians followed in his path,
but alas! their noble leader fell to the ground,
killed by a musket ball, and covered with the
banner of his sovereign.
Many Prussian generals followed this ex-
ample, and led on their troops on foot. Prince
Henry of Prussia also leapt from his horse,
and stormed a battery at the head of his men.
The whole force of the Prussians now rushed
on the Austrians, and drove them back to their
tents, which had been left standing, that no
time might be lost
The Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick, Fre-
deric's greatest support on this occasion, as
well as during the whole war, remarked the
determination and courage of the enemy, whose
left wing still kept their position. He requested
the king to allow him to depart from the plan
of the battle, as he wished to turn the flank
of the Austrians. The answer was, he was to
act as he thought adviseable. Ferdinand led
forward some Prussian regiments, outflanked
the enemy, and attacked them in the rear ;
drove them from hill to hill, and made himself
master of seven redoubts, which were defended
by Austrian grenadiers, the picked soldiers of
the imperial army. The enemy were now in
great disorder, and one wing was nearly cut
off from the rest of the army; Frederic took
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advantage of this, and advancing into the space
between them, completed the .separation. Un-
fortunately for the Prussians, their light cavalry
was not come up, otherwise the destruction of
the imperial army would have been complete.
The defeated army now formed two bodies, the
smaller of which took to flight, and the other
threw themselves into Prague. This place of re-
fuge was chosen on the spur of the moment,
without consideration of the consequences of
such a step. The difficulties of this position
were apparent a few hours after, and the same
day, some faint endeavours were made to with-
draw from it; but the Prussians had taken
possession of ail the outlets from the town, as
far asthe darkness of night would permit, and
drove the Austrians back to the prison they
had chosen.
Such were the events of this remarkable
battle, which had lasted from nine in the morn-
ing till eight in the evening, and which from
the number of combatants, the blood spilt, the
faults committed by the defeated, the death of
one of the leaders at the moment of the greatest
disorder, the courage of both armies, the diffi-
culties that were surmounted, the consternation
caused by the defeat, might be compared to
the battle of Cannae, where Hannibal gained
a victory over the Romans. The defeat of the
Romans decided the fate of all Italy, with the
exception of Rome, and the defeat of the Aus-
trians would have decided the war, and changed
the whole political state of Germany, but for
a trifling circumstance, the want of a few pon-
tons. The army of Prince Maurice was above
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HISTORY OP THK
Prague, at Branic, on the other side of the
Moldaw, over which they wished to form a
bridge, to take the enemy in the rear. But the
river was swollen, which had not been allowed
for, and they had not sufficient pontons to com-
plete the bridge. These brave Prussians re-
mained spectators of the battle, and all that
Prince Maurice could do in this position, was
to cannonade the parties of defeated Austrians,
who were flying to join the army under Ge-
neral Daun.
The loss of the Prussians on this day was
16,500 killed and wounded, and 1500 were
taken prisoners. Many of their most celebrated
generals remained on the field of battle ; besides
Fieldmarshall Schwerin, the generals Prince of
Holstein, Prince of Anhalt, Goltz, Hautscharmoy;
Pouquet and Winterfeld were dangerously
wounded. The Austrian's loss upon this occasion
was 19,000 killed and wounded; and in this
number is included 5000 taken prisoners; 60
pieces of artillery, a number of colours and
standards, the military chest, and a considerable
quantity of baggage, fell into the hands of the
victors. The king wrote from the field of battle
to his mother: "I and my brother are both
well, the campaign is lost for the Austrians,
and I have 150,000 men in the field. We are
masters of a country, that will supply us both
with men and money. I shall send a part of
my army to pay their respects to the French,
and I will follow the Austrians with the rest."
Notwithstanding the decisive character of
this battle, the expectations of all Europe were
disappointed, with regard to the effects, which
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53
ought to have, but did not follow this victory.
Every body imagined that the Austrian army
which was put to flight, would be followed
and cut to pieces, arid that those who had
sought refuge in Prague would be forced to
capitulate by want and hunger; but the fate
of war frustrated the hopes of the Prussians,
shortly afterwards, and gave fresh courage to
their enemies. By the battle of Prague, each
of the conflicting parties lost one of their best
generals, for Fieldmarshall Brown died in con-
sequence of his wounds. Frederic regretted the
death of Schwerin, his preceptor in the art of
war ; he was in the habit of saying, "he would
be a perfect general, if he would only allow
one to come near him." After the end of the
war the king placed a statue on the Wilhelms-
platz in Berlin, in honour of him.
The death of this general has been com-
pared by some to that of Decius. Without
wishing to detract from the merit of the Prus-
sian general, the similarity does not appear to
us very great. The German general was not,
in spite of the danger, which his soldiers shared
with him, without hope of surviving the attack;
the Roman rushed on to the enemy, to meet a
death, which he had no hope of avoiding.
The last moments of Brown were embittered
by the fact of the army being shut up in
Prague. Suffering from the most dreadful agony,
he advised repeatedly, that the troops should rush
out, and that the cavalry should cut their way
through the enemy in the night. This advice,
had it been followed with decision, might have
had a successful issue. The Prussians had dearly
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HISTORV OF THK
purchased their victory; (hey were worn out
with the fatigue of the day, and in consequence
of the inequality of the ground, were not in
the best order of battle. The good advice of
the fieldmarshall Was not listened to, and a me-
lancholy fate awaited him; for he was doomed
to prolong his existence to be a spectator of
the scenes of distress in Prague. This large
city had now within its walls a whole army;
besides the garrison there were 50,000 men,
and all the principal generals of the army ;
amongst these the Saxon princes, Prince Fre-
deric of Zweibritcken, the hereditary Prince of
Modena, and Prince Charles of Lorrain. Fre-
deric invested the town, which was near ten
miles in circumference, and commanded all its
approaches by erecting batteries. He summoned
the enemy to surrender; the answer was, they
would defend themselves to the last. In the
beginning, it was supposed in Vienna that so
powerful an army could easily break through
the barriers of their prison; but their repeated and
fruitless attempts, carried out in despair, were
useless; and the Austrians driven back by the
lire of the batteries, were forced to return
to their rations of horseflesh. This was the
food of the army at the end of the first week ;
the horses of the cavalry and artillery were
slaughtered, and the meat sold. Such an extra-
ordinary occurrence, as the whole army being
shut up in this city had not been thought of, so
that the magazines in the town, were badly
provided, the troops were in want of every
thing, and the eighty thousand inhabitants were
in danger of dying from hunger.
SKVKN YKARS WAR.
55
The want of order and regularity of the
army in the town, was beyond expression.
In order to drive the Prussians out of the
Mansfield garden, a vigorous sortie was made
under the command of General Buttlar. The
party eonsisted of volunteers, grenadiers and
1000 Croats, who marched in advance. These
troops had to scale a wall seven feet high,
and they were sent without being provided
with ladders; they had doors to break through,
and had no axes for the purpose. The Croats,
whose activity had been much exercised by the
habits of their youth, overcame these difficulties;
the walls were scaled, and they fell upon the
Prussians. But the resistance of the latter,
and the want of axes, rendered their courage
useless ; for tfce other troops were forced to
remain on the other side of the wall. These,
who were commanded by General Materni, not
to be idle, and without regard for their brave
companions threw, by his command, a great
number of hand grenades, by which several
hundred Croats were either killed or wounded,
and facilitated the work of the Prussians in
driving them out of the gardens. The remainder
fell back upon the grenadiers, who deceived
by their blue dress, in the twilight of morning,
received them with repeated discharges of
musketry ; had the Prussians not stopped their
pursuit, all the Croats would have been killed.
Such was the disorder and confusion in the
besieged army, and such ill directed, and ill
appointed undertakings could not succeed. In
order to excuse their want of success, and to
take the blame from the generals, every thing
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-
that went wrong, was attributed to the feeling,
that was said to exist in the town, in favour
of the king of Prussia; which in reality neither
existed in the army, nor amongst the citizens.
All the princes had their quarters in the
Clementinum, a very large Jesuit's College. The
position of this building protected its inhabitants
from the shells of the enemy; nevertheless the
precaution was taken of protecting the windows
with boards and straw. The removal of every
possible danger, and their well supplied tables,
notwithstanding the sarcity in the town, caused
ennui to , the young princes, who to pass their
time entered into different puerile games amongst
one another. The hereditary Prince of Modena
took no part in these amusements; he was
ill, but incessantly occupied in relieving the
sufferings of those around him, and he devided
his provision of wine among the wounded
soldiers. His example was not followed, but
rather that of the Prince Charles of Lorrain,
whose bigotry was excessive, and who daily
attended high-mass.
These religious exercises, and other occupa-
tions, diminished the anxiety for the distresses
of the army, and the dangers of a town besieged
by so powerful an enemy ; so much so, that the
most simple precautions of defence were ne-
glected. A trifling circumstance, the walk of a
monk during the early part of the siege, was
the saving of Prague, and the monarchy. This
man, whose name was Setzling, perceived a
column of dust approaching the northern side of
the town. He conceived this to be a body of
Prussians, whose object was to take possession
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of the Belvedere, a height which commanded
the Moldaw, and which together with the vil-
lage of Buben, was not occupied. He assured
himself of the fact with his telescope, by as-
cending the observatory, and hastened to com-
municate it. Some thousands of Croats now
took possession of the height, and the vil-
lage, and thus defeated the intention of the
Prussians, who would otherwise have fallen
upon the portion of Prague, which lies on
that side of the river. From this time, the ob-
servatory was occupied ; not by officers, but by
four hussars, who were to watch on all sides
with telescopes, and make a report every quar-
ter of an hour.
Prague, although not strongly fortified, was
still a strong position for 50,000 men. It was
now regularly besieged, and more closely in-
vested. As the principal object was to burn the
storehouses, and thereby to increase the exist-
ing distress, shells and red hot shot were
thrown into the town, which set fire to num-
bers of houses. Twelve thousand of the inhabi-
tants were driven out of the town, to diminish
the consumption of provisions; but the can-
nonade of the besiegers drove them back into
the town. At the end of the third week of
the siege, the whole of the new town and the
Jews* quarter, were in ashes; also several
storehouses with their stores of provisions, were
destroyed. Helpless old men, women and chil-
dren were killed by the shells, or crushed by
the falling houses. The misery was beyond
description; the streets were eiicumbered with
carts and horses, the churches were full of the
58
HISTORY OF THK
sick and the wounded, and men and animals
died off as in time of plague. The clergy, the
magistrates and the citizens supplicated for mercy
from Prince Charles, which he could not here
exercise. He sought for a capitulation, and
desired to be allowed to march out of the town ;
of this Frederic would not hear, and offered
conditions which it was not considered right to
accept. During this time the Prussians had to
contend, not only against the enemy, but like-
wise the elements. A dreadful storm, accom-
panied by torrents of rain, tore their tents to
pieces, and flooded their camp. The Moldaw
became so swollen, that it overflowed its banks,
and destroyed the Prussian bridge of boats over
the river at Branic. The pontons were carried
away by the stream, whose course carried them
to Prague, and the Austrians seized four and
twenty of them ; the Prussians saved the others
from falling into their hands. But the position
of the besieged was not improved; indeed it
daily, hourly became worse, and the many
generals in Prague who continually held coun-
cils of war, knew not what to advise. The
hope of cutting their way through the enemy
was extinct, aud their dependance upon the
army of General Daun, which was at Kollin,
was very slight. A most courageous sortie under
the command of their best generals, and with
an army consisting of half the troops in the
town, was as fruitless as the former had been.
The Austsians fought with desperation for five
hours, and were driven back. But the most
successful attack upon the Prussians would have
been no avail to the Austrians, without cavalry,
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or heavy cannon, and what was still worse, worn
out by hanger, and without provisions. A con-
tinued march with all these wants, in the pre-
sence of a watchful and well provided enemy,
was impossible. Nothing remained but to sub-
mit to their fate.
Such was the critical position of Maria
Theresa; all the passes of her kingdom of Bo-
hernia towards Lusatia, Voigtlarid, Saxony, and
Silesia, in the hands of the Prussians; the
flower of her troops, her most celebrated ge-
nerals shut up in Prague, the rest of her army
beaten, disheartened, and dispersed, in small
bodies, so that she was in want of defenders
for her own country ; the capital of Bohemia
reduced to the last extremity by hunger and
lire ; the army on the point of laying down its
arms, and submitting to be made prisoners, and
the whole kingdom, even to the provinces ad-
jacent to Austria, ready to fall into the power
of the conqueror. All hope of succour from
Saxony was cut off, the imperial hereditary
lands were exposed to the attacks of the enemy,
and even Vienna was not safe from a siege.
The Prussians, who since 1741 had been
victorious in eight battles, and had not been
once defeated, were looked upon as invincible,
and to their king nothing was impossible. The
dismay in the imperial city was unbounded
they fancied the conqueror was already at its
gates, and were consulting upon the means of
inducing him to make peace by great sacrifices.
His favourable position was sacrificed by a
too hasty determination on the part of Frederic
which could only be excused by the pressing
60 HISTORY OK THB
danger of his position. The siege of Prague
had lasted longer than he expected; and he
knew that the Russians, the Swedes, the French,
and the troops of the Empire were approaching
his dominions from all sides. Every day was
of value to him ; always victorious; he thought
not of the possibility of a defeat; he therefore
left the greater part of his army before Prague,
and marched with 12,000 men to unite with
the Duke of Severn, and attack General Daun,
and thus destroy all the hopes of the besieged.
This general had come from Moravia to
join the principal corps d'armee of the Austrians,
and on the day of the battle of Prague, he
was eight leagues from that city. His proximity
saved the Austrians, who had fled from the
field of battle. The number of these fugitives
was 16,000; these he added to his army, in
which he received several small bodies from
the states of the Empire. The three battalions
in garrison at Vienna joined the army in Bo-
hemia, and this city, the seat of pride, was
now left to be defended by a few invalids.
With these reinforcements, Daun was encamped
upon the hill at Kollin, with 60,000 men, where
he had carefully intrenched himself. The cir-
cumspection of this general and his contracted
capabilities of acting on the offensive, made it
most probable, that, noth withstanding the ex-
press orders of his court, he would not take
any decisive, at any rate not any effectual
steps for assisting the besieged; in addition to
this, his troops were depressed, and the very
name of the Prussians sounded fearfully in their
ears. The Duke of Bevem, who was sent
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against him with 20,000 Prussians, took ad-
vantage of this, and under Dauns eyes/ seized
upon several well-stored magazines. The light
troops of the Austrians were not, however, in-
active, and 4000 Croats attacked a number of
provision waggons, which under the command
of Major Biilerbeck, were being escorted to
the army. He had only 800 infantry with him,
and notwithstanding the inequality of numbers,
he defended himself for three hours, and reached
the Prussian camp in safety. The king, at the
head of his troops, now formed a junction with
the Duke of Severn, and attacked the enemy
on the 18th of June. Daun had in the mean
time changed his position ; one of his lines was
formed on the declivity of the hill, the other
upon the summit ; in advance of him lay vil-
lages, hollows, and precipitous heights, in some
places inaccessible ; and a well placed and nu-
merous artillery rendered him fearless of any
attack. Nevertheless the attack was made on
the Austian right wing under General Hulsen,
and carried on with a courage, and decision,
which astonished the enemy. Seven times the
Prussians renewed the attack against the Au-
strians in their strong position, driven back by
their heavy fire, forming again, to renew it
again. Full of warlike ardour they clambered
over the bodies of their companions, as over
heaps of earth. But accident, and not courage,
nor science in the art of war, decided the fate
of this day. The Prussians had already gained
great advantages ; the right wing of the enemy
was beaten, the body of cavalry under the
command of General Nadasti, had been driven
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HISTORY OF THK
tack as far as KolLin by General Ziethen, so
that it was completely separated from the army
of Daun, who had already determined on re-
treating, and the aids-de-camp were on their
way to each wing with orders for this purpose.
The cannon were being removed, and the secret
order under Daan's own hand, in pencil, to the -
generals, was: "The retreat is to Suchdol;"
when the fate of the day was changed, and the
balance turned most unexpectedly to the dis-
advantage of Frederic.
The orders and wishes of the king were
never so badly executed as on this day. The
right wing was to have cooperated with the
left, by keeping a certain position, without
coming into action. This was not done; Prince
Maurice of Dessau, one of his best generals,
allowed himself to be guided by the imprudence
of General Manstein, who entered into pursuit
of a party of Croats. Maurice, instead of
steadily advancing with the main body of the
army, broke the time by halting to support
Manstein. By this means the whole disposition
of the army became changed, and fell into dis-
order; an attack was made, were there should
have been none.
The Austrians behaved with the greatest
bravery. The Hungarian infantry regiment of
Haller, had expended all their ammunition; at
the moment it was impossible to get a supply.
In this dilemma the Hungarians, who would
not fall back, had recourse, not to their bayo-
nets, but shouldering their muskets, to their
swords; they rushed on the Prussians, did great
execution, but in their turn suffered severity ,
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for the greater part of this regiment was cat
to pieces by the Prussian cavalry.
The Prussian battalions, which were much
thinned by the fire of the enemy, now formed
in small bodies with considerable intervals, of
which the cavalry took advantage to charge
the enemy, and with great success ; but a cuirassier
regiment following this example, came under the
fire of a battery, were completely put to the
rout, and threw the infantry regiments in their
rear into disorder. The order of battle which
had been deranged by many errors, increased
the disorder which already existed in the right
wing. Some Saxon regiments of cavalry who
were in Daun's army, now fell upon the Prus-
sians without orders from Daun, but by those
of Colonel Benkendorf, who took upon himself
to take this decisive step. When once the line
of infantry is broken by the cavalry, nothing
remains for them but to be cut to pieces or
taken prisoners ; so was it with the Prussians
at Kollin, nothwithstanding their courage ; whole
squadrons of horse rushed onwards, but even
in this confusion of men and horse, the body
guard of the king formed into solid squares,
and fired by platoons with the same order and
regularity as if they had been on parade ; but
fresh bodies of Saxon cavalry came up, and taking
the Prussians in the rear, forced them to give
up this unequal fight. The Saxon dragoons thirsted
for revenge; the defeat they had met with
twelve years previously in Silesia, still rankled
in their minds, and as they cut down the Prus-
sians they constantly exclaimed: "Take that
for Striegau!" All those who came within the
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HISTORY OP THK
reach of these men, were either cut down or
made prisoners; the body guard of Frederic,
which consisted of a thousand of the finest sol-
diers, for the most part foreigners, but educated
at Potsdam in the military school, were com-
pletely cut to pieces. They fought, as if for their
country, to the very last, and covered the
ground with their bodies; only two hundred
and fifty survived this day.
The Austrians remained masters of the field
of battle ; it was nine in the evening, and the
left wing of the Prussians, who were victorious,
and knew nothing of the defeat, were going
to encamp and celebrate the victory, wben
news came that the battle was lost, and that
they must retreat. Prince Maurice came in
person to give this order; the troops formed
immediately in line to attack the enemy; the
Austrian soldiers seemed to think it was not
right to do things by halves, and the right wing,
without orders, began to descend the heights,
to attack the Prussians; but they were stopped
by the command to halt, which ran through
the ranks The leaders of the Austrians re-
mained quiet spectators of the novelty of the
Prussians retiring from the field of battle, and
thus Frederic was enabled to retreat, without
molestation, from this part of the field of battle,
which he had retained until late in the night;
his retreat was made with the greatest order
and military judgment. His loss was 8000 men
of his best infantry, but only 16 pieces of
cannon, which could not be removed, in con-
sequence of the horses being killed. The Au-
strians lost 9000 killed and wounded ; the loss
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of the Saxons was also considerable, but to
tliem was attributed the glory of the victory,
and they had now, within a twelvemonth,
twice rescued the Austrian monarchy, at Pirna
and at Kollin.
This defeat dispirited the Prussians; over
accustomed to victory, it filled their minds with
evil forebodings for the future, and many of
the commanders, even of high rank, who had
hitherto cared but little for the enemy who
was advancing on all sides, from thinking that
good fortune had attached itneif to Frederic,
were now disheartened; they thought of the
famous Charles the XII., who for nine years
carried every thing before him, until on one
unfortunate day the blind goddess deserted and
forsook him for ever ; this they applied to their
own case, and exclaimed: "This is our Pul-
towa!"
The king collected his scattered forces at
Nimburg; likeMarius on the ruins of Carthage,
Frederic sat deep in tbought, without raising
his head, and- making figures with his stick in
the sand; the future was fearful to think of.
At last he sprang up, and gave his orders to
the soldiers, as they arrived, with cheerfulness.
He gathered together the small remains of his
hody guard; all the soldiers of this chosen
hotly were known to him personally ; their names,
their age, their country. Many had he honoured
with his favour, and had determined to push
their fortunes; but they were no more; in a
few hours they had all fallen; they had fought
like heroes, and for him had died. Never upon
the occasion of any of the misfortunes of his
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life, but this, was Frederic known to shed a
tear, but now he wept.
The rejoicings at Vienna were beyond all
bounds; the most brilliant fetes were given,
great presents made, and medals struck in
honour of the victory; all the officers who were
present, received an addition to their pay ; the
wounded the same, and the soldiers a gratuity ;
and in order to render this day for ever me-
morable to the Austrians, the order of Theresa
was instituted, and one of the statutes of the
order required, that the 18th of June should be
always celebrated to perpetuate the memory of
this victory.
Shortly after this battle Frederic wrote a
remarkable letter to his friend, the Lord Marshall,
which well describes his feelings. In it he
says: "Good fortune, my dear Lord, leads us
often to put too much confidence in our powers;
three and twenty battalions were not troops
sufficient to force sixty thousand men from
a strong position ; another time the affair shall
be better arranged. Fortune has this day turned
her back upon me; I should have been prepared
for it; She is a woman, and I do not pay my
court to the sex; she has declared herself for
the ladies, and I am their opponent. What
say you to this alliance of the Markgraf of
Brandenburg? How astonished the great Frederic
William would be to see his grandson hand
and glove with the Russians, the Austrians,
nearly all Germany and the French! I do not
know, whether it would be a disgrace to me
to succomb, but I well know it will be no honour
to overcome me."
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This philosophy under his misfortune dimin-
ished the number of his unarmed enemies, and
increased the number of his admirers. Frederic's
position had, by this one defeat, become fearful ;
his best expectations had disappeared, and his
overthrow seemed unavoidable ; as if mis-
fortunes of all kinds were to come on him at
once, he received, a few days after the battle,
the news of the death of his mother, whom he
had always tenderly loved. She had pined
away, from anxiety for the future, from the
beginning of the war, and the defeat of the
Prussians was her death blow.
The battle of Kollin decided the fate of the
besieged in Prague, and the siege was raised
on the 20th of June, two days after the battle,
and after having lasted forty four days. The
retreat of the Prussians was made with the
greatest order, and not secretly; they left the
trenches with their bands playing, but not
withoqt loss. A number of wounded and some
cannon fell into the hands of the enemy, who
now hurried out of their prison, and fell upon
the rear of the retreating army. The dangerous
position of these was benefitted by the
arrangements of the king, who very wisely
divided his force in several separate bodies,
and thus deceived the enemy; this facilitated
the march through the Bohemian mountains.
In addition to this, the inactivity of the Austrian
commanders was taken every advantage of by
their watchful and active enemy, which was
the cause of the Prussians recovering, most
unexpectedly, the greater part of the cannon
the}' had left behind. This was mostly in the
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HISTORY OF THK
village of Tuchomierziz near Prague. Notice
of its being there was given to tlie Austrians,
immediately that the siege was raised, but they
did not attempt to make themselves masters
of this booty, until three days after. It was
now too late; the peasants met the troops,
sent for this purpose, with complaints, for, in
the mean time, the rear guard of the Prussians
had not only taken the cannon, but also driven
away all the cattle from the village and the
neighbourhood.
The eyes of the king were now turned upon
the defence of his own provinces, which required
psotection; for the battle of Kollin was the
signal for the French, Russians, Swedes and
troops of the Empire to fall upon the Prussian
states. The authorities of the Empire declared
the king, in due form, to be the enemy of the
Empire; the Russians, with 100,000 men, invaded
the kingdom of Prussia, which was defended
by 30,000 men, at whose head was Fieldmarshall
Ley wald ; the principal body of the French
army had taken possession of the whole oT
Westphalia; an other body of French troops
united with the troops of the Empire, to invade
Saxony, and the Swedes were embarked on
the Baltic to fall on Pomeraiiia.
The Prussian subjects of Frederic, who,
notwithstanding these fearful prospects, never
despaired of the fortunes of their king, looked
upon his ruin as their own, and participated in
the fame of his great deeds, determined to he
active in his support. Frederic had always
governed them with mildness, and by good
laws, and at that time, the French system of
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finance bad not been thought of in the Prussian
states. They were anxious to display this love
to their king, as well as their patriotism, to
the world. The states general of Pomerania
assembled of their own accord, and determined
to raise and keep on foot, at their own ex-
pence, 5000 men. The states general of Bran-
denburg, and also those of Magdeburg and
Halberstadt, followed their example, and re-
spectively raised 5000 and 2000 men ; these
were soldiers who did not belong to the regular
army. These provinces also furnished a number
of Hussars, who served during the whole war,
and under the command of General Werner,
and Belling distinguished themselves greatly.
A great difficulty lay in the way of forming
these troops; there was a deficiency of officers,
but this was soon remedied; men, who had
become gray in the service, and lived retired
on their estates, joined immediately, and sen ed
in different ranks. In Stettin a small fleet was
equipped, consisting of two frigates carrying
20 guns, three brigs of 10, and nine other
vessels carrying 6 guns each.
This patriotism was displayed throughout
the kingdom ; in order to save the king's studs,
the horses Mere distributed among the farmers;
in the Westphalian provinces Minden, and Ra-
vensberg, which were in the hands of the
enemy, their efforts were very much contracted
by their position; but they showed their in-
tentions by keeping the revenue from the enemy,
wherever it was possible, and sending it to
their monarch. This was also done in the other
provinces which were in the hands of the enemy,
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and they would not, throughout Westphalia,
permit any deserters to remain in their neigh-
bourhood, although these thought themselves
safe under the protection of the French; they
were driven out of the country with shame
and contempt, and forced to join their regiments
again. The army was in want of horses; the
President Blumenthal, afterwards minister of
state, induced the inhabitants of Magdeburg,
and Haiberstadt to give up theirs to the king.
The nobility, the clergy, citizens, and farmers,
all united to make this sacrifice; people gave
up their own comfort, took their horses from
their carriages, and sent them, to the number
of 4000, to remount the cavalry. Fieldmarshall
Brown was now dead, and theAustrians were
under the command of Prince Charles and Ge-
neral Daun. These generals had increased their
strength since the retreat of Frederic, of which
they wished to take advantage ; they invaded
Lusatia which the Prince of Prussia, the eldest
brother of the king, defended with a strong
body of men, on the Bohemian frontier. A great
mistake was made by the Prussians in their
movements, by which the pass of Gabel was
lost; General Puttkammer defended it for three
days with four battallions against 20,000 Aus-
trians, but was at last obligecTto retire, having
received no reinforcements. After this the Prus-
sians withdrew from Bohemia, and retired on
Lusatia, but not without loss of their baggage,
and pontons, which were destroyed, in the
passes of the mountains. At last the king formed
a junction with this corps at Bautzen, highly
discontented with what had occurred; he re-
X
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ceived the generals of his brother's army very
coldly, and made use of the expression, that
they deserved to lose their heads, always ex-
cepting General Winterfeld ; with the prince,
whose fault was want of decision, he was so
displeased, that he immediately left the army,
and went to Berlin, where he died the follow-
ing year.
The army under General Daun besieged the
town of Zittau, one of the most flourishing
manufacturing towns in Germany, and in which
there was a magazine of the Prussians. The
impetuosity of the enemy went so far, that in
order to gain possession of this unfortified town,
which was merely defended by a few battal-
ions, and which actually belonged to an ally,
they threw a large number of shells, and red
hot shot into it ; and the consequence was, that
this beautiful, rich and densely populated town
was in a few hours reduced to a heap of ashes ;
an act of barbarity to which they were incited
by the Prince Xavier of Saxony, who was
present, and who imagined that the inhabitants
were not favourable to the cause of the Aus-
trians. Upwards of three hundred citizens were
buried under the ruins of the houses, of which
only sixty remained standing; and the loss of
property by this wanton devastation was enor-
mous, for it was above ten millions of dollars.-
The Prussian garrison cut their way through
the enemy, and only a sm£ll number who could
not, in consequence of the flames, join their com-
panions, were taken prisoners. All these mis-
fortunes stimulated the king to fresh exertious,
and he wished to attack the enemy in their
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strong intrenchments ; and lie advanced for this
purpose into the immediate neighbourhood of
their camp at Ostritz; some of his generals,
however, whose advice he asked, placed the
danger, and uselessness of this undertaking, in
such a strong light before him, that he gave
up his intention.
Laudon, who afterwards became so cele-
brated, now appeared at the head of 2000
Croats, posted at the foot of the Bohemian
mountains, and by his position rendered the
road into Saxony unsafe; General Manstein who
was covered with wounds at the battle at Kol-
lin, and of which defeat he had been the cause,
was attacked by these Croats, as he was on
his way into Saxony with an escort of 300
recruits. Laudon attacked and dispersed the
escort ; Manstein who was in a carriage, rolled
up in bandages, sprang out of it, defended
himself like a madman, and notwithstanding
they were desirous to save his life, he was
deaf to all remonstrance, and was cut to pieces ;
in consequence of this, Laudon was promoted
to the rank of general. His commission which
was sent to him from Vienna, fell into the hands
of some Prussian hussars; the king sent it to
him, and at the same time wished him joy of
his promotion. <
Frederic now attacked the position of Daun,
who had formed a very strong encampment on
the Neisse, where hp was very much annoyed
by the Prussian light troops ; and the Prussian
General Werner, who had so distinguished
himself in this war, and was an Hungarian
and a protestant, carried on these attacks with
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zeal. He had left the imperial service, where
he was neglected, as more was thought of his
religious opinions than of his services; in ad-
dition to this was the hatred of General Nadasti,
and these causes induced him to enter the
Prussian service. Ambition, hatred and revenge
united in the bosom of this general to make
him anxious to impress upon the minds of his
enemies his worth, and their loss. lie was
especially desirous of making Nadasti prisoner;
ever in activity, he followed him on the inarch,
and in quarters, and often in the night he
crossed the country, to appear unexpectedly in
his rear; he kept him constantly in a state of
uncertainty, and was more thau once on the
point of attaining his much desired object.
Nadasti once escaped with so much difficulty
that the whole of his baggage, and the escort,
fell into the hands of Werner; in this a number
of letters were found, from the Queen of Poland,
in which she imparted information to this gener 1.
Many such letters had already fallen into the
hands of the Prussians written at the time that
she was sending her compliments every morning
to the king ; in which letters she was inciting
the Saxon soldiers, in the pay of the Prussians,
to revolt or to desert. Fink, the commandant
of Dresden, showed these letters to the queen,
and in order to put a stop to the continuation
of a correspondence, so disadvantageous to the
interest of the king, the most stringent means
were adopted ; the writer of the letters, Schoen-
berg, although only acting by the command of
his sovereign, was seized and sent to Spandau,
where he remained during the whole of the war ; he
ARCHENHOLZ. 3
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74 HISTORY OF THK
was only released by a separate article of
the treaty of peace, and received a handsome
reward for his sufferings.
Daun remained quiet in his camp; however
anxious the king might he for a battle, the
imperial general was equally desirous of not
meeting the Prussians in an open field of battle,
at any rate nom> that the allied armies were
advancing from all quarters. A French body
of troops had already reached Erfurt, and other
troops of this nation were advancing from' (he
west; the troops of the Empire advanced from
the South, the Russians from the East, and the
Swedes who were already in Pomerania, came
from the North.
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75
BOOK III.
Campaign of the French in 1757. They cross the Rhine
— Battle of Hastenbeck— Capitulation of Klostcr
Seeven. — The Russians invade Prussia — Battle of
Grossjagersdorf— Invasion of Pomerania by the Swe-
des ; driven to the island of Rugen — Battle of Ross-
bach— Death of the Queen of Poland— Battle of
Gorlitz, death of Winterfeld — Battle of Breslau —
Battle of Leuthen— End of the campaign.
« *
At the time of these occurrences in Ger-
many, France had taken the most decisive stepa
towards the prosecution of the war. Here, as
in Austria private feeling got the upper hand
of state policy; the Duchess of Pompadour,
flattered by the Empress Theresa, the minister
of war, Argenson, who was always anxious
to extend his authority, the Dauphinesg, who
always in tears was entreating for assistance,
and even King Lewis himself, jealous of the
greatness of Frederic, all were unanimous in
employing the whole power of France, to destroy
the Prussian monarchy. The jealousy of Lewis
was tinged with somewhat of hatred, in con-
Dig
76
HISTORY OF THIS
sequence of his having heard of some jests
made on him by Frederic. In addition to this
came the strong contrast of their mode of liv-
ing, in their respective palaces of Versailles
and Sanssonci; and the remonstrances of Car-
dinal Bernis, who was much beloved, both by
the king and his mistress, and, who was not
disposed for war, were not listened to, not-
withstanding: they were urged with much reason,
eloquence and justice. In vain he insisted upon
the most simple truths, upon the maxims, as
regarded foreign policy, which had been esta-
blished from long experience; on the political
position of Germany, on the empty state of the
treasury, and the want of generals. In oppo-
sition to this, they brought forward the power
of the allies, and its natural consequence, the
rapidity and facility of the victory to be gained ;
in addition to this the cherished expectation of
depriving England of her much valued Hano-
ver, and then by its restitution to destroy the
faith of treatres and thus effectually to alienate
Great Britain and Prussia.
A large French army now began its march,
under the command of Marshall D'Estrees, grand-
son of Louvois, the minister of Lewis the XIV,
He had distinguished himself by his military
talents in the Netherlands, and was reckoned
by the Great Marechal Saxe, as one of the best
French generals, and he proved himself not
unworthy of this honour. He crossed the Rhine,
and the Weser, took possession of the fortress
of Wesel, which had been deserted by the Prus-
sians, also the Dutchles of Cleves, and East
Friesland, overran the whole of Westphalia,
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made himself master of the territories of Cassel,
$nd laid Hanover under contribution.
Here they were not well prepared for re-
sistance. It is true a corps of observation, con-
sisting of Hanoverians, Hessians, Brunswickers,
and a few battalions of other troops together
with a few thousand Prussians, had been as-
sembled in the spring, but these, in all, only
amounted to 40,000 men, and were too small
a body to resist the power of the French army,
which was more than 100,000 strong. What
made the position of these troops worse, was
the inefficiency of their leader, the Duke of
Cumberland, who possessed but little talent in
the art of war, though considered a good gen-
eral in consequence of his victory over the
Scotch, .at the battle of Culloden, hut whose
principal merit consisted in being the son of
George the Second. The Hanoverian ministry
had formed a very inefficient plan of operations,
in consequence of their ignorance in the art of
war, and this was approved of by the Duke of
Cumberland, but not by Frederic. It was in
vain the King of Prussia sent to the British
monarch a plan formed after deep considera-
tion, and which would have been highly ad-
vantageous to the interest of all. George the
Second, although he had been present at the
battle of Dettingen, knew nothing of warfare,
and having to decide between the plan of an
experienced general, Tind that of a minister
who had probably never seen a camp, he chose
the latter, which was restricted to the defence
of the Weser; and he sent back to Germany
the Hanoverian and Hessian troops, which had
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78 HISTORY OF THB
been required by the fears of the ministry, in
the beginning of the war, to protect the coast
of England. Frederic made a last effort, and
sent General Schmettau to Hanover, who, in
addition to his military talents, was possessed
of great powers of eloquence ; but these were
thrown away on the Hanoverian ministry. They
persisted in their plan, deceived by the pro-
mises of France, who had made their inactivity
the price of neutrality.
The Duke vf Cumberland, closely pressed
by the French army, always retreated with his.
At last the two armies were engaged at the
village of Hastenbeck near Hameln on the 26th
of July. The allied army was posted upon
heights between the Weser and a thicket. The
French attacked them here and, after meeting
with a spirited defence, made themselves masters
of some batteries and one of the heights. The
duke who lost all courage and prudence, left
the field of battle, and retired on Hameln, at
the very moment, that the hereditary Prince of
Brunswick had retaken a battery, and that the
Hanoverian Colonel Breitenbach had gained such
considerable advantage as to remain master of
the field of battle till night, when he joined the
duke with the cannon and colours he had taken.
This commander was now in despair at the
blunders he had made, but the list of which
was shortly to be increased. His loss consisted
in upwards of three hundred killed, nine hundred
wounded, and two hundred and twenty prisoners.
For the advantage the French had gained,
they were principally indebted to General
Chevest, who previous to the commencement
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of the battle had taken the Marquis Brehault,
who commanded under him, by the hand, and
with hero.ic enthusiasm said to him: "Swear
by the honour of a brave man, that you will
sooner see every one of your men dead on the
field of battle than give way." Brehault swore,
and kept his word. He was colonel of a regi-
ment from Picardy. Lewis the XV., to reward
him for his conduct, offered him a pension of
2000 livres. Brehault answered, that be had
not acted with the hope of reward, and begged
that the pension might be divided amongst the
officers who most wanted it. He was required
to point out those who had most distinguished
themselves; his answer was: "None of us did
more than his companions; all fought bravely,
and are ready to do it again. I must therefore
give in the names as they stand in the regi-
mental list.1'
The victory was however but trifling and
not followed by any consequences of importance,
had it not been, that, from anxiety for the ar-
chives of Hanover and other valuables, which
for security had been removed to Stade, the
duke, in spite of all remonstrances of his ge-
nerals, took the decisive step of marching with
his whole army to the North, to defend this
town. The consequences of this retreat were
soon apparent ; Hameln which was well provis-
ioned and provided with ammunition, surrendered
on the first summons; Mind en offered to capi-
tulate, and the town of Hanover sent commis-
sioners to regulate the contributions.
Frederic now withdrew his troops from the
allied army. The astonished . Duke of Cumber-
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HISTORV OK THK
land was however soon enclosed by the French,
cut off from the Elb and, placed in such a po-
sition that nothing remained for him but to
capitulate. This was done on the 8th of Sep-
tember at Kloster Seeven under the guarantee
of the King of Danemark. The principal article
of this capitulation was, that the Hessians and
the troops from Brunswick, Gotha and Bucke-
burg should be disbanded, but the Hanoverians
should remain in the neighbourhood of Stade.
The Danish ambassador Count Lynar was
the author of this extraordinary convention, in
which the state policy of the 18th century was
nowhere apparent ; Count Lynar in fact said,
that it was not dictated by such earthly know-
ledge, but by inspiration from heaven. He, in
a well known letter, attributed this masterpiece
of diplomacy to divine inspiration, which, to
use his own expression, had given him power
to stop the French army, even as power had
been given to Joshua to stop the course of
the sun.
.The Marshall D'Etrees had not the honour
of this capitulation, as the command had been
taken from him, by the court intrigues of the
Prince de Soubise. This prince not only the
creature, but also the favourite, of the Duchess
de Pompadour, was named by the court to a
command of a detached body of the army under
the marshall. The disputes of these two com-
manders soon broke out, and the Marshall
D'Etrees was in consequence sacrificed, and
nothing but the fear of turning all the marshal Ls
against her, prevented the powerful mistress
from nominating her beloved Soubise to the
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rank of commander in chief. She allowed her-
self, to be persuaded to give it to the Duke de
Richelieu, notwithstanding her hatred of him,
hut who in order to gain her over, had pro-
mised to allow her to nominate all the com-
missaries of the army; an offer which produced
its effect. This general found every thing ready
for his triumph in the army, and nothing could
be easier than to enjoy the honours already
prepared for him.
In the short space of eleven months, this
was the second army of well disciplined and
courageous soldiers, who had been forced to
capitulate ; but they were disposed of in a very
different manner, in these two different instances.
Frederic allowed the Saxon army to remain
intact, that they might fight for him ; Richelieu,
who now commanded in the place of D'Estrees,
did the same with the Hanoverians and Brun-
swickers, but without any intentions as to their
future destination. They were not treated as
prisoners of war, neither dismissed, disarmed,
nor disbanded; the order of their march was
regulated, but their future destination was not
fixed. The French commander thought, that
these troops, who hated the French, would
merely by his orders, remain in a state of in-
activity ; in addition- to this error, Richelieu
treated the convention as an uncertain political
negociation, whereas he had the right to look
upon it, as a fixed military convention.
All the western provinces and towns of the
King of Prussia were in the possession of his
enemies, with the exception of Geldern. The
French under the command of Count Beausobre,
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blockaded the fortress ; in consequence of the
river and the ditch, the siege was attended
with great difficulties; they were therefore
anxious to take it by surprise, for which the
most extraordinary preparations were made; a
number of French soldiers practised swimming
and diving every day, and they were required to
jump into the water with order and activity.
The plan was that these swimmers should
conduct boats, full of soldiers, to the walls of
the fortifications. In the town were a number
of French and Austrian deserters, and other
discontented soldiers, and the burghers were
dissatisfied with the duration of the blockade;
pardon was offered to the first, and promises
to the latter, that they might create disturbances.
The Prussian commandant had now been besie-
ged for fifteen weeks, with treachery within his
walls, and was at last forced to capitulate;
the garrison, which was 800 strong, marched
out with the honours of war, and the fortress
was taken possession of by the French.
By the convention with the Duke of Cumber-
land, Frederic lost the assistance of the army,
which had kept the French in check, and who
could now turn their whole power against him.
Frederic, who was hard pressed by the conse-
quences of the battle of Kollin, was so moved
by this circumstance, that he made bitter re-
proaches to the King of England upon his
neutrality. "Never," said he in his letters,
"would I have given up my alliance with
France, had it not been for the great promises
of your majesty. * I do not regret the treaty,
but, Sire, do not from pusillanimity give me
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SKVKN YEARS WAR. 83
up, a prey to my ennemies, after having brought
all Europe against me." This letter remained un-
answered, hut .George sent him subsidies ; Frederic
refused the gold, but requested to have English
soldiers, to which the English ministry could
not as yet make up their minds.
Hanover was now in possession of the
French as well as the Dutchy of Cleves, the
civil administration of which, however, was
made over to the Austrians, and this country
was treated, as if it had been abandoned by
its masters. According to the plan of opera-
tions, the Duke of Orleans, with an army of
24,000 men, was to besiege Cassel, and overrun
the Hessian territory; upon receiving informa-
tion that the country would be occupied without
resistance, he thought the enterprise unworthy
of his fame, and gave up the command to
General Contadis. This general took possession
of the country, and gave the Hessian ministry
to understand, that, the only way of their
obtaining favour and mercy, was by implicit
obedience to the orders of his monarch. The
city of Cassel was formally given up to the
French on the 15th of July, who here formed
a magazine and hospital for the army ; but
the Hessians gained nothing by their sub-
mission, for they were treated as enemies,
and heavy contributions were immediately laid
on them. The commissary General Foulon had
charge of these levies, and governed in Cassel
like a Grand Vizier; the Landgraf, not to be
a witness to the tyranny of this man, left
Cassel, and retired to Hamburg, where he re-
mained during the war.
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HISTORY OK THE
The conduct of the French had been just
and moderate, so long as the Marshall D'Estrees
was in command; he displayed under all cir-
cumstances his generosity as well as his talents
as a general, and he promised his protection
to the university of Goettingen, in a letter as
honourable to him as to the university to which
it was addressed. His disgrace caused some
anxiety to the court, who feared the indig-
nation of the country at his being recalled,
without cause, in the midst of his successful
career; it became therefore desireable that he
should leave the army of bis own accord. The
king wrote to him from Versailles, removing
him from the command, which he was to give
up to Richelieu, but at the same time stating,
that it would be agreeable to the king, that
he should still remain with the army ; D'Estrees
obeyed the kings orders, but did not comply
with the wish that he sould remain with the
army. As soon as his successor arrived he
departed for Aix la Chapelle, under the excuse
of using the baths ; he made no complaints, and
his conduct under these ci cumstances was so
noble, that every one, even Richelieu was
touched by it; and he wrote to the king, that
D'Estiees had given up the command like a
hero, but had imparted his plans and projects
as a friend and a gentleman.
Richelieu availed himself of the dispositions
of his predecessor, so that he forced the allies
to the capitulation already mentioned. But
never was a piece of good fortune in war made
less use of; the affair of Pirna decided the fate
of Saxony, during the whole of the war, even
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as that of Saratoga had given freedom to the
north-eastern states of America; the conven-
tion of Kloster Seeven, which was dictated by
the stronger to the weaker party, had alarmed
the cabinets of London and Berlin, and had
reduced the ministers in Hanover, Cassel and
Brunswick to despair, had produced no effects
of importance, excepting its immediate conse-
quences. One of the first steps of Richelieu
after this, was to take possession of Hanover
and Brunswick, and as the French occupied
the towns of Brunswick and Wolfenbuttel, the
town of Blankenburg was declared neutral as
the residence of the duke, to which place he
retired with his family, having first recommended
his subjects to treat the French as friends.
Richelieu entered Hanover, as in triumph; and
from here he sent many of his best troops to
join the army of the Prince of Soubise, who
now, in conjunction with the troops of the Em-
pire, was attacking Saxony. The prince, at the
commencement of his march, had a disagreement
with the Swiss regiments under his command ;
they hesitated to cross the Rhine, especially
the regiment of General Lochmann ; upon this
general being asked by Soubise, why they
served; "to cover your retreat," answered the
Swiss; at last the Swiss Cantons gave their
consent to the march of their troops into Ger-
many. Richelieu himself fell upon the Prussian
provinces, and besieged Magdeburg; but Fre-
deric foreseeing the fate of the army under the
Duke of Cumberland, had withdrawn his troops
from it, and strengthened the garrison of this
town with them.
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The war had now lasted for a year, and
notwithstanding the different nations and people
of which the armies were formed, no acts of
great cruelty or barbarity had been, as yet,
committed. Richelieu was the first to set the
example; he either plundered or devastated the
towns and villages, or else, in order to raise
contributions from the inhabitants, threatened
them with fire and sword. The excesses of the
French, no longer restrained, were nearly equal
to those of the Cosacks ; the rich were forced to
pay contributions for their fellov^ citizens, and
women and girls were alike subject to the bru-
tality of the soldiery. Nothing was more com-
mon than for these troops to hang people as
spies, without a shadow of evidence against
them, and several hundred Germans, without regard
to rank, age or position, met with this fate
during the war. The watch word of this new
French commander was "contribution," not so
much for the service of his king as for his own ;
protected by the mistress of the king, he com-
mitted the most ignoble acts, and not unfre-
quently, carried on the operations of the war
to his own private advantage. No general, dur-
ing the whole of this war, enriched himself so
much as he did; and there was so little con-
cealment about it, that the Parisians called a
palace which he built, "he Pavilion d'Hanovre."
A new enemy now came forward against
the king, to whom he could not be indifferent;
this was the Duke of Wurtemberg, who go-
verned a warlike people Not content with send-
ing his contingent of soldiers to the army of
the Empire, he placed all his troops in the
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87
French pay to fight for the Austrians. These
soldiers, who had always, as protectants, looked
on the King of Prussia, as the protector of their
religion, expressed the greatest discontent at
this arrangement of the duke's, and it at last
broke out in open mutiny, on the occasion of
4000 men heing mustered at Stuttgart, before
the French commissary in the month of June;
they exclaimed, that they had been sold, fired
on the officers who wished to restrain them, and
left their quarters in mid day ; only 1000 men
remained. The duke, who was at this time
with the Austrian army, went immediately to
Stuttgart, raised fresh troops, quieted the old
by promising to command them in person, and
joined the imperial army, in August, at the
head of 6000 men. This increase, from all
sides, of the army of the enemy, occurred at
a time that the Prussians had been much thinned
by the different battles, in which they had been
engaged.
Frederic now divided his army into se-
veral bodies, in order to check the advance of
the different forces upon Saxony and his own
dominions. As he destined his principal army,
under the Duke of Bevern, to defend Silesia,
he only retained 18,000 men under his own
command, and this small body was so weak-
ened by different detachments, that when in
face of the French at Erfurt, he had only 10,000
men. In order to conceal this weakness from
the enemy he did not encamp his troops, but
quartered them in the villages, often changing
them ; by which means, the names of the regi-
ments were always different, in order to deceive
88
HISTORY OP THB
the spies; he did not confine himself to acting
on the defensive, bat carried on his operations
vigourously, wherever he could do so with ad-
vantage. Colonel Mayer had been sent, shortly
after the battle of Prague into Franconia, with
2000 men, not only to subdue the states of the
Empire, but also to retard the advance of the
troops out of the south of Germany, and to
display to the recruits in Regensburg, the en-
terprising spirit of the Prussians. He attacked
the Bishopric of Bamberg, raised contributions,
went through the circle of Franconia, and
overran the upper Palatinate. These unexpected
operations had such an effect upon the assem-
bly at Regensburg, that many of the delegates,
who had declared themselves in the most de-
cided manner against Prussia, sought safety
in flight.
The Elector of Bavaria and also other
princes of the Empire became anxious, at the
success of Prussia, and declared, they did not
make war against the king, and wished to
enter into negociation with Frederic. There
were serious thoughts of doing away with the
alliance with Maria Theresa ; but the defeat of
Kollin changed the face of affairs. In the mean
time, Mayer threatened Nurnberg, and the town
addressed itself for protection to the assembled
states of the circle; the Franconian Areopagus
showed their wisdom under these circumstances ;
they required that Mayer should show author-
ity for his invasion in Franconia, and make
good all damage. The Prussian commander,
who was better supplied with powder and ball
than with parchment, and was accompanied by
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89
soldiers thirsting after booty, showed the depu-
tation his * body of men, and asked, with a smile,
if they wished for better authority than that.
He required the neutrality of the town, which
was agreed to; indeed the whole circle would
have declared itself neutral, had his body of
men been stronger; they however only acted
on the defensive, and with the intention of
cutting off the retreat of the Prussians, troops
were assembled on all sides, unexpected by
Mayer, But he, having gained his point, marched
back on his return, destroyed the bridges he
crossed, cut his way through a body of Wurz-
burg and Bamberg troops, and at last reached
Bohemia; in his retreat from Franconia he
brought with him hostages, and amongst others
two patricians from Nuinberg. The court at
Vienna took advantage of these circumstances
to recommend to the imperial states more acti-
vity in their operations; the imperial exhorta-
tion, however, was not attended to. Mayer was
looked on as a villain, and his soldiers as a
band of vagrant robbers, who were public
enemies, and deserved the punishment of mur-
derers.
The Austrians took advantage of the sepa-
rated position of the different Prussian armies,
and General Haddick marched to the gates of
Berlin at the head of 4000 men. This capital
without fortifications and in part without a wall,
and only defended by pallisades, was garrisoned
by 2000 militia, a few recruits and a few hun-
dred regular soldiers. The royal family, on the
news of the approach of the enemy had retired
to Spandau; but there was nothing to fear for
90
HISTORY OF THK
the capital from so small a body of men, who
were always in danger of being cut off from
the main army. Haddick summoned the town,
and took possession at the same time of the
Silesian and Cottbusser gates. The pallisadea
near the first were broken down, and the Aus-
trians rushed into the suburb; the inhabitants
showed themselves worthy of the Branden-
burgian name, and the trades were anxious to
unite and to drive out the enemy ; but the want
of experience and pusillanimity of the com-
mander, who was hooted and laughed at by the
women, would allow of no attempt of the kind.
There was only a skirmish between some Prus-
sian troops and the Austrians in the Cflpenicker
suburb, but which produced nothing decisive.
The news of the approach of Prince Maurice
of Anhalt alarmed the enemy in Berlin. Had-
dick who knew the danger of his position, was
moderate in his demands, and these were at
last granted, not so much from fear, as to put
an end to the disquiet. The sum which at first
had been required was 600,000 dollars, but this
was reduced to 200,000. Haddick in conside-
ration of this, received a present of 12,000 dol-
lars, his aid-de-camp 3000 in money, besides
presents of jewels; on the other hand, Haddick
gave an assurance, that the city of Berlin should
not again be visited in this way by the Aus-
trians. After this naddick requested the ma-
gistrates to give him two dozen of ladies glo-
ves, stamped with the arms of the town, to send
as a present to the empress; he received these
and the money, and marched off in the greatest
haste. He had but little time to spare for a
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SKVKX YKAHS WAIl.
few hours after General Seydlitz entered Berlin
at the head of 3000 men, and the following
day, the wholu force of the Prince of Anhalt.
The king had also began his inarch to cut off
his retreat, but he was fortunate enough, by
forced marches, and avoiding the high roads,
to escape from the enemy.
In the mean while the war was carried on
in Prussia, by the Russians, in a fearful manner.
Notwithstanding the good will of the Russian
ministry towards the court of England and
especially of the High Chancellor Bestuchef,
who had been won over by English gold, the
determination of the Empress Elizabeth, injured
as a woman, but determined to revenge herself
as a monarch, prevented the endeavours of the
court of England, from causing a separation
between Austria and Russia. The humiliation
of Frederic, and the conquest of Prussia were
the foundation of the present Russian system,
and it was irrevocably determined on, in the
cabinet of St. Petersburg, to follow it up in
the most energetic manner.
In consequence of this, the Russians marched
into Prussia 100,000 strong under the command
of Fieldmarshall Apraxin, and Memel was taken
after a bombardment of five days. The garrison
capitulated, with liberty to withdraw from the
town; but the faith of this military compact
was broken, and the greater part of the Prussian
soldiers were either forced to enter the Russian
service, or to emigrate to Russia. A number
of peaceable Prussian subjects, who were inha-
bitants of this town, shared the fate of the
latter, and were driven forth by the Russians,
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HISTORY OP THK
with tbeir wives and children; their tears and
lamentations were of no avail, and these un-
happy people were forced to leave their native
land, to people the desolate provinces of a
nation of barbarians. These acts of cruelty
were accompanied by the issueing of mani-
festoes, full of moderation ; in these they justified
the hostilities, by the friendship existing between
the two empresses ; one of these manifestoes
contained a formal invitation to all the inhabi-
tants of the kingdom, without distinction either
of rank or of religion, to emigrate to Russia,
where the greatest advantages were promised
them. The king in a counter-manifesto, explained
how contrary this conduct was, to the rights
and to the customs of European nations in
time of war; he described the mild government
of Prussia, in contradistinction to the tyrannical
conduct of the Russian, who for the slightest
offences, was in the habit of punishing by lacer-
ating the body, and by banishment to wastes
and deserts; he then put it to his people, if
for such rewards, they would become traitors
to their country.
The light troops of the Russians 12,000
strong, Cosacks, Tartars and Calmucks, devastated
the country with fire and sword in a manner
unknown in Europe, since the time of the Huns.
These wretches murdered or mangled unarmed
and defenceless people; they hanged them on
trees, or cut off their noses or ears; others
were hacked in pieces in the most cruel and
disgusting manner. They set villages on fire,
from wanton cruelty, and that the inhabitants
might be burnt alive in them, they often formed
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SEVKN YEARS WAR.
93
a circle round the devoted village, previous to
setting fire to it. The graves were disturbed,
and the bones thrown about; people of rank
and the clergy lacerated with hooks, and placed
naked on red hot coals; children were torn
from their parents or murdered before their eyes ;
women and girls dishonoured, and many des-
troyed themselves, to escape the brutality of
these wretches ; some sought refuge in Dantzick
to which place the archives of the kingdom
were conveyed from Konigsberg.
Frederic received the accounts of these dis-
tressing occurrences at a time, when every day
was burthened with misfortunes. However much
his sword was required against his enemies, he
still made use of his pen ; for the most remark-
able pecularities of this extraordinary war,
were the constant occurrence of scenes of murder
and the issue of numerous manifestoes, and
not only the powers of the body, but also those
of the mind were brought into the field. Never
were so many battles fought in any war, nor
at the same time so many manifestoes sent forth
as in these calamitous times. By them, great
monarchs wished to justify their proceedings,
in order to preserve the respect of those coun-
tries, whose approbation they could well do
without. This was a triumph of public opinion,
and rendered necessary by the diffusion of that
knowledge, which had already began to spread
its light, and has since shone so brilliantly
over all Europe.
Fieldmarshall Leywald, who commanded in
Prussia and to whom Frederic had given full
powers to act, could only bring 24,000 men
94
HISTORY OF THK
into the field, against the enemy. But with
these he attacked them in their intrenchments,
at Grossjagersdorf, on the 80th of August. At
first the fortune of the day was quite in favour
of the small army, who this time did not fight
to satisfy the ambition of their monarch, but to
defend their homes and their families from a
horde of barbarians. The Prussians fought like
lions ; the dragoons and the hussars stormed the
batteries of the enemy, and emulated the in-
fantry who, in spite of the unfavourable nature
of the ground, carried every thing before them.
These brave troops had already taken several
pieces of cannon, repulsed the cavalry of the
enemy, beaten a grenadier regiment, and routed
one wing of the army, when they were deprived
of victory. The Russians had set fire to some
villages on the field of battle, and the smoke
deceived the Prussians; they fell into disorder,
and were now out flanked by the enemy, who
were more than treble their number, and were
marching back under cover of the dragoons and
hussars. The second line of the Prussians, de-
ceived by the smoke, fired on the first, and now
the disorder was extreme. Leywald had the
same good fortune as Frederic at Kollin, and
was allowed to withdraw without molestation.
His loss, in this battle, which had lasted for j
ten hours, was in all, killed, wounded and pri-
soners, only 1400 men and 13 pieces of can-
non ; on the other hand the Russians lost 7000
men. Their victory was of no advantage to
them, for they could not hope to find support
for their large army in Prussia, which they had
laid waste, and in addition to this, Apraxin
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SKVBN YKARS WAR.
was forced, by his orders from St. Petersburg,
to fall back.
Notwithstanding the impediments, which the
Great Chancellor of Russia, Bestuchef, placed
in the way of a closer alliance, between Austria
and his own court, and that he was completely
in the interests of the English, this minister was
not an unwilling spectator of the war against
the king, whom he hated from his having
made a jest of him; a characteristic of this
monarch, who ever gave a free course to his
wit and his satire, and spared not the mini-
sters of the different courts; let it be a Henry
or a Choiseul, a Bestuchef or a Bruhl who
might be the object of his contempt and his
jests. But English gold got the better of the
hatred of the High Chancellor, and Apraxin was
forced to leave Prussia; he only left a gar-
rison of 10,000 men in Memel, and a few days
after the battle marched with the remainder of
his army. This retreat was like a flight, and
was so hurried, that 15,000 wounded and sick,
and 80 pieces of cannon, with many implements
of war were left behind. The army marched
in two columns, and the route of each was
marked by fires, plunder and every species of
cruelty; every town and village, through which
they passed, was burned to the ground, and
the roads were covered with the dead bodies
of men and horses. The peasantry reduced to
the greatest despair armed themselves, but only
made their misfortunes the greater; the Prus-
sians who had been beaten, but not dispersed,
followed the Russian army to the frontiers of
Frederic's states.
96
HISTOKY OP THR
Daring this invasion an extraordinary oc-
currence took place; the king was assisted by
an ally of'whom he had never thought, and
who relieved him of many thousand Calmucks ;
this active ally was the small-pox. These
people, who in their own country were in ig-
norance of this disease, now saw it for the
first time with astonishment and horror; it at-
tacked numbers of them, who fell a sacrifice
to it. Their leaders became its victims, and*
it was now no longer possible to restrain
them, and the greater part of this body of
half savages went back to their own country
without having entered Germany. The Russian
general allowed them to go; not sorry to be
rid of these people, who were worse than the
Cosacks, and could not be kept within bounds ;
only a few thousand Calmucks, whose love of
plunder got the better of all other considerations,
remained with the Russian army, and entered
Germany.
This people, who were for the first time
brought into the field against the Germans, were
the most savage of Frederic's enemies, and quite
unfit to be the ally of a disciplined army; as
they were unable, from their arms, to assist
them in victory, they could only inconvenience
them, and force them to share in the disgrace
of the devastation and cruelties inflicted by
these barbarians. They are a free people but
living under the protection of the Russians, on
the Caspian Sea and the banks of the Volga,
and when required must come into the field;
they receive no pay, but only one rubel yearly
and a sheepskin. They are a wandering people,
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SKVKN YEARS W-AH
97
and have neither towns nor villages, but live
under tents, and wander to the different spots,
where they can find food for their rattle, in
which their whole riches consist. They are
extremely ugly, and so alike, that it is difficult
to tell one from another; their face is fiat
and nearly square; the eyes small and deeply
sunk in the head; the nose broad and spread-
ing; the mouth and the ears enormously large,
and the latter standing out from the head.
Their arms are the bow and arrow, with which
they shoot a great distance, and with certain
aim.
The Cosacks are very different from the
Calmucks. Their numbers are reckoned 700,000
capable of bearing arms; they are in fact a
frontier militia, for the defence of the southern
part of the Russian empire against the attacks
of the Tartars. Their dress is Polish, but ge-
nerally tattered, and their arms a sabre, a rifle,
a pair of pistols, and a lance of from ten to
twelve feet long, pointed with iron. Their lan-
guage and religion is the same as the Russian;
they have only one rank in society, and are
consequently all equal; they make a separate
state, and enjoy certain rights which form a
remarkable contrast wilh the slavery of the
Russians, and would even in Europe be entitled
to consideration; they inhabit large villages,
cultivate small portions of land, but more
especially breed cattle and horses ; the latter are
small, but strong, well trained and swift. Each
Cosack has two horses when on service. They
have a high sense of military honour, and will
not submit to be beaten with a stick; they
3»
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98 HISTORY OF THK
however allow themselves to be flogged, as a
punishment compatible with honour.
The Cosacks were governed by the Empress
Elizabeth, a woman who divided her time
between love and devotion, and gave up the
management of the state entirely to her ministers.
By her incessant sacrifices at the shrine of
Venus, her heart was full of compassion and
philanthropy; she was therefore not fond of
war, and nothing but pride and the desire of
revenge could have induced her to declare war
to the King of Prussia. The ministers, who
had been won. over by France and Austria,
prevailed on her weakness of character on
religious grounds, and imp.essed on her as a
duty to assist the King of Poland. With this,
they assured her, that the war would be carried
on by the Russians without spilling much
blood, that it could not last long, as the King
of Prussia, attacked on all sides, must soon
give in. Thus spoke Count Schuwalof, the
favoured lover of the empress; and Bestuchef,
notwithstanding his being devoted to the
English, had many reasons for supposing that
they were not very sincere in their alliance
with Frederic ; he therefore, in the first instance,
gave way to his hatred against Prussia, and
thus was the die cast against this unfortunate
kingdom*
In addition to the English gold, which had
induced the retreat of the Russians, Bestuchef
was actuated by another motive. Frederic had
a powerfnl friend in St. Petersburg ; this was the
Grand Duke Peter, the heir apparent to the
throne, who respected the King of Prussia,
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SKVKN YK.4HS WAR. 99
hated the Danes, and wan an unwilling spectator
of the war. He feared lest the hard pressed
hero should form an alliance with these enemies,
and promised him all possible assistance, if he
would enter into no treaty with this power;
Frederic promised this, and Peter gained over
the High Chancellor, who, in order to obtain
the favour of the future monarch, by whom
he was hated, drew out the plan of operations
for Apraxin. The retreat of the Russians from
Prussia was thus explained, and the ambassadors
of France and Austria discovered the partial
conduct of Bestuchef, Mho was despoiled of
all his honours by the enraged Elizabeth ; Apraxin
also lost his post, as commander in chief of
the army, and was brought as a prisoner to
Narva.
Frederic who thought the Russians had
retired from Prussia not to return, recalled
Fieldmarshall Leywald with orders to march
against the Swedes. This nation had at last
thrown away the mask. Troops bad been,
from time to time, sent' to Stralsund ; and when
the Prussian ambassador at Stockholm, Count
Solms, made representations on this subject,
evasive answers were given, and these were
hacked by the assurance, that not a single
man should march against Prussia. But no
sooner was the whole army in Germany, than
they crossed the Peene, a small river which
separates Prussian Pomerania from the Swedish
portion, on the 13th of September, and took posses-
sion of An clam, Demmin, Pasewalk and other
towns which were not garrisoned ; their principal
aim was Stettin, an important town, but slightly
Dig
100
HISTORY OF THK
garrisoned, and which promised an easy con-
quest. The Swedes now gave out manifestoes, in
which, as conquerors of Pomerania, they released
the subjects of the King of Prussia from their
oath of allegiance, and invited them to join
their array ; to which they added, that as guarantee
of the treaty of Westphalia, they had been
forced to take part in the war. This ally of
the French was 22000 strong, and of this number
4000 were cavalry. The war was undertaken
quite in opposition to the constitution of Sweden,
as it was only on occasion of the meeting of
the Diet, that war could be declared; but
the French ambassador, Havrincourt, played
the elevated part of a monarch of Sweden,
and guided the senate according to his wishes.
Hostilities had now commenced, and the respec-
tive ambassadors had left Berlin and Stockholm.
In spite of this, the Swedish senate wished to
retain a political agent in the capital of Prussia,
m order to gain, with more facility, information
to guide their operations; an almost incredible
piece of political effrontery. It was intended
to employ the secretary of legation, Baron
Nolken, in this post; however, Frederic, who
was very averse to this attempt, wrote to the
secretary, that he must depart, as, after the
commencement of hostilities, he could not allow
a spy to remain in his capital Nolken refused
to go,- referred to the orders from his court,
and was so firm in his determination to remain
in Berlin, that it was found necessary to send
him over the frontier, under an escort of soldiers.
This happened in the same month, that the
convention at Kloster Seeven was made; so
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SBVKN YKARS WAR.
101
that Frederic, at the moment that he lost an
ally, found a fresh enemy in Sweden.
The warlike courage of this people made
them a fearful enemy to Prussia. But never
was the honour of a crown, or the reputation
of brave troops placed in such danger irom the
had preparations with which they came into
the field ; for their appearance and position was
a satire on the new art of war. Well drilled
and courageous soldiers were in the ranks, full
of ardour for battle; but every thing else was
wanting; no commissariat, no magazines or
stores ; no pontons, no light troops, and worst
of all, no subordination. Their leaders, although
experienced men, were tied down, in every
movement, by the orders from the Swedish
council, and the generals, who did not agree with
one another, were threatened with responsability
for the consequences of every step they took.
This will account for the fact, that these sol-
diers, after five campaigns, returned to their
homes without laurels, and a mark of derision
to their countrymen, and yet without loss of
that valour, which had caused this people
more than once to have decided the fate of
Germany, and who at the treaty of Westphalia
had dictated to all Europe.
The want of light troops was the cause of
the Swedes being often obliged to give up the
fcest formed projects, and the Prussians harassed
them on all sides with a few men, and cut off
all their supplies. They could not penetrate
far into the interior of Prussia from want of
magazines; and so many difficulties lay in the
way of their forming a junction either with the
102 HISTORY OV THK
French or the Austrians, that it was not once
attempted ; their operations were therefore con-
fined to a small portion of the north of Ger-
many. These troops remained in the neigh-
bourhood of the frontiers of Pomerania, without
undertaking any expedition of any consequence,
and this state of partial inactivity was pre-
served by them during the whole war; they,
however, did much evil. Their first expedition
was an invasion into Ukermark, a miserable
province, containing only six towns and 180
villages, but from which, in six weeks, the
Swedes required contributions to the amount of
200,000 dollars; this was the double of the
sum that Frederic drew from this province in
the whole year. These contributions were to
have been continued, but chance freed this
country from the enemy. As a party of a few
hundred Swedes, who were sent from Prenzlow
in search of forrage, were marching through a
wood, they were fired upon by five Prussians
dressed as hussars, and some of them were
wounded. The enemy thought that a whole
regiment of hussars were advancing; they
hurried back to Prenzlow, and the next day
the Swedes left the province. Shortly after
Leywald drove them under the cannon of Stral-
sund, but even here they did not think them-
selves in safety, but sought refuge in the island
of Rugen. A severe frost, which froze the arm
of the sea which separates it from the main
land, invited the Prussians to undertake an ex-
pedition, the success of which could not have
been doubtful; but Leywald, who was eighty
years of age, was unwilling to undertake such
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103
an adventure, and contented himself with the
advantages he had already gained, and the
taking of 3000 prisoners, who had fallen into
his hands in the course of a few weeks.
In the mean time the Duke de Richelieu
laid waste the Hessian states and Hanover.
His extortions had neither hounds nor rules,
and were guided only by despotism, and without
taking into consideration the capabilities, or the
productions of the country. The Hessian pro-
vinces alone were required to furnish 100,000
sacks of corn. This irregular manner of pro-
ceeding, and disregard of all remonstrance from
the local authorities, drew upon him the dis-
pleasure of the court of Versailles, which even
his friend, the minister of state Duverney, could
not restrain; they were especially dissatisfied
at the slowness of his operations, as they had
expected a rapid succession of victories from
the protector of Genoa, and conqueror of Mi-
norca. Richelieu's excuse was the empty state
of the store-houses, and wrote on the 23d of
August: "We have plenty of ovens but no bread
to bake in 'them." In addition to this, he stated
his expectations, that the King of Prussia would
attack the French army. The well known cor-
respondence between the minister and this ge-
neral show, that the idea of the weak army
of Frederic, as compared with that of Austria,
was matter of ridicule, and they had already-
fixed on the month of May of the following year
for the siege of Magdeburg.
It distressed Frederic to be at enmity with
the French, to whom he was so much attached.
This feeling was perhaps stronger in him, than
HISTORY OK THK
his anxiety to conquer them. He was therefore
very desirous of peace with this country, ami
on the 6th of September he wrote as foiiows
to the Duke de Richelieu:
"I can well conceive, my lord Duke, (hat
your grace has not taken up your present po-
sition, at the head of an army, to enter into
negociations. At the same time, I am quite
sure, that the nephew of that great man, the
Cardinal Richelieu, is quite as capable of making
treaties as of winning battles. I address myself
to you from the high consideration, which I,
although not personally known to you, have
for your grace. My object in writing is only to
sp^ak of a mere trifle, the concluding a peace,
if both parties are inclined for it. I am not
aware of your instructions, but have no doubt,
that his majesty, in order to insure the rapidity
of your progress, has given you full powers;
and in order to lose no time in working for
the peace of Germany, I send to you Baron
von Elchetet, in whom you may fully confide.
Although what has occurred, during this year,
can hardly allow me to expect a" favourable
feeling in my interests, yet I can with diffi-
culty persuade myself, that a friendly al-
liance which had lasted sixteen years, can
have passed away, without leaving some traces
of good feeling towards me. Perhaps I am led
to judge of the sentiments of others from my
own feelings. Let that be as it may, I would
rather trust my interests to the king, your mas-
ter, than to any one else. In case you have
no instructions for negociating, may I beg of
you to request them from your court, and to
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SKVKN YKAHS WAR
inform me when you are empowered to treat.
To him who, noth withstanding almost insur-
mountable difficulties, made himself master
of Minorca, and who is now on the point of
subdueing Lower Saxony, nothing can he more
glorious than to be the medium of giving peace
to all Europe; it will certainly be the most
durable of your laurels. Work at it with that
activity which has marked your advance, and
be assured that none will feel themselves more
indebted to you, than your sincere friend,
Frederic." Richelieu answered this letter with
similar compliments, and as he was not em-
powered to treat, he immediately sent a cou-
rier to Versailles for instructions. But as they
had no thoughts of negociation at this court,
the proposition of Frederic remained unan-
swered.
As the king now gave up all thoughts of
a favourable treaty, he determined to make an
impression by his deeds ; he therefore advanced
against the united armies of the French and
that of the Empire, in order to bring them to
a battle. His position was indeed fearful; far
and near he had enemies, who were always on
the increase. It was in vain that he gained
victories, that the blood of his courageous sol-
diers was spilt; the immense power of his
opponents was ever growing greater, and cared
not for defeat. It was hydra-headed ; when he had
beaten one army, he was then attacked by two.
An imperial edict bad declared him an enemy
of the German empi.e, and that he must be
annihilated ; the determination and the power
to overthrow him, were greater than ever, and
106
HISTORY OF THB
his hopes were never less. In spite of this, the
liveliness of his disposition was such, even at
this time, that he made his will in French
verse. However great his apprehensions might
be, of being forced to succomb to the crowd,
he still took every precaution to get the better
of them; but his army, weakened by so many
battles, was now only 22,000 strong, and with
an enemy of sixty thousand men to oppose
him. The Prussians had given proof of their
activity in the middle of September at Gotlia;
the whole staff of the French generals, with
Soubise at their head, had chosen this town as
a place of recreation, to be clear of the annoy-
ances of warfare. Great preparations were made
at the court for the reception of the high mili-
tary guests; it was just the hour of dinner,
the tables were covered, and the French were
silting down with the best appetite, when Gen-
eral Seydlitz appeared at the gates of Gotha
with 1500 Prussian cavalry. The garrison of
8000 French never thought of resisting; they
left the smoking dishes, and hurried out of the
town. Seydlitz, who had no thoughts of pursueing
them now seated himself with his officers at
the ducal table; a singular instance of a court
dinner being began by the generals of one
party, and finished by those of their opponents.
There were only a few French soldiers taken,
but a number of servants, cooks, hairdressers,
mistresses and actors, who always formed part
of the train of a French army. The baggage
of several generals fell into the hands of the
Prussians, with a nnmber of cases of perfumery
and luxuries of the toilet, which Seydlitz made
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SKVKN YEARS WAR. 107
over to his hussars ; bat he sent hack the mis-
tresses without ransom. The French were as
pleased, as if they had gained a victory, when
they again found themselves in possession of
these requisites to their comfort. Prince Soubise
was furious for revenge, especially when he
heard that Seydlitz had accomplished his under-
taking with only two regiments. The Prince
of Hildburghausen, who had joined the French
as Fieldmarshall of the Empire, determined to
drive the Prussians from Gotha. For this ex-
pedition the picked soldiers of both armies were
chosen, grenadiers and light troops ; and to
these were added Laudon with his Croats and
the Austrian cavalry. But this advancing army-
found to their dismay that Seydlitz was posted
in order of battle, and his position was so
scientific, that the enemy thought they had the
whole Prussian army before them, an in con-
sequence retreated, without making any attack.
There never was a war in which the name
of ally was so little respected, and in which
not the slightest regard was paid to the miseries
of their confederates whose very misfortunes
were made a mockery of. The French treated
the Saxons as if they were in the country of
the enemy, and forced them to supply forrage,
provisions, repasts for the soldiery, and even
money to the generals, with the threat, that in
case of non-compliance, towns and villages
should be devastated. And this did not fail
to occur ; whole districts were plundered ; amongst
others, twenty villages, in the neighbourhood
of Freyberg, met with this fate. In one of
these, Banderode, the house of the principal
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108
HISTORY OF THE
person in the neigbourhood, whose name was
Bose, was plundered as by Cosacks. The
valuable furniture, which was too heavy to be
moved, was broken to pieces; the casks of
wine stove in, and papers and letters torn,
from sheer wickedness. The churches were
not even respected ; altars, pulpits were des-
troyed, and the metal chalices, which had no
value in the eyes of these robbers, were
battered and destroyed ; in many villages the
fields were covered with the feathers from the
beds of the peasants As the French could not
consume or drive away ail the cattle they
found, they cut them in pieces before they
were dead, and left them for the birds of prey.
These atrocities were commited by an enlightened
people, in the 18th century, and the sufferers
were their declared allies. They occurred in
Saxony towards the end of October, a few
weeks before the battle of Rossbach, and the
regiments most conspicuous in these acts of
barbarity, amongst the French, were those of
Piedmont, Beauvoisis, Fitzjames and Deux-
ponts; the Croats and some Swiss regiments
also acted in the same manner.
As soon as Frederic left his position by
Erfurt to go towards Saxony, Prince Soubise
crossed the Saale, and approached Leipsic, with
the declaration that he intended to free Saxony of
the Prussians. Frederic advanced to meet the
enemy, who were so badly posted, that the
Prussian hussars penetrated into the French
camp, brought away horses, dragged the soldiers
out of their tents, and drove them before them.
Although these acts of audacity showed they
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109
had not a timid enemy to contend with, still
was the desire of battle great in the French;
they had only one cause of anxiety, the fear
that the king might escape them. ' Some of his
marches and positions strengthened this expecta-
tion, and they had already heard of his rapidity
of movement, his manoeuvres and his science in
the art of war, but this had made so little
impression on them, that they were anxious to
engage him, where he could have full opportunity
of displaying all his knowledge af military
tactics. They hoped, not only to #defeat him,
but to destroy his whole army, and went so
far as to make it a question in the French
camp, whether it would be honourable, in so
large an army, to engage in battle with so
small a force? Never was self-confidence more
ridiculous or more deservedly punished.
It was on the 5th of November, near the
village of Rossbach in Saxony, and two leagues
from Lutzen, where Gustaphus Adolphus had
fought and fallen for the freedom of Germany,
that one of the most remarkable battles was
decided. The French army, with the troops of
the Empire, were 60,000 strong; the Prussians
only 92,000; but the king drew the French
from their advantageous position, by a retreat-
ing movement. They thought he was anxious
to escape from their hands, and therefore en-
deavoured to take him in the rear; this march
was accompanied by military music in victorious
strains. The Prussians delighted in this, and
wished for nothing better, than to attack them ;
but at this moment, it answered better to op*
pose the French vivacity with German phlegm.
ARCHENH0LZ. 4
Dig
IiO HISTORY OF THB
Daring the time that a portion of the French
army remained in front of the Prussian camp,
the other parts of the enemy endeavoured to
outflank the king in the right wing. Frederic,
who had again taken up his position, relied upon
the rapidity with which his troops could fall
into order of battle; he was therefore a quiet
spectator of the movements of the enemy, and
did not allow his troops to advance. The Prus-
sians remained in their position, and as it was
the dinner* hour the soldiers set about preparing
their food ; the French, who saw this from a
distance, could hardly believe their eyes; they
thought they had given themselves up to des-
pair. It was two o'clock before the Prussians
broke up their encampment, and began their
march with the cavalry in the advance, under
General Seidlitz. The expectations of the French,
which were so quickly, and to them incompre-
hensibly deceived, were the cause of their trifling
resistance and the panic of the army, which
rendered this day so memorable.
The great General Seidlitz, who had drilled
his cavalry to execute their manoeuvres with
the greatest precision, and had brought his men
to be almost a part of their horses, showed, in
this battle, the great advantage of his knowledge
and evolutions. After he had turned the right
wing of the French, under cover of a hill, which
had concealed this manoeuvre, he came suddenly
upon them with the Prussian cavalry, and before
they had time to form, dashed in among the
enemy* The light cavalry attacked the heavy
cavalry, and put them to the rout; the Hussars
were hardy enough to attack, with their light
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Ill
horses, the French gens d'armes, and neither the
courage of this noble troop nor their powerful
horses could withstand this unexpected shock,
and they were dispersed. Two regiments of
Austrian cavalry endeavoured to make a stand,
hut they were also driven back ; Soubise ordered
up the corps de reserve, but they hardly came
into action, before they were defeated and driven
back. At this moment, the Prussian infantry,
which till now had remained passive, advanced
in order of battle, and received the French with
volleys of musketry; this fire was kept up as
regularly as if they had been on parade.
The French infantry now found themselves
deserted by their cavalry, and, by a sudden
movement of the Prussians, they were attacked
on their right flank. Thus pressed, they only
received three volleys from the Prussians, and
then retreated on their left wing with impe-
tuosity, when these were in the greatest disorder ; ■
in the midst of this chaos several Prussian ca-
valry regiments fell upon them, and cut them
down in great numbers. These men, who were
for the most part from the marches of Bran-
denburg, had been told the day before, that the
French had determined to take up their winter
quarters in Brandenburg; this gave rise to the
following mistake, as the idea of such a visi-
tation was uppermost in. their minds ; when the
French, as they fled during the battle from the
cavalry and cried out for "Quarter", and this
with the German pronunciation, the Prussians
mistook the begging for their lives for a word
in derision, and attributed it to the intended
winter quarters in their native land ; they there-
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HISTOKY OP THB
fore, with every blow of their swords, cried
out: "Yes, we will give you quarters." Many
lost their lives by this misunderstanding, until
others, who knew German, and saw what was
occurring, made use of the word "pardon,"
which produced its effect upon the soldiers.
It was now six in the evening, and already
quite dark; this saved the rest of this mass of
men, who would otherwise have been cut to
pieces. In vain Soubise tried new French ex-
periments which were based upon false theory.
His columns were easily broken, and nothing
remained but one general flight; the French,
as well as the troops of the Empire, threw
their muskets away in order to escape with
more facility; a few Swiss regiments, who still
continued to light, where the last who left
, the field.
On this remarkable day the French artillery,
at all times so much feared, had remained in
a state of inactivity; notwithstanding that their
commanders, the celebrated Count D'Aumale
and Colonel Briol, were both present. They had
a hundred officers and more than a thousand
artillery men with them, and had promised to
do wonders, as they prided themselves on the
power of regaining the victory even if the army
should be beaten. But the battle was so sud-
denly decided, that the defeated never thought
of trying for the honour of a determined re-
sistance, but excused themselves by saying, it
was caused by a panic; not forgetting, at the
same time, to throw the whole blame of the
defeat on the troops of the Empire.
Only seven batallions of the Prussians were
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SKVKN YKAHS WAR. 113
in action. The Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick,
who commanded the right wing with ten bat-
talions was never engaged; for the troops of
the Empire who were opposed to him, took to
their heels at the report of the first shot that
was fired; by this disgraceful flight, they got
out of the way of the battle, and gave up to
the French, who even without counting their
numbers, were double those of the Prussians,
the honour or dishonour of the day. The battle
only lasted an hour and a half, and in it the
French lost 10,000 men; of these 7000 were
taken prisoners on the field of battle; several
thousands more were either taken prisoners, or
cut down by the Prussians in the course of their
flight, and many sprang into the river to save
themselves from the pursuit of the Hussars. The
panic was so great that crowds gave them-
selves up as prisoners to a few horsemen, and in
one instance two dragoons took upwards of a
hundred men of the troops of the Empire. The
French cavalry threw away their cuirasses and
large boots, with which they left traces of
their flight towards Erfurt. The French court,
who had taken the command from the Marshall
D'Estrees after his victory at Hastenbeck, com-
pleted the farce by giving the staff of field-
marshall to the Prince Soubise for his defeat
at Rossbach.
Schwerin died a few months too soon to
enjoy this triumph of the Prussians; in his
often expressed opinion, it was only a victory
over the French that could complete the mili-
tary fame of this nation. There were many
occurrences which rendered this day extraor-
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114
HISTORY OF THB
dinary ; the king found on the field of battle,
a French grenadier who was defending himself
with fury against three Prussian horsemen, and
refused to give in; Frederic put a stop to this
unequal combat, and asked the soldier if he
thought himself invincible; "Yes, Sire!" ans-
wered he, "if led on by you." The king went
over the field of battle, to see that assistance
was given to the wounded French officers, in-
quiring of many their names. He paid the
highest compliments to their country, saying at
the same time: "I cannot accustom myself to
look upon the French as my enemies." Nothing
could be more soothing to the feelings of the
unfortunate soldiers, who, tranquillized by this
condescension, looked on him as the most gen-
erous of conquerors, who not content with
making himself master of their persons, had
also gained their hearts. The booty, which fell
into the hands of the Prussians, was very
great, and amongst other things a number of
the crosses of St. Louis, with which the Prus-
sian Hussars decorated themselves. Sixty three
pieces of cannon, and two and twenty standards
and colours were taken. The united armies
had 3560 men killed and wounded, but the loss
of the Prussians was only 91 killed and 274
wounded; among the latter were Prince Henry
of Prussia and General Seidlitz, who never
failed to expose himself to danger, and whose
example had such an effect, that even the
chaplain of his regiment went into the midst
of the battle. So easy and so complete a vic-
tory against a warlike people was without
example in modern history; the shortness of
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the days at this season of the year, saved the
flying army from entire destruction; for it was
not a retreat but a flight, and that in the greatest
disorder.
This victory against the French gave uni-
versal satisfaction to all people in Germany,
without regard to party, or private feeling, and
all looked upon it as a national triumph. The
differences in the forms of government, laws
and manners, the numerous peculiarities, so
opposite in these neighbouring people, and the
hatred caused by long continued war, were not
the only causes of this general feeling, which
was participated in, more or less by most Eu-
ropean nations. But the Germans had other
grounds than these, to incite them to this feeling
of national hatred. The French in those days
were in the habit of despising and treating
with contempt the very name of German, the
German language, genius and merit. The in-
fatuation of many German princes, both great
and small, had allowed their courts to be
surrounded by a number of ignorant French
flatterers, who often penetrated into their coun-
cils, became their advisers, and generally the
scourge of the country; this had sown, during
some generations, the seeds of hatred, which,
even in the minds of those of the most noble
and meekest dispositions, takes deep root, and
is of rapid growth. Nothing was more common,
than for German statesmen of every rank to
be displaced, in order to make way for French-
men, who were ignorant of the language of
the country, and who after enriching themselves,
and laughing at the Germans, returned to their
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116
HISTORY OF THB
own country ; if scientific men of merit pre-
sented the products of their labour to the
German princes, they, if Germans, were coldly
thanked, or at most received a trifling present,
hut were generally dismissed without reward.
If, on the other hand, they were French, they
received handsome sums of money, even were
their works of less value ; French mountebanks
were rewarded with diamonds for the exhibi-
tion of their juggleries; and in this, even miserly
princes were spendthrifts. The German people,
unacquainted with the merit of the French,
only took into the account this preference of
their rulers, the difference of manners, and . the
complaints of all the provinces of Germany,
v From this, there naturally arose feelings of
contempt, and hatred; amongst the educated
Germans in every station, accordingly as they
were educated, this contempt was not to be
found; on the contrary a high feeling of respect
for the civilization of this people; but so much
the more deeply was the annoyance felt, of
being depreciated by them ; and this was, more
than any thing else, the source of their hatied.
Thus thought high and low throughout Germany,
with the exception of a number of court
sycophants, notwithstanding these were generally
the buts of the French wits. This feeling of
the people showed itself on all sides, and often
got the better of other considerations. An
extraordinary example of this occurred at Ross-
bach on the field of battle; a Prussian soldier,
on the point of taking a Frenchman prisoner,
perceived, as he laid his hand on him, that an
Austrian cuirassier was, with uplifted sword,
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SKVKN YEARS WAH.
ready to cat him down ; "Brother German,1'
cried out the Prussian, "let me have the French-
man"! "Take hiin," answered the Austrian,
and rode off.
One of the most serious affairs in human
life is a battle, in which men meet death by
thousands; and it has ever been the custom
among civilized nations, to treat, even the
defeated, with respect; for no general however
brave, however clever he may be, can at all
times be safe from the misfortunes of war.
This was not the case in this instance; for
both by friend and foe, and even by the French
themselves, the battle of Rossbach was treated
with derision. Soubise, whom the court of
Versailles were anxious to justify at the expence
of his troops, received a letter of condolence
from the king, but in spite of this was openly
laughed at, and lampooned in Paris. Fortunately
for this unfortunate general, other occurrences
soon occupied the wit and love of novelty of
the Parisians, and the defeat was gradually
forgotten. Not so in Germany, and the word
Rossbach was used as a term of annoyance
to all Frenchmen, from the Baltic to the Alps,
for many years after.
The great partiality of Frederic for the
French which was so apparent at this time,
could not put a stop to the national animosity.
Some hundred officers had been taken prisoners;
these were required to reside in Berlin, and it
was therefore expected they should go to court ;
hut few of these had been admitted to the
court of Versailles, and they therefore found
themselves in quite a new region and in con-
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118 HISTORY OF THK
sequence of the annoyances they met with,
they forgot Rossbach, and that they were
prisoners, and behaved with such want of
decorum in this capital, that it Mas found
necessary to remove them to Magdeburg.
To give an idea of their conduct: a Prus-
sian dame d'honneur who was conversing with
a French colonel in the apartment of the queen,
asked him what he thought of Berlin; he re-
plied it appeared to him very like a large
village; to this unexpected want of courtesy,
the lady had the wit to retort ; "You are quite
right, sir, since the French peasants have been
in Berlin, it has been very much like a village,
but previous to that, it was a right good city."
Other French officers, educated and polished
men, suffered by this conduct of their countrymen;
and their gentle and even noble conduct could not
get the better of the unfavourable impression ; but
still worthy men of this country met with con-
sideration from the Prussians. Frederic gave
a fine example of this, and visited General
Custine, who was severely wounded, as he
passed through Leipsic ; he comforted and con-
doled with him in so gentle and soothing a
manner, that Custine, who was almost dying,
raised himself in his bed, and cried out; "Sire,
you are greater than Alexander; he reproached
his prisoners, but you pour oil into their
wounds."
The news of the battle of Rossbach fell
heavily upon the Queen of Poland, in whose
breast the strongest passions raged, and increased
her grief to the highest pjoint. It broke her
heart, and a few days after she was found
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8KVKN YEARS WAR.
dead in her bed ; she had been ill for some
time, but not so seriously as to cause fear for
her life, and had dismissed her attendants the
previous evening, overpowered with grief ; when
they went to her apartment the next morning,
she was dead. In her, Frederic lost an irre-
concilable and bitter enemy, who, guided by
false religious feelings, was in no slight degree
the promoter of this war, which was the cause
of so much unhappiness and misery to her
subjects, and who would willingly have sacrificed
every thing to her bigotry.
No traces of the defeated army of the French
and troops of the Empire were to be found in
Saxony or the adjacent provinces, excepting a
number of prisoners, brought in by the Thuringian
peasants. They distroyed all the bridges, not
to be followed, and dispersed in so many dif-
ferent parties, that some did not dare to stop
until they reached the Rhine. They always
fancied that the king was at their heels; but
he was forced to hurry, with nineteen battal-
ions and eight and twenty squadrons, into Silesia,
in consequence of the successes of the Austrians
in that country. True he left the French army,
under Richelieu, on the frontier of his dominions,
hut with the hope of restraining the operations
of the French by means of an army, which
had began to be formed in an unexpected
manner.
Pitt, one of the most extraordinary men,
who ever presided at the councils of a nation,
had just taken office in the British cabinet,
where he, as well as in the House of Commons,
ruled every one by the capabilities of his
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120
HISTORY OF THE
powerful mind. He looked on the convention
of Kioster Seeven as a stain upon the British
nation, which mast he obliterated. He advised
that the treaty between King George and the
King of Prussia should be fulfilled to the letter,
that an army should be sent to Germany, to
be commanded by a general appointed by Fre-
deric, and that this monarch should also be
assisted by subsidies; all this was done.
The French themselves gave George the
Second the greatest facilities for breaking this
famous convention, which as yet, had been
ratified, neither by him, nor the King of France.
It was now stated that, having been determined
on, without the knowledge or participation of
the English cabinet, it could not be looked on
as an act of the government. It had been ex-
pected that, by this treaty, a species of neu-
trality would have been preserved with respect
to Hanover; but these expectations were not
fulfilled. This province was treated as a con-
quered country, and indeed so styled in the
French edicts. They were not content with the
contributions and supplies raised by Richelieu
for his troops, with immense sums for himself,
but a farmer general was actually sent from
Paris, to farm the whole of the Electorate in
the French manner, and to plunder it in the
most methodical style. This farmer general was
also appointed to the other German states, which
might hereafter be conquered, and in consequence
of an ordonnance of the king of the 18th of
October 1757, the farmer general Gautier esta-
blished himself in Hanover. All these occur-
rences drove the Hanoverians almost to despair*
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George was fonder of his Hanoverian possessions
than of his kingdom, and the generosity of the
British parliament came to his assistance, and
the most decisive measures were determined on.
In England every one had looked on the
convention as broken, and the battle at Ross-
bach finished the affair. The hitherto dispersed
Hanoverian troops were drawn together, and
the Landgraf of Hessen, who had so long re-
mained undecided, was at last induced to allow
his army to join them, in consequence of the
oppressive treatment he had received at the
hands of the French. At first he was anxious
to remain faithful to the convention, and re-
called his troops; their route was prepared
when Richelieu's demands changed his deter-
mination; he required that they should be dis-
armed, and refused to allow their departure,
but under these conditions. In vain the Land-
graf expostulated and represented that they
were not to be treated as prisoners of war,
from whom they might at any time take their
arms; but that his soldiers were free, and had
a right to remain armed. The Duke of Cum-
berland also wrote to the French commander,
and the Count Lynar, through whose medium
this convention had been made, went to the
French head quarters. He proposed that the
Hessian troops should, to quiet the anxiety of
the French court, withdraw toHolstein, as being
a neutral country; the Landgraf was satisfied
with this, and Richelieu sent the proposition
to Versailles. But the French ministry refused
to comply with this arrangement, and insisted
on the troops being disarmed.
122
HISTORY OP THB
The English court put an end to this dispute,
by the declaration that, in the case of the
Landgraf not putting himself entirely at the
disposal of the King of England, they should
consider themselves exonerated from further
support of the Hessian troops.. The French ended
all difficulties in this business, by declaring that
the convention was broken by the refusal to
disarm the Hessian troops. They ordered con-
tributions to be levied in the Hessian provinces,
took an inventory of all property, even to the
furniture of the Landgraf, required an account
of his income, and the Duke of Ayen, as French
commanding officer, gave it to be understood,
that they would not in future be guided by
any treaty, but that the right of the strongest
would be made use of. The French had long
practised this right, and General Count Vauban
who commanded in Marburg, carried his scorn
so far as to say in a declaration he published
on the 22nd of August : "The Hessians have
reason to be satisfied with the manner in which
we are good enough to treat them." The most
humble representations from the Hessian govern-
ment enraged this general so much, that he
said he must look upon the minister in Cassel
as a rebel to his king; and because he sent
no letter of congratulation on the fete of St.
Louis, declared him, in his official papers, as
extremely culpable.
The Landgraf now hesitated no longer, but
placed his 12,000 Hessians at the disposal of
King George, and by this act he laid himself quite
open to the rage of the French. A courier was
sent from the French head quarters with the
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most fearful threats, which were to be imme-
diately put in force, if the troops were not
withdrawn; the palace at Cassel was to he
blown into the air, the town burnt to the ground,
and the whole country so laid waste, that it
would remain a desert for a century to come.
The Landgraf, who despised these threats, re-
moved from Cassel, and now began the oppres-
sive levies. The French were extremely dis-
satisfied that an Austrian commissary came to
share in the contributions, raised by them, and
an order was issued that evey person was to
give up all the coined gold and silver in their
possession within twenty four liours. The store-
houses were cleared out, and all the trophies
of war, which the Hessians had gained in their
many battles, were burnt to ashes.
The convention of Kloster Seeven which
had only lasted ten weeks, was now declared
null and void. In the meanwhile the troops of
the new allies were gathering together, and in
addition to the Hanoverians and Hessians, some
of the Brunswick regiments had joined them,
In consequence of the numbers of the cavalry
not being in due proportion with the infantry,
the former were augmented by some regiments
of Prussian cavalry. Frederic could not spare
many soldiers for this army, but he placed at
their head a leader, who was in himself a
host. This was Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick,
one of those extraordinary men, whose exalted
talents, greatness of mind and nobleness of
heart, render them an honour to mankind. He
arrived in Stade, towards the end of Novem-
ber, and found every thing in the greatest dis-
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194 HISTORY OF THB
order. The army was small and was in want
of many of the requisites for war; the spirits
of the soldiers were depressed, the Hessians
dispersed, and the Brunswickers on the point
of going over to the French. This was the
wish of the reigning duke, who anxious for
the safety of his dominions, had given his con-
sent in the first instance to the troops being
disarmed, and aftefwards, from his increased
fears, wished for an alliance with France. The
support of the duke was therefore very uncert-
ain, for he had already given orders for the
withdrawing his troops; hut the soldiers had
no great wish to obey or at the least the he-
reditary prince, to whom it was equally dis-
tressing to be recalled from the path of glory,
or to have to fight for the French; he excused
himself to his highly exasperated father, who
required the return both of his son and his
troops. His two generals, Imhof and Behr, who
feared the displeasure of the duke, and had
serious thoughts of marching back with the
Brunswickers, were placed under arrest. The
duke was at last appeased, and the victory of
Frederic tended not a little to this, as the 7000
French, who were in the territory of Brunswick,
were now recalled.
The reappearance of this army, which had
been all but annihilated, was quite unexpected
by the French. The quiet, which had hitherto
reigned, now suddenly ceased; it was in vain
that Richelieu threatened to reduce the whole
of Hanover to a heap of ashes, and to devas-
tate the royal palaces, at the slightest inimical
demonstration on the part of the Hanoverians;
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Ferdinand answered him laconically, that he
would take the consequences, and give him
farther explanations at the head of his army.
Now commenced the operations of the allied
army; some French corps were driven back,
Luneburg taken possession of, and Harburg
seized after some hard fighting. Richelieu became
furious, ordered the town of Zelle to be given
up to pillage, and the suburbs to be set on
fire. It was in vain they entreated, that the
orphan asylum might be spared; it was reduced
to ashes. The severity of the season at last
forced both parties to retire into winter quar-
ters.
During these occurrences, Frederic had hur-
ried into Silesia. The Duke of Bevern endeav-
oured with 50,000 men to protect this prov-
ince, but was unable to withstand the whole
power of the Austrians, who had concentrated
all their forces to conquer this country. A Prus-
sian corps, which under the command of Gen-
eral Winterfeld, was posted near GOrlitz and
not far from the army of the Duke of Bevern,
in order to keep the communication open bet-
ween Saxony and Silesia, was forced to aban-
don its position, and retreat after a very severe
contest with a superior force under General
Nadasti. The occasion of this engagement was
the arrival of the Austrian minister of state,
Count Kaunitz, at the head quarters of the
Austrian army encamped at Aussig, for the
purpose of deciding upon the future plans of
operation with the Prince Charles of Lorrain and
General Daun. General Nadasti, in order to
show his activity to the minister, took advant-
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HISTORY OF THK
age of the absence of Winterfeld, who at the
time was at the camp of the Duke of Bevern,
a league distant, and attacked the Prussian post
with a superior force. Winterfeld hurried to
the assistance of his men, who were defending
themselves in despair, and were at last forced
to retire with a loss of 1200 men. What in-
creased this misfortune was Winterfeld's being
mortally wounded; he was Frederic's greatest
favourite, aud a man of great talent. When
he last parted from him, the king sprang from
his horse, and embracing him said: "I had
almost forgotten to give him his instructions.
But I can give him none other than to preserve
himself for my sake." -Winterfeld had a noble
heart which made him disregard all the envious
crowd, who could not forgive the high favour
he enjoyed in the estimation of Frederic. The
king, the army and in fact all Prussia mourned
his loss, and looked on his death as a national
calamity; it was so in reality, especially in
the present critical state of affairs. The Duke of
Bevern who was dispirited and neglected the most
advantageous positions for the protection of
Silesia, weakened his army 15,000 men, with
which he garrisoned different places, and then
drew continually back, more than once in
danger of being fallen on by the enemy at a
great disadvantage; he was enabled, however,
to cross the Oder without loss. The Austrian*
followed in the footsteps of the Prussians with
their whole force through Saxony, and Silesia
as far as the gates of Breslau, in the neigh-
bourhood of which city the Prussian general
encamped.
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SEVEN YEARS WAR.
General Nadasti, who was at the head of
the Bavarian and Wiirtembergian troops in the
pay of Theresa, now advanced to the attack
of Schweidnitz, as it was impossible for the
Imperial troops to take up their winter quarters
in Silesia without being in possession of a
fortress. Schweidnitz, which was defended by
no troops in its neighbourhood promised an
easy conquest, and it was taken by Nadasti,
the Duke of Bevern not coming to its relief,
after a siege of sixteen days; and after the
outworks had been stormed, and in part fallen
into the hand of the enemy, the commandant
offered to capitulate; the garrison which con-
sisted in near six thousand men and four general
officers were taken prisoner, a number of cannon
and other implements of war fell into the
hands of the Imperial troops, as well as be-
tween three and four thousand florins belonging
to the military chest. The possession of this
fortress, which was now garrisoned with 8000
men, facilitated the communication of theAustrians
with Bohemia, and General Nadasti now joined
the main body of the a: my near Breslau.
The Prussians were encamped at this place,
and the Austrians considered it advisable to
attack them before the arrival of the king, who
was advancing with his victorious army; the
wattle took place on the 22nd of November.
The intrenched camp of the Prussians was
cannonaded with heavy artillery, which had
been taken at Schweidnitz, and attacked on
jive different points at the same time ; both
sides fought with great bravery, but night
coming on, the fate of the day was undecided.
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HISTORY OF THB
fore the best prospects of shortly ending this
war, with the fulfillment of all their wishes.
Such was the fortunate position of the Austrians
at the end of November, when the approach
of winter was to ail appearance to put a stop
to the operations of the Prussians, and winter
quarters were seriously thought of, when, to
the astonishment of all Europe, the scene was
at once changed. The advance of Frederic with
his small army was looked on by the Imperial
troops as the last attempt of a despairing
enemy; the Silesians, who were in favour of
the Prussians were without hope and those in
favour of the Austrians without anxiety.
Of those who were of the latter party, the
Prince Schafgotch, Bishop of Breslau, was a
remarkable example. Frederic had raised this
priest to the rank of prince, nominated him a
bishop, and loaded him with favours. He had
often been a companion of the king in Pots-
dam, and had received the order of the Black
Eagle, of which the king was during the whole
of his reign, any thing but lavish. But this
ungrateful man forgot all this, and looking upon
his benefactor as lost, endeavoured to make
friends with his enemies. He lost sight of all
ideas of propriety, and even of common sense.
He abused the king, tore off the decoration of
the Black Eagle, and trampled it under foot ;
conduct which offended even the Imperial gen-
eral, and drew upon him the most contemptuous
reproofs. Shortly after he sought refuge in the
Bohemian mountains, to conceal his shame.
Afterwards he went to Vienna, where he was
treated with contempt by the nobility, and the
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Emperor Francis and the Empress, who both
disapproved of his conduct, did not admit him
to an audience. In Rome, where he ,was hated
for the freedom of his manner of living, he
found neither protection nor commiseration, and
he dragged on the remainder of his melancholy
days, as an outlaw in Bohemia where he shortly
after died.
The Jesuits were more clever, and they
appeared to think better of Frederic's prospects ;
for the Prussians, wounded in the battle, found
useful friends in them. They received them
in their immense college, and tended them with
care; a course of proceeding dictated by policy,
but which was here practised under the garb
of philanthropy. Frederic duly appreciated the
value and true motives of this generosity, and
was therefore but little affected by it.
The conquerors had already began to make
arrangements for the government of the country.
The Silesians who were in the Prussian service
and had been taken prisoners, were allowed
to go to their homes ; and a number of officials
had already taken the oath of allegiance to
the Empress Theresa, when the Prussian army,
so much despised by the Austrians, approached
the capital of SHesia.
The increasing cold in the beginning of
the month of December pointed out the pressing
necessitiy of going into winter quarters. Any
general, but the conqueror at the battle of
Rossbach would, during the severity of the
season, and satisfied with the expectations of
the approaching campaign, have contented
himself with being master of the right bank
HISTORY OF THE
of the Oder, witli protecting Glogau and covering
the frontier of Saxony. Frederic's pians were
however far different; he was determined to
free Silesia without delay. He had marched
in twelve days from Leipsic to the Oder, and
had added to his own army the troops • of the
dispersed army of the Duke of Severn; they
now came every day nearer to the enemy,
who had entrenched themselves near Breslau.
Determined to attack them had they been even
encamped on the crest of the highest hills,
the king called the general officers and the
staff together, and addresed them in a short
but impressive speech. He pointed out to them
his unfortunate position, and recalled to their
minds, the valour of their ancestors, the blood
of their fallen warriors, which they must revenge,
and the fame of the Prussian name ; he expressed
his perfect confidence in their courage, their
zeal and their love of their country, and that they
would now attack the enemy, and deprive them
of the advantages they had gained. His address
raised the spirit of his soldiers to a state of
enthusiasm; some burst into tears, all were
moved; the most celebrated generals answered
in the name of the troops, and promised to
conquer or to die. This feeling soon spread itself
through the whole Prussian army, and hearing
that the Austrians, looking upon their intended
attack as an act of despair, had left their
advantageous position, and were advancing to
attack them, considered the enemy as already
vanquished.
This step on the part of the Austrians had
been determined on in a council of war. Daun
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and Serbelloni considered it still more necessary
than ever to act with caution, in order to keep
the advantages they had already gained; they
considered, that the safety of a strong encamp-
ment near a well fortified city, which could
only be attacked by a weakened army, was
an advantage which should not be given up, to
run the risk of an uncertain battle in the open
country; and in fact there was no necessity
for a battle. The pride of the other generals
got the better of the wisdom of this advice;
"It is beneath the dignity of our victorious
arms to remain stationary". The flatterers
added their weight to this advice by impressing
on the Prince of Lorrain, that it only depended
on him, by a victory, of which there could
be no doubt, to put an end to the war at
once. This opinion, which was held byLuchesi,
one of their best officers, was adopted by most
of the generals; and so sure of victory was
the prince, that the camp ovens instead of
following in the rear of the army, as was
customary, were sent forward to the town of
Neumarkt, and in fact to meet the advance of
the king. Frederic, who had already attacked,
and dispersed the small body of men under
General Gersdorf at Parchwitz, was astonished,
on his arrival at Neumark, at meeting this
advanced guard of baking apparatus. In order
to lose no time, the dragoons and hussars who
were in advance dismounted, stormed the town,
of which they soon made themselves masters,
and took 800 prisoners ; Frederic now continued
his advance.
On the 5th of December the two armies met
4*
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near the village of Leutlien. There was no
similarity between them; that under Frederic
was 33,000 strong, that of the Austrians under
the Prince of Lorrain 90}000. The latter full
of confidence from their own power and that
of their allies, and the possession of the half
conquered Silesia; the former trusting in their
military tactics and the greatness of their leader.
In the one army, in consequence of their stores
in Breslau, and their unimpeded communication
with Bohemia, abundance reigned ; in the other
there was a scarcity of many necessaries. The
one had enjoyed repose for some time; the other
was worn out from forced marches in bad weather.
But the Austrian* were not inspired by the
enthusiasm which led on the Prussians.
Frederic could not have wished for a better
field of battle, than the extensive plain on which
the armies engaged. The Austrians, who now
for the first time, had chosen the open country
for the display of their forces, were spread
out in immense lines, and could hardly believe
their senses, when they saw the small army
of the Prussians advance to the attack. But it
was now that Frederic displayed his great
genius; he chose the oblique order of battle,
which had gained for the Greeks so many vic-
tories, and by means of which, Epaminondas
overcame the Spartans; an arrangement which
has been considered a master-piece in the art
of war, and is founded on the principle of keep-
ing the greater part of the troops on the op-
posite side in a state of inactivity, and in being
in a position to bring more troops on the prin-
cipal point of attack than the enemy, and thus
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to gain the victory. Frederic made several
movements against the right wing of the enemy
which were only intended as feints, as his main
object was to attack the left. He ordered a part
of his line to make a peculiar manoeuvre which
has heen imitated by other troops, hut never
accomplished with the same rapidity and pre-
cision as by the Prussians. The nature of this
evolution consists in dividing a line into several
bodies, and crowding these bodies on one another,
and then advancing the condensed mass of men.
This was invented by Frederic, and was not
dissimilar to the Macedonian Phalanx from the
closed ranks, their depth, the manner in which
the troops were advanced, and which had long
been considered as invincible, until the sword of
the Roman legions dispersed them, and nothing
remained of them but their name. A body of
soldiers in this position occupy but a very small
space, and at a distance, from the different
uniforms and columns, appears like a mass of
men in the greatest disorder; but it required
only the orders of the general to deploy this
heap of men in the greatest order and rapidity.
It was thus that Frederic attacked the left wing
of the Austrian*,- and at the moment that the
Imperial generals, unacquainted with this man-
oeuvre of the Prussians, mistook it for a retreat,
and that Daun said to the Prince of Lorrain:
"They are marching away, let us allow them
to draw off their forces." Several regiments of
Austrians disencumbered themselves of their
accoutrements and their knapsacks, and laid
them in heaps together, in order to free them-
selves of what appeared to them for the time,
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HISTORY OF THB
an unnecessary charge; tout they were soon
undeceived, and saw with dismay the scientific
approach of the Prussians, who threatened both
wings at the same time. Luchesi, who com-
manded the Imperial cavalry of the right wing,
became alarmed in spite of his boasting in the
council of war. He thought that the principal
attack would be made on this point, and in-
treated to have reinforcements sent to him.
Daun was anxious not to send these before they
were required, and it was not until Luchesi
said, he would throw off all responsability, in
case the day turned against them, that he sent
the greater part of the cavalry of the left wing
to his assistance at full trot, and hurried him-
self with the corps de reserve to his support.
Nadasti, the most experienced general of the
army, and who commanded the left wing of the
Austrians, soon saw that his wing was the
intended point of attack, and that the movements
against the right were only to deceive them;
more than ten officers were sent to Prince
Charles to inform him of the apparent danger.
He found himself in the greatest dilemma, from
the reports sent in by his two best generals
being diametrically opposite. He decided to be-
lieve those of Luchesi, who was shortly after
killed on the field of battle, and Nadasti was
not listened to, until it was too late.
The attack of the Prussians was made with
such impetuosity, that the whole of the left
wing of the Austrians were completely driven
back ; fresh regiments came to their support,
but they were not allowed to form; they hardly
came up, before they were driven back. One
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Austrian regiment fell back upon another, the
line was broken, and they were thrown into
disorder. The Imperial cuirassiers formed in line
of battle, but a Prussian field battery broke
their ranks, and a cavalry regiment falling on
Ihem they were driven out of the field. Many
thousands of the imperial troops could not come
into action, and were carried away by the
stream. The greatest resistance was made at
the village of Leuthen, which was defended by
a great number of Imperial troops and artillery;
to this place came crowds of the fugitives, who
filled the houses, gardens and every corner of
the village, and defended themselves with de-
termination, but they were at last forced to
give way. Notwithstanding the fearful state of
disorder of the defeated army, their best troops
endeavoured still to make a stand, but the Prus-
sian artillery soon put them to flight, and the
cavalry, who fell on them from all sides, took
an immense number of prisoners; the Bayreuth
regiment of dragoons took two whole regiments
of infantry with officers, colours and cannon,
at_one time. The Austrian infantry made one
more effort to form on a height, but the Prussian
General Wedel took them in the flank and the
rear, and now all resistance was at an end.
Nothing but the approach of night, and the
good position taken up by Nadasti, which covered
the retreat of the left wing, prevented the Prus-
sians from becoming masters of the bridge over
the Schweidnitz waters, and completing the
destruction of the rest of the army. On the
field of battle 21,500 prisoners were taken; of
these SOU were officers ; the Prussians took 134
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pieces of cannon and 59 stand of colours ; the
Austrians had 6500 killed and wounded, and
6000 deserted to the victorious army. The
loss of the Prussians was 2660 killed and
wounded.
There were some features in the events of
this day which pointed out the feeling of the
Prussians, and which were not unworthy of the
so much admired heroism of the Greeks and
Romans. The Bavarian General Count Kreit,
at that time a volunteer in the Imperial army,
came suddenly upon a Prussian grenadier, who
lay on the ground with both his feet shot off,
and although weltering in his blood and alone,
was quietly smoking his pipe. The astonished
general cried out to him: "Comrade! how is it
possible, that in your dreadful position you can
quietly sit there and smoke! yon are at the
point of death!" The grenadier took his pipe
out of his mouth, and answered calmly: "What
matters it! I die for my king!" Another gre-
nadier had' his leg shot off as they were ad-
vancing; he crawled away, supported himself
on his musket, and getting to a place by which
the column passed, cried out to the soldiers.
"Brothers fight like brave Prussians! conquer
or die for your king!"
The immediate consequence of this battle
was the siege of Breslau, which hard pressed
by the victorious army, was left to its fate.
Gallows were erected, to hang those who should
even speak of submission ; but this overwrought
feeling of courage soon passed away; for four-
teen days after, this town surrendered at the
time that the Prussians had made every pre-
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i39
paration for taking it by storm ; the garrison
consisting of 18.000 men, 13 generals, and
700 officers laid down their arms. The Prussians
became masters of well filled magazines, and
besides the artillery which belonged to the
fortifications, 80 pieces of cannon and mortars
which had been brought by the Austrians, a
number of provision waggons and horses, and
a well filled military chest. The Generals
Ziethen and Pouquet, who followed the enemy
into Bohemia, took 2000 more prisoners and
3000 waggons; so that the Austrians in the
hort space of a fortnight lost 60,000 men,
and the remainder of their army was now become
a body of fugitives, who without cannon, colours
ar baggage, pressed with want, and perishing
orom cold, were hurrying over the Bohemian
fmountains to their country; when they were
assembled together again, their numbers were
only 17,000.
The king soon heard of the jest of the
Austrians upon his small army. He laughed*
and said: "I can willingly forgive them the
foolish things they have said, in consideration
of the great follies they have committed.'9 He
was himself astonished at the greatness of his
victory, and asked the Impe.ial General Beck,
whom he much esteemed, and who was shortly
after the battle taken prisoner, how it was
that the Austrians were so completely beaten?
Beck answered: "Sire, it was a punishment
for our sins, for wanting to prevent your majesty
from taking up your winter quarters in your
own country." But when the king required in
earnest the real cause, the general then said :
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HISTORY OP THB
"We had expected the principal attack to be
made on the right wing, and had made due
preparation for this.0 "How could that be,"
answered the king, "a patrol sent out against
my left wing, would soon have discovered my - .
intentions." Nadasti was indeed aware of these
intentions, and was the only general, who, on
this day, displayed any talent, and saved the
remnant of the army ; but in consequence of the
mean jealousy of the Prince Charles was so badly
rewarded by the court, that his name was not
mentioned in the official account of the battle;
they were, on the contrary, anxious, if possible,
to save the reputation of the prince. False
accounts of the battle were laid before the
empress, and then spread among the public ;
from this originated the confident assertion,
which was strengthened by those about the
court, that the prince had twice offered to
renew the battle with the king, who would
not consent. The emperdr met his brother on
his return at Vienna, and it was also given to
be understood, that any one who should speak
disrespectfully of the prince, would be severely
punished. Notwithstanding this, carricatures and
lampoons against this prince were stuck on the
walls of the public buildings, and even on the
Imperial palace. But this expression of public
opinion did not reach to the ears of misinformed
Theresa, who, in spite of the wishes of her
husband, was anxious again to confide the
safety of her dominion and the chief command
of all her armies to this prince. But he, aware
of the hatred and contempt of the people, was
juster to himself than was his monarch, and started
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for Bruxelles. Nadasti did justice to liimself,
and this general, who was an object of aversion
to the empress left the army toy whom he was
beloved, and never again revisited the court,
where he was hated, but retired into Hungary.
The greatest talent of the King of Prussia
was the getting the better of the faults that
were committed, and making the greatest use
of the advantages gained. The conquest of
Silesia, which had been all but lost to him,
would not have satisfied this restless commander,
and stopped him in his career of victory, had
it not been for the advanced season of the
year, and the heavy snows which put a stop
to his undertakings. It was even necessary to
put off the siege of Schweidnitz, until the
spring; in the mean time it was blockaded.
The last operation of this campaign was the
retaking of Liegnitz,~ one of the largest and
finest towns of Silesia, which the Austrians had
fortified, and was now blockaded by the Prus-
sians; a regular siege with the ground covered
with snow and ice, offered great difficulties,
and in addition to this, the Prussian troops re-
quired rest and relaxation. In consequence of
this, the garrison was allowed to withdraw,
but large supplies of provisions fell into the
hands of the Prussians, together with a number
of cannon and a great quantity of ammunition;
the works were immediately destroyed, and the
town placed in its former state. The town sur-
rendered on the 29th of December, and thus
terminated at the end of the year, this event-
ful campaign.
Frederic had now the satisfaction of seeing
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HISTORY OK THK
almost all his territories cleared of the enemy.
The Austrian troops hurried back to the here-
ditary states of the Emperor, in order to re-
cover from their fearful defeat; the Russians
had left Prussia; the French had retired from
the frontiers of Brandenburg, and were only
in possession of some distant Westphaiian pro-
vinces; the troops of the Empire had returned
to their homes, and the Swedes had been driven
out of Prussian Pomerania by General Ley-
wald ; Swedish Pomerania was now in the
possession of the Prussians who also took pos-
session of Mecklenburg, and were in safe win-
ter quarters in Saxony.
Thus ended this eventful campaign in which
seven great battles were fought without reckon-
ing minor engagements which, in a former cen-
tury, would have been considered actions of
importance. Those great generals, Frederic and
Ferdinand of Brunswick, who may be reckoned
as rare examples of human nature, and who
by their deeds have instructed future warriors,
had been victoriously engaged in different fields
of battle* Henry, hereditary Prince of Brun-
swick, and Laudon had now for the first time
displayed their talents, and others, although not
so great, but still in other times, capable by
their talents of founding the warlike reputation
of a people ; Seidlitz, Keith, Fouquet, Jl'Estrees,
Madasti, Haddick, Romanzow, Wunsch, Ziclhen
and Werner had first had occasion to in part
show their extraordinary capabilities. Three
other generals each distinguished by the laurels
he had gained and immortalized by his deeds;
Schwerin, Brown and Wmterfeld had fallen in
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this ever memorable campaign. More than
700,000 men had been engaged; not troops of
Asiatics, who had offered an easy conquest to
those who attacked them; not the swarms of
the Crusaders, who spread themselves over
whole provinces without order or discipline, and
murdered men from religious fanaticism; hut
warlike people who fought in Germany, many
of them equal to the greatest heroes of fore-
gone times, and not unworthy of the eighteenth
century.
The extraordinary changes, which had taken
place in this campaign, surpassed all that had
occurred in any previous one ; they appeared to
he quite out of the common course of events, and
deceived all human knowledge, forsight and
experience. In the beginning of the year, the
king was triumphant, the power of the Austrians
almost annihilated, a large army shut up in
a city, and on the point of surrendering; the
imperial city itself not free from danger, and the
hopes of Theresa almost extinct. But the scale
turned suddenly in favour of Austria ; her armies
were victorious, and made conquests; on the
other hand Frederic was beaten, driven out of
Bohemia, abandoned by his allies, and surrounded
by his enemies; but he suddenly, regained the
upperhand, to triumph more than ever. The
armies of the Russians, Swedes, of the Empire,
of the French and the Austrians, were in part
driven back, beaten and dispersed ; whole armies
had been taken prisoners, and Silesia, torn from
the hands of a large and victorious army in
the middle of winter. The Russians had been
victorious in Prussia, but had fled leaving
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HISTORY OF THR
thousands of sick and wounded, followed by the
defeated Prussians to the frontiers of Poland.
The warlike Swedes had found no enemy in
Pomerania; their soldiers were thirsting for
conquest, and their leaders for fame, and the fate
of Berlin, was in their hands ; but these expec-
tations were disappointed, and they were soon
forced to seek shelter in the island of Rugen.
The French leader was in possession of all
the provinces between the Elb and the Weser,
with no enemy near them; in a moment the
allied army was assembled when least expected.
The Hanoverians took up arms, Ferdinand placed
himself at their head, and the enemy became
alarmed, retreated and retired to a distant part
of Germany.
Till now the English had not been willing
to enter on a war by land. But the devastation
of Hanover, and the deeds of Frederic, who
was by none so highly honoured and ap-
preciated as by this people, changed entirely
their wishes. The king became the object of
their idolatry, his birth day was kept in Lon-
don and the provinces the same as that of their
beloved king ; the Parliament voted him sub-
sidies to the amount of 670,000 pounds sterling
yearly, and determined on sending troops to
Germany. The great Pitt, who was now at the -
head of affairs, laid it down as an axiom, that
America must be conquered through the medium
of Germany.
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BOOK IV.
Preparations for the campaign of 17 58 — Siege of
Schweidnitz — and of Olmutz — Advance of the
Russians and occupation of Konigsberg — Siege of
Custrin — Battle of Zorndorf— Operations of the
Austrians — Battle of Hochkirch — Frederic's march
into Siiesia — Siege of Neisse raised — Burning of
the suburb of Dresden— The Austrians retire into
winter quarters — Siege of Colberg— The Russians
go into winter quarters— Inactivity of the Swedes.
The same activity which had been displayed
in the field by the Prussians, was now directed,
during the winter, to the recruiting their thinned
army, and to the supplying their manifold wants.
Frederic, upon whom fortune appeared now to
smile, had the additional satisfaction of receiv-
ing many proofs of the fidelity of the Silesians,
and the inhabitants of Breslau were not the
last, to give him proof of this. But the monks
of a monastery fiorgot themselves so far, at a
time that the town Mas not only in the hands
of the Prussians, but with the king actually in
it, as to offer up public prayers for the blessing
of heaven on the Imperial troops. Upon the
ARCHENHOLZ. 5
148
HISTORY OP THK
the Prussians but set at liberty, represented
to the empress how much the king was inclined
to make peace; she had already formed her
determination, in spite of the many impediments,
which lay in the way of continuing the war.
Each party began the campaign of 1758
with fresh hopes and new projects, and each
came into the field with renewed strength. The
Russians were the first to appear in the lists;
Fermor was placed at the head of their troops,
and received orders, in the middle of the winter,
to occupy Prussia. Frederic, who had no ex-
pectation of this enemy's advance, but who now
had his army in the best order, and with a
superfluity of every requisite, wished, previous
to meeting the Russians, to gain some decided
advantages over the Austrians, and for this
purpose turned his attention towards Moravia.
In Vienna there was no anxiety with regard
to this province, but rather for Bohemia, where
the troops were not in marching order, and
where, in many districts, especially in the circle
of Ktinigsgratz, epidemic diseases were raging.
Neither were the Imperial regiments complete
in their numbers, and the strength of the armies
was not sufficient to cope with an enemy,
whose enterprising spirit required every pre*
caution to contend against it. The, few Austrian
troops, who were with the French army, were
therefore recalled, and the 10,000 Saxons, who
had been intended to join them, were kept back
to protect Austria; very small garrisons were
left in Tuscany and in the Netherlands, and all
other regiments were required to join the prin-
cipal army without delay. Throughout the
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149
whole kingdom orders were issued for raising
levies and recruiting, and the anxiety in
Vienna was so great, lest the king of Prussia,
In spite of the advance of the Russians, should
appear before the walls of the Imperial city,
that the inhabitants of the districts on the
Moravian frontier received orders to fly to
arms in case of the further advance of Frederic.
Besides all these precautions, the event of
a campaign in Moravia was very uncertain,
and attended with very great difficulties ; however
Frederic chose this plan as preferable. Notwith-
standing this determination he began his opera-
tions by besieging Schweidnitz, and covering
the besiegers by his principal army. The
Austrian garrison of this fortified place, which
had been blockaded the whole winter, had been
reduced to 5200 men. The trenches were
opened in the beginning of April in very severe
weather, and the besiegers consisted of only
6000 infantry and 4000 cavalry under the
command of General Treskow. The small
number of men rendered the operations much
more difficult, and the Prussians did not shine
so much in a siege as they did in a field of
battle; in fact Frederic was not partial to this
species of warfare, and from this arose his
economy towards, and his slight regard for
engineers, who had but little reason to expect
advancement from this great man, and in sieges
as well as in other things, had to give way
to the opinion of the most ignorant infantry
officer. In addition to this came the small
number of miners employed in his sieges, the
few cannon, and the scanty supply of ammuni-
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150 HISTORY OP THE
tion served out to the artillery men. The
colonel of engeneers, Balby, who was a French
officer in the Prussian service, wrote to the
king making the most melancholy complaints;
he stated that in order to get the worn out
soldiers to do more work they required to be
stimulated by additional advantages, and there-
fore begged that they might daily have beer
and meat served out to them Balby added
the words: "For God's sake, Sire, do not look at
the expence." In addition to this request he
advised that, after . the required bounty, the
place should be taken by storm. Frederic agreed
to his propositions ; the place was stormed with
but little loss, and a happy result. The prin-
cipal forts were taken, and the place surrendered
to the Prussians, after a siege of sixteen days,
the Austrian garrison giving themselves up as
prisoners of war.
It was now thought necessary to besiege
jplmutz. This fortified town was garrisoned by
8000 men, well supplied with provisions and
all necessaries, and giving prospect of standing
a long siege, and making a spirited resistance,
commanded, as it was, by General MarschalJ,
a man of experience, courage and determination.
The many difficulties inseparable from an
invasion of Moravia were increased by the
Prussians having no magazine within forty
leagues of OlrauUs; but in spite of this, all im-
pediments were got the better of. The king
made it appear that he intended to go towards
Bohemia, deceived the enemy, and advanced
into Moravia. The body of the enemy's, troops
who endeavoured to stop their progress, was
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SKVKN YBARS WAR. 151
driven back, the best positions taken up by the
Prussians; and the siege regularly commenced.
The commandant made the best preparations
for defence, increased the strength of the for-
tifications, augmented his store of provisions,
drove the useless inhabitants out of the town,
and destroyed the suburbs. Fieldmarshall Keith
commanded the besieging army. Their first
step, however, promised an unfavourable result.
Colonel Balby, a French engineer officer, who here
as at Schweidnitz directed the operations, made
a most remarkable mistake, which caused
every thing to go on slowly. The first line of
circumvallation was 1500 paces from the fortifi-
cations, a distance, which rendered their artillery
useless. They advanced gradually nearer, in
spite of the sorties and heavy fire of the be-
sieged, and then cannonaded the town with
eighty pieces of artillery* In consequence of
the Prussians not being able to entirely encom-
pass the town, by reason of the river Morava,
Daun, who had come up, found means to throw
in a reinforcement of 1200 men to the besieged.
The king had not expected the arrival of this army
so soon, and cried out in astonishment: "It is
indeed the Austrians ! They are learning to
march!'1
The requisites to carry on a siege are enorm-
ous; in this , one, for the transport of powder
and ball alone for each day, 400 waggons were
required. The supplies of provisions and other
necessaries for the Prussians came regularly in,
and were but rarely intercepted ; but much more
was required, and there was especially a scar-
city of ammunition, which had been uselessly
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HISTORY OF THB
wasted in consequence of the fault of opening
the trenches at too great a distance. All now
therefore depended on the safe arrival of 3000
waggons laden with ammunition and provisions,
and which were expected from Silesia by the
route of Troppau. The principal object of Daun
was to intercept these, as he wished to save
Olmutz without coming to a battle ^with the
king. He was induced to this determination by
his cautious disposition, which led him rarely
to seek a battle, and he therefore secured him-
self from the danger of any attack by his well
chosen and strong positions. He made use of
the strength of his army to send out parties in
every direction to occupy the roads, and neigh-
bourhood through which the waggons must pass.
This gave rise to many skirmishes, in which
advantages were gained on either side, but
which did not affect the position of affairs.
Frederic made every effort that the carrying
on the siege, and the smallness of his army
would allow, to procure the safe arrival of these
supplies. Colonel Mosel, an experienced officer,
commanded the escort, which consisted of 9000
men ; and with these he began his march, which,
in consequence of the immense length of the
train was dreadfully slow and difficult. In ad-
dition to this, the roads were so much cut up
by the continued passage of the waggons, and
the heavy rains, that they constantly stuck,
and the train was stopped and the line broken ;
it was therefore necessary for Mosel to halt
from time to time, and more than a third of
the train were left behind. He could not wait
for these, but constantly harassed by attacks,
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SKVKN YEARS WAR.
153
he continued his route which passed under the
batteries of the enemy. Here he found Laudon
was waiting for him, whose Croats, posted in
a wood made a furious attack on the Prussians ;
these however rushed into the wood, drove the
enemy back, and took several hundred pri-
soners.
During this engagement the train had fallen
into the greatest confusion. The peasants were
so frightened, that at the first discharge of
musketry, they left every thing behind, and
ran away; many unharnessed the horses, and
hurried away. A great number were never
heard of more, but went to their homes; indeed
many waggons were turned round and driven
back to Troppau ; Mosel made the best of this
disorder, and once more began his march. The
king sent General Ziethen to meet him, and he
was fortunate in joining him. There were now
not more than half the waggons which had
started, and many of these could not be brought
on for want of the drivers who were dispersed;
a fresh halt was required. TheAustrians made
use of this valuable time to post 25,000 picked
troops in the thickets near Dornst&dtel; they
were commanded by Laudon, Janus and Zisko-
witz, all famed generals, and as soon as the
train came into the mountain pass, attacked
them on every side. They fired cannon at the
mass of waggons, shot the horses, blew up the
ammunition waggons, and threw every thing
into the greatest confusion; the Prussians did
not lose courage, but defended themselves for
two hours in the most disadvantageous position.
They were in small bodies, and these far se-
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154
HISTORY OP TRK
parated in order to protect the long line of
waggons, and the enemy had the advantage of
toeing able to remain in large bodies, and at-
tacked in whole column; by this means the
Prussians were at length overpowered. Ziethen
was cut off with a portion of the escort, and
was forced to fail back on Troppau ; General .
Krokow rallied the remaining troops, and with
250 waggons reached the camp in safety. Amongst
these were thirty seven waggons loaded with
specie, not one of which had fallen into the
hands of the enemy.
The courage of the Prussians, in so unequal
a light could be of no avail, as it was not dif-
ficult to disperse the escort of a train some miles
in length, and with the different bodies of troops
necessarily so separated from one another. In
this position, the Prussians did all that could
be expected from the bravest soldiers ; many
were recruits of from eighteen to twenty years
of age taken from the frontiers of Pomerania,
and who had never faced the enemy, but they
fought bravely, and of 900 of these, only 65
were taken and a few wounded, the others
covering the field of battle with their bodies.
The immediate consequence of this loss was
raising the siege of Olmiitz, which ought never
to have been undertaken. It was the most
inexplicable conduct of Frederic, as in case of
a favourable result, the advance of the Russians
would have rendered it impossible to retain
possession of the fortress, and the loss of the
garrison left in it, at a distance from the Prus-
sian army, would have been quite unavoidable;
the loss of the train was therefore but little
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SKVBN VRAR9 WAR. 155
regretted, as every one was anxious that the
siege should be raised. This was accomplished
by Fieldmarshall Keith with such skill and
caution, that he was enabled to bring away all
his cannon, waggons with provisions, and even
the sick, only thirty of the weakest being left
to the compassion of the enemy; two mortars
and a useless cannon were left behind, as a
memento that Olmutz had been besieged. Fre-
deric made his generals aware of his dangerous
position, and addressed them in a speech, telling
them how confident he felt in the bravery of
his troops, of whom he expected that they would
drive back the enemy, should they even be
posted on the highest hills, or defended by the
strongest batteries. Daun endeavoured to cut
off the retreat of the king; and the passes of
the mountains, the steep hills and ravines through
which he had to pass, offered almost insur-
mountable difficulties, opposed as the army was
by a far superior force. It was hardly to be
supposed that an army encumbered with a bat-
tering train, pontons and 4000 waggons should
be able to make its way through such roads
and against such difficulties. Daun made himself
master of all the passes which led from Mo-
ravia into Silesia, and imagined that he now
had the Prussians entirely in his power. But
Frederic, instead of marching towards Silesia,
went through Bohemia, and dividing his army
into different bodies, and supporting them at
the expence of the enemy, overcame all diffi-
culties in the passes of the mountains, and
marching through Giatz arrived in Silesia. Lau-
don had followed him throughout his march,
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4
156 HISTORY OF THK
but this general fell into an ambuscade, near
Ktinigsgratz, and lost several of his men. Keith
covered the march of the heavy besieging ar-
tillery and the waggons; this train was for-
tunate enough to pass the hills and ravines in
spite of the enemy, and not a single waggon
was lost. The retreat was without example, and
appeared quite inexplicable. TheAustrians could
set no bounds to their displeasure with Daun,
and nothing but the knowing that Moravia and
Bohemia were freed from the enemy, quieted
and reconciled the grumblers.
The offensive war against the Austrians
was now at an end, for the Russians who had
invaded the heart of Frederic's dominions, re-
quired all his exertions to drive them back.
They had already, in the month of January,
directed their march towards Prussia, and find-
ing that kingdom destitute of troops, had taken
possession of it without striking a single
blow.
Fermor, the Russian general, made a trium-
phant entry into Konigsberg ; it was celebrated
as a festival by the ringing of bells, the blow-
ing of trumpets and the beating of drums. The
inhabitants frightened, and having the cruelties
of the Russians during the previous year, fresh
in their recollection, entreated for the protection
of the empress. The answer of the general is
remarkable; he said: "It is fortunate for you
that her most gracious majesty, my mistress,
has taken possession of this kingdom. You can
but be happy under her gentle rule, and I will
take care to continue in their present state,
all such institutions as I shall deem perfect
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SEVEN YEARS WAR. 157
and not capable of improvement." He immedi-
ately sent a courier with the Keys of the city
to St. Petersburg, and gave audience to the no-
bility; this was followed up by great dinners.
From this time, the Russians treated the king-
dom of Prussia as their property which they
hoped to keep undusturbed in their possession,
even in case of peace; and it must be owned,
treated it during the remainder of the war, with
exemplary forbearance Notice was given pub-
* licly, that whoever had cause of complaint
against the Russian soldiers, had only to refer
it to the military council at Konigsberg, and
the most complete reparation would follow.
The public functionaries were forced to take
an oath in the church of the palace, that they
would neither secretly nor publicly undertake
any thing contrary to the interests of the em-
press; those who were ill were allowed to
take the oath in their dwellings. The consistory
received orders to give directions, that prayers
should be put up, in the different churches for
the empress, and a form of prayer was sent
with the order ; finally the nobility, as well as
the citizens, were required to take the oath in
the appointed churches, and they were led there
by Russian officers, who presided at the cere-
mony. Notice was given of the Russian state
festivals, that they might be celebrated by
service in the churches, and the abstaining from
work. All necessary steps were taken to con-
tinue commerce, the forwarding of letters, and
all public departments for the advantage of the
community, in their undisturbed state. This oath
of allegiance which was the mark of actual
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158
HISTORY OF THE
conquest, not the mere taking possession, of-
fended the king so much, that he forced the
magistrature of Dresden as well as that of
Pirna, Prey berg and other towns to swear al-
legiance to him*
The Russians got possession, in Konigsberg
and Pillau, of eighty eight iron cannon, besides
a large quantity of balls, shells and many hun-
dred barrels of gunpowder. Never was a coun-
try more easily conquered than Prussia, but
never did barbarian troops behave with more
moderation in the enjoyment of their good for-
tune. The court of Vienna, to reward this easy
conquest, created Fermor a count of the empire,
and the Empress of Russia confirmed all his
acts and proceedings.
The Prussians seemed to have quite for-
gotten their king, in consequence of this for-
bearance, and bore meekly the yoke of his
enemy. In Konigsberg especially, more was
done than was required; on the 2ist of Feb-
ruary, the birth day of the hereditary" Grand
Duke Peter, the town was illuminated, there
was a display of fireworks, and the university
requested to be allowed to make a speech hi
praise of the heir to the Russian dominions.
Such illuminations and other rejoicings, at the
expence of the inhabitants of Konigsberg, were
now customary on the Russian festivals, and
although it might be that policy, and orders
from the Russians, more than good will, were
the promoters of them, still Frederic could not
forget this conduct, and never during his life
time returned to the kingdom of Prussia. Every-
thing now went on smoothly ; the different civil
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SRVKN YRABS WAI».
departments of the government were carried on
without any changes, and the revenues , fel
into the hands of the conquerors ; still several
heads of departments found means to . give con-
vincing proof of their zeal and fidelity to the*
monarch; hut this remained a secret to the
Russians. Fermor at length left Prussia with
his army, whose provision was carried awa>
on 30,000 sledges, and marched towards Poin-
erania. No sooner were these troops over the
frontier of Prussia, and no longer restrained
by their superiors than their path was marked
as in the former year hy hlood and burn.ng
villages in this unfortunate province.
The army under General Dohna, to which
was intrusted the defence of Pomeran.a, had
previous to the arrival of the Russians, hard
pressed the Swedes, and blockaded Stralsund;
,ut all these advantages were rendered of no
avail by the advance of this new enemy from
tie north. The operations of the Russians
were much impeded hy the procuring Provisions
and formation of magazines; * was not enough
that they were masters of the Vistula; they
required also the Warlha. In consequence of
this, they took possession of Posen in PoU
hey also occupied Elbing and Thorn, and would
ave seized Dantzick, bnt the attempt fa led.
The inhabitants of this town, who were hen
much in favour of the Prussians »,e.n '
selves formally against the mten ion of the
Russians of taking possession of their ^outworks
and made preparations to resist b , force if
necessarv But it did not come to this. TM
San? had no time to lose, as their principal
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160 HISTORY OP THK
object was the interior of the Prussian states,
towards which Ferinor began his march, and
entering Pomerania and New-Mark at the head
of 80,000 men, laid siege to Ciistrin.
General Dohna, who had raised the blockade
of Stralsund to approach the Russians, could
not prevent this siege with his small army.
The system of the Russians was, like other
barbarians, to lay waste and burn, and this
unfortunate town was therefore in the first
few days reduced to a heap of ashes. The
shells and red hot shot fell in such quantities
as to make it appear that fire was raining from
heaven. Houses were falling down on all sides,
and burying the inhabitants in their ruin; there
was no safety but in the most rapid flight;
all those who could crawl away, fled ; children
at the mothers breast, the sick rolled up in
their beds, all fled over the Oder, in tears and
anguish, and looked back on the destruction of
their property, and the smoke of their dwellings,
which was ascending in clouds. Many were burnt
in the flames, others were buried in the ruins, or
smothered in the cellars, where they had fled
for safety. A great many people, who resided
in the neighbourhood, and even rich citizens,
and noblemen from a distance, had sent their
valuables to this fortified town for protection
from the rapine of the Cosacks; there was
therefore a great quantity of valuable property,
which was all destroyed by fire. An immense
magazine was burnt, and the fire raged to
that extent, that the cannon in the storehouses
were melted, and the cartridges for muskets
and cannon, and the shells, together with the
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SKVKN YKARS WAR.
161
stores of gunpowder, were blown into tbe air.
Perhaps such a dreadful scene had no example
in any previous war; for on this day, the 15th
of August, in a few hours all that was dreadful
and fearful passed before the eyes of the in-
habitants, many of whom lost their senses, and
believed that the last day was come. The
object of the enemy was, that none of the
property of the poor inhabitants should be saved,
and they continued to throw in combustibles
so that every part of the town was on fire;
at last towards evening this unnecessary bom-
bardment was stopped. Fermor, however, ordered,
that during the night, the rest of the grenades
which had been prepared, should be thrown
into the town, as they would not be again
required during this campaign; the cannon
balls were to be saved in case of a battle.
The Russians appeared to think less of
conquest than of devastation ; for it was the
town, and not the fortifications, which was so
fearfully bombarded by them; and it was not
till two days after, that they attacked the
latter ; and on the fourth day the commandant
Colonel Schack was required to surrender, as
it 'pleased the Russian general to conform to
the customs of civilized nations; but even the
summoning the fortress betrayed the barbarian.
He threatened to storm and to sabre the whole
garrison, if they did not surrender immediately.
The answer of the commandant was: "The
town is in fact nothing more than a heap of
stones ; the magazine is burnt, but the fortifica-
tions are in good order, and the garrison has
not suffered ; I will defend myself to the last "
16?
HI8T0HY OF THE
He did indeed defend himself, but without dis-
playing much judgement. When he excused him-
self to the king the latter replied : UU is my
own fault, why did I make him commandant."
The threatened storming was not put in
execution, for the attention of the Russians was
now attracted by the approach of the king.
Donna who had not been able to relieve the
town effectually, came indeed to their assistance,
before the arrival of Frederic, threw a bridge
of boats over the Oder, and opened a communi-
cation, by which means the garrison received
continued relief.
The king had left Pieidmarshali Keith with
the greater part of his army at Landshut, in
Silesia, in order to protect that province; he
therefore took only 14,000 men, the picked
troops of his army, and advanced by forced
marches. This small army was full of ardour
and the desire of revenging themselves on an
enemy they had never encountered, but whose
cruelties and devastations were known by re-
port, and required to be atoned for by their
blood. Their ardour was still more increased
by their passing through the devastated pro-
vinces, covered with still smoking ruins and
so laid waste, as not to be recognised. They
now hurried to meet the enemy; ail fatigue
was disregarded by these soldiers, who bore
with every thing, and only desired to save their
country. In twenty four days Frederic marched
near three hundred miles, and arrived at Custrin
on the 21th of August, strengthened the gar-
rison and joined the army of General Dohna.
The hussars brought him twelve Cosacks, whom
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8KVKN YK.4HS WAR,
they had taken prisoners; who being the first
he bad seen he considered very attentively, and
said to Major Wedel: "Look here, with such
rabble, I mast look about me." The king had
unexpectedly crossed the Oder at the village
of Gustebiese; Fermor's plans were therefore
rendered useless. The siege of Ctistrin was
now raised, the two armies approached, and
every one was preparing for the fight, and
never was the desire of going into battle greater
than in the army of Frederic; the demon of
war seemed to have inspired the whole army.
Even the king himself, when he saw the de-
vastated country, the heaps of smouldering ruins,
and the numbers of wandering fugitives de*
prived of every thing, was moved; forgetting
his philosophy, every feeling gave way to that
of revenge, and he gave orders that no quarter
should be given. Every precaution was taken
to cut off the retreat of the enemy, to drive
them into the morasses of the Oder, and there
annihilate them; the bridges which might have
assisted their flight were therefore burnt. The
Russians had heard of this fury of the Prussians,
and just at the commencement of the battle, a
crvjwn through the whole line : "The Prussians
five no quarter!" "Neither do we!" was the
fearful reply of the Russians.
The position of Frederic was indeed des-
perate, and his fate hang upon the issue of a
battle. The armies of the enemy were on the
point of uniting and cutting him off from the
Elb and the Oder ; the French and the troops
of the Empire were on the inarch towards
Saxony, towards which country Daun with the
HISTORY OP THB
Austrians was advancing? the Swedes, no longer
attacked by the Prussians, had no enemy to
oppose them, and were approaching Berlin, and
in addition, to this the Russians, whose motto
was devastation, were in the heart of his
kingdom.
The deep laid plan and arrangements of
Frederic were not only to gain a victory, hut
to annihilate the enemy; at the same time, in
case of a defeat, his retreat was secured through
Custrin. The battle was fought on the 85th of
August, near Zorndorf ; it began at eight in the
morning. The Russians were 50,000 strong,
and the Prussians 30,000; the latter, as at
Leuthen, were placed in oblique order of battle,
and commenced the action with a heavy can-*
nonade. The order of battle of the Russians was
that which they employ in their Turkish wars,
an immense square in the middle of which was
placed their cavalry, their baggage and their
corps de reserve ; this order o'f battle is one of
the worst that can be chosen, from preventing
all possibility of activity in attack or in de-
fence, and the fire of the artillery produced
dreadful execution upon this ill placed mass of
Russian troops. In a regiment of grenadiers,
fortytwo men were either killed or wounded
by a single canon ball. # There was also great
confusion in the baggage train; the horses be-
came unmanageable, and broke through the
ranks with the waggons. The left wing of the
* This fact is recounted by Captain Tielke, well
known by his military writings, who then served in
the Russian army, and was at the battle.
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SEVKX YKARS WAR.
165
Prassians advanced with such impetuosity, that
they exposed one of their flanks; the Russian
cavalry took advantage of this to rush on the
infantry, and drove back some battalions. Fer-
mor thought that the victory was his own. He
ordered the square to deploy on all sides, to
follow the enemy ; this was done with loud cries
of victory, but they had not advanced far before
they fell into great disorder; those who were
behind could perceive nothing from the clouds
of dust, and fired upon those in advance.
Seidlitz advanced with the Prussian cavalry
in three columns, and drove the Russians back
upon their own infantry ; another body of Prus-
sian cavalry also attacked the infantry, and
cut down all they could reach with their swords.
Some Prussian dragoon regiments followed the
Russians through the burning village of Zorn-
dorf; Seidlitz, who had completely routed the
cavalry of the enemy, now attacked, sword in
hand, at the head of his cuirassiers, a heavy
field battery, took it, and followed after the
Russians. The Russian infantry was now at-
tacked in front, in the rear and on both flanks,
and was dreadfully cut to pieces ; these soldiers
presented an appearance which had never yet
been seen on any field of battle by the Prus-
sians. Instead of closing their ranks and form-
ing compact bodies, after having expended their
ammunition, they stood alone in their thinned
ranks like statues; they did not do this, in
endeavouring to keep their position, from bravery,
the love of fame, or of their country, for they
did not defend themselves at this time; but it
was their brute stupidity, to allow themselves
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166 HISTORY OK THK
to be killed as they had been placed by their
orders; they were cut down in rows, and as
one rank was dispatched another appeared ready
to share their fate. It was easier to kill (hem,
than to put them to fligh^ and often a ball
through their bodies was not sufficient to bring
them to the ground ; nearly the whole of the
right wing of the Russians was cut to pieces
and the remainder driven into (he morasses;
a number of these fugitives took refuge among
the baggage; the suttler's waggons were plund-
ered, and the spirits drank up as by beasts; it
was in vain that the officers stove in the casks,
the soldiers lay down on the ground, and licked
up the beloved beverage as it ran on the earth.
Some died drunk, others murdered their officers,
and crowds ran about like madmen without
attending to the orders or entreaties of their
leaders.
This was the fate of the right wing of the
Russians ; it was midday, and as yet on the
left wing not much had occurred. They were
now attacked by the Prussians, but the regi-
ments who could have completed the victory,
(did not show their usual bravery. They forgot
the reputation of the Prussian name, their power
and the knowledge of military tactics, at the
decisive moment, and gave way before the weak-
ened and half beaten Russians, under the eyes
of the king himself. The disorder was great,
and the heroism of the Prussian left wing was
to all appearance rendered useless; butSeidlitz
came up with his cavalry, advanced through
the openings of the infantry, who were giving
way, received a heavy fire of musketry, and
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SRVKN YKAR9 WAR.
167
not only attacked the cavalry, bat also the in-
fantry, which had till now stood firm, and drove
the advancing enemy into the morasses. This
evolution of the cavalry was well supported by
the picked men in the Prussian infantry, and
some grenadier battalions, all troops which the
king had brought up with him. These troops,
without paying any attention to the giving way
of the battalions near them, and by which their
flank was endangered, continued to advance,
and following up the cavalry charged the Rus-
sians with fixed bayonets ; this attack was made
with such vigour, that in the space of a quarter
of an hour the field of battle was given up by
the enemy. The firing now slackened on all
sides, and there was a scarcity of ammunition ;
but they continued to fight with the butt end
of their muskets, bayonets and sabres. The
animosity on either side was beyond all bounds;
even severely wounded Prussians forgot their
own position, and thought only of the destruc-
tion of their enemies. It was the same with
the Russians; some of these, mortally wounded,
lay on Prussians who were dying, and tore
their flesh with their teeth and these had to
besCfthis agony, until their companions came
u*} and dispatched these cannibals.
The regiments Porcade and of the Prince
of Prussia came up with the baggage and military
chest in their advance, and seized the greater
part of these. The slaughter had now lasted
twelve hours, and was only put an end to by
the approach of night, and the worn out state
of the combatants. The Cosacks still hovered
about the field of battle, in the rear of the
HISTORY OK THK
Prussians, to plunder the dead and dispatch
the defenceless wounded ; but this horrid occupa-
tion was put a stop to, as soon as it was
perceived ; upwards of a thousand of this rabble,
who were hard pressed by hussars, abandoned
their horses, sought refuge in a large stone
building, and refusing to surrender, fired upon
their opponents from every opening. The roof
of the building, which was filled with hay and
straw, caught fire and fell in ; by this means nearly
all the Cosacks were burned or smothered, and
the remainder were cut to pieces by the Prussians.
Both armies remained under arms the whole
of the night. The Russians were in the greatest
disorder, and all their troops were mixed up in
a chaos of confusion. They would willingly
have resigned, undisputed, the honour of the
victory to the Prussians, but all means of
retreat were cut off from the bridges over the
river having been burnt. In this state ofper-
plexity Fermor proposed on the evening of the
battle, a cessation of hostilities for two or three
days; his excuse was the wish to bury the
dead. To this extraordinary request General
Dohna replied: "As the king, my master, has
gained the victory, the dead will be buried by
his orders, and the wounded will be properly
attended to." He gave him to understand, by
this, that a cessation of hostilities after a battle
was not a usual occurrence. The following
day there was no engagement, but a cannonade
was kept up. The king wished to have 're-
commenced the battle, but the scarcity of am-
munition for the infantry, and the worn out
state of the cavalry who had exhausted their
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169
strength in the previous day, necessarily pre-
vented the continuance of the battle, and gave
the Russians an opportunity of drawing off
their disabled forces, which they did by Lands-
berg on the Wartha. They lost by this defeat
19,000 killed and wounded, besides 3000 taken
prisoners. They also lost 103 cannon, many stand
of colours, and their military chest with a con-
siderable portion of their baggage. The Prussians
had 10,000 killed and wounded, 1460 taken
prisoners or missing; they also lost 26 cannon
by the falling back of their right wing.
The small number of cannon, and the few
prisoners taken, together with the fact that a
part of the Russian army had passed the night
on the field of battle, led them to claim the
victory. But General Panin was so just as to
say : "We kept possession of the field of battle,
but it was either dead, wounded or drunk."
Notwithstanding Fermor himself had requested
a cessation of hostilities, he sent couriers with
intelligence of the victory to all the allied courts
and armies, and in Vienna, a Te Deum was
celebrated ; the Prussians allowed the defeated
to amuse themselves with these false accounts,
and in the mean time made good use of the
victory. The king who was now master of the
field of battle at Zorndorf followed the retreating
army to JLandsberg; he was so persuaded of
their present want of power, that he only left
a portion of his troops as an army of observa-
tion under General Donna, sent another portion
against the Swedes, and with the remainder,
returned to Saxony where his presence was
much wanted.
5*
HISTORY OF THK
The king was so generous as to acknowledge
the extraordinary services <of General Seidlitz,
and stated openly, that the battle had been gained
by this general. Frederic himself had not failed
to expose his own person, but had gone into
the heat of the action, and one of his aids de
camp, and his pages were killed or wounded
by his side. The English ambassador Mitchell,
who accompanied him in all the campaigns of
this war, was with him, and exposed himself
to great danger; Frederic said to him: "My
dear Mitchell, you ought not to be here." The
ambassador answered: "Sire, should you be
here! I am sent to your majesty, and wherever
you are, there should I be." The remenbrance
of the cruelties of the Russians deprived the
Prussian soldiers and peasants of all compassion,
and on many occasions of all feeling of humanity ;
and this to such an extent, that many Russians,
who were severely wounded and lay helpless
on the field of battle, were thrown into pits
with the dead, and buried alive. In vain these
unhappy wretches endeavoured to crawl from
under the dead bodies, fresh corpses were heaped
on them, which soon put an end to their feeble
efforts. Among the Russian prisoners were the
Generals Czernichef, Soltikow, Prince Sulkowski
and several others, who were brought before
the king after the battle. Frederic could not
forget the devastation of his country ; he there-
fore, after having cast contemptuous looks at
them, turned away, saying : "I have no Siberia
to send you to; you shall be confined in the
casemates of Custrin; you have prepared good
quarters for yourselves, and now you shall
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171
occupy them." This order was fulfilled not-
withstanding General Csseniichef expressed to
tbe commandant his great unwillingness to comply.
He asked if casemates were a fit residence for
a general officer? His answer was: "You have
not left a house standing in the town, where
you could have quarters, therefore you must he
satisfied with these/' No notice was taken of
their displeasure, and the generals were forced
to creep into the cellars under the wall of the
fortifications; they remained only a few days
here for the king allowed them to have lodgings
in the suburb of Custrin, which had not been
burnt.
The Austrians had endeavoured to maKe
good use of the absence of the king. They
could now act on the offensive, and the super-
iority of their armies promised the most for-
tunate results to their undertakings; but every
thing depended on the rapidity of their opera-
tions. In Silesia the number of fortified places,
and the well defended passes, offered difficulties
that would require time to remove; the opera-
tions in this province were therefore subordinate
to other plans. But Saxony offered an easier
conquest, and Daun advanced rapidly on this
country, leaving General Harsch with only
20 000 in Silesia, with directions, if possible,
to besiege Neisse ; this march of the Austrian
general left Keith at liberty to advance tato
Saxony, and to reinforce Prince Henry. The
Duke of Zweibrucken had also directed his
march on Saxony with the troops of the Em-
pire, and the Prussians were threatened on all
sides with the loss of this province, so useful
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HISTORY OF THK
in time of war; Prince Henry, who had hitherto
protected this country with a small army, was
obliged to fall back upon Dresden. Daun's in-
tention was to take possession of this capital,
to drive the Prussian entirely out of Saxony,
and to cut the king off from the Elb; nothing
came of this but that the formidable opponent
was for some time kept in his own states. Daun
warned General Permor not to allow himself to
he led to give battle to this crafty enemy, whom
he did not as yet know ; he should rather act
on the defensive, until Saxony was conquered.
The courier who conveyed Fermor's answer to
this advice, after the battle of Zorndorf, fell
into the king power, and it contained the foll-
owing : "Yon had good reason to warn Gen-
eral Fermor to have a care of a crafty enemy,
whom you knew better than he did; for he
has faced him, and been beaten."
Prince Henry, who depended on Frederic's
activity, stirred himself in the meanwhile to
strengthen his positions against his numerous
enemies, and it was well that he did so. Son-
nenstein was attacked by the troops of the
Empire, and taken, as the commandant became
alarmed, and surrendered with 1400 men as
prisoners of war. Daun now endeavoured to
make himself master of Dresden ; he approached
this city, which was but weakly garrisoned,
and but slightly fortified ; the prudence and
determination of the commandant, Count Schmet-
tau, saved Dresden. He declared that he in-
tended to burn the magnificent suburbs, which
consisted of houses of six or seven stories, and
rose far above the ramparts; this determination
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SEVEN YEARS WAR.
173
caused the greatest consternation at the court,
and in the town. The royal family thought
that the palace would be in great danger, and
the lamentations became universal, when the
houses were being filled with combustibles. The
inhabitants, the magistrates, the court, all en-
treated for mercy; the states general also sent
deputations with remonstrances and petitions;
Schmettau stated to them the necessity he was
nnder, and that his duty required him to defend
himself. He explained that the Saxons could
expect no respect from him, as an enemy, for
the royal residence, when even their allies paid
no regard to such things; he therefore advised
them to apply to these their allies, and not to
him. This was done, but in the first instance
without avail. Daun had flattered himself with
the prospect of an easy conquest, and was there-
fore unwilling to give up a plan which pro-
mised so many advantages. Thinking that per-
haps the Prussian commandant only wished to
frighten them by words, he threatened to re-
venge the burning of the suburb in the most
fearful manner, and not to spare a single Prus-
sian; Schmettau declared that in case of ex-
tremity he would defend himself from street to
street, make the palace his citadel, and bury
himself in its ruins. It was his intention to
have a quantity of gunpowder brought into the
palace, to collect by force the principal mem-
bers of the court and the nobility, and then,
in the appartment of the princes, and in the
midst of the royal family, to await the deter-
mination of the enemy ; such a threat, however
uncertain its fulfillment might ^e, had been so
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HISTORY OF TUB
well imagined, and the preparations so well re-
gulated, that it could not fail in having its
effect. Daun gave up his attack upon Dresden,
and Schmettau did not destroy the suburb.
The combustibles were removed from the houses,
and the inhabitants for the present tranquil-
lized.
In the meanwhile Laudon fell on the circle
of Cottbus, and raised heavy contributions from
this country. The inhabitants were forced, by
the most fearful threats, to give up every thing
they possessed of any value, even to their plate,
shoe buckles and to their wedding rings, and
as this, together with all their money, did not
make up the required sum, two magistrates were
sent away as hostages. It appeared that the
Austrians were anxious to follow the example
of the Russians in their acts of cruelty; for
not only pillage but fire and devastation cha-
racterized this invasion. A man of family of
the name of Pannewitz was attacked on his
estate, and after his house had been plundered,
not being able to make up the sum that was
required, he was cut with a sabre, and taken
from his bed to be tied, naked and bleeding,
to the tail of a horse which dragged him at his
heels at a gallop. The enormous superiority in
numbers of the Austrians and troops of the
Empire in Saxony, incited them to the forma-
tion of fresh plans. Prince Henry was to be
attacked in front, and in rear, and his army
to be entirely destroyed. The different generals
had held meetings, and all preparations w|re
made, when the magic words "Frederic is ad-
vancing" put a^ stop to all their projects ; he
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SRVKN YRARS WAR.
came, and formed a junction with Prince Henry.
He was desirous of a battle, that he might
drive the Auslrians hack, and go to the as-
sistance of Silesia, which was hut weakly de-
fended, and in great danger. The enemy had
laid this province under contribution, and were
besieging Neisse; they had also invested Cosel.
Fouquet was intrenched with 4000 Prussians
at Landshut, anil although he might impede the
operations of the enemy, he could not prevent
them. Daun carefully avoided a battle, and
endeavoured to prevent Frederic's march towards
Silesia by bodies of men posted in strong, and
well chosen positions. His principal camp at
Stolpen was one of the strongest positions in
Saxony it was covered by steep heights, ponds,
morasses, woods and ravines. Both this general
and bis men, were courageous, cheerful and
devout. The imaginary victory of their allies at
Zorndorf was celebrated by songs and firing
of cannon; but the most reasonable among them
doubted a victory, when the king arrived, and
all their plans were laid aside. Different corps
of Austrian* were driven from their positions,
and there were many skirmishes. The road
towards Silesia was open, but Daun remained
immovable. Frederic did not give up all hopes
of forcing him to retire on Bohemia, by destroy-
ing his magazines and cutting off his supplies. V
He took no note of the troops of the Empire,
upon whose retreat he already reckoned*! fcis
they were suffering from scarcity; he therefore
encamped at Bautzen, as his troops, who had
been constantly on the march for eight weeks,
required repose. The season was already ad-
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176 HISTORY OP THB
vanced, and it was necessary to build brick
hats for the infantry, and stalls of straw work
for the cavalry. The situation of the king and
his army can be best imagined from a letter
he wrote to the Lord-Marshall in the beginning
of October. "I must keep in activity until the
snow falls. How willingly would I sacrifice half
the fame you write of, for a little repose at
the present timer'
At last both armies changed their positions ;
Daun encamped himself securely at a small
distance from his former position, and the Prus-
sians encamped at Hochkirch. The security of
this camp depended on the being masters of the
heights called Steinberg, which General Retzow
was sent to take possession of, but of which
he found the Austrians already masters. The
king sent him orders to drive them from this
position, thinking it was the rear guard of the
enemy; it was in fact the Imperial corps of
grenadiers, who were on this hill, and only a
short distance from the right wing of the Aus-
trian army; these circumstances rendered the
attacking them with only a few battalions im-
practicable. Frederic Avas highly displeased with
this declaration of the impossibility of the attack,
and repeated the order with the additional sen-
tence, that Retzow should answer for the at-
tack with his head. This general had been
educated in the military school of Potsdam, and
having become gray in the service had a high
feeling of military obedienee; but he looked
upon this as one of those rare cases, in which
it was right not to obey. His answer was, he
was ready to lay his head at the feet of his
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177
King, whose orders were sacred, but his con-
science was still more so, and he could not
answer to his God and (he world for the sacri-
fice of so many brave men, without the prospect
of the slightest advantage. He should not make
the attack, and he left the rest to his majesty's
pleasure. He was placed in arrest, and his
sword taken from him.
The not having possession of these heights
made the Prussian camp untenable; but the
king, who was aware of Daun's caution, chose
to remain in this dangerous position in spite of
the enemy. This extraordinary determination
ran him into such great danger as was near
causing the downfall of the kingdom, and which,
as it showed forth his heroism in the greatest
splendour, forms one of the most extraordinary
scenes of the war. These important heights
were carefully entrenched by the Austrians;
and in fact the advantage gained by their pos-
session, was so great, that Daun, at all times so
cautious, was induced to form the plan of fall-
ing on the king in his encampment. The plan
was asciibed to General Laud on, and as it
was formed with science, so was it carried out
with courage and decision. Every thing was
favourable to it; the two armies were posted so
near to one another, that the right wing of the
Prussians was within range of the cannon of
the enemy's camp. This was a rare occurrence
in the annals of warfare, and the Imperialists
looked upon this bold proximity as a mark of
contempt and disregard of their forces, which
they considered as an insult, and therefore ar-
dently desired a battle. The principal part of
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178
HISTOKY OF THB
the light troops of the Austrians were sent to
attack the Prussians, and as their skirmishing
continued day and night, they formed a good
cover for the carrying out of deeper plans The
Prussians, who when led by Frederic, were
accustomed to be the first to attack, could
hardly dream of the possibility of an attack
from the cautious Daun, who thought he could
not be too securely encamped when in the vi-
cinity of his much feared enemy. Daun was
aware of his spirit of enterprise, to which
nothing appeared impossible, and the rapidity
with which the Prussians could be placed in
order of battle, and led against an enemy. Not-
withstanding he took every care in the prepa-
ration of his arrangements, his principal hope
and confidence lay in the imaginary safety of
Frederic and his army.
The disadvantages of his situation were but
too well known to Frederic ; he, however, looked
upon it as disgraceful to withdraw, and in ad-
dition to this, having determined to attack the
Prince of Baden-Durlach, his present position
was favourable for this enterprise. Old Field-
niarshall Keith, who had grown gray in the
service, was not without feelings of anxiety,
and said joking to his royal friend: "if the
Austrians leave us quietly in our present posi-
tion, they deserve to be hanged ;" Frederic ans-
wered in the same strain: "Let us hope they
are more afraid of us than of the gallows." He
at last determined to change his position, and
move his camp as soon as the army was fresh
supplied with provisions. His strength consisted
in 30,000 men ; the night of the 14th of Oc-
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SKVKN YBABS WAR.
179
tober was fixed on for this breaking up of the
camp, and it was decided to follow it up by
an attack upon the forces, under the Prince of
Baden, at Reichenbaeh. The lives of many
thousand men depended on the difference of a
single day.
On the night of the 13th the different co-
lumns of the Austrian army left their camp to
fall upon the Prussians. General O'Uonel led
the advanced guard, which consisted of four
battalions and thirty six squadrons of horse;
he was followed by General Sincere with six-
teen, and General Porgatsch with eighteen bat-
talions. The corps under General Laudon, who
were posted in a wood, and almost in the rear
of the Prussians, was reinforced by four bat-
talions and fifteen squadrons of horse, and in
addition to this was joined by all the Austrian
cavalry of the left wing ; the infantry of this
wing was led on by Daun himself. It was
intended that the whole of these troops, with
the addition of some small bodies of men, should
attack the Prussians on the right wing in front
and in the rear. The Duke of Aremberg, with
twenty three battalions and thirty two squadrons,
was to form a corps of observation on the left
wing of the Prussians, and was not to attack
them until the defeat was complete on every
other point. There were also a number of gre-
nadier volunteers, in the advanced guard, who
vode behind the cuirassiers, but as soon as they
came to the camp of the Prussians, jumped from
the horses, formed into bodies, and pressed
forward.
The tents of the Austrian camp remained
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180
HISTORY OF THK
standing, and the usual watchfires were kept
up. A number of workmen were employed dur-
ing the night in felling trees, and with their
singing and calling to one another, were to
prevent the out-posts of the Prussians from
being aware of the march of the troops ; but
the watchful Prussian hussars discovered the
movement of the enemy, and gave intelligence
of it to the king. At first, he could hardly be
made to believe it, bat as the reports continued
to come in, he imagined it was for some other
purpose, and not for a regular attack. Seidlits*
and Ziethen were at this time with the king,
and exhausted all their eloquence to remove his
doubts at this important moment ; they prevailed
on him to give orders, that some brigades should
be in readiness, and several regiments saddled
their horses in consequence ; they were however
towards morning countermanded, and the soldiers
returned to their beds without anxiety.
Day had not yet broken, and the clock in
the village of Hochkirch struck five, when the
enemy appeared before the camp. Numbers
of picked soldiers came over to the Prussian
outposts, offering themselves as deserters. Their
number increased so rapidly that they soon
overpowered the outposts, and the pickets. The
Austrian army, divided in different bodies, followed
close in the rear of the advanced guard, and
now advanced in column, from every side, into
the Prussian camp. Many regiments of the
king's army were first awakened by their own
cannon; for the advancing enemy, having left
the greater part of their artillery behind, made
use of the cannon and ammunition they became
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181
masters of in the advanced posts of the Prussians,
to fire into the camp.
Never was an army of brave troops in such
a dreadful position as the Prussians ; who, fully
depending on the watchfulness of their king,
w ere sleeping free from care, when in a moment
they were attacked by a powerful enemy in
the midst of their camp, and awakened by the
roar of cannon ; it was still dark, and the con-
fusion beyond all description. Several hundreds
were slaughtered in their tents before they could
open their eyes, others rushed half dressed to
their arms; they seized the first that came to
hand, and formed in the ranks It was here
that the advantage of good discipline was shown
in the most striking manner; in this fearful
state of affairs, where resistance seemed pre-
sumption, and the first thought of all soldiers
must be to gain safety by flight, in most armies
their destruction would have been unavoidable,
and the best troops would have found their
graves, as courage could be of no avail: it
was only discipline that could save them.
The alarm spread itself suddenly through
the whole camp, and in spite of the darkness
and confusion, the greater part of the cavalry
and infantry were soon in order of battle. The
nature of the attack forced the regiments to
act singly; they rushed ou the enemy, and drove
them back on some points, but for the most
part, they were obliged to give way to the
superior force. It was so dark that it was
difficult to know friend from foe; the break of
day hardly diminished the confusion, from the
heavy fog which covered the combatants. The
ARCHENHOI.Z. 6
182 HISTORY OK THK
Prussian cavalry led on by Seidlitz rode about
in search of an enemy, and the cuirassier regi-
ment of Schonaich drove back a whole line of
Austrian infantry, and took 800 prisoners.
The village of Hochkirch was in flames,
and served to light the field of battle. The fire
raged in all the houses, and in every corner of
the place, which was bravely defended by the
Prussians. Victory appeared to depend on keep-
ing possession of this place, from its position
on a height, and there being here a heavy bat-
tery; in consequence of this, Daun continued
to send up fresh troops to attack it. There
were only 600 Prussians to defend this post,
and having expended their ammunition they
determined to cut their way through their
numerous opponents; a small portion succeeded
in their attempt, but the greater part were
either killed, wounded or taken prisoner. Whole
regiments of Prussians now advanced and drove
the enemy again out of the village. The en-
trance to this was so small, that only seven
men could march abreast; it was therefore
impossible to form in line in the midst of the
flames, and with every outlet crammed with
the troops of the Austrians. Every means were
however tried, and this became the principal
point of the battle. Prince Francis of Brunswick
had his head shot off by a cannon ball; Field-
marshall Keith received a ball in his chest, fell
to the ground, and expired; Prince Maurice of
Dessau and General Geist were struck to the
earth, severely wounded. The Prussians, attacked
in front and in the rear, were forced to give
way, and the Austrian cavalry made dreadful
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183
havock in the bravest regiments of the Prus-
sian infantry. The king led on fresh troops in
person, and drove back the enemy ; but this
advantage was rendered of no avail by the
Austrian cavalry. The village remained in the
possession of the Imperialists, but with the loss
of many of their grenadiers. The king now
ordered that the right wing, which had fallen
into confusion, should withdraw, and sent
General Saldern with some battalions of old
soldiers to cover their retreat. This highly en-
dowed general who was as efficient in the
manoeuvring of infantry, as Seidlitz was in that
of cavalry, made his arrangements with such
discretion, that without firing a single shot, he
prevented with his few soldiers, the victorious
army from advancing farther.
The fog at last drew off, and the field of
battle strewed with dead bodies became apparent
to the two armies, which were both in disor-
der. Nothwithstanding the advantage their dis-
cipline had been to the Prussians, the darkness
and the nature of the ground had prevented
their using their military tactics and fighting to
an advantageous result. Both sides were now
formed in fresh order of battle. Notwithstanding
all the advantages he had gained, Daun did
not claim a victory over an army, which had
disappointed all human expectation, and not-
withstanding it had been surprised in the night,
had fought for so many hours with the most
extraordinary valour, and having lost many of
Its leaders, was now ready to renew the battle.
This was the intention of Frederic, when the
Duke of Aremberg, who under cover of the fog
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184 HISTORY OP THK
had taken the king in flank, attacked the left
wing of the Prussians; several thousand men
were driven back, and a large field battery of the
Prussians taken. But this was the extent of
their victory; the king who now had the enemy
in front and rear, drew his courageous troops
together, and after fighting for five hours made
good his retreat. He was protected by a heavy
fire of artillery and by lines of cavalry which
were posted in the plain of Belgern, and behind
which the infantry formed. The Austrian army
was in too great confusion to attempt to disturb
such a retreat; and in addition to this, Daun
had already let the world know at Kollin, that
it was his principle to build a bridge of gold
for a flying enemy; the cavalry made an at-
tempt to follow the Prussians, but were soon
driven back by Seidlitz. The army drew off
quietly, and took 1000 prisoners with them. Fre-
deric did not march any distance; he encamped
his army a league from the field of battle on
the hill called Spitsbergen, having lost the greater
part of his artillery and baggage, his men having
no covering but their short jackets, and without
tents in this severe season; they were also in
want of ammunition, so necessary a requisite
in European warfare. The position of the king
was so advantageous, and his troops, notwith-
standing their having been beaten, were so formid-
able, that Daun would not make a fresh attack.
Retzow who had remained under arrest with
his small body of men, but who was still looked
on as their leader, hurried with them to the
assistance of the king, and aided in covering
his retreat; he was again taken into favour by
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SKVKX YKAKS VV'AK.
185
Frederic, and died a few weeks after. In this
illfated day the Prussians lost 101 cannon, be-
sides their baggage, thirty stand of colours and
9000 men; the loss of theAustrians was 8000.
Almost all the Prussian generals who sur-
vived this day were wounded; the king himself
was slightly so. He had gone into the hottest
of the battle ; his horse had been killed under
him, and two pages had fallen by his side ; he
was also in great danger of being taken pri-
soner. The enemy had surrounded him, near
the village of Hochkirch, but he was rescued
by the bravery of his escort of hussars. Ever
in the thickest of the fight, he seemed to take
no care of his life. He never showed his genius
and his great capabilities in a higher degree
than on this night, which instead of taking from
his fame, added to his reputation. Several old
regiments, who till now had been victorious,
and never present at a defeat, had been forced
to turn their backs to the enemy. But for this
day, which had indeed not tarnished their fame,
they would have been invincible. *
Fieldmarshall Prince Maurice of Dessau,
who had been dangerously wounded, was attacked
on his way to Bautzen by a party of hussars.
The prince said to their leader : ul am severely
wounded, and give myself up as your prisoner.
* The regiment of Forcade, in which the author
served, was one of these, and from its formation in
1713 to October 1758 had only heard of battles
being lost. The king once said of them, as he passed
before their ranks: "When 1 want to see soldiers, I
must come to this regiment!"
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186 H18T0KY OP THK
I request you to conduct me on parole to Bautzen,
and your hussars shall have a hundred Ducats
ransom." The officer was satisfied, and closed
round the carriage with his men. Shortly after
a strong body of Prussian hussars came up, and
were preparing to attack. The captain of the
horse told this to the Prince, and requested him
to use his authority with the Prussians, other-
wise he would endanger his own life. The
prince did this, and called out to the Prussians
that he was a prisoner, and on his parole. Of
this they took no notice as they were anxious
to set the Prince at liberty, and at the same
time to do away with his word, and those to
whom he had given it. The captain now came
to the door of the carriage with a pistol in his
hand, and said: "I must shoot your highness if
you do not keep your men back, and renew your
parole." The men were at last prevailed on
to withdraw, but with difficulty, as the Prussians
imagined it was their fault the prince remained
a prisoner; the king decided (he conflict, and
declared the parole of the prince as binding.
This courageous general died a short time after,
and before he could be ransomed.
Frederic now endeavoured to forget the loss
he had sustained at Hochkirch, and to get the
better of its evil consequences. He greeted
General Goltz when he saw him a few hours
after the battle, with the following words:
"They awoke us to some purpose, my dear
Goltz." The general answered: "Those who
dare not speak to us during the day time, are
often in the habit of disturbing us at night."
"You are right," said the king, "but I mean to
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pay them off by day for (heir want of courtesy
in disturbing us in the night," He spoke to
the artillery when (hey were assembled in the
same strain; he asked: "What have you done
with your cannon?" One of them answered
him: "The devii came and took it away
in the night;" Frederic rejoined: "Well (hen,
we must take it from him by daylight." This
victory of the Austrians was gained on the
fete day of the Empress Maria Theresa, and as
it is the custom of catholic countries to make
presents on this day, Daun presented his mistress
with the intelligence of the advantage he had
gained ; she thanked him in a letter full of the
most gracious expressions. The Empress of
Russia sent him a present of a golden sword;
the Magistrates of Vienna raised a column to
his honour, and the Austrian States-General
made him a donation of 300,000 florins, to enable
him to repurchase the estate of Ladendorf, which
had passed from bis family.
Even Pope Clement the XIII. who had just
been raised to the papal dignity, and had given
to the Empress of Austria, the title of Apostolic
Majesty, took part in this victory. The successors
of St. Peter had during the dark ages been in
the habit of arming the Christian warriors with
consecrated arms, that they might overthrow
the Turks and Saracens. Clement thinking
that such holy weapons might do good servide
in Silesia, sent Fieldmarshall Daun a consecrated
hat and sword, in order that he might more
effectually overcome the heretics ; conduct quite
unworthy of the eighteenth century, if, not of
this war, and which brought down many jests
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HISTORY OK THK
upon this general ; Frederic called him in his
letters, the consecrated man, and the general
with the Pope's cap. This conduct on the part
of Rome was highly impolitic, as many of the
subjects of Frederic were catholics, and he there-
fore had many ways of injuring the Pope. It
would appear that these presents were not duly
appreciated in Vienna, and the customary festi-
vities, on such occasions, were dispensed with.
Thirty years after, when educatioon had advanced,
and they became more enlightened in the Austrian
dominious, they formed a juster estimate both
of the power of the Pope, and also of the so
called heretics; and being ashamed of these
gifts, the writers in Vienna denied the occurrence
altogether, and attributed this well known histo-
rical fact to the imagination of Frederic, in
consequence of this monarch having, in an idle
hour, written a poetical papal bull, which was
afterwards, to complete the farce, transtaled
into latin and printed; an ironical document,
which simple people took for the original, and
served others as an excuse for denying the
whole affair. The same Pope some years after
excommunicated the Duke of Parma ; one cere-
mony was worthy of the other, and the)' are
probably the last of the kind which will have
to be recorded in history.
Daun expected, that as soon as Frederic
sfiould hear of the siege of Neisse he would
attack him in despair; he therefore wrote to
General Harsh: "Continue steadily to carry on
the siege; I have the king in my power. He
is cut off from Silesia, and should he attack
me, I shall have good news to send yon/* This
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189
confidence on the part of Daun was the more
extraordinary, from his experience of the many
resources of the fertile genius of Frederic. The
misfortunes and good fortune of this monarch
never came singly; after the battle of Kollin,
he lost his mother, to whom he was tenderly
attached, and on the day of his misfortune at
Hocbkirch his sister, the Markgrafin of Baireuth,
died. He loved her to adoration, and from her
high intellectual endowments, he looked on her,
to use his own expression, as worthy of being
immortalized by altars and temples.
Daun was never more cautious than after
he had gained an advantage. He now entrenched
himself in an impregnable camp near Cannewitz,
and neglected every occasion of annoying the
king. What had been said to Hannibal after
the battle of Cannse by a Carthaginian general
might have been applied to him with propriety;
"You may know how to conquer, but not to
take advantage of your victory." Frederic, on
the contrary, made the best use of this valuable
time, reequipped his army with rapidity, in part
from Dresden, and in part from Prince Henry's
army, supplied them with provisions and arms,
reinforced his army with 6000 men, sent by
Prince Henry, and prepared to march towards
Silesia. He said: "Daun has allowed us to
get out of check, the game is not lost ; we will
refresh ourselves by a few day's rest, and then
start off to the relief of Neisse. There were
however many impediments in his way; there
were a great number of sick in the camp, and
the Prussians, who had been wounded in the
battle, were in Bautzen. It was necessary in
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HISTORY OK THK
the first place to remove these, to protect Saxony,
and by forced inarches to elude the enemy, who
had taken possession of the roads towards Silesia.
All these plans were successfully carried out,
and on the 95th of October, eleven days after
the battle, Frederic was marching with his
whole army towards Silesia, and under such
advantageous circumstances, that Daun gave
up all hopes of preventing his advance ; never-
theless he sent troops under the command of
Generals Aremberg, Lascy and Laudon to impede
the progress of the king. Laudon here displayed
his great activity ; he either threw light troops
into the ravines to impede the Prussians, or
cannonaded them from advantageous positions,
and at other times attacked them from the
cover of the woods, and rushed with impetuosity
on the enemy. Every day the fight was renewed,
and the opponent continued on the advance.
But all these attempts were without result,
for they only took a few pontons and baggage-
waggons from the Prussians.
The Austrian General Harsh, tranquillized
by Daun's assurance, continued the siege of
Neisse, which like all other Prussian fortified
towns, was but weakly garrisoned in conse-
quence of the troops being required in the
field. At first he had great hopes of taking this
town, in consequence of the king's being at so
great a distance, and there being no Prussian
army near enough to assist it; and after the battle
of Hochkirch, all Europe looked upon the fate
of Neisse as decided. The relief of besieged
places is generally the consequence of a vic-
tory or some other fortunate occurrence, but it
\
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was hardly to be expected, that Frederic, after
being defeated and surrounded by powerful
armies, could come eighty leagues to the assist-
ance of this hard pressed fortress. He arrived,
however, after thirteen days marching, on the
5th of November, within six leagues of Neisse.
More was not necessary to complete his object
for Harsh raised the siege on this day, not-
withstanding he would shortly have received
reinforcements, left a large quantity of am-
munition and implements of war behind him,
and withdrew into Moravia. He had opened
the trenches on the 4th of August, and had
began to fire on the town on the 5th of Octo-
ber; but ail his operations were rendered use-
less by the courage of the besieged, who made
a sortie as the Austrians were retiring, and
took 800 prisoners.
It is here necessary to notice the noble con-
duct of a high German lady, which has not
been generally known, and of which it is pro-
bable Frederic had never heard. General Treskow
had an estate not far from the town of Neisse
of which place he was commandant. His wife
was residing on this estate at the time the
Austrians were besieging the town. They saw
from the first that this undertaking would be
of long duration, and that it was possible that
Frederic, notwithstanding the distance he was
at, might find means to overthrow their plans;
they therefore thought that the safest and easiest
way would be to obtain their object by treach-
ery. Treskow had previously been a prisoner
in Austria, and treated with great considera-
tion; in addition to this, his wife, who had
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joined him in his misfortune, had met with great
courtesy on the part of the court of Vienna;
the agreeable recollection of the gracious con-
duct of the empress was fresh in her mind, and
upon this a plan was formed. An officer of the
Imperial army visited her, and gave her letters
of protection from the Austrian General. * He
was received and entertained as a benefactor.
As it was evening when he arrived, it was
necessary he should remain the night; when at-
table the subject of conversation was the praise
of the empress, to which the noble heart of
the lady could set no bounds. There were no
witnesses present, and it was now that a pro-
position was made ; to induce her husband to
surrender, large sums were offered, rank [and
titles; a regular attack was to be made that
the general's honour should not be tarnished,
and the most inviolable Secrecy promised. Ma-
dame von Treskow could hardly contain herself
until he had concluded his proposition. She got
up, and wringing her hands, bewailed the de-
gradation of having such an offer made to her;
she exclaimed repeatedly: "It is possible, that
such a proposal can be made to me !" All offers
of condolence and consolation on the part of
the officer were in vain, and the assurance of
* This account was given to the author by the
Baron von Eichberg, who was the officer sent on
this occasion. He was then captain of horse, and
acted as aid-de-camp both to Generals Laudon and
Harsh ; a few years previous to the first publication
of this work he was living in Italy, and it was then
that he communicated this fact to the author.
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considering the offer as if it had not been
made, and the promise of secrecy were fruit-
less in calming this deeply wounded lady. Her
intention of remaining on her protected estate
during the continuance of the siege was im-
mediately given up; she refused all protection,
all advantages, all quiet, to share with the
besieged scarcity, want of rest and danger;
her village, the only property of her family,
and the reward of fifty year's service, was
magnanimously sacrificed. She said to the en-
voy: "We are poor, this is our all; honour
forces me to leave it in your hand, and if you
wish to revenge yourselves you can do it."
It was in vain that the officer, moved by
this noble conduct, threw himself at her feet,
and entreated her to give up her resolution;
she forgave him the offence, but would not
longer consent to remain in the power of the
enemies of Prussia ; she left her house the same
night, but took no provision with her, although
aware of the scarcity in the town; the officer
accompanied her to the advanced posts, and
then quitted her in admiration of her conduct.
Kosel, which had also been blockaded by the
Austrians, was now relieved, and Silesia' entirely
freed from the troops of the enemy. The cam-
paign was at an end in this province, and it
was only in Saxony, that Daun, who was still
in that country, which was but weakly pro-
tected, could hope to gain any advantages be-
fore the end of the winter. All Europe was
looking forward to the results of the victory
of Hochkirch, but as yet none were to be seen ;
not that projects had been wanting, for Dres-
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den, Leipslc, and Torgau were to be at once,
and at the same time, taken from the king, by
different bodies of troops, and Daun himself
marched on the capital, determined this time
not to be baulked of his intention. There was
only a small body of Prussians in Saxony, but
they displayed great activity under General
Fink who was their actual leader although
they were nominally under older generals; for
those brave commanders, Hulsen and Itzenplitz,
putting aside all feelings of jealousy, only
sought the true path of honour in the fame of
their country, respected the wishes of their
king, and did justice to the talents of the young
general. The most effectual measures were
adopted against the overpowering force of the
enemy, the garrison of Dresden was strength-
ened, and the commandant, General Schmct-
tau now found himself under the painful neces-
sity of burning the suburb, as the royal family,
deceived by vain hopes, kept back from inter-
fering in this time of danger. They thought
it was right, in their distressed position to let
things take their course. The states-general
remained silent, the magistrates who looked for
the greatest advantage from the city falling
into the hands of the Austrians, and expected
with this to see an end of all the vexations
of warfare, shrugged up their shoulders in an-
swer to the overtures of the commandant, and
the complaints of their fellow citizens at their
fate; so greatly were they deceived, and so
much had they changed in their ideas in the
course of a single month, that the unhappy
residents in the faubourg were left to their fate.
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This suburb was, from the manner in which
it was built, equal to any of the finest towns
in Europe. The extensive buildings of which
it consisted were either the palaces or summer
residences of the great and the rich, or else,
manufactories of a number of the different orna-
mental works in which the Saxon industry is so
much displayed; every preparation was made for
burning all these to the ground. Schmettau made
fresh overtures, and affirmed his determination
to have recourse to this fearful extremity on
the approach of the enemy; but the court re-
mained indifferent. The enemy did approach,
the Prussians withdrew their advanced posts,
and on the morning of the 10th of November
the fearful signal was given for the work of
destruction to commence. Combustibles were
placed in every room and vacant space, in the
midst of the most beautiful furniture, works of
art and the productions of manufacturies ; the
inhabitants had taken flight, and but few had
been able to avail themselves of the time al-
lowed them to take away their properly, from
the want of means of conveyance. In a few
hours near three hundred buildings were con-
sumed by fire; an old couple were burnt, and
in addition to these, three others lost their lives.
This dreadful conflagration was described by
the enemies of Frederic with numerous addi-
tions, which, had they been true, would have
been the disgrace of the Prussian name; but
Schmettau received an honourable testimony of
his conduct from the magistrates of Dresden
which fully exonerated him from the charges of
cruelly attributed to him.
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Daun, who appeared quite astonished and
perplexed at this conflagration, sent to the com-
mandant to ask if it was by the orders of his
king that he had committed an act as yet tin-
heard of in any Christian land, and threatened
to make him answerable for his conduct. Schmettau
referred to his duty, which was to defend the
town to the last extremity, and also to well
known maxims of warfare; he declared again
that he would defend himself against his whole
force from street to street, and bury himself
under the ruins of the palace. Daun now pre-
pared to lay regular siege to Dresden, but the
bad news from Silesia of the raising the siege
of Neisse, the retreat of the Imperial army into
Moravia, and the approach of Frederic into
Saxony rendered his plans useless ; he withdrew
his forces, but not without making the courtly
assurance that it was done entirely out of regard
to the royal family. In the official notification
of the retreat it is stated that a certain weighty
reason rendered it necessary to withdraw the
troops; this weighty reason was nothing more
nor less than the approach of Frederic. The
attacks upon Leipsic, and Torgau met with a
similar fate; both these towns were relieved
nearly at the same time by Generals Dohna and
Wedel; there was now nothing left for the
Imperial troops but to march towards Bohemia,
and even the fortress of Sonuenstein was aban-
doned.
The Austrians now withdrew their forces
without having gained a foot of land in the
country of the enemy, even as the Prince Sou-
bise had withdrawn to the Rhine after the
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197
battle of Lutternberg. Daun's principal object
in the disposition of his armies in their winter
quarters, was to place them so as to form a
continuous line such as had not as yet been
seen in Germany or even in Europe. This
cordon, consisting of more than 300,000 soldiers,
extended from the mountains which separate
Bohemia from Silesia to the Alps. It was
formed by the Austrians along the frontiers of
Silesia and Saxony, and was continued by the
troops of the Empire through Thuringia and
Franconia, and united to the French army which
was posted on the banks of the Main and the
Rhine, and commanded the banks of this large
river to the frontiers of Switzerland.
The march of the king after the battle of
Zorndorf having given the Russians an oppor-
tunity of continuing their operations, they de-
termined to besiege Colberg in order to have a
principal magazine and a fortified position for
their operations in the more central provinces
of Prussia; the harbour of this town would have
been a great advantage to them from the facility
it gave of receiving supplies, at the same time
that the weakness of its garrison promised an
easy conquest. The fate of Pomerania hung
upon the defence of Colberg which wras intrusted
to 700 men of the militia, a few invalids and
fifteen artillerymen under the command of an
invalid officer of the name of Heyden. This
officer was a man of great courage, knowledge
of the art of war, and he displayed this, together
with his decision of character, in the prepara-
tions he made for defence. General Palmbach
besieged the town with 10,000 Russians, made
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himself luaslcr of (lie harbour, and in five days
was in possession of (he covered way. The
taking (he (own seemed now quite certain ; but
the valour of (he commandant and the courage
of the soldiers, and (he brave citizens he had
armed and who fought like old soldiers, put a
stop to (he progress of the besiegers. The be-
sieged laboured under a great disadvantage from
the suburbs which were a protection to the
Russians. Heyden would not allow the houses
to be burnt for the sake of the citizens, upon
whose assistance lie had (o depend in conse-
quence of the weakness of the garrison ; these
citizens, who were well practiced in shooting
at a mark, remained constantly on the ramparts,
and picked ofT every man they could see, who
was within shot. General Palmbach was much
irritated at this defence on the part of the ci-
tizens; but he became more reconciled to it,
when he was informed, that they were each
bound by their oath of citizenship to defend
the (own
An extraordinary occurrence took place during
this siege. On (he sixth day after its commence-
ment, Palmbach unexpectedly received orders
to raise the siege; he did so, but had not marched
more than three leagues from the place before
he received fresh orders to re(urn, and to carry
on (he siege with more rigour than ever. Hey-
den, who thought this retreat very extraordinary,
took (he precaution not to be in a hurry to
open (he gates, in order to destroy the works,
as, if they were really gone, there was plenty
of time for this work ; the consequence was
(hat, when the Russians returned (he following
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199
day, they found every thing as they had left
it. The town was again summoned to surrender ;
the commandant replied, that there was not
the least cause for his doing this, as the forti-
fications were in the best condition ; to this he
added that they would gain as little by fire as
they had done at Custrin, and to make them
aware of the state of the fortifications, Heyden
gave orders that the Russian officer, who had
been sent, should be conducted over the works.
He now made the most efficient preparations
for defence; being so short of artillerymen, 1*0
of the miJitia were exercised night and day in
gun practice; they were well attended to, their-
food was prepared for them, and sent to the
batteries. The garrison were all well supplied
with provisions; a precaution which did not
a little serve to keep up the courage of the
soldiers, and preserve them in health and good
spirits.
The besiegers were continually receiving
reinforcements from the army, and renewed
their attacks with fresh troops. On the fifteenth
day of the siege the town was summoned, the
commandant reminded of the misery he would
bring on the inhabitants, if the town were
taken by storm, and that he was justified in
the sight of God, the king, and the world, having
no hopes of relief, by his position, and by his
brave defence with so small a garrison: Heyden
answered, that as far as in him lay, he would
do his utmost so spare blood; but as an offi-
cer, he must from regard to his duty, await the
worst. The town was, however, not stormed,
but the bombardment was carried on with more
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NISTOHY OF THK
activity than ever; shells and grenades, and
when these failed, stones were thrown into the
town ; but at last news arrived in the Russian
camp of the approach of a body of Prussian
troops, and the siege was raised after having
continued twenty nine days. After the failure
of this attempt the Russians evacuated Pome-
rania and Brandenburg, and retired part into
Poland, and part into winter quarters in Prus-
sia. This left General Dohna at liberty to march
with his army into Saxony, and to go to the
relief of Leipsic, which was besieged by the
troops of the Empire under the Duke of Zwei-
britcken, but who on his approach withdrew
their forces. The Imperial General Uaddick also
retired into the states of the Empire after
General YVedel, who commanded in Pomerania,
had gained considerable advantages over him.
The king who, on the raising the siege of Neisse,
had returned to Saxony, after giving directions
for the destruction of the works of Sonnenstein,
went back to Silesia where he placed his army
in winter quarters, and took up his own at
Breslau.
The operations of the Swedes had been as
inconsiderable during this campaign as during
the last, notwithstanding they had been rein-
forced by 5600 infantry, and 2000 cavalry, and
that they had received the subsidies promised
by France. They contented themselves with
plundering, and laying under contribution those
Prussian districts which were not protected by
troops, and when their means of subsistence
failed in these places, they drew large supplies
of provisions from 3Iecklenburg, which, although
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201
an ally, was treated as an enemy, and in the
first instance they gave promises of paying for
the supplies. The states general of this pro-
vince did not approve of this mode of proceed-
ing, and directed them to go to the markets,
but they were threatened with force, and the
supplies were provided; Count Ldwenhaut who
was at the head of the body of men sent to
raise these supplies, required money also for
himself and his men. under pretext that they
were come to protect the country, which was
also given. They departed in August, but pre-
viously demanded a bond from the states gen-
eral that they would allow no moneys to be
sent from the province to the King of Prussia;
the requisition was ridiculous since the revenues
of Mecklenburg were regulated by the military
power of Prussia, which, although sometimes
suspended, was never got the better of; the
states general refused to agree to this propo-
sition, and the consequence was that Colonel
Urieberg and the Burgermeister of Rostock were
taken as hostages to the Swedish army.
In the month of August, the treaty of alliance
between Sweden and Russia terminated, and
was renewed without alteration for twelve
years. But the operations of the Swedes re-
mained equally inefficient during the whole war,
and the inactivity of their soldiers in the field
rendered them despicable in the eyes of their
allies, their enemy, and even their own country-
men; the real causes of this inactivity, which
have been previously explained,were not generally
known, and they were equally laughed at in
Stockholm, Vienna and Berlin. But although
202 HISTORY OK THE
this excited in them gradually a more sincere
desire to participate in the war, they had now
forfeited the character they had held for centuries,
of a generous and courageous enemy, and dis-
honoured the martial sprit of their country by
disgraceful conduct, and as soon as the Prussians
were at a little distance, they gave themselves
up to pillage, and all imaginable excesses. With
the exception of not murdering helpless and
unarmed citizens they nearly equalled the Cosacks
in the devastation they committed; they took
every thing they could lay their hands on in
the towns and villages they passed through,
and deprived the inhabitants of their bread,
and their property, not sparing even the seed
which was in the ground, and which they
destroyed. They were not led on to these
excesses by any feeling of national enmity,
for in the first instance, they were displeased
with the line of policy adopted by their states-
men, and inclined to the side of the Prussians ;
but the love of plunder soon got the better of
these feelings, and steeled their hearts against
the misery and lamentations of their victims;
added to this the force of habit soon lent its
assistance, and proved that in warfare, soldiers
often lose the feeling of men, and of humanity.
These Swedes were seen in daily public prayer
to God; the moment they left their devotions
hurrying to commit crimes, and as soon as these
were completed, returning to their prayers.
The seizing Berlin was the great aim of the
Swedes in consequence of Brandenburg being
so little protected by troops, and they were
only ten leagues from this capital in October,
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SKVKN YKARS WAR. 203
when General Wedel advanced, and drove them
back. The Prussians did not stop till they had
forced them to seek protection under the cannon
of Stralsund, and Fehrbeilin was the only town
that they occupied with a strong garrison to cover
their retreat; but this place so remarkable to
the Swedes for the defeat that the Elector Frederic
William had here suffered, a hundred years
previous, was taken without delay by the
Prussians, who stormed it, and took prisoners
those of the garrison who were not cut to
pieces.
The campaign was now at an end on all
sides, and Frederic, who had been defeated in
October, was now master of the Eib and the
Oder. In the short space of seven weeks he
had marched from Saxony into Silesia, then
back into Saxony, and was now again in Sile-
sia, and in addition to this, in these few weeks,
Neisse, Cosel, Dresden, Leipsic, Torgau and
Colberg had been relieved. What made his
marches the more extraordinary was the being
encumbered with a large army which presents
so many difficulties to rapidity of motion on a
long march. Marshall Belleisle who was then
French minister, and had been at the head of
an army, and accustomed to military operations,
would not hear of these movements of the king
in forming plans for the war, although they
had been foretold to him; he said: "Let the
King of Prussia do what he will, his army is
not a weaver's shuttle." TheAustrians in Bo-
hemia and Moravia were now making fresh
plans for the next campaign; the Russians in
Prussia and Poland were filling their maga-
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zines; the troops of the Empire were in their
winter quarters in the centre of Germany, and
the Swedes, who saw their own portion of
Pomerania in the hands of the Prussians, had
sought safety under the cannon of Stralsund.
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BOOK V.
Campaign of the French in 1758 -Siege of Mindcn-
Taking of Emden— Passage of the Rhine by the
allies under Ferdinand Duke of Brunswick — Battle
of Crefeld- Siege of DGsseldorf- Battle of Sangers-
hausen — English troops sent. to Germany — Diiflsel-
dorf evacuated -Battle of Luttcrnberg— End of the
campaign.
The campaign of the allies of Frederic during
the same year was also very remarkable. In
the beginning of the year the Duke of Richelieu
was recalled, and resigned the command of the
French armies to Count Clermont. This newly
chosen leader was a churchman, and had never
seen an army before, not even at a review;
but Madame de Pompadour, the royal mistress'
who then managed Lewis the XVth and the
French government without any controul over
her wishes, was taken with his courtly manners
and talents; and in order to reward these she
elevated him to the rank of general, and' sent
him into Germany, to assert the honour of
France against a great leader. The choice of
such a person astonished the whole world, and
6*
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206 HISTORY OF THK
when Frederic heard of it, he said : "I hope
that the next general they send will be the
Archbishop of Paris."
The court of Versailles strove to outdo that
of Vienna in its activity and zeal to overthrow
Prussia. They appeared to have forgotten their
almost annihilated navy, and the threatening
progress of the English, that they might turn
all their attention to this end, and employ every
means that gold, intrigue and state policy could
suggest. The French ambassadors at the courts
of Vienna, St. Petersburg and Stockholm could
in mosts instances guide these cabinets accord-
ing to their wishes; and added to this, the
Marquis of Montalembert and the Count de
Montazet were senC as French envoys, the latter
to the Swedish, and afterwards to the Russian
army; and the former to that of the Imperialists,
in order that they might, if possible, direct the
operations of the allies in accordance with the
plans of France. These men were both officers
of great talents and experience, and they studied
the capabilities of the armies and the charac-
ters of the generals, in order that the French
court might attach them to their interest by
handsome presents, and by a knowledge of their
private feelings and individual tastes; by these
means they were often enabled to form the
most advantegeous plans for the operations of
their allies, as was learnt by the betrayal of
Montalembert's correspondence. These officers
were in constant activity, and they corresponded
with the prime minister at Versailles, with the
commanders of the French army, and with the
ambassadors of their country at the courts of
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207
the different powers engaged in the war. When
the armies were no longer in the field, they
went in person from one court to another to
form, plans, and to overcome difficulties by the
most efficient means.
Previous to the departure of Richelieu, Hal-
berstadt was sorely visited by the French. After
the battle of Rossbach, this general had left the
town and the whole principality, but not before
lie had levied contributions from this province,
which only contained ten towns and a hundred
villages, to the amount of more than a million
and a half of dollars; a portion of this
was still unpaid, and as there was now a
force of 3000 Prussians in the country, the
inhabitants of this drained province refused,
by order of the king, to pay it to the French.
Richelieu determined to punish them for this,
and a body of men 12,000 strong, who were
stationed in Brunswick, advanced under the
command of the Marquis ofVoyer in the mouth
of January, upon Haiberstadt; their intention
was to have seized the Prussian troops, but
they were able to withdraw without loss. The
contributions were now levied with greater
rigour than ever, and with the threat, that
if more than four dollars in money and three
bushels of wheat were to be found in any house,
it would be pillaged and set fire to ; and the
tar barrel was ever in readiness to carry this
threat into effect. Voyer's answer to the most
moving representations was always: "Money
and corn or else fire!" What could not be
raised, even from the poor, was made up by
bills of exchange ; after this came the searching
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208 HISTORY OF THK
the houses by the soldiers which gave rise to
constant pillage. The gates of the city were
then burnt, the brick work pulled down, and
the walls destroyed. The last requisition of
the enemy was that the inhabitants of Halber-
stadt should promise to pay a fine of 100,000
dollars, in the event of the Prussians again
occupying the town; the deputation from the
town refused with firmness to comply with this
unjust demand, and at last the French with-
drew, taking with them six hostages. Quedlin-
burg where Count Turpin commanded, had avery
different fate from Halberstadt; they expected
oppressive levies to be made, but this generous
commander who had no tyranical orders to ful-
fill, or of he had, did not put them in force,
said that all that he required was the necessary
supplies for his troops, and a number of waggons
with which he withdrew, followed by the blessings
of the people.
The getting possession of the principal German
free towns of the Empire was the great object of
the French leaders. In the previous year they
had, on their first advance into Germany, seized
the city of Cologne, under the pretext that the
King of France was guarantee of the treaty of
Westphalia. The city of Bremen met with a
similar fate in August 1757, under the excuse,
that there was in this place a magazine for
the necessaries of war belonging to the King
of England. They promised not to make any
alteration in the government, or in the laws of
the town, but in case of resistance they threatened
to use force; the inhabitants compelled by necessity,
acceded to the request, and the Marquis of
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Armentieres then took possession of the town.
He took much from the disagreeables of the
position of the inhabitants, by the discipline he
enforced, and his noble and generous disposi-
tion and bearing; the French only remained
here a short time, for they left Bremen fourteen
days after; they, however, in four months after,
and before the opening of the campaign renewed
their project of occupying this town in conse-
quence of their hearing of a similar intention
on the part of Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick.
There appeared some difficulty in its completion,
for the people assembled round the town hall,
and threatened the magistrates, if they allowed
the French to come into the town; the people
would hear of no representations, and the French
General allowed no delay; he approached with
his cannon, and his troops placed their scaling
ladders on the walls. A capitulation was now
agreed upon with the French General, Duke de
Broglio, which was any thing but dishonour-
able to the town, as he granted every thing
that the magistrates required. The people were
much dissatisfied, especially as they learnt that
3000 Hanoverians were approaching; they as-
sembled together, armed themselves with axes,
and were anxious to break open the storehouses
that they might get arms, and drive the French
who were already advancing, out of the town;
they actually came to blows and several of the
inhabitans were killed or wounded, but this was
the end of the affray. With the taking possession
of this town terminated the operations under
the command of Richelieu, who now returned
to Paris to repose upon his laurels.
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The new leader Clermont found the army,
intrusted to his command in a most miserable
state. The French ambassador at the court of
Sweden, the Marquis of Havrincourt, expressed
himself in the following manner, on this subject,
to the Marquis of Montalembert: "Clermont has
found the army in a most wretched state of
disorder; there is no regularity, no arrangement
in the placing the troops in their quarters, no
preparations for the supply of the men, and in
short a scarcity of every thing." Clermont in
consequence of this state of affairs made the
following extraordinary report to his king: "I
have found your Majesty's army divided into
three different bodies ; one is above ground, and
composed of thieves and marauders dressed in
rags ; another is under ground, and the third is
in the hospital;" he therefore required instruc-
tions as to whether he should bring back the
first division, or allow them to remain until they
joined the other two.
The Duke of Brunswick gave him no time
to improve his position. He opened the campaign
as early as February, made himself master of
theWeser, and advanced on Hanover. Wherever
his outposts showed themselves the enemy fled,
and in such haste, that the sick, a number of
cannon and their baggage remained behind.
Even the town of Bremen,which was so important
to them from many considerations was evacuated
by the French and also Lippstadt, Hamm, Mini-
ster and other important places. It was only
in Hoya on the Weser that Count Chabot held
Tiis ground until the hereditary Prince of Bruns-
wick drove him thence after a spirited resistance,
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and took 1500 prisoners. These were the first
deeds df this young prince, who afterwards
proved himself worthy of being considered among
the first generals of his time, and was fated to
he the avenger of the house of Orange, and to
humble the pride of Holland.
The taking of Hoya led to that of Zelle,
Hanover and Brunswick; and the light troops ,
of the allied carried every thing before them.
In the consternation into which the French were
thrown, they sought to save themselves by
flight, and being in the greatest disorder many
of them fell victims to the rage they had ex-
cited in the bosoms of the Hanoverian peasantry*
by their many acts of oppression ; in the space
of eight days, Hanover was completely rid of
the enemy, who drew off to the Rhine, and
left their magazines behind them, those which
they had not time to destroy falling into the
hands of the enemy. In order to secure this
hurried retreat, Clermont sacrificed 4000 men
whom he left in Minden, which place was re-
gularly besieged. The commandant, the Mar-
quis of Morangi^s, required after five days to
be allowed to withraw his troops, and as this
was refused to him, he threatened to blow up
the bridge over the Weser, to reduce the
town to a heap of ashes, and to bury him-
self with his garrison under its ruins. But
he did not carry his threats into execution,
and these were laughed at by the besiegers.
Morangies now altered his determination, and
surrendered the following day, by which the
garrison which was now 3500 men strong be-
came prisoners of war, and a large magazine
-
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212
HISTORY OF THK
fell into the hands of the enemy. In Hessia,
Marburg was the only town now in tire hands
of the French, and the hereditary Prince of
Brunswick soon drove them out of this, so that
the allies had no longer an enemy to oppose
them either in Lower Saxony or Westphalia;
the French never stopped till they reached
Wesel, having on their way lost 11,000 men
who had fallen into the hands of the allies.
The former established their head quarters in
. this town, and sent the greater part of their
army across the Rhine.
In the army of Ferdinand there was a de-
ficiency in cavalry, for the few regiments of
• Hanoverian and Hessian horse with some thous-
ands of Prussian dragoons and hussars which
were attached to his army, were not sufficient
for active service in the field ; the British Par-
liament therefore determined to send English
cavalry to Germany, and to strengthen the
army by English infantry. Emden was fixed
on as the most convenient place for debarka-
tion; but this place was in the hands of the
French, who had fortified and garrisoned it
with 3800 men, and in consequence of its har-
bour fixed on it as a place of strength and
principal magazine; but they were not able to
hold it. Two English ships of war blockaded
the entrance to the harbour, the garrison were
seized with a panic, as they feared the being
attacked both by land and water ; nothing
remained for them to do, but to evacuate the
town, which was immediately done, but not
without great loss from the attacks of the Eng-
lish, the Prussians and the Hanoverians. A great
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SKVKN YBAR8 WAH. 213
number of the French were killed, and many
taken prisoners ; a large quantity of baggage,
ammunition and provisions fell into the hands
of the allies, and the wounded were left to
their mercy. The hostages who were in the
hands of the French were now set at liberty,
and in the hurry of their retreat they forgot
to give notice of their departure to the garrison
of Vichte, a neighbouring fort, who were in con-
sequence forced to surrender, and give up 100
pieces of cannon.
At the time that these operations were going
on, by which before the end of March the whole
of Northern Germany was cleared of the hitherto
victorious French army, all the other belligerents,
Prussians, Austrians, Russians, Swedes and
troops of the Empire, were still in their winter
quarters. The only town now in the hands of
the French was Wesel, and it was Ferdinand's
determination to take this place, and drive them
over the Rhine; but in the first instance he
placed his troops in winter quarters in West-
phalia in order to await the arrival of the
British cavalry.
The French nation who had not got over
the disgrace of the battle of Rossbach, were
much annoyed and distressed at this new and
unexpected discomfiture. That a large army of
Frenchmen should be driven to seek safety in
flight by a few Germans, assembled together in
haste, and deficient in cavalry, this was more
than their pride could bear, and it was the
more annoying, as it was caused by the same
Germans, who driven into a corner of Germany
had been forced to make a disgraceful capitu-
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214 HISTORY OF THK
lation. They imagined the enterprising Ferdi-
nand hail already crossed the Rhine, that he
was even in the heart of France, and would
shortly he before tne gates of Paris. These
occurrences appeared so extraordinary to the
adversaries of Prussia that even the courts of
Vienna and St. Petersburg fancied there was
an understanding between Prance and Prussia,
and it required some trouble on the part of
France to get the better of this feeling. But
they soon showed that they were sincere ; for
the most active arrangements were made to
call together the troops from the different parts
of the kingdom, who were dispatched in haste
to strengthen the army on the Rhine, and the
fortified places on the frontier were put in the
best st"'<» of defence as speedily as possible.
In order 10 idise the spirits of the people, who
wished more for peace than war, a report was
spread that a treaty would in all probability
shortly follow through the mediation of Spain.
The Marquis of Belleisle who was at the
head of affairs in Versailles, now turned his
attention to the causes of the abuses in the
French army, and issued orders, the necessity
for which, especially in time of war, must be
matter of astonishment in all well disciplined
armies. These were: that half the officers
should be with their regiments, and that no
officer should leave the army without leave of
absence; should they do so, they were to be
punished with the loss of their pay; Belleisle
also sent a number of officers to the Bastille,
and letters to the different French generals, full
of threats and strict orders; but the evil was
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SKVKN YKAHS WAR. 215
too deeply rooted to be eradicated without entirely
remodelling the French army. There was no
discipline, no subordination, and no order on
the march, in camp or even on the field of
battle. The very subalterns had their mistres-
ses with them, and officers often left their men
to accompany them on the march, in their car-
riages. Every thing that could contribute to
the luxury of the officers was to be found in
a French camp ; shops of every description for
the supply of the most simple and useful ar-
ticles, and those of refinement and ornament
followed in their train ; at one time there were
12,000 waggons accompanying the army of
the Prince of Soubise which belonged to the
sutlers and shopkeepers, when the army was
not more than 50,000 strong. In the garde du
corps, the squadron of the Duke ^r """leroy,
which consisted of 139 horsemen, had 1200
horses in their suite; this immense train ren-
dered the difficulties in supporting the army
much greater, increased the disorder in the
camps, and on a march, and impeded their
progress. Balls were given in the camp, and
officers on guard often left their post that they
might dance a minuet; they laughed at the
orders of their leaders, and only obeyed them
when it suited them.
The Count de St. Germain who was after-
wards fieldmarshall in the Danish service, and
still later minister of war in France, gave a
remarkable instance of this want of subordina-
tion; the occurrence, it is true, took place in
the following campaign, but may be mentioned
here as more to the purpose. St. Germain
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216 • HISTORY OF THB
was Lieutenant General, and commanded a
detached body of 10,000 men. Having dis-
agreed with the Marshall Broglio, he threw off
all subordination, and left his troops without
acquainting his superior officer with his inten-
tion, or taking any precautions for the safety
of his soldiers, it appearing to him sufficient to
acquaint the marshall by letter where he had
left the body of men entrusted to his care; but_
this conduct was not considered as any thing
extraordinary either by the French army or by
his countrymen. People said in Paris: "He has
sent in his resignation." The feelings of honour,
and the duties of high position in society to
which this people are in general so sensitive,
were in this instance not thought of, and at
the court they were content with blaming that
which, in the armies of other nations, would
have been considered a crime deserving the
punishment of death.
This manner of thinking and acting on the
part of the French, which contrasted so strongly
with the habits and principles of German dis-
cipline, excited in the German troops feelings
of contempt, which neither the courage, nor the
active ambition of the enemy could get the
better of, and besides this the different circum*
stances of the war must be considered. Frederic
had only to show himself, and he gained a great
victory and in the easiest manner. Ferdinand
gathered a few dispersed troops together in the
middle of winter, and in a few weeks the
French, who thought of nothing but victory, were
driven to the Rhine without striking a blow ; and
in fact the position of these troops, when they
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SEVKN YKAHS WAH. *17
•
reached the Rhine was most melancholy, and
illustrated every possible human misery ; worn
out, starving and straggling in from every
direction; every thing from the stores of their
shopkeepers to the necessaries supplied by the
sutlers had fallen into the hands of Ferdinand's
light troops; the French had not sufficient bread,
and what to them was almost as great a mis-
fortune, there was a scarcity of hair powder;
hut they were not in bad spirits in spite of ail
this, for they danced, jumped and amused them-
selves on their march. They were allowed to
take liberties on the march that would not have
been permitted in other armies ; they would often
stick their bread on the points of their bayonets,
and hang their meat on the handles of their
swords, and it was not uncommon to see them
with paper rufFles; thus there never was more
gaiety in any army, which continued by good
and evil fortune in the camp or on the march,
hy day as well as by night. For want of better
amusement, they often stripped women of light
character to the waist, and made them run the
gauntlet in this state; a punishment which served
to amuse them, and was the more extraordinary
from the French soldiery never, either in this
or any other manner, having been the subjects
of corporeal punishment.
All this increased the contempt of the Prussians
to a degree which has never been surpassed by
any people towards a truly brave nation. No pains
were taken to conceal il, even under the most
unfavourable circumstances. The following is a
remarkable specimen of this feeling: A Prus-
sian hussar was taken prisoner by the French,
ARCIIENHOLZ. 7
♦
218
HISTORY OF THE
and taken to head quarters. Clermont wished to
speak to him in person, for the taking a Prus-
sian was of rare occurrence in this part of Ger-
many, and the conversation between the French
general and the hussar who was a prisoner
was carried on through the medium of an in-
terpreter. When he was asked, where Ferdi-
nand was encamped? " Where you cannot
attack him," was the answer. He was asked
how strong the army of his king was? He
answered that if they had sufficient courage,
they might go in search of it, and count its
numbers. Clermont was not offended at this
hardihood. He Was rather amused with it, and
asked the ' hussar, if his king had many such
soldiers as him? The man with the death's
head answered: "if I did not belong to the
worst of them I should not now be your pri-
soner." To meet with such sentiments in a man
who was not a Frenchman was a mystery to
them. The birssar was set at liberty, and Cler-
mont gave him a Louisd'or; the Prussian took
it, but notwithstanding he had been previously
deprived of every thing, and had not a farthing
in his pocket he gave it to a French soldier
in the presence of the general with the obser-
vation, that he would not accept of any pre-
sent from the enemy of his people. He was
asked to 'enter the French service, and a com-
mission was offered to him, but he replied with
a smile of contempt, that he was a Prussian.
Such traits mark the character of a people,
and of the times they occurred in. The high
feelings here exhibited in a common soldier
could only be occasioned by the principles and
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manner of thinking of the nation to which he
belonged, and this was the reason they did
not excite the admiration they deserved. The
facts were known, but the name of the Prus-
sian who so thought and spoke remains a
secret.
This soldier belonged to the black hussars;
the horsemen of this regiment were dressed
in black, and wore on their foreheads that
symbol of corruption, a death's head ; each was
a living memento mori ; and the very sight of
such an emblem of death, with a sharp sabre in
the wearer's hand, to give full effect to his ap-
pearance, excited feelings of horror; and in truth
these black hussars were objects of terror to
the bravest of the French regiments. It was
generally reported, that in case of. resistance
they never gave quarter, and the hussars en-
couraged this belief that they might the more
easily vanquish their opponents. The effect of
this was beyond all belief ; whole bodies of
men fled before a handful of these hussars, and
not unfrequently a single one would bring a
number of prisoneis into the camp; they went
into battle as to a dance, and never came back
without booty. These black hussars distinguished
themselves amongst the light Prussian troops
as much by their generosity as by their heroic
intrepidity, and of this the following traits de-
serve to be recorded. A hussar took an Aus-
trian officer prisoner wlio, according to the
customs of warfare, handed him his purse, and
his watch on the spot. The Prussian gave both
back to him, and said: "You are a prisoner,
find will require your money, my companion.
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220 HISTORY OF THB
here (striking his sabre) will give me as much
any day." This black regiment was one day
posted so as to receive a heavy cannonade
which they had to stand without moving. An
officer was smoking his pipe quietly, and at
the moment that two of his, men fell from their
horses killed by a cannon ball, cried out to the
others of his troop: "steady, my boys! if a
man falls, close up ! that is what we remain
here for/1 In another battle an officer who was
severely wounded, cried out as he fell from
his horse: "Forwards at them! I am not hurt."
Such examples must have raised the sense of
duty to a high pitch in the survivors, and have
diminished the fear of death.
It is the duty of the historian to record the
conduct of individuals in such cases; and it is
an agreeable one when it brings honour and
credit to his nation. But he must likewise not
neglect to state the noble conduct of her ene-
mies. The Marquis of Armentieres, who has
already been mentioned, took possession of the
town of Zelle; the nobility and the -citizens sent
a deputation to entreat for mercy. Armentieres
answered: "I am not come to this place to do
good, but be assured that I will do as little
evil as possible in my position." He kept his
won!, and after the end of the war he sent the
DictionaireEncyclopedique to the preacher Roques,
in Zelle. The book was then considered as
taking the place of all other books; and this
present was accompanied with the following
words: "You have given me so many oppor-
tunities of being useful to your unfortunate fel-
low-citizens, that I must not fail in expressing
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my gratitude to you." The French, under the
command of General Mercieres took possession
of the town of Bielefeld, in Westphalia, which
is so celebrated for its manufacture of linen, and
many of the manufactories were pillaged not-
withstanding that it was in opposition to this
general's wishes. His conscience told him how-
ever that he might have taken more decisive
steps for its prevention, and three and thirty
years after, in 1790, he sent a considerable sum
of money to the magistrates with the request
that they would divide it amongst those who
had been sufferers, and in case they were dead,
that they would employ the capital in the man-
ner they should think most useful to the town.
In the town of Hanover they were fortunate in
having a philanthropist as the leader of their
enemy ; this was the Duke of Randau, who lost
no opportunity of exhibiting forbearance and
generosity. The French General Vaubecourt,
who commanded in the Harz showed also by
his praiseworthy conduct, that liberality was
not incompatible with the operations of war
in the country of an enemy. The inhabitants
of the town of Clausthal were so impressed
with the generosity of his conduct, that to
express their gratitude they had a medal
struck with his image, and the inscription:
Recto, Modesto Duel Vaubecourt, Civit. Claus-
thal. 1762.
We must now resume the history of this
campaign. As soon as his troops had recovered
themselves in their short time of repose in win-
ter quarters, Ferdinand opened the campaign
with the daring purpose of carrying the war, if
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HISTORY OF THB
not into France itself, at any rate to the fron-
tiers of that kingdom. But in consequence of
the French army being posted on the Rhine, and
in many places in advantageous positions, the
passage of this large river presented great dif-
ficulties, especially as the German general had
no means of forming a bridge. These impedi-
ments were, in spite of this, got the better of
by means of his arrangements, and on the 1st
of June the allies crossed the river during the
night not far from Cleves, in part over a bridge
formed of boats they hired from the Dutch, and
the remainder in Hat bottomed boats; the in-
jury which was inflicted on some portions of
the Dutch territory in consequence of this as-
sistance was made good by the payment of
4000 florins. Ferdinand was very anxious for
a battle, but Clermont avoided it carefully, and
had entrenched himself as strongly as possible
with his far superior force near Rheinfeld : to
attack him in this position would have been
madness, and nothing remained but by scientific
movements to draw him from his camp. This
was done by his clever opponent, and fourteen
days after the passage of the Rhine the French
army was in the plain of Crefeld, and the armies
engaged here on the 23d of June. On this oc-
casion Ferdinand displayed his high military
talents; he ordered three different attacks to
be made, but two of these were only feints;
a circumstance which remained concealed from
the enemy from the scientific arrangements ot
Ferdinand. The principal attack was on the
left wing of the French in a thicket, upon the
possession of which the fate of the day de-
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pended; General St. Germain commanded this
wing, anil in the hope of being reinforced, de-
fended himself in the most courageous manner
against superior numbers; the whole of the
grenadier corps was in fact sent to his assis-
tance, but these troops missed their way. At
last the Hereditary Prince of Brunswick came
up with the infantry, rushed into the wood, and
after hard fighting for three hours drove the
enemy out of it. The French cavalry lost the
best of their soldiers in this battle, and the
Prussian dragoons, enraged at some jokes the
French had passed on them, took this oppor-
tunity for revenge; the allies had only 1500
killed and wounded in this engagement, but
the enemy upwards of 7000 men. The French
nation experienced a great loss by the death
of the Count Gisors the only son of the Duke
de Belleisle, a young man of rare talents and
great promise; he was mortally wounded and
died in the arms of the Hereditary Duke of
Brunswick who knew him, and was attached
to him. The victor Ferdinand went over the
field of battle, and looking upon the bodies of
the dead was much moved, and said to his officers
who wished him joy : " This is the tenth ex-
hibition of this kind I have seen during my
life time; would to God it might be the last!"
After the battle,the Hereditary Prince advanced
with a body of men, took possession of Ror-
mond without opposition, and sent out skirmishing
parties to the very gates of Bruxelles. Contribu-
tions were levied in Brabant and in the Bishopric
of Liege; but the most important consequence
of this victory was the siege of Dusseldorf, in
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HISTORY OF TUB
which town the French had their principal supply
of provisions This place surrendered on the
sixteenth day, but not till after a numher of
houses had been reduced to ashes by the shells
which were thrown into the town; the garrison
were allowed to withdraw with the honours
of war; but the immense supplies of provisions,
ammunition, and a large number of cannon, fell
into the hands of the conquerors. In France
every body was alarmed at this fresh discom-
fiture; the bastilc was filled, and Clermont
recalled; the Dauphin was anxious to place
himself at the head of the army, but this was
not carried into effect. Fresh steps were however
taken to rescue the honour of the French arms;
the army received supplies, the vacancies were
filled up, new regulations issued, and the
Marshall de Con tad es, an experienced officer,
was appointed to the command of the army of
the Rhine. In addition to this, the Prince de
Soubise received orders to overrun the Hessian
provinces at all risks, with his army which
had been reinforced by 6300 Wurtembergers
These provinces appeared an easy conquest in
consequence of the absence of Ferdinand, and
it would at the same time be a means of drawing
the troops of the allies from the Rhine ; Soubise
now advanced, and notwithstanding his advanced
guard was beaten by the Hessian militia, he
continued his march with 30,000 men into the
heart of the province. The Hessian general,
Prince of Isenburg had only 7000 men to defend
himself with; but he took up an advantageous
position between Cassel and Minden; he was
aware of his incapability, with so small a body
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SKVKN YKAHS WAR.
of men, and many of these not regular soldiers,
of making a resistance to so large an army,
and merely wished to gain time to await the
result of the operations on the Rhine. In order
to follow up this plan, he wished to retreat;
hut his troops, who now held the French in
great contempt, would not hear of it. He was
forced to retain his position, and an engagement
ensued between his troops and the hody sent
against him under command of the Duke de
Broglio, 19,000 strong, and for the most part
composed of German regiments in the pay of
the French. This battle was fought at Sangcrs-
hausen on the 23d of July, and was well con-
tested ; the Hessians fought with the greatest
bravery, and the victory was doubtful for five
hours, but they were at last forced to give way
to superior numbers; Isenburg left the field of
battle with 1500 men killed, wounded, and taken
prisoners, and the loss of nearly all his artillery,
and three hundred of these brave Hessians were
drowned in the Fulda, in endeavouring to escape
from being made prisoners, by swimming the
river. By this victory the French became masters
of the Weser, and could now spread themselves
over Hanover and Westphalia. The Hessian pro-
vinces which in the former year had been so
sorely visited now felt in reality the scourge
of war; an attempt was made to come to terms
for this unfortunate country, but Contades sent
the deputation away with scoffs, and said that
he was a soldier, and could not write.
The battle of Crefeld and the success of
Ferdinand on the Rhine made the English anxious
to carry on the war by land, notwithstanding
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HISTORY OF THE
they had hitherto only been willing participators
in the war by sea, and the government of this
empire as well as the people, wished that the
most active measures should be taken to attack
the French by sea and by land. The great
Pitt was still at the head of affairs in England,
and by his powerful mind ruled this proud nation
according to hs wishes, and from the fertility
of his imagination, his powerful eloquence, and
the greatness of his genius, he was alike un-
fettered both in the council, and in the Par-
liament; his principle was, either to give up a
project altogether, or to carry it out by every
possible means. The Parliament voted the send-
ing 18,000 men to Germany, and had this been
done sooner, Ferdinand would have been able
to make good his position on the banks of the
Rhine, and insured the taking of Wesel, which
was invested by the allies. The position of this
leader was now becoming critical; he had an
army of 80.000 men opposed to him, who were
led on by an experienced leader; provisions were
beginning to be scarce, and a long continued
rain and bad weather had rendered the roads
almost impassable, and overflowed the banks of
the river. In consequence of this the marches
were rendered very difficult; the French had
also made themselves masters of the Maes, and
were endeavouring to cut off the allies from
the Rhine; Ferdinand was therefore anxious for
a battle, but Contades aware of his advantage,
was careful in avoiding one. In the mean time
Hanover required immediate assistance, added
to this, there was great cause for anxiety for
the support of the army, and also for the safety
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SKVKN YEARS WAR.
of the English troops, who were to land fin the
North of Germany, and might easily be cut olT.
These considerations forced the German leader
to withdraw his troops to the other side of the
Rhine. But this was attended with great diffi-
culties, for the river was broad, and with a
strong stream, the enemy watchful, and in the
neigbourhood with a greatly superior force. The
allies had thrown a bridge over the river at
Rees, and in this town was a large magazine,
a considerable supply of money, and a hospital
for the army; General Imhof was posted here
with 3000 men, to protect the town as well
as the bridge. He was attacked by General
Chevert at the head of 10,000 French; every
thing depended on the keeping possession of
this position, the safety or destruction of the
allies hung upon the event, and as it was
not in the power of Ferdinand to send rein-
forcements to Imhof, he had to depend entirely
on his own bravery and that of his soldiers.
His position was covered by ditches and hedges ;
the enemy were not aware of the nature of
the ground, which Imhof turned to his advantage,
and instead of awaiting the attack of the French
went forward to meet them ; the attack was
very spirited, and the more effectual as it was
not expected from so small a force. In the
space of half an hour the enemy, in spite of
their superior numbers, were driven back, and
forced to retreat to Wesel having left behind
them eleven cannon, a considerable quantity
of ammunition and waggons, and lost some
hundreds of prisoners. The French fled with
such precipitation that many threw away their
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HISTORY OF THR
aims on their retreat, and upwards of 2000
muskets were found on the road to Wesel.
However trifling this engagement might he
in so Woody and eventful a war, it here stood
in the stead of the greatest victory, for it de-
cided the possession of the stores in Emmerich and
Rees as well as that of the bridge of boats without
which it would have been impossible for Ferdinand
to cross the Rhine ; and this great general and
his brave soldiers without provisions, without
hope or the means of escape, and surrounded
by the enemy, must have fallen a prey to them.
But now all doubt as to their being able to
pass in safety was at an end : the German leader,
however, deceived the French general by false
marches and positions in order to conceal his
intention. In consequence of the swollen state
of the Rhine it was necessary to break up the
bridge at Rees, and to place it at Grielhausen ;
the French made a last attempt to destroy it
with four vessels of a peculiar construction,
which were sent from Wesel; but these were
captured by armed boats, and the allies were
enabled to pass the Rhine on the 9th and 10th
of July in spite of the enemy and (he swollen
state of the river without the loss of a single
man. Shortly after this, Imhof was sent with a
body of men to meet the English troops, which
had been landed at Emden, and who formed a
junction with the allies at Cosveld without any
impediment.
The arrival of these troops was a great
source of rejoicing to the Germans; they con-
sisted in 10,000 men, and were the first divi-
sion of the 18,000 voted by the English Par-
liament. These soldiers were a fine body of men
and as well as their horses were remarkable
from their splendid accoutrements; one of the
grenadier regiments had caps richly embroidered
with gold and silver, with the motto : Nec tiinor,
nec pavidus. One cavalry regiment was mounted
entirely on roan horses, another on grey, a
third on black, and a fourth on bay horses, and
all these picked and beautiful animals. Besides
these they brought upwards of 1000 baggage
waggons with their horses.
Among the British troops who came to
Germany were 2000 Highlanders who soon made
themselves known to the enemy by their con-
rage and activity. These soldiers now showed
in Germany their accustomed bravery in many
remarkable acts; among others they surprised a
French cavalry regiment near Dillenburg. The
troopers were endeavouring to mount, but they
were either cut to pieces or taken prisoners;
the Highlanders got on their horses, and rode
back to the camp with their booty.
Ferdinand now took up an advantageous
position on the Lippe by which means he pro-
tected Hanover, and gave his troops time for
rest. It was now necessary to evacuate Diis-
seldorf, and the Hanoverian garrison withdrew,
after having spiked the cannon, and thrown
the powder into the Rhine; Cleves was also
evacuated, and the French immediately took
possession of both places Isenburg was posted
on the Weser, and General Oberg protected the
Hessian provinces with 9000 men; Oberg took
possession of the strong position near Sanders-
hausen, and did all that he could to induce the
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HISTORY OF THE
French to attack him in his intrenchments;
Soubise, who was near him at the head of
30,000 men, would not but, endeavoured to
take him in the rear. The fear of (his drove
Oberg from his position, and he was attacked
on all sides by the superior forces of the enemy
on the 10th of October near Lutternberg. The
nature of the ground was too extensive for him
to defend himself on all points with so small
a body of men; the Hessians defended them-
selves bravely, and drove back the infantry of the
enemy, but in the moment of victory the French
cavalry fell on them both in flank and rear ; the
want of cavalry on the side of the Hessians in-
creased this misfortune, and forced Oberg to
retreat. The allies lost 1500 men killed, wounded
and taken prisoners, and twenty eight cannon.
The Saxons, of whom a body of 10,000 men
had joined the French army a short time pre-
viously, were in a great measure the cause of
this victory; and indeed from this time, the
French gained few advantages in which these
brave troops did not play a conspicuous part.
In spite of this they had to put up with all
sorts" of humiliation from their allies, and if any
thing went wrong it was laid to their charge.
The greater part of these soldiers were de-
serters from the Prussian army, Saxons by
birth, who would not fight against their mo-
narch ; they were formed into twelve regiments,
and were now in the pay of the French; they
had twenty four pieces of cannon, a present
from the Dauphiness, and having her name on
them ; it was a tribute paid by this princess to
the distressed land of her birth. Her brother,
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SKVKN YEARS WAR.
Prince Xavier, second son of the king of Poland
commanded these troops; without any of the
requisites or capabilities for war he was a bad
general, a bad friend to his country, and his
name is recorded in its annals as a bad ruler
from his entire mismanagement of the states
n Saxony, which will never be forgotten. He
came to the army haughty and imperious,
and excited the bad feelings of the Saxon sol-
diery, who were willing, and thought they de-
served better treatment; they were not content
with murmuring but went so far as the ex-
pression of their feelings in the presence of
Prince Xavier, who having been brought up at
a court, where Asiatic splendour reigned, and
where eastern respect was customary, could
hardly believe his senses. He had thoughts of
punishing this offence with the most severe
inflictions; but a Saxon general gave him the
good advice to take no notice of this expression
of the feelings of his people but by altering his
bearing towards them. He followed this coun-
sel, and his soldiers, although they could not
change their opinion of his capabilities as an
officer, respected him as the son of their king.
The victory of Lutternberg procured the staff
of Marshall for Soubise. He passed through the
neighbouring districts, raised large contributions,
and advanced to the wails of Hamelu. The go-
vernment of Hanover was in a state of great
anxiety, and the archives and other important
papers were sent to Stade for safety ; but the
position of Ferdinand put a stop to the further
advance of the French and also to the union of
their forces, which, after a fruitless attempt,
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HISTORY OF TUB
withdrew into winter quarters; the principal
army under Contades between the Maes and
the Rhine, hut the troops of Prince Soubise along
the hanks of the Rhine and the Main. They
entirely left the Hessian provinces, and it was
here that the Prince of Isenburg took up bis
winter quarters; Prince Ferdinand distributed
his troops in Westphalia, and established his
head quarters at Minister.
By the activity of this great general the
French were prevented from carrying out the
cruel orders of their court, which were more
worthy of a barbarous nation than of an en-
lightened people. It was decided on early in
the summer to make the most use of the ad-
vantages they had gained without any regard
to the feelings of humanity. Louvois, the mini-
ster of Lewis the XIV. had already, in the pre-
vious century, given the fearful example of
issuing orders for devastation, which the great
Turenne was obliged to carry out in the Pa-
latinate, and this French experiment, which
they borrowed from the Tartars, and which
for centuries had been branded with disgrace
by all European nations, the French them-
selves not excepted, was again resorted to,
to the eternal shame of this polished people.
The minister of war, Belleisle, wrote to the
Marshall Contades: "I know of no other re-
source for our pressing necessities but the money
we must draw from the enemies' territories.
They must likewise supply every thing which
constitutes provision, and besides this money;
hay, straw, oats, bread, corn, cattle, horses and
even men to make up the complement of our
Digitized by Google
SRVKN TEARS WAR. 2S3
foreign regiments. Before the end of September
1768, it will be necessary to lay waste the
country in every direction in front of the Cor-
don which we shall form in winter, so as to
render it impossible for the enemy to approach
us." In the next letter to Contades these orders
were more peremptory. On the 6th of October
he wrote: "You must make a complete desert
of the whole of Westphalia, and in the districts
on the Lippe and in Paderborn, as the most
fruitful provinces, every thing must be torn up
by the roots."
It is true that the French commanders did
not follow to the letter these cruel orders, but
still they showed on many occasions their good
will towards fulfilling them. Raising contributions
by force, belong to the customary evils of war-
fare, even among the most enlightened people,
and are not therefore worthy of notice without
they are carried to extremes ; this was the case
in the country of Hanau, which as well as all
Hessia, more especially felt the iron rule of
the enemy during this war. The Intendant
Foulon, who became afterwards so well known
during the French revolution, was stationed here,
and shut up ninety three persons consisting of
the principal people, the nobility, the magistrates,
art* ' many of these were sick, aged and infirm,
in a single room, on account of a war tax not
having been paid up. These were left for three
days and two nights without eating or drink-
ing, and also without sleep, as from the con-
fined space, the greater part were forced to
stand; in addition to this cruelty a similar in-
stance of which has never occurred among a
Digitized by Google
*
HISTORY OP THB
christian people, on the third day, the guard
would not allow of the going out of any one
from the room even for the most pressing ne-
cessities. The prisoners were not allowed even
the portion of felons and galley slaves, bread
and water; and when the privy counsellors
Giinderode, Hugo and other persons of conse-
quence, who were thus imprisoned, requested
it, and even lowered themselves so far as to
beg for it, they were answered by a person of
the name of Lasone who wrote to them : " I
will grant your request this evening, and you
shall receive bread and water, but do not ex-
pect again to receive such a favour."
The character of the previous campaign had
been the extraordinary number of battles and
important engagements; this one had however
been distinguished by the number of sieges
which had been raised. In Silesia and Saxony
the fortresses of Schweidnitz and Sonnen-
stein had been regularly besieged and taken,
as well as Minden and Diisseldorf in West-
phalia; Frederic had on the other hand raised
the siege of Olmutz. The Russians had left
C (is trin and Colberg, the Austrians Neisse and
Dresden, and the troops of the Empire Torgau
and Leipsic. The fortune of war had so turned
that in the middle of December there was .mo
enemy to be found either for the Prussians or
their allies, in Silesia, Saxony, Brandenburg
and Pomerania, or in Hessia or the greater part
of Westphalia.
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SKVKN YKARS WAR.
BOOK VI.
New treaties of alliance between France and Austria ;
England and Prussia— Operations of Prince Henry
during the winter campaign i 759 — Advance of the
Russians — Battle of Kai— Junction of the Austrians
and Russians — Battle of Kunersdorf— Siege of
Dresden and Capitulation — The Russians withdraw
into Poland — The Prussians regain possession of
Saxony.
In France the whole council of the king, and
the Dauphin himself, were in favour of peace;
but notwithstanding this, Lewis the XV. and his
mistress insisted on the continuation of a war
so injurious to the interests of the kingdom.
Cardinal Bernis finding his representations, so
ofte^ made both to the king and Madame de
Pompadour unheeded, resigned his office of mi-
nister for foreign affairs, which he had held but
for a short time, but much to his credit. This
resignation followed shortly after the death of
the minister of war Belleisle, ami the Duke de
Choiseul was now the leading minister; and he,
faithful to his relations with the court of Vienna,
set to work with great zeal for the continuation
Digitized by Google
HISTORY OP THK
of the war. His first step was to form a new
treaty of alliance between France and Austria;
this was completed on the 30th of December
1758, and in order to give an apparent value
to this renewed alliance, to which all impartial
Frenchmen were averse, in consequence of its
certain disadvantages and its impossible ad-
vantages, the minister ordered the academy of
inscriptions at Paris to have a medal struck to
immortalize the treaty. In the same month
the fresh arrangement between England and
Prussia was concluded, by which Frederic was
promised subsidies to the amount of four millions
of dollars yearly, and in the fourth article of
this agreement they each bound themselves
neither to conclude a peace, nor even a cessa-
tion of hostilities with the enemy, without the
consent of the other party. France now made
use of all her influence, not only in the court
of St Petersburg to strengthen the hatred of the
Empress against the King of Prussia, but also
in Constantinople to induce the Sultan, who
had just ascended the throne of the Ottoman
Empire, to leave his sword in the scabbard,
notwithstanding the termination of the truce
with Austria; a treaty was also formed between
Russia, Sweden and Danemark to preve**< all
foreign ships of war from entering the Scvund.
Danemark gained no advantage Iw this, and
therefore French gold was required to induce
the cabinet of Copenhagen to come to this
determination. The other two powers were
tranquillized by this treaty, as they had hitherto
been in constant fear of seeing the British fleet
on their coast.
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SRVRN YKAHS WAR
Id?
Frederic determined, in the approaching cam*
paign, to act on the defensive. The hope of the
assistance of the Turks probably induced him to
form this plan, for so early as the month of
January he wrote to General Fouquet who was
one of the few he confided in: " The Turks are
beginning to stir themselves, they will not long
remain idle." Activity was combined with this
system of acting on the defensive, for he ne-
glected no opportunity of turning it to the best
advantage, and during the winter he had given
a proof of his determination. The Polish Prince
Sultowsky, without regarding the neutrality of
the Republic of Poland, took an active part in
the war; he levied troops, and formed magazines
for the Russians, and upon the King of Prussia's
making representations, he gave the most in-
solent answers, justifying his conduct by his
independence and his position as a magnate,
and redoubling his exertions in favour uf the
Russians. He resided, in the Polish town of
Riesen, some distance from the frontier of
Silesia, and had in this place soldiers and cannon,
In addition to which he thought himself in per-
fect safety from the position of his free state.
The Prussian name, which was now looked
on with respect, even by the most mighty nations,
could not be derided with impunity by so petty
a prince. Frederic, without regard to political
considerations, sent General Wobersnow with
a body of men into Poland, and Riesen was
taken without resistance, the prince made pri-
soner, and his soldiers disarmed. The provisions
whichhad been gathered together for the Russians
were destroyed, and all the cannon, horses,
*38
HISTORY OF TUB
waggons and implements of war were carried
away, and brought into Silesia together with
the Polish soldiers who were forced to enlist in
the Prussian service, and the prince was sent to
the fortress of Glogau, where he remained a
prisoner until the end of the war. Such was
the fate of a proud nobleman, who trusting
to his position as master of a number of villages,
inhabited by wretched peasants, offered himself -
unasked as the confederate of powerful monarchs,
and was anxious to mix himself up in their
warfare. Another ally of this species was the
editor of a newspaper in Erlangen, who relying
upon the political principles of his monarch
denounced the Prussians and the war. As
calumnies were not spared in his* waitings, a
Prussian officer took the punishment of this
hero of the pen upon himself, for he had him
well flogged, and then required a regular receipt
from the receiver of the stripes.
No war in Europe ever attracted the atten-
tion of distant nations, more than the present.
It was remarkable in this, that it raised up
adherents to Prussia who were induced to de-
clare in her favour, partly from astonishment
at the deeds of Frederic, and partly from the
natural feelings of man, which lead him, in an
unequal combat, to declare for the weaker ; and
these in countries where, previous to this, people
had little cared or thought of this monarchy of
whose existence they were only aware The
Spaniards, who with all the strength and power
of their empire had never brought half the
number of troops into the field, that Frederic
now led, in spite of the smallness and compa-
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SEVKN YEARS WAR.
rative poverty of his dominion, never took so
lively an interest in the quarrels of Germany
as they now did. In Holland satirical medals
against the enemies of Frederic were struck;
in Naples in consequence of the unexpected ter-
mination of each campaign, and indeed the fail-
ure of every enterprise against the Prussians,
the people were so stunned, that all considera-
tions of the great distance of the seat of war,
and even the Alps being between it and them,
were forgotten; they thought it not impossible
that the war might be carried into Italy, and
that perhaps they might see the Prussians
in the neighbourhood of Mount Vesuvius; and
in consequence of these fears the number of
troops in this kingdom was increased, and the
guards in the different towns were strengthened.
In Rome, it is true, there was no fear of
the war extending so far ; nevertheless the for-
tunes of the many nations, who were engaged
in the contest in Germany, excited the greatest
interest in the bosoms of the Romans, most of
whom were on Frederic's side; and at the very
time that the Pope was endeavouring to weaken
his chance of success by means of ostentatious
masses, and consecrated presents, they were
forming vows for his success. In Venice the
city was divided into two parties, into There-
siani, and Prussian! who looked on one another
with deadly hatred; each had their separate
places of resort where they met, and the one
party experienced no mercy at the hands of the
other. This party feeling had extended even to
the monks, and broke fotth with great violence
in the monastary St. Giovanni e Paolo. Here
*40 HISTORY 09 THK
the monks fought for the honour of Maria The*
resa or Frederic, and for arms used the plates,
dishes, and drinking cups. The party in favour
of the king was however the strongest, and it
was a common saying at that time: "Chi non
e buon Prussiano, non e buon Veneziano" CHe,
who is not for the Prussians is no true Vene-
tian). A furrier had hung a picture of Frederic
in his shop, and in order - to show the high
respect he had for it, he placed a burning lamp
before it; a mark of respect which in Italy, as
in other Roman Gatholic countries, is only paid
to the most sacred and holy objects. In Switzer-
land they rejoiced at the victories of the Prus-
sians, as if they had been won by the Swiss ;
in Germany, not only the protestant Wurtem-
bergers who were led against Frederic wished
success to his arms, but this partiality went so
far, that the catholic Bavarians, the soldiers of
the Empire from the Palatinate and Mainz, with
their rosaries in their pockets, fought against
him unwillingly.
Even in France, where the people did not
look at this war with the same eyes as the
court, the admiration of Frederic reached as
high a pitch as in other countries. The esti-
mation of his great talents penetrated into the
very palace of the king; this gave rise to the
answer of Madame de Pompadour, when the
Duke of Belleisle said to her half in joke, half
in earnest, that the war must be carried on
with decision or else they would shortly have
Frederic in Paris at the head of the Prussians ;
"Well! at any rate I shall see a king," was
the answer of the mistress, who was well aware
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SRVEN YKARS WAR.
of the feelings of the court and also of her
own power over that weak monarch, Lewis
the XV.
Notwithstanding the deeds of Frederic and
his firmness under misfortunes had raised for
him partisans and admirers in all countries, still
he had in every direction a multitude of pri-
vate enemies, who sought to injure him in every
possible way. The Prussian provinces as well
as Saxony [were full of spies, and they came to
Dresden in the dress of the servants of the court
of the Electorate, and having gained the requi-
site information from the nobility they were
dismissed, and sent away. Chance discovered
however the most important of these commu-
nications, and the Saxon minister, Count Wacker-
hart, having had a private understanding with
the enemies of Frederic which was found out,
the minister was sent to the fortress ofCitstrin,
hut shortly after set at liberty on condition of
his retiring to Poland.
In Zerbst there was a French spy, "the Mar-
quis Fraigne wiio was protected by that court,
and allowed to reside in the pilaco of the
prince; Frederic laughed at this inconsiderate
protection, had him taken from thence, and sent
ti^agdeburg. Field marshal! Seckendorf, known
by his unfortunate campaigns, and also by his
equally fruitless negociations, forgot his dignity,
and the repose due to his years so far as, at
the age of ninety, to play the part of a spy.
He resided in Saxony upon his estate of Meu-
selwitz where he was treated with forbearance,
and even consideration by the orders of the
King of Prussia; in spite of this he entered
7*
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242 HISTORY OF THK
into a correspondence with the enemies of the
king, and Frederic, when he heard of this, had
him dragged out of church, and sent to Magde-
burg. He was shortly after set at liberty, but
not until he had entered into a written agree-
ment to have no communication with the enemies
of the king so long as the war should last.
The Prussian troops were never more active
than during this winter. Prince Henry advanced
into Bohemia, in spite of the severity of the
season, the high mountains, the almost impass-
able roads, and having overcome difficulties
which would have been insurmountable to other
troops forced the passes, and dispersed the
troops of the enemy. Hulsen found the Austrian
General Reinhardt entrenched on a hill near
Kommotau'; he attacked him, and his whole
corps 2500 strong were made prisoners without
allowing one to escape. Hulsen now marched
towards Saatz, and Henry towards Budin, and
in these places as well as in Lowositz and
Leutmeritz they took possession of a large
quantity of provisions and forrage; so much,
that there was bread for an army of 50,000
men for five months, and forrage for a month
for 25,000 horses; the whole of this immense
store was destroyed, also a new bridge, a<tol
150 boats burned on the Elb; the Austrians
themselves having set fire to the magazine at
Saatz that it might not fall into the hands of
the Prussians
Expeditions were ako made from Saxony
against the troops of the Empire, and Prince Henry
advanced into Franconia sending several bodies
out in advance of his main army. These drove
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SEVEN YEARS WAR.
US
back on every point the motley assemblage
of people from different countries who formed
this army of execution, and who from their
composition and discipline, to say nothing of
their small utility, formed so striking a contrast
in this stirring war, to the large German ar-
mies upon whom all eyes were turned. Their
flight was now directed from all sides towards
Nurnberg, where their principal army was posted
in an impregnable camp. But they did not
reach this place of safety without great loss,
and prisoners were taken by the hundred ; they
also lost a great quantity of baggage, colours
and cannon, and the stores of provisions they
had laid up in the Bishopric of Bamberg were
destroyed, those in the town of Bamberg having
been set fire to by the Imperial troops themselves.
Shortly, after the Prussians came up, the town
surrendered, and General Knoblauch wished
to take possession ot it; but some thousand
Auslrians, for the most part Croats, had no tie-
sire to quit it. This gave rise to fighting in
the streets which was accompanied by the most
dreadful cries, and the peaceable inhabitants
crept into their cellars; no person was to be
seen, it was as if all were dead, and in conse-
quence of this some open shops were pillaged ;
In the course of a few hours the Austrians
were driven back, and the disorder was put a
stop to The inhabitants were forced to put up
with paying a heavy contribution, and as they
could not find sufficient money for it they gave
letters of credit for what was unpaid. The
emperor exonerated them from this responsa-
bility, but as the inhabitants forsaw the pro-
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HISTORY OK THIS
liability of another visit from the enterprising
Prussians they wisely paid the bills. Several
small bodies of Austrians who were in Fran-
eonia were driven back ; Erfurt was taken by
surprise, and a contribution of 100,000 dollars
was levied in this town.
At Kronach General Riedesel was taken
prisoner with 2500 men, and Wurzburg as
well as other town?, confederates of the Em-
pire, where the Prussians came during this cam-
paign, were placed under contribution; every
thing prospered except the object of Prince
Henry, which was to force the army of the
Empire to a battle.
Another body of Prussians invaded Meck-
lenburg, which was also one of Frederic's re-
sources ; for the duke, not considering his own
weakness, and the power of his neighbour, had
been improvident enough to declare himself at
the Diet of Regensburg openly against the King
of Prussia, whom he hated, and had already
affronted previous to the war. He had first
given his vote, that he should be treated
as an enemy of the Empire, and then without
considering the consequences, placed himself at
the head of those princes who wished for a
proscription of Frederic; he was anxious to
show his active participation in a war, in which
the success of the mighty confederation did not
for a moment appear doubtful, and flattered
himself, that by taking the part of the strongest,
he should derive the greatest advantages. But
instead of this, he now saw his territory,
.which was little favoured by nature, laid waste
toy the Prussians, and thus the poor Mecklen-
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SKVKN YKARS WAH.
burgers bad to pay severely for the political
errors of the duke. No province which was
visited by the armies of Prussia was so se-
verely handled as that of Meckienburg-Schwe-
rin, which was abandoned by the fugitive duke,
and from whose towns and villages people fled
by hundreds.
Those, who from their property, political
position, inriicision, and other causes had re-
mained behind, felt the more severely the iron
hand of war; for this province was forced
during the seven years of the war, to provide
16,000 soldiers, and forty-two millions of dol-
lars besides an immense quantity of provisions
and forrage; all this was exacted by over-
powering strength, and those in authority were
taken prisoners, and kept upon bread and water.
In Giistrow the church was used as a prison
into which the new soldiers were driven, and
remained for some weeks until they were led
to join the army. The people who had been
instigated to hatred towards the Prussians by
their duke, had given many proofs of this, and
now was the time for revenge; what could
not be carried away was destroyed, and even
the beds of the unfortunate people were cut
to pieces, and the feathecs dispersed to the
winds. The Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-
Strelitz wrote a touching letter to the king
stating the cruelties that were exercised in
her neighbourhood, which caused them to be
put a stop to, and was the first step towards
the raising the writer to a share of the British
throne.
The Prussians had not continued in possession
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HISTORY OF THE
sequence of the town being strongly intrenched,
and having a numerous garrison, which would
be shortly reinforced by troops which were
marching to its relief. The right of the strongest
was displayed in this expedition in a very marked
manner, for Donna, without consideration for his
being in a neutral territory, required supplies to be
sent in to him from Poland without paying for them.
They were taken by force, and a number of the
inhabitants, subjects of the Republic, were taken
as soldiers, and distributed among the different
regiments. To justify this a manifesto was issued
by the Prussians in which it was stated that
necessity had forced them to take these steps.
The scarcity of provisions at last forced the
Prussians to fall back on the Oder, and the
Russians, who were anxious to levy contribu-
tions on their enemies, and in addition wished
to form a junction with the Austrians, also
advanced towards this river, under the com-
mand of Fieldmarshall Soltikow who had now
taken the post of Fermor, in consequence of
his having requested to be allowed to give up
the command from the weak state of his health.
Fermor still remained with the army, and served
under his successor, by which means he gained
at his court the reputation of a great patriot,
and reassured his soldiers by his presence. He
was always the spring of all weighty deter-
minations, and could thus revenge himself on
the Austrians who had ill treated him, without
being responsible. The Prussians were also
placed under a fresh general, for the king, dis-
satisfied with Dohna for having more than once
neglected to attack the Russians under advan-
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SBVKN YKARS WAH. $49
tageous circumstances, and for having shown
unusual inactivity for a Prussian general, had
removed him from the command, and sent in
his place, General Wedel. This offcer brought
with him an order from the King to Donna and
the other generals which gave him powers as
yet unheard of in a Prussian army; Frederic
wrote : "So long as his command lasts, he re-
presents my person, and as such must be obeyed.
With the troops he is to be considered as a
Dictator was by the Romans."
Wedel joined the army on the 22nd of July,
and was not acquainted either with the force
of his own troops, or that of his enemy, and
knew nothing of the nature of the country ; but
he had orders to attack the Russians without
delay, if he could not prevent their junction
with the Austrians by any other means, as
Laudon was already on the march with 30,000
men for this purpose. The Russians hastened
to meet the Austriau general, and as they had
already marched on the 23d of July, the day
after Wedei's arrival, the Prussian general did
not think it right to defer the attacking them,
and the battle took place at the village of Kai,
near the Oder, not far from the frontiers of
Brandenburg. The two armies were very un-
equally matched as to strength, and the posi-
tion of the Russians was very advantageous;
the Prussians, ou the contrary, were very much
impeded in their operations by the morasses
which prevented them from extending their front
in opposition to the enemy. The battle lasted
from four iu the afternoon until sunset; Wedel
was defeated, and was forced to withdraw with
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HISTORY OF THK
a loss of 5000 killed, wounded and taken pri-
soners. This loss was enhanced by the death
of General Wobersnow, a man of great activity
and talent, and much beloved by the army ; he
died fighting like a hero in the battle against
which he had advised General Wedel. This
general retreated over the Oder, and Soltikow
advanced as far as Crossen, placing Berlin in
the greatest danger. As there was now no
further impediment to the junction of the con-
federate armies, Laudon divided li s, and leav-
ing Haddick behind with 12,000 men, joined
the Russians, on the 3d of August, with the
troops under him, which were for the most part
cavalry. The movements and plans of these
two generals to fulfill their intention, and to
get the better of the difficulties which lay in
their way, were masterly, and the troops of
the Empire, who had done so little during the
whole period of the war, now played the r part
in carrying out Laudon's plans. They invaded
Saxony, and forcedGeneral Pink, who commanded
an army of observation on the movements of
General Haddick, to lose sight of the latter in
order to protect Leipsic, and Torgau. The united
armies of the Russians and Austrians 80,000
strong now advanced, and entrenched themselves
on the banks of the Oder, not far from Frank-
fort, and all Wedel's efforts were now directed
to prevent the enemy from crossing this river.
The king who had been satisfied with acting
on the defensive in Silesia, had remained for a
considerable time encamped at Landshut, and
Daun, who was in face of him with the prin-
cipal corps d'armee, was awaiting a favourable
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SKVKN YKAR8 WAR. 251
moment either to advance or give battle. In
order to render these hopes futile, and to drive
the Austrians back to Bohemia his watchful
enemy employed every means to intercept their
supplies, and serious thoughts were had in the
Imperial camp of changing tlieir position. The
advance of the Russians changed the plans of
both leaders, for Daun endeavoured to approach
these armies, in order to facilitate their under-
takings, and Frederic to work so as to oppose
the plans of ail.
The unfortunate battle of Kai, and the junc-
tion of the two armies which followed it so
closely forced the king to go in person to his
Brandenburgian states. Time would not permit
him now to take any portion of his army with
him, and he travelled with only an escort of
hussars. Prince Henry was forced to send a
large portion of his troops from Saxony in order
to strengthen the army on the Oder, and went
himself into Silesia to take the command of
the army 40,000 strong, which the king had
left encamped at Schmuckseifen, two days march
from Landshut, and who had Daun opposed to
them at the head of 70,000 men. The body
under General Fink also received orders to quit
Saxony, and march towards the Oder, and by
these operations Saxony was now clear of
Prussian troops. Only Dresden, Lcipsic, Torgau
and Wittenberg were garrisoned, but the king
placed great reliance on the known determina-
tion of General Schmettau, the commandant of
Dresden. Frederic's expedition was attended with
success; the troops sent to him came up without
loss, he fell upon Haddick's body near Guhen,
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History of tH«
took some pieces of cannon, 500 provision
waggons and 600 prisoners, and then formed
a junction without any impediment with the
army of General Wedel.
He now determined to give battle to the
enemy without delay, and for this purpose
crossed the Oder. The strength of his army
was now 40,000 men, hut that of the Austrians
and Russians 60,000. They were posted on
the heights between Frankfort and Kunersdorf
in an entrenched camp defended by heavy can-
non. The right wing of the Austrians was
covered by the Oder, the left by marshes and
thickets, and in advance was broken ground. The
Russians had also erected a redoubt on their
right wing, and the approaches to their camp
were barricadoed with trees. In spite of all
these advantages in their position, the king
determined to attack them on the 12th of August ;
he placed his men in a wood in a body five deep,
of which the three first ranks were infantry,
and the two rear cavalry. From this position
the Prussians a' tacked the left wing of the
Russians, which was posted on the hill, called
Muhlberg, at the same time that Fink fired
into the Russian camp from an adjoining height.
The king's intention was to attack the Rus-
sians in front, in the rear, and on their flank.
Unfortunately he was not sufficiently aware
of the nature of the ground, and the march
was unexpectedly impeded by large ponds, so
that the men were obliged to make long de-
tours by which thejr were fatigued, and much
valuable time was lost. The heavy cannon which
could not be turned in the woods, were forced
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SKVKN YEARS WAR,
to have the horses taken out, to be unlimbered
and turned, and then to have the horses again
harnessed to them.
At last the Prussians got through the wood,
and approached the Russian intrenchments,
which were attacked by a heavy fire from
three field batteries ; the Russians answered this
by the fire of a hundred cannon, which they
had posted on their left wing. The king now
gave orders to storm the batteries of the enemy;
the grenadiers Ordered on this service cut their
way through the foarricadoes, advanced through
a hollow, and reached the heights which were
near the Russian intrenchments, and from which
a sharp fire was kept up on the Prussians. These
were not discouraged, but went on in double
quick time, and charged the batteries with fixed
bayonets; the redoubt was also taken, and all
resistance was now at an end. The enemy were
completely driven from their intrenchments, and
the whole of the Russian left wing sought safety
in flight towards the church yard of the village
of Kunersdorf, and abandoned their cannon.
The battle had commenced at midday and
at six in the evening the Prussians were in
possession of all the batteries of the left wing,
of one hundred and eighty cannon, and some
thousands of prisoners. The victory appeared as
decisive as those of the enemy at Koliin and
Hochkirch, and messengers were already sent
from the field of battle with the good news to
Berlin and Silesia, when most unexpectedly the
fortune of the day was changed.
The Prussian infantry had completed their work,
but the victory could not be taken advantage
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254
HISTORY OF THK
of, as the Prussian cavalry were on the other
wing where they kept the Austrians in check,
and the cannon could not follow sufficiently fast;
the difficulty of this position was rendered the
more disadvantageous from the ground being
more favourable to the operations of the artillery
than to the movements of the infantry. At last
some of the cannon came up, but in too small
numbers to complete the work of the day, and
in the mean time the king advanced with the
other wing upon the Russians, supported in this
attack by General Fink. This advance was much
impeded by the broken ground, and at one time
the men had to march through extensive ponds,
at another over small bridges ; the Russians took
advantage of the time this occupied, to draw
their forces together and to make the best use
of their artillery. Laudon, who had as yet taken
no part with (he Austrians in the battle, now
advanced at the same time that Frederic had
withdrawn Seidlitz from his post of observation,
which this general was extremely unwilling to
leave as he foresaw the misfortunes which were
to occur, and it was not until after fruitless
representations on his part, and repeated orders
from the king that he obeyed. His cavalry now
advanced in the intervals between the ponds, pas-
sed under the fire of the cannon of the Russians, and
approached the enemy ; but the heavy fire of
musketry which mowed down whole rows of
men and horses threw them into disorder, and
forced them to retreat.
As yet the Prussians had not lost ground;
on the contrary they still had gained decided
advantages. The Russians were congregated on
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SKVKN YKARS WAR.
255
a bill, one above another, forming an irregular
mass from 80 to 100 men high; hut this body
of men, though without order, were protected
by fifty cannon, and kept up a continued fire
of musketry. The Prussians were exhausted by
a long march, the fighting they had gone through,
and the heat of a sultry summer's day; still
they had as yet gained the battle, and in all
probability the Russians whose loss was severe
would have retired in the night. They would
willingly have given up the honour of the vic-
tory, but that they thought themselves in greater
safety in their in trench men ts than by flying in
broad daylight. But Frederic thought nothing
was done, so long as any thing remained to
be done, and he on this occasion not only
thought but avowed his opinion, that it was
not sufficient to gain a victory over the Rus-
sians, but that their army must be annihilated,
to put a stop to their again coming and renew-
ing their devastations. In opposition to this the
Prussian generals only brought forward the
exhausted state of the soldiers, and more espe-
cially Seidlitz was anxious to impress this on
the mind of the king. The representations of
this general, of whose courage Frederic was so
well aware, appeared to have decided the
question, and the king was on the point
of giving up his opinion, when Wedel for
whom Frederic had great consideration in spite
of his bad fortune in war, came up, and the
king said, "What does Wedel think of this?"
He was a courtier, and as his opinion was
quite that of the king, the order was given
to march.
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HISTORY OF THK
The Russians had placed a large battery in
the Jews' burying ground, which commanded
the whole field of battle; this had been aban-
doned from panic on the attack of a regiment
of cavalry under the Prince of Wurtemberg.
The Prussian infantry were only 800 paces
from this battery, and were now hurrying to
take possession of it ; nothing appeared likely to
prevent their completing their intention. They
had advanced to within 150 paces of their
object, when Laudon arrived, threw his men
into the battery and opened a heavy fire of
musketry upon the Prussians. Their endeavours
to approach were of no avail, and only threw
them into disorder of which Laudon took ad-
vantage. The cavalry charged them on both
flanks, and cut down great numbers.
The victory now depended on the taking
the Spitzberg, a hill which commanded a pas-
ture ground. This pasture was 400 paces long,
from 50 to 60 wide, and in a hollow from 10
to 15 feet deep, and very steep on all sides.
This was occupied by Laudon's best troops, and
the Prussians endeavoured in vain to pass over
the bank which surrounded it, those who suc-
ceeded being immediately precipitated into the
hollow or killed.
At last the fatigue of the Prussians got the
better of them, and their courage was of no
avail; the Spitzberg was repeatedly attacked,
but not taken; the heavy fire of the musketry
and cannon of the Russians and Austrians
swept away all who went to the* attack, and
Fink who endeavoured to storm other heights
exhausted the strength of his soldiers in vain.
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SKVKN YKARS WAR. 257
Frederic exposed himself to the greatest dangers,
his dress was shot through in several places,
two horses were killed under him, and he was
slightly wounded. A gold case he had in his
pocket saved his life, and stopped the ball which
was flattened, and remained on the gold. His
life was also endangered when his horse fell
from under him, but his aid de camp Gotz
saved him, and gave him his horse from which
he had dismounted. The king was entreated to
leave this dangerous position, but he answered,
"Every thing must be done to gain the victory
and 1 must do my duty as well as you." The
Russians who fought with great animosity fell
to the ground as 1 if killed, allowed the Prus-
sians to pass over their bodies, and then rose
up, and fired in their rear ; every endeavour to
drive the Russians and the Austrians from the
heights was in vain.
The Prussian cavalry now attempted to
attack the heights, but the science of Seidlitz
was in this instance of no avail. These troopers,
accustomed to disperse the enemy when even
double or treble their number, to put the infantry
to flight whatever might be their position, to
take batteries and get the better of the great-
est difficulties in the nature of the ground,
were defeated by the position of the cannon
of the Russians. Seidlitz, their brave commander,
was wounded; Prince Eugene of Wiirtemberg
was also wounded, in making a second attack.
He was followed by General Puttkammer who
attacked with the white hussars, was killed on
the field of battle, and the two other most
celebrated generals of the Prussians, Fink and
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HISTORY OP THB
Hulsen, were also wounded; ail the Prussian
troops both infantry and cavalry now fell into
the greatest disorder. At this critical moment
Laudon advanced with fresh troops on the rear
of the right wing, and attacked the worn out
Prussians on the flank, and in the rear. This
general who had so often seized the moment
of a favourable change of affairs during a battle,
and turned it to his advantage, now brought
up a body of cavalry, Avhich had been' advan-
tageously posted at a distance from the field of
battle, and attacked the enemy who were in
disorder. The battle was soon decided, for a
panic appears to have seized the Prussians who
took to flight; the troops fled into the wood,
and towards the bridges, and as all wished to
cross at the same time, this increased the dis-
order, and caused the loss of a great number of
cannon. In addition to the cannon they had taken,
they lost 165 pieces of Prussian artillery. The
king was also near being taken prisoner, as
he was one of the last on the field of battle,
and having to ride through a ravine , nothing
but the courage and presence of mind of the
Captain of cavalry Prittwitz could have saved
him from this misfortune. Frederic himself thought
his escape impossible, and cried out several
times, "Prittwitz, I am lost!" This courageous
officer who had only 100 hussars to oppose to
the thousands who surrounded him, answered,
"No, Your Majesty, that shall not occur so
long as one of us has breath." Instead of
merely defending himself, he kept continually
attacking, and prevented the enemy from mak-
ing a regular attack upon his small body, and
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SEVEN YEARS WAR.
959
in this manner the hussars continued to advance,
so that Frederic at last was enabled to join
the main body. He afterwards rewarded his
preserver with kingly presents, and the promo-
tion to high rank in the army.
Never was the firmness of this monarch so
shaken as on this unfortunate day, in a
few hours he had been precipitated from the
glory of an undoubted victory to the distress
of a complete defeat. He endeavoured in every
way to stop the flight of his infantry, by
prayers and entreaties at other times so effec-
tual from the lips of a king, and more espe-
cially of this king, but which were now una-
vailing; and it is even said, that in this dis-
tressing position, he wished for death. His
active imagination immediately placed before
him the consequences of his defeat as so dread-
ful that he was forced to send from that field
of battle, from which he had only a few hours
previous dispatched messengers of victory, or-
ders to Berlin for active measures of precau-
tion and safety. He fancied the enemy already
in his capital, and saw it pillaged and laid
waste, without the means of his preventing it.
His troops were so dispersed, that on the day
after the battle he had only 5000 men with
him, and he had lost all the cannon he had
taken, together with almost all his own artillery.
General Wunsch who commanded a small body
of Prussians on the other side of the Oder in
order to cut off the retreat of the Russians after
the hoped for victory., had marched upon
Frankfort towards the end of the battle, and
had taken the Russian garrison prisoners ; but
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HISTORY OP THK
as the loss of the battle rendered this advantage
useless, he was placed in danger, and was
compelled to leave the to wn. The coining on
of night was favourable to the King, as he
withdrew his troops, and gained some heights
where the enemy could not attack him.
The orders of the king for the safely of
Berlin were in the mean time sent off. He
expressed in these that it was not in his power
to protect the city, and that therefore it would
be advisable that the principal and richest in-
habitants should , if possible, leave it with
their valuables. The messenger who was the
bearer of these orders, was, by good luck, pur-
sued by a party of Cosacks, and did not reach
Berlin until four days after; by this time the
face of affairs was much altered, and people
had recovered from the first effects of their
alarm. The authorities now made representa-
tions to the king to be allowed to take other
steps, which met with the approbation of Fre-
deric, but the royal family were however obliged
to leave Berlin, and to take up their residence
in Magdeburg, to which place all papers of
importance were removed.
This battle had been the most bloody during
this war, for the Prussians lost 8000 killed,
15,000 wounded ; 3000 were taken prisoners,
and almost all their principal and superior offi-
cers wounded; and the Russians and Austrian s
had 24,000 killed and wounded according to
the report Soltikow gave of the battle to the
Empress Elizabeth, and which was written im-
mediately after the battle. He wrote as follows:
"Your Majesty must not be surprised at the
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SEVKN YEARS WAR. 261
greatness of our loss. You know that the king
of Prussia generally sells his defeats dearly."
He also said: "If I were to win another such
a vietory, I must be the bearer of the intel-
ligence myself."
Frederic slept the night of the battle in his
clothes, and on straw, in the village of Oetscher,
in the cottage of a peasant which had been
pillaged by the Cosacks, and was open to every
wind that blew from heaven ; his aids de camp
lay round about him on the bare ground , and
a few grenadiers watched over this group.
The following day the king crossed the Oder,
drew the fugitives again under his banner, form-
ed a junction with General Wunsch, recalled
General Kleist with 5000 men from Pomerania,
had fresh cannon sent to him, and by these
means he, who on the night of the battle had
only 5000 men remaining, was in the course of
a few days at the head of 28,000. The Rus-
sians, who feared him, in spite of his defeat,
intrenched themselves anew, and Frederic in-
spired his men with fresh courage by an ad-
dress he made to them ; in a few weeks Berlin
was placed in safety, and his army so strength-
ened and equipped that he was in a position
not only to protect the Electorate of Branden-
burg, but also to allow Wunsch to withdraw
his army, and march into Saxony.
Among the Prussians who fell in the battle
of Kunnersdorf was Major Kleist, a noble Ger-
man, honourable from his character, and immor-
tal by his poems. He was known to the king,
but did not receive that admiration from his
cotemporaries which will be awarded to him
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262
HISTORY OF THK
in future times. He said in one of his poems:
"Perhaps I shall one day fall for the honour of
my country." His forebodings were fulfilled,
unfortunately for the republic of German lit-
terature, on this bloody day. Kleist led on a
battalion against the enemy, and took three
batteries ; bis right hand was shot away by a
ball; he took his sword in his left, and advan-
ced with his men, who loved him as a father,
to the attack of the fourth battery. A musket
ball struck him to the ground, and he was
taken from the thick of the battle to be laid
in a wet ditch where he was left to his fate.
It was indeed a fearful one; the Cosacks who
bear the form of men, but in every thing else
are like the wild beast of the desert, and to whom
rapine, murder and incendiarism are natural,
and compassion unknown, fell upon him as he
lay weltering in his blood, and tearing every
thing off him, even to his shirt stiff with his
blood, left him in (his pitiable condition. His
state moved even some Russian hussars who
were riding past, and they threw an old
cloak over him, and gave him some bread and
half a florin; but some Cosacks who came up
took these from him, and he passed the whole
night naked, in the ditch and without having
his wounds dressed. Kleist was severely but
not mortally wounded, but his dreadful posi-
tion and exposure caused his death a few days
after in Frankfort, to which place he had been
conveyed as a prisoner. The Russians gave
him an honourable interment, and many officers
joined the professors of this town in following
his body to the grave. There was no sword on
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SKVFN YEARS WAR. 263
the coffin, but this was remedied by one of the
Russian officers placing his own there.
The Russians did not avail themselves of
this valuable opportunity of ending the war,
for had decided steps been taken immediately
after the battle, this would have been certain.
Frederic was astonished at their inactivity, and
Daun bitterly reproached Soltikow, who did not
fail to retort upon him with equal acrimony.
He wrote: "I have already won two battles,
and now only watt, till I hear of your having
gained two victories, in order to make further
movements, as it is not fair that the troops of
the empress, my mistress, should do every
thing." The Marquis of Montalembert repre-
sented to him, that if he did not advance he
would give up the fruits of his victory to the
Austrians ; to which he answered : " I am not
at all jealous of such an occurrence. From
my heart I wish them even more success than
I have had ; I have already done my part/'
These expressions were caused by the ill-
feeling which existed among the Russian gen-
erals towards the Austrians, but more espe-
cially among their leaders; for the court of
Vienna, instead of endeavouring to gain the
confidence of these generals, and engaging them
£y means of their personal interest in its favour,
nad on the contrary expressed itself dissatisfied;
in the first instance with Apraxin who died in
. prison during his trial, and afterwards with
Fermor and Butterlin. They made complaints at
one time against their want of will, at another
time against their capabilities, and were also
dissatisfied with Soltikow in Vienna, against
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HISTORY OP THB
whom complaints were addressed to the empress
of his inactivity, of a disinclination to support the
confederates , and especially of want of zeal
for the common cause; this drew reprimands
upon him which were participated in by the other
generals, and which no one forgave. The whole
army of the Russians were included in these
upbraidings; which were retorted on the Aus-
trians on every occasion, and justified by the
want of activity of Daun as well as his want
of decision, and too great caution. The great
distance of the Russian army from their court
rendered its orders in part nugatory, made
obedience difficult, and facilitated the finding
excuses.
It was discovered in Vienna, but too late,
how much mischief had been done by these
complaints, and they were now discontinued,
that other more efficient means, which had not
as yet been thought of, might be resorted to;
but the time for their efficacious use was pass-
ed, and the dislike which had been excited
from personal ill usage, had taken too deep root
to be done away with by flattery and presents.
The Russian generals did as much as they
were forced to do, and no more, only avoiding
to incur any responsibility; and they never
seriously wished to form a junction with tlM*
Austrian army as they would by that means have
been cramped in their operations, and led on to
a protraction of the campaign, in addition to
which great difficulties would have arisen in
the supplying the army.
The rejoicings at the victory were beyond
all bounds in St. Petersburg; Sbltikow was
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raised to the rank of field marshal, and a
command was given to Prince Galitzin; the
lieutenant generals received the order of St.
Andrew, and each soldier six months pay as
a bounty. Laudon received a gold sword en-
riched with diamonds from the Empress Eliza-
beth, and each regiment of Austrians who had
participated in the battle a present of 5000
rubles. The court of St. Petersburg who had
long felt ashamed of the bragging of their
generals after the defeat of Zorndorf, looked
upon this as the first and only victory which
the Russians had gained against Frederic as
a leader, in spite of its having been gained,
not by them, but by the Austrians. Elizabeth
caused a medal to be struck in commemora-
tion of the day, and sent two waggon loads
of them to be distributed among the soldiers.
In spite of the Russians having gained two
victories in the course of three weeks, the
position of the king was not much injured by
these disadvantages. The evil consequences which
arose from them were increased by his absence
from Saxony and Silesia, which had been taken
advantage of by the enemy ; he was now cut
off from both these provinces, and in addition
to this, his fears were excited for Berlin, and
he apprehended a junction of the Russian army
with the principal army of the Austrians,' which
was in Lusatia. Daun and Soltikow held a
conference on this subject, and it was deter-
mined that the Russians in the Prussian pro-
vinces should remain on the left bank of the
Oder, Daun engaging to provide them with
bread and forrage, and after the taking of
i
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NI8T0KY OF THB
Dresden both armies were to march into Sile-
sia, and in case the siege of Neisse, upon which
they had determined, should he successful, they
were to take up their winter quarters in this
province; after coming to this decision the two
generals separated. The Russians awaited quietly
the fate of Dresden in their camp of Fursten-
wald, and amused themselves by destroying the
sluices of the Frederic William canal which
joins the Oder with the Spree. These sluices, a
memorial of the greatness of the elector who
is immortalized in the annals of Brandenburg,
were entirely destroyed by these barbarians.
It would appear that Daun had not duly con-
sidered all the impediments which lay in the
way of providing the promised supplies, for
the Russians required 42,000 bushels of corn
for each month, and the Austrians nearly double
this quantity. The Saxon provinces could not,
in their exhausted condition, furnish these, large
supplies, at any rate not so quickly as was
required, and there were no other means of getting
them than by taking what was requisite from
the magazines in Zittau, Gorlitz and Lauban.
In order to bring one month's supply for the
Russians, 2500 four horse waggons were required,
and as Daun could not reckon on the provision
waggons of the imperial army which were in
constant activity for the supply of the Austrians,
he was in consequence forced to get waggons
from Bohemia. By using the greatest activity
it was not possible to get these in action for
three weeks, and it was four or live before
the supplies could be sent in. By this delay
the whole plan for the operations of the war
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26?
bad to be changed, for as it was hardly probable
that these supplies could all escape the vigi-
lance of the Prussian soldiers, all these cir-
cumstances rendered the fulfillment of Daun's
promises highly improbable.
The Austrians had in the mean while invaded
Silesia, and Fouquet, who defended the passes
into this province with a body of Prussians
had allowed the imperial General Harsch at the
head of a large body of troops to make good
his entry through them.
This Austrian general was ill, and the com-
mand was taken by General Ville who advan-
ced into the interior, and his light troops pene-
trated as far as Breslau. Fouquet's operations led to
the cutting off of the enemy from Bohemia, and
soon altered the plans of the imperial general, who
was placed in a great difficulty from scarcity
of bread, and as all the high roads were occu-
pied, had no resource but a rapid retreat through
difficult passes ; he completed this, after twelve
days continual fighting, and it was found useless
to make any further attempts on Silesia for the
present; but the enemy was more fortunate in
Saxony which, undefended by the Prussians, was
now surrounded by the Austrians and the troops
of the Empire.
The latter had never had so good a chance
of making a conquest as at this time in the
absence of the Prussians. Their first effort was
made on Leipsic the commandant of which,
General Hausen, not being able to defend an
unfortified place, immediately surrendered the
town to the Duke of Zweibrucken, and was
allowed to withdraw bis men. Immediately
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HISTORY OP THE
afterwards General Kleefeld appeared before
Torgau, which is only defended by a rampart
and walls, but not fortified; he summoned the
town, making at the same time the extraordinary
threat, that in case of the slightest delay, the
Prussian towns of Halle, Halberstadt and Qued-
linburg should be given up to pillage for three
days, and then be set fire to. The commandant,
Colonel Wolfersdorf, answered, that be would
defend himself to the last, that he had nothing
to do with the threatened towns; but that he
would await the king's orders, if they would
allow a cessation of hostilities for six days.
Kleefeld was satisfied with this proposal, but
made a reservation of awaiting the approbation
of the Duke of Zweibrucken. The object of the co-
lonel was to gain time, and receive reinforcements,
before the decisive answer of the duke which arriv-
ed with 6,000 troops and a number of cannon and
mortars. The besiegers who were now com-
manded by the Prince of Stolberg, and reinforced
by some Austrian light troops, endeavoured to
make themselves masters of the suburb; but
they were driven back by the Prussians who
set it on fire. Two storming parties were now
sent forward, but they were both driven back.
The besiegers then placed a battery on the
banks of the Elb, but by a successful sortie
they were driven from this position, and the
result of these occurrences was that the besiegers
offered to negotiate an honourable surrender with
the commandant; this was refused, and they
now proceeded to storm the town, but without
success. They attempted a fourth time to take
it by storm with redoubled vigour, but were
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269
repulsed, and whilst the greater part of the
garrison were occupied with driving hack the
besiegers, Wolfersdorf made a sortie with 400
men, came in the rear of the storming party,
and forced them to relinquish their undertaking.
Notwithstanding all this they could hardly
look for a speedy termination to the siege.
They had no hope of relief, and what was
worst of all, there was a scarcity of powder.
This decided the question ; the Prussian honour
had heen preserved by the courageous defence
of Wolfersdorf, and as the Prince Stolberg now
offered him advantageous terms, he accepted
them ; the Prussians were allowed to withdraw
their forces with colours flying, and with all
their artillery, and it was agreed that no de-
serters should be received. But the troops wrere
hardly outside the gates where the Croats were
drawn up, before the besiegers broke the faith
of the convention. As the Prussian battalion
Grolman which for the most part consisted of
Saxons, came to the place where the generals
of the opposite party were stationed as spec-
tators, the aid de camp of Prince Stolberg, and
several other officers cried out with a loud
voice : "Let all the brave Saxons who are for
the empress, come out of the ranks, and His
Highness will protect them.'' This intimation
had an immediate effect, and almost all the
battalion broke from the ranks; some placed
themselves behind the Croats who were march-
ing away, others behind the pallisades, and some
in the ditch of the town.
Wolfersdorf soon put an end to this shame-
ful conduct by his determination. He called
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270 HiSTony of thk
out to the fugitives, that if they did not remain
in their ranks, he would have them shot; he
immediately shot one dead himself, and ordered
his officers, hussars and riflemen* to follow his
example. He commanded the other troops to
halt, and prepare for battle. The prince endeav-
oured to frighten him by threats, but Wol-
fersdorf, with a pistol in his hand, astonished
him by the following Mrords: "As Your High-
ness has broken the terms of the capitulation,
I am no longer bound by it. I will take you
prisoner with the whole of your suite, and re-
turn into the town to again defend myself.
Ride immediately within the fortifications or I
will give orders to fire upon you." The Prus-
sians were already marching back into the
town, and the hussars and riflemen were- scoot-
ing the deserters like wild beasts ; the disorder
was very great, and the generals of the troops
of the Empire not accustomed to warfare or its
usages, knew not what to do in this dilemma;
but Luzinsky, the leader of the Croats, came up,
and seriously told them that every point ot
the convention must be c held sacred; the de-
serters were given up, and forced to form in
their ranks. Wolfersdorf made use of the ad-
vantage his courage had given him, and requir-
ed that the escort which was to accompany him
to Wittenberg should be placed under his or-
ders, and always remain two thousand paces
from the Prussians; his requests were all ac-
ceded to.
Wittenberg was now besieged; it was gar-
risoned by three battalions, one of which had been
formed out of the Saxon regiments which had
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been converted into Prussian troops at Pirna,
and these Saxons were only waiting for a fa-
vourable opportunity to regain their freedom.
The third battalion was equally inefficient, as
it was made up of deserters and prisoners, and
the commandant thinking he could not place
any confidence in sucli a garrison, accepted the
terms that were offered him, by which he was
allowed to withdraw his forces and artillery
from the town, and proceed to Magdeburg. The
troops of the Empire had taken possession of
the towns of Belgern, Strehlen and Miihlberg,
so that they were now masters of the Elb as
far as Dresden, and all these occurrences had
taken place during the time Frederic was en-
gaged with the Russians.
Every one now expected to see Saxony freed
from the enemy, Berlin taken, and Magdeburg
besieged. But of all this nothing was done, and
the king w-ko relied upon the known want of
determination of the generals opposed to him,
and their inactivity in making use of the vic-
tories they gained, was already full of confi-
dence, the morning after the battle of Kuners-
dorf. He had a few days previous received the
intelligence of the victory near Minden from
an officer sent by the Duke Ferdinand, and
Frederic had ordered him to wait, in the ex-
pectation of having equally good news to send
back by him. The officer presented himself the
morning after the battle; "I am very sorry/'
said the king, " that I cannot give better news
as the answer to such pleasing intelligence;
but if you can get back again, and Daun is
not in Berlin, or Contades in Magdeburg, be-
■
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272 HISTORY OF THE
fore you arrive, you may assure the duke from-
me, that our losses are not great.*' In fact
nothing could induce Soltikow to undertake
any fresh enterprise, and the eloquence of Mon-
talembert, who had orders from his court to
use all his powers for the downfal of Frede-
ric, was exerted in vain. In one of this minis-
ter's letters he said : "The Russians must have
the prospect of having Berlin, and the whole
of Brandenburg given up to them to pillage."
Soltikow would not listen to any proposal, and
said, that his weakened army should not under-
take any dangerous enterprise; in addition to
this, he was much dissatisfied with Daun's in-
activity, which in fact astonished all Europe.
Although the Russians derived no advan-
tages from their victory, a succession of misfor-
tunes such as he had never before experienced
in any of his wars, now accumulated on the
king. His next loss was that of Dresden. The
Austrians had always had their principal aim
directed towards the taking this capital ;
they now determined to besiege it in the ab-
sence of the king, and formed a junction with
the troops of the Empire 30,000 strong for that
purpose. Schmettau was prepared to defend him-
self; he quitted the new town which is sepa-
rated from the old town by the Elb, and con-
tented himself with defending the latter. The
new town was now occupied by the Austrians,
and the Imperial General Ouasco threatened
to bombard the town with eighteen batteries,
but Schmettau promised to reply to it with a
hundred cannon. At this time the news of the
battle of Kunersdorf arrived, and the enemy
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took advantage of the first shock of this in-
telligence to represent to the commandant his
dangerous position, and the impossibility of his
being relieved. Schmettau had always shown
himself to be a determined, active and coura-
geous genera], and in this instance he did not
fcelie his reputation, and ridiculed all the threats
which were now heaped upon him. The Duke
of Zweibriicken sent word to him, that if the
Prussians burnt the suburbs, the whole garri-
son should be cut to pieces, Halle, which was
in the hands of the troops of the Empire, given
up to pillage, and burnt to the ground, all the
salt works of the place, destroyed, and the
whole of the Prussian provinces laid waste;
Schmettau's answer to these threats was the
immediate setting fire to the suburbs. One
messenger now followed another, and the Gen-
erals Maquire and Guasco held conferences
with the Prussian commandant, and notwith-
standing his disavantageous position the most
determined resistance was to be expected; but
a letter from Frederic changed the face of
affairs.
The king had informed Schmettau of his mis-
fortune immediately after the battle of Kuners-
dorf, and had expressed his opinion, that, as it
would be extremely difficult to relieve Dresden,
he had better, in case of necessity, only try
to obtain advantageous terms, and above all
things to be careful to retain possession of
the money in the treasury. Schmettau was
somewhat astonished, but now gave up all
hopes, and the Duke of Zweibriicken informed
him that if he still persisted in defending himself,
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HISTORY OF THK
not a single Prussian should be spared. As
regarded the commandant these threats were
of no avail, but on the other hand his menaces
were most efficacious, for in consequence of
his declaration to the court of the Elector, that
on the first shot being fired from the new town,
this beautiful quarter would be set on Are, no
attack was made from this point, and Schmet-
tau was enabled to keep his garrison together,
and oppose his whole force to the attack of
the enemy on the other side of the old town.
He sought to gain time, in hopes of being
relieved or at least of receiving intelligence
from the king; but he heard nothing, and gra-
dually the belief in the representations of the
imperial generals, respecting the complete pros-
tration of Frederic's strength, gained ground in
his mind.
He was now cut off from all means of
relief, for the town was completely surrounded,
and in this position he remained twenty seven
days, constantly harassed by the attacks of the
enemy, pressed and threatened His personal
courage was useless, and his confidence in his
power of keeping his dissatisfied soldiers within
bounds, by means of his determination and the
power of Prussian discipline, and in inducing
them still to defend themselves, were now of
no avail; for his whole attention was at this
time directed to the saving the immense sums
of money, which were placed in the town. In
this town, as the principal city of the country,
all the revenues were deposited, as well as
the military chests for the troops, and in addi-
tion to this, other sums of money were brought
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275
to what was considered a place of security.
This treasure amounted in all to above live
million of dollars, and the necessity of saving
so large a sum, especially in Frederic's present
position, decided the affair, as Schmettau did
not know that a large body of troops were
advancing to his relief. The besiegers well
aware of their arrival and progress in Saxony
and who already looked on Dresden as saved,
forgot their threats, and gave way to all the
demands of Schmettau. He began to negociate
when they were on the point of bombarding
the town, and was allowed by the terms of
the capitulation to withdraw his troops with all
the honours of war, their baggage, cannon, am-
munition and the waggons laden with specie. It
was also agreed to, that all property belonging
to Prussian subjects should be allowed to be
taken away, and no deserters received into the
army of the besiegers. General Maquire gave
his word of honour for the "fulfillment of every
article according to the import of the words
made use of, without the slightest chicane."
The provisions were to remain behind, and
these which consisted in 30,000 bushel of corn
and near thirteen thousand hundred weight of
flour, besides other provisions enabled the
Austrians, who were already thinking of a
retreat towards Bohemia in consequence of a
shortness of provisions, to retain their position
in Saxony. This convention was hardly con-
cluded and signed by the Duke of Zweibrucken,
when Wunsh arrived with his body of men
within four leagues of Dresden. The strength
of his troops was worn out by forced marches,
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HISTORY OK THK
and added to this, they had twice repulsed
General Brentano, who was sent against them
with a body of imperial troops. The besiegers had
at this time taken possession of one of the
gates, for Wunsh could not advance with his
fatigued men; and as he knew nothing of the
treaty, had therefore determined to storm the
new town. His approach raised the spirits of
the Prussians in Dresden, and some officers
advised that in despite of the signed capitula-
tion, the Austrians, who were masters of one
of the gates, should be driven back. Schmettau,
who was most anxious about the treasure which
had been so strongly recommended to his care
by the king, would hear nothing of this pro-
position, although it promised success. Colonel
Hoffman thought right to attempt it without
orders, mounted his horse for the purpose, and
ordered the main guard to follow him ; the
captain of the guard refused to obey him upon
which Hoffman treated him as a coward, and
fired at him with his pistol, but missed him.
Some soldiers of the guard, to revenge their
officer, fired upon him, and the brave colonel
was killed. All the hopes of the Prussians were
now extinct; Wunsh retreated, and Dresden was
occupied by the Austrians.
The capitulation which had been guaranteed
in so sacred a manner, was broken on almost
every point, and the garrison who were at
liberty, and had not surrendered as prisoners
of war, most shamefully treated. The officers
and soldiers of the imperial troops and even
the generals joined in this unworthy conduct.
The Prussian soldiers were forced from their
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SKVBN YEARS WAR. 277
ranks to enter the Austrian sen ice ; the offi-
cers were ill treated, abused, struck, wounded,
and some were even killed. The Austrian offi-
cers forgetful of all the principles of honour and
generosity, and what was due to their position,
were the instigators and even the actors in
this dishonourable affair, for they cried out:
"Shoot the dogs, fire on the canaille !M The
generals in command, Maquire and Guasco,
were not backward in lending their assistance
to this proceeding, and they forgot their pledged
word of honour, which should have been held
sacred by them; the arms of the Prussians and
their pontons were taken from them by force,
and the waggons and boats promised for the
transport of their baggage were refused. The
time, which by the terms of capitulation, had
been granted for their leaving the town was
not allowed them, and they were forced to
quit it two days earlier. But at last Schmettau
was enabled to get the better of all difficulties,
and to withdraw from the town with his
treasure and his garrison. No commandant of
a fortified town could have behaved better than
Schmettau in his difficult position, and he de-
served in spite of his misfortune more considera-
tion and praise than those who resisting every
attack of a place committed to their charge,
are still enabled to retain possession of it. In
ignorance of all that was occurring outside the
town, and by Frederic's own letter deprived of
all hopes of relief, he followed the directions of
his monarch, and gave way to the force of
circumstances; but Frederic, who could not
punish him for his conduct as an officer, showed
8*
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his displeasure by removing him from the field of
operations. As he felt severely the loss of
Dresden he would not pardon the commandant
for his misfortune, notwithstanding he had
brought him the treasure for which he had
expressed so much anxiety. The zeal of Schmet-
tau was undoubted, but this was not taken
into consideration, as the result was not favour-
able, and more especially as he had not re-
paired the error into which the king had fallen.
This error was indeed great; for Wunsh had
orders not to march immediately to the relief
of the hard pressed city of Dresden, which was
so important from its treasure and the stores
it contained, but first was to go to Torgau and
Wittenberg, where there was nothing to lose
and then march to the relief of the capital;
had this been done sooner, the town would
have been undoubtedly saved. Added to this,
no endeavour was made during twenty seven
days to convey secret intelligence to the com-
mandant.
No army was so badly supplied with spies
as the Prussian, in consequence of their being
so ill paid by the king, as the few ducats that
the bearers of intelligence received were no
compensation for the risk of life they had gone
through. The want of these spies which was
caused by the principle of (economy, would
have caused the failure of many enterprises of
importance, and their assistance would have
given rise to other occurrences during these
campaigns, had it not been that Frederic often
received the most important information not
only from his hussar officers, but also from his
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partisans, who were in constant activity, and
who were numerous, from the astonishment
raised by his wonderful deeds. There was also
a high spirit of emulation amongst his officers,
and this replaced in a great measure the
scarcity of spies.
Great generals have always acknowledged
the necessity of employing such men ; hut no
one ever derived more advantage from them,
than Prince Eugene, who paid them munificently,
and was therefore well served by them; and
he had to thank the secret intelligence received
by this means for many great deeds, which
he was enabled to achieve with contracted
means. Frederic was therefore anxious to avail
himself of the services of the famed robber
Kasebier, who lay in chains in Stettin, and
who was condemned to imprisonment for life.
The craft and courage of this German Cartouche
led people to expect great things from him,
and he was therefore set at liberty in the
beginning of the war. But Kasebier, thinking
less of the favour which was shown to him
than of the punishment he had already received,
promised every thing that was asked, but never
returned.
Prince Henry had now marched with his
large army from Silesia into Saxony. He had, by
means of forced marches, fallen upon the Aus-
trian General Wehla, killed 600 of his men,
and taken him with 1800 others, prisoner. This
march, which was of twenty leagues through
country occupied by the enemy, and lasted
fifty six hours, was completed without encamp-
ing ; and during this time the troops were only
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HISTORY OF THK
allowed twice to repose for three hours; it
continued day, and night during the other fifty
hours, and completely upset the plans of the
Austrians. Prince Henry had in this as well
as his other operations a valuable assistant,
his aid de camp Captain Kalkreuth, a man of
rare talents, and born to be a general. While
young he excited astonishment by his deeds,
and later in life when a leader, he was
adored by his soldiers, and was the insepar-
able companion of Henry so long as the war
lasted.
At this time the Russians and the troops under
Daunwere in Lusatia. Henry who, in cefnsequence
of the dangerous position of the king, could not
venture a battle, directed his efforts against the
storehouses and magazines of the enemy ; he was
fortunate, by well formed plans, in destroying
the most important of them, and provisions
began to fail in the armies of the enemy. The
Austrians had great difficulty in providing means
for their own support, and therefore begged the
Russians, who had drawn near Saxony, to receive
money instead of provisions, and to supply them-
selves. "My soldiers do not eat money," was
the. answer of Soltikow, who immediately began
his march towards Poland through Silesia. Laudon
accompanied him, and used every means to
induce him to besiege Glogau; but this plan
had to be given up in consequence of the con-
federate armies finding, to their astonishment,
a Prussian camp at Beuthen on the Oder. The
king was posted here, determined to venture
every thing, even a battle under the most dis-
advantageous circumstances, in order to save
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this fortress, and as his foice consisted only in
24,000 men, and he was in momentary expecta-
tion of an attack, his men were ail day under
arms; the Russians did not venture to attack
him, but went over the Oder, and destroyed all
the bridges that they might not be followed.
They then kept along the banks of the river,
and appeared desirous of directing their opera-
tions against Breslau; but they found Prussians
in every direction, and the passes strongly manned.
The king was still near the Russians, when he
was seized with a severe fit of the gout. This
was a great source of anxiety to him, for he
expected that the Russians would attack him
the moment they heard of it, and had the attack
been made, Frederic, who was not in a state
to take the command, must have awaited in his
bed, under the most dreadful torture both of
body and of mind, the fate it would have been
easy to foretell. But the Russians were never
aware of his helpless position, and the king
was saved by his good fortune. As he could
neither get on horseback nor bear the fatigue
of a carriage, he was carried by his soldiers to
Koben, a small town on the Oder, and here he
assembled his generals, made them aware of the
severity of his illness, and gave them the following
instructions: "Assure my brave soldiers, that
in spite of the many misfortunes I have experienced
this campaign, I shall not be called away until
all is set right again. Tell them that I rely
on their courage, and that nothing but death
shall separate me from my troops." He then
dictated to his secretary, during the most acute
suffering, the necessary orders for the army.
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HISTORY OK TBR
The Russians in the meanwhile continued
their devastating march, of which Herrnstadt
was the extent in Silesia. As this town, though
not fortified, but strong in its natural position,
and garrisoned only by a few hundred Prussians,
would not surrender, it was set fire to by red
hot balls, and reduced to a heap of ashes ; and
after this act the Russians continued their march
towards Poland. Laudon asked Soltikow what
he was to do with his army under these cir-
cumstances ; Soltikow answered : "You may do
what you please, but 1 shall march to Posen."
Laudon remained some time longer with the
Russian army, but at length left them highly
displeased, and withdrew into the Austrian
states.
Towards the end of October the whole of
Silesia and Brandenburg were clear of the
Austrians and Russians, and twelve burning
villages with the town of Gurau in flames, and
other signs of devastation inseparable from
their time of march, marked the retreat of the
latter. The estate of Count Cosel on the Oder
suffered at their hands, and he complained to
the king, who answered him: "We have to
do with barbarians, who are endeavouring to
entomb humanity. You see, my dear count,
that I am more occupied in getting the better
of the evil, than in making complaints, and I
would advise my friends to follow my example."
In fact the acrimony of the mighty confederates
was so great against the king of Prussia, as
to be the disgrace of the era in which he lived.
All the cruelties which had . been perpetrated
by the Austrians, as well as the Russians,
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during their invasions of Brandenburg and
Silesia, received the seal of approbation, and it
was the orders of the highest powers, that
nothing should be left to the Prussian subjects
but "air and the earth;" these extraordinary
expressions gave rise to and were reported in
the manifesto, which was published by the
Prussian Colonel Kleist, at Grab in Bohemia,
on the 17th of November 1759.
The activity of General Wunsh had exceeded
all expectation, as the body of men placed under
his command were only 5000 strong, and with
these he had entered Saxony in order to take
possession of this country which was filled with
the enemy. He had no sooner appeared before
the gates of Wittenberg than the commandant
of the garrison, which was 2000 strong, was
anxious to come to terms; Wunsh, who was
desirous of losing "no time, allowed him to with-
draw his forces, and hurried on to Torgau. Here
the general of the Empire, Kleefeld, who was
commandant, offered to surrender, but as they
could not agree upon the terms, or consent to
his demands, the Prussian general took posses-
sion of the suburb, drove the Croats out, and
prepared to carry the place by storm. The ne-
gociations were renewed, and the town capitu-
lated; the garrison were allowed to withdraw,
but they were obliged to leave behind their
cannon and their ammnuition. Wunsh now started
for Dresden, where the besiegers looked upon his
body of men, from its being composed of all sorts
of troops, as a whole army, and this induced
them to give way to the demands of Schmettau,
in the before mentioned treaty, so that there
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no>v remained nothing for Wunsh to do but to
retreat on Torgau, which in the short interval
had already been again invested; the garrison
consisted in only 500 men, and General St. Andre
was now advancing on the town with a large
body of Austrians and troops of the Empire.
As soon as Wunsh heard of* this, he started
with his light troops, with directions for the
others to follow and never stopped till he reached,
unobserved by the enemy, the town of Torgau.
Here he had wine served out to his fatigued
soldiers, and then placed them in order of battle.
The troops of the Empire at length became aware
of the presence of the Prussians, and prepared
for battle, and so certain were they of victory,
that they never struck their tents. It is true,
Wunsh gave them no time, for he fell on them
with his cavalry, attacked them in the front
and in their flanks, and drove them back, before
the Prussian infantry could come within shot.
The whole body was 10,000 strong, among whom
were four cuirassier regiments and two dragoon
regiments, 1200 grenadiers and 2000 Croats;
these ail fled into the woods and left the camp
and all its supplies and necessaries in the hands,
of the enemy.
This engagement was as important in its
effects as a brilliant victory, as it raised the
Prussian arms in the consideration of the world,
and by its means the king was, with the ex-
ception of Dresden, again master of Saxony.
The noble conduct of one of the imperial gen-
erals in this combat deserves to be noticed.
A Prussian soldier, worked up to a state of. en-
thusiasm, fought like a knight of the olden time ;
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he carried every thing before him, and withou*
attending to his brave companions rushed into
the midst of the enemy. Here he continued to
cut down those about him, until severely wounded
he fell to the ground with his horse which had
been killed. The soldiers who were around him
wished to cut him to pieces, but St. Andre held
them back by saying : "We must save so brave
a soldier and one who belongs to so brave a
regiment. " He directed that he shoud be taken
good care of, and as soon as he was recovered
from his wounds he sent him back to his re-
giment without ransom, but with a present of
money, and a letter of recommendation
The king had not expected so rapid a con-
quest of Saxony by so small a body of men,
and had sent, shortly after, a body of men under
General Fink, into this province. This general
was also too late to save Dresden, but he did
not remain inactive, for he formed a junction
with Wunsh, and on the 21st of September at-
tacked Haddick, who was at the head of a large
Austrian corps, and after a bloody battle, which
lasted the whole day, beat him, and took 500
prisoners
It was thus, that to the astonishment of the
whole world, the victorious army of the con-
federates was forced to act on the defensive,
and they Mere now restrained in all their ope-
rations by the small, defeated and dispersed
army of the Prussians, by whom ail their plans
had been were overthrown.
Digi
28*
n<
r
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HISTORY
OF THR
SEVEN YEARS WAR
IN
GERMANY.
PART THE SECOND.
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r
1
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HFVKN YKARS WAR. 289
Book VII.
Continuation of the campaign of 1759 — Defeat of
the Prussians at Maxen— Winter of 1759 — 60. —
Operations of the Swedes. — Campaign of the French
1759 — Engagement at Bergen near Frankfort. —
Battle of Minden. — Death of the king of Spain.
Notwithstanding all the misfortunes of Fre-
deric during the last few months, the seat of
war was confined to Saxony , during the re-
mainder of the campaign. Daun used all his
endeavours to drive Prince Henry from this pro-
vince; but these were rendered of no avail,
from his superior capabilities and watchfulness,
and he was enabled, not only to retain his
position, but also to cover Leipsic and Wit-
tenberg. AH this induced the Austrian general
to form a new plan by which, he wished to
cut off the Prussian general from these towns,
and to shut him up in his camp. Daun, to
carry out this plan , divided his army into dif-
ferent bodies, and the strongest division was
placed under the command of the Duke of
Aremberg. Henry gained information of the
intentions of the enemy, and learned the detail
of their plans from the papers of an aid de
camp, who was taken prisoner. He immediately
dispatched Generals Fink, Wunsh, Wedel and
ARCHENH0LZ. 9
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HISTORY OF THK
Rebentish in different directions with their ar-
mies. They all fell in with the enemy, who
retreated. At last, on the 29th of October,
the Prussians came up with the large body
under Aremberg , at Pretsch near Duben , at
the moment they were in great confusion, and
on the point of making good their retreat,
which was to be covered by a grenadier corps,
under the command of General Gemmingen. They
were attacked by General Platen, at the head
of a body of dragoons and hussars, who charged
the Austrian grenadiers at a hand gallop,
drove them back, took 1500 prisoners, and
dispersed the remainder.
The king, who was still ill, now removed
to Glogau, where he remained until he reco-
vered. He dispatched General Hulsen , with the
greater part of his army, into Saxony, where
the Prussians had gained the upper hand to
such an extent, that Daun thought it advisable
to take up a strong position at Plauen , in order
to protect Dresden, which was the only town
remaining in the hands of the Austrians, after
all their previous conquests. It was Frederic's
determination to get this important place out
of their possession so soon as the troops, which
were advancing from Silesia, could form a junc-
tion with Prince Henry. In order to carry out
this plan with more decision, the king left
Glogau, although not perfectly recovered, and
joined the army on the 13th of November,
after an absence of twenty days. Every
thing tended to force the army of Daun to re-
treat towards Bohemia, in spite of the posses-
sion of Dresden, and this retreat would have
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991
ensued from the force of circumstances, but
that the king was anxious to hasten it. Fink
was therefore sent to Maxen, which is situated
in the mountains, and Colonel Kleist had orders
to invade Bohemia with a small body of men,
which he did with success; he took prisoners,
pillaged and raised contributions, in order to
make the enemy pay for the cruelties and op-
pression they had exercised in Silesia and Bran-
denburg.
The position General Pink had taken up,
threatened to cut off the communication with
Bohemia; but at a distance from the king, and
surrounded by the whole of the Austrian army,
this general had misgivings respecting his si-
tuation. He was therefore bold enough to
make representations to the king, previous to
commencing his march, but these met with the
displeasure of Frederic, who answered in a
manner, which had often rendered apparently
impossible enterprises, possible: "He knows
I dislike (he raising difficulties; he must make
such arrangements as will insure success."
Fink now marched on Maxen, and left General
Linstadt, with 3000 men, to defend the pass
of Dippoldiswald , by which the communication
with Freyberg remained open. Frederic was
dissatisfied with this arrangement, and wrote
peremptorily: "That it would be best for the
whole army to be drawn together, as he
would then be in a better position to receive
the attack of the enemy. Added to this, the
small force at Dippoldiswald could easily be
dispersed, as the enemy would be sure to
advance with a strong body, if they came at
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all." The king's orders were fulfilled, by
which means the position of the enemy was
improved, and a passage was opened for them
to advance and attack Fink. All the letters from
this general to the king fell into the hands
of the Austrians from this time; and these
causes led to the entire loss of this strong
body of men.
The 2 1st of November was a day of mis-
fortunes, which must be ever memorable to
Prussian soldiers. Fink, who was posted in a
hollow, was attackedby an army 40,000 strong,
who had possession of the heights. On one side
was Daun with the Austrians, on the other the
Duke of Zweibriicken with the troops of the
Empire; but in spite of this, the Prussians fought
with great bravery. The, lire of the enemy was
directed entirely on one point, and the village
of Maxen, which was in the centre of the
Prussian line, was set on fire by the enemy,
in consequence of which, they were thrown in-
to disorder; added to this, the baggage waggons
were in great confusion, by the shells from
the Austrian's howitzers, which were directed
on the point where they were placed. The
disorder soon extended to the whole of the in-
fantry , and their retreat was completely cut
off. After having kept up their fire during the
whole day, they had expended all their car-
tridges, and there was no more ammunition.
They had no hopes of receiving reinforcements
from the king, as he could not be aware of
their position. In spite of all this Fink, who
had always shown himself a general of exper-
ience and courage, now determined to cut his
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293
r
way through the enemy. He assembled his
officers, and explained to them his determina-
tion ; bat the utter impossibility of forcing their
way through the ravines left no alternative,
but either to sacrifice the whole of his army,
or give his men up as prisoners of war. Fink,
who knew the numbers of Austrian prisoners,
who were in the hands of the king, thought he
was but little injuring the cause of his mon-
arch, in adopting the latter course, and there-
fore he followed the suggestions of humanity.
Wunsh proposed to make an attempt during
the night with the cavalry, and actually suc-
ceded in escaping; the infantry could not fol-
low, and Fink, of whom Frederic had said
that he would be another Turenne, was forced
to surrender.
Oaun would hear of no arrangement but
their being prisoners of war, and went so
far, as to insist that Wunsh should be recal-
led , and that he and his men should give
themselves up as prisoners. It was in vain
that Fink stated, that Wunsh commanded an
entirely separate body of men; the Austrian
general insisted, and Fink was forced to
comply. Wunsh obeyed the order to return,
and although he did not sign the convention,
he was made prisoner. The principal article
of the capitulation. was that the Prussians should
retain their baggage; but 71 cannon, 24 stan-
dards and 96 pair of colours were given up to
the Austrians, and 11,000 men cavalry and
infantry laid down their arms, and were made
prisoners, as well as nine general officers;
only a few hussars escaped, and conveyed this
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HISTORY OF THK
dreadful intelligence to the king. Frederic Ima-
gined, that this misfortune might have been
avoided, and after the end of the war, Gene-
rals Fink, Rebentish and Gersdorf were tried
by a court martial; as they could not make
good their defence, they were all three con-
demned to be imprisoned in a fortress. Reben-
tish remained some time longer in the service,
but the others were degraded from their mili-
tary lank, and Fink died as commander in
chief of the Danish army, and Rebentish as
a general officer in the Portuguese service.
This misfortune was followed shortly after
toy another; General Dierke was posted on
the banks of the Elb, near Meissen, with
three thousand men. The king ordered this
general to return , and he was forced to cross
the Elb , which was full of ice ; General Beck,
one of the Empress* best officers, took advan-
tage of this circumstance, and advanced with
a strong body of men. There were only a few
boats ready, and Dierke was forced, after a
severe struggle, to lay down his arms and all
those, who had not crossed the river, were
made prisoners; by this means 1400 Prus-
sians fell into the hands of the Austrians.
Daun, who was generally so cautious, was
induced by these advantages to advance towards
the weakened army of the king, in the hopes
that he would take to flight at his approach.
To his surprise, he found him prepared to re-
ceive him, and he therefore quietly withdrew
his forces. General Maquire thought he had
only to show himself, in order to take posses-
sion of Freyberg, which was in the hands of
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the Prussians. He advanced with 16,000 men,
accompanied by an immense baggage train,
which displayed his expectations. He was how-
ever disappointed, for he found the Prus-
sians drawn up in order of battle, and their
cannon balls showed him the way to retreat.
The principal sources of Frederic's success
were the faults of his enemies ; and even at
this moment, the expectations of every one were
deceived ; for Daun instead of taking advantage
of his success and advancing, took up a strong
position near Plauen, as if he had been de-
feated. On the other hand, Frederic, who had
lost half bis army, and with his regiments much
weakened by the protracted campaign, did not
change his position, although at the head of
only 20,000 men , and kept possession of the
whole of Saxony, with the exception of the
small district round Dresden. At the same
time, he reinforced his army by 12,000 men from
the allied army, who joined him under the
command of the Hereditary Prince of Brunswick,
at the end of December, near Freyberg. Not-
withstanding the severity of the season, Fre-
deric advanced with these reinforcements, and
drove back all the advanced posts of the
enemy. His intention was to attack General
Maquire at Dippoldiswald ; but the strength of
his position, and the nature of the ground,
forced the king to give up this enterprise, and
he retreated on Freyberg.
The intense cold of this winter, and the man-
ner in which it was passed by the Prussians,
swept off a great many men. The army of the
king was distributed in the small towns and
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HISTOHY OF THK
villages, in the neighbourhood of Dresden, and
were so straightened for room, that only a
few of the soldiers could be housed. Some
regiments lay the whole winter in the villages ;
the officers occupied the rooms in the cottages,
and the soldiers brick huts, which they had
built for themselves, and lay day and night
round the fire. The cold was intense, and the
snow remained for many weeks knee deep.
The soldiers had to drag wood from a distance,
and this would sometimes occupy the whole day,
so that large parties were seen in every di-
rection carrying these loads towards the villages.
As the cold increased and wood became more
scarce, the men following the law of nature-,
which makes self preservation a duty, laid
their hands on every thing they could find for
fuel, and outhouses, fences and even houses wero
not spared; even as the Spaniards sought for
gold in America , so did the Prussians seek for
wood. Provisions were not in abundance, so
that the soldier was limited to his rations of
bread. In consequence of the number of sick,
the duty fell very heavily on those who were
in health, and the soldiers bad but little repose,
when not on guard. When they had n6 wood,
nor snow, nor lumps of ice to fetch for cooking,
they laid themselves down near the ashes, to
warm their thinly clothed bodies, which whilst
one side was burnt, the other was frozen. This
was not all ; there was a small camp in Wilsdruf,
two leagues from Dresden, and the king would
not allow it to be broken up. It was therefore
held by four battalions, which were relieved
every twenty four hours; by this means every
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SKVKN YKAHS WA1I.
foot regiment, in turn, occupied this camp.
The tents remained standing, and were frozen,
so that the linen was like hoards. The Aus-
trians were forced to follow this example, and
these armies exhibited, what was unprecedented
in the annals of warfare; they were posted
but a short distance from each other, and in
spite of the severe weather, were almost
without covering, awaiting the return of fine
weather to put an end to their sufferings. Al-
though perfection is not to be found in human
nature , and it is unworthy of history to
exclaim against every fault, caprice, or whim
of a great man, still it is justifiable, from the
nature of the case , to doubt of the utility of
the mode of proceeding on this occasion, which
was persevered in, more from caprice, than
from any ultimate views, as nothing could be
gained, and the men were worn out in this position.
The cold of this severe winter was of
long duration, and every day many of the ill
clad soldiers were frost bitten. # At the camp
there were no huts, and the pickets had only
heaps of burning wood which were not at all
times to be procured; the officers had wooden
huts, built of boards. The common soldiers,
to keep their blood in circulation, ran about the
camp, or not caring for their food lay around
• The author was at this time, as indeed almost con-
stantly with the army of the king, and was an eye
witness of what is here related. His regiment had
very poor winter quarters in the village of Coste-
baude, two leagues from Dresden, and was marched
every week, to the camp at Wilsdruf, to relieve guard.
298
HISTORY OP THK
the fires in heaps to keep one another warm.
They were alike unfit for attack or defence,
and no regiment ever retunied from thus camp
to their wretched winter quarters, without in-
creasing the number of their sick. Numbers
were buried at a time, and this winter cam-
paign cost the king more men than two
battles would have done; hut this loss was
not so perceptible from their places being filled
up by fresh recruits. The Austrians had no
better fate than their enemies, for they lay in
the villages near Plauen , which were pro-
tected from the attack of the Prussians by the
forest of Tharandt, and a succession of ravines.
Daun's cautiousness led him to take still further
precautions ; intrer.chments were formed in every
direction , and all the roads , and even foot-
paths which led to the highest hills, were
barricadoed; but their wretched cantonments
were the grave of many of Theresa's best soldiers.
The levies of the Prussians were carried on
with such activity that by the month of February,
the king was enabled to send back the rein-
forcements he had received from the Duke Fer-
dinand of Brunswick. This raised great astonish-
ment in Vienna, as it proved, that in spite of
the severity of the losses of Kunersdorf, Maxen,
and the other misfortunes of the preceding
campaign , they had all been made good , by-
means of the powerful resources of Frederic.
At this time the Prussian General Czettritz
was taken prisoner, and amongst his papers
were found the private orders of the king for
his generals ; these were printed , and made
public shortly after by the Austrians.
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♦
There was nothing remarkable in this cam-
paign, as regarded the Swedes. In consequence
of General Manteufel being forced to join the
King, after the battle of Kunersdorf, the Swedes,
under the command of General Lautinghausen,
were now unopposed; they took advantage of
this to seize some weakly garrisoned towns,
and to make themselves masters of eight Prus-
sian ships of war. These ships had heen man-
ned in Stettin, and armed to defend the coast,
and the mouths of the Oder against the land-
ing of the Swedes. There were eleven of
them of different sizes, and were in part named
after the principal personages of the royal
house, and in part after the gods of the ancient my-
thology; their advantage was soon apparent,
and the poor inhabitans of the coast were no
longer a prey to being pillaged by single Swe-
dish ships. The defeat of this fleet was there-
fore determined on by the Swedes; they at-
tacked them with nine and twenty ships, and
gained their end by means of their superior
force, for only three of the Prussian ships escaped.
The Swedish army advanced as far as Prenz-
lau; but Manteufel drew a small body of men
together, drove them out of Anclam and Prenz-
lau , and forced them to retreat over the Peene.
He never allowed them to stop , but drove them,
continually fighting, to Greifswalde, took sev-
eral prisoners, and in Demmin seized the mi-
litary chest; he was then forced to put an
end to his winter campaign by the extreme
cold. The Swedes revenged themselves on
this active general; for they surprised him in
the night time in Anclam, and notwithstanding
300 HISTORY OF THE
they were driven back with great loss, Man-
teufel, who had missed his way in the dark,
fell into their hands.
The king had raised another regiment of
black hussars, who distinguished themselves,
under the command of Colonel Belling, not only
in this expedition, but also during all the cam-
paigns against the Swedes in Pomerania, and
the Ukermark. They played a conspicuous
part in this portion of the seat of war, and
there hardly passed a day that they did not
bring in a great many Swedish prisoners, the
number of which had already reached 3000-
The campaign of the allies of the king had
been carried forward with great success. The
English now took an active part in the war,
and Parliament had voted in addition the sum
of 1,900,000 pounds sterling, without reckoning
the enormous expenses of sending their troops
to Germany. The French had, however, began
by striking a clever blow; they surprised Prank-
fort on the Main in the middle of the winter.
This free city had supplied the due contingent
of money and men to the Empire, and therefore
the inhabitants did not think they had cause
for anxiety from the confederates of the Empire.
It is true they had allowed the French to march
through, but only in single bodies, and the ex-
cuse was the crossing the Main. A similar re-
quest was now made, and it was granted under
certain conditions. New year's day was fixed
for the carrying out of their plan, and a large
body of French was assembled before the town ;
the new year's greetings of the inhabitants were
interrupted , and the beating of their drums in-
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formed the Prince de Soubise , that his intention
was discovered; it was therefore deferred to
the next day. The inhabitants of Frankfort were
on their guard, and it was determined, that
only one regiment of French should be admitted
at a time, and (hat the gates should remain closed
until that regiment had passed over the bridge.
The whole garrison was under arms ; some troops
accompanied the French through the town, and
the others were placed at the threatened gate, in
order to enforce the orders of the magistrates. All
this did not prevent this important city from
being taken without the spilling a drop of blood.
The French troops came in the rear of the re-
giment which had permission to march through
the town, dispersed the guard at the gate who
offered resistance, and caused a panic amongst
the other soldiers who were drawn up in line.
They now rushed to the ramparts, made them-
selves masters of the cannon and of the different
gates, and during this time different bodies
took possession of the principal places and streets.
By this means the city fell into the hands of
the French, who treated it during the first few
days as a conquered city. The Prince de
Soubise their general went to the council, and
made known his orders, which were in this
moment of astonishment received with the
deepest respect; this leader promised in the
name of his king, that they should be allowed
the free exercise of their religion, and that their
freedom and privileges should be respected. The
streets were paraded by strong patroles, and
large heaps of wood were kept constantly burn-
ing in them, in consequence of the severe
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HISTORY OP THE
cold. The inhabitants were not allowed to leave
their houses, or even to show themselves at
the windows, and the soldiers of the town
were disarmed.
Frankfort was now the head quarters of the
French, who by tiiis means were in full com-
munication with the imperial army and the
troops of the Empire, and by its means they
could secure all kinds of supplies from the
Rhine and the Main; it was therefore Ferdi-
nand's principal object to deprive the French of
the advantage they had gained, as soon as
the campaign could be opened. This plan was
delayed until the month of April, in conse-
quence of the troops of the Empire , as well as
a body of Austrians and French having over-
run the provinces of Hessia and the neighbour-
hood, and it was necessary to drive them
hence. This was effected by the Hereditary
Prince of Brunswick, who defeated the troops
of the Empire in several engagements, took a
considerable number of prisoners, and cleared
these districts of the enemy. Ferdinand left
12,000 men to protect Hanover and Hessia, and
advanced at the head of 30,000 men upon
Frankfort. The Duke of Broglio, who now com-
manded the French army at this place, took
up a strong position near the village of Bergen,
in the neighbourhood of Frankfort, from which
it was necessary that Ferdinand should drive
him in order to carry out his plans.
The armies engaged the 13th of April, and
the village of Bergen was attacked with vigour;
eight battalions of German troops in the pay of
the French were posted here, and also several
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brigades of French infantry, who kept up a
heavy fire; the Saxon troops had taken up a
position on the heights over the Nidda. The
Prince of Isenburg, not aware of the strength
of the enemy, and at all times unfortunate in
war, made a separate attack with four batta-
lions of grenadiers , and gave the extraordinary
order tbat the surgeons should fall into the
ranks, as it was their duty to follow the troops;
they refused in the first instance, and it was only
at the representations of one of their number,
that they obeyed, and were recompensed, some
with wounds and others by being killed.
The French , who were in possession of all
the advantages the nature of the ground could
give them, made use of these against an enemy
who were, on the contrary, in a disadvan-
tageous position. In advance of the village
were a number of hollows, and through these
the Hessians could only pass in small detach-
ments , and they were also forced to climb over
hedges and ditches. The Hereditary Prince of
Brunswick advanced to their assistance at the
head of his division , and took the French in
the left flank. The Hessians, stimulated by
this, renewed the attack with redoubled vigour,
and the French were beginning to give way,
when the Duke of Broglio, by a clever raa-
neuvre , outflanked the allies ; the Hessians were
repulsed , and the Duke of Isenburg killed.
Some French regiments, which had advanced in
pursuit of the enemy, fell into disorder, and
were attacked by the cavalry of (he allies, who
carried great havock amongst them, and cut
down a number of Saxons and French. Every
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HISTORY OF THK
thing depended on the possession of the vil-
lage of Bergen; within three hours the attack
was thrice repeated, but without success. Nothing
was left for Ferdinand but to make good his
retreat, in the presence of a superior force.
It was not yet midday, and it was only
during the night that he could hope to effect
this; under these circumstances he took up a
position so as to induce the enemy to think
that he was going to renew the engagement.
He divided his infantry into two divisions,
placed his cavalry in the centre with a small
column of infantry in advance of them , and
thus he appeared as if he meant to attack the
village of Bergen and also a wood on his left
wing. He cannonaded both these points, until
nightfall, and then withdrew his forces to
Windecken; his loss consisted in 2000 men
and five pieces of artillery.
However trifling this loss might be, the re-
sult of the battle was a great disadvantage to
the allies. Frankfort, which would have been
a source of great benefit to Ferdinand , had he
obtained possession of it, remained in the
hands of the French, who could now renew
their undertakings with every prospect of suc-
cess. Although Ferdinand was forced to act
on the defensive, he still remained master of the
Weser, in spite of all the efforts of the French
to drive him from this river. They now ad-
vanced, took Cassel, and surprised Minden , in
consequence of the commandant having drawn
up his forces at a place near the banks of the
Wesel, in expectation that the attack would
be made at that point. This would have been
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the case had not a peasant provided the French
with a boat, and pointed out a ford for the ca-
valry. The French committed the greatest ex-
cesses in Minden, in spite of the endeavours
of the Duke of Broglio and the other generals,
and the unfortunate town was pillaged ; a large
supply of provisions fell into their hands, and
1400 men were made prisoners. The French
also took Minister after a regular siege, and
the garrison , 4000 strong , were forced to give
themselves up as prisoners of war. The battle
of Bergen , which was celebrated in France by
a thanksgiving, and which was compared by
the courtiers to the greatest conquests, gained
for the Duke of Broglio the dignity of Prince
of the Empire which was conferred on him by
the imperial court. In Paris the poets composed
verses in honour of the victory, the Poissardes
rejoiced, and the ladies wore head dresses, 4
la Bergen.
It was the intention of the French to invade
Hanover, and to cut off the allies from the
Weser; but Ferdinand upset all their plans; he
surprised the free city of Bremen by artifice,
and thus obtained command of the Weser as
far as Stade. At this time not only the pos-
session of Hanover, but the fate of the whole
campaign, hung upon the event of a battle, and
the loss of Minden induced Ferdinand to ac-
celerate this decision. In order to induce the
enemy to give battle he sent out two bodies
of men to threaten their magazines in their
rear; the Hereditary Prince of Brunswick com-
manded one of these, and advanced to Hervorden,
in order to reinforce General Drewes, who at-
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HISTOHY OK THK
tacked Osnabriick, blew up the gates of the
town, drove out the garrison, and took posses-
sion of the stores and provisions; Ferdinand
now established his principal magazine at this
place. The allies were now in a most advan-
tageous position , and the French in danger of
being cut off from their supplies; Contades be-
came alarmed, and threw a number of bridges
over the Weser in order to facilitate the com-
munication with the forces of Broglio. A coun-
cil of war was held on the evening of the
31st of July, and at this it was determined to
march that very night, and to attack the enemy
at break of day. Broglio was now to join his
forces to that of the main division of the army.
On the part of -the French a battle became
actually indispensable, whilst Ferdinand only
wished for one that he might gain advantages.
The superior numbers of the former, and the
dispersed position of the different bodies of the
allies, appeared to promise the French a good
opportunity for a brilliant victory. On the other
hand, in order to be prepared for an unfavourable
result, the French general had nineteen bridges
placed over a small stream which runs into
the Weser, and let it be known throughout the
army that these were to make good his retreat.
The French marched in nine columns; one of
these under - the command of Broglio was to
attack the division of General Wangenheim,
who was in a strong position at the village of
Tornhausen, a short distance from the main
body , with 10,000 men cavalry and infantry,
and two heavy batteries. Ferdinand learnt the
enemy's intention at three in the morning by
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means of a deserter ; this was agreeable in-
telligence to him, who was so anxious for a
battle, that he had already determined on mak-
ing the attack; he now lost no time in advanc-
ing. Broglio now advanced towards the posi-
tion of Wangenheim, and the success of his
undertaking depended on its being carried out
with rapidity; but much valuable time was
lost by want of decision and unnecessary halts.
The French here gave a remarkable instance
of how far behind they were in the art of war,
notwithstanding their theory, when they had
to put their knowledge to the test of practice.
Unable to take up a position and form with
rapidity , instead of fulfilling (heir orders , and
making the attack at day break, they had
in the first instance to draw together their
dispersed bodies, and to form in column; in
consequence of this it was five o'clock before
Broglio had his men in order of battle, and he
was still in expectation of further orders from
Contades. By this means Wangenheim had
time to place himself on the defensive, and
Ferdinand was enabled to come up to his as-
sistance. In consequence of the masterly move-
ments and order of battle of these generals,
all the plans of Contades were frustrated, and
Wangenheim now left his position to join the
main body of the army. The French found
themselves in a most dangerous position, sur-
rounded by a morass, the Weser, and the army
of the enemy. It was, however, still necessary
that the battle should be fought, and Broglio
made a spirited attack ; but his troops suf-
fered severely from the fire of the allies,
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HISTORY OF THK
which in a short time silenced that of the
French.
The order of battle of the French was so
arranged that the best of their cavalry was
placed in the centre. This ill-judged arrange-
ment, which had already, in 1704, caused
their defeat at Hochstadt, insured the victory of
the allies. Ferdinand ordered the English and Ha-
noverian infantry to advance on this point, whilst
the Prince of Severn attacked the left wing of
the French. These columns advanced steadily
against the cavalry of the enemy, without
noticing the heavy lire of artillery , which came
in an oblique direction on their flank. The ca-
valry would not await their attack, but rushed
upon the advancing infantry, who received them
with firmness, were not thrown into disorder,
and kept up such a continued fire, that the
cavalry were forced to take to flight in great dis-
order. Other bodies of cavalry renewed the attack,
but with the same result; this was repeated, but
they were always driven back ; at last the cuiras-
siers and gensd'armes advanced , who broke the
English line , but were immediately driven back.
The infantry not only kept their ground,
but continued to advance, resisting all the
attacks of the cavalry. The Saxons in the
French army distinguished themselves on this
day; in consequence of a spirited attack from
them the English were thrown into disorder,
but they speedily formed again, and drove the
Saxons back. The flight of the French cavalry
had broken the line; the brigades of French infantry
next to them were without support, and their
flank exposed. Broglio endeavoured to ad-
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309
vance with his men, who had been repulsed,
to the centre where there was nothing but con-
fusion. This was the important moment, when
the whole French army might have been an-
nihilated ; courage and science had prepared the
way for it, and the greatest defeat of the French
during this century seemed certain, when the
faithlessness of an English general saved them
from complete destruction.
The infantry had done every thing in their
power, and it now only depended on the ca-
valry to complete their work. Ferdinand sent
the necessary orders to Lord Sackviile, who
commanded the English and German cavalry.
This Englishman, unworthy of his country, but
who was neither wanting in talent nor personal
bravery, was jealous of Duke Ferdinand; he
was the only person in the whole army who
was an unwilling spectator of the advantages
gained this day, and this because they were
in opposition to his secret views; his object
was to take from the reputation of Ferdinand,
and although possessing no talents in the field,
thus to lead the way to gaining the command
himself. The love of his country even gave
way to his envy. He pretended that he did
not understand the orders of the commander in
chief; three aids de camp, of whom two were
English, brought him one after another, the
most express orders to advance, but in vain.
He remained stationary, till at last, having
lost the valuable opportunity, he rode himself
in search of the Duke for an explanation, which
any subaltern could have given him. Ferdinand
astonished and displeased at his orders not
310
HISTORY OP THK
being fulfilled, sent the same request to the
Marquis of Gran by » who was the second in
command. The Marquis came up immediately,
and then Sackville placed himself at the head
of these troops; but the moment was passed,
and Broglio had made the best use of this de-
lay, in order to draw off his men, and he was
followed by the rest of the French troops of
the left wing.
During this time the right wing of the allies
had been hotly engaged; the Prussian, Hano-
verian and Hessian cavalry had driven back
the French infantry, cut down large numbers
of them, and taken many prisoners; the rest
sought safety in flight. Broglio covered the
retreat of the right wing towards Minden, and
the Saxons, who were in tolerable order in
spite of their great losses, covered that of the
fugitives of the left wing.
The loss of the French in this battle was 8000
killed, wounded and taken prisoners, a number
of cannon and many stand of colours; in ad-
dition to this, a few days afterwards a great
quantity of their baggage, a part of the mili-
tary chest and many military papers fell into
the hands of the allies; the latter also took
possession of the magazines of Osnabruck, Minden,
Bielefeld and Paderborn, and only lost 1300 kil-
led and wounded. Contades wrote to the Ouke,
immediately after the battle, and, as victor,
requested him to take care of the wounded
French; a request quite unnecessary to this
noble and generous leader.
Ferdinand received the order of the garter
inconsequence of this victory, and King George
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311
sent him 20,000 pounds; this the generous
commander did not appropriate, but distributed
a great portion of it amongst his officers and
men. One Prussian regiment which had taken
four battalions prisoners, and ten pieces of can-
non, received several thousand dollars for their
share. In addition to this, he thanked the offi-
cers and the different regiments fur their as-
sistance and their brave conduct during (he
battle. Ferdinand was too noble minded to
express his displeasure at Sackville's conduct on
so public an occasion, and contented himself
with omitting the name of this general, at a
moment when he praised all others. But he
expressed himself in strong terms of admiration
at Granby's conduct, and gave it to be under-
stood how much he regretted that this officer,
who gave such fair promise, was not at the
head of the British cavalry. Sackville was
now recalled, and returned to England, where
he trembled for his fate , expecting that it might
be the same as that of Admiral Bing, who had
been shot three years previously. The people
threatened to tear him to pieces, he was
abandoned by his friends, and the king, George
the Second, would not allow his name to be
mentioned in his presence. He was deprived of
his military rank, and the king with his own
hand struck his name from the list of privy
councillors. He was tried by a court martial,
and he defended himself on the plea, that Fer-
dinand was envious of him , and had sent him
different and contrary orders, in order to cause
his ruin. He was found guilty, dismissed the
service, and declared incapable of holding any
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HISTORY OF THK
command in future. The first time his father,
the old and grey headed Duke of Dorset, came
to court after this affair, and approached the
king, oppressed with grief, the king embraced
him, and said: "it grieves me, my lord, that
you have such a son as Sackvilie."
This is the same Lord Sackvilie , who, under
the title of Lord St. Germain , was in office
during the reign of George the Third y and it
was through his orders that General Burgogne
and his whole army were sacrificed at Saratoga,
which misfortune caused the loss of America to
the English.
On the very day of the battle of Minden,
another engagement was fought by the Here-
ditary Prince of Brunswick at Gohfeld. Ferdinand
now acted in a manner which astonished both
friend and foe; for when he was on the point
of fighting a battle with a force, far superior
to his own, he had nevertheless weakened his
own by sending the Hereditary Prince with
10,000 jnen against the Duke of Brissac. In
order to take the enemy in the rear, he had
to cross the Werra, over which there was
only one very narrow bridge; in consequence
of this only one portion of his troops could go
over the bridge, and the remainder waded
through the river in order to lose no time. The
plan of attack was so well arranged, that early
in the morning, and when they were not at all
prepared for battle, the enemy found themselves
surrounded, and were forced to seek safety in
a hurried flight, after fighting desperately for
some time. They lost all their baggage, and
the slaughter was so great that 2000 peasants
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313
were employed for three days in burying the
dead The loss of the allies was only 300 men.
The actions of a general after a battle are
the best criterion of his greatness as a soldier,
and Ferdinand showed himself, in this instance,
worthy of his high reputation ; and the conse-
quences of this day, so remarkable by its two
victories, were most disadvantageous to the
French. Contades was forced to give up his
strong position near Minden, to evacuate Hessia,
and to cross the Weser; he was followed and
constantly harassed by the enemy, in his pas-
sage through a country badly supplied with
previsions, and was at last forced to give up
all the advantages he had gained in the previous
part of the - campaign. General Armentieres,
who had invested the town of Lippstadt, was
forced to leave this place to join the main army.
Minden surrendered to the allies, and large sup-
plies of provisions as well as a number of pri-
soners fell into their hands. In Detmold, the
camp hospital of the French fell into the hands
of the victorious enemy , as well as the escort
800 strong. The Prince of Holstein took pri-
soners, at one time, the whole battalion of the
king's grenadiers ; several engagements now
followed in which the advantage was in favour
of the allies. The Hereditary Prince attacked
a large body, near the small town of Wetter,
cut down a great number, and also took many
prisoners; only a few saved themselves by
flight; another body was attacked by the light
troops, under Colonel Luckner, and defeated
with considerable loss. Cassel surrendered to
the Hanoverian General Freytag, who made
9*
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314 HISTORY OF THK
himself also master of the baggage of Marshall
Contades, the Prince of Centi , the Duke of
Brissac and the other principal French generals,
not far from Dermoid.
Marburg which offered resistance was be-
sieged, and after the trenches had been opened
five days, surrendered with its garrison of
900 French; the fortified town of Ziegenhain
was also taken.
Amongst the baggage of Marshall Contades
was found his writing case, which contained
the private letters and secret instructions of
his court; these were published by order of the
king of England , and contained , among other
directions, the order to lay waste those pro-
vinces of which they could not retain posses-
sion But what was still more extraordinary
than these orders, was the French manifesto
which followed their publication, in which,
it is true, they did not deny the authenticity
of these letters, but rather the inference which
was drawn from their contents, and although
this was any thing but obscure, they wished
to make it appear different from what was
supposed ; an explanation which was more laugh-
able than well judged. In this they said,
that many passages, which redounded to the
honour of the French ministry, were left out in
the publication of the letters, and that one of
these was couched in these words: To be
careful that the country was not devastated
that no excesses by pillage, or the raising of
contributions should be allowed, and to use the
utmost endeavours that every one should have
cause to be satisfied." This manifesto, which
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315
was a mockery upon the understanding of all
sensible people, did not explain how it was,
that in the midst of the most oppressive acts,
which drew tears from thousands day and nigh ,
and reduced so many men to despair in these
devastated provinces, general advantage and
good will was to be obtained.
General Imhof was now sent to Munster;
he invested the town for some time, and then
proceeded to besiege it regularly; but upon the
advance of General Armentieres he was forced
to raise the siege. He again invested the town,
after receiving reinforcements, and in spite of
the advance of the French, the town surren-
dered six days after the trenches had been opened
The garrison were allowed to withdraw, but
were forced to leave their cannon, baggage
and provisions in the hands of the enemy. This
occurred on the 20th of November, the same
day which was so unfortunate for the Prussians
at Maxen, and on which the English Admiral
Hawke destroyed the French fleet on the coast
of France during a dreadful storm; a combat
which was the most extraordinary which had
ever been fought at sea.
Imhof found the fortifications at Munster in
such a dreadful state, that the town appeared
to him hardly tenable; nevertheless he garri-
soned it with 5000 men, and returned to the
main army. Notwithstanding the lateness of
the season , the campaign was not yet at an
end; the taking by surprise of Fulda followed
shortly after, in which place the Duke of
Wurtemberg was with his troops. The duke
had placed 12,000 men in the pay of the French,
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HISTUHY OP THH
and they were encamped near to the town.
He so little expected an attack that he had
invited the ladies of Fulda to a ball, which
was on the point of commencing, when the
Hereditary Duke of Brunswick appeared at the
gates with his dragoons and hussars. He rushed
into the town, a number of the enemy
were cut down, and those who resisted were
dispersed, and 1,200 prisoners were taken. The
Duke of Wurtemberg escaped, and withdrew
with his troops from the neighbourhood of Fulda.
After this the Hereditary Prince went into
Saxony to join the army of the king of Prus-
sia, and in consequence of this, the French
formed a plan for attacking the army of the
allies in the camp. But the defeat of Minden
had caused great disunion between Marshal
Contades and the Duke de Broglio, and each
was anxious to throw blame on the other.
The court of Versailles alarmed at their dis-
comfiture, and anxious about the disunion of
their generals, sent the Marshal D'Estrees with
full powers, in the name of the king, to put
a stop to the dissensions of these generals, and
to form the necessary plans for the future ope-
rations of the war. D'Estrees was so noble
minded, that he explained to Contades, that he
was not come to be commander in chief, but
to serve under him; that he would give him
his advice when he required it, but in all else
he would obey him. The endeavours of the
old Fieldmarshal to reconcile the two rivals
were, however, in vain, and the court soon put
an end to their disputes by recalling Contades ;
Broglio was created Fieldmarshal, and made
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commander in chief of the army. The new
marshal was anxious by his deeds to show
himself worthy of the honours which had been
bestowed on him by the king, and determined,
in spite of the severity of the season, to en-
deavour, on the 25th of December , to surprise
the enemy. Ferdinand , who had invested Gies-
sen, and placed his troops in cantonments, was
on his guard, and was so well prepared to re-
ceive the French , that after a heavy cannonade
they withdrew. The misfortunes of Maxen, which
rendered it necessary to send troops to rein-
force the army in Saxony, prevented Ferdinand
from reaping the success he had expected from
his fortunate campaign.
The allies having been set in activity by the
attempt of the French, did the enemy all the
injury they possibly could, and their light troops
did good service in all these attacks. This
was not the case with those of the French
army; and it is extraordinary that the French
never excelled fn this kind of warfare, for how-
ever much they endeavoured to shine in these
skirmishing parties, as well as in the field of
battle, they were never able to gain any suc-
cess of importance; and it would appear, from
the manner in which their plans were formed
by the superiors, or executed by the officers
and 1 common soldiers, that this is a kind of
warfare not suited to this nation, who cannot,
from their natural vivacity, remain in that
state of coolness and watchfulness, which is
then necessary. This made the French feel the
more harassed by the skirmishing of the
enemy , who allowed them no repose , and
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HISTORY OP THE
which was carried on at this time with great
activity and success. Parties of French were
constantly attacked , their magazines threatened,
their provisions intercepted , and a number of
prisoners taken , imtil at last the excessive cold
rendered it absolutely necessary to put a stop to
these expeditions, and to remain in winter quarters.
Fresh endeavours were now made to pro-
cure peace; England had gained much, and
Prussia had not sustained any great loss, for
Saxony replaced to the latter the provinces
which remained in the hands of the enemy, and
in spite of ail the misfortunes they had expe-
rienced, the Prussians were still as formidable
as ever. With the exception of Dresden, Fre-
deric was in possession of all the places and
territory which he had had the previous winter, and
his- position wassuch as he had reason to rejoice in.
The good fortune of his allies had reached a
much higher point; setting aside the campaign
in Germany, the English had gained great ad-
vantages in America, and in India; had almost
annihilated the navy of France, and it was to
be expected that in the case of the war con-
tinuing, they would gain still greater advan-
tages at the expence of the French. In spite
of this, these allied monarchs made proposals
for a peace, and the first overtures were made
at the Hague. King Stanislaus, who having
twice received, and twice lost the crown of
Poland, was now living in philosophic retire-
ment, offered his residence of Nancy as the
place of meeting, for settling the preliminaries.
With this, both Frederic and King George were
satisfied , and the former wrote from his head
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quarters at Freyberg: "I gladly accept this
offer , and receive it with many thanks. Any
negociations which may be carried on, under
the auspices of your majesty, must have a
happy termination. But it is not every one
who is peaceably inclined. The courts of
Vienna and St. Petersburg have rejected, in
an extraordinary manner, the proposals which
the king of England and I have made. It is
to be presumed that these courts will induce
the king of France to continue the war, from
which they hope to ensure the most success-
ful results. But they will have to answer for
all the blood which may be shed. Would that
all princes, like your majesty, would listen
to the voice of humanity, virtue and justice!
This world would then no longer offer such
spectacles of murder* and devastation.0
The opponents of the king gave but very
indefinite answers to these propositions. Breda
was first proposed as a place of meeting, and
afterwards LeipsiC, but without any favourable
result. His enemies hoped every thing from
their extensive coalition, and they there-
fore never even made any demonstration of
setting earnestly to work to make peace. On the
contrary, they made the best use of the winter,
to increase their army, and repair the losses
they had sustained during the preceding cam-
paign. Frederic now followed their example,
but he had much greater difficulties to contend
with ; his opponents ruled a population of ninety
million of men, and the number of his subjects
barely reached live million; the kingdom of
Prussia, besides other provinces of his domi-
Dig
320
HISTORY OF THE
it ions, was in the hands of his enemies, and
from these he could not expect to recruit his
armies; hut Saxony in a great measure replaced
these losses, and was a prolific source from
which he continually drew money, provisions
and soldiers. The levies of men and the con-
tributions of the products of the land, which
were raised in this unfortunate state, and in
Thuringia, were enormous, and it was always
requisite from policy, to have them in
advance. In the year 1760 the town of Erfurt
supplied 400 men, 500 horses, and paid 100,000
dollars; Naumburg paid 200,000 dollars, and
Merseburg 120,300 dollars, 631 men and up-
wards of four hundred horses. When they were
unable to make up the number of men and
horses, they had to pay in money, fifty dol-
lars for a horse, and 150 for a man. Zwickau
paid 80,000, Chemnitz 215,000, the towns in
Thuringia together had to make up Ihe sum
of 930,000, and the circle of Thuringia 1,375,840
dollars. The war tax levied on the town of
Jjeipsic alone was 1,100,000, and the circle of
Leipsic 2,000,000 dollars in money, 10,000 re-
cruits , some hundred thousand bushels of wheat,
many thousand horses and an immense number
of cattle for slaughter. The forests were
sold to enterprising capitalists, to defray these
expenses.
The forest of Torgau, the finest in Ger-
many, shared this fate, and its position on the
banks of the Elb facilitated its destruction, as
the wood was all floated to Hamburg. The
farmers were obliged to pay their rents, through-
out the Electorate, a year in advance, and
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by these means, there was less scarcity of
money felt by the king of Prussia, than of men.
The number of deserters was too great from
Frederic's army, for his own states and Saxony
to entirely replace them, and he was forced,
contrary to his inclination, to have recourse
to a system of impressment which from its na-
ture and extent is without parallel. Soldiers, who
were taken prisoners, were forced to enter the Prus-
sian service; they were not even asked if they would
serve ; they were driven into the ranks, and forced
to take the oath of fidelity, and thus made to fight
against their country. The whole of the German
empire was overrun with Prussian crimps, and the
greater part of these were adventurers who made
* use of every artifice to ensnare men. Colonel Colig-
non, who was fitted by disposition for such an of-
fice, was at their head, and instructed them by his
example. He travelled about in every direction,
changing his dress , and persuading men by
hundreds to enter the Prussian service. He not
only promised, but actually gave papers, in
which he nominated young students and shop-
men, as officers in the army, either in the ca-
valry, cuirassiers, or the hussars; they had only
to choose. The fame of the Prussian arms was
so great, and so combined with the prospect of
great booty, that Colignon was fully employed
in giving commissions. He was put to no ex-
pense by this, and in fact saved money, for
most of his recruits travelled at their own ex-
pense. In Franconia, Swabia, and on the
banks of the Rhine, sons robbed their fathers,
shopmen their masters, and overseers stole
from the cash box in order to seek out the gen-
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HISTORY OP THK
erous Prussian officer, who gave away com-
missions. They hurried with them to Magdeburg
where they were received as recruits and distri-
buted among the different regiments. Resistance
was useless, for the slick was used until they
obeyed. In this manner, and by other such
means Colignon and his underlings procured
60,000 recruits for the king during the war.
The activity of the king and the emulation
of his officers, in addition to the sums of money
which were at his disposal, enabled him to
overcome obstacles, which in Vienna and St.
Petersburg were considered insurmountable. In
the beginning of the war the prisoners were
exchanged on both sides , as between the Prus-
sians and Austrians at Jagersdorf in April 1758,
and afterwards between the Russians and the
Prussians in October 1759. On these occasions
a fieldmarshal was reckoned as equivalent to
3000 men or 15,000 florins, a colonel as 130
men or 650 florins, and a common soldier at
the sum of five florins. But they soon acted
on a different principle; convinced that the
want of soldiers must put an end to Frederic's
operations, these exchanges became in the first
instance more difficult, and were at last en-
tirely put a stop to. In spite of all this, things
took their usual course, and at the commence-
ment of every campaign, the Prussian regiments
were generally complete. Those regiments whose
recruiting stations were not in the power of
the enemy, had their full complement of men.
No soldier, unless sick or on especial service,
was allowed to be absent from the general
muster, which usually took place in the spring.
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323
previous to leaving winter quarters. The regi-
ments which had been entirely lost at Maxen
were replaced by the sick of these very regi-
ments, and those who had been on other ser-
vice, together with men who had ransomed
themselves, and also by fresh recruits. Such
were the means by which Frederic made up
the complement of his men, and did away with
all traces of his previous misfortunes.
Ft was in the month of August of this year,
that Ferdinand the Sixth, king of Spain, died.
Charles, king of Naples, now ascended the throne
of Spain, and his son Francis the Fourth, who
was only eight years old, that of Naples. The
house of Austria had strong pretentions to the
kingdom of Naples and Sicily, which they had
only resigned from necessity; but their claims
upon Parma and Placentia were even greater,
and the e never was a better opportunity of
making them available. The king was but a
child, the reins of government but loosely held,
the statesmen without good principles, the iinan-
ces at a low ebb and the troops few in num-
ber and without discipline. It was merely re-
quisite to take possession of these dominions,
and every thing promised, that at least they
would be able to retain them undisturbed for a
time. Spain knew as yet nothing of her new
monarch, and was not prepared for such a war;
France , who was exhausted by the powerful
enemies she had to contend with, was quite in-
capable of sending an army to Italy, and all
this led to the serious consideration of such an
undertaking among the privy council of the
empress. But as state policy was still subser-
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HISTORY OF THF.
vient to private feeling in the court of Vienna,
the hopes of recovering Silesia gained the up-
perhand , and the certain acquisition of the im-
portant kingdoms of Naples and Sicily was
neglected, in spite of these states offering such
advantages to the empress and her heirs, from
their proximity to the other Austrian possessions
in Italy; advantages which could not previ-
ously have been made available, and which
would have insured to them the dominion of
Italy for many centuries.
The king of Sardinia had also claims to
this valuable inheritance, and Frederic who was
anxious to see a war spring up in Italy , sent
his aid de camp Cocceji to Turin to enquire into
the sentiments of this monarch ; but this king
who had formerly been so fond of war , had
now exchanged his sword for a rosary. He
was old, and had become bigotted , his only
ambition being to excel in the exercise of pe-
nance ; so that this attempt of Frederic as
most of his other negociations to obtain a di-
version in his favour fell to the ground. France
was anxious to make peace with England, but
to the exclusion of the king of Prussia , who
sent an envoy to Paris, in the hopes of opening
the eyes of the French court to their own ad-
vantage , to withdraw her from so disadvan-
tageous an alliance, and to make the French
ministry aware how disadvantageous the de-
struction of Prussia would be to her interests.
But it was in vain ; for the Duke of Choiseul,
who was in the interest of the empress, and
as well as Madame de Pompadour, ruled this
court, would not listen to these reasons. The
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envoy, Baron Edelsheim was at first graciously
received , but was afterwards thrown into the
Bastille , in order that possession might he
obtained of his papers. Frederic also sent a
nobleman to St. Petersburg, who was supported
toy the English ambassador, and was well pro-
vided with money; but he was not able to get
the better of the hatred of Elizabeth towards
the king of Prussia , or of her hopes of re-
taining possession of the conquest she had made
of Prussia. Her favourites and her minister
were of the same way of thinking , and all
endeavours towards peace were fruitless. In
this position of affairs a new ally appeared in
the distance as likely to join Frederic. The
King of Danemark feared the proximity of the
Russians , as they were now preparing to be-
siege Colberg , and thus threatened to become
masters of the Baltic. These fears , increased
by the pretentions of the hereditary Grand Duke
upon Schleswick, and his hatred of Danemark,
induced the court of Copenhagen to propose to
undertake the defence of Pomerania for the
king. But the further consideration of the
desperate position of this monarch rendered the
Danes, in the first instance undetermined, and
at last unwilling to act up to their offer. An
excuse was soon found to break off all negocia-
tion; the king of Danemark made proposals
and terms, which he was sure would not be ac-
ceded to, and this put an end to the affair. Thus
was the king of Prussia left with no depend-
ance but his courage, his sword, and his good
fortune.
ARCTTEIfHOLZ. 10
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HISTORY OF TIIK
BOOK VIII.
Campaign of 1760— Battle of Landshut— Surrender
of Glatz — Siege of Dresden — Siege of Breslau —
Battle of Liegnitz — The Russians withdraw to tin*
other side of the Oder — Letter of the king— Tl«.
Prussians evacuate Saxony—The Austrians retire t.
the mountains of Bohemia.
-
The plan of operations of the mighty confe
deration was to drive the king of Prussia to
sacrifice either Silesia or Saxony; but this was
not adopted by either the court of Vienna nr
that of St. Petersburg, until after much discus-
sion, as each party was most anxious for its
own interests. The French were desirous thai
the Russians should besiege Stettin , but Solti-
Kow wished to carry on the war inPomerania.
along the sea coast, and insisted, in the first
instance, on taking possession of Dantzick :
Augustus entreated that Saxony might be re-
stored to him, as quickly as possible, an!
Austria on the other hand was as solicitor
for the conquest of Silesia. In the end , tl
last was determined on, and Soltikow receiv
orders to invade this province with the Prussi;
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«
327
army, and to besiege Breslau; a plan of opera-
tions which was willingly adopted by the
court of St. Petersburg, in spite of such an
enterprise being rendered almost impossible of
success, from the want of the necessaries of
war in the Russian army. To those who are
acquainted with the principles of the art of war,
it must ever appear extraordinary that it should
be proposed to besiege a large town on the
Oder, when the cannon for this purpose had to
be brought from Bohemia, and the troops from
beyond the Vistula.
Frederic undertook to defend Saxony him-
self, and sent his brother. Henry with a large
army of observation, to watch the operations
of the Russians, and the Prince of Wurtem-
berg was sent with a small body against
the Swedes. This prince had with the Markgraf
of Shwedt , been taken prisoner a short time
previous to this, by the Cosacks, but had been
released by them, much to the dissatisfaction of
the court of St. Petersburg. In order to strengthen
the army in Saxony, the two regiments of
Prussian dragoons were recalled from the army
of the allies, and the king informed all his
generals , that in this campaign it would more
than ever be necessary to make forced marches,
in order to constrain the enemy to give battle.
He, therefore, ordered them to give their men
every encouragement to induce them to bear
With firmness and patience the hardships they
would have to undergo, and to remind them of
toe necessity of showing themselves, on every
occasion , worthy of the name of Prussians.
In the beginning of this year, Silesia was
388
HISTORY OF THB
but weakly provided with defence. Tlie king
contented himself by strengthening the different
garrisons, and it was on this occasion, that
the Pomeranian infantry regiment of Manteufel
gave a remarkable instance of its bravery. They
marched from their cantonments near Neisse,
where they were quartered far from the other
troops; Laudon took advantage of this oppor-
tunity to advance on them with four cavalry
regiments. He sent an officer to offer them to
give themselves up as prisoners, and to re-
tain their baggage; but, in case of their refusal
to comply with this proposition, he declared
his determination to cut them to pieces. The
colonel of the regiment answered, that the of-
ficer should hear the reply of the soldiers him-
self. He led him to the front of the line, and
having explained to them in their own dialect
the offer of Laudon and his threat, he required
their* answer ; it will not bear repeating but it
expressed, at . the same time their contempt
for their opponents, and their determination to
resist rather than comply with their terms;
this ran through the ranks, and was repeated
by every soldier. Laudon now gave orders to
charge them but his men were received with a
heavy fire, and the regiment began its march.
The attack was repeated several times, but
always with the same result, and after con-
tinuing during four leagues of their march, the
cavalry wearied with their exertions drew off,
after having suffered considerable loss.
Laudon now did , what had not as yet been
effected by the Austrians, during four cam-
paigns; he opened the present one in the ter-
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3t9
ritory of the enemy. The Prussian General
Fouquet was encamped, for the protection of
Silesia-, near Landshut on a number of hills
and with intrenchments. In consequence of the
increasing strength of the enemy, this position
became dangerous, and Fouquet who was anxious
to change it, ventured the most earnest repre-
sentations; but Frederic would not hear of it,
in consequence of his following the advice of
the Silesian minister Schlaberndorf , not to leave
the profitable towns of the mountains without
protection, and he sent repeated orders to
Fouquet not to quit his position. Laudon
waited until this general was so weakened by
different detachments, that his army was only
8000 strong, and then, at the head of 31,000
men, attacked him on five different points. After
lie had crossed some of the intrenchments, he
summoned the Prussian commander, as in a
fortified town to surrender. Fouquet answered
him by a discharge of artillery , and withdrew
from the heights constantly fighting till he col-
lected all his men in the valley. Here he formed
his men into a square, and encouraged them to
continue fighting; they defended themselves with
the greatest bravery, until completely surrounded,
and with their ammunition exhausted ,
they were forced to surrender, after fighting
for eight hours. Fouquet himself was danger-
ously wounded in the head, and fell to the
ground with his horse which was killed. Several
of his bravest soldiers drew round him, and
fought until they fell at his side. He received
two sabre cuts, one in the arm and another in
the back, and an Austrian trooper was on the
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330
HISTORY OP THE
point of giving him his death blow, when he
was saved by the fidelity of a common soldier
one of his grooms of the name of Trautschke.
He threw himself upon his master and received
on his body, wounds which were intended for
Fouquet; these were not mortal, the man re-
covered, and his fidelity was well rewarded.
Fouquet would still have fallen a sacrifice
had not Trautschke cried out: "Will you kill the
general?" upon this Colonel Voit, of the dra-
goons, rode up and saved him. Every one,
high and low, now paid him every mark of
attention , and Colonel Voit had his horse
brought for him. He asked Fouquet to mount,
who hesitated and said: "I shall spoil your
beautiful saddle with my blood." Voit ans-
wered, "it will become far more valuable from
the marks of a heroe's blood." However, one
Austrian officer was mean enough to reproach
thegeneral with his def eat ; this was immediate-
ly put a stop to, but Fouquet said: "Do not
hinder him from speaking, gentlemen, it is the
fate of war; mine to day, your's to-morrow.'*
A small body of Prussians still continued
to offer resistance ; Colonel Below was at their
head, and having formed into a square they
resisted all the efforts -of the enemy for a con-
siderable time. It was in vain that the ca-
valry charged them until the Croats came up,
to their assistance, and attacking them in the
rear, the flanks and in front, forced them to
give way and cry out for quarter.
Fouquet was made prisoner with 4000 men
for the greater part infantry; 600 Prus-
sians were killed and 1800 were wounded. The
*
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cavalry cut their way through the enemy, and
a small portion of infantry escaped and reached
Breslau, under the escort of the cavalry. The
Austrians lost 3000 killed and wounded, and
Laudon cast a stain on his victory by the
shameful pillage of Landshut. This town which
was not fortified , and was prosperous from its
linen manufactures, was treated by the Aus-
trians as a town which had been taken by
storm, and suffered all the cruelties usual on
such an occasion. They were anxious to
reward their soldiers in this manner for their
bravery, and thus to encourage them to other
deeds of valour.
The most important consequence of the
battle of Landshut, was the taking of Glatz.
This fortified place, which next to Magdeburg,
was the most important in the Prussian domin-
ions, and was well provided with stores of
provisions and ammunition, had only a garrison
of 2400 men, for the most part deserters and
foreigners ; in addition to this, the commandant
was unworthy of his position; an Italian, who
had been raised to this rank by chance. All
these evils were enhanced by the absence of
the king, and it was in this unfortunate posi-
tion, that the town was besieged in July by
General Harsch. The Austrians had only raised
a few batteries, as their chief dependance was
upon a communication which they kept up
with the Jesuits and monks of the city, who
had gained over the catholic; soldiery. The
enemy had hardly shown themselves, when the
Prussians abandoned the outworks, which were
taken possession of by the Croats, and six
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332
HISTORY Or THK
days after the opening the trenches, the princi-
pal works were stormed. The garrison muti-
nied, whole companies threw down their arms,
and in four hours, the whole town and fortifi-
cations were in the hands of the Austrians,
without any attempt being made to negociate
for terms. The efforts at defence of a few
hrave soldiers were of no avail, and thus the
Austrians became masters of the town , and
gained by this conquest, firm footing in Silesia.
This province was now undefended by any
Prussian army, and Laudon could choose which
town he should first besiege.
Frederic, who was not aware of this ac-
cumulation of misfortunes, but was in a state of
great anxiety with respect to Silesia, wished
much to hurry into that province, but at the
same time, did not want to leave Daun and
his army in Saxony. On the other hand, if
he induced the Austrian general to follow
him, Frederic feared that the advance of Lau-
don would place him between two fires; and
in addition to this the troops of the Empire
were on their march towards Saxony But when
the king heard of the investment of Glatz, which
Laudon had commenced previous to the battle
of Landshut, this dispelled all his doubts, and
he crossed the Elb; and having beaten a por-
tion of the Austrians of Lascy's body, advanc-
ed to attack the main army of the enemy.
Lascy, who did not expect this, retreated in
haste and Daun* crossed the Elb also. Both
armies now began their march towards Silesia,
and the heat at this time was so intense, that
on one day, the 6th of July, a hundred and
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Ave Prussian soldiers fell to the ground, killed
by the heat. All were anxious to procure water,
which the soldiers were not permitted to have
from the state of perspiration they were in
from the weight of their knapsacks. But they
no sooner came near a spring, a pond or even
a puddle, than thirst got the better of every
thing, even the fear of punishment, and the
men fell out of their ranks. The officers, feeling
themselves the same desire, but obliged to obey
the orders of their superiors, were forced on this
occasion to be more lax in discipline, which at
other times was so strict that disobedience was
not only punished by blows, but by death.
The army of Daun was always close by
the side of the Prussians, and Lascy in the
rear with his large army. This induced Frederic,
who had just heard of the battle of Landshut,
to form the plan of falling upon Lascy with
his whole force. He marched back upon Bautzen
and directly in the direction of Lascy, who re-
treated in great haste and finally crossed the
Elb and passed through Dresden. The king now
determined to besiege this town , for he was
convinced that the cautious Daun would not
go alone with his army into Silesia, and abandon
Lascy to bis fate, and his determination in this
was strengthened by hearing of the defeat of
Fouquet. Daun had continued his march, as
he was most anxious to be in Silesia before
the king. He imagined, he had gained some
marches upon him, when in fact he had lost
so much time ; and as soon as he heard of the
operations of the king, he suspected his design,
and retraced his steps.
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HISTORY OF THE
Dresden was now invested, and the garri-
son and inhabitants were thrown into the great-
est consternation from the place not being
strongly fortified; for the old town had no
covered way, no ravelin, and hut a small ditch,
and the new town was only defended by earthen
ramparts protected by pallisades and without
masonry. The Austrians were in a few hours
driven out of the royal gardens and the neigh-
bouring suburb; and it is probable, that had the
town been stormed at this critical moment, the
fate of Dresden would have been soon decided.
But the cruelties inseparable from such an at-
tack, especially in a royal residence, probably
induced Frederic to abandon such a project, as
he hoped by means of negotiations, to become
shortly master of this important place. These
expectations were frustrated from the Austrians
having opened a communication with the town
from the other side of the Elb, by which means
they were enabled to throw reinforcements into
the town. The answer of the commandant
Maquire when he was summoned was, that
he would defend himself to the last. The town
was now regularly besieged, and this siege
formed one of the most remarkable occurrences
of the war.
The Prussians began to fire on the town on
the 14th of July from both sides of the Elb,
and on the same day the garrison set fire to
the piles of wood on the banks of the river,
that it might not be used to fill up the ditch;
the fire extended, and burnt many houses. As
the heavy artillery of the Prussians was not
yet come up, they in the first instance, made
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335
use of the twelve pounders, howitzers and
red hot shot. The fire which had considerably
extended was now extinguished by the means
which were used, and in which the jews who
were residing in the 'town, were made to do
the principle part of the work. In the hope
that the fear of burning this capital, which was
the residence of an ally whose territory they
were anxious to protect, would induce the
Austrians to surrender, the fire of the besiegers
was in the first instance more directed against
the town than against the ramparts. The com-
mandant, who had his instructions from high
authority, did not allow them to remain in the
dark on this point; he defended himself, sup-
ported by the whole Austrian army, which came
up a few days after, and passed continually
from the new to the old town as if it had not
been besieged. They had driven the small body
of Prussians under the command of the Prince
of Holstein and who had occuped this side of the
Elb at a distance from the king, from their
position with considerable loss. The advantages
gained by this communication being opened
would necessarily render abortive all the at-
tempts of the besiegers. Large bodies of
Austrians marched into the town and made
sorties , while the garrison remained in repose.
Frederic, who had protected the towns of Pra-
gue and Olmutz, when besieged by him, as
much as he possibly could, now determined
to try if the certainty of seeing Dresden a heap
of ashes in a few days , would not induce the
Austrians to retreat.
The heavy artillery now came up from
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HISTORY OF THB
Magdeburg, and shells were constantly thrown
into the town. The inhabitants begged for
mercy, and knew not where to turn in their dis-
tress. In the houses they were in danger of
being crushed, burnt, or suffocated, and in the
streets, the cannon balls threatened them con-
stantly with death. The suburb near the Wiis-
druf gate, which had escaped in the previous
siege, was now set fire to, that the enemy
might approach nearer the ramparts. The fire
raged furiously, both within and without the
town , and many of the streets were in flames
from one end to the other. Palaces, which
would have been an ornament to any c\t\ in
Europe, became a prey to the flames; lofty
houses fell to the ground on every side, and
man)' of the inhabitants were buried in the ruins,
while others abandoned every thing to save
their lives.
What tended to increase the misery of the
unfortunate inhabitants of Dresden, was the
rapine of the Austrian garrison, which did more
mischief than even the flames and the cannon
of the enemy. A number of the cellars and
warehouses under ground in this city were
bomb proof, and to these many hundreds of fa-
milies brought all their valuables; these stores
were secured by all the entrances being either
locked or bricked up, and the inhabitants sa-
crificing the rest of their property, fled for
safely into the vineyards or neighbouring towns
and villages; but their hopes of again recover-
ing their property, in consequence of these
precautions, were deceived ; for their allies, the
Austrians broke into these places, and took
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387
every thing they could lay their hands on.
Many of these wretches were hanged , hut it
was to little purpose; to such an extent did
the want of discipline reach and so unrestrained
was the conduct of those who were to protect
the town. Literature was also a sufferer by
their conduct; for some important manuscripts
of the famous Rabener fell into the hands of
the Croats Rabener complained bitterly of this
loss and could never be persuaded by his friends
to again commence the works which were
destroyed : "he did not wish/' he said, "to deprive
the rogues of the satisfaction they had had during
the siege of Dresden."
The bombardment of the town was continued,
and a number of shells fell upon the Kreutz-
kirche, one of the oldest and most beautiful
churches in Saxony. The strong old tower re-
sisted for a long time, but at last it gave way,
destroyed the roof of the church as well as
the interior, and also many houses in the neigh-
bourhood ; the raging flames completed the work
of destruction, which was caused from the Prus-
sians having considered it as a battery, in conse-
quence of some cannon which stood on the
tower and was used on fete days, having been
fired on the besiegers. Although only a few
shot had been fired , the tower was considered
as a battery which must be destroyed; there
were now no bounds to the devastation, as
no orders were given for the protection of
the other churches, which from their height
served as a mark for the cannon of the enemy ;
and the beautiful dome of the church of Our
Lady was often fired at, but in consequence of
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338 HISTORY OK THR
the form of the Cupola, the balls generally
glanced off, and did but little damage.
The principal anxiety of the inhabitants was
directed towards the protection of their persons,
and the numerous reports of whole families
being buried under their houses, added to the
scarcity, which was beginning to be felt, in-
duced all, whatever their rank in society, to
think of moving away. In consequence of the
communication having been restored with the
new town, and there being, in that quarter, no
danger from the shells, the people were there
congregated in the houses, in such numbers,
that the lofts were full of them; but a very
great number left the town entirely. The roads
were crowded with people; old men and women
borne to the ground by their infirmities, lent
upon their staff or on the arm of their sons
or daughters, who, loaded with what they could
save, had difficulty in getting along; women
who from their childhood had been accustomed
to every comfort, now went their weary way
on foot with their infants at tbeir breasts, and
their children in tears; many found comfort in
offering up prayers to heaven, which they did
aloud, and they mutually offered consolation to
each other. But the burning town, the hunger
which distressed them, and the prospect of the
increasing misery, was sufficient to destroy all
wordly hope. In consequence of the scarcity
of horses and means of conveyance, many
who had been brought up in luxury, were
forced to carry their property on their own
shoulders ; beautiful and elegant women, of
whom there were so many in this city, were
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seen loaded like packhorses; the weak and
sickly were carried on barrows by their friends;
all the customs and refinements of high and
pulite society were at an end in this time of
horror and distress.
The besieged had quite a sufficient number
of cannon,, and these were well served ; but
they were unable to silence the batteries of
the Prussians, in consequence of the latter hav-
ing placed them behind the heaps of ashes,
formed by the houses which had been burnt.
On the 19th of August, in one single day, up-
wards of 1400 shells and balls were thrown
into the town; every part of it was on fire,
and it was impossible to endeavour to extin-
guish the flames, in consequence of the pipes
for the supplyr of water having been cut off
by the besiegers. The besieged constantly made
sorties, many of which were very successful;
and from their always receiving fresh reinforce-
ments, they could make vigourous and extended
attacks; they drove the Prussians several
times as far back as the trenches, spiked the
cannon, and brought prisoners back into Dresden.
Frederic, who was annoyed at these dis-
asters, laid the blame of them on the Bernburg
regiment, and charged them with not having
sufficiently defended themselves, and having given
way too soon to the superior numbers of the
enemy. The punishment he inflicted was without
example in the annals of Prussian warfare; the
common soldiers had their side arms taken from
them, and the officers and non-commissioned
officers had the lace taken off their caps; the
soldiers marched the easier for being deprived
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HISTORY OF TUB
of this encumbrance, and the officers did not
miss the ornament of their caps; but the effects
of it were very great on the minds of soldiers
anxious to distinguish themselves. This regiment
which had been raised by the celebrated Prince
Leopold of Dessau, and had often given the
greatest proofs of courage and discipline, were
extremely distressed and bowed down by these
marks of degradation; and many of the officers,
convinced of having done their duty, requested
their dismissal, but which in every case was
refused. In France, and indeed in most other
countries, an officer can retire from the service,
when he wishes ; on the contrary, in the Prussian
army, where all the officers nave so much
emulation to distinguish themselves, it was the
custom under the command of Frederic that all
should be directed by compulsion, which is not
always compatible with honour; this phantom,
which has so much influence on the actions of
men. One is too much inclined to look upon
every action of a great man, as the consequence
of deeply considered principles ; but it is allowable
to class this system of the king's, as one of
his faults; as being contrary to the dictates of
reason and experience, and which, in the first
instance caused by accident, was afterwards
acted on as a principle. The life of this monarch
is full of such examples, which are unnoticed
by his panegyrists, are unwillingly collected by
philosophers, and yet hardly come within the
province of the historian.
We must now return to the siege of Dresden,
which was only continued for the sake of honour.
The Austrians were most anxious to see it
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terminated, and made an attempt, in conjunction
with the troops of the Empire, to surprise the
army of the king, which protected the besiegers.
The head quarters were in a farm house near
the village of Gruna, which was but weakly-
defended by outposts, and at some distance
"rom the camp; this appeared favourable for
their scheme, and the enemy flattered themselves
with the prospect of taking the king prisoner, and
renewing the scene of Hochkirch. The attack
was to have been made at day break, but the
plan failed in spite of the rapidity of their
operations; the light troops of the Austrians
advanced, drove back the advanced posts, and
the king had only time to mount his horse, and
leave the village But this was the extent of
their progress ; for with a celerity, almost in-
credible, the Prussians were under arms to
oppose the enemy; and, in three minutes, several
thousand men, who had previously been in
complete repose, were now in the greatest
activity; they were asleep in their tents, and
the whole line were in repose, when at the
first gleam of the rising sun, they were aroused
by the cry "to arms," and in a moment they
were in order of battle. * The soldiers rushed
out of their tents half dressed, formed in the
ranks, and advanced against the enemy who
now withdrew in haste, as Daun was not desirous
of a general engagement.
The Uhlans distinguished themselves highly
on this occasion, and deserve to be more especially
noticed. They belong to a separate and not
* The author was an eye witness of this scene.
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HISTOHY OF THE
numerous people living in Poland, and who,
in spite of being surrounded by Christians, pre-
serve not only their customs and their manners,
but also their religion; distinguished by their
courage and fidelity, they had fought in all the
wars of Poland against the Republic, and were
now in the pay of Augustus under the command
of Major Schiebel, a Saxon officer who had
seen much service; they were dressed in the
Turkish fashion, and armed with lances; wherever
these Uhlans were, they harassed the advanced
posts and rear guard of the Prussians, and like
the Parthians fought as they fled.
This attempt on the part of the Austrians
necessitated a change in the position of the army of
the king. The camp was moved from the large
garden, and in order to strengthen the left flank
of this new position a barricado was here
formed. The magnificent trees, which were so
beautiful and invaluable from their age and their
rarity, and formed with their branches such
delightful walks, were cut down, and this[beautiful
garden which was always open to the inhabitants,
and was an ornament to the city, was in a
few hours laid completely waste; the marble
statues, which ornamented the garden, had been
ta ken away by the besieged, and the collection
of antiques, the most beautiful and valuable on
this side of the Alps, were buried in this very
garden; the Prussians were not aware of this
fact, and these works of art were preserved
for the Saxons.
The siege was not carried on with any
vigour from the time that the position of the
army was changed, and all hopes of taking
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Dresden were given up. In addition to the
many impediments, which lay in the way of
success, was added the loss of a considerable
supply of ammunition and corn, the cargo of
eight vessels, which were coming from Magdeburg,
hut which fell into the hands of the Austrians ;
provisions were also beginning to be scarce in
the Prussian camp, in consequence of the enemy
being masters of the Elb, so that it was difficult
for supplies to be brought in.
When Frederic was on the point of raising
the siege he heard of the taking of Glatz,
which the besieged celebrated by a feu de joie;
the king learnt this piece of bad news from
the Austrian General Nugent, who had been
taken prisoner during a sortie. His dismay in
the first instance was very great, as from the
strength of the place the intelligence was quite
unexpected; but he soon recovered himself, and
said: "Well! be it so. When peace comes they
must give it back again. We must go into
Silesia, that all may not be lost." Laudon, with
his usual activity, was anxious to make the
most of this advantage, and besieged Breslau;
this news hastened the departure of the king,
and on the 30th of July in a night of storm
and rain, the Prussians withdrew from before
Dresden. The fire in the trenches was kept
up from a few cannon, which gradually diminished,
and at last ceased; the king now quitted his
camp, and marched towards Meissen.
Thus ended the siege of Dresden, which had
cost the Prussians a loss of 1478 killed and
wounded, and 261 prisoners; six churches, 416
large houses and public buildings were reduced
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HISTORY OP THB
to ashes, and 115 were damaged, in this city.
A number of the inhabitants were killed, others
reduced to beggary; many hundreds who had
been raised to independence by the industry
and care of their parents had now nothing to
depend on ; relations were forced to separate,
the men to seek their bread in a distant land,
and girls who had been used to be waited on
were forced to seek a livelihood. The ashes
have been removed, and houses and palaces are
again built; but Dresden is not what it was.
The unsuccessful enterprise against Dresden
was the last link of the chain of misfortunes,
which had encompassed the king for the last
twelve months. As the campaign of 1757 is
without example in the annals of warfare,
there it no instance, in which a monarch was
subject to such a continuance of discomfiture,
in so short a time, without being completely
driven out of the field. The battle which was
lost at Kai in July 1759 against the Russians
was the signal for a continued series of mis-
fortunes; it was followed by the defeat of
Kunersdorf, and the loss of Dresden ; Fink was
taken with his army at Maxen, and Dierke
with his men at Meissen; then came the win-
ter campaign with its epidemic ; the battle of
Landshut, and the loss of Glatz ; to crown ail
came the failure of the siege of Dresden.
The king now marched towards Silesia,
and Daun who had taken care to throw as
many impediments as possible in his way,
had sent his light troops to destroy all the
bridges over the Roder, Spree, Neisse and
Queis, and to render all the roads towards Si-
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lesia impassable, by means of barricadoes.
Frederic surmounted all these difficulties, and
continued his march to the relief of Breslau,
which was besieged by Laudon. The King,
who knew how to select his generals, with
the discrimination of genius, very seldom made
use of this judgment in the choice of the
commandants of his fortresses; he either left
it to chance, or the order of their names and
rank, whether the place should be under the
command of such an officer as the one at Glatz,
or under that of a Hey den; unacquainted with
each he was equally astounded at the disgrace-
ful conduct of the first, and the noble bearing
of the latter, who from being attached to a garrison
regiment, was as yet not called into service in
the field, and who, from his rank was not
eligible to a high command ; who not being of an
ambitious character would have passed his life
unnoticed in a small town, but whose rare
courage repeatedly overthrew the plans of the
Russians.
At this time fortune was in favour of Fre-
deric; the king's body guard, which had been
near'y all cut to pieces at Kollin, was now
again completed, and had their head quarters at
Breslau; their colonel, General Tauenzien, was
consequently commandant of the capital of
Silesia. This general, who had been educated
in the military school of Potsdam, and grown
gray in the service, combined the highest feel-
ings of honour, with the greatest courage, in-
telligence and talents ; and he required all these
capabilities to be united in his single person
in a position which has perhaps never had its
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>346
HISTORY OK THE
equal. Laadort was before the town with
50,000 Austrians, and in it there were 9000
Austrian prisoners, ready to break loose; to
resist this enemy, within and without the walls,
Tauenzien had only 3000 men, and of
this small garrison, 9000 were deserters or
impressed soldiers and invalids; his whole de-
pendence was placed on 1000 men of the body
guard, most of whom were foreigners, and
many of them served unwillingly from the small-
ness of their pay, and were only kept in their
ranks by the principles of honour and dis-
cipline.
Laudon was not without fears that the ap-
proaching army of the Prussians might prevent
him from the execution of his project, which
he wished to effect without the assistance of
the Russians. He was unprovided with the
necessary battering train and ammunition, and
the ditch of the fortifications was filled with
water, which prevented ail thoughts of taking
the town by storm; nothing therefore remained
but to negociate, or force it to surrender by
fire. He summoned the town to surrender, and
made use of these reasons; "that Breslau was
a commercial town, and not a fortress ; it was
therefore contrary to the usage of warfare to
defend the town against a superior force; that
the king was on the other side of the Elb,
and Prince Henry near the Wartha; the Rus-
sians would appear before the town, in two
days, to the number of 75,000, and that he
thought they would prefer falling into the
hands of the Austrians to those of the Rus-
sians; the garrison should have their own terms,
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but if they resisted the town should be set on
fire by shells from five and forty mortars."
Tauenzien answered in a few words that,
"Breslau was a fortified place, and that he
would meet the enemy on the ramparts, even
if (he town were reduced to ashes." Laudon
now endeavoured to incite the citizens against
the commandant, and wrote to the president
of the magistrates, Conradi; he expressed his
sympathy for the innocent inhabitants, and at
the same time did not forget the forty-five
mortars, or the 75,000 Russians who were
on the march ; but such a letter could have but
little effect in a town, in which Tauenzien was
at the head of its defenders, and the letter
remained unanswered. Laudon again sum-
moned the town, and increased his threats;
he said: "that the child in its mother's womb
should not be spared;" Tauenzien answered:
"Neither I, nor my soldiers are pregnant;"
after this the bombardment began. The com-
mandant took such efficient measures against
the enemy, in the town as well as out of it,
that their efforts were useless ; and as Laudon's
head quarters could be reached, by means of
loading the culverins with large charges, he let
him have no rest, but forced him to withdraw
farther off by throwing shot into his sitting room.
Tauenzien, who was aware of his own
weakness, and could not be certain of being
relieved, now assembled the officers of the
king's guard, stated to them his position and
the possibility that the enemy might be able
to take the town sword in hand before the
arrival of the king; that in case of this, he
HISTORY OP THtf
intended to retire to a portion of the fortfications,
with the guard, and defend themselves to the
last; and thus, as he said, the world would
be spared the spectacle of seeing the whole of
Frederic's body guard taken prisoners; the of-
ficers all agreed to this noble proposition, and
determined to die fighting. Fortunately it did
not come to this extremity, for Prince Henry-
was approaching by forced marches, and Laudon
was compelled to beg of Soltikow, who was
eighteen leagues distant, to hurry his approach.
He nevertheless made one more attempt to in-
duce the commandant to surrender, and offered
to agree to any terms he should ask for. The
officer who was sent on this mission, Colonel
Rouvroi, placed in the strongest light, the po-
sition of the king as being at a great distance,
and also the vicinity of the devastating Rus-
sians; in addition to this the advantages to
be derived from being allowed to withdraw his
forces, with other military honours which would
be granted; all which, he said, would justify
the commandant in the eyes of the world and
his king. Taueuzien answered: "I have no
idea of the honour of a commandant who sur-
renders a fortified place, before a breach in the
walls is made. It is not usual to commence
a siege by destroying the property of the in-
habitants; the setting fire to the town has not
induced me to alter my determination; on the
contrary, it has strengthened it." "If that be
the case," answered Rouvroi, "we will now
open the trenches. " "I have long been in ex-
pectation, that you would do so," said the
ot!*er, and they then separated.
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This last conference put an end to the ne-
gotiations; for on the following day Laud on
raised the siege, which he, in the opinion even
of his friends, ought never to have began, and
in which his dependance was principally on his
good fortune in war. The siege had only lasted
five days, but in this time much damage had
been done; to repair this loss, the king made
the inhabitants a present of 50,000 dollars.
The rapid march of Prince Henry not only
saved Breslau, but also the whole province, as
the Russian army were already in the centre
of Silesia, and only two leagues from the ca-
pital; the plan of their leader being, to form
a junction with the Austrians, and he had reck-
oned on the taking of Breslau, that he might
provide his army with provisions, from its large
magazines, during the remainder of the cam-
paign; but these expectations were deceived
by the operations of Prince Henry, and Soltikow
did not venture to cross the Oder. Time was
invaluable to both parties, for Frederic ; anxious
for the fate of Breslau, was advancing at a
rapid pace; he had left Hulsen with a large
body in Saxony, and in face of the Austrian
army had crossed the Elb, the Spree, the Neisse,
the Quels and the Bober, and passed between
the armies of Riedesel and Lascy ; the last fol-
lowing him at a distance of six leagues, and
the main body of the Austrians being always
in advance. "A stranger," said the king in his
own account, u who observed the march of
these different bodies, might easily be deceived,
and imagine it was only one army. He would
take the army ofDaun for the advanced guard,
10*
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350 HISTORY OF THK
that of the king for the main body, and Lascy's
troops for the rear guard."
Notwithstanding the king had a train of two
thousand provision waggons with him, and that
all the bridges had been destroyed, he was still
able to march forty leagues in five days, and
reached the Silesian frontier without loss. Daun
avoided every chance of coming to a battle,
and at last formed a junction with the army
of Laudon, in order, if possible, to prevent the
king from uniting with his brother Henry, and
to cut him off from Schweidnitz and Breslau;
Frederic and Daun remained near one another,
being only separated by a small stream, called
the Katzbach. The immense superiority of the
army of the enemy, which was 1 00,000 strong,
in opposition to the king's of 30,000, forced him
to change his position very often, in order to
force the enemy to give way, and to insure
himself, by activity and watchfulness, from
any enterprise on their part; in addition to this,
he always remained near the enemy, that they
might not attack Prince Henry, who was watching
the operations of the Russians. Near Goldberg,
the Prussian hussars made themselves masters
of a great part of the baggage of the enemy,
amongst which was all the travelling baggage
of Lascy. The king would not allow this to
be meddled with, but sent it back, with a flag
of truce, as well as a beautiful Tyrolese girl,
who belonged to Lascy's suite. The only thing
that was retained was a very good chart of
all the Austrian operations and camps, during
the campaigns of 1758 and 59; when Lascy
enquired for this chart, he was answered that
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it should be returned, as soon as it was
copied.
The Russians, who still continued on the
other side of the Oder, not far from Breslau,
and were much dissatisfied with the cautious
conduct of the Austrian*, thought, that as
they had not hindered the Prussians from
crossing the Elb, the Spree and the Bober,
that they would allow them to pass the Oder
to form a junction with Prince Henry, and thus
fall on them with their whole force, "it will
cost the king but little trouble, and only one
of his usual marches to effect this," said Sol-
tikow; lie therefore expressed his determina-
tion to withdraw to Poland, so soon as the
kind should cross the Oder.
This threat forced Daun to venture a battle,
in order to prevent the passage of the Oder,
and it was determined to attack the Prussian
camp near Liegnitz on the 15th of August; the
position of the Prussians was not advantageous,
and the plan of attack was well chosen. Fre-
deric was to be attached, on four different
points, at day break and, if possible. There was
to be a repetition of the scene of Hochkirch ;
the ultimate view of the enemy was to cut
him off from the Oder, and indeed to prevent
his retreating on Glogau; in the Austrian
camp they were so certain of success, that
the soldiers said, that the bag was open in
which they were to put the army of the Prus-
sians, and they had only to draw the strings
tight. The king received intelligence of this
intended surprise the night before it was to
be carried into execution, and he also heard of
HISTORY OF THK
the boast of (he enemy; he mentioned it himself
at dinner, and added : "The Austrians are nut
altogether wrong, hut I think that I shall make
a hole in the hag which they will have some
trouble to mend." He had not been without
anxiety as to his position, with the recollec-
tion of Hochkircli fresh in his mind, hut had
delayed leaving his disavantageous position, in
consequence of some plans with respect to
provisions for the army. The night of the 14th
was fixed for breaking up the camp, and the
English ambassador Mitchell, full of anxiety as
to the result of the attack, burnt a portion of
his papers, but would not consent to leave the
army.
As soon as Frederic received intelligence of
the intended attack, he prepared himself for
battle, and immediately formed his plan of
operations. At nightfall he quitted the camp
with the army, but left orders to have the fires
kept up by peasants, and the hussars went the
round of the camp to keep up the night call
of the sentinels; the same thing was being
done in the Austrian camp, to conceal their
attack, and their customary beating of drums
at midnight was not omitted ; thus both armies
were endeavouring, at the same moment, to
deceive one another. Frederic drew his men
to the heights near Liegnitz, and placed them
in order of battle.* It was a beautiful summer's
* The author was present at the battle, and can add
his testimony to those who are of opinion, thai
the intention of the king was to await the army
of Laudon, determined to come to a battle for
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night; the sky brilliant with stars, and without
a cloud or a breath of wind. No one slept;
the soldiers lay down with their arras in
their hands, in high spirits, and as they were
not allowed to sing, they told stories to one
another; the officers walked about, and the
generals rode round to see that every one was
at his post; the king was seated on a drum,
thinking of the probable event of the coming battle.
The day was just beginning to dawn, when
Laudon approached at the head of his 30,000
men to attack the left wing of the Prussians,
which he thought was still at some distance
from him. He was however soon aware, to his
astonishment, that he was in face of the whole
army of the king, of which one portion attacked
him at the moment that he received a heavy
fire from a field battery, which had come up in the
*
which he had made every preparation; for, if the
battle was to be looked upon as the effect of chance,
why should he have placed the troops in the advanta-
geous position on the heights, and why did he halt,
from midnight till morning, with no impediment in his
way? By these means all advantage, gained by the
discovery of the intentions of the enemy, would have
been rendered useless. By this loss of time (and
Frederic was not in the habit of wasting time) the
enemy would have been enabled to attack the re-
treating army, or to have impeded the continu-
ance of their march. At day break, the whole army
was in order of battle; and it was only at the
moment that the attack was made, that there was
some slight alteration in the position of some of
the troops.
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HISTORY OK THE
night; the other body of the army had been
posted by Frederic as a corps of observation
on Daun's army, which was opposite his right
wing. Laudon, who depended upon the support
of his commander in chief, did not withdraw
from the fight, but opposed the Prussians, and
led on the bravest of his troops. He charged
the Prussian cavalry, but his men were driven
back, and forced into a morass- from which
they had difficulty in extricating themselves;,
the Prussian infantry now advanced, and after
some hard lighting drove the Austrians out of
the field. These made an attempt to enter in
column the village of Panten, which lay in
front of the Prussian line; but it was set on
fire by the granades from the Prussian howitzers,
and the enemy were forced to confine their
operations to the attack of their left wing.
Their hopes of receiving assistance were de-
ceived, for it was not until late that Daun
heard of the attack of the king, as the prin-
cipal army of the Austrians did not hear the
report of the cannonade, in consequence of the
wind not being favourable ; and the general
on his arrival at the camp, did not know
where the enemy was, whom he looked on as
already defeated ; and when at last he ap-
proached the field of battle, he could only attack
the body of Prussians who were waiting for
him, under great disadvantages from the nature
of the ground; he attempted to break their
line, but without success. Laudon, who had
done every thing in his power, now withdrew,
and left the field of battle in the hands of the
king, having lost 10,000 men, three and twenty
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stand of colours and eighty two cannon; 6000
Austrians were taken prisoners, 4000 killed
or wounded ; the Prussians had only 1800 killed
and wounded.
It was a beautiful morning; the sun shone
on the field of battle strewn with the dead
and dying, and it was now that a most pleasing
occurrence took place. The Bernburg regiment,
who, as already related, had been degraded at
Dresden, went into battle determined to regain
their tarnished laurels, or die in the attempt;
this determination which pervaded the breast
of every one, soldier or officer, old or young,
caused these men to render themselves well
worthy of the Prussian name, and they did not
pass unnoticed by the king. After the end of
of the battle he rode past the regiment; the
officers were silent, in full confidence of the
justice of their king, but four veterans held
him by the bridle, and entreated for his favour,
in consideration of their deeds on that day.
Frederic was moved, and answered: "Yes, my
children, all shall be forgotten,'1 and on the
same day the regiment received their arms and
the decorations which had been taken from
them; Frederic spoke of the manner in which
they had distinguished themselves, and made
known to the army their complete restoration
to his favour.
The battle of Liegnitz only lasted two hours,
and at five in the morning, when but few have
left their beds, this important battle had been
fought, which had prevented the junction of the
Austrians and Russians, and rendered futile all
their plans upon the fortified towns in Silesia.
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HISTORY OP TI?K
Frederic ordered a feu de joie from the whole
army, and then continued his march; a march
which was astonishing, and as worthy of re-
cord as any occurrence of this war; for this
army fatigued by the battle, and surrounded
by numerous enemies, was forced to con-
tinue their advance without loss of time,
and to convey with them all the cannon and
prisoners they had taken, and also the
wounded; the latter were placed on the pro-
vision waggons, and all the carriages they
could lay their hands on, even that of the king,
was used for this purpose. The led horses of
the king and of the general officers were given
for the wounded who could sit on horseback,
to ride on; the empty waggons were broken
to pieces, and the horses harnessed to the can-
non that had been taken; the troopers and the
soldiers of the baggage train had to carry the
muskets that were taken from the enemy;
nothing was left behind or forgotten. Not one
of the wounded was left, Prussian or Austrian,
and at nine o'clock, four hours after the battle,
the whole army was in full march with their
immense baggage train.
The army continued their march the same
day for six leagues, as far as Parchwitz where
Czernichef with 20,000 Russians defended the
passage of the Oder. In spite of his victory
the king found himself in a fearful position ;
the provision waggons were empty, and on the
16th of August, there was only bread for one
day, besides what the soldiers carried with
them; if the Russians kept their position, Fred-
eric could not procure supplies from Breslau,
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and in order to reach Schweidnitz it would be
necessary to engage the united armies of the
Austrians ; he could hardly expect a favourable
issue in case of a battle, encumbered as he
was by prisoners and wounded, who must ne-
cessarily be protected during the action. But
the Russians soon put an end to his anxiety,
for they withdrew over the Oder, and in justi-
fication of this act, the generals stated that
having had no news from the Austrian camp
for five days, they feared that they would be
defeated or be entirely cut off from the main
army; thus the communication with Breslau
was open. The Russian General Czernichef was
still on this side of the Oder, with a small
body of men; but to hasten his departure, the
king made use of the following artifice ; he
wrote to Prince Henry, informing him of his
victory over the Austrians, and of his deter-
mination to cross the Oder and attack the
Russians, and also reminding his brother to
put in action the operations already agreed on;
this letter was given to a peasant with the
necessary directions that' he might fall into (he
hands of the Russians; the plan was success-
ful, for no sooner had Czernichef read the letter,
than he hastened to cross the river. This put
an end to the difficulties of Frederic's position,
which had never, not even before the battle of
Leuthen, been so dangerous; at that time, the
Russians had returned to their own country,
and the severity of the weather would have
thrown many impediments in the way of his
enemies; but now, winter was far off and the
Russian and Austrian forces both in his neigh-
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HISTORY OP THK
bourhood. The victory over Laudon removed
these dangers, and the king was never in better
spirits, as he could now form a junction with
his brother. The fortune of war, which had
pursued him for so long with such evil con-
sequences, now appeared to favour him again ;
he had won a victory on a march, and on the
very field of battle, where in the year 1241
there had been fought a bloody engagement
between the Christians and the Tartars; a
letter written a few days after, to the Marquis
D'Argens by the king, expresses his feelings
on this occasion:
"Formerly the battle of the 15th of August,
my dear Marquis, would have been a decisive
one; now it has been merely a slight trial of
strength, and a great battle is absolutely ne-
cessary to decide our fate. To judge by ap-
pearances, one will shortly occur, and we
shall then have cause to rejoice, if the result
be favourable to us. In the mean time, I thank
you for the feelings you express on the pre-
sent occasion. Not much talent was necessary
to bring affairs to their present condition; do
not speak of danger. I bought the last victory
cheap; it only cost me a horse and a coat. I
have not received the letter you mention; our
correspondence is, as it were, blockaded; for
the Russians are on one side of the river, and
the Austrians on the other, and it will be re-
quisite to have a slight engagement to enable
the aid de camp Coccoji to pass; but I trust
he will be able to reach you with my letter.
During the whole course of my life, 1 never
was in so critical a position as during this
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SKVKN YKAHS WAR. 859
campaign, and be assured it will require next
to a miracle to overcome all the difficulties
which I foresee. I will always do my duty;
but, my dear Marquis, you must always bear
in mind, that I cannot lead fortune, and that
I am compelled to reckon on chance in my
projects as I have not means to insure their
success. It is an Herculean task which I have
to complete, and this at an age, when I am
losing strength, when my health is breaking
and, to tell the truth, at a time that hope, the
only support of the unfortunate, is beginning to
fail. You are not sufficiently aware of every cir-
cumstance, to enable me to tell you all the dangers
which threaten the state. I know them all, and
conceal them. All the anxieties I keep to myself,
and only impart to the world my hopes or the
trifling agreeable news which reach me. When
the blow I now meditate is struck, and with
success, then, my dear Marquis, will be the
time to rejoice. I lead the life of a warrior
monk at the present time, and the circumstances
I am placed in give good occupation to my
mind; the remainder of my time I devote to
science, which is my consolation; even as it
was that of the great Consul, the father of his
country and of eloquence. I know not, if I shall
survive this campaign; should I do so, I am
determined to pass the remainder of my days
far from turmoil and in the bosom of friendship
and philosophy. As yet I know not where we
shall have our winter quarters ; my house in
Breslau was burnt to the ground, during the
last bombardment; our enemy grudge us the
light of day and the very air we breathe.;
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360
HISTORY OK THB
still, they must allow us to be in some spot,
and if it is a safe one, I hope to see you there.
What will become of the question of peace
between England and France? You see, my dear
Marquis, that your countrymen are blinder than
you thought they were; they put up with the
loss of Canada and Pondichery in order to please
the Queen of Hungary and the Empress of Russia.
Heaven grant that Prince Ferdinand may repay
them for their zeal."
The reigning Duke of Wurtemberg, who not
only sent his contingent to the army of the
Empire, but took a part himself in this war,
had advanced, at the head of 12,000 of his own
troops, into Saxony. In the first instance this
prince had always acted in conjunction with
the French, but now he wished to try his for-
tune with the Austrians; not in expectation of
receiving pay from them, but satisfied with the
prospect of the contributions he should be able
to levy in the territories of the enemy ; this he
did not fail to do, and the Hessian and Prussian
provinces into which he came, were very severely
handled, and the town of Halle alone had to
pay 75,000 dollars. In August he joined the
army of the Empire, which consisted of thirty
five battalions of infantry, and seven cavalry
regiments, in addition to which were the Austrians
under Haddick, with seven infantry and six
cavalry regiments together with 2000 Croats.
Hiilsen, who was posted at Meissen, left this
position on the approach of so large an army,
and encamped himself with intrenchments near
Strehlen; he was here attacked from all sides
on the 18th of August, but made good his posi-
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SKVKN YKAHS WAR. 361
tion, drove back the enemy, and took 1300 pri-
soners; Hiils en then withdrew to Torgau in
order to protect his provisions, encamped and
remained six weeks, when he was forced to leave
in consequence of a deficiency of supplies. He
now made a masterly retreat to Brandenburg;
but by this means Saxony was evacuated by
the Prussians, even to Torgau and Wittenberg,
who however promised, on taking leave, to
return shortly.
Such was the state of affairs in Saxony as
regarded the Prussians. In Silesia Daun had
been forced, by the retreat of the Russians and
the operations and measures of the king, to
withdraw, after the battle of Liegnitz, into the
mountains, not to be cut off from Bohemia. In
consequence of this Frederic made a circuitous
march, and in spite of a heavy cannonade, passed
with his whole army close by the camp of the
enemy. Soltikow had given up all thoughts of
forming a junction with the Austrians, and was
watched by General Goltz with 12,000 men at
Glogau, the rest of his army having joined that of
the king. A number of skirmishes now took place
terminating in favour of Frederic, and showing
that fortune had once more turned on his side,
and at Hohen-Giersdorf, in the mountains, a
sharp engagement took place in sight of both
armies, in which the Austrians lost 600 gre-
nadiers and fourteen cannon. The battle did
not extend farther, as it would have produced
no good effects; the soldiers on the outposts
were forbidden to fire, so that every thing
now gave the appearance of a cessation of
hostilities; the sentinels on either side spoke
ARCHKNH0LZ. 1 1
36* HISTORY OK THK
together, the patroles -when they met exchanged
greetings, and if they lost their way were set
right by the opposite party.
This plan of remaining in such immediate
vicinity of the enemy, and which Frederic
often made use of, generally embarassed the
Austrian generals, altered their plans and
rendered them undecided in their operations ;
for no general since the time of Ctesar had
made use of such means, and Frederic, who
took the great Roman for his example, and
constantly made him his study, gained great
advantages by his hardihood, as Daun now
gave up ail his projects for the present, and
withdrew with his superior forces into the
mountains in order that his troops might be
refreshed.
SKVKN YKARS WAR.
363
v
BOOR IX.
Siege of Colbcrg — Attack upon Berlin and occupa-
tion of it by the Russians and Auslrians — Advance
of Frederic — Retreat of the Russians — The Prussians
occupy Leipsic — Battle of Torgau and defeat of
the Austrians.
During these occurrences the Russians had
not remained in inactivity in Pomerania, hut
had sent a fleet to the coast of this province,
and Colberg was now besieged by a naval
force of seven and twenty Russian ships of
war, and an army of 15,000 men. In addition
to this, the fleet of the Russians was supported
by a squadron of six Swedish men of war and
two frigates, and General Demidow had brought
6000 Russians by water, who joined the
main army to carry on the siege. In four days
seven hundred shells were thrown into the
town as well as a great number of red hot
shot, and every preparation was made for
storming the works; but this attempt did not
succeed better than the previous one, for Hey-
den defended himself with the greatest bravery,
and the determination of the citizens, who
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HISTORY OF THR
saw their houses burnt to the ground without a
murmur, remained unshaken until General Wer-
ner came to their relief from Silesia. He had
only 5000 men, and having marched eighty
leagues in twelve days arrived at Colberg on
the 18th of September, which was the twenty-
sixth day of the siege, and immediately attacked
the Russians, sword in hand. Confident in their
security from the great distance at which the
Prussians were, the besiegers had never even
dreamt of the garrison receiving succour; and
Werner's small body of men excited such
alarm, that they not only raised the siege, but
retreated in great haste, leaving behind them
their cannon, ammunition, tents, baggage and
even their provisions in order to escape from
the advancing Prussians. Some made their
escape on board the ships, others dispersed them-
selves in the country, and Werner took several
hundred prisoners. Fear took such a powerful
hold on the minds of the sailors, that they did
not think themselves in safety, even on board
their ships, from the pursuit of the Prussian
hussars, for the fleet slipped their anchors and
stood out to sea. A medal was struck on this
occasion to commemorate this extraordinary oc-
currence, with the motto : Res similis flctie ; and
Ramler composed an ode to celebrate the libera-
tion of his native town.
Werner having completed this bold enter-
prise and having no longer any Russians to
oppose him, now turned his attention to the
Swedes, attacked them in the suburb of Pase-
walk, took eight cannon from them, cut down
300, and made 800 prisoners; he would have
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SKVKN YEARS WAR
taken possession of the town, had not the
Swedes threatened to set fire to it, a risk Wer-
ner would not run for the sake of the Prussian
inhabitants. He now marched into Mecklenburg,
and raised contributions, until the movements
of the Russians forced him to return into Po-<
merania.
The summer was now passed, and the ap-
proach of the unfavourable season forced both
Austrians and Russians to think of winter
quarters; but the enemies of Frederic were not
a little humiliated with the thoughts of having
done so little during the last campaign with
their powerful and superior forces; and to com-
plete their annoyance came the position of Oaun
in the mountains from which he could with
difficulty advance, and where the impediments
to procuring supplies were so great that nothing
was left for him but to retreat on Bohemia.
Every endeavour was now made to induce the
king to withdraw, and an attack upon Berlin
by the Russians appearing to be the most likely
means to effect this object, Daun, to induce
Soltikow to undertake this enterprise, promised
to support it by strong reinfo: cements. 20,000
Russians under Czernichef, and 15,000 Austrians
under Lascy and Brentano, now commenced
their march in Brandenburg, covered in the
distance by the whole force of Soltikow ; and
so exciting was the prospect of booty in a
royal city that the Austrians, sure of their
prey, made forced marches without stopping
for rest, and in ten days had traversed eighty
leagues. Count Tottleben, one of the Russian
generals, but a German, who had long resided
Dig
366
HISTORY OF THK
in Berlin, was in command of the advanced
guard, and as every thing depended on being:
the first to arrive, he conducted the march with
such rapidity that on the 3d of October, the
sixth day from their departure from Beuthen in
Silesia, he appeared before the gates of Berlin
at the head of 3000 men.
This large city was only occupied by 1900
soldiers, and without ramparts or walls was
not in a position to be defended. (General
Rochow, who had already had a visit three
years previous from the Austrians, still com-
manded the town, but was supported by men
of high reputation, Generals Seidlitz and old
Fieldmarshal Leywald who, as well as Gen-
eral Knoblauch, were at this time in Berlin,
and who, from patriotism, defended in person
some slight intrenchments thrown up before
the gates of the city. Every one took arms,
even the invalids and the sick, and after the
town had been summoned on the day of the
arrival of the Russians, grenades and red hot
shot were thrown into it, and during the night
two of the gates were attempted to be taken
by storm; but the enemy were repulsed, the
flames which were making rapid progress were
extinguished, and the noble example of these
old soldiers, crowned with laurels, but who
served as subalterns, increased the courage of
the combatants, and forced the Russians to re-
linquish their attack. On the following day
Prince Eugene of Wurteniberg came to the relief
of the city with 5000 men after having marched
eighteen leagues in one day, and was received
by the inhabitants as a preserver sent by
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SKVKN YKARS WAIl.
367
Providence; the citizens immediately supplied
the soldiers with food, beer and wine, and as
soon as they were refreshed, Piince Eugene
led them against the enemy whom he drove
hack as far as Copenick.
Czernichef at the head of his army had in
the mean time approached, but had it not been
for the peisuasive powers of the French envoy
Montalembert, so often brought into the field,
ho would now have retreated without giving
battle; and Tottleben having received consider-
able reinforcements again advanced, and forced
the Prussians to retreat before his superior
numbers. Hulsen now reached Berlin with his
army from Saxony, and there was sufficient
force to defend the gates of the city, which,
had this been done for only a few days would
have been saved, as Frederic was in full march
from Silesia, and the retreat of the two great
armies of the Austrians and Russians was al-
ready determined on in the council, even before
they were in possession of Berlin. But the
Prussian generals thought it too great a risk,
especially as they heard that the principal army
of the Russians was in the neighbourhood of
Frankfort on the Oder, and that General Panin
was approaching at the head of seven regi-
ments to strengthen Czemichef, to say nothing
of the difficulty of defending an unfortified
town of more than four leagues in circumference
with 14,000 men, and which was devastated
by the continual throwing in of combustibles.
A battle was not to be thought of in the open
country, as in case of defeat, Berlin would
have been given up to pillage, so that the two
368
HIST O It Y OK THK
armies which had advanced to the relief of the
city found themselves under the necessity of
retiring to Spandau, and leaving Berlin to its
fate.
The fate of the city was less fearful than
might have been expected, for it capitulated
without delay, and surrendered to Tottleben,
who finding a number of old friends in the
town which recalled to his remembrance other
days, began with great moderation, and in a
manner strikingly different from the customary
behaviour of the Russians. But what had most
influence in producing this effect was the con-
duct of a merchant of Berlin of the name of
Gotzkowsky; an extraordinary man, virtuous,
clever and courageous, and who seemed born
for the advantage of his country. This worthy
man, who had been fortunate in gaining riches
of which he made a good use, persuaded the
magistrates of the town to capitulate to the
Russians in preference to (he Austrians, as the
former were only auxiliary troops, but the
latter were the principal enemies of the Prus-
sians, and from whom no mercy was to he
expected. The noble generosity he had dis-
played in supporting numbers of the Russian
officers after the battle of Zorndorf had not
remained a secret in their armies, and had
procured him the high consideration of their
leaders in Berlin as well as the friendship of
Tottleben. He made the best use of the in-
fluence he had thus gained for the advantage
of the town, and he constantly was making
applications, not only in individual cases, but
for the general advantage; every one, whether
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8KVKN YKARS WAR.
369
known to him or not, sought protection from
him, and refuge in his house, and (hat he might
secure the success of his requests he accom-
panied them with presents of gold and jewels
from his own coffers.
Tottleben required in the first instance a
contribution of four millions of dollars, and
insisting on this sum, referred to his instruc-
tions from General Fermor, that it should be
paid not in the base coin in circulation, but in
sterling money, at the peril of giving up the
city to pillage. The inhabitants were in des-
pair, until the zealous Gotzkowsky, by means
of great sacrifices of his own fortune, reduced
the required tax to a million and a half of
dollars with a present of 200,000 dollars to
the soldiers, and all this to be paid in the
current coin of the day. He went with this
news to the council house where he was re-
ceived as a preserver by the assembled magis-
trates ; the money for the soldiers as well as
half a million of dollars were immediately
paid, and letters of credit given for the re-
mainder.
The Russians held communication with no
one but Gotzkowsky, who was day and night
in the streets, and brought every injustice that
was committed before the eyes of the officers,
preventing many misfortunes, and consoling the
unfortunate. It was Fermor's orders that all
tiie royal manufactories should be given up
to pillage, and then destroyed, and among
these the store house for the issuing the cloth
for the soldiers as well as the manufactory for
gold and silver-work; the 10th of October was
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370 HISTORY OK THK
fixed for (his work of destruction, and it was
only during the night that Gotzkowsky heard
of it. He hastened to Tottleben, represented
to him that the royal manufactories did not in
fact belong to the king, that the profits arising
from them did not in any way accrue to his
advantage, but were applied to the support of
the large institution for Orphans at Potsdam;
he was required to attest this declaration on
oath, and the manufactories were spared.
It was thus in the power of Tottleben to
do irreparable injury to the king of Prussia,
for the beautiful city of Berlin, which from its
magnificent streets and buildings rose like
another Palmyra from the midst of a sandy
desert, was the greatest manufacturing town
in Germany, and the centre from which the
necessaries of war for the Prussian army were
drawn. In this capital were immense store
houses and manufactures for replacing those
stores which were constanly being sent to the
army, for never was the commerce of Berlin
so flourishing as at the present time; as it was
here that lived the richest merchants and those
who undertook the contracts for the armies,
as well as the jews who regulated the ex-
changes of all Germany.
Tottleben still retained his post as com-
mandant in Berlin when six days after Lascy
arrived, and was an unwilling spectator of the
gentle rule of the Russians; he drove the
Russian guard from the Halle gate, occupied
it with his own troops, wishing to participate
in every advantage, although he protested openly
against the capitulation. Czernichef settled
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SKVKN YKARS WAK.
this dispute by ordering that three of the gates
should be given up to the Austrians, and that
they should receive 50,000 dollars of the mo-
ney which had been paid for the soldiers.
It was necessary for Tottleben to act with
some dissimulation, as during the time that he
was in public threatening the inhabitants with
severity in private he made them aware of
the good intentions which he justified by his
deeds. They had been able to evade the cruel
orders of Fermor, but this was not enough,
for the demands of the other enemies of Fre-
deric, who set no bounds to their wishes and
plans for destruction in his capital, were far
more exorbitant and barbarous; for amongst
other requests, they wished to blow up the
new Arsenal, one of the most beautiful build-
ings in Europe, and the consequences of its
destruction, situated, as it was, in the midst of
the most populous and splendid parts of the
city, would have been fearful. Tottleben was
forced to give way, and some Russian soldiers
were sent to fetch the necessary powder from
a mill not far from Berlin; but these men,
not aware of the nature of the service they
were on, approached the powder magazine with-
out any precautions, set it on fire, and it was
blown into the air. This saved the Arsenal,
as at this time there was a scarcity of powder;
but its contents were entirely destroyed as
well as all the machinery of the mint and the
royal manufactories, and the magazines were
cleared, as was the treasury of 100,000
dollars.
The newspapers of Berlin had not used
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HISTORY OF THK
much moderation in speaking of the customary
cruelties of the Russians, and it was now that
the editors were to be punished, as had Fer-
mor's orders been fulfilled, they would have
had to run the gauntlet; the day and hour
were fixed, and these unfortunate men were
already in the guard house awaiting their
dreadful fate. Tottleben, who had not been
spared in the newspapers, and who for his
own safety thought it necessary to revenge
the insult to the honour of the Russians, ap-
peared more immovable than usual; but Gotz-
kowsky, who made this affair his own, never
ceased his entreaties until the punishment was
remitted, and the editors were merely taken
to the place where the soldiers were drawn
up for their punishement, and then received a
reprimand.
An order which caused much consternation
was issued that the inhabitants should deposit
all their arms on the Platz before the Palace,
and many believed that the intention was to
disarm them that they might the more easily
be plundered. Gotzkowsky got this order re-
versed, but for appearance sake, some hundreds
of useless muskets were deposited on the Platz,
broken to pieces and thrown into the water.
Another order of Fermor's was the levy-
ing a heavy contribution on the jews, and
the two principal men of this people, Ephraim
and Itzig, were to be taken as hostages; but
although Gotzkowsky was the means of aver-
ting this evil from them, he was rewarded be-
fore the year was out by the basest ingrati-
tude on their parts.
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SKVKX YKAHS WAM.
It had been agreed on that no soldier should
take up his residence in the city, but Lascy,
always the bitter enemy of the Prussians, laughed
at this convention, and took up his quarters
with several regiments in the town, contrary
to the expressed wish of the Russians. This
gave rise to great excesses, for not content
with getting food and drink from the inhabitants,
they insisted on extorting money, jewels and
clothes, in short every thing they could lay
their hands on. All at once Berlin became a
scene of confusion ; Croats, hussars and cosacks
robbed, and beat people in midday; if any one
was in the streets at night they were stripped
of their clothes, and a number of houses were
broken into and pillaged. The Austrian* by far
surpassed the Russians in these outrages, for
disregardful of all the terms of the capitulation,
they only gave way to their national hatred,
and to such an extent, that at last Tottleben
found it necessary to send troops into the city,
and to Are upon them repeatedly. They went
into the royal stables which were guaranteed
by the treaty, and protected by four and twenty
Russian soldiers, dragged out the horses, destroyed
the royal carriages, and then pillaged the re-
sidence of Scbwerin, the master of the horse.
Hospitals, the refuge of the sick and the needy,
and which would have been respected by the
greatest barbarians, had no better fate; rapine
was their watchword, the very churches wrere
desecrated, and this line of conduct would still
have been pursued had it not been for the
earnest representations of the Dutch ambassador
Verelst, who pointed out to the generals the
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HISTORY OP THR
disgrace tliey were bringing on themselves and
their country.
This love of pillage became like an epidemic,
and infected the Saxons, who had always been
noted for their discipline and humanity of con-
duct; they were stationed at Charlottenburg, a
town two leagues from Berlin, celebrated for
its royal palace, and by their conduct rendered
themselves unworthy of their country. They
forgot that in all probability the king of Pruss'a
would ere long return to Saxony, and take
vengeance on them ; and breaking into the palace,
every thing they could lay their hands on,
looking glasses, porcelain, carpets, and even the
pictures were destroyed. Those valuables which
were not cut to pieces were stolen, and taken
away by the officers; the chapel was pillaged
and the organ spoilt; but what caused the greatest
annoyance to the king was the destruction of
some antique statues, which he had procured
from the gallery of Cardinal Polignac. When
Frederic saw this scene of devastation after the
peace, he exclaimed: "The wretches! but they
could not know the value of these treasures,
so — they must be forgiven." The inhabitants
thought they had purchased safety by the pay-
ment of 15,000 dollars; but they soon found
out their mistake, as their houses were pillaged,
the men ill treated and the women and girls
dishonoured.
Schonhausen, a small palace of the Queen's,
was treated in a similar manner to this place; for
eight Russian hussars came to it, and required
the plate to be given up to them; it was in
vain that they were told that it had been sent
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away, and having searched the palace, and
found nothing, they stripped the warden and
his wife naked, flogged them, and bumt them
with red hot irons. A few days after fresh
bodies of soldiers came, and treated the palace
as that of Chariottenburg; one of the servants
was placed upon a burning fire, and another
was cut to pieces with their sabres; the un-
fortunate women were reserved to satisfy their
brutal appetites.
The Austrians as well as the Russians had
serious thoughts of taking up their winter quarters
in Brandenburg; and they both looked upon the
war4 as nearly at an end, as they had each
large armies in the centre of the Prussian states,
and they had overrun nearly all the provinces;
the Swedes were advancing, the troops .of the
Empire were in Saxony and masters of the Elb,
Laudon was in Silesia, and Daun was constantly
near the king with a powerful and superior
force.
But this expected triumph soon vanished from
their minds, for Frederic advancing rapidly from
Silesia soon altered the appearance of affairs,
and the cry: "The king is advancing," ran
through their ranks like an electric shock, and
set them all in commotion. The Austrians and
Russians immediately left Berlin, and Czernichef
and Tottleben made such rapid movements that
in two days they were twenty four leagues from
this city; Lascy hurried into Saxony to form
a junction with Daun, the Swedes retreated*
and the principal army of the Russians recrossed
the Oder
Tottleben had received orders from Permor
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HISTORY OF THE
to take with him on his retreat from Berlin,
which commenced the 12th of October, three of
the principal merchants as hostages; but Gotz-
kowsky saved these men, and persuaded him to
be contented with their head clerks, who were
taken by the Russians to Konigsberg, and treated
as felons. From the sudden retreat of the
Russians there necessarily remained many im-
portant matters under discussion, and the magis-
trates entreated Gotzkowsky to undertake to
settle these affairs by going to the Russian
camp. This friend to his country made every
sacrifice, left his family, and his large establish-
ment, in which upwards of fifteen hundred men
were employed, and hurried to the Russian camp
under an escort of cosacks. When he arrived
at the head quarters of the Russians where
Fermor was, he was ill treated, and in spite
of his safe conduct which insured his return
to Berlin, he was to have been sent to Konigs-
berg to await the answer of a letter addressed
by the town of Berlin to the empress respect-
ing a diminution of the war tax ; nothing but
a free distribution of presents of jewellery among
the favourites of Fermor saved him from this
disagreeable journey.
The Russian general was rendered more
vindictive against this worthy man by a cir-
cumstance of which he was not aware ; Frederic,
anxious if possible to prevent the payment of
the remaining million of the contribution, had
sent orders to the magistrates of Berlin not to
hurry themselves, and Fermor hearing of this
made the most bitter reproaches to Gotzkowsky:
"Your king thinks," said he, "that he is the
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SKVBN YKAHS WAR. 377
master of the whole world; I know that he has
given orders not to pay - the outstanding bills
of exchange; hut the empress has the means
of insuring herself from loss. What manner of
merchants are ye? The whole world must have
a care of you, and have nothing to do with
men who are subjects of a king who can by
his orders prevent them from honouring their
bills, and who at his pleasure can deprive these
of their value.'' Gotzkowsky referred him to
the imperative duties of a merchant, and offered
him a bill of 150,000 dollars upon Hamburg
as part payment of the million of dollars, offering
to remain in the camp until a messenger could
fetch the money. All this was done, but before
he was allowed to depart he was forced to
enter into an engagement to return in four
weeks, and an escort of fifty cosacks were to
bring him back; these were attacked by mistake
by the Prussian hussars in Kyritz, and for the
greater part cut to pieces from the negligence
of the trumpeter with the flag of truce, before
Gotzkowsky could prevent it by explaining the
nature of the mission.
All this caused great anxiety in Berlin, as
from the uncertainty of the fate of war, the
Russians who were still in the neighbourhood
might return, and the merchants were much
distressed by the order of the king respecting
the bills; for the Russians threatened to lay
violent hands on all the property of these mer-
chants in Dantsick, Prussia and Curland, and
to post their names in all the exchanges of
Europe as dishonoured. Upon this Gotzkowsky
went to the king who at first would not hear
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HISTOHY OF THE
of the payment being made, in consequence of
the Wurzburg and Bamberg bills not having
been paid ; bat on the nature of the transac-
tion being explained to him, the monarch de-
termined to phy the contribution himself. Gotz-
kowsky went himself to the Russian head
quarters, and after many fruitless attempts to
diminish the amount to be paid, and making great
presents, the only advantage he could obtain
was the permission of free transport for the
merchandise of the Prussian merchants through,
the provinces in the possession of the Russians.
The conduct of this patriot made such an im-
pression on Frederic that he sent him a present
of 150,000 dollars; but he, knowing the wish
of the king to establish a porcelain manufactory
in Berlin, used the money for this purpose ; and
thus was opened, in the midst of a war, a ma-
nufactory which promised to be one of the first
of its kind in Europe.
Frederic was on the frontiers of Saxony
when he first heard of the conduct of the Sax-
ons in Charlottenburg, and nothing gave him
greater pain than their barbarous conduct, which
caused rage to get the better of more philoso-
phical feelings. During the whole course of the
war none of the royal palaces had been injured,
on the contrary they had been carefully pre-
served; but now Frederic sent a body of men
to plunder and destroy the hunting palace of
Hubertsburg, which was so completely and ra-
pidly done that in two hours nothing but the
bare walls were left. The court of Saxony were
not so much dissatisfied with this vengeance
as with those outrages which had given rise
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to it, but the generals excused themselves by
saying they could not controul the rage of their
soldiers. Frederic sent 300,000 dollars to be
distributed to the small proprietors who had
suffered the most, but with the utter exclusion
of the nobility.
In the mean time Laudon had made an attack
upon Cosel, and the season of the year not per-
mitting a regular siege he attempted to take
it by storm; which failing he, in consequence
*of the garrison consisting for the most part of
deserters and prisoners, endeavoured to gain
them over by offers of indiscriminate pardon; but
this ignoble conduct met with no success, and
'was equally useless in its results as was the
bombardment of the town which lasted but one
night, and only set on fire the store house and
a few other buildings. The following day Laudon,
who had heard of the advance of the Prussian
General Goltz sent his heavy artillery away,
and raised the siege.
The occupation of Berlin by the enemy had
been very disadvantageous .'to the king in Sax-
ony, for Hulsen had hardly quitted this pro-
vince before the Austrians and troops of the
Empire recommenced their depredations, and
destroying the bridge at Torgau, took this towu
which was garrisoned with 2000 men, and which
did not offer much resistance; they also took
possession of a large supply of provisions together
with a number of sick in the hospital who fell
into their hands. Wittenberg was now attacked
and regularly besieged, and although but badly
fortified was defended with the greatest bravery
hy its commandant, General Salenmon. It was
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bombarded with great spirit, 80 that in a few
days the greater part of the town was reduced
to ashes, the magazines destroyed and the gar-
rison were forced to surrender as they had neither
provisions nor ammunition.
Frederic was now deprived of all his ma-
gazines in Saxony which was in the hands of
the enemy, and it was only by means of his
sword, with him a never failing resource, that
he could hope again to obtain possession of this
country. The Duke of Zweibrucken had left,
the banks of the Elb with the troops of the
Empire, General Wied remaining in the rear
posted in a wood with 3600 men, and the ad-
vanced guard of the Prussians having fallen in
with him drove him back with a loss of 1900
men. Frederic now advanced upon Duben where,
after having routed a whole battalion of Croats,
lie established a magazine which he protected
by raising fortifications, and placing a garrison
of 5000 men in it ; as, intending to attack the
Austrians with all his forces, it was necessary
to insure himself from an attack on his rear
by the troops of the Empire which were en-
camped near Leipsic. . •
This important city, one of the finest and richest
in Germauy, had always been the object of the
different armies, and both friend and foe were
desirous of gaining possession of it, as it re-
quired but little effort and not a regular siege,
from the fortifications being only sufficient at
most to resist light troops, and as the town
could only be protected by an army outside its
gates; but if it had but slight fortifications it
was possessed of great riches which gave rise
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to so many enterprises, that no city changed
masters so often as this during the war. This
time the troops of the Empire thought seriously
of taking up their winter quarters in it, and
the inhabitants, weary of the heavy drain which
the Prussian levies was to them, were anxious
that they should do so; but Frederic informing
his plans never lost sight of this mine of riches,
and having sent General Hulsen against the
city, the troops of the Empire withdrew in haste,
and crossed the Pleisse and the Elster; their
example was followed by the Duke of Wur-
temberg, who having had some misunderstanding
with the other generals now returned to his
own dominions without having gained any
laurels. Leipsic was now taken possession of
without resistance, and Wittenberg also again
fell into the hands of the Prussians.
It was still the object of Daun to be en-
tirely master of Saxony ; for Dresden, the largest,
strongest and most important city of this country,
was in his hands as well as the greater part
of the Electorate; nearly the whole of the
forces of Austria were assembled in this pro-
vince, in addition to which winter had began,
and the campaign was to all appearance at an
end. But Frederic had determined not to let
all important Saxony be entirely taken from
him, in spite of the many impediments which
lay in the way of his plans for possessing it.
The Russians were at Landsberg on the Wartha,
only awaiting the approach of their confederates
to advance into Brandenburg, and then take
up their winter quarters together with the
Austrians. By these movements the king would
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HISTORY OF THB
have been cut off from Berlin, Pomerania, Sile-
sia and in short from all his resources, for be-
yond his magazine and stores at Duben, which
were nearly exhausted, he had no supplies.
The Prussian army was in danger of starvation,
and the frost which had set in threatened to
close the Rib with ice, so that Frederic's po-
sition was fearful; he must either conquer or
succomb, and as this could only be decided by
a battle, for this he was fully prepared. On
the other hand, in spite of the superiority of
his forces, Daun would not venture this, and
as he thought he could fulfill his wishes by
merely acting on the defensive, he withdrew into
the strong position near Torgau where Prince
Henry had been posted the previous year out
of reach of the attacks of Daun. Frederic crossed
the Elb near Dessau unexpected by the enemy,
and having formed a junction with the Prince
of Wurtemberg and General Hulsen, he then
advanced against Daun.
This general now drew all his detached
troops together with the exception of those
under the command of General Brentano, who
were attacked by General Kleist near Belgem,
and defeated with the loss of a large number
of killed and wounded, and 800 prisoners.
As the king was aware that it was hopeless
to endeavour to bring his opponent to a battle,
he determined to storm the camp of the Austrians,
in spite of all the impediments which lay in the
way of such an undertaking, but which, although
the most difficult to carry out, was the only
one which offered a prospect of success. As it
must be done, it were well to do it quickly,
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and he therefore made his determination known
to the army on the evening of the 2nd of Nov-
ember as soon as the troops had pitched their
tents after a long day's inarch, and every
preparation was made for giving battle on
the following day.
Four days previously he had written to the
Marquis D'Argens, describing his position and
his failing strength in the following expressive
words: "You value life as a Sybarite whilst 1
look upon Death as a Stoic. Nothing shall
induce me to make a disgraceful peace; no
inducement, no eloquence can bring me to sub-
scribe to my dishonour. I will either be buried
under the ruins of my country, or, when my
misfortunes are no longer to be borne, I will
find means to put an end to them. I am deter-
mined to venture every thing in this campaign,
and either to conquer or die an honourable death. "
With such feelings did the king prepare for
battle.
It was on the 3d of November that this cele-
brated battle was fought, in which every thing
was ventured by these two armies, each crowned
with laurels from the many victories they had
gained, and who fighting with the greatest
bravery, and making use of the best military
tactics, caused the fate of this all important
contest to remain long undecided ; until late in
the darkness of the night, the Prussians were
at length victorious. The king advanced through
the forest of Torgau with four columns, and
his plan of operations which was masterly, con-
templated not only the defeat but the annihila-
tion of the Austrian army; as cut off from
HISTORY OF THK
retreating over the Elb, the defeated could only
choose either to fall by the sword or to be
made prisoners. Both wings of the Austrian**,
or rather the extreme points of the half moon
which Daun's army formed, were to be attacked
at the same time, and driven back upon (he
centre, and to carry this into execution, the
king devided his army, which consisted in 60
battalions and 130 squadrons, into two bodies
in order to make two separate attacks at the
same time. .General Ziethen was sent with one
half of the Prussian army on the road which
leads towards Eulenburg, in order to attack the
heights of Siptira near Torgau, and if the king
defeated the enemy with the other half of his
army, the Austriaus must be utterly destroyed,
and the name of Torgau become for ever me-
morable in history.
But many impediments lay in the way of
completing this undertaking, for Daun was
posted in a most advantageous position with
the best troops of the empress, his left wing
supported by (he Elb, bis right protected by
heights and numerous artillery, and with woods,
ditches, ponds and morasses in advance of him ;
Lascy, who was only a short distance from
the main army, was also in a strong position
and protected by a succession of ponds on each
side. It was intended that Ziethen's first opera-
tion should be to attack this body, and then
to hasten to Siptitz ; the deviding of the Prussian
army was to remain a secret to the enemy,
and not to occur until the army was in foil
march, and only when they came to the Leipsic
road. Frederic now advanced with his columns
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across the heath of Domit which was occupied
by the enemy's grenadiers, Croats, dragoons
and hussars, w ho fell back in the greatest haste
upon the main body. Soon after they came
up with an Austrian regiment of dragoons who
were in ignorance of the advance of the Prussians,
and thus were placed between the columns of
the king's forces ; the outlets of the wood were
occupied by the infantry, and the cavalry sur-
rounded this regiment, so that those who were
not cut to pieces were made prisoners. The
king now continued his advance, drew his
advanced guard round the right wing of the
enemy and although the rest of his troops,
infantry, cavalry and artillery were not yet
come up, attacked the Austrians without loss
of time with this small force, which only con-
sisted in ten battalions of grenadiers ; an example
which Charles the XII. had given at Narva, and
had had used with success against the Russians ;
a cannonade, which was heard in the distance,
but which was merely an attack upon some
Croats led the king to suppose that Ziethen
was already engaged with the enemy, and
justified his rash determination. Never was time
more valuable, it was already two o'clock and
only a few hours of daylight remained, which
would in all probability not only decide the
fate of Frederic but also that of the Prussian
monarchy.
Daun received the Prussians with a heavy
cannonade, so destructive that the oldest soldiers
declared they had never seen it equalled, and
the king himself said more than once to his
aid decamp: "What a dreadful cannonade! have
11*
386
HISTORY OF THK
you ever heard its equal ?M Its effects were such
that in half an hour 5500 grenadiers were
stretched on the ground, killed or wounded in
attempting to pass the intrenchments, and almost
before they could fire their muskets; only 600
of them were fit for duty the following day.
What increased the difficulty of the attack was
the hilly nature of the ground, which also
impeded the operations of the Austrian*, so that
their second line was not more than three hundred
paces in rear of the first. The king was much
distressed at the destruction of his grenadiers,
and as their leader, Count Anhalt to whom
he was much attached fell to the ground, he
turned to his brother, one of his aid de camp
and said ; "Every thing goes wrong to day, my
friends are deserting me, and I have just heard
of the death of your brother." It had rained
in torrents but the heavy cannonade appeared
to have an effect on the clouds in the neigh-
bourhood of the field of battle, and it became
clearer.
The principal column now advanced out of
the wood but before the Prussians could make
their appearance, the boughs of the trees were
cut by the bullets, and fell on them, and the
heary fire of the cannon was kept up carry-
ing destruction with it; the Prussians continued
to advance steadily through the smoke of
the firing but found the field of battle covered
with the dead and dying ; the body of grena-
diers with whom they had hoped to unite for
victory destroyed, the army of General Ziethen
in (he distance, and the enemy in security
behind their batteries. The Prussian artillery
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387
endeavoured to bring up (heir cannon but this
was attended with great difficulty, especially
for the heavy artillery, in consequence of the
barricades and the advance of the infantry; the
horses and drivers were killed, and many of the
cannon destroyed. In the mean time the infantry
formed, and made a fresh attack, and the Aus-
trian*, who had advanced after the defeat of
the grenadiers, were now driven back, and in
spite of the heavy fire of musketry from the im-
perialists, the Prussians continued to gain ground,
took several batteries and gained the heights.
But the scene was soon changed, for the
Prussian cavalry not having come up, and
their cannon being useless from remaining in
the wood, the infantry were not supported, so
that Daun taking advantage of this and bring-
ing up fresh troops, they made a bloody charge
on the Prussians, and drove them back into
the wood; their cavalry now came up to their
assistance, but being thrown into disorder
they were driven back. A fresh attack was how-
ever made by them in which the cuirassier regi-
ment, led on by Colonel Daiwig, displayed great
courage, broke the tine of the enemy's cavalry
and falling upon the infantry, drove them back
and made a number of prisoners. The whole
line of the Austrians was in danger, but a
large body of their cavalry coming up the
Prussians were forced to give way, and although
Frederic led on himself a fresh attack with the
infantry, it was not attended with any success,
and night coming on, the men worn out with
fatigue, and the king wounded, the battle was
to all appearance lost for him. Daun sent off
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HISTOKV OF THK
messengers with the news of the victory which
was received in Vienna with the greatest de-
monstrations of joy.
But Theresa was not fated to gain this
victory, for Ziethen had not remained inactive
during this time; he had changed his plan of
operations in consequence of the occurrences
n the kings division of the army, and in spite
of having General Lascy's army of 20,000 men
opposed to him, he was at last enabled to get
the better of all difficulties, and advance to
the assistance of the king. General Saldem
saw that every thing depended on gaining Pos-
session of the heights of Siptitz, and never
losing sight of this object advanced on the
village which was in flames; Colonel Mollen-
dorf supported this movement by marching
through the village, storming the heights of
which the Prussians soon became masters and
being followed by other troops, who dragged
up their cannon under cover of the cavalry,
they commenced a cannonade from the heights,
which threw the Austrians into great dis-
order.
Some of the Prussians of the left wing ap-
proached at this time, and that their victorious
companions in arms might not mistake them
in the dark the drummers struck up the Prus-
sian march; they were led on by General Hul-
sen, who having had all his horses killed, and
not being able to walk from age and his
wounds, got upon a gun, and was thus taken
into the midst of the battle. Lascy who was
always the most unfortunate general of his
time, endeavoured twice to regain possession
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369
of the heights, hut the Prussians having driven
him hack with great slaughter, were enabled to
keep the advantages they had gained and this
decided the battle which had lasted until near
ten at night; the Austrians now only thought
of retreating over the Elb by three bridges of
boats which had been thrown over this river
and the rushing of the stream guided them in
which direction to go; as the night was so
dark that it was not possible to see. The
Prussians had not this advantage and this
caused several bodies of their troops to fire
on others of their own men before the mistake
could be discovered, and it also frequently
occured that Austrian officers fell into the
hands of the enemy and other troops coming
up immediately after released them. Even to
the king this occurred and he together with his
escort fell in with a body of Austrians. To
the customary question "Who goes there?"
the answer was, " Austrians Frederic's escort
rushed forwards, and took a whole battalion
of Croats prisoners. The darkness was such
that it was impossible to bring the troops into
any thing like order and the men remained
during the night dispersed in different parts of
the field of battle.
The long winter's night was dreadfully cold,
and but a few of the troops were able to get
wood to make fires, the others being obliged
to keep in motion to warm themselves they
constantly stumbled over the dead bodies of
the fallen. The ground was soaked with the
heavy rain, but in spite of this many lay down
to obtaiti rest, with their limbs stiffened by
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390 HISTORY OV THR
their wet clothes; many had eaten nothing
since morning, and those who found bread in
their knapsacks knew not where to get a drop
of water. Worn out with fatigue, cold, hunger
and thirst, they all looked forward anxiously
for daylight. The position of the wounded
was dreadful for only those who could drag
themselves from the field of battle reached the
village; hundreds of others were stripped of
their clothes by marauders, their cries for
mercy being in vain and numbers who were
only wounded in the legs and not mortally,
died from the effects of exposure and the cold
of a November night. This night was also re*
markable from the manner iu which it was
passed by the soldiers of both armies who ap-
peared to have decided upon a cessation of
hostilities, and congregated together round the
numerous fires in the forest of Torgau, where
they patiently awaited the return of day, as
neither party was aware of the result, [and
each had determined to give themselves up as
prisoners of war to those who were victor-
ious*
The king had gone to the village of Elsnig
in the neighbourhood of the field of battle,
Where he found every place filled with those
of the wounded who had been able either by
their own exertions or the help of others to
reach this place, and who were now under the
hands of the surgeons; Frederic would not
allow any of them to be disturbed, but had the
church opened, and in it had his wound dressed ;
from this place he issued orders, and despatched
a courier with the news of the battle, in which
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391
lie considered himself the victor; although not
knowing of the retreat of the enemy he ex-
pected that it would be renewed in the morn*
ing, having already given the necessary orders,
and also that the infantry should not fire, but
charge with fixed bayonets. But day had hardly
began to dawn, when Frederic became aware
that he had no enemy to oppose him, and
being in possession of the field of battle the
victory was most decisive. He was now master
of Saxony, for the Austrians crossed the Elb,
and retreated upon Dresden along the banks of
this river. The Prussians now retired into win-
ter quarters.
Oaun who had been severely wounded in
this battle had withdrawn from the army, and
given up the command to General Buccow, but
as this general was shot in the arm as soon
as he had been named as leader his place was
taken by General O'Donnel, who immediately
hastened to cover Dresden, and to take up the
strong position at Plauen, and was followed
and harassed in his retreat by General Ziethen
and the Prince of Wurtemberg who took many
prisoners. The battle had been very bloody on
both sides, for the Austrians lost 12,000 killed
and wounded besides 8000 prisoners fifty can-
non twenty seven stand of colours and twenty
pontons, and the loss of the Prussians was
10,000 killed and wounded and 4000 prisoners.
Many faults had been committed both before
and during the battle by Daun ; but in spite of
this he had defended himself bravely and the
Austrians had shown great courage; so that,
notwithstanding the melancholy news of the
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HISTORY OF THB
battle, Theresa was not dissatisfied with her
general, who wounded, was hastening to Vienna;
she was so noble hearted as to meet him some
miles on his way towards the imperial city,
and to say to him: "I wished to have the
pleasure of being the first, not only to welcome
you, but to congratulate you. on your success
during this campaign, and at the same time to
assure myself of the state of your health, which
has caused me so much anxiety." This queen
was accustomed to encourage her troops and
would generally be present when any of them
passed through Vienna, speaking in the kindest
manner to the soldiers calling them, "her chil-
dren,'* and laughing when the word, "mother,"
ran through the ranks, never allowing them to
depart without a present.
The consequences of this victory were most
important, as all Saxony, with the exception
of Dresden, fell into the hands of the Prussians,
who could now remain in safety in their win-
ter quarters, and Frederic saw himself in a
position to send troops to Silesia, Brandenburg
and Pomerania, to clear these provinces of the
enemy and also to send a detachment of 8000
men to join Duke Ferdinand. Mecklenburg was
again taken possession of, the Swedes were
driven to Stralsund by General Werner and the
Russians had retired into winter quarters in
Poland.
SKVKN Y HA RS WAH. 393
BOOK X.
Finance operations of Frederic— Means resorted to
by Maria Theresa — Treatment of prisoners during
the war— Opening of the campaign of 1760 by the
French — Battle of Kloster Campen — Blockade of
GOttingen — The French retire into winter quarters
— Advance of Ferdinand 1761 — Siege of Cassel —
Battle of Grtinbcrg — Battle of Villingshausen —
Operations of the French armies unter Broglio
and Soubise — The French repulsed at Bremen —
Extraordinary levies and conduct of the French.
The plans for the operations of the war,
which had been formed by the council in Vienna,
were all based upon the false principle of
directing the combined forces as much as pos-
sible towards the conquest of Silesia, instead
of using every possible means for the recovery
of Saxony; it was from this that arose much of
the inactivity and want of determination on
the part of the Austrian generals, and exper-
ience taught them that Silesia could only be
conquered by means of Saxony. As the giant
Antseus in wrestling with Hercules always arose
from the earth with renewed vigour, so Fred-
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HISTORY OF THK
eric, in his struggles in Saxony, was never
defeated without recruiting his strength by
fresh power; for it was from this province
that after the defeat of Kollin and the retreat
from Bohemia that he gained the necessary
forces to conquer at Rossbach and Leutkeii,
and U was from it that he procured means by
which he got the better of the misfortunes of
llochkirch, drove the enemy before him as if
they had been defeated, and was enabled to hasten
to the relief of Neisse. The consequences of the
battles of Kai and of Kunersdorf lost all their ter-
rors so soon as Frederic regained possession of
Saxony, and it was from this that the loss of
a whole army at Maxen had remained without
evil consequences, not even causing a change
in the position of the Prussians. The unfortu-
nate engagement atLandshut, the loss ofGlatz,
the raising the siege of Dresden, and the tak-
ing of Berlin lost their importance, for after
the battle of Torgau he was enabled to as-
semble such forces from this country, that he
came into the field more powerful than ever.
Those countries which had remained at peace
during this time of war had derived great ad-
vantage from the prosperous state of their com-
merce, especially Holland; advantages which
consoled this republic for the raillery of the
different powers engaged in the war. The French
had seized a Dutch post carriage which was
on its way to Hamburg and contained 100,000
florins in specie belonging to Dutch subjects;
it was in vain that the states general com-
plained of this robbery, which had occurred on
their own territory; for the court of Versailles
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refused all reparation, as they thought they
had noticed a partiality on the .part of the
Dutch towards the English, and were also anx-
ious to annoy the inhabitants of Hamburg.
The ill will of the French government
towards this town had many causes. It was
natural that not only the senate but also the
inhabitants should be more inclined to be favour-
able to the arms of their countrymen in the
neighbouring provinces than to support those
of the enemy ; but in spite of this, they had
preserved a strict neutrality, that the prosperity
of their commerce might not suffer; as this city
had been so fortunate as not only to be spared
the horrors of warfare, but also to derive ad-
vantage from it at a time that all the rest of
Germany was more or less devastated. It was
here that so many of the contractors got their
supplies, that so many speculations were entered
into and that such large sums of money were
brought from the different powers at war, and
especially from England; but this town, so rich
and so fortunate in many points of view, was
not fated to remain entirely in quiet during
these unhappy times. The French, like all power-
ful nations accustomed to laugh at the neu-
trality of smaller states, looked upon all who
were not for them during this war as against
them; and they who had levied supplies in so
many provinces, the allies of the Austrians,
without paying for them; and who had taken
possession of Frankfort and Bremen, would
willingly have made an attempt upon Hamburg
had their arms been more successful. But Duke
Ferdinand of Brunswick, and not the king of
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HISTOHY OF THK
Danemark, was then the protector of Hamburg,
and as they could not injure the inhabitants
with their arms, they interfered with their com-
merce.
They soon found an excuse for this purpose ;
a Hanoverian officer of artillery called on his
friend Wuppermann, who was a merchant in
Hamburg, and asked him where he could pur-
chase a number of tin pipes ready made; Wup-
perman told him, the contract was made, and
he became security for the payment. The French
minister in Hamburg, Chambeaux, who was of
a troublesome disposition, and had already
caused much unhappiness in Mecklenburg by
his bad advice, heard of this and thought it a
good opportunity to display his authority and
his zeal for his country. He wrote a memorial,
in which he placed the crime of the merchant
in the blackest colours as that of being in com-
munication with the enemies of France, threaten-
ing him in every possible way, so that the
government* of tfce town, alarmed at his threats,
immediately took steps to search the house
and warehouses of the merchant, but without
finding any traces of his having furnished sup-
plies, or preparations for doing so in future.
Notwithstanding this, Chambeaux threatened them
with the loss of their commerce with France,
and even with sending out privateers against
their merchantmen. Wupperman was now con-
fined a prisoner in his house, there to remain
until the court of Versailles should declare his
innocence; but as new causes of displeasure
arose against Hamburg, from the French not
being satisfied that the Prussians and their
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allies should draw supplies from this city,
Lewis XV., on the «4th of May 1760, did
away with the treaty of commerce which had
been granted to the city in the year 1716.
A cessation of hostilities had been agreed
to between Laudon and Goltz in Silesia, to con-
tinue until the 21st of May 1761, with the
understanding that it would not be done away
with but by giving four days notice. The Prus-
sian general, the Prince of Bernburg, went
into the neighbourhood of Glatz, under faith of
this treaty and enlisted soldiers; but Laudon,
hearing of this in Vienna, hurried back and
required that the men should be given up. The
Prince of Bernburg wished to justify himself on
the ground that it was the territory of his king,
and that he was therefore at liberty to levy
men in it; Laudon's answer was decisive, as
he fell on the unprepared Prussian garrison of
Frankenberg, and took prisoners a whole bat-
talion of infantry and a squadron of hussars ; a
loss, which was but ill supplied by the pos-
session of a few hundred raw recruits. The
cessation of hostilities was now at an end,
and the skirmishes which were constant and
very bloody without being at all decisive again
began.
Frederic had taken up bis winter quarters in
Leipsic after the battle of Torgau, and the in-
habitants of this city had now to pay for the
wish they had expressed of having the troops
of the Empire quartered there for the winter.
For this they were to be punished, and fresh
and heavy contributions were raised on them,
not. only in money but also in supplies of the
ARCneNHOLZ. 12
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HISTOKY OF THK
produce of the country ; it was in vain that
the magistrates stated their poverty, and re-
ferred to the written promise of the king that
bounds should be set to these demands, and
which had now been passed. As there was
still some delay in the payments, they were
threatened with fire and the cry was: "money
or the town will be set fire to." But as the
inhabitants had good grounds for supposing that
the king would not allow such threats to be
put in execution, and soon found that they
were only used by the subalterns, they lost
their effect and men laughed instead of tremb-
ling at them.
Other means were now had recourse to
and the highest authorities and the richest
merchants were thrown into prison and treated
as felons ; they were placed in dungeons
to lay upon straw, without any of the conven-
iences of life. At first one hundred and
twenty shared this fate, but after ten days,
this was reduced to seventeen of the highest
personages who remained four months in pri-
son. They suffered every hardship and the
customary greeting of the taxgatherer waa:
"Now you dogs! will you pay or not;" had
they been separated from one another they
might have given way, but together they en-
couraged one another, and it was not until
they were threatened to be driven to Magde-
burg on foot, with knapsacks on their backs,
and preparations were made for carrying this
into effect, that their courage gave way and
they agreed to comply with every demand as
far as they were able.
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The position in which Frederic found him-
self from his provinces being in part devasta-
ted and in part in possession of the enemy,
and from the necessity of carrying on a tedious
and expensive war against the principal powers
of Europe, forced him to have recourse to un-
usual means, and amongst others to that of
altering the value of the currency, both in
Prussia and Saxony, and that to an unheard
of extent. The right of coining was leased to
a jew of Berlin of the name of Ephraim, who
issued an immense quantity of gold and silver
coins of every denomination and the sum paid
for the privilege was every year raised, until
it amounted to seven million dollars. At first
only gold and silver pieces of Saxony were
coined, and in order to remove all suspicion,
they were marked with the year 1753; after-
wards it was extended to the coinage of Prus-
sia, Mecklenburg and later to that of Bernburg,
permission having been purchased from the
prince for that purpose. Every year the coin-
age became more base, and at last the in-
trinsic value of the August or Frederic D'or
was not more than one third of its nominal
value, from being mostly copper with a very
small portion of gold; whilst the old coin of the
same denomination was worth four times its
nominal value in the current coins of the day,
which in derision were called Ephraimites;
with this base money, the Prussian soldiers
were paid, and it was used in payment for all
the necessaries of the army, as well as for the
salaries of all officials, and the carrying on of
commerce. This line of conduct in deteriorat-
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HISTORY OF THK
ing the currency soon found many imitators,
and several German princes, the governors of
small states who had never availed themselves
of the right of coining now took this opportunity
of issuing base money with which they paid
their expenses, and gave in exchange for the
old silver coinage. Other princes of more ex-
tended dominions who were mixed up in the
war, were forced to do the same; but Hanover
did not follow their example and her money
retained its value. Foreign powers entered
into this speculation, for the Swedes who were
the most in want of money of all the powers
engaged in this war, were the first to employ
this means for filling their exhausted treasury,
and in conjunction with some merchants of
Hamburg established a mint at Stralsund; this
was also done in secret in the English manu-
facturing town of Birmingham and many hundred
pounds weight of this coin were sent to Holland.
The issuing of so much of this money as-
sisted commerce and trade in the first instance
in an extraordinary manner, which caused the
want of intrinsic value to be overlooked un-
til many millions had been dispersed in circu-
lation. Hamburg alone was not deceived, as by
a wise regulation every thing was reckoned for
its value in pure silver, and as soon as re-
mittances were sent in the new coinage it was
assayed, and its intrinsic value ascertained;
this assay, which immediately became public,
might be compared to the famous measure of
the Nile in Egypt, for it was a scale by which
all Europe could measure the value of this
base money.
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401
The whole of the north of Germany %vas
inundated with this coinage, which without
changing its form, its size, or its impressure,
was ever becoming less in value, and deceiving its
possessor with the idea of imaginary riches.
Even the Dutch who had large quantities of
it, thought that after the end of the war they
would be able to purchase Prussian wood and
corn with it at a low rate, but every thing,
and more especially merchandise rose in price
in proportion to the deterioration of the cur-
rency ; and it was only the most necessary
articles of consumption that were not dearer,
as otherwise the soldier could not have sup-
ported himself.
The dreadful effects 'of this financial system
first became apparent by the ruin of many
rich persons who had lived in tranquillity, with-
out having otherwise suffered from the war;
by the bankruptcy of merchants of high standing,
and the reduction of innumerable families to
beggary ; so that it caused even more universal
misery than the war itself.
Maria Theresa made use of other means to
supply her necessities at this time, by making
her subjects pay a property tax of ten per cent,
which with the consent of the pope was extended,
as long as the war should last, to the religious
foundations; but as this was not sufficient,
other means were had recourse to. All officers
on the staff, from the majors to the field marshals,
received their pay, during the latter years of
the war, not in money but in paper, which
was not like bank notes, or having a definite
period to run; but consisted in state bonds, and
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HISTORY OF THK
those who could not wait until the end of the
war for their payment, had to sell their paper
at a considerable loss to a bank, which had
been established for the purpose by the Emperor
Francis, who managed it as court banker, and
in which he employed his own particular capital.
Most of the supplies for the army were paid
for with this paper.
Many sacrifices were made from patriotic
feelings to assist these resources, and Prince
Wenzel of Lichtenstein, the richest subject of
the Austrian dominions, afforded a noble example
of this patriotism. As commander of the Austrian
artillery he not only placed it in excellent con-
dition at his own expense, but also kept up a
part of it from his private income, for which
the empress caused a statue to be raised to
him and placed in the arsenal at Vienna during
the war. Rich merchants also came forward
and showed their love for their country in
many ways, and the ladies of the court of
Vienna, even to the empress herself, were occupied
in making lint for the wounded. It was now
the fashion, and it spread like an epidemic
through the whole city, for the women of the
working classes sacrificed their linen and that
of their husbands, that they might not be merely
inactive spectators of the war; the quantities
of lint that were sent were so great that it at
last became necessary to put a stop to this
good work.
The time which had been spent during the
last five years in fruitless operations for the
conquest of Silesia had not diminished the wish
in the imperial city, of becoming again possessed
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SKVKN YKARS WAR.
AOS
of it, and the taking of GLatz encouraged the
hopes which the mighty confederation were
ready to support by an equal anxiety for its
fulfillment. As they looked on the great victory
gained by the king of Prussia at Torgau as
being for him equal to a defeat, in consequence
of his great loss on that occasion, they deter-
mined to adhere, more strictly than ever, to
the principal of not exchanging prisoners; but
he did not want for soldiers, for the land of
his dominions having been laid waste, thousands
of country people exchanged the plough for the
musket. It is true that the standard of height
was not strictly enforced, as it was men who
were wanted, and these men were speedily to
he changed into soldiers ; as soon as they were
enlisted, and even before they left their homes,
they were drilled from morning to night, without
intermission so that by the time they joined
their regiments they were ready for duty.
The number of old soldiers was now very
small in all the contending armies, in consequence
of the number of battles ; but with the Prussians
military enthusiasm supplied the place of long
service. So many officers had been killed and
the king not wishing to replace them by any
hut the upper classes, young men, far removed
from manhood were taken from the cadet corps
in Berlin,* and sent to the army ; and although
they were wanting in bodily strength they were
* The author was only fourteen when he was sent
in 1758, with thirty nine other cadets, to the king's
head quarters at Breslau where Frederic himself dis-
tributed them among the duTerent regiments.
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HISTORY OF THK
equal in other respects to experienced officers
in other armies. Notwithstanding their high
birth, they were accustomed to carry the mus-
ket, to hard fare, to mount guard in ail weathers,
and well acquainted with every part of the
sen ice, they were filled with high feelings of
military honour. They were not unfrequently
employed, immediately after joining, on important
duties which they performed with the zeal, ac-
tivity and Knowledge of old officers; and often
in battle they stimulated old soldiers by their
words, and gave courage by their example. The
Austrians finding such young men among their
prisoners, and only considering their age, looked
upon this as a proof of the scarcity of men for
replacing Frederic's army who they thought was
now forced to have recourse to supply his losses*
by placing boys in the ranks.
The hatred which naturally exists between
contending nations had gradually increased to
a very great degree; this was displayed in the
feelings of the Prussians and Austrians towards
each other, and the examples of it are numerous
in the history of this time; and the latter
people, at that time so far behind the former
in education, and so devoid of general informa-
tion, distinguished themselves especially in this
national hatred. According to their political
ideas, the war which Frederic carried on was
an insurrection against the power of the Em-
peror and the Empire, and deserving of punish-
ment ; whilst on the other hand, from their
religions feeling, they themselves waged war
against heretics whose extirpation was a praise-
worthy act. In consequence of the defeat of
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SKVKN YKAnS WAR.
Landshut, and the taking of Glatz at the com-
mencement of the campaign, the number of pri-
soners who had fallen into the hands of the
Austrians had been greatly increased ; the greater
part of them were ill treated, and afterwards
hundreds of these unfortunate Prussians were
thrown into the prisons at Vienna which had
been intended for felons, and induced to enter
theAustrian service to escape the ill treatment they
had to undergo. The Prussian officers who had
been made prisoners were kept in small towns,
in order, it was said, that they might not dif-
fuse the poison of their opinions in politics and
religious matters. Acting upon this principle,
they were treated with any thing but generosity
of feeling, and were often for a considerable
time without receiving any pay, being left to
the compassion of strangers for their support;
for the complaints of the poor subaltern were
equally disregarded with those of the general
officers who were prisoners.
Fouquet could not remain silent on this
subject, although it is true that he had been
treated with the greatest consideration and
respect; but his heart was too noble to allow
his companions in arms to apply to him in
vain, because he himself was not equally a
sufferer. He complained bitterly and not-
withstanding it was considered that he had, as
a prisoner, no right to speak so boldly, he took
even higher ground, and although he was aware
that he was hated al Vienna as being the personal
friend of his monarch, his enthusiasm for the Prus-
sian service was so great, that he was led to
make his representations with, it may be, too
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400
HISTORY OF THK
• much energy. He made use of expressions re-
specting the empress and her ministers, which
in England alone would have been allowed to
pass unpunished; he spoke of meanness, of
deceit and of unworthy statesmen who sur-
rounded the throne of Theresa and prevented
her hearing the truth. This mode of expression
was new in Austria and was looked on as a
crime against offended majesty, which was but
mildly punished by sending the sick general
from Brugg on the Leutha to Carlstadt in Cro-
atia, separating him from his servants and
by imprisoning him in a fortress. Frederic who
had many more general officers as prisoners
than the Austrians, revenged his friend by
shutting up four of their principal officers in
the citadel of Magdeburg, who had previously-
resided in that town under no restraint. This
system of reprisals did not stop here; for the
Austrians, not to be behind hand placed those
Prussian officers of highest rank who were
their prisoners in close confinement in Kufstein.
On this Frederic placed all the lieutenant ge-
nerals in the citadel, where they were forced
to remain, so much to their dissatisfaction,
that it was necessary in one instance to make
use of force to induce an officer to give up
his apartment in the town for a room in the
fortress. All this gave rise to an extraordi-
nary correspondence between the Markgraf
Charles of Prussia and General Laudon, in
which each party reproached the other bitter-
ly but without mending matters. The reprisals
continued and all the general officers of either
side were placed in as strict confinement as if
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SKVKN YKAHS WAR
407
they had been felons until peace was concluded
when the Prussian officers were released.
Fouquet's sympathy for his brother officers and
the interests of his king did not go unrewarded;
never was Frederic more grateful than to-
wards this general whom he loaded with pre-
sents and who was allowed to pass the re-
mainder of his life, away from his regiment
and the cares of office in the town of Bran-
denburg and retained the friendship of his mon-
arch even to the grave.
The French opened the campaign of 1760
by bringing 130,000 men into the field, of
which number 100,000 were to carry on their
operations in Westphalia, and the remainder
were to remain in the Rhine districts. Brog-
lio hoped by this means to separate the forces
of the allies; but the carrying out his inten-
tions was very much cramped by the insubor-
dination of some of the principal generals, who
were dissatisfied with some of his demands
respecting their duty. The delays thus caused
gave time to Duke Ferdinand to form a junc-
tion with the reinforcements from England 7000
strong and he now found himself at the head
of 90,000 men of which number 20,000 were
English soldiers. The death of the Landgraf
of Hesse-Cassel, which occurred in January,
caused no alterations in the arrangements of
the allies, as his successor confirmed all the
engagements of his father and adhered to the
same system. The wife of this prince was
now regent of the county of Hanau, as guar-
dian to her sons; but in consequence of the
government of this place having made this
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408 HISTORY OP THE
public, without asking permission from the
French General in command, the whole of the
town council, as well as all the officials of
this small government, were thrown into prison
and condemned to a fine of 100,000 dollars.
In consequence of the French having made
demonstrations of intending an invasion of Ha-
nover, Ferdinand was desirous of attacking them
as soon as he had received his reinforcements,
and commenced operations for this purpose.
The hereditary prince led on the advanced
guard, and falling in with a body of the
enemy which he thought was only a de-
tached corps, he received their attack with
firmness. This detachment was however sup-
ported by the main army of the French, and
continually received fresh reinforcements, whilst,
on the other hand as it was not possible for
Duke Ferdinand to come to the assistance
of the hereditary prince in time to be of ser-
vice to him, the latter had no alternative but
to retreat, which he did not without disorder.
The French cavalry made several attempts to
cut off his retreat, but the prince placed him-
self at ihe head of his men and drove the
enemy back. In this engagement the allies
lost 800 killed, wounded and taken prisoners
together with fifteen cannon. The prince him-
self was wounded, and in spite of his loss
gained great credit both from friend and foe
for the decision and promptitude of his measures
by which he had been enabled to escape a
complete defeat; nevertheless he was most
anxious to make good his' loss, and only seven
days after, on the 16th of July, he attacked
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SKVRN YEARS WAR.
409
another body of French at Emsdorf defeated
them and took 2700 prisoners, as well as their
leader General Glaubitz, together with a num-
ber of cannon colours and baggage. At the
same time Broglio had very nearly succeeded
in cutting off General Sporken with his Hano-
verians, but was prevented by his rapid re-
treat, and the coming up of the allies to his
assistance
The troops from Wurtemberg, who had
been engaged in Saxony, left the French service
in the beginning of this campaign, in conse-
quence of the reigning duke not being willing
to comply with the wish of the cabinet of Ver-
sailles, that he should serve under the orders
of Prince Xavier of Saxony; who as brother
of the Dauphiness had considerably more in-
fluence at that court than the duke. Much
disorder was created in the French army by
the withdrawal of the discontented Generals,
Count St. Germain, Count de Luc and Marquis
Voyer who sent in their resignations; of this
Ferdinand determined to take advantage and
attacked the smaller army of the French 35,000
strong under the command of the Chevalier
Muy, near Marburg, falling on them on both
flanks in front and in the rear. The battle
was fought on the 31st of July and was un-
decided until Lord Granby came up with the
English cavalry who after having ridden two
leagues at speed, fell on the French and put
them to flight. Their cavalry were enabled to
cross the Dimel but the flying infantry, who
endeavoured to follow their example were most
of them drowned. The loss of the French
410
HISTORY OF THK
was 5000 killed wounded and taken prisoner
but the allies only lost 1200 The uncertainty of
the fortune of war was however displayed on
this day, for Cassel was taken by the French,
in consequence of General Kielmannsegg having
been forced to retreat on Hanover from the
overpowering superiority of the force opposed
to him in Hessia. The hereditary prince fell
upon a small body of the French near Zieren-
berg and took 500 prisoners, and about the
same time General Bulow surprised the French
at Marburg and destroyed their baking appa-
ratus.
In consequence of there being but few for-
tified places in Lower Saxony, the war was
herec arried on with great activity ; for the en-
gagements were frequent and both towns and
districts were constantly changing masters
being no sooner conquered by one party than
abandoned to the opposite one. At one moment
the French, masters of a province, looked on it
as their own property, placed it in the hands
of their farmer general from Paris that it might
be exhausted according to their principles; but
hardly had this been determined on, and before
their intentions could be carried into effect,
not a single village of the province which had
been doomed to devastation, remained in their
possession. The conquests of the French be-
came therefore of slight importance, and the
only result they produced was the deter-
mining the point on which the allies should
first make their attack. A striking instance of
the uncertainty of their tenure occurred at this
period for at the time that the principal body
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SBVKN YEARS WAR. 41 i
of (he allies were advancing in their victorious
career, Minden, Cassel, Gottingen, Eimbeck
and Ziegenhain were taken by the French
and Hameln was threatened with a siege; hut
all this passed away like a dream, so short a
time did they retain their conquests. A few
days after Luckner appeared, stopped their
progress, drove them back from Hameln and
took a number of prisoners. On the other hand
the French took 800 prisoners in Ziegenhain,
the field hospital fell into their hands and
they appeared desirous of making a stand at
this place.
Notwithstanding Broglio had an immense
superiority of force he dared not venture a
battle in consequence of the discontent which
prevailed in his army ; he therefore preferred to
secure himself by intrenchments near Cassel,
having fortified Gottingen; thus allowing Ferdi-
nang to cut off many of the supplies of the French
army and distroy their magazines. It had become
extremely difficult to get the necessary suste-
nance for so large an army in these exhausted
provinces and the difficulty now increased every
day. The French required so much forrage for their
horses that it was necessary to send out from
fifteen to twenty thousand men under large
escorts to procure the requisite supply.
At this period the English had become com-
plete masters of the sea and their ships of war
dictated to all the fleets of Europe, at the same
time that their progress was unimpeded in the
other portions of the globe. After having beaten
the French at Quebec, the whole of Canada
had fallen into their hands and they now aimed
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HISTORY OF THE
at taking" possession of the French islands In
the West Indies. The English cabinet, guided
by Pitt, determined to carry on the war if pos-
sible into the very heart of Prance, and with
this view, the Hereditary Prince of Brunswick
was sent with 15,000 men to Cleves in order
to drive the French from that place; and in
order to strengthen his army, he took a portion
of the garrisons from Munster and Lippstadt.
He then crossed the Rhine sent out his light
troops to skirmish in the Netherlands took a
number of prisoners and invested Wesel. His
operations were much impeded by the continuance
of rain which rendered the roads impassable,
the rivers swollen and prevented the advance
of his heavy artillery; but in spite of this the
trenches were opened on the 1 0th of October,
and the siege regularly began. The importance
of the place forced Broglio to take the most
decisive steps for its relief, and General Castries
was sent with a body of 20,000 men which
was augmented by 10,000 who joined him at
Nuys. He advanced by forced marches, and
arriving at Rhineberg, a battle became unavoid-
able and took place at Kloster Campen on
the 16th of October. The hereditary prince,
although much inferior in numbers attacked in
person the enemy, who were advantageously
posted near a wood at Rumpenbroeck, and took
a French colonel prisoner, who not aware of
the proximity of the enemy was going his rounds
in the wood. This officer was no sooner aware
of the presence of the prince, whom he did not
know, than he hurried up to him and said "you
are my prisoner. M " It is not I who am a pr*-
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413
soner but you yourself,1' answered the prince,
u for you are surrounded by my grenadiers."
The battle continued from the morning until
the evening and both sMes fought with great
courage ; but in spite of every effort, the allies
could not drive the French out of the field. The
prince exposed himself to great danger, was
wounded and had his horse killed under him;
at last the allies withdrew in good order and
without being followed although the retreat had
to be made over the Rhine by means of a bridge
which had been broken by the force of the
stream. They made a number of prisoners in-
cluding a French general officer, Baron Wrangel,
and took several cannon; but their own loss
was also great as the battle had been bloody
and they had 1 200 killed, wounded and missing.
The French had lost 2600 but might easily
have gained great advantages from the retreat
of the allies being impeded by the destruction
of the bridge over the Rhine. The prince was
aware of the danger of his position and in order
to conceal it, drew his men up in order of battle,
as if it were his intention to renew the attack ;
and by this means he gained the necessary time
for the passage of the river. The siege of Wesel
was now raised and the hereditary prince en-
camped near Rruynen.
This battle, which has been thrown in the
back ground by more important conflicts, and
the results of which in a political point of view
were not important, has been rendered remark-
able by an extraordinary occurrence that will
be remembered by posterity when the recollec-
tion of these battles and the leaders in them
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414
HISTORY OK THK
shall have, passed away ; for it was the noblest
the greatest and most heroic deed of an indi-
vidual daring the whole war. The Chevalier
Assas, a young Freiith officer of the regiment
of Auvergne who commanded an outpost was
surprised by the allies during the night in the
wood already mentioned. It was dark and he
was at some distance from his men, when he was
surrounded by a body of soldiers ; a hundred
bayonets pointed at his breast threatened him
with instant death if he uttered the slightest
cry. The grand Conde has said "If I were
placed in danger without possibility of assistance
I should be dismayed. M There was no prospect
of help for the chevalier, even could he make
his soldiers aware of the presence of the enemy
and indeed his death could not insure their
safety But Assas, who only thought of his duty-
cried out, "Auvergne! the enemy are here! and
in a moment was "pierced with bayonet wounds.
This noble conduct remained unnoticed for se-
venteen years, and it was only in 1777 that
the minisler of war, Prince Montbarry informed
the king of it, and requested a pension for the
family of this hero, which was granted. The
whole nation were now anxious to do justice
to his great sacrifice and this was even acknow-
ledged in 1790 by the national convention, who
ordered that the pension should still be paid
as a debt due from the people.
It was now the beginning of November and
although winter had set in, the operations of
the allies were continued with activity. Broglio
on the other hand had contrary to his usual
practice remained in a state of inactivity con- '
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415
tinuing in his strongly intrenched camp at
Eimbeck from which he had sent away several
detachments; this and his distant position from the
army of Soubise rendered Ferdinand anxious to
give him battle, and he made use of every
means to induce Broglio to leave his encamp-
ment. But in vain; and as to attack him in his
strong position would have been risking too
much Ferdinand was satisfied by making such
movements as made it appear he was desirous
of cutting off Broglio's communication with
GOttingen. He blockaded this town, so im-
portant for the French, and which was garrisoned
by a bodyofpicked men of 5000 of the grenadiers
de France under the command of General Vaux,
an old soldier who had already been at eighteen
sieges and was crippled by the wounds he had
received. This officer made the best arrangements
for defending the town; the inhabitants were
exhorted to lay in provisions for five months,
every house was visited and note taken of the
supply of food of whatever kind. As it was
now beginning to freeze the smiths were employed
in making hooks and axes to break up the
ice; he gave orders to close the arch of the
small bridge and to open the sluices by which
means a great inundation was produced, and
on the 12th of November he made a desperate
sortie. The advanced period of the season was
a great advantage to him; the rivers were
swollen ; diseases which carried off men and
horses broke out among the troops of the allies,
and the roads were impeded by the numbers
of dead horses. The allies now gave up all
hope of getting possession of this town which
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HISTORY OK THE
was so well provisioned; but Ferdinand had
gained his point completely by means of this
blockade which had lasted twenty days. The
French general retreated and took up his winter
quarters in and about Cassel; Soubise went with
his army to the lower Rhine, and quartered his
men along the banks of the river. The allies,
who had now no enemy to oppose them in
Westphalia, took up their winter quarters in
this province.
Ferdinand now turned his whole attention
to the replenishing the magazines which had
been destroyed by the French in Westphalia
and East-Friesland. The supplies were brought
in part from England and Holland, and also
from the ports of the Baltic, where large quant-
ities of provisions and corn had been collected,
not only for the troops, but for the exhausted
provinces ; precautions which the ever ready
English gold had enabled the authorities to take,
and without which the greatest distress would
have prevailed in the devastated districts.
Every one now looked on the campaign as
ended; but Ferdinand was laying deep plans
which he had determined to carry out in the
midst of winter. The French, who occupied
the Hessian provinces, were in possession of
large magazines and their army was so placed
that it formed an immense semicircle which
reached from Gottingen to Wesel. On the iith
of February 1761 Ferdinand marched forth in
four columns and fell on the French quarters
from every direction. The French were dis-
mayed and fled without making any resistance;
they left in their rear all the strong places which
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SKVKN YKARS WAR.
417
had supported the line of their army and Cassel
was garrisoned with 10,000 men and Gottingen
7500, the weaker positions being abandoned one
after another. They destroyed the magazines
and took to their heels, but the allies followed
so closely that they were enabled to rescue
five of the principal ones from destruction. That
every advantage might be taken at this moment,
the Hanoverian General Sporken approached
the Saxon frontiers at the head of a body of
men in order to form a junction with a part
of the Prussian army. The Saxon troops in
conjunction with those of the Empire used every
endeavour to prevent it and this led to a bloody
engagement on the 15th of February at Langen-
salza in which the Saxons were defeated and
lost 5000 men ; the consequences of this victory
were, that the French quitted many of the
positions they had still held, and deserters came
over to the allies in large bodies ; but this was
but little advantage so long as Cassel remained
in the hands of the French. To besiege this
town was a work of great difficulty, as it was
well provisioned and had a large garrison com-
manded by a courageous and ambitious officer,
Count Broglio the brother oi the French general.
He had made preparations for a lengthened
defence and bad laid in a supply of salted
horseflesh in case of extreme need; nothing
was omitted for defence, nothing spared from
destruction which could in any way impede
that defence, not even the beautiful gardens
outside the town, which were levelled with the
ground, and every effort was made to repel
the enemy.
418
HISTORY OF THK
Ferdinand having placed his array in such
a manner that he surrounded Marburg and
Ziegenhain and protected the besiegers of Cassel
from every attack, the trenches were opened
on the 1st of March and orders given to direct
the fire of the cannon not on the town but
only on the fortifications. The besiegers con-
sisted in 15,000 Hanoverians under the command
of Count Lippe-Buckeburg the first artillery
officer of the day; but from scarcity of the
supply of ammunition, caused by the impassable
state of the roads, he was unable to make any
impression. At the same time Broglio, who
was too anxious to retain possession of this
town not to venture every thing, drew his
troops together, advanced and attacked the
hereditary prince near Gr tin berg. The nature
of the ground was favourable to the French and
the great superiority of their numbers decided
the fate of the day in their favour; the allies
lost, besides a great number of killed, 2000
men who were taken prisoners, a number of
cannon and eighteen stand of colours. This
misfortune was but the commencement of a
succession of others; the investment of Mar-
burg and Ziegenhain had become regular sieges,
for in the last place alone 1500 shells had been
thrown into the town in eighteen days; the
town had been set on fire but was bravely
defended by the French. As it now continued
to rain incessantly it was found impossible to
open the trenches regularly and both sieges
were raised. The same result occurred at Cassel,
where the siege had continued for four weeks,
and all the strong positions which had been
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taken were now given up. Ferdinand fell back
with his army on Paderborn and the French were
once more masters of the whole of Hessia with
the road open for them into Hanover. Nothing
impeded their progress but the scarcity of pro-
visions, the want of which was now of the
greatest importance to them, and both parties
were forced to remain in their present position.
This constrained state of inactivity continued
until the end of June, when Ferdinand was the
first to advance, determined to attack the French
army under Soubise; but this general avoided
a battle and withdrew with such haste to Soest,
that he lost eight cannon and four hundred
provision waggons. Broglio also left Cassel
and fell in with General Sporken and his Hano-
verians on the Dime], who although advantage-
ously posted would not venture a regular battle
with so large a force and retreated constantly
fighting and losing 800 prisoner, 19 cannon and
170 waggons.
Ferdinand continued to harass the French
army with his light troops, destroyed their newly
formed magazines, and intercepted their supplies.
These continued annoyances which were severely
felt, induced Broglio now that he had formed a
junction with Soubise and had a superior force,
to determine on giving battle to the allies, and
in case of necessity to force them to one as
they did not appear at the present moment so in-
clined. As soon as Ferdinand was aware of
this determination, he took up a strong position
at Hobenover, where he was attacked by Broglio
on the 15th of July. The fighting continued
until dark when the French, driven back, with-
420
HISTORY OF THR
drew into tbe thickets on the Satzbach ; at break
of day the following morning the engagement
was renewed and both French armies joined
and advanced in order of battle, Broglio com-
manding the right and Soubise the left wing.
The cannonade as well as the fire of musquetry
was kept up without intermission for five hours
and the separated bod ies of the allies supported
one another on the different positions which
were sharply contested, with courage and deter-
mination ; notwithstanding the difficulties which
were opposed to. the carrying out the clever
dispositions of the German general, but which
were nevertheless completed. The French could
not gain an inch of ground and at last the
allies getting possession of a height threw the
enemy into confusion and drove them back,
forcing them to leave their wounded and cannon
behind, and putting them to flight. A number
of prisoners were taken and the left wing of
the French who were fighting hand to hand ,
with the troops of the hereditary prince now
gave up the contest and withdrew. The nature
of the ground prevented the cavalry from entering
on pursuit to complete the victory, but the loss
of the French in this battle, which was named
after the village of Villingshausen near which
it was fought, was 5000 killed wounded and
taken prisoner, whilst that of their opponents
was 300 killed and 1000 prisoners.
Never was general more grateful to approved
valour or more generous in rewarding courage
displayed in a cause not his own, than Fer-
dinand; the most noble prince of his time and
one who so well understood the art of con-
\
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SKVKN YEARS WAR.
ferring favours. Other generals, masters of im-
mense riches, contented themselves with re-
commending to the notice of the sovereign,
those who had distinguished themselves; but
Ferdinand, although master of no territory and
of limited income, acted on his own judgment
being guided by his noble feelings. He waited
not for the delayed and uncertain result of a
recommendation; he distributed his own money
and thought he could not apply to a better
purpose that given by the British monarch, than
by rewarding those who had done their duty.
His presents were always princely and a number
of officers received large sums, among others
Generals Wulgenau and Gilse who each had
4000 dollars.
A few days after the battle Prince Albert
Henry of Brunswick met with the same fate as his
great uncle and his brother; he had but shortly
before joined the army and was mortally wounded
in a skirmish by a musket ball. Soubise sent his two
most celebrated surgeons into the camp of the
allies ; but their science was exerted in vain to
save this noble youth. This courteous behaviour
on the part of Soubise did not hinder Luckner
from seizing the large magazine at Hoxter, or
the partizan Freytag from burning the store-
houses at Witzenhausen, Eschwege and Wanfried,
sinking 33 vessels loaded with ammunition and
seizing a military chest at Fritzlar with 25,000
dollars.
Notwithstanding all these advantages, and
although Ferdinand was victorious in the last
battle, he had gained but little; for the great
superiority of the enemy and their numerous
12*
422
»
HISTORY OK THK
resources rendered their loss unimportant; and
had the French generals heen united in
their councils they would probably have again
attempted to drive the allies from their position.
But a deep rooted enmity existed between them,
and this defeat, of which neither would bear
the blame, added fuel to the flame and caused
an open rupture. Broglio blamed Soubise for
having been tardy in his attack, and Soubise,
on the other hand, averred that Broglio had
began the attack before the time agreed on, in
order to gain the victory without his help, and
that he had given orders to retreat at the moment
that the army of Soubise had good hopes of
regaining the victory. The dispute ran so high
that it became necessary to refer it to the
judgment of the Marshals of France.
This want of unanimity caused the sepa-
ration of the two armies shortly after the battle,
each retreating; Broglio on Cassel and Soubise
over the Rohr. The former was very near
being taken prisoner when reconnoitring the
position of the enemy ; one of the Prussian
black hussars caught him by the collar of his
coat as he was crossing a hedge and had not
the hussar's horse fallen, Broglio could not
have escaped. He did so but ten of his aids
de camp were taken as well as 200 horsemen
of his escort. The Hereditary Prince of Bruns-
wick also narrowly escaped being taken by the
French a few days previously, as he was watch-
ing their movements near Unna; for he was
surprised by them and had to cut his way
with his escort through their ranks. A curious
occurrence took place at this time; there was
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423
a heavy fog and the armies of both parties were
marching at a short distance from one another.
In consequence the obscurity a French dragoon
found himself in the midst of the columns of
the allies, and discovered his mistake when
nothing but quickness and determination could
save him. He formed his plans in a moment,
and seizing an English officer, who was riding
carelessly by his side, held his pistol to his
head, cried out, "submit or you die." The
astonished officer surrendered thinking that,
misled by the fog he had strayed into the
midst of the French army. This mistake lasted
but a few moments, and he then asked the
dragoon how he could think of taking him in
his present position The trooper answered:
"I know the danger I am placed in, and will do
my best to escape ; if I can succeed in getting
away from your columns you will remain my
prisoner, if not I shall be yours." It was in
vain that the English officer, who looked upon
being made prisoner in this manner as a dis-
grace, offered his watch and his purse to in-
duce the dragoon to set him at liberty; the
soldier was immovable, and as he was for-
tunate enough to escape detection he joined
his own corps along with his prisoner.
The positions taken up in this campaign by
the two armies were the same as those which
the Romans and the ancient Germans had oc-
cupied in their wars eighteen centuries previous.
In the neighbourhood of Detmold was the old
Teutoburg, as has been ascertained by the numbers
of Roman arms and coins which have been
there dug up ; and in the districts of the Lippe,
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424 HISTOBV OF THE
Ravensberg Osnabriick and Munster have been
found the tumuli of the conquerors of the world
who had been sent forth to conquer Germania but
who here found the northern limit of their progress.
The armies of both parties often passed through
the Teutoburg wood, which has its name at
the present time from the fame of its position,
and in the neighbourhood of which the Germans
led on by Herrman CArminius) routed Varus
and the Roman legions, the terror of the whole
world, and obtained possession of the eagles
so rarely the booty of the enemies of Rome.
Half naked and almost in the state of barbarians
they had fought for their hearths; and inflamed
by the love of liberty had conquered the ap-
proved and well armed warriors of Rome who
fought for the conquest of the world.
Ferdinand now found himself under the ne-
cessity of dividing his army in order to watch
the movements of both his enemies who were
once more on the advance. It was Broglio's
object to advance as far as possible into Ha-
nover, and Soubise threatened to besiege Munster
which he had already isolated; but he had
a watchful enemy to contend with in the here-
ditary prince. Under his command the allies
took the town of Dorsten on theLippe by storm ;
a town which had been fortified by the French
and in which the preparations for the siege of
Munster were being made. The commissariat
of Prince Soubise was stationed here and a
large supply of provisions and forrage were
destroyed; the garrison were made prisoners
and Soubise was forced to withdraw over the
Lippe.
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SKVBN YKAHS WAR.
Broglio's army was too powerful to allow
of his being prevented from penetrating into
Hanover, and Ferdinand therefore endeavoured
to bring him to battle in a disadvantageous
position, remaining constantly near him. But
the French general did not allow himself to be
induced to give battle, and as Ferdinand could
not check his advance by force he had recourse
to artifice, and .hurrying into Hessia he cut off
the supplies of the French army from that
quarter; this plan succeeded and Broglio returned
into Hessia. Ferdinand now marched on Pader-
born to watch the French in case they should
renew their projects on Hanover ; and the here-
ditary prince who was in no apprehension for
Miinster joined the main army and destroyed
on his march the magazines of the French which
he found in unfortified places.
In the mean time Soubise again crossed the
Lippe and sent out detachments which overran
Westphalia and devastated this province. Broglio
also sent out skirmishing parties into the Harz
who raised heavy contributions, and Prince
Xavier of Saxony besieged Wolfenbuttei which
surrendered after a bombardment of five days.
The town had to pay a contribution of 200,000
dollars, to make a present of 28,000 to the
general and a compensation of 14,000 dollars
in consideration of their retaining the bells of
the different towers. The greater part of this
was paid in hard dollars, but the remainder in
merchandise and letters of credit, for the pay-
ment of which, hostages were taken. The reign-
ing Duke of Brunswick unwilling to be a spec-
tator of the misery of his people retired with
426 HISTORY OF THB
his family to Zelle. Xavier now advanced on
the town of Brunswick which he invested ; but
the same night that the bombardment was to
have been commenced the young Prince Fred-
eric came to the assistance of his native city,
formed a junction with General Luckner and
fell upon the enemy who expected no such
attack. They were defeated, after some hard
fighting, with the loss of more than a thousand
men and several cannon, and not only raised
the siege but abandoned Wolfenbuttel.
One of Soubise's detachments seized on Os-
nabruck, and as the inhabitants did not consent
immediately to pay a heavy contribution, treated
them with great barbarity. Another body of
men appeared before Emden which was garri-
soned by only two companies of English invalids
who were induced, by the entreaties of the inha-
bitants and the promises of the French, to give
up the town ; but these promises were little heeded
and contributions were demanded throughout
East-Friesland to the amount of a million of
dollars. A portion of this was paid, but the
greatness of the sum required and the cruel
mannec in which it was extorted rendered the
people desperate. The peasants assembled to-
gether, armed themselves as well as they could
and falling upon their inhuman enemies drove
them out of the country-. But shortly after many
of these brave peasants had to pay dearly for
their self-defence in consequence of the arrival
of a fresh body of the troops of the enemy.
The French had never lost sight of the free
town of Bremen and its advantageous position
on the Weser; its size and its riches together
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SEVEN YEARS WAR.
427
with its proximity to the sea, were inducements
to renew those endeavours to become possessed
of it, which had been rendered futile by their
opponents. This place was also important from
its containing the stores of the allies which its
position rendered easy of renewal by sea and
from its communication with Stade.
The French had already shown in Frank-
fort on the Main that they could treat the free
cities as enemies, and knew that complaints of
their conduct to the government of the German
Empire would be unavailing; they had therefore
determined on taking possession and if possible
of keeping Bremen. But the reports of their cruel-
ties, the daily examples of which had been
seen in the neighbouring states, caused the
inhabitants to determine that it would be better
to defend themselves to the last, than to give up
the town to such an enemy. The French were
driven back with loss, and Ferdinand strengthe-
ned the garrison by some English battalions to
prevent the recurrence of such an attempt.
If the French had displayed less activity in
this campaign they had nevertheles occupied
themselves in precautionary measures, and in
making fresh preparations. A portion of the
walls and ramparts of Duderstadt were to be
destroyed and to do this eight hundred peasants
were brought from the Harz, for whom the citizens
had to find food and drink; even women were
not allowed to be idle, for three hundred were
employed to carry a number of cannon balls in
baskets from the iron works at Lautenberg to
Gottingen. Large quantities of linen were re-
quired from the principality of Gottingen, but
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HISTORY OF THK
the chief care of the French was to fill their
magazines, and to do this, they levied contri-
butions from friend and foe. The circle of Fran-
conia sent in a complaint on this subject on
the 10th of November 1761 to the emperor,
from which it appeared that the supplies which
had been sent in and the loss sustained by the
war amounted to twenty three millions of flo-
rins; and they begged the emperor to intercede
with the king of France that the circle might
be exempted for the future, as otherwise the
circle must withdraw from its allegiance to the
Empire. But the complaint was not listened to,
supplies were ordered and sent in, and the
threat of the circle was not fulfilled.
An extraordinary document which Anton
Ulrich Duke of Saxe - Meiningen addressed,
shortly after these oppressive levies, to the
states general of the circle of Franconia, displays
the character of this oppression in a marked
manner. In it he says: "All the nations of Europe,
with the exception of Portugal, had either de-
vastated these provinces or oppressed them by
the passage of their armies. None of these re-
fused to the states general the consideration due
to them ; it was left to our enlightened age that
France should treat this assembly, composed of
reigning princes and nobility who were their
allies, with disrespect, and use coercive measures
which they would have hesitated to carry out
against the Chambre des Hequetes in Grenoble.
In the kings name and for his service, are the
all-powerful justifications for every oppression
and levy."
This complaint from a German prince was
■
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SEVEN YEARS WAH.
looked upon as a crime and the duke was forc-
ed to whithdraw it in consequence of threats.
But despotism did not stop here : in France it
was then necessary to have a lit de justice in
order to do away with the decisions of the
courts of law by the will of the king. This
was a brilliant spectacle by means of which
the laws were rendered of no avail and the
people dazzled and silenced. But in Germany
the French court did not think it necessary to
use such ceremony; a messenger brought the
orders of Lewis XV. to the states general of
Franconia at Nurnberg to erase from their
archives the complaint of the Duke ofMeiningen
and also the resolutions they had adopted in
consequence of it. These ordres were immediately
obeyed, as they were accompanied by threats
in case of non-compliance, to which the pro-
ximity of the French army gave due weight.
The French were enabled by these stringent
measures to supply all their wants; and their
demands extended even to requiring a number
of cats from Hanover to destroy the immense
quantity of mice in the granaries of the French.
As the cats could not bear the confinement,
requisitions were sent for hedgehogs and foxes.
The example Frederic had given in Saxony
was now followed in Hanover, and a number
of recruits were raised from the ages of fourteen
to forty, to fight against their country, and in
case of desertion they were punished with
death. In the town of Gottingen the French
took upon themselves the duties of the police
and the shoemakers whose work was badly done
were flogged on the market place in presence
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HISTORY OF THE
of the guild of their trade. The constant changes
and disturbances in this town caused the greater
part of the students and professors to go to
Clausthal ; hut the fate of Hessia was worse
even than that of Hanover. Recruits were rais-
ed and if the soldier, forced to tight against
his country and all that was dear to him, endea-
voured to escape from his detested colours, he
was hanged without mercy. All the men ca-
pable of bearing arms were impressed and emi-
gration was to be punished by the galleys.
The French soldiers were constantly exercised,
as they were trying to introduce the Prussian
exercise into their army by means of the de-
serters who came over to them.
SKVBN YEARS WAR
4M
BOOK XI.
Death of George II. — Progress of literature and arts
in Germany — Campaign of 1761. Advance of Fred-
eric into Silesia— Junction of the Austrians and
Russians — Camp of Bunzelwitz — Retreat of the
Russians — Taking of Schweidnitz — Treachery of
Wargotsch — Operations of the Russians in Pomera-
nia — Siege of Colberg— Retreat of the Prince of
WOrtemberg — End of the campaign — The Austrians,
Russians, and Prussians retire into winter quarters
— Negotiations with the Ottoman Porte— Reduction
of the imperial army— 1762 war between England
and Spain — War in Portugal.
•
All the nations engaged in this war were
most anxious for peace; not so their rulers,
with the exception of Frederic, who alone was
willing to make sacrifices to obtain it. At this
period Theresa herself would not have been
satisfied with regaining possession of all Si-
lesia, if she had failed in her principal object
of degrading Frederic from his position of King
to that of ruler of a small principality. Eli-
zabeth had satisfied her feelings of revenge, and
would not have been disenclined to discon-
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432
HISTORY OF THK
tinue a war which was to her a heavy harden,
had it not been that she looked upon the kingdom
of Prussia as a Russian province of which she
could only retain possession during the war,
and which she could not make up her mind to
resign. The court of Stockholm and the whole
of the Swedish nation were from the first averse
to the war with the king of Prussia, but the
direction of affairs was in the hands of the
council of the kingdom who blindly obeyed the
orders of the court of Versailles. The French
looked anxiously forward to the termination of
a war which drained their country of men and
money, and * which having been engaged in, not
for the advantage of the nation but from ca-
price, had been continued for the private ad-
vantage of the minister and the mistress of the
king, and was now prolonged with acrimony,
and without cause after having brought more
disgrace on the French arms than any war
on record; and yet, in case of a sucessful ter-
mination it offered no prospect of advantage to
the state.
Lewis XV. thought of nothing but pleasure
and cared little for the success or misfortunes
of his people. Choiseul, inexhaustible in his
resources as a minister, from his knowledge of
state policy was now at the head of affairs;
he had formed the alliance with Austria, was
fond of war and disliked the king of Prussia.
His feelings of hatred had been increased by
the reading a letter in verse written by Frederic
to Voltaire, who was then residing in France,
and who, from fear of the Bastille, had com-
municated it to the minister. Choiseul who
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SKVKN YEARS WAR.
433
had been very roughly handled in this letter,
which was not intended for publication, forgot
himself so far as to answer it by writing a
letter in which he made use of expressions
worthy of the poissardes of Paris; and from this
time his hatred and desire of revenge knew no
bounds. He formed numerous plans, and used
every endeavour to induce Spain, with whom
he had just concluded the famous Bourbon al-
liance, to join in the war; and that he might
gain time to re-equip the navy of France, sought
to restrain England in the midst of her victor-
ious career by means of negotiations. He
also determined to send an army in 6000 flat
botomed boats to make good a landing on the
coast of England in order to change the face
of affairs of the war in America which had
hitherto been so unfavourable to France. Count
Bussy was sent to London to offer a cessation
of hostilities which was not agreed to, although
Mr. Stanley was sent as ambassador to France ;
for the French negotiations were merely dictated
by diplomatic intrigue and therefore produced
no results. Theresa also thought she might de-
rive advantage by the same means, and ex-
pressing her desire for peace, proposed Augsburg
as the place of meeting; but in consequence
of Frederic's refusing to allow any ambassador
from the Emperor to be present, the prelimi-
naries were delayed from day to day.
The court of Madrid, faithful to the secret
alliance with France, endeavoured to force her
mediation on England. As this was refused,
the Spanish ambassador in London made use
of some threats towards Pitt who replied to
ARCHENHOLZ. 13
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434 HISTORY OF THE
them by saying: "You have heard my deter-
mination; I shall not depart from it, until the
Tower of London is taken sword in hand." As
the principal point of dispute in all attempts
at making peace, with the confederates, was
the compensation for the loss of the Electorate
of Saxony, Frederic thought to settle this question
by an exchange of territory and offered to give
up the kingdom of Prussia and his Westphalian
provinces in return for the retaining possession of
Saxony, and also proposed that the family of Au-
gustus should hold the title of king as hereditary ;
on the other hand he wished to have that of
king of the Vandals. The income of either
territory was about the same and the vicinity
of the new kingdom to Poland promised great
facilities to the continued possession of this
crown. The offer was however instantly re-
jected as Augustus looked on it as an affront
and would consent to no terms which referred
to his giving up his beloved country; but had
it not been for the great changes which took
place in Russia during the following years, this
project would have been realized and the con-
queror would have dictated terms, which must
have been accepted willingly or unwillingly,
and would have retained possession of Saxony.
The enemies of Frederic were under no appre-
hension that their expectation should be deceived
as to the continuation of the zeal of the different
courts in the carrying on of the war, or any
fear that Spain would fail to add her strength
to their powerful coalition ; and as there
appeared in Vienna, Versailles and St. Peters-
burg as well as in Warsaw and Stockholm fresh
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435
cause for hopes of success, all thoughts of peace
were abandoned.
In the mean while Frederic sustained a severe
loss by the death of George the Second, king of
England who died in October 1760. With him
expired the zeal which had characterized all
the operations of the English in Germany, or
to use the expression of Pitt, the desire to con-
quer America by means of Germany. The whole
people were now convinced of the utility of
carrying on a war by land and were anxious
for its continuance; but Pitt who was still at
the head of affairs had no longer the same
power in the council. From the moment of the
king's accession he was forced to share his in-
fluence with Lord Bute, a minister without
any talent in administration and who only knew
how to make himself necessary to his monarch,
and whose vacillating measures could only,
tend to the downfall of a powerful nation. This
was in fact the moment of the decline of the
power of Great Britain; a power which had
reached its highest point in 1761. Lord Bute,
who was aware of his utter incapability to
govern, and yet was anxious to be at the head
of affairs, thought that he would meet with
less difficulties during a time of peace, and
that he could then better carry out his projects
for extending the power of the king. He was
therefore anxious for peace; but as all the other
ministers, the parliament and the people were
of a different opinion he dared not express his
wish, and contented himself by working under-
hand to reach his object. The effects of this
soon showed themselves, for the treaty with
436
HISTORY OP THR
Prussia was not renewed, and Frederic received
no more subsidies, although George the Third
had promised in his first speech to the parliament
to fulfill the engagements made with Prussia
against the confederates. The parliament had
likewise, in an address to the king, expressed
its intentions to the same effect and made use
of the following expressions, so honourable to
Frederic as coming from the senate of a foreign,
nation. "We cannot sufficiently admire the
immovable firmness and the inexhaustible re-
sources of the mind of the king of Prussia, our
ally.— We most willingly and without delay
grant the supplies for his assistance." Bute
would not hear of this; in the first instance he
sought for every means of evasion, and at last
the payment of the subsidies was refused, as
Bute hoped by this means to force the king of
Prussia to come to terms for peace according
to his wishes.
In the midst of the turmoil of war Frederic
did not neglect science and literature; and
especially when in winter quarters he devoted
a considerable portion of his time to study and
to the arts. Colonel Quintus Icilius, whose
family name was Guichard, was daily with him;
he possessed great knowledge of ancient and
modern literature and had made the art of war
of the Greeks and Romans his particular study,
which induced Frederic to give him the name
of a Roman centurion, and which he retained
the whole of his life time. As Frederic passed
the winter for the first time in Leipsic after
the battle of Torgau, Quintus induced him to
converse with the professors of this university ;
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SKVEN YKAHS WAR.
437
but the prejudice of Frederic against German
writers was unbounded and he read no books
in his mother tongue from the impression that
German literature in 1760 was in the same
position as it had been in 1730, when he as a
prince was a martyr to German pedants, and
the court fool Gundiing was president of the
academy of science at Berlin. But in the midst
of devastation and indescribable misery, this
literature so much despised by Frederic was
breaking forth in its dawn and giving good
promise for the future.
The Germans had long been famous as
being a most learned people : they studied
deeply in science, and by their unbounded appli-
cation and the acquisition of the languages of
other nations became their instructors in many
branches of knowledge. But they still remained
only men of accumulated learning which in
them got the better of genius; and these men
Who in imagination lived more in Athens and
Rome than in Germany, often knew nothing of
the principles of good taste. In addition to this
their language was not formed, and the beauties
the richness and strength it possessed, were un-
known until brought into life by the genius of
its immortal poets. It was now making rapid
progress, but this advancement could not be
appreciated by other nations from their want
of knowledge of the language. The change
occurred during the period of this extraordinary
war in which so much genius had been en-
gaged to be brought to light in so astonishing a
manner. -
Never did the development of the genius of
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438 HISTORY OF THB
a people occur more rapidly or display itself hi
a more extraordinary manner, and never did
the greatness of human nature appear under
such different aspects as during this period.
Whilst the German heroes, Frederic and Ferdi-
nand, were teaching the rest of Europe the art
of war in the midst of the roar of the cannon,
Winkelman got the hetter of the errors of anti-
quity to bring order into the place of the for-
mer confusion in science^ Euler pointed out the
path of the planets and Mengs became the Ra-
phael of the eighteenth century. Artists of all
kinds increased in number throughout Germany
and displayed their talents in statuary, medals
and engravings. The German muse aroused the
talent and science of her country in the midst
of the turmoil of war and the lyre of the poet
and the works of the artists were crowned
with their newly planted laurels.
This advancement extended on all sides, and
at a time when the science of war was attain-
ing perfection, the German theologians aban-
doned their incomprehensible doctrinal disputes
to teach pure morality. The art of criticism,
which in Germany had as yet remained in its
infancy, now began to enter upon a more extend-
ed career. The learned in the law gave up
their barbaric language ; physicians no longer
showed their learning in Greek to their patients
and now began to speak and to write, so as
to be intelligible. The German natural histor-
ians, although they had no painter of nature
equal to Buflfon, continued to instruct all the
nations of Europe, even the French and the
English, by means of their new discoveries,
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SEVEN YKARS WAR. 439
their indefatigable research, and their powers
of application.
But in poetry the Germans shone the most ;
Haller, Hagedorn, Bodmer, Uz and Gellert had
already wasted their exertions upon an un-
educated poeple. But a more favourable time
had now arrived in which so many events
and such passions had awakened the most im-
penetrable men throughout Germany, if not to
activity, at any rate to sympathy; and Wie-
land, Klopstock and' Lessing now came forth;
three men destined not only to secure the
fame of Germany, during their own existence,
hut even in futurity, and to be placed by the
side of the greatest men of other nations; a
destiny towards which they now as young men
set forth with slow but certain steps. In ad-
dition to these Kleist sang the beauties of na-
ture, Gleim was the Anacreon of Germany,
Ramler the Horace and Gessner the Theo-
critus.
This brilliant commencement of national fame
in literature was •however not appreciated by
Frederic, and he retained the prejudices which
the impartiality of his learned friends could not
get the better of. At this time there were two
staunch defenders of the new German literature
about the person of the king ; these were the
English Ambassador Mitchel, and the French
Marquis D'Argens, the friend of Frederic, who
both tried to impress on the mind of the mon-
arch the progress of genius in Germany. But
as he could not endure the characters of
German printing the representations of these
learned men were in vain, and Gottschcd who
440 HISTOHY OK THK
was by many looked on as a remarkable man,
was unable to get the better of this prejudice when
he had the honour of a conversation with the
royal poet. The contracted nature of the pow-
ers of this learned man, and his entire want
of taste and wit rather tended to strengthen
the opinions formed by the king and affirmed
his decision on this point for the rest of his
life time. Latterly Frederic requested Quintus
to introduce Professor Gellert to him and was
astonished at the profundtiy of his knowledge,
his good taste and his manner of delivery,
which, drew forth such praises as put the mo-
dest Gellert to the blush;* even the freedom
with which he represented to the monarch his
too great partiality to the French, and his de-
preciation of German literature, did not cause
displeasure. He however only had one inter-
view notwithstanding the king begged him to
come often; for Gellert as he stated in a letter
to Rabener followed the advice, uurge not thy
presence on a king."
The unexpected withdrawal of the English
subsidies had no doubt some effect in the de-
termination of Frederic to act during the next
campaign on the defensive. His caution, to
which the Austrians were not accustomed,
was looked upon by them as a feint in order to
carry his point with the more certainty, and
they therefore did not act on the offensive but
contented themselve with watching his move-
* The king on this occassion made use of the
expression "C'est le plus raisonnable de tous les
savants allemands."
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SKVKN YKAHS WAK.
441
ments. The principal object of the Austrians
and Russians was still the gaining possession
of Silesia; to prevent which the king advanced
in the spring of the year (1761) into this
province, leaving Prince Henry at the head of
an army in Saxony, where Daun had remain*
ed with his principal force, having sent Laudon
to try his fortune against the king. This latter
general, who had hitherto only commanded de-
tached bodies, now led on for the first time
a large army and invaded Silesia ; but restrict*
ed by the orders from his court, he contrary
to his custom carefully avoided a general en*
gagement. He remained for two months in the
strong position of Braunau trusting, as Daun
had ever done, to the protection of the hills
for his safety. At last he commenced opera-
tions in order to form a junction with the Rus-
sians which, as in Hhe previous year, was to
be the principal object of the campaign. General
Goltz was posted near Glogau with 12,000 men
as a corps of observation on the Russians, and
the king strengthened his force with 9000 men
ordering him at the same time to attack the
different detachments of the Russians as they
advanced. But Goltz died suddenly and the
command was given to Ziethen, who advanced
into Poland, but was forced to give up this plan
in consequence of the concentration of the whole of
the Russian forces. They now invaded Silesia and
endeavoured to form a junction with Laudon
who was posted on the opposite bank of the
Oder; but the king was enabled to get the
start of them by extraordinary forced marches
and advanced with the whole of his army on
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442 HISTUIIY OF THR
the 4th of August into Silesia, and by means
of his rapid movements he rendered it impos-
sible for some time for the Russians to cross
the Oder. They had acted with indecision in
their operations, and to occupy their time had
bombarded Breslau from seven batteries ; so that
it was not until the i2th of August that the
junction was formed at Striegau which should
have been completed, according to their plans,
in the beginning of July and which had been
already determined on four year previously. As
there was already a scarcity of provisions in
the Russian camp, Laudon sent to Jauer four
days afterwards, 400,000 rations of bread for
them. A few weeks anterior to this two wag-
gon loads of medals had arrived at the Russian
head quarters as rewards for services at the
battle of Kunersdorf, and which were distri-
buted to the soldiers.
Butturlin was the commander in chief of the
Russian army which consisted of upwards of 60,000
men ; the strength of the Austrians was 72,000
men and to oppose these Frederic had only an
army of 52,000 men with which he occupied a
camp atBunzelwitz near Schweidnitz and defen-
ded by that fortress. The army of the enemy
were formed in a semicircle round this position
leaving the rear of it unopposed. Never had
Frederic as King and general, and especially
as the latter, been so critically situated; for to
give battle, in other cases his best resource,
would now have been folly, opposed as he was
to such a superior force; for even a victory,
dearly as it must have been purchased, would
have availed but little against so numerous an
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SKVKN YHARS WAR.
443
enemy, and the result of a defeat would have
been most fearful for the king. But what had so
often assisted the Prussians and made up for
their deficiency of number was: "Cesar and
his good fortune." Frederic took but little time
for consideration, and determined for the first
time in his life, carefully to avoid a battle. In
his main army the tlower of his troops there
had never been a thought of having intrench-
ments, especially When the king was at the
head of his soldiers; they had been in the
habit in his camp of throwing up slight works
for the defence of the outposts, and batteries
for the heavy cannon ; but now the whole camp
was to be fortified. In this, as in all the opera-
tions of Frederic, the manner of its execution
and its rapidity were extraordinary and without
example in modern warfare.
The central point of the camp was about
two leagues from Schweidnitz and the AVhole
circumference in which the infantry were encamped
formed one continuous line. The intrenchments
consisted of ditches, sixteen feet deep, and of
the same width, and connected together by twenty
four heavy batteries; before the lines palisades
were planted and chevaux-de-Frise, and in
advance of these rows of false ditches six feet
deep. Intervals had been left for the cavalry
to pass through and by which the infantry could,
according to circumstances, fall upon the flanks
or rear of attacking parties. On some points
the camp was protected by morasses, on some
by the Striegau waters, and on others by the
a wood called the Nonnenbusch in which barri-
cadoes were made and sharp-shooters posted.
444
HISTORY OP THB
Four fortified mounds inside the camp formed
bastions and the bill called Wtirbenerberg appeared
on the left wing like a citadel. Nothing was
to be seen but batteries and each of these had
mines in them, or in advance of them covered
ditches filled with powder and combustibles which
could be sprung in a moment, from communica-
tion by trains with the interior of the batteries.
The king had taken a number of heavy cannon
from Schweidnitz to strengthen the batteries
which were now mounted with 460 pieces of
artillery, and bad 182 mines and were placed
upon heights, the advance to which was already
rendered difficult from the nature of the ground,
the small rivulets, and the marshy meadows.
Such was the camp at Bunzelwitz, equal in
strength to a fortress and from its uniting the
principles of military tactics with those of field
fortification was looked on as a model and
offered to the enemy insurmountable obstacles
in the attack. From the elevated position of
the Prussian camp the enemy could not derive
the slightest advantage from their cannon, and
even still less from the musquetry which were
useless against palisades and intrenchments ; and
from their cavalry nothing could be expected,
exposed as it would be to the Prussian artillet y
in all its movements. But if the nature of the
works were admirable how much more so was the
rapidity with which they were completed, for
this was done in three days and nights ; one
half of the army worked whilst the others
rested and so it went on until every thing was
completed. On the plain at the termination of
the intrenchments on the left wing were posted
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SRVKN YEARS WAR. 445
ninety squadrons of Prussian cavalry, who were
anxious to display the manoeuvres taught them
by Seiiilitz on ground so favourable to their
evolutions.
Laudon had full powers from the Empress
to give battle or not as he might judge right;
he wished to choose the former alternative and
in the first instance it was his as well as the
Russian general's intention to attack the King.
But to carry this into effect it required to form
a plan which could not be determined on and
carried into effect in a day on account of many
different causes, both military and political as
affecting the Russians and Austrians, many
customs of warfare, doubts, and wants to be
supplied. Frederic made use of this invaluable
„ time and when the enemy had settled their
doubts and determined on the attack, instead of
finding the Prussian camp they saw opposed to
them a continued line of strong fortifications
which appeared to have arisen out of the earth
as by magic. The way in which these were
to be attacked, or rather to be stormed, required
fresh plans and raised fresh difficulties, so that
in a council of war, at Which Laudon was
present in the Russian camp, Butturliti expressly
declared that he would risk nothing with his
arm}', but that should the Austrians and the
Prussians come to an engagement, he would
send a body of men to reinforce them. In fact
an attack upon the Prussian camp was madness
and nothing but dreadful slaughter could be
expected, even before they could come hand to
hand with the enemy in their place of strength;
and the bravest soldiers shuddered at the thoughts
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446
HISTORY OF THE
of this enterprise which was to he more decisive
than any hattle in the whole war and would
certainly have heen the most dreadful contest
of the century.
It was nevertheless LaudonVs most arden
wish to venture such an attempt, and he was
the more desirous of so doing, as however
great his loss might be, a victory would decide
the fate of the war, and even should Tie he de-
feated the retreat of the Austrians and the
Russians was secured by their position. But he
himself did not think an unfavourable result as
probable, at the least he did not allow the
Russian general to think that the fortunate re-
sult of the attack could be doubtful; neverthe-
less the latter although jealous of Laudon, as
the actual conqueror at Kunersdorf, would not
give way and remained firm to his purpose of
venturing nothing. An important consideration
however completely decided the question; Laud on
was anxious in this battle, the result of which
was to procure the possession of Silesia to his
mistress, to undertake the most difficult and
principal part of. the attack, thinking that by
this means he would secure the concurrence
of the Russians, who were always complaining
that all the fatigues of the war were thrown
upon them. But this plan had the disadvan-
tage of making the Russians play a secondary
part and of forcing their general, Count Butturlin,
although superior in rank and dignity to await
the orders of Laudon and in case of a fortunate
result to be only an auxiliary to the victorious
Austrians ; and in case of defeat to be" looked
on as the sole cause of such an event.
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SKVKN YKARS WAR. 44 7
Frederic was during this time ever prepar-
ed for battle; by day, when all the operations
of the enemy could be watched his soldiers
reposed, but as soon as the twilight of evening
began to close in, the tents were struck and
the whole baggage of the army sent under the
cover of the cannon of Schweidnitz ; all the
regiments remained in the intrenchments under
arms, and the whole of the infantry, cavalry
and artillery were placed during the night in
order of battle. The king generally remained
in one of the principal batteries, where a
small tent was pitched for him; his baggage
was also sent away every night and brought
back in the morning. It was only at sunrise
that the troops fell out of the ranks and again
pitched their tents; the heat was excessive and
with the exception of bread, (here was a scar-
city of provisions, there being no cattle or ve-
getables. The soldiers had nothing to cook and
were weary of their bread and water; in addi-
tion to this they suffered from want of sleep
which became every day more distressing, as
there was no prospect of their being able to
procure more rest; the number of the sick in-
creased amazingly, and these were sent in large
bodies to Schweidnitz. The discontent through-
out the army was general and many would
have deserted their colours had not the intrench-
ments prevented their doing it by day, and the
remaining under arms rendered it impossible
during the night. All the precautions which
had been taken augmented the indctermination
of the generals of the enemy and also their
-
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448
HISTORY OP THE
uncertainty as to the strength or weakness of
the different portions of the camp.
The junction of the Anstrians and Russians
which had been so much feared by the king
was now a fortunate circumstance for him, for
the greater part of the campaign had been oc-
cupied with marches to gain this object. Had
it not taken place, only the Russian army
would have remained in a state of inactivity,
and Laudon would have been left at liberty to
act as he pleased with a vastly superior force
and advantages; as Frederic in order to watch
the operations of the Russians, would have
been necessitated to divide his army, which
he had now been able to unite under his own
command.
The principal dependance of the king was
placed upon gaining time and upon starving the
enemy, as he himself was free from anxiety
on this head, from Schweidnitz being at least
well provisioned with bread and forr age ; and the
scarcity of these most necessary of all requis ites
could not fail to occur in so numerous anarmy
as that of his enemies, confined as it was in a
small space between hills where it was difficult
to obtain supplies. The price of com was al-
ready enormous and the scarcity which soon be-
came unbearable to the Russians was increased by
the operations of Frederic, who sent General
Platen with 7000 men in the rear of the Rus-
sians. This officer penetrated into Poland, and
fell upon a large number of waggons loaded
with corn which had been intrenched near Gostin
and was defended by 4000 Russians. He gave
orders to charge them with fixed bayonets and
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SKVKN YEARS WAR
the Prussians rushed into the intrenchments
and made themselves masters of the whole of
the waggons. The 4000 men were driven back,
near 2000 made prisoners and three large ma-
gazines destroyed; this detachment also threa-
tened the principal magazine in Posen, and the
Russians now thought it high time to retreat.
After having for twenty days made fresh plans
and always given them up and after the united
armies had twice advanced to the attack and
been recalled without making the attempt, all
their projects were abandoned and the disposi-
tions for the battle which had already been
made were countermanded. It was however
apparent in the midst of this confusion and ill-
determination that it had been Laudon's plan
to make use of the oblique mode of attack
which had been so advantageously employed
by Frederic.
On the 13th of September Butturlin crossed
». the Oder with his army having left 20,000 men
under the command of Czernichef with the
Austrians, and then withdrew into Poland ; which
country was in fact a Pandora's Box to the
Prussian states, as not only did the devastating
hordes of Russians pour out from it hut also
such swarms of locusts came from these districts
as to darken the air and overrun upwards of
sixty square German miles near Zullichau.
The news of the retreat of the Russians
was a source of rejoicing throughout the camp
of the Prussians, and they celebrated it as if
they had gained a victory; for although Laudon's
army with the body of Russians was nearly
double in numbers to that of the king, the ex-
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450
HISTORY OF THK
treme measures of precaution for defence ceased
immediately. The tents remained standing, the
baggage was not removed, and tbe men no
longer remaied under arms during the night ;
the cannon which had been brought from Schweid-
nitz was sent back to this fortress, the com-
bustibles were taken out of the mines, the
chevaux-de-Frise burnt, and a great portion of the
intrenchments thrown down; in consequence of
which the communication with the surrounding
country was thrown open and the Prussian
camp was now well supplied with every ne-
cessary.
Frederic only remained fourteen days in (his
position after the departure of the Russians; he
looked on the campaign as not yet concluded,
and was anxious to render it remarkable by
his actions. Laudon who was encamped in a
strong position showed no disposition to engage
in a battle; but the king hoped to induce him
to change this by his movements and drive him
into Bohemia, or else find a favourable oppor-
tunity to attack him. The provisions in Schweid-
nitz were nearly exhausted by the continued
draught on them, and on the other hand there
was a plentiful supply in Neisse. All these
considerations induced Frederic to break up his
camp and to advance to Miinsterberg two days
march from Schweidnitz.
This fortified place was, as usual with the
fortresses of the Prussians, not strongly garrisoned
and added to this a great portion of those to
whom the defence was entrusted were not to be
depended on, from consisting of deserters. The
place itsejf, although often, besieged and cele-
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SKVKN YKAHS WAH
451
brateU from its position, was any thing but a
strong fortress ; but the commandant General
Zastrow appeared by his experience and know-
ledge able to get the better of all disadvantages.
At the same time, from the King being in the
immediate neighbourhood there was no prospect
of a siege and nothing was fiirther from Laudons
mind than such an enterprise. However he
took the most effectual measures for surprising
the place and Czernichef offered all his forces
to assist him ; but of these Laudon only took
800 Russian grenadiers, which with twenty
battalions he placed under the command of Gen*
eral Amade. The secrecy of the preparations and
the knowledge of the mode of life of the leader
of the expedition, who was much addicted to
the pleasures of the table, both tended to favour
the surprisai of this weak garrison. The defence
- of fortified places in these times depended much
upon the artillery and the serving the guns;
and it is true that in the fortress there were
240 pieces of cannon, but there were only 191
artillery men. An Austrian officer of the name
of Roca who had been taken prisoner and who
enjoyed Zastrow's favour, was allowed to range
in every part of the place and supplied the
Austriaii.s with information on every point. The
commandant thought not uf danger and was so
careless of ail precautions that he never sent
out parties to watch the enemy nor threw up
lights to examine the country at night, neglecting
even to give orders to his officers how to act
in case of emergency. Laudon by these means
was enabled to arrange every thing without
being observed, and even to advance as far as
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HISTOHY OF THK
the palisades. He had addressed his troops and
given them strict orders not to pillage the town,
to compensate for which they were promised
100,000 florins The Walloon grenadiers in reply
cried out: "Lead us on to gain glory, we do not
want money!" Laudon surrounded the place with
light troops and ordered a feint to be made by a
party of Croats, during which the attacking
party advanced in four columns with scaling
ladders and fascines and without being remarked,
reached the outworks on four different points
at three o'clock on the morning. They did not
wait long, for without firing a shot, they rushed
into the covered way, charged the garrison
with fixed bayonets drove them back or cut
them to pieces, and having made themselves
masters of the outworks turned the Prussian
cannon against the fortifications, and stormed
the ramparts.
It had oeen thought right, perhaps unknown
to the general, to stimulate the courage of the
storming party by means of brandy ; from this
they cared not for danger, especially the Russians,
who rushed forward in disorderly masses like
madmen. In the midst of the darkness they
came to a chasm in the works which stopped
their progress; the draw bridges were raised
and no impediment had been expected at this
point; the foremost ranks halted and called out
for scaling ladders and fascines, but the Russian
officers thinking this would detain them too
long, and that the ditch might as well be filled
with men as with fascines, forced those in the
rear to advance. The unfortunate soldiers who
were in advance were precipitated into the
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SKVKN YKAR8 WAR. 453
chasm and those who followed marched over
the bodies of their companions. The Russians
cut down every one who came' before them.
At one part of the works, of which they were
on the point of making themselves masters,
quarter was asked, but the furious Russians
cried out: "No quarter!*' A Prussian gunner^ was
determined not to die unrevenged for he blew
up a powder magazine which destroyed him
with a number of his fellow soldiers and 300
of the enemy. Three bastions were now in
their hands and the last attack was made by
the leader of Laudon's own regiment Count
Wallis upon a strong point, which was bravely
defended by the Prussians. The Austrians were
twice driven back but Wallis cried out to them:
"We must gain possession of the fortress, or I
will never return alive; this I have sworn to
our general whose name our regiment bears.
Let us conquer or die !" These words did won-
ders; the officers carried the ladders themselves
and the walls were scaled. The Austrian
prisoners in the fortress to the number of 950
broke open the doors of the casemates in which
they were confined and opened the gates to
their countrymen. The Austrians had not re-
quired any cannon during the storming the
works until they gained possession of that of
the Prussians, having only used the bayonet
and the sabre. Their loss in killed and wounded
was 1600 men.
The storming had lasted three hours and at
break of day on the 1st of October the fortress
of Schweidnitz was in possession of the enemy
together with the garrison of 8700 men, the
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454
HISTORY OK THB
arsenal, and the magazines. The promise of
100,000 florins instead of other booty was the
cause of restraining the disorderly conduct ©f
the soldiery to a certain extent, but the pillage
lasted four hours. In this place as in Custrin
and Dresden many of the inhabitants of the
surrounding neighbourhood had deposited their
valuables for safety against the depredations of
the Cosacks. These fell a prey to the soldiery
whose rapacity was continuing to increase
until the humane exertions of the Prince of
Lichtenstein and Count Kinsky who rode into
the town with the cavalry, put an effectual
stop to their licentiousness. But in these ex-
cesses the Russian grenadiers took no part
a;id gave an unexpected and praiseworthy ex-
ample; they remained quietly on the ramparts
and never even piled their arms.
Zastrow, who in spite of his being encom-
passed with enemies had given a ball on this
very night was clever enough to justify him-
self to his king and to refer to the brave de-
fence he had made. Frederic answered that the
whole affair was a mystery to him and that
he would delay giving his opinion on it. Most
probably he had his own reasons for not
bringing this general to a court martial after
the end of the war for he contented himself
with dispensing with his services.
Laudon had gained a most important ad-
vantage for the Austrian arms by the taking
of Schweidnitz, as the imperialists were now for
the first time enabled to take up winter quarters
in Silesia, and which their six bloody campaigns
had not as yet enabled them to do. But the re-
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SKVKN YKAHS WAR.
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455
ward of this general was in no way equal to
the service he had rendered. Ingratitude was
what he met with and he would have been
punished if the Emperor Francis and the old
Prince Wenzel of Lichtenstein, whom the em-
press respected as her father, had not protected
him with all their influence. Count Kaunitz N
was also favourable to him and in a letter of
congiatulation which he wrote to the empress
on this occasion he wrote: "God preserve the
Joshua of Your Majesty!"
These powerful favourites anxious for the
honour of their court went % even further ; for
they induced the empress not only to write a
gracious letter to Laudon but also to send him
presents; and this they did that the miserable
intrigues of the court might not render it a
mark of derision to the rest of Europe. But it
is very evident from Laudon's having no im-
portant command during the next campaign, the
little consideration he enjoyed at court during
the remainder of Theresa's life time as well as
his not receving the staff of fieldmarschal un-
til seven years after, that in spite of the brill-
iancy of his act he was not forgiven. His crime
consisted in having taken so important a town
without asking or gaining the permission of the
council of war at Vienna and therefore without
the consent of the empress; he had neglected
taking this precaution as most probably the
delay it would have caused would have upset
his plans, and rendered them of no avail. The
enemies of this great general went so far as
to call this brilliant and fortunate enterprise a
skirmish of Croats. ,
466
HISTORY OK THK
The rapid advancement of Laudon, who Was
a foreigner without birth, fortune, or recom-
mendations, to the highest rank in the army
merely from his own merit and not from court-
favour was the more extraordinary in a country
like Austria, and as yet unexampled in this
century. Laudon, a major of Croats who in
the year 1756, was modestly awaiting -the pre-
paration of the imperial orders from the secretaries
of the Austrian government and had to suit their
convenience, was in the year 1761 looked on
by the whole of Europe as the great support
of the throne of Theresia ; which in fact he was.
It was he who had planned the attack at Hoch-
kirch and it was he who had saved Olmutz in
Moravia by the destruction of the immense train
of provision waggons ; and he it was who had
defeated the army of Fouquet and taken that
great general prisoner. He had taken Goltz
and he, and not Soltikow, had beaten the king
at Kunersdorf. The Austrians had to thank
htm for many other successes and he had now
taken Schweidnitz.
The great capabilities of this leader appear
to have been originally available for the ad-
vantage of Frederic. Previous to the war Lau-
don had been in Berlin and was anxious to have
been made captain in the Prussian service; the
king refused his request and this man, who was
to have so much influence upon the whole of
the war quitted the territory of Prussia. Had
Laudon not been in the army of Theresa it
would not have been necessary to fight through
seven campaigns and the enterprises of Frederic
and their consequences would have been far
Digitized by
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457
different. Laudon had imparted to the Emperor
the project for surprising Schweidnitz at the
same time explaining to him the difficulties which
lengthened formalities would entail on such an
undertaking, and telling him that nothing but
rapidity of action could ensure its success. The
movements of the king were very uncertain,
and the slightest discovery would have rendered
the attempt quite impossible; in this state of
affairs the Emperor took on himself to act for
the empress and it was he who carried to her
the first intelligence of the success which was
indeed worth more than a victory. Theresa
unaccustomed to receive information of the ope-
rations of the war through such a medium, and
extremely jealous of his interference, expressed
no pleasure on hearing the news. She was
displeased and the council of war at court who
were thus thrown in the back ground added
fuel to the fire of her rage; reason was not
listened to, and had it not been for the noble
conduct of Francis, Lichtenstein and Kaunitz,
Laudon would have been sacrificed.
Circumstances had occurred twice during this
century in Austria having an extraordinary re-
semblance and which for their similarity even
in detail appear to have been meant for the
instruction of mankind. For the support of this
great Empire at two dangerous periods in her
history it became necessary that she should
possess in each, a hero endowed with remark-
able talents, not the production of every year
or to be found in every country. These great
men had in fact not been met with in the im-
perial dominious, but the good fortune of Austria
13*
458 HISTORY OF THK
led them each to her Assistance at the proper
time, and the names of Eugene and Laudon
will ever shine in the annals of that Empire.
The fate and the deeds of each had actually
a great similarity, for both were foreigners, the
talents of each were neglected in their own country
and despised by their sovereigns who were destined
to feel deeply their power. Lewis XIV., who had
laughed at the talents of Eugene in warfare
when a youth, trembled at his much feared name
when a man and a general; and what feelings
must the name of Laudon have raised in the
breast of Frederic the Great! He heard almost
* daily of the restless genius of this general, who
by his activity so often compensated for the
slowness and want of decision of the other
generals. It was seldom that the Prussian mo-
narch received good tidings coupled with the
name of Laudon ; often bad news or distressing
intelligence, which as king he bore in silence
but as a man with grief. For seven years Fred-
eric had to contend with the genius and good
fortune of Laudon, even as Prince Eugene had
rendered futile all the plans of Lewis during
thirteen years. Those powerful feelings, ambi-
tion and revenge, stimulated both these generals
to use every effort of their minds to make those
feel their value, who had previously despised
them. Both were anxious to engage in battle
and more calculated by their talents to shine
in the attack than in defence; they e*ch were
impeded in the midst of their career by the
council of war of the court ; and in their day each
had been the terror of the Turks and planted
on the walls of Belgrade the standard of Aus-
Digitized by Google
■
SKVKN YKARS WAR. 459
tria. Both were men of inflexible but noble
character, and adored by their soldiers; they
died at an advanced age and just at a period
when the monarchy was on the point of en-
tering the field against a powerful nation.
The unexpected news of the loss of Schweid-
nitz caused the greatest astonishment in the
army of the king, and no occurrence, no mis-
fortune in the whole course of the war had
had such an effect upon the spirits of the Prus-
sians; for they had at once lost all the ad-
vantage of an honourable and fatiguing cam-
paign, and had good reason to dread the horrors
of another winter campaign. At any rate they
had to expect a tedious siege arid the bad news
from Pomerania rendered their prospects clouded
for the future. This state of despondency did
not however last long, and the firmness of
Frederic was imparted to and animated his
whole army; he assembled together the princi-
pal officers, stated openly to them his misfor-
tunes and his hopes, and left those who might
despond at liberty to retire from the service.
But none availed themselves of this offer and
all now had fresh hopes. Never had the king
and his troops been more anxious for a battle;
but Laudon, content with his success, although
ever prepared for an engagement gave them no
opportunity for one, as he feared a desperate
attack on the part of Frederic, which the
orders he was aware had been given, rendered
probable; and in spite of his great superiority
of numbers he had thought it necessary to pass
eight nights with his army in the field without
pitching their tents. His men were full of ar-
Digitized by Google
460 HISTORY OP THB
dour, for Theresa in the place of the 100,000 flo-
rins which had been promised, had caused
thirteen florins to be given to every soldier who
had been present at the storming of Schweidnitz
There now lay no impediment in the way of
the Aastrians inarching on Breslau; a step which
Czernichef had proposed, Frederic feared, but
which Laudon would not venture on; and this
latter general remained immovable in bis camp
at Freyburg by which means he commanded the
communication between Saxony, Bohemia and
Moravia. On the other hand the king placed his
troops in quarters and made Strehlen on the
Ohlau his own head quarters.
It was here that a great misfoitune nearly
occurred to the king from the perfidy of Baron
Warkotsch. This wretch who was a Silesian
nobleman had been in his youth in the service
of Austria, but having left that country had re-
sided for many years as a Prussian vassal, li-
ving upon his own large fortune. The king had
distinguished him by many marks of favour,
and indeed to such an extent, but from what
cause no one knew, that during the whole of
the war he was not required to send in any
supplies from his large estates. This exemption
of an individual caused many but fruitless re-
monstrances to be made to the king who ne-
vertheless continued to favour this unworthy
man, to receive him constantly in his intimacy
at head quarters, and to have him at his table.
Warkotsch determined, in the midst of this
enjoyment of royal favour, to deliver up the
king to his enemies or at any rate to free
the world of him by murder. This black deed
Digitized by Google
SKVBN VKARS WAK.
461
was to have been perpetrated some months
previous when Frederic passed the night of
the 15th of August in Schonbrunn, a village
belonging to the traitor. The king here slept
in a room with a secret door and staircase
through which the Austrians were to convey
him during the night. Every thing had been
planned and Warkotsch's orders were to secure
the king "Dead or Alive;" but chance saved
the unsuspecting hero. The troops under Gene-
ral Ziethen had unexpectedly changed their po-
sition, came upon Schonbrunn and surrounded
the village. The attempt was therefore not
made from the fear of the escape of its propo-
ser, and was put off to a more convenient
opportunity
Warkotsch, who was in constant correspon-
dence with the Austrians, and was ever think-
ing of this intended deed, determined to renew
the attempt which the carelessness of Frederic
with regard to his personal safety rendered
feasable. Nothing was easier than to carry him
off in the night; his residence was in the
village of Woiselwitz, close by the town of
Strehlen, his body guard consisted only of a
company of grenadiers of which only thirty
mounted guard. In the town lay 6000 men of
his best troops but their support could not be
reckoned on in case of surprise and in the dark-
ness of night time. A wood close to the
village would assist in facilitating the attempt
and all that was required was a troop of well
mounted hussars with a determined leader;
and the king, once taken, would soon have
been out of the reach of pursuit, as the wood
Digitized by Google
HISTORY UK THK
which led toLaudon's position would have put
a stop to the efforts of the Prussians to liberate
their king. Warkotsch was aware of all this,
and formed a plan which he imparted to Count
Wallis who was stationed at Munsterberg in
command of Laudon's regiment, and who under-
took the execution of it, Warkotsch advised
that ten villages in the neighbourhood ofStreh-
len should be set on fire to draw off the at-
tention of the Prussians. The traitor was to
be rewarded by the sum of 100,000 florins; a
sum which could be of no importance to so
rich a man, had he not thought that by his
means the war would be terminated, and had he
not considered Theresa as already mistress of
Silesia from the accumulation of misfortunes
which had befallen Frederic, A clergyman in
Siebenhuben of the name of Schmidt was the
medium of communication, and all letters passed
through his hands; but religious zeal had no
part in this crime as Warkotsch was a Lu-
theran. The person who carried the letters that
were interchanged was a Jager whose name
was Cappel, the servant and confident of War-
kotsch; he was aware of all the circumstances,
as he was in the habit of sealing the letters
after his master had read them to him, to see
if they met with his approbation. As possessor
of so important a secret he was in the habit
of presuming on the confidence of his master,
and only did what service he pleased; it was
this that saved the Prussian monarchy.
The night of the 30th of November was
fixed on for carrying the plan into execution,
and on the 29th Warkotsch had been riding
Digitized by
SKVKN YKAHS WAR.
46a
round with the Markgraf Charles and (he ad-
jutant general of the king, Krusemark. It was
late when he returned to his residence, and
Cappel who had accompanied him was tired and
in a bad humour ; he had eaten nothing the
whole day and went to bed grumbling. War-
kotsch. accustomed to this conduct took no no-
tice of it but having written a letter to Wallis
roused up Cappel and without paying any at-
tention to his curses ordered him to start in-
stantly. The astonished Cappel acted as if he
intended to obey and took the letter of Which
he did not know the contents, not to Schmidt
but to the Lutheran clergyman of AVarkotsch's
village of Schonbrunn. This man whose name
was Gerlach had, from his good character and
disposition, won the love and respect not only
of his flock but also that of the Catholics of
his neighbourhood. Cappel respected him and
went to him at this moment of perplexity and
perhaps of repentance, woke him up from his
sleep, told him all he knew, and gave him the
letter which Gerlach opened and read. He was
horrified and pointed out to Cappel the press-
ing necessity of riding immediately to the head
quarters of the king; and giving him his best
horse bound him by the most sacred oath to de-
liver the letter into the hands of Frederic him-
self; thus was the plot discovered.
By this means the king escaped the great-
est danger which had ever threatened him.
Warkotsch was enabled to escape through the
secret staircase as an officer was on the point
of seizing him, and his accomplice Schmidt also
got away. The property of the traitor was con-
Digitized by Google
464
HISTORY OP THR
fiscated and he, as well as Schmidt, drawn
and quartered in effigy. When the sentence
was brought before the king for approval he
said in joke: "It may as well be executed; for
in all probability the effigy is as worthless as
the original." Gerlach remained unrewarded and
died in poverty, but Cappel received an ap-
pointment at Oranienburg.
The Prussians had no sooner left the neigh-
bourhood of Strehlen than Warkotsch accom-
panied by a troop of Austrian hussars visited
his residence in the secret rooms and cellars
of which was concealed a great quantity of
money, silver and valuables, the recovery of
which he had considered as very doubtful. To
his great joy he found every thing undisturbed,
and commenced packing up; but the imperialists
were not willing to remain idle spectators of
this clearing out, for accustomed to treat every
thing in the country of the enemy as booty,
they helped themselves. Warkotsch called the
officer in command to his assistance to inter-
fere but he replied: "Make haste for we have
but little lime, and thank God that you have
the assistance of the hussars."
The court of Vienna denied all participation
in the formation of this project, and the noble
family of the counts of Wallis declared that
the colonel of this name, who was the accom-
plice of the traitor, was not connected with
their house. Warkotsch wandered about in
Austria not knowing where to hide his dis-
grace; but at last this miserable wretch took
up his residence in Hungary, and the compas-
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465
sionate feelings of Theresa induced her to give
him a yearly bounty of 300 florins.
Shortly after this occurrence the king took
up winter quarters along the banks of the Oder
from Brieg to Glogau making his head quarters
% at Breslau.
In (he mean while the Russians made use
of their superiority in numbers in Pomerania.
General Tottleben whose fidelity had been doubted
in consequence of his mild treatment of the in-
habitants of Berlin was placed in arrest and sent
a prisoner to St. Petersburg. This general had
distinguished himself by his talents as an of-
ficer, and what was still more rare by his
nobie character, his generosity to his prisoners
and his consideration for the inhabitants of the
unfortunate Prussian provinces, and was beloved
by his troops as a father.
Romanzow now received the command with
orders to besiege Colberg, which fortress he
approached with an army of 27,000 men in the*
month of August. A Russian fleet of forty sail
of the line left Cronstadt under the command
of Admiral Mushakow, and was reinforced by
a squadron of the Swedish navy of fourteen
ships in order to besiege for the third time
with their united strength this place which se
though not in itself of great importance ity
such to the Russians; as by its possession roch
would be enabled to gain firm footing intow
merania. The Prussian general, the Prim but
Wiirtemberg made every effort to prevent .hut
gaining their object; he intrenched himself witt
6000 men under the cannon of and defended
by a chain of forts; his position was also strong
Digitized by Google
466
HISTORY OF THK
in itself, having on (he right wing the river
Persante, on the left a deep morass, and in the
rear the fortress. Romanzow determined to
open the trenches against this fortified position
and to raise batteries ; the bombardment of the
camp and of the fortifications was carried on
with spirit and the defence was most deter-
mined. Both the Prince of Wurtemberg in the
camp, and the brave commandant Heyden in
the town fought for every inch of ground that
could be contested. The bombardment was un-
interrupted both by land and seaward; in the
morning of the 5th of September 236 shells
were thrown towards the town of which 62
burst in the town itself and did much mischief.
In the beginning of October a storm damaged
the fleets and one Russian ship of the line
foundered and sank with her crew and all the
troops on board; a hospital ship caught fire
and was destroyed and after this the fleets left
•the coast of Pomerama so that the besieged
were now enabled to get provisions from Stet-
tin by water ; a scarcity of food was beginning
to be felt in the fortress in consequence of
the Prussian leader having neglected to fulfill
the orders of the king on this point.
u The Russians had made themselves masters
|*m* bastion which was of the greatest import-
the ' to the Prussians and of which they after
JVIC.6 hard fighting repossessed themselves; Ro-
a\ i0W was nowever unwilling to give up the
A"8 Intage and this led to a bloody contest
gvhich lasted three hours and a half, ending to
'the disadvantage of the Russians who lost
3000 men and were forced to retire.
Digitized by
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Winter was now coming on and with it
the difficulties of Russians were acummulating.
But in spite of this Romanzow continued the
siege with activity having received large rein-
forcements from Butlurlin, who after the retreat
from Selesia had turned his steps towards Po-
merania. About the same time the king sent
General Platen who was just returned from his
brilliant expedition in Poland, to the support
of the Prjnce of Wurtemberg. The troops of
the former general were in high spirits; they
were well supplied with provisions but were
woefully deficient in clothing, and especially
in shoes. Both leaders took their measures so
well that in spite of the efforts of the Russians
they formed a junction on the 4th of October.
General Knobloch had been sent to Treptow
with 2000 men to escort the provision wag-
gons which were destined for the supply of
Colberg; and General Schenkendorf who was
stationed at Glogau with 3800 men received
orders to march on Pomerania that he might
strengthen the corps under General Platen;
these arrangements, inadequate as compared
with the force of his powerful enemy were all
that Frederic could do under existing circum-
stances for the safety of this place. The
Russians had never displayed so much activity
during this war as at the present time; Knobloch
was attacked by a body of 8000 men at Treptow
a place without wails and not provisioned but
in which he defended himself for five days ; but
at last he was forced to surrender with his
men as prisoners of war from their ammunition
being expended and their provisions exhausted.
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468
HISTORY OP THK
The scarcity in and about Coiberg became
the more pressing from the supplies by sea being
cut off by the return of some of the Russian
frigates. The horses suffered severely as they
received only half a bundle of straw for their
daily food; but what was most distressing in
this time of scarcity was the want of wood,
for it was now November and excessively cold,
and to supply this want some of the houses were
pulled down. Platen advised that in spite of
the advantageous position of the Russians, and
their superiority of numbers, they should be
attacked; the Prince of Wurtemberg was un-
willing to venture this, thinking that the main
army was at a great distance and that the
siege must soon be raised as the severity of
the season and the bad weather were daily adding
impediments to the progress of the besiegers. Ro-
manzow, whose army had gradually increased to
40,000 men however still kept his ground and sum-
moned the Prussian generals repeatedly to
surrender. He insisted that as they had no
prospect of receiving relief either by land or
water it would be more honourable in them to
gain good terms than to sacrifice their men,
adding that he was determined not to leave
the fortress until he had gained his end ; his
offers were however firmly refused.
The body of men who were encamped un-
der the cannon of Coiberg for its protection
augmented the scarcity of provisions in the for-
tress, and from the increased number of ihe
enemy could offer but little protection to the town.
There was therefore more probability of their
being of service by acting in the field, and both
Digitized by
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the Prince of Wuiteinberg and Platen nought
for an opportunity of leaving the intrenchments
which had become so closely invested on all
sides that it was now impossible to bring any
provisions into their camp. The withdrawal
from it would be attended with insurmountable
difficulties from the number of forts and bat-
teries with which it was surrounded; and had
they been willing to expose themselves to the
fire of these, and attempt to cut their way
through the enemy, the latter would to a cer-
tainty have fallen on them on all sides and
annihilated them. The Russians had destroyed
all the boats to prevent the Prussians from
crossing the Rega, and there only remained ten
fishing boats under the cannon of Colberg;
besides these there were seven small boats in
each of which only six men could be carried ;
nevertheless on the 14th of November with
these insufficient means the attempt was made
with every precaution, and under the guidance
of a peasant who knew a passage which was
fordable across the inundated Roberdam. This
time the clever and well formed plans of the
Prussian generals were crowned with success;
a foot bridge was thrown over the mouth of
the Camper for the infantry, and the cavalry
swam the river, the hussars taking the grenadiers
up behind them. Thus was this retreat, which
had been looked on as impossible, accomplished
without loss and to the astonishment of the
Russians, and contrary to the expectation of
Frederic ; a retreat which may be classed among
the most extraordinary which are to be found
in history.
ARCHENHOLZ. 14
410 HISTORY OK THK
It was not until the twenty third week of
if* ot oupat on that the Prince of Wurtemberg
It ft l»is camp, having by his protracted defence
pained the great advantage of preventing the
Hussians from carrying out any plans and
rendering Colberg, which was now sacrificed,
of much less value than it would have been
had it been taken earlier, when it might have
been provisioned from sea and rendered a place
of strength.
Every endeavour was made to send supplies
to Colberg; as Heyden in spite of the smallness
of the garrison cared but little for the numbers
of the besiegers and all his wishes tended towards
the procuring bread, of which the scarcity had
so much increased that the soldiers anil armed
citizens only received half their usual daily
allowance; but in spite of this none would
listen to any proposition of surrendering. Heyden,
having asked their opinion on Roraanzow's
renewing his summons to surrender, received
the following answer: "We will defend ourselves
as long as we have ammunition and bread."
Platen endeavoured to get supplies into the
town, but he was attacked, lost the greater
part of the provision waggons, and was driven
back to Stettin ; and what increased this mis-
fortune was the loss of all the horses they had
been able to gather together throughout the
country. Although the scarcity among the
Prussian troops had been dimhrshed since their
leaving Colberg, they were but badly supplied
in consequence of the deplorable state of the
province. It was impossible to procure provisions
for six days supply beforehand, or to lay in any
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SKVKN YEARS WAR.
supplies of forrage for the horses; the soldiers
were short of wood and salt, and the snow lay
many feet in depth; and the men discouraged
by all these ills, left their ranks daily in large
bodies.
A curious circumstance occurred on the march
of this body of men; the Prussian commissaries
had procured a large quantity of French brandy
in Stettin which they did not know how to
carry away and were not willing to leave for
the Russians; each company received a barrel
of it the contents of which were divided among
the soldiers and filled into their camp flasks.
The officers used every means to prevent an
immoderate use of this, but these soldiers, worn
out with fatigue and cold, had had nothing but
bread to eat and this frozen so hard from the
*
intense cold, that it was only at night, when
they had fires, that they could eat it after
having thawed it, having by day to bear with
their hunger. The enjoyment of a favourite
beverage under such circumstances was not to
be foregone: they swallowed it every drop,
many of them falling to the ground never to
rise again.
It was now hopeless to endeavour to relieve
the fortress by any great undertaking; but in
spite of this the Prince of Wurtemberg made
an attempt to approach the town that he might
if necessary venture a battle; the Russians
however avoided this, and prevented his advance
by the immense superiority of their numbers,
although he had made himself master of a
redoubt defended by 500 men. The cold was
so severe that on this march 102 soldiers perished
Digitized by Google
IUSTOHY OP THK
from it ; and the desertion was to such an extent
from the Prussian army that in one month 1100
men left the ranks, and the infantry which
consisted of thirty battalions did not number
more than 5000 men fit for duty.
It was not even possible to throw in small
supplies to Colbert, for the Russian General
Berg was posted with a strong body so as to
cut off the communication between it and Stettin;
the Russians were also masters of a fort which
commanded the entrance of the harbour so that
no assistance couid come seaward. In this
time of need however the besieged received a
trifling relief; a small merchantman was sailing
past the mouth of the harbour and without
considering of what nation she was, some boats
were manned which forced her to run into
harbour under the guns of the Russians. She
was Prussian from Konigsberg bound for Am-
sterdam and laden with corn which the inhabi-
tants of Colberg received as a gift from heaven,
as it prolonged their means of subsistence for
fourteen days.
Werner, who had relieved this fortress the
previous year, and who was so accustomed to
have every thing his own way in this country,
had been so unfortunate as to be taken prisoner
in a skirmish with the Russians. He had been
sent with a body of men, by the Prince of
Wurtemberg to take the Russians in the rear,
destroy their magazines and to cut off their
supplies; Werner, who knew not what fear was,
did not take sufficient precautions, dispersed his
men too widely, and after defending himself
bravely, was made prisoner in consequence of
Digitized by
SBVKN YKARS WAR. 473
his horse falling wounded under him. The be^
sieged were now destitute of all hope ; but still,
having some provision Heyden continued to de-
fend himself; he had the walls watered, so
that as the frost continued they were made as
slippery as glass. The Russians attempted to
take the place by storm but never succeeded in
crossing the ramparts being always driven back
with great loss; at last on the 13th of December
when the town was summoned for the tenth
time all the provisions being exhausted, Heyden
entered into negotiations ; and the town capitu-
lated on the 16th of December after this most
remarkable siege had lasted for four months.
This terminated the campaign in Pomerania
in which the Prussian generals, in spite of their
losses had gained great renown. The Prince
of Wiirtemberg now went into winter quarters
in Mecklenburg and Platen withdrew into Sax-
ony as did also Belling who had equally
gained laurels in the campaign of this year.
This general constantly harassed the Swedes
with a small body of men and was nearly al-
ways victorious; by his means they were pre-
vented from supporting the Russians, constantly
kept in a state of anxiety for the supplies of
their army, as their active enemy was ever
ready to engage them and every day took pri-
soners from them, continuing this petty warfare
until the winter put an end to his operations.
Prince Henry had made head during the
whole of this campaign against the powerful
army of the Austrians under Daun and against
the troops of the Empire in Saxony, and had
gained considerable advantages. Generals Seidlitz
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HISTORY OF THB
andKleist especially had beaten the enemy on
many occasions and rendered futile all the ope-
rations of the main army. But notw thstanding
this only a portion of this country could be
occupied by the Prussians and but little con-
fidence could be reposed in the garrisons of the
towns as they consisted for the most part of
the worst kind of light troops and of deserters.
Frederic had given permission to a French
adventurer of the name of La Badie to raise
a regiment which consisted for the most part
of Frenchmen and was called Les Etrangers
Prussiens. This assemblage of soldiers, whose
officers were generally vagabonds, had no kind
of discipline; at any rate they knew nothing of
that of the Prussians. Three companies mutinied
as they were marching from Leipsic plundered
the military chest which was well filled, the
baggage of their officers and other people of
rank, shot their major in command dead, took
the two cannon belonging to the regiment and
hurried to join the troops of the Empire at
Aitenburg. The ringleaders of this outbreak
were Captains Fontaine and Merlin and Lieu-
tenant Estagnolle who were afterwards hanged
in effigy at Leipsic for this conduct.
At last the Imperialists under Daun with-
drew towards Dresden and Bohemia, and the
troops of the Empire towards France, but leav-
ing the most important positions behind them
garrisoned; nevertheless the Prussians took up
their winter quarters in Saxony but without
any hopes of another campaign.
The Russians now went into winter quar-
ters for the first time in Pomerania and New-
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Mark and the Austrian* in Silesia. The loss
of both Colberg and Schweidnitz so closely the
one after the other became a source of great
misfortune to the king as the Russians in Po-
merania could now procure all their provisions
and necessaries of war by sea, and the Austrians
had firm footing in Silesia; to drive the enemy
from these two provinces would require much
blood, money, time and even more good fortune.
It therefore became necessary to have more
resources than ever; but where were these to
be found? The most experienced generals with
the flower of the nobility had fallen in the
field of battle, as well as his old soldiers. The
income from the greater part of the Prussian
states had not been paid up or at most only in
part; the resources in Saxony began to fail,
the English subsidies were no longer paid;
Dresden with a part of Saxony was in the
hands of the Austrians and all the armies of
the enemy were well prepared to attack him.
Thus the king found himself, without having
lost a battle, in a worse position than he ever
had been at the end of any o'her campaign.
But what made these misfortunes bearable was
the continued courage of his troops together
with the undiminished zeal and activity of so
many of his generals, a treasury not yet
exhausted and a mind fertile in resources. It
was much not to have lost all hope. But if
Frederic and his companions in arms did not
despair, this was not the case with his allies
and his adherents both in and out of Germany;
every one trembled for the fate of the most
powerful of the protestant princes of Germany
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HISTORY OF THK
who had hitherto been the fearful rival of
Austria and who had ever been as determined
to, as capable of defending the rights of the
weaker states of the Empire against the
extention of the imperial power; and of protect-
ing the protestant religion against the religious
zeal of its opponents, as well as keeping the
balance between the component parts of the
whole of the German empire.
Dreadful as his position was, the king of
Prussia was threatened with a misfortune even
greater than those already mentioned and of
the occurrence of which he could not have the
least suspicion. At this time there was in
Magdeburg an immense number of prisoners of
different nations ; Austrian*, Russians, French,
Saxons, Swedes, and troops of the Empire. It
was the principal fortress of the Prussian
states, and it was here that was preserved
that royal treasure, the mysterious object of
enquiry of so many living statesmen and of
posterity, and also the state papers of the
Prussian monarchy ; in this place resided the
royal family as well as many of the first no-
bility ; in this city were the principal magazines
for the war, and it was the central point of
his power, to which an enormous quantity of
valuables had been brought from all parts of
the Prussian dominions for safety. Modern his-
tory gives no example of the fate of a whole
monarchy being dependent on the possession
or loss of one single city ; but Magdeburg once lost
the war would have been at an end and all the
laurels gained in the field would have been use-
less. Nevertheless this fortress was not protected
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477
in proportion to its importance, as Hts garrison
consisted in only a few thousand men some
of whom were of the country, others foreigners
and the rest deserters; but a siege was not
to be thought of in consequence of the pre-
parations which would be required, the length
of its duration and the army of the Prussians
which was in the field. Frederic would no
doubt have sacrificed Saxony, Silesia, in fact
every thing to save Magdeburg, and however
numerous the besiegers might have been, would
have attacked them even in their Intrenchments ;
the certainty of such decisive conduct on the
part of the king had deterred the enemy from
attempting a siege and Frederic was therefore
without auxiety for Magdeburg.
But that which could not be effected by open
force was feasible through treachery and more
than one plan was formed for the purpose. The
king had no idea of the possibility of danger at
the time that the Austrian captain of horse Baron
Trenk who was a prisoner in this place, ill
treated, loaded with chains and immured in the
most fearful dungeon was seeking for the
means of having Magdeburg taken by surprise;
and the fall of the monarch, whom the efforts
of all the great powers of Europe could not
force to give way was near being decided by
a man, devoted to destruction, compelled to
eat bis mouldy bread, seated on the stone des-
tined to cover his grave but who thought of
nothing but freedom and revenge. Fortunately
for the king his deeply laid plan failed.
The many false statements in the well known
history of this man render even the truths which
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HISTOHV OF THR
lie has stated doubtful; but the determination,
the activity and the clever projects of Trenk for
regaining his liberty and which were so often
near completion cannot be doubted. It is like-
wise certain that he was at this time on the
point of the fulfillment of his wishes, that there
were at this period a great number of pri-
soners in Magdeburg, that the garrison con-
sisted for the most part of deserters and soldiers
forced into the service and also that it was
but small in numbers.
The determination formed in Vienna not to
exchange prisoners with Frederic was still
adhered to. The .Notary of the Empire had
declared the treaty of Pirna to be null and
void in consequence of the king of Prussia
being an enemy of the Empire ; and the Prus-
sians having taken prisoners a number of offi-
cers of the Nassau- Weilburg regiment be-
longing to the army of the Empire and released
them on their promise in writing being given
not to serve until released from this engagement;
the Austrian minister in Frankfort Count Ber-
gen declared the orders of the Emperor that
these were no longer required to serve in con-
quence of their written promise. The king
now required these as well as the Austrian
officers to give themselves up as prisoners of
war in Magdeburg. Some few came and sub-
mitted to their fate but the greater part ne-
glecting the laws of honour did not answer
to the summons. The Prussian officers who
had been taken prisoners were separated from
the soldiers in Austria and dispersed through
the Tyrol and Steyermark; the soldiers .whose
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numbers amounted in 1760 to 19,400 were
distributed in different towns in Austria.
In consequence of all the great powers of
Europe having determined on the downfall of
Frederic, he finding that he had ever to contend
with his enemies at a great disadvantage, and
that George the Third, his only powerful ally,
looked upon his position with indifference, now
turned his attention towards Asia and endeavoured
to induce the Sultan and Khan of Tartary by-
means of negotiations to invade Hungary. The
fame of Frederic's deeds had reached every part
of the world and his name was spoken with
awe from the Black Sea to- the great wall of
China, and from the Caucasus to the river
Ganges. The eastern people, little acquainted
with geography were lost in astonishment, at
finding that a prince, of whose existence they
had never heard, should have been able for a
number of years to resist the powerful nations
of the west, and not have been overpowered.
The Turks were the most surprised; for they
were aware of the power of the German Empress,
the strength of the Russian empire and had a
high opinion of the warlike prowess of the Swedes ;
and they could not conceive how these, with
the united strength of the French king, had
been unable to subdue the sovereign of such
a small an extent of territory. The ambas^
sadors of the belligeient powers, who were at
Constantinople, when they were asked the reason,
threw the whole blame upon fortune; but the
mussulmen were not satisfied, and their con-
sideration for the king of Prussia was much
increased. The Ottoman Porte would in all
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480 HISTORY OF THE
probability have been induced by their own
advantage, and the termination of the truce
with Austria to form a treaty of alliance with
the king, had not the French court, whose in-
fluence was so great in the Divan, prevented
its completion. Added to this the Grand Vizier
an old man unacquainted with the affairs of
war was fearful of placing himself at the head
of an army. The Porte therefore contented
itself with assembling 100,000 men at Belgrade
who spread themselves along the frontiers of
Hungary ; a mode of proceeding which did not
alarm the court of Vienna, who was well aware
of the determination of the Divan.
The king however received an ambassador
from the Khan ofTartaryand this envoy, who
held the rank of barber to the Tartar prince,
a high post in the Crimea, and was his intimate
friend, arrived in the Prussian camp a few days
after the loss of Schweidnitz. The Khan pro-
mised to send 16,000 auxiliaries in consideration
of a certain sum of money; and Frederic who
entered into this proposal , loaded the ambassador
with presents for himself as well as his prince
and sent him back with the preliminaries of a
treaty. Goltz, a young officer in the suite of the
king, was to accompany him to hurry the comple-
tion of this contract and to be the guide of the
Tartars who were to invade Hungary. The Prussian
embassy was increased by a German physician
of the name of Frese, who was well able by
his knowledge to gain friends and consideration
among this wild people. The king had been
working for some time at another plan which
offered greater difficulties. His political agent
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SBVKN YEARS WAR. 481
in Tartary, Boscamp, had been using all his
endeavours to induce the Khan to make an
attack upon the* Russians which the Ottoman
Porte would have been forced to support, even
against their own wishes. It was on such
uncertain grounds that Frederic at this time
based his hopes.
The Austrians and Russians were now en-
deavouring to gain firmer fooling in the Prus-
sian provinces which they had conquered, and
which until this period they had never been
able to occupy as winter quarters. They treated
Silesia as their own property ; the inhabitants
of the subdued districts were offered by the
orders of the court, corn for sowing their land
and in Schmiedeberg a public corn market was
established; a number of the principal merchants
from the mountainous districts were also re-
quired to assemble at Prague that new regu-
lations with respect to commerce might be made.
In the beginning , of this year 1762, steps were
taken for the meeting of a congress at Augs-
burg for peace; the envoys from the imperial
court were already named their expenses ar-
ranged, a brilliant suite assembled, and houses
taken for their residence in that city. But all
these preparations were without result and peace
was no more thought of; although in Vienna
they had been so certain of it and even without
the meeting of the congress, that in December
1761 a great reduction in the imperial forces
had been determined on. From each regiment
three companies were dismissed and from the
whole army 1500 officers; and even the light
cavalry regiments were included in these re-
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48$
HISTORY OK TUB
auctions. All the Austrian* who were anxious
for the advantage of their country exclaimed
against this step, which weakened the army
by 20,000 men; a measure if not proposed at
any rate sanctioned by Daun who was the
oracle of Theresa in all affairs concerning the
war. The greater number of the generals openly
expressed their disapprobation, and the Prince
of Lowenstein, said publicly. "Much to he
pitied empress ! how badly are you advised !"
Many hundreds of officers entered the Spanish
service as war had just broken out between
England and that country.
Pitt had foreseen this war, and having pre-
dicted the period of its declaration had proposed
the necessary measures; but the British mi-
nistry would not listen to him, and this great
man, to the distress of the whole nation gave
up the management of affairs. His unworthy
successor reaped the fruits of his salutary mea-
sures and England was therefore in a position
not to be disturbed by her new enemy; her
.victorious fleet sailed for America and there
taught the proud Spaniards in the course of a
few months how unequal they were to cope
with her. The Spaniards had but one means of
sav ng their rich islands, and that was by at-
tacking Portugal which was by far the most
fertile resource of England. They did this, and
the English were forced to protect this kingdom
by their troops, as the Portuguese were not
able to defend themselves in consequence of
the ill appointment of their army. An endeavour
was however made to bring into the field this
force, which although once that of the bravest
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people was now so degraded and disregardful
of all feelings of honour. To do this it was
necessary to have a general of high talent
placed at their head, and where was one to be
found so easily as in Germany this land of
great generals ? #
The reigning Count of Lippe-Buckeburg
who bad hitherto commanded • the artillery of
the allies was chosen for this purpose ; he was
a man born* to command, of eccentric character,
highly educated and acknowledged throughout
Europe to be one of the first engineer officers.
In stature he was like tbe great Marshal Saxe
and his body had been inured from youth to
all sorts of hardships. Even when a general
officer he fared as a common soldier, and when
engaged in a siege, he never took off his
clothes, allowed bis beard to grow, and passing
every night in the trenches, slept on the bare
ground. So great was his equaminity in danger
and his confidence in the precision of his gun-
ners that on the birth day of Frederic in 1759
he gave a great dinner to his officers in a tent
upon which was placed a flag to serve as a
* mark for the practice of the cannon during the
time they were at table. He was now placed
at the head of the Portuguese troops and esta-
blished an order and discipline amongst them,
which if not equal to that of the GermaAar-
* The Abbe Raynal in spite of his prejudice for
his countrymen acknowledged this superiority of the
Germans. He says in his History of the European
Establishments in India: "All Europe has soldiers,
but Germany alone generals."
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HISTORY OF THE
mies was of great advantage to them ; a disci-
pline which, although in its infancy,* was the
cause of their being able to stop the progress
of the Spaniards. The king of Portugal re-
warded the great services of this general in
a remarkable manner; he received the title of
Altezza, also several orders, 100,000 crusados
and eight golden, cannon weighing thirty eight
pound and mounted on silver carriages.
But even the great talents of this general
at the head of this unformed army could not
have prevented the Spaniards from completing
the conquest of Portugal, had it not been that
the English sent a large force to the assistance
of the Portuguese. .
War was now raging from one end of
Europe to the other and all the different people
from the Carpathian mountains to the Atlantic
ocean were in arms; but even this vast region
seemed too contracted for the. fury of so many
contending nations, and the most distant lands
and seas became the scenes of warfare. In
Canada, in the West Indies and even in the
Phillipine Isles the . desolation of war was
spread, the country was devastated and men '
slaughtered one another.
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485
BOOR XII.
Death of the Empress of Russia — Alliance of Russia
with Prussia — Peace with Sweden — Opening of
the campaign of 1762. — Dethronement of Peter —
The Empress Catherine — Engagement at Burkers-
dorf — Taking of Schweidnitz— Operations of Prince
Henry — Battle of Freyberg — Cessation of hostili-
ties between Austria and Prussia— Prussians retire
into winter quarters — Operations of the allies —
Engagement at Wilhelmsthal — Siege of Casscl —
Preliminaries of peace between England and France
— Expedition of Kleist into the states of the Em-
pire—Peace with Bavaria dec — Treaty of Huberts-
burg 15th Feb. 1763. — Conclusion.
Frederic, who was now without support and
almost without hope, awaited his overthrow,
which at this time appeared unavoidable. Vic-
tories might check the progress of his enemies,
but to get back from them the fortresses they
had conquered would require long and undis-
turbed sieges and numerous engagements, and
all his efforts seemed in vain. Nothing appeared
more likely than that Stettin would shortly be
besieged and taken; his keeping open the corn-
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HISTORY OK THE
munication with Berlin indeed the possession
of that capital together with that of the whole
electorate of Brandenburg depended entirely on
the movements of his enemies, who already by
a well disposed force of 15,000 Russians had
cut him off from Poland, that inexhaustible
granary. Throughout the devastated Prussian
provinces there was a scarcity of provisions
and the supplies still in the magazines were
not sufficient for a single campaign ; and in
addition to this the king was in want of fresh
recruits, horses and many of the necessaries of
war. There was no want of ammunition nor
of gold ; but the difficulties in conveying pow-
der and ba 1 in large quantities were ever on
the increase, and even gold, this allpowerful
resource, seemed now to have lost its univer-
sal power. In spite of the firmness of the
monarch, anxiety laid deep hold on his mind,
and he now spoke but little, even with his in-
timates, generally dining alone; he no longer
came to parade, never rode out on horseback
and laid aside his fiute.
The plans of the king formed during this
period for the approaching campaign are a se-
cret, as in consequence of a change in the face
of affairs they were either abandoned or en-
tirely altered. Fortune had already favoured
this great monarch on many occasions, sup-
ported his lofty mind and deceived the expec-
tations of his enemies, but her greatest gift
was deferred to the moment of despair when
this great man, threatened on all sides by the
overpowering force of his enemies, was fully
conscious of the hard fate which awaited him.
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He had no reason to expect generosity at the
hands of enemies, who not caring for the
fame of their country or the opinion of pos-
terity were straining every nerve to overwhelm
him, as he stood alone, by their united might. No-
thing else was to he expected hut the extinction
of the Prussian monarchy; Frederic's powerful
mind could not he deceived by vain hopes, and
the causes for anxiety often got the better of
him. Nevertheless he was prepared for the
worst, and had not only taken measures in
case he should have been made prisoner, but
also constantly carried poison, in order to avoid
the worst of misfortunes by being the means
of his own death.
At this hopeless period an occurrence took
place which changed the whole appearance of
the political horizon; Elizabeth the Empress of
Russia was no more. She died on the 25th of
December 1761 ; and the death of this sickly
woman on the thread of whose life hung the
fate of innumerable people of so many different
nations, either annihilated or entirely changed
the plans of all the confederates. All the hopes
of the enemies of Prussia were now swept
away as the Russians, the most fearful of
Frederic's opponents, had by the will of their
new monarch, become his friends. Peter the
Third felt as much regard for the king of Prus-
sia as the Empress Elizabeth had hatred, and
one of the first steps of the new emperor was
to assure Frederic of his friendship. This as-
surance which was brought by the favourite
of Peter, Colonel Gudowitz, to head quarters
at -Breslau, w as followed, in spite of all the
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IIISTORY OF THK
efforts of the courts of Vienna and Versailles,
by a cessation of hostilities and in a little
time a peace was concluded with the most gen-
erous terms which was followed by a treaty of
alliance. The two inonarchs afterwards corres-
ponded together and the emperor expressed
feelings of the most exalted veneration for the
king which were made apparent in many dif-
ferent ways.
Elizabeth had been aware of what would
probably follow at her death, and was there-
fore to the last moment of her existence occu-
pied with making arrangements for the active
prosecution of the war. Even on her death bed
she had required the promise of the Russian
senate not to make peace with Prussia with-
out the sanction of the confederates; but hardly
had she closed her eyes when it was con-
cluded. The Russian troops were now preparing
to evacuate the kingdom of Prussia, Pomerania
and the New Mark; Colberg was given up and
the Russian army under Czemichef were ordered
to withdraw from the Austrian forces ; the
generosity of Peter went so far as to «end as
a gift the requisite seed for the whole of the
districts of Pomerania, from the Russian store-
houses. Peter entreated the former confederates
of his empire to make peace; he recommended
them to imitate his example in the cession of
all the conquests made by the Russians and
referred, as his reason for thus acting, to his
duty as a monarch by which he was bound
to spare the blood of the subjects entrusted to
his care, and if possible, to procure tranquillity
to his people; this, he said, was the first duty
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489
that the Almighty had imposed on the governors
of the people. The French court answered in
the tone of those times in which the Nation
was a cypher and the will of the king was
every thing, that, neither the compassion of the
king for his people nor the suggestions for their
happiness should in the least affect his determi-
nation to fulfill punctually the treaties formed
with his confederates, and that this was the
proper interpretation given by all Christian
kings of the first duty of princes.
As in Vienna the consideration of peace
would only be admitted, upon terms which could
not be accepted, Czernichef received orders to
form a junction with the king, with the 20,000
Russians under his command and to obey
Frederic's orders implicitly. This came like a
thunderbolt upon Theresa who, elated by the
late conquests looked upon the war as already
ended and had in consequence reduced her army
by 20,000 men.
The new English prime minister, Lord Bute,
was so incomprehensibly ignorant that he was
not aware of the feelings which Peter cherished
towards the king of Prussia for so many years
and which he now openly expressed. He thought
that the new Emperor would be anxious to
retain the territory which had been conquered
and offered the Russian ambassador in London
Prince Gallitzin to prevail upon Frederic to give
up all the provinces that Russia might wish
for, if the Emperor would leave his troops with
the Austrian army. This disgraceful perfidy
on the part of an ally met with its reward;
for Peter gave a contemptuous reply and sent
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490 HISTORY OF TUB
i
the original of this proposition to the king of
Prussia. Bute, determined to abase the honour
of the British nation by his faithless conduct,
now turned his efforts to the court of Vienna
in order to conclude a treaty of peace between
the Empress and the king of Prussia, without
the knowledge of the latter, but of whose pro-
vinces he was very free in the disposal. Kaunitz
who was a clever politician and was aware
of Frederic's character looked on this proposi-
tion, which could have only been suggested to
the brain of a Tyro in diplomacy, as the result
of intrigues to disunite the courts of Vienna and
Versailles, and gave the English minister a
humiliating answer. He said, that his mistress
the Empress was powerful enough to make good
her demands, and in addition to this it would
be unworthy of her dignity to conclude a peace
through the medium of England.
It appeared, even to the Prussians, like a
dream to see those soldiers in their camp who
for six years had fought against them with so
much acrimony. In the first instance the Austrians
would not believe it, and the officers of the
imperialists who were prisoners in Breslau and
who consequently saw and heard what was
passing, could not believe their eyes and ears,
hut looked on it as a plan to raise the spirits
of the soldiers ; and when Czernichef, accompanied
by his staff, came to visit the king at Breslau
they thought that they were Prussian officers
dressed up for the nonce. But all doubt was at
end when the Russian army formed a junction
with the Prussians in June; Theresa having
rejected Laudon's plan for preventing by force
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491
thin dangerous concentration. The Swedes tired
of the war and fearful of the Russians had
concluded a treaty of peace with Prussia which
was ratified on the 22nd of May. The queen
of Sweden, the much beloved sister of Frederic,
was the mediatrix in this treaty, and her brother
declared to the senate at Stockholm that it was
entirely for her sake that he allowed things to
remain on their former footing. In fact it was
now entirely in his power to annihilate the
army of the Swedes, and to take possession
of Swedish Pomerania, of which he could not
easily have been deprived. Frederic used often
to jest respecting this war and when the pro-
position for peace was to be discussed, he said:
*'He was not aware of any war with Sweden.
True he had heard of some transactionsBelling had
had with them, but that this general could easily
set all that to rights."
The war put on another aspect, and all the
territories of Frederic from Breslau to the ex-
treme Prussian frontiers were clear of the
enemy, with no reason to fear any fresh
devastating invasion. Once more the counte-
nance of the king brightened up; he joked as
usual, sent for his French cook and brought
out his flute.
Peter at his own request had received from
the king the command of the Syburg infantry
regiment and in return had given him the
Schuwalow regiment of dragoons which Fre-
deric wished to have. The Emperor also wore
daily the order of the Black Eagle which he
had solicited, and appeared before the Russians
in the Prussian uniform, lie was also anxious
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HISTORY OF
ill
to join the king in person with a large army and
every one was prepared to expect great events.
With such brilliant hopes did Frederic open the
campaign of 1762 in which the Crown Prince
Frederic William first commenced his military
career. He was but young and followed the
example of all the princes of his house who
had each gone into the field of battle; he was
always by the side of the king and shared
his dangers.
At the latter end of the winter Frederic
had received another envoy from the Khan of
Tartary who brought promises of holding 40,000
men ready in the spring to be placed at the
disposition of the king. The Tartars came
into the field, not to attack the Russians but
to invade Hungary, and General Werner a na-
tive of this country was to join them with a
small Prussian force. Much was to be expected
from this expedition, as it was probable that
the oppressed protestants in Hungary would
have risen in rebellion. But the Tartars did
not advance; they hovered for some time on
the frontiers of Poland and then withdrew
into their own country.
The king now increased the strength of
every portion of his army, but especially the
light troops, so that in these he was superior
to the Austrians. New battalions of free
bands as well as of hussars and dragoons were
raised. The Bosniaks, a cavalry corps dressed
like the Turks, and armed with lances the
same as the Uhlans, had till now only con-
sisted of one hundred men ; they were augment-
ed to the number of a thousand and placed
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SEVEN YEARS WAR.
493
under the command of an experienced officer,
Major Lange, who had previously been in the
Austrian service, but having been illused on
account of his being a protestant had now
entered the Prussian service. This augmen-
tation in the army was effected with the great-
est rapidity and the artillery, which had in
this war for the first time proved of such great
service, was increased by 3500 men. In order
to facilitate their movements, and to make the
most use of this aervice, Frederic introduced
a valuable improvement, which was after many
attempts imitated by the Austrians. He mount-
ed some hundred of these artillerymen who,
under the name of horse artillery, rode with
the light field pieces and when opportunity oc-
curred dismounted to serve the cannon. By
this means the cannon instead of remaining in
the rear were enabled to be advanced even
with the hussars; and the artillery, no longer
fatigued by a long inarch, could do more effec-
tual service in the heat of the action.
Many foreign officers even f om the armies
of the enemy now entered the Prussian service ;
amongst these was Colonel Geschray, an of-
ficer in the French service, but by birth a Ba-
varian. Having distinguished himself in the
Austrian wars, the king gave him a separate
command of 2400 men, which he was to raise.
Another officer from the French service, also a
Bavarian and intimate friend of Geschray, Lieu-
tenant Colonel Tburriegel, also entered the ser-
vice of Frederic and was placed at the head
of a corps which he raised by his own exer-
tions in a very short time. This extraordinary
14*
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494 HISTOHY OF THE
man, who was endowed by nature with an
enterprising spirit and a crafty disposition, had
had the management of the spies in the French
army. He selected them, distributed them, and
paid them, giving them the necessary informa-
tion, constantly corresponding with them, and
extracting from l heir different reports the infor-
mation which he laid before the generals of
the army and the court of Versailles. He made
excursions in person through the provinces in
the possession of the enemy under different
characters, names and dresses, and supplied
with passports and letters of recommendation
from the ministers and ambassadors of neutral
powers. He was thus enabled to go through
the whole of the north of Germany penetrating
into camps and fortresses; and so perfect was
his disguise that he dined unsuspected at the
table of the commandant at Magdeburg at the
very time that this officer had received a letter
from the king warning him, and putting him on
his guard respecting a French spy, who had
been sent to acquire information respecting the
Prussian fortresses. He was ever able to carry
out his plans successfully from his courage and
Jlis extraordinary craftiness.
The activity and exertions of this officer
were of the greatest use to the French and
many misfortunes were averted by his means,
at the same time that many of his plans were
successfully carried out, and this in a country
where the French were disliked and Thurriegel
could only gain his end by means of money.
The Marshal Saxe was the first to discover his
capabilities and turned them to account, and
Digitized by
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the court having sent him to Minorca before
the war, the reports and observations made by
him were of no little assistance in the conquest
of that island. The retirement of this officer
from the French service, with which he was
discontented, was a severe loss to the French
and his entering the service of the Prussians
under such circunstances promised them great
advantages.
But the love of fame and the malicious
conduct of Geschray disappointed these expec-
tations; for jealous of the consideration of his
friend and anxious to get him out of the way,
he caused the king to suspect that Thiirriegel
had only entered his service to betray him. In
consequence of this, distrust which was appa-
rently without foundation, led the king to have
him sent to Magdeburg to reside within the
town where he remained to the end of the
war. His removal from the army however
was revenged on the man who had caused it,
for by the carelessness of General Geschray he
and a great, part of his body of men were sur-
prised at Nordhausen, and taken prisoners.
Some years after Thiirriegel emigrated to those
wastes of Spain, the Sierra Morena, with a few
thousand Germans and by his exertions con-
verted this desert into a fertile country.
With the assistance of Gotzkowsky the
Berlin merchant the question of the contribu-
tions which had so much distressed Leipsic was
now arranged, and the inhabitants enjoyed some
tranquillity. But the continuation of the war
required fresh supplies and a tax of three mil-
lions of dollars was now to be raised ; and
HISTORY OF THK
this sum, which in spite of the diminution of
commerce, the Joss of credit and the universal
provely was larger than any of the previous
demands, was to be enforced by the most
stringent measures; the king was at a distance
and the charge of levying the sums required
was entrusted to hard hearted men. In this
state of distress the inhabitants had recourse
to Gotzkowsky who immediately started for
Breslau to see the king to whom he made the
most earnest representations. The answer of
the monarch was : u With so much of my ter-
ritory in the hands of the enemy where am I
to get money to carry on the warVM He was
however induced- to diminish the sum required
to 1,100,000 dollais for which Gotzkowsky
gave his own bills, and was alone responsible.
Frederic at the same time reminded him not to
forget himself in this transaction, but Gotzkowsky,
who did not gainsay this, acted as he had ever
done without the slightest regard to his own
interest, and with every willingness to assist
the inhabitants although the town was still in
his debt to a large amount for the former war
contribution.
The continuation of the system of the court
of Vienna not to exchange prisoners gave rise
to a fearful occurrence in Custrin; a part of one
of the suburbs had escaped being burnt by the
Russians, and in it the citizens resided and here
also Mere quartered the garrison. The other
suburbs were already being rebuilt, or awaiting
the return of peace, the ruins were being made
habitable ; and the old inhabitants of the town
who were gradually returning, carried on their
Digitized by
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SliVKN YKAH8 WAK.
497
trade as well as they could. The garrison
consisted of only 550 men and this small
number Were not only to occupy the rampart*
of the fortifications, hut also to guard 4900
Austrian prisoners; of these 4100 were regular
soldiers, hut the 600 remaining were Croats,
a species of troops which had been so active
not only in this, but likewise in all the wars
of the Austrians that they merit a more par-
ticular description.
The Croats make the best light troops in
Europe. The nature of Che soil of their country,
sandy and not very fruitful, the quantity of
wooded land, a chain of mountains, and a rough
climate are the causes of inuring the naturally
powerful frame of the Croats, of accustoming
them to all the hardships and privations of life,
and of making them good soldiers. Hunting
to which- they are forced to have recourse for
their support in their native land, makes them
careless all danger and they bear hunger and
thirst, heat and cold, the most excruciating
pain with the greatest equanimity; added to
this they have no fear of death. In their love
of their country and of their prince they are
surpassed by no people, and with them deser-
tion is never heard of; their arms in the use
of which they are very expert) are a musket
with a bayonet, and a sabre.
The Croats who were prisoners in Ciistrin
had been taken at the battle of Prague, and
had now in vain for five years looked forward
to their release. The state they were in was
pit able ; with only tatters of clothes they lay
in the casemates with hardly any straw; and
HISTORY OF THK
as they could not live on their pay they used
to work for a trifle by building for the citi-
zens; but at last seeing no prospect of relief
to their sufferings they determined to venture
every thing to regain their liberty. They laid
a plot to surprise the guard, take possession
of the fortress, to plunder the citizens, and
having supplied themselves with cannon and
ammunition to withdraw to Cottbus, where a
troop of Austrians was to be sent to meet
them. The other troops refused to make com-
mon cause with the Croats and left them to
carry out alone a plan, of which, in case of
a successful issue, they determined nevertheless
to avail themselves. The plan, although known
to some thousand men, remained a secret to
the garrison.
It was at five in the morning, in the month
of June, that these Croats began their attempt
by making themselves masters of the main
guard, as soon as the doors of the casemates
were opened ; they here got possession of arms
and it was now easy for them to master the
other guards and in a quarter of an hour they were
in possession of the fortress. They now divided
into there bodies, one party taking possession
of the gates, a second going to the powder
magazine for ammunition, and the third occu-
pying themselves with the cannon; which for
fear of evil consequences they first discharged
from tho ramparts, and then by filling them
with stones prevented the possibility of their
being used without considerable loss of time'.
The powder magazine proved a great impe-
diment to the Croats for it was locked, the key
Digitized by
SEVKN YEARS WAR.
499
not to be found, and the building of too strong
a nature to be destroyed without the necessary
implements; thus they lost much valuable time.
During this time the small garrison which
was in the suburb was assembled together by
beat of drum, all the gates were occupied by
the 'Croats, but there was a sally-port of
which they were not aware and which opened
under the rampart. Lieutenant Tscharnitzky took
advantage of this circumstance, and with a guard
of thirty men, which he strengthened by about
twenty men from other posts, and without
waiting for orders, went with his fifty Prussians
upon the ramparts and posted himself near
another powder magazine upon the possession
of which the fate of the fortress depended.
This point was sharply contested; the attack
being firm and continued, and the resistance
not less determined. What compensated for
the inequality of numbers was the few stand
of arms that the Croats were possessed of, and
they had no hopes of getting more as the ar-
senal was outside the fortifications. Their leader
was severely wounded at the commencement
of the affray but from the many impediments,
Tscharnitzky could only receive but slight
reinforcements; half his soldiers were killed or
wounded, the strength of the others exhausted,
and the Croats, of whom fifty lay stretched
on the eartb, showed themselves determined to
conquer or to die.
In this state of affairs the fortress was saved
by the courage and cleverness of the garrison
chaplain Benecke. Among the Croat prisoners
were two priests of that nation, who awaited
Digitized by Google
500
HI9TOKY OF THK
at a distance the result of the attempt which
they could only support by their prayers. These
priests sought out the chaplain and impressing
upon his mind the necessity of his going to
the scene of action, forced him to accompany
them ; he placed himself between them and
arm in arm they hurried to the combatants.
At their appearance the firing ceased and the
strongest representations were now made; it
was pointed out to the Croats the slight chance
there was of their being able to join their own
army, as the whole country had been raised
by means of messengers, and troops were ad-
vancing from all sides that if they should
succeed in leaving the fortress, a body of Rus-
sians, who were now the allies of the Prus-
sians, were ready to stop their progress. To
these representations, which were in part without
foundation, were added promises of pardon, if
they withrew quietly and without delay. The
Groats anxious at the long and continued re-
sistance, were persuaded to lay down their
arms and retire to their prison. They confessed
the whole plan, and all the measure which
had been prepared ; five of the ringleaders were
executed by Frederic's orders, but of the other
Croats the tenth man, by lot, was punished
by the infliction of 100 stripes, in the presence
of the other 4000 prisoners.
For the opening of the campaign the Aus-
trians, having sent a large body to join the
troops of the Empire, advanced with their prin-
cipal force upon Silesia. They were masters
of Glatz, Schweidnitz and the mountainous dis-
tricts, but notwithstanding this their consterna-
Digitized by
SKVKN YKARS WAR.
501
tion at the change of affairs with regard to the
Russians was extreme, and the officers as well
as the common soldiers looked upon the cause
of their empress as desperate. In addition to
this, Laudon who was adored by them was
forced to give up the command to Fieldmarshai
Daun, and they did not feel inclined to exert
themselves to the honour and distinction of his
personal enemy. This feeling led to the field
hospitals of the Austrians being tilled by many
thousands of these soldiers and served the cause
of the king, who was now quietly drawing his
forces together, threatening Moravia, and having
a body of men ready . to invade Hungary should
the Tartars advance into that country.
As it was expected v that Schweidnitz would
he besieged, great preparations were made to
increase the security of the town, and eight
thousand peasants and soldiers were employed
throughout the winter to throw up fortifications
on every height in the neighbourhood, so that
the hills formed a chain of forts. The same
activity was exerted with respect to the fort! ess
itself, the garrison of which now consisted
of 12,000 picked troops and was well supplied
with provisions, ammunition and all other ne-
cessaries. General Guasco an officer remarkable
for his courage and experience was placed in
command, and he was supported by General
Gribauval, one of the first engineer officers in
Europe.
Such was the position of Schweidnitz when
the king in conjunction with the Russian army
advanced towards it. This junction had only
taken place in the beginning, of June, and thus
Digitized by Google
50*
HISTOUY OF THK
the expedition- had been delayed; but the king
now sent oat a detachment under the^ammand
of General Neuwied, who threatened the Aus-
trians and forced them to fall back for the de-
fence of the magazines in their rear, by which
means their communication with Schweidnitz
was cut off. There were 2000 Cosacks with
General Neuwied's detachment, who following
up their usual mode of fighting, skirmished to
the very gates of Prague; plundering and de-
vastating every town and village they came
near. The imperialists were so alarmed at their
depredations that General Serbelloni, who com-
manded in Saxony, was on the point of leaving
every thing to hasten to the assistance of Bo-
hemia. The Cosacks however saved him this
trouble for they hurried back that they might
bring back their booty in safety ; they returned
to the army in small bodies and many were a
considerable time before they reached it, having
driven the cattle they had taken, into Poland
for sale.
Notwithstanding the great difference in the
outward appearance of the Austrian and Prus-
sian cavalry these wild soldiers could not be
made aware of it; and in consequence of this,
the whole of the Prussian cavalry wore feathers
in their caps to distinguish them from the
Austriaus; an ornament which was now a
useful part of the dress, but which was after-
wards continued and was adopted at a later
period in all European armies.
Frederic's object in endeavouring to get in
the rear of the enemy was to induce Daun
, to leave his position on the heights near Bar-
Digitized by Google
SKVKN YKARS WAB. 503
kersdorf and Leutmannsdorf ; but this general
remained immovable, notwithstanding the con-
fusion the Austrians were thrown into by the
advance of the Prussians. General Haddick
hurried to Braunau and the Prussians invaded
Moravia and Austrian Silesia, raising contri-
butions. The king wrote to the Duke of Bevern
on the 11th of July: "As the enemy are in
the greatest confusion, we must endeavour to
put them to the rout piecemeal.*' The Prus-
sians returned from Bohemia laden with booty
and every preparation was now made for be-
sieging Schweidnitz. But it was not possible
to commence operations so long as the Austri-
ans remained masters of the hills which were
so strongly fortified ; and to drive them thence by
force would have been a dangerous attempt
the result of which must have been uncertain.
Affairs were in this position when an ex-
traordinary change took place in Russia ; Peter
had hardly ascended the throne of this empire
before he was precipitated from it. He had
during the short period of his reign; raised .up
all classes of society against him by his hur-
ried measures ill digested laws, and his want
of necessary precautions. The soldiery and
the priesthood, so seldom of the same opinion,
were now unaminous, and they hated the mon-
arch who wished to deprive one class of their
privileges and the other of their beards. The
senate was neglected by him, and the Russian
nobility as well as the rest of the nation
treated with disrespect; the Germans were
preferred in every thing, and his body guard
was composed of troops of this country; ad-
Digitized by Google
HISTORY OP THK
ded to this the customs and laws of the em-
pire were set at nought by him and every
thing had to give way to his will ; so that,
however good his intentions might be, his
manner of fulfilling them was inefficacious. The
people were anxious, without Knowing why,
for the continuation of a war which cost them
men and money, and the result of which, with
regard to conquest, could give but little in-
crease to their enormous extent of territory.
The emperor was opposed to this wish of his
people ; for though equally fond of war he
wished to carry it on, not against Prussia,
but against her enemies and against Danemark.
Added to all these causes of discontent, was
his illtreatment of his wife, who brought up in
the school of adversity, had stored her mind
developed her talents and won the love of the
whole nation. Peter had declared his deter-
mination to cast her from him, and to immure
her in a convent where she was to pass the
rest of her days, and eve/f her son was to be
excluded from the succession to the throne-
thus did this monarch work to his own down-
fall, and it only required a word from Cathe-
rine to deprive her husband of his crown. Self-
preservation at last forced her to take this
step, and in a few hours this mighty emperor,
abandoned by every one, and without the spill-
ing of a drop of blood was dethroned and be-
came a hopeless and pitiable captive. Ca-
therine was now called to the throne as Em-
press of all the Russia*?, Peter having formally
abdicated. Six days after he was no more.
This extraordinary occurrence of the de-
Digitized by Google
SKVKN YEARS WAR.
505
thronement of Peter, which has become so re-
markable as the commencement of the most
brilliant era of the Russian empire, took place
on the 9th of June. As the senate and the
people were anxious for the renewal of the war
against the Prussians the necessary prepara-
tions for this purpose were made; and on the
16th of July an order was issued requiring
that all the inhabitants of the Prussian pro-
vinces conquered by the Russians should swear
allegiance to the empress; and what led the
Russians to be so anxious for this war was
the general opinion that Frederic was the pro-
moter and adviser of all the changes made
by their dethroned monarch. Even Catherine
herself did not look upon him as her friend ;
and although born in Pomerania, and not
without affection for her devastated native land
she followed in the stream, anxious to com-
plete the overthrow of the most bitter foe to
Russia, as Frederic was styled in her mani-
festo.
This was the opinion of all; the war was
determined on, and the requisition for the oath
of allegiance already dispatched, when on search-
ing, a few days afterwards, the papers of
the deceased emperor, the letters of Frederic
found among them caused universal astonish-
ment. Their contents were far different from
what had been expected, for they contained
good advice with respect to his mode of go-
verning, and the most earnest exhortations to
moderate his feelings; all the changes he was
introducing were disapproved of, and Catherine
had no reason to he offended with the expres-
ARCREKHOLZ. 15
Digitized by Google
506
HISTORY OF TUB
sions respecting her, as Frederic had entreated
her husband to treat her, if not with affection
at any rate with respect. The empress on
learning this was moved to tears, the sena-
tors were silenced and the hatred towards the
king of Prussia having ceased, the orders for
the war were countermanded and the peace
ratified.
By these changes Danemark had no longer
cause to fear the loss of Holstein, the conquest
of which had been Peter's most earnest desire ;
a wish which neither the entreaties and the
representations of his friends, nor the remon-
strances of the Prussian ambassador, Baron
Goltz whom he much valued, could do away
with, although at the same time opposed by
the repeated and friendly advice of Frederic.
His demands from Danemark consisted only in
requiring certain districts in Holstein and
Schleswig ; but he actually wanted to become
possessed of the whole of these provinces.
He insisted upon the possession of the terri-
tory of his forefathers, which as he often ex-
pressed himself was dearer to him than the half of
his empire; and for this conquest, an army of
60,000 Russians were to be sent, and to be
reinforced by 6000 Prussians. This army was
to be led by the emperor in person, and the
Russian troops in Pomerania and Prussia, under
the commaud of Romanzow were already on
the march; large magazines for their supply
had been prepared in Greifenberg, Massow, Gol-
now, and Stettin, and six and thirty Russian
ships with sixteen Swedish ships were to
support the attack by sea.
Digitized by
SKVBN YKARS WAR. 507
In Danemark the greatest consternation had
reigned, for the Danes were in no way pre-
pared for war. Their fleet, the best bulwark
of an island kingdom, although not without
some reputation, and when in proper condition
not unequal to compete with the fleets of their
enemies, was now badly manned, .and not in
a state to be able to put to sea in so hurried
a manner. But it was more especially their
army which was in a miserable condition, con-
sisting of soldiers unused to warfare and badly
provided for; leaders who had never been through
a campaign, and understood nothing of dis-
cipline or the art of war; having no available
implements of war, no magazines of powder,
no musketry fit for service, no provision ma-
gazines, and no money. This last want was
the most pressing, as the famous Marshal Mon-
tecuculi was fond of saying, it is the principal
and only real want in a war, and it induced
the Danes to visit the town of Hamburg; they
advanced to the gates of the city and, prepared
to use force, they demanded in the name of
their monarch a million of banco dollars, by
way of a loan. The Hamburghers who were
frightened and in their consternation did not
take into consideration the force of their oppo-
nents, their position, and other circumstances, but
rather the effect' likely to be produced on their
commerce and the destruction of their gardens,
granted the request, and the Danes departed.
They had now money and in addition to this
a leader in the person of the Count St. Ger-
main who had quitted the French service, but
who with all his knowledge and science in the
Digitized by Google
HISTORY OK THB
art of war, was unacquainted with the country,
with the language and with the manners of
the people; and having his head filled with
French ideas and principles which could not
here be available, and with projects which
could not be carried out, was likely to prove
but a very inefficient general to so badly an
equipped army, who hated him from the first
and whose confidence he could never gain. His
plan was to take up a strong position near
Lubeck and here to await the Russians; still
the result of the war could not for a moment
be matter of doubt even to the Danes them-
selves; but all these causes of anxiety ceased
at once with the dethronement of the emperor.
Frederic was on the point of attacking the
Austrians in their intrenchinents on the hills
when the dreadful news of the abdication of
the Emperor Peter reached him ; and Czernichef
imparted to him the orders of the senate to
withdraw his troops from the Prussian army.
This gave rise to a complete change in the
plans for the campaign, especially as reports
came from Prussia and Pomerania that the Rus-
sians were preparing to commence hostilities.
The king had only to expect, that from the
change of feeling towards him in the Russian
court, either this body would form a junction
with his enemies or act on the offensive against
him themselves. It was in his power to dis-
arm these 20,000 men, but he acted in a far
different way, and parted with these troops
with every expression of good feeling ; and on
their retreat all their wants were supplied so
long as they traversed the Prussian provinces
Digitized by
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509
the same as if they had still continued the
auxiliaries of that power. This noble conduct
caused the Russian generals to he very unwil-
ling to separate from the Prussian army, and
especially Czernichef who received the most
handsome presents from Frederic.
The orders for the march of the Russians
remained for some days a secret, not only to
these troops themselves but also to the Prussian
soldiers; and in the Austrian army there was
no idea that they were on the point of departing.
It was necessary to make preparations for the
supplies and transport of so large a body of
men, and as these arrangements required some
time the march was not to be began for three
days; Frederic made use of this valuable time
in a masterly manner. He determined to attack
the intrenchments of the Austrians on the heights
near Burkersdorf without further delay, taking
advantage of the Russians still occupying their
position in the field of battle, and of the certainty
that if they were attacked they would defend
themselves; added to this he was convinced
that Daun would send a body of men against
them, and by this means weaken his own force.
At the same time he was desirous of giving
the Russians, previous to their departure, an
example in proof of the courage and capabilities
of the Prussian army. In order to deceive the
watchfulness of Daun, and to prevent his being
aware of the enemy taking up a position on
his right, several small bodies were sent out
under the command of the Prince of Wurtem-
berg and of Generals Manteufel, Gablenz and
Ramin to threaten him with an attack. After
Digitized by Google
510
HLSTOHY OF THB
all these measures had been taken the Prussians
began, on the 20th of July as soon as it was.
dark, to throw up a large battery on the plain
in advance of the intrenched hills.
These hills were high and steep and defended
with pallisades and barricadoes, having on the
summits bomb-proof redoubts; some of the hills
were separated by ravines, but others connected
by means of intrenchments ; all these posts were
under the command of General O'Kelly. During
the day there had been no appearance of the
Prussian camp not even an advanced post to
be seen; but in the plain in the course of the
night a line of troops had been formed, which
at day break stood in order of battle ; a large
battery with forty five howitzers and twelve
pieces of heavy artillery had been thrown up and
appeared to have started from the earth ; and
another had been erected upon a height with
thirty pieces of cannon. At day break the
Prussians began pouring in a heavy fire, and
the Austrian cavalry, who were posted in the
ravines, were thrown into great disorder by the
balls from the howitzers, and driven far up the
valleys; they rode over the infantry, who had
been posted near them to reinforce the troops
in the fortifications on the hills and who now
joined them in their flight. The intrenchments
were then attacked with a heavy fire and
stormed on each side and in the rear. Several of
the best Prussian regiments were sent on this
dangerous service under the command of General
Mollendorf, and nothing could resist the im-
petuosity of their attack. General Mollendorf
discovered a path which led to the summit of
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511
the heights, and as it was impossible for horses
to advance up these steep hills, the soldiers of
the regiment of the crown prince dragged one
of the cannon up the hill themselves. The
enemy now fled in every direction, and these
hills which had been fortified with so much
care were taken in the course of four hours, 1400
of the enemy killed and 2000 taken prisoners.
A number of cannon fell into the hands of
the Prussians, and the Austrians were driven
hack on the main body of their army, by which
means the pass of Leutmannsdorf, so important
to the Austrians was also lost by them. Daun
had sent General Breutano with reinforcements
but they arrived too late, and were put to flight
as were also the Austrians who had madr a
sortie from Schweidnitz.
During these occurrences the wiiole of the
troops, Russians as well as Prussians remained „
under arms, in order to observe the main army of
the Austrians who however remained immovable.
But the same evening Daun left his position
and withdrew further back among the hills.
The principal Russian generals were spectators
of this engagement which Frederic had displayed
to them as a parting remembrance. He had
the satisfaction of knowing that he had made
no use of the presence of these allies during
the few weeks they had remained with him; for
with theexceptionof the cosacks, who had accom-
panied General Xeuwied in his march into Bohe-
mia the Russians had remained quietly in camp.
The day following this brilliant engagement the
Russians left the Prussian camp; the officers un-
willingly as (hey could not expect to find such
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512 HISTORY OF THE
another school for military tactics, but the common
soldiers with satisfaction as, with the exception of
bread which was served out regularly to them, they
suffered from the scarcity of provisions With
their small pay they could not buy any thing,
and as in Silesia they dared not pillage, two
pounds of bread daily without other food was
a poor allowance for a Russian stomach. When
these hungry soldiers met a Prussian officer
they shrugged up their shoulders and pointed to
their mouths, and many of them went into the
camp of the Prussians to procure bread ; which
if they got it from compassion, they would throw
themselves at the feet of their benefactors and
then hurry back with their booty.
In consequence of the period for the cessation
of hostilities with the Porte being at an end
the court of Vienna became extremely anxious
as to the course the Turks would pursue; and
Baron Peukler, who had already long resided
in Constantinople, and was well acquainted with
the language, was sent as ambassador to the Sultan
with valuable presents. But the king expec.ed
that the Turks would advance in September,
and this expectation as well as his plans in
case of misfortune be had expressed in his
private correspondence with the Duke of Severn.
Had his attack on the Austrian intrenchments
not been successful he had determined after the
departure of the Russians merely to protect
Cosel and Neisse until the approach of the Turks.
In consequence of this arrangement the Duke
of Severn was to march upon Cosel and General
Werner upon Neisse previous to the engagement
at Burkersdorf.
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Daun was now completely cut off from
Schweidnitz and the road to this fortress was open
on all sides to Frederic who made every pre-
paration for besieging it. The Duke of fie vera
was ordered to join him, although he and Ge-
neral Werner had both gained considerable
advantages; for every thing had now to give
way to the taking of Schweidnitz. These troops
were to escort the heavy cannon from Neisse,
the want of which was delaying the siege;
Frederic was constantly insisting on the neces-
sity of hurrying the advance, and the duke re-
plied to his requests : " What man and beast
can do, shall and must be done I"
During the time that the most extensive
preparations were being made for the siege,
Daun withdrew to the heights of the Eulenge-
birge and appeared to resign himself to despair;
he had had the misfortune to lose the services
of General Draskowitz, one of the best Aus-
trian generals, who was taken prisoner not
far from Neisse. The siege of Schweidnitz was
began on the 8th of August and General Tauen-
zien, who had been stationed at Breslau, was
placed in command of the besiegers who were
composed of twenty four battalions of infantry
and some regiments of cavalry with a heavy
battering train. They were supported by an
army headed by the king, and a large body
under the command of the Duke of Bevern.
This siege was certainly one of the most re-
markable during the war, both from the science
displayed in the attack and in the defence ; from
the continuance and many other circumstances
attendant upon it. One fact was perhaps of
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514 HISTORY OF THE
•
unheard of occurrence; the engineers both
within and without the walls were commanded
by Frenchmen, Gribauval and Le Fevre; they
were friends and had been companions in arms.
The first was still in the French service, but
in consequence of his great experience had been
sent to the Austrian army by Lewis XV ; Le
Fevre was in the service of the king of Prus-
sia. They had both written on fortification and
having different views on the art of carrying
on a siege had expressed and defended their
opinions in their writings. They now had an
opportunity of proving the truth of their sys-
tems in the presence of the whole world, and
the materials for such proof were entirely at
their disposal; Le Fevre was desirous of taking
the place by means of mines and in a very-
short space of time; he however did not complete
his object and was at last forced to follow the
old system.
Upon the town being summoned to surrender
the commandant replied, that he would endea-
vour to do justice to the fame of the Austrian
arms, and to gain the consideration of his
Prussian majesty. The bombardment was now-
commenced and was continued day and night.
The defence of the garrison was very spirited
and the cannon were well served ; sorties were
also made nearly every night but without pro-
ducing any advantage.
Daun once more took courage and having
determined to relieve the town, he only put
off for six days the executing his plan, of the
success of which he had no doubt. Between
the Austrian army and Schweidnitz, the Prus-
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<
SKVKN YKARS WAR. 515
sian body under the Duke of Severn was posted
and was not connected with that of the king ;
this body was to be attacked on all sides and
destroyed before reinforcements could be sent
by the king who was at some distance. . The
Aurstrians reckoned on their great superiority of
numbers, and therefore hoped in this state of
affairs to renew the scenes of Maxen. Four bo-
dies under Lascy, O'Donnel, Beck, and Brentano
attacked the Prussians in the front, the rear
and on either flank ; but the duke defended
himself like a great general ; the enemy at-
tacked the baggage which was on the point of
being lost and some generals were desirous of
defending it with their brigades ; but the duke
would not allow this. "If we are defeated M
said he, "we shall be unable in our position to
save our baggage; but if we are victorious it will
not be long before we get it again." Following
up this wise determination, founded on the
same principle which had gained the battle of
Soor for Frederic in the year 1745, the Prus-
sians gave up their baggage to be plundered by
the enemy and fought without dividing their
forces. General Beck had made a spirited at-
tack and gained some advantage, but was badly
supported by Lascy and Brentano; the Prussians
standing firm in their ranks, relying in full
confidence on the activity of the king, and the
certainty of his coming to their assistance.
The expectations of the troops were not de-
ceived for on the report of the first cannon
being heard, the Duke of Wurtemberg had placed
himself at the head of the cavalry and advanc-
ing at full gallop, fell upon the body under
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HISTORY OK THE
the command of O'Donnel and put them to the
rout. The cavalry was immediately followed
by the horse artillery of the king's army and
shortly after the king himself came up at the
head of a hussar regiment; these were to he
supported by the advance of some brigades of
infantry, but before the latter arrived the enemy
had been beaten out of the field with a loss
of 1200 killed and wounded and 1500 taken
prisoner. The Prussians loss was 1000 killed
and wounded, and some hundreds of prisoners;
of the baggage which had been in the hands
of the enemy they lost but little, the Austrians
having abandoned it in their retreat.
Many officers had distinguished themselves
on this occasion and the duke was anxious
they should be rewarded; but the king would
not hear of it and expressed himself thus : " If
dictinctions are to be bestowed on every oc-
cassion on which an officer does that which
his duty requires him to do, these will become
too common, and in the end cease to be dis-
tinctions." Daun now marched on Glatz leaving
Schweidnitz to its fate. The garrison although
they had no hopes of succour from without did
not despair ; there was no scarcity of provisions
within the walls and the soldiers were allowed
brandy and wine. In consequence of a private
communication from Dauh, received immediately
after the engagement at Reichenbach, the com-
mandant, General Guasco, was desirous of ne-
gotiating a capitulation; he demanded that he
should be allowed to withdraw his forces but
this was flatly refused. Tauenzien appealed on
this occasion to an extraordinary declaration of
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SEVEN YEARS WAR. 517
General Laudon, who in his correspondence in
the previous year with the Markgraf Charles
of Prussia on the subject of an arrangement,
had distinctly stated, (hat his court did not
consider itself bound to fulfill the promise given
to the king with respect to the exchange of
prisoners, or indeed any other promise. Six
days later the commandant renewed his pro-
posals, offering to give up all the cannon, ma-
gazines and the military chests, and to bind
himself that the troops should not serve against
the king for a year. This proposition was hardly
listened to and shortly after an Austrian officer
eluded the vigilance of the outposts, and con-
veyed orders to General Guasco not to capitu-
late without being allowed to withdraw his
forces, except in case of the most pressing need.
The siege was continued with much vigour
but the efforts of the Prussian miners were
counteracted by those of the Austrians, the num-
bers of their miners being greater than those of
the Prussian army. The bombardment continued
day and night, and Frederic who was daily in
the trenches began to be dissatisfied with the
tediousness of the siege. He made several disposi-
tions which showed that he had no slight know-
ledge in the art of besieging towns, and he caused
a breaching battery to be erected ; but the taking
of Schweidnitz now appeared very doubtful, and
after having expended two months, it was
certain that if Schweidnitz were not taken in a
very short time the siege must be raised.
This state of affairs had been brought about
by the peculiar ambition of Frederic which
prevented him from listening to any terms from
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518
HISTORY OF THB
the enemy. The commandant requested per-
mission to )je allowed to send an officer to
Daun, that he might he free from responsibility ;
but this was refused, and by this means three
weeks were lost during which time the siege
was prolonged at a- needless expense of life
and money. At last a circumstance occurred
which was of great advantage to the besiegers;
a shell burst near a powder magazine the door
of which was open and which exploded de-
stroying a bastion of fort Jauernick and killing
a great number of men. By this means there
was a considerable breach in the fortifications
and the following night it was rendered prac-
ticable and every preparation was made for
storming; but General Guasco did hot await
this and surrendered on the 9th of October sixty
three days after the opening of the trenches.
The garrison of 9000 men were taken as pri-
soners of war.
The king did justice to the bravery of the
commandant and invited him to his table, gene-
rously forgetting that this Italian had behaved
so badly to the garrison at the taking of Dres-
den, and had broken faith with Schmettau. The
terms of this capitulation were strictly fulfilled
as had always been the case on the part of
the Prussians, whenever they, as victorious,
had to dictate. A large quantity of ammunition,
shells, and provisions were found in this fortress
as well as a great number of cannon. The pri-
soners both officers and men were sent to
Prussia; those, who had money, were allowed
to travel by land, but the others were embarked
at Stettin at the king's expense. They were
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SKVKN YKARS WAR.
519
overtaken by a dreadful storm and several ships
were lost with all on board, others being stranded
on the coast; by this means several hundred
regained their liberty and were enabled to reach
their homes through Poland.
On this occasion every one in Vienna was
much displeased with Daun, and the feeling of
dissatisfaction was to such an extent that the
wife of the fieldmarsbal was insulted as she
went to court, and her carriage pelted with
night caps as a symbol of the supineness of
her husband. There were not wanting cani-
catures which displayed as much wit as truth*
and which were placed not only on the walls
of the residence of Daun, but also on those of
the imperial palace.
The king now made arrangements to march
into Saxony ; but, having been taught prudence
* One of these represented the siege of Schweid-
nitz ; Guasco was on the ramparts screaming for
help ; at a distance the army of Daun was drawn
up on parade as spectators and the general was
seated in an arm chair with a night cap on his
head holding up the consecrated sword which he had
received from the Pope with both hands as if in
the act of blessing the troops. The sword was in
the scabbard; on the left stood Laudon, with his
hands tied behind him ; and on the right Lascy with
a roll of parchment in his hand headed "Plan of the
campaign of 1763," but the parchment had nothing on
it. The remainder of the generals were divided in three
groups, the first rubbing their eyes as half asleep,
the second gaping and the third laughing at the others
in mockery.
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HISTORY OK THK
by adversity and experience, and being not
wholly without anxiety for the safety of his
Silesian fortresses, he took every precaution
to secure them against surprisal, and left the
Duke of Bevern in this country with a strong
body of men. Previous to marching himself he
sent General Neuwied with twenty battalions
and forty squadrons into Saxony to strengthen
the army under Prince Henry. This leader had
been very active in his operations, for having
been reinforced by General Belling, who in
consequence of the peace concluded with the
Swedes at Mecklenburg was enabled to join
the prince, the latter had found himself suffi-
ciently strong to advance and for a time pre-
vent the junction of the Austrians with the
troops of the Empire. Ue attacked the Austrian
General Serbelloni near Ddbeln and put him to
flight, with a loss of 2000 men. A few weeks
after this Serbelloni attacked the Prussian
outposts but was repulsed with severe loss.
General Seidlitz also defeated the enemy in
some sharp encounters near Auersbach and
Toplitz, and General Kleist displayed his cus-
tomary bravery, and with his usual good for-
tune beat the enemy under General Zettwitz
near Waldheim.
But in the meanwhile the troops of the
Empire rejoiced in a victory, for they attacked
with the whole of their cavalry a small de-
tachment of Prussians who were forced to give
way to the great superiority of numbers. Bel-
ling invaded Bohemia and advancing as far as
Eger raised contributions on the intermediate
districts. The court of Vienna highly dissatis-
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8KVKN YEARS WAR. 521
fied with this accumulation of reverses took the
command from Serbelloni and placed Haddick
at the head of the troops, who displayed much
more activity, and forced Prince Henry to
change his position more than once. A battle
was now become necessary for the Prussians
to retain their ground; Henry had encamped
near Freyberg and a large body of Austrians
had formed a junction with the troops of the
Empire under the command of the Prince of
Stolberg. These troops were, as Marshal
Saxe used to say like brazen horses, who al-
though the foot be raised never leave the spot
they are placed on. The "enemy now relied
on their great superiority of numbers, and gave
the Prussians an advantageous opportunity for
a battle which took place at Freyberg on the
29th of October; it only lasted two hours,
but was bloody and decisive. The Austrian
light troops were put to the rout, and the troops
of the Empire were attacked in their intrench-
in ents and forced to retreat over the Mulde.
The other Austrians who had a body of Prus-
sians opposed to them did nut think themselves
sufficiently strong to dispute the victory with
the enemy and were driven out of the field,
being pursued by the Prussian cavalry under
Seidlitz to whom was attributed in a great
measure the success of the day. The loss of
the Prussians was 1400 killed and wounded but
that of the enemy 3000, and 4400 taken pri-
soners, with 27 cannon, 9 stand of colours,
much baggage and a number of ammunition
waggons.
A few days after the battle General Neu-
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52*
HISTORY OF THK
wied arrived with his body of men; he had
intended to make himself master of the heights
of Weissig near Dresden and to bombard this
city from the side on which the new-town is
built; but he was too late, for Daun had sent
a detachment from Silesia to Keep the Prussians
in check and this body under the command of
Prince Albert had already taken possession of
these important heights.
The defeated army now withdrew into
Bohemia, and Kleist was sent after them with a
body of light troops 6000 strong; he destroyed
several magazines and levied contributions to
the very gates of Prague. This general had
received orders from the king to burn several
of the villages by way of reprisals for the
cruelties the Austrians had exercised throughout
the Electorate of Brandenburg; but this noble
hearted man fulfilled the order in an exemplary
manner, for he had a quantity of straw collected
on a high hill and set fire to it, by which means
some miserable huts in the neighbourhood were
destroyed, but not until the inhabitants had had
time to withdraw their property.
The king received the news of the victory
of Freyberg when he • was on the march to
Saxony and it tended to hasten his placing his
troops in winter quarters. He now formed a
line from Thuringia through Saxony, Lusatia,
and Silesia, and agreed on a cessation of hosti-
lities with the Austrians. After all their con-
quests, these troops, at the end of seven campaigns,
were only in possession of the small district
about Dresden together with the country of
Glatz, and as they found the king of Prussia
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so powerful, now that he was no longer opposed
by the Russians, were anxious to refresh their
men and therefore glad of the cessation of
hostilities which however only extended to
Saxony and Silesia.
The allies of Frederic had opened the campaign
with unfavourable expectations as to its results ;
for although they were promised to be reinforced
by the junction of 20,000 Russians and every
preparation had been made for the march of
these troops, still they came not. Added to
this they appeared on the point of losing the
support of England, as the new administration
in that country was, as has been before observed,
extremely indisposed to assisting in the war
in Germany, and did not therefore display any
zeal in supporting the efforts of Ferdinand.
Nevertheless the prime minister Lord Bute did
not think it right to oppose entirely the wishes
of the whole nation, and a number of recruits
as well as a regiment of Highlanders were sent
to Germany in the course of the spring. As the
devastated state of the different districts of
Westphalia and Lower Saxony did not promise
any means of support, the governments of these
provinces purchased a quantity of provisions
and corn in England and the ports of the Baltic.
A fortunate circumstance for the success of the
allies now occurred. The Duke of Broglio was
sacrificed to his enemies at Versailles, and
having been removed from the command of the
army, where he was replaced by the Marshal
D'Estrees, was sent in disgrace to reside on
his own estates.
The winter was not ended when the allies
524
HISTORY OP TRH
commenced operations for opening the campaign
of 1762. The hereditary prince attacked the
castle of Arensberg which was in possession
of the French, and was important to them by
enabling them to keep up their communication
with Cassel. The commandant Muret required
that he should be allowed to withdraw his
forces; this was refused and after the castle
had been bombarded for six hours, Muret sur-
rendered unconditionally. Not a single man
was killed on either side and only one, an
English officer, wounded. The hereditary prince
made use of his success, approached the Rhine,
raised recruits and levied contributions, bringing
away hostages with him. These measures forced
the French generals into the field ; Soubise and
D'Eslrees commanding on the upper Rhine and
the Prince of Conde on the lower Rhine.
It soon became evident that Broglio was
no longer in command; a succession of mis-
fortunes which befel the French army during
this campaign revenged the unmerited disgrace
into which tbis general had fallen with his court.
Ferdinand advanced and on the 24th of June at
day break crossed the Diemel in seven columns,
and surprised the French who were encamped at
Wilhelmsthal ; he attacked them and drove them
under the cannon of Cassel some seeking safety
by crossing the Fulda. They lost 4000 killed
and taken prisoner and among the latter the
greater part of the regiment of grenadiers de
France. The French officers who were taken
prisoners had lost the greater part of their
baggage, but Ferdinand compensated for this
loss in a noble manner; he invited them to a
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SKVRN YEARS WAR.
great dinner the day after the battle, and as
part of the desert, there were a number of
covered dishes. When every one was on the
point of rising from table, the duke pointing to
these dishes said to the officers: "Gentlemen,
there is still something for you." As no one
was willing to take off the covers Ferdinand
did so himself ; and the officers were astonished
at finding a number of gold watches, boxes,
rings and other valuables of which each took
what he pleased
In order to drive the French from their
strong position near Cassel, Ferdinand cut off
their communication with Frankfort and General
Rochambeau who was posted to keep it open
was attacked and put to flight ; by which means
the magazines at Rothenburg fell into the hands
of the allies. Another engagement took place
at Lutternberg between Munden and Cassel and
the army under Prince Xavier was defeated.
Prince Frederic of Brunswick also drove the
enemy from Kratzenberg, and took a number
of prisoners.
The French had been so much weakened
by these disasters that the Prince of Conde
hurried to the assistance of the army in Hessia;
but the hereditary prince opposed his progress
and attacked him on the first of September, at
Johannisberg. At first fortune appeared .to
favour the allies, but the advantageous position
of the French, their superiority and the hereditary
prince having received a dangerous wound in
the body, decided the battle ; however Ferdinand
who was in the neighbourhood came up in time
to prevent a complete defeat.
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526 HISTORY OF THB
The French armies were now able to form
a junction, and again beginning to act on the
offensive, they besieged the castle of Amone-
burg on the Ohm. The bridge over this river
as the principal means of passage was protected
by a fort and at first was only defended by
the allies with 200 men; each army however
continued to send up fresh troops to keep up
this engagement which lasted for fourteen hours.
The French had planted thirty heavy pieces of
artillery and the allies as many to defend this
post. The first who had defended the fort were
the Hanoverians; these were followed by the
Highlanders and after them came the English
regiments, all having displayed the greatest
bravery. Fresh regiments were always coming
np to relieve those engaged so that nearly half
the infantry were in turn occupied in this ball
practice. It was necessary for the French
to make themselves masters of this post to
enable them to assist Cassel, and it was only
night which put an end to the slaughter of this
engagement.
This was on the 21st of September. The
allies had remained masters of the bridge; but
as honour rather than actual advantage had
been fought for, and as the French would have
been able from their superiority of numbers to
keep up the contest longer than their opponents
Ferdinand retired from his position, and the
following day Amoneburg surrendered.
Winter was now coming on, and although
efforts were being made to procure peace its
. conclusion was by no means certain. Ferdinand
was therefore anxious to terminate the cam-
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SKVKN YKARS WAR
paign by a remarkable effort, and turned hi.<*
attention on Cassel. The taking of this city
which would ensure the deliverance of the whole
province from (he presence of the enemy was
of the greatest importance ; and the conducting
the siege was entrusted to Prince Frederic of
Brunswick, the brother of the hereditary prince,
who although young, had shown himself wor-
thy of the fame of his house. General Dies-
bach was commandant of Cassel in the place
of the Count Broglio who had left the service
as soon as his brother was no longer in favour
at court. The town had been invested for
two months, but it was not till the 16th of
October that the trenches were opened. The
defence was most courageous, and the garrison
6700 strong made bold but fruitless sorties. The
town was but ill prepared for a siege, and
there were no hopes of receiving supplies, as
every avenue being occupied by Ferdinand's
troops it became impossible for the French to
relieve the fortress. The inhabitants were in
the greatest distress for provisions, and every
thing was at an exorbitant price; the garrison
from the first had been rationed on salted horse-
flesh. The scarcity forced the commandant to
surrender on the 1st of November, the troops
being allowed to leave the town with the honours
of war. This siege in which much blood had
been spilt on both sides was the last contest
in which these enemies were engaged; for two
days after, the preliminaries of the treaty were
signed which ended the war between France
and England.
Ferdinand now dismissed his troops having
528 HISTORY OF TUB
addressed them previously in a manner which
brought tears in the eyes of most of them.
He thanked them for the confidence they had
reposed in him, and for their obedience; ter-
minating with the assurance that the thought
of having fought for his country with such
brave soldiers would be remembered to the day
of his death. All England rang with the praises
of this general and the British parliament
having voted him a pension of three thousand
a year the house of commons sent him a letter
of thanks through the speaker. The English
army which from 25,000 men was reduced
to 16,000 now commenced its march to Hol-
land in order to be sent thence to England by
means of transports.
France was now the most anxious of all
the contending powers for peace, in consequence
of her treasury being exhausted, her commerce
injured, her fleet annihilated and almost all her
possessions in Asia and America having fallen
into the hands of the English. In addition to
these many causes of distress, the whole king-
dom was suffering from the great scarcity of
specie, the greater part of that of France
having either been sent into Germany, or having
fallen into the hands of the English privateers.
Lewis XV., the Princes of the Blood, and the
principal nobility of France sent their plate to tfce
mint; but these means were not equal to the
exigencies and were merely proofs of the
state of need. Voltaire said: "The alliance of
France with Austria for six years has ex-
hausted her more in men and money, than wars
with Austria during two hundred years. M
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SKVKN YEARS WAR
In this fearful position her last hope appeared
to fail as the king of Spain, the new ally of
France had been driven out of the field in a
single year by the English. The Havanna, (he
key of the Spanish possessions in America and
the bulwark of their market for gold and silver
had fallen into the hands of the English together
with the treasures there deposited. Portugal of
which the Spaniards had almost possessed them-
selves was now evacuated ; the town of Pondiche-
ry was destroyed and the trade of the French on
the coast of Africa destroyed; and Canada, as
well as the most important islands of the West-
Indies, was in the hands of the English who were
now masters of the sea. All these conquests
which had cost so much blood and caused such
a heavy national debt to be incurred, were with
the exception of Canada restored to the French
by the conditions of this extraordinary treaty
of peace.
By this treaty, which was concluded by
means of Lord Bute, Frederic was given up to
his enemies ; and as if anxious to throw every
impediment in the way of this great man it
was stipulated that Hanover, Hessia, Brunswick
and the other provinces belonging to the allies
should be evacuated and restored by the French
to their respective sovereigns ; on the other hand
those districts of the Prussian territories which
were 'in the hands of the French, Cleves, Gel-
dern and others in Westphalia were only to
be evacuated. The previous treaty between
England and Prussia, which in the fourth article
distinctly stated that neither party should con-
clude a treaty of peace or even a cessation of
15*
530
HISTORY OK THE
hostilities without the consent of the other was
utterly disregarded by the English ministry.
The advantage of the state, the honour of the
British name and the wishes of the people were
entirely lost sight of and the making this peace
was any thing hut a cause of rejoicing in
England.
The Prussian ambassador in London made
the strongest representations with respect to
this peace so contrary to the faith of former
treaties as respected his monarch ; but in vain,
for on the 10th of February 1763 the ratifica-
tions were exchanged. This conduct made a
deep impression on the mind of Frederic, and
caused a feeling of dislike, not against the court
who was the cause of it, but against the whole
nation, who had ever been anxious for his de-
liverance from his enemies, and always rejoiced
at his successes. But instead of gratitude for
this feeling, which was expressed on every
possible occasion, Frederic only felt a dislike
to the English which he often displayed and
cherished to the day of his death.
The king of Prussia took advantage of the,
cessation of hostilities to send a body of 10,000
men into the states of th£ Empire in order to
force them to remain neutral ; and this command
was entrusted to General Kleist who fulfilled
his orders with decisipn and intelligence. He
advanced into Franco nia which was throughout
its whole extent in the coalition against Fred-
eric; he took Bamberg and other important
towns and after this marched on Niirnberg, a
most remarkable city and the Venice of Ger-
many. This imperial free city presented an ex-
Digitized by Google
SKVBN YRARS WAR. 531
traordinary appearance; with the manners and
language of Germany, it had the government
and political feelings of Venetians; with the
management of affairs confined to particular fa*
milies, little freedom for (he citizens, and but few
good regulations for the promotion of commerce
but having a high opinion of its own importance.
The first magistrate of this city had its
gates opened to the Prussian general after
having sent him a request for terms couched
in the barbarous style of the Imperial writings,
and requiring liberty in saecularibus et eccle-
siasticis, in civilibus et militaribus. This lan-
guage was new to the general, and he there-
fore promised to reply to every thing so soon
as he should be in the city. The magistrates did
not remain long, without an answer but it was
couched in a different style to their request,
and required a contribution of a million and a
half of dollars as well as the destruction of
the arsenal. Kleist did not allow his hussars
to remain idle during this time, but they spread
over the whole neighbourhood raising contribu-
tions to the banks of the Danube, and liberated
all the different hostages which had been
brought from Prussia during the war by the
troops of the Empire. In the southern states
of the Empire the Prussians were only known
by reports, and people who were in towns de-
fended by walls generally laughed at small
bodies of light troops. But these hussars were
in the habit of dismounting from their horses
and then storming the towns. It was thus
that they took the free town of Windsheim ; and
the free town of Rot hen burg on the Tauber
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53*
HISTORY OF THK
opened its gates to twenty five Prussian hus-
sars who had threatened to take it by storm.
All the princes of the Empire in southern Ger-
many became alarmed, and the Duke of Wur-
temberg who had so much to answer for was
on the point of seeking safety by flight into
Alsace.
The Prussian hussars continued to advance
and carried their depredations to within a couple
of leagues of Regensburgand the dismay of the
states of the Empire became even greater as
those princes who had been during the whole
war inimical to Frederic at the Diet now fear-
ed his vengeance. Many made every prepara-
tion for flight and the boats on the Danube
were loaded with their valuables. The Diet
appeared at an end, and in the midst of this
universal consternation every measure of po-
licy and every feeling was lost sight of for
self-preservation; the protection of Baron Plotho
the Prussian ambassador, who for seven years
had met with nothing but reproaches, was now
nought for ; and they entreated him to pro-
tect the meetings of a Diet which had so in-
defatigably occupied itself to procure the down-
fall of his monarch. The authorities of Regens-
burg sent a deputation to him and entreated
for the mercy of the king ; Plotho who was
fully empowered to do so, granted them the
protection they asked for, and from this time
the Prussian hussars came no more into the vi-
cinity of Regensburg.
The Austrians, thinking themselves bound
by the truce, had been quiet spectators of this
expedition, but at last orders came from Vienna,
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SKVEN YEARS WAR.
633
and a large body of Austrians advancing by
forced marches out of Bohemia formed a junc«*
lion with the troops of the Empire under the
Prince of Stolberg* This army marched into
Franconia and Prince Xavier advanced with a
strong force of Saxons from Wurzburg. Kleist>
too weak to run the risk of a battle with so
large an army, now retired back into Saxony
bringing with him a number of hostages, a
great quantity of money, and twelve newly-
cast pieces of artillery*
The states of the Empire who had learned
with astonishment that the French had deter-
mined to retire across the Rhine, and who were
aware of the decided advantage Prussia had gained
over Austria now expressed their disinclination
to conti une the wan Bavaria gave the strongest
proofs of her desire to abstain from any parti-
cipation, for the troops of the Electorate occu-
pied, the passes to the Danube and refused to
allow the passage of the Austrians ; and in fact
the troops of Bavaria and of the Palatinate
were the first to separate from the army and
in spite of the remonstrances of the generals
commenced their march to their homes in the
middle of January. The Elector of Bavaria
now formally requested to make peace and his
example was followed by the Elector of Mainz
and the Bishops of Wurzburg and Bamberg;
Mecklenburg had in December made peace with
Prussia and paid the sum of 120,000 dollars
which had been advanced by the king of
Danemark
Frederic, now that his hands were free of
so many enemies determined that the next
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584
HISTORY OK THK
#
campaign should be decisive, and for this purpose
took every precaution and made use of every
resource. Leipsic was once more called upon
and the king required 400,000 ducats from this
city; the inhabitants now again applied to
Gotzkowski and entreated for his assistance
although it was hardly to be expected by them;
as, when once the danger had been passed, the
feelings of gratitude had grown cold, especially
as they had to pay their debts. It had been
said that the strong measures used against them
would have been given up had they persisted
in their resistance, and that they had to thank
his mediation as the cause of their being obliged
to pay the money. The expression of these
opinions combined with their want of good faith
in the payments, induced Gotzkowski who was
at Hamburg to refuse to undertake again so
unthankful an office and which had entailed
such heavy calls on his own coffers. But the
entreaties of the magistrates at last prevailed
on him generously to forget the past, and the
king was induced by his representations to re-
duce the sum required but for which Gotzkowski
became responsible. Many towns in the different
districts of Saxony found themselves in great
difficulty and having requested the assistance
of this merchant he took their debts upon his
own responsibility; but from this time all the
levying of war taxes was at an end. #
• This man, so worthy of respect in so many
different points of view was entirely ruined by the
general bankruptcy in Holland in 1764. Not a few
widows and other needy persons then learnt for the
Digitized by
SKVKX YKAHS WAR
Maria Theresa was anxious to see the ter-
minatioii of the war, all hostilities in the states
of the Empire having ceased with the brilliant
expedition of Kleist ; and all hopes of the con-
quest of Silesia having been abandoned in con-
sequence of the defection of Russia and Sweden,
the war was now only continued for the vindica-
tion of honour. An effort was however made
on the part of Austria to take possession of
the territory of the king of Prussia which had
been evacuated by the French; an attempt which
the latter appeared willing to favour, by delaying
their departure until an army of Austiians was
assembled atRdremond. But at this time Frederic
having strengthened his army by engaging the
light troops of the allied army in his pay, as
well as the Hessians and Brunswickers, was in
no want of men and therefore dispatched a
force into Westphalia ; by this means the plan
was given up and the Prussians took possession
of all these places in December 1762.
The king had determined to open the cam-
paign at the head of 200,000 men who were
to operate at the same time in Saxony, Silesia
and on the Rhine; 25,000 men being reserved
to impress upon the states of the Empire still
in arms against him, the propriety of making
peace. A campaign in the states of the Empire
had great charms for the Prussians, from the
facility of conquest which it promised as well
first time from whom they had received annuities,
as they then ceased. He died at Berlin in 1775, not
actually in want, but in poverty.
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HISTOKY OP THK
as the large amount of booty that was ex-
pected.
But the desire of continuing the war be-
came every day less in Vienna; for Frederic
now in possession of ail his territory and even of
those portions of his dominions, the kingdom of
Prussia and the Westphalian provinces, of which
he had been for so long a period deprived ap-
peared as powerful as ever, although without
allies or the support of foreign subsidies and
having stood the brunt of seven campaigns.
Every one expected to see him in Bohemia at
the head of his large army, whilst on the
other band Theresa found herself alone and
without allies; for she could not reckon on
the assistance of any of the states of the
Empire, as the most zealous of her supporters
among them, weary of the duration of the war,
were gradually recalling their troops, from their
fears being excited by the invasion of the Prus-
sians. The scarcity of money was not so gen-
eral in Austria as in France, but the finances
of the state were exhausted; and the treasury
not well filled at the commencement of the
war, was now empty in spite of loans, taxa-
tion and every means that could be resorted to.
Frederic was in no want of money ; loans had
never been thought of, and what was more re-
markable his subjects had no war or other
additional taxes to pay.
Germany had suffered fearfully during this
war; whole districts were devastated and in
others commerce and manufacture were at a
stand still, in spite of the immense sums of
money which had been brought into Germany
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SKVKN "YEARS WAR.
537
from England, France, Russia and Sweden partly
as subsidies and partly for the support of the
armies. These sums had been calculated to ex-
ceed five hundred millions of dollars, which in
part had gradually found their way into the
treasuries of the different princes where they
remained locked up, and in part had gone to
the commercial nations in consequence of the
increased taste for luxury, but without enriching
the Germans.
The whole of one portion of Pomerania and
a part of Brandenburg had become literally a
desert ; other countries were not in a much
better position, and in many not a man was to
be seen ; the women working at the plough
and at all kinds of heavy labour in the fields.
But in some districts even this was not seen
and there were large tracts of country, where
the very traces of cultivation had been ob-
literated and the hitherto highly cultivated fields
of Germany on the Oder and the Weser offered
to the view the same appearance as the American
wastes of the Ohio and the Orinoko. An officer
wrote that he had ridden through seven villages
in Hessia, and that in all these he had only
found a single individual; and he was a clergy-
man.
This universal desolation was put an end
to on the 15th of February; for on this day
peace was concluded at Hubertsburg in Saxony,
the Diet at Regensburg having a few days
previous declared its neutrality. A few weeks
only were necessary to conclude the negotia-
tions and the most efficient means were taken
to shorten all delays as peace was now really
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538
HISTOKY OF THB
wished for. The plenipotentiaries who were
employed in forming this treaty were not mi-
nisters of state or ambassadors hut three men,
distinguished more by their activity and exper-
ience than by their titles. These were the
Austrian privy councillor Kollenbach, the
Prussian secretary of legation Hertzberg, after-
wards minister of state, and the Saxon privy
councillor Fritsch. Having full powers to act,
they determined on articles for peace based on
the principle that all conquered territory and
places were to be evacuated, and ail compen-
sation was to be renounced on either side;
these were the terms proposed by Frederic.
The court of Vienna endeavoured to retain
possession of Glatz and offered to give money
and other territory in exchange for it ; but Fred-
eric would not hear of relinquishing this place
on any terms. The Austrians were therefore
necessitated to give it up which they did with
its new fortifications in their actual state;
Kollenbach stating that his court had no thought
of gaining any advantage by so doing. On the
other hand the king gave orders that the Austrians
should not be hurried in evacuating the place
as there was difficulty in so doing on the
appointed day from a scarcity of horses. They
left all the cannon and mortars belonging to
the fortifications as well as a large quantity
of ammunition, shells and cannon balls, to save
the expense of carriage ; an extraordinary present,
as the intention for which thev had been here
collected on the frontiers of Bohemia could not
be doubtful.
Saxony was now evacuated by the Prus-
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SKVKN YKAHS WAR
sians, but previous to this the stringent mea-
sures had been more actively employed to pro-
cure the payment of the contributions. The
Saxon subjects seeing the prospect of peace
would not hurry themselves with their payments,
and the rich people were in consequence ar-
rested and threats were made, that the young
men of the higher families would be placed in
the ranks as common soldiers as well as that
the towns should be given up to pillage. By these
means which the generals * were forced to
carry out by orders from the King, the end was
attained and large sums which were never
meant to be paid were obtained. The opera-
tions of the Prussians in the civil department
in Saxony were terminated in an extraordinary
manner; in order to replace (he deficiency of
population in his own dominions Frederic gave
orders that the soldiers should be compelled
to marry. The generals not wishing to have
so large a train of women, as this measure
would necessarily cause, and fearing that want
of discipline would arise among the troops,
were very sparing in their orders to this
effect until the king required the list of those
* General Count Lottum commanded in the
district of Zwickau in which the author was quar-
tered. This general was any thing but a hard hearted
man, and he entreated, expostulated and represented
the consequences of their refusal ; but in vain. They
could not by words be persuaded to pay the money ;
and it was not until the angry expressions of the
king followed up his orders that General Lottum
had recourse to stringent measures.
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HISTORY OP THE
who had been married. Orders for matrimony
were now issued and the troops marched in
whole companies to church to be married. A
great number of women accompanied the Prus-
sians when they left Saxony, and many young
women followed after them with their families
to populate the devastated provinces.
The Prussians had been engaged in sixteen
battles during this war without reckoning nu-
merous engagements of importance. Twenty sieges
had been carried on by them and their oppo-
nents. The expenses of the war had cost Fred-
eric 125 millions of dollars which he had drawn
from the revenue of his dominions from Sax-
ony, Mecklenburg, and the other states of his
enemies. The disbursements for carrying on the
war had fallen so heavily on Theresa that the
state was encumbered with a fresh debt of
100 million of dollars: but France had suffered
the most, for the cost of the war had been
677 millions of francs and this at a time when
the whole revenue of France for a year did
not exceed 307 millions; and the French had
therefore sacrificed more than two years in-
come for a war carried on to benefit a foreign
power.
The powers of Europe now found them-
selves after the seven years of a bloody contest,
in exactly the same position from which they
had started as regarded their plans for con-
quest; whilst on the other hand the blood of
many hundred thousand men had been spilled
and innumerable families rendered miserable; a
fact which will serve for the consideration of and
may prove a lesson to future generations. All
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BKVKN YKAH8 WAR
541
the powers which had taken part in the war
with the exception of Prussia, had loaded their
people with heavy debts which will burthen them
long after this generation has passed away and
the names of the heroes who fought so bravely
shall have been forgotten. The object of the
enemies of Frederic had entirely failed ; and the
hero whose downfall appeared unavoidable to
the whole world and who in the midst of his
victories was almost doubtful of his safety, now
concluded a peace without losing a single inch .
of his territory.
It was at this period in the midst of the
most fearful war that the refinement and pro-
gress of arts took their rise among the Ger-
mans ; and it would appear that such has been
the case among the most celebrated people; for
it was thus that under Alexander and Augustus,
under the Medici and Lewis XIV. that the arts and
learning flourished and attained their greatest
vigour, in the midst of the warlike deeds of
the Greeks, the Romans, of the republican Ita-
lians and the French. So was it in the time
of Frederic with the Germans, in spite of the
difficulties they had to combat from their lan-
guage and the opinions of other nations. During
the time that all Europe was astonished at
their deeds in the field they were gaining lau-
rels in the regions of learning and taking up
a position as an educated people that few na-
tions had attained for the last thousand years.
The mind of the Germans once excited by
the stimulus of these extraordinary warlike
occurrences, the genius of this people now took
another direction and spanned the immeasurable
A^CHKKHOLZ. 1 6
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5-42 H1ST0HY OK THK SKVKN YKARS WAR.
field of creation. The muses, who had been
scared by the tumult of war so soon after
their first appearance in Germania now re-
turned to their peaceful homes to quiet by their
softer tones the excited mind of the warrior;
and the most brilliant period in Germany was,
as in Rome, when her legions celebrating their
victories with those of the arts and science,
the temple of Janus was closed.
Thus ended the seven years' war comprising
one of the most remarkable periods recorded in
the annals of history and as astonishing as
any in foregone times; a war which deceiving
all human expectation is not only so replete
with extraordinary occurrences but must also
be so instructive to the generals, the states-
men, and philosophers of every state and of
every age. ■
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