Journal of Horace St. Paul
1757: Waiting on Events

Introduction and July 26, 1757

Translated and Edited With Additional Materials By Neil Cogswell


Part 1: Introduction (June 28-July 14)
Part 2: Introduction (July 15-July 25)

INTRODUCTION

Having discomforted the Prince of Prussia and seized his magazine at Zittau, the Imperial and Royal Austrian army appears poised for mighty deeds. Alarmed at the situation in Lusatia, the King of Prussia leaves his position near Leitmeritz in Bohemia and retires into Saxony, from whence he can reunite his army with that of his brother.

Success in warfare depends not only on tactical skill and the bravery of the troops; supply, organization, risk-assessment and timing can also be critical factors. For the Austrian army, the issue of supply is a major concern. For the first time in the war, they are entering the territory of their ally the Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, and they have already reduced one of its most prosperous towns to ashes. They are anxious not to alienate the inhabitants upon whom they most depend for their bread. Behind them lies Northern Bohemia - a region already much despoiled by the Prussians as they advanced to Prague. Their difficulties are exaggerated by the very size of their army.

In this section of his journal, St Paul records a period of relative calm as the commanders concentrate and re-organize their forces for the crisis that must surely follow. The order of battle of the Austrian army that accompanies this section of the work is that given by St Paul; that of the Prussian army is based on that given in the General Staff History.

JULY 26th

This morning, His Royal Highness ordered that six marauders should be hung outside the gates of Zittau. Those men had taken advantage of the disorder in that unhappy town to pillage several of the inhabitants of that which the poor folk had the good fortune to save from the fire. He also re-issued the most stringent orders to prevent marauding. In particular, he charged the commanders of the various corps, on their honor, to give an account of any disorders which they knew to have been committed. Prince Charles of Lorraine also arranged the distribution of 500 tons of flour for the relief of the poor of the town.

General Beck and his Croats have gone to reinforce the 1,000 Warasdiners and 500 horse who yesterday took possession of Gorlitz.

162 deserters arrived at Headquarters; amongst these, there are many Saxons. They assure us: that they have been without bread for six days; and that both officers and soldiers are incredibly demoralised.

The Prussians decamped from Lobau, where yesterday they rested the left of their army. They marched to Bautzen, where they have their supplies. By this march, they have abandoned Gorlitz. The Advanced Guard of Marshal Keith today reached Pirna. The rest of that army is following. The Corps of General Nádasdy is continually shadowing that force. We hear also that 18,000 men have been detached from the Army of Marshal Keith to go the Magdeburg.

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