Journal of Horace St. Paul
1757: Waiting on Events

July 30, 1757

Translated and Edited With Additional Materials By Neil Cogswell


According to news that we received today, Marshal Keith, who until now has held firm around Aussig on the border of Bohemia has re-crossed the mountains. General Draskowitz and Colonel Loudon have continually disquieted his retreat; they have taken from him nearly 1,000 men without including the deserters who have taken advantage of their operations to come over in great numbers; they have also captured part of the Prussian baggage.

The Prince of Prussia has detached 3 battalions and 2,000 horse from his army; these are posted on the road to Gorlitz a mile (German) and a half from his camp. That detachment has retraced its steps several times. Because of the relative positions of the two armies, the Prussians do not find it so easy to desert; there were no more than 22 today.

The 14 battalions and 2 regiments of cavalry, whom the King of Prussia sent across the Elbe, have arrived in Bautzen and encamped on the other side of the town.

General Nádasdy marched to Rumburg with his Corps; he is finally able to join the army of His Royal Highness by a single march.

Several pieces of heavy artillery have reach Prague from Vienna; these include 12 24-pounders and 8 mortars.

Mr Robert Keith, for many years the English Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Vienna, has left to return to London. (*Although allied to Prussia, England was not at war with Austria. St Paul may have been anxious that any further deterioration in the relationship between London and Vienna might have compromised his position with the Austrian forces.)

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