Journal of Horace St. Paul
1757: Waiting on Events

August 12, 1757

Translated and Edited With Additional Materials By Neil Cogswell


Prince Moritz of Anhalt-Dessau, who had taken post on this side of the Elbe with part of the troops whom Marshal Keith had left behind under his command, had been holding the ground as far as Stolpen. However, since Marshal Keith drew closer to Bautzen, Prince Moritz has taken the position that the Marshal formerly occupied in front of Radeberg. By that move, he is better able to protect the communications with Dresden, and the transport of supplies from thence upon which the Prussian army depends.

According to the reports of deserters, amongst whom eight Saxons have recently come in, the Prince of Bevern, with six battalions, went to seek and escort a convoy coming from Dresden. A great number of the Prussian troops took the opportunity that this afforded to desert. As a result, the Prince was obliged to return to camp without accomplishing his object. Others say that the reason for the retreat of the Prince was that he had encountered a body of Austrian light troops; these had apparently occupied a defile along the road from which he was unable to dislodge them.

Lieutenant-General Graf von Schmettau had conducted the Army of the Prince of Prussia during its recent retreat from Leipa. The King of Prussian disapproved of several of the steps that he had taken. In consequence, the general has been sent away from the army in disgrace. With a detachment of 600 Croats and 150 horse under his orders, Lieutenant-Colonel Butler left camp for Silesia.

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