Journal of Horace St. Paul
1757: Disengagement

August 31, 1757

Translated and Edited With Additional Materials By Neil Cogswell


The attack made yesterday upon the Austrian advanced posts by General Winterfeldt was a prelude to his departure. At first light this morning, the Austrian patrols could see nothing in his camp. Cautiously, they went forward in search, then, in the distance saw the tail of the Prussian Rearguard following beside the Neisse and taking the road to Gorlitz. The Corps of the Prince of Bevern had also decamped during the night, filing along the other bank of the river. This news obliged us to countermand the orders of General Nadasdy, the Duke of Arenberg and Graf Colloredo.

Since the Prussians have transferred their ovens from Bautzen to Gorlitz, it appears that they intend to try to maintain themselves there whilst abandoning the former town, where they have no more than a couple of battalions.

His Royal Highness and Marshal Daun rode out to the Headquarters of General Nadasdy. On their return, the army was ordered to hold itself in readiness to march tomorrow. The heavy baggage is to remain in the rear until it receives a new order.

The news from Saxony, says that the Army of the King of Prussia is encamped at Kesselsdorf. The Headquarters of the King are at Plauen. We understand that Prince Moritz of Dessau has sent a detachment to burn the bridge at Meissen.

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