t away next morning. Friedland is ten miles down the
Neisse, which makes a bend of near ninety degrees opposite Steinau; and
runs thence straight north for the Oder, which it reaches some dozen
miles or more above Brieg. Both Steinau and Friedland are a good
distance from the River; Friedland, the nearer of the two, with Sorgau
Bridge direct west of it, is perhaps eight miles from that important
structure. There, being now tolerably rendezvoused, and in strength
for action, Friedrich purposes to cross Neisse River to-morrow; hoping
perhaps to meet Holstein-Beck, and incorporate him; anxious, at any
rate, to get between the Austrians and Ohlau, where his heavy Artillery,
his Ammunition, not to mention other indispensables, are lying. The
peculiarity of Neipperg at this time is, that the ground he occupies
bears no proportion to the ground he commands. His regular Horse are
supposed to be the best in the world; and of the Pandour kind, who
live, horse and man, mainly upon nothing (which means upon theft), his
supplies are unlimited. He sits like a volcanic reservoir, therefore,
not like a common fire of such and such intensity and power to
burn;--casts the ashes of him, on all sides, to many miles distance.

"FRIDAY 7th APRIL, FRIEDLAND (still Head-quarters). Unluckily, on
trying, there is no passage to be had at Sorgau. The Officer on charge
there still holds the Bridge, but has been obliged to break away the
farther end of it; 'Lentulus and Dragoons, several thousands strong'
(such is the report), having taken post there. Friedrich commands that
the Bridge be reinstated; field-pieces to defend it; Prince Leopold to
cross, and clear the ways. All Friday, Friedrich waiting at Friedland,
was spent in these details. Leopold in due force started for Sorgau,
himself with Cavalry in the van; Leopold did storm across, and go
charging and fencing, some space, on the other side; but, seeing that
it was in truth Lentulus, and Dragoons without limit, had to send report
accordingly; and then to wind himself to this side again, on new order
from the King. What is to be done, then? Here is no crossing. Friedrich
decides to go down the River; he himself to Lowen, perhaps near twenty
miles farther down, but where there is a Bridge and Highway leading
over; Prince Leopold, with the heavier divisions and baggages, to
Michelau, some miles nearer, and there to build his Pontoons and cross.
Which was effected, with success. And so,

"SATURD