ch was in clear expectation of Loudon here; though of course he
would now guess it was Loudon. But there is no doubt Loudon had not the
least expectation of Friedrich; and his surprise must have been intense,
when, instead of vacant darkness (and some chance of Prussian baggage,
which he had heard of), Prussian musketries and case-shot opened on him.

Loudon had, as per order, quitted his Camp at Jeschkendorf, about the
time Friedrich did his at Schimmelwitz; and, leaving the lights all
burning, had set forward on his errand; which was (also identical with
Friedrich's), to seize the Heights of Pfaffendorf, and be ready there
when day broke, scouts having informed him that the Prussian Baggage was
certainly gone through to Topferberg,--more his scouts did not know, nor
could Loudon guess,--"We will snatch that Baggage!" thought Loudon; and
with such view has been speeding all he could; no vanguard ahead, lest
he alarm the Baggage escort: Loudon in person, with the Infantry of the
Reserve, striding on ahead, to devour any Baggage-escort there may be.
Friedrich's reconnoitring Hussar parties had confirmed this belief:
"Yes, yes!" thought Loudon. And now suddenly, instead of Baggage to
capture, here, out of the vacant darkness, is Friedrich in person, on
the brow of the Heights where we intended to form!--

Loudon's behavior, on being hurled back with his Reserve in this manner,
everybody says, was magnificent. Judging at once what the business was,
and that retreat would be impossible without ruin, he hastened instantly
to form himself, on such ground as he had,--highly unfavorable ground,
uphill in part, and room in it only for Five Battalions (5,000) of
front;--and came on again, with a great deal of impetuosity and good
skill; again and ever again, three times in all. Had partial successes;
edged always to the right to get the flank of Friedrich; but could not,
Friedrich edging conformably. From his right-hand, or northeast part,
Loudon poured in, once and again, very furious charges of Cavalry; on
every repulse, drew out new Battalions from his left and centre,
and again stormed forward: but found it always impossible. Had his
subordinates all been Loudons, it is said, there was once a fine chance
for him. By this edging always to the northeastward on his part and
Friedrich's, there had at last a considerable gap in Friedrich's Line
established itself,--not only Ziethen's Line and Friedrich's Line now
fairly fallen asu