t it be the
following feature in their Siege of Torgau, feature mainly Biographic,
and belonging to a certain Colonel Wolfersdorf concerned, there is
not one of those Sieges now worth a moment's attention from almost any
mortal. This is the Torgau feature,--feature of human nature, soldiering
under difficulties:--

COLONEL VON WOLFERSDORF BEAUTIFULLY DEFENDS HIMSELF IN TORGAU (August
9th-14th). Two days after Leipzig was had, there appeared at Torgau a
Body of Pandours, 2,000 and more; who attempted some kind of scalade on
Torgau and its small Garrison (of 700 or so),--where are a Magazine, a
Hospital and other properties: not capable, by any garrison, of standing
regular siege; but important to defend till you have proper terms
offered. The multitudinous Pandours, if I remember, made a rush into the
Suburbs, in their usual vociferous way; but were met by the 700 silent
Prussians,--silent except through their fire-arms and field-pieces,--in
so eloquent a style as soon convinced the Pandour mind, and sent it
travelling again. And in the evening of the same day (August 9th),
Colonel Wolfersdorf arrives, as new Commandant, and with reinforcements,
small though considerable in the circumstances.

Wolfersdorf, one dimly gathers, had marched from Wittenberg on this
errand; the whole force in Torgau is now of about 3,000, still with only
field-cannon, but with a Captain over them;--who, as is evident, sets
himself in a very earnest manner to do his utmost in defence of the
place. Next morning Reichs General Kleefeld ("Cloverfield"), with 6 or
8,000 Pandour and Regular, summons Wolfersdorf: "Surrender instantly;
or--!" "We will expect you!" answers Wolfersdorf. Whereupon, same
morning (August 10th), general storm; storm No. 1: beautifully handled
by Wolfersdorf; who takes it in rear (to its astonishment), as well as
in front; and sends it off in haste. On the morrow, Saturday, a second
followed; and on Sunday a third; both likewise beautifully handled.
This third storm, readers see, was "Sunday, August 12th:" a very busy
stormful day at Torgau here,--and also, for some others of us, during
the heats of Kunersdorf, over the horizon far away! Wolfersdorf tumbles
back all storms; furthermore makes mischievous sallies: a destructive,
skilled person; altogether prompt, fertile in expedients; and evidently
is not to be managed by Kleefeld. So that Prince von Stolberg, Second to
supreme Zweibruck himself, has to take it in hand. And,