in his front, and by
Laudohn on his left, he altered his disposition, in order to disconcert
their operations; and, on the fourteenth day of the month, marched
to the heights of Psaffendorff, where he formed his army in order of
battle. Receiving intimation about two in the morning, that Laudohn was
in full march advancing in columns by Benowitz, he divided his army into
two separate bodies. One of these remained on the ground, in order to
maintain the post against any attempts that might be made by count Daun
to succour Laudohn; and that this service might be the more effectually
performed, the heights were fortified with batteries, so judiciously
disposed, as to impede and overawe the whole Austrian army. The king
having taken this precaution, wheeled about with sixteen battalions and
thirty squadrons, to fall upon Laudohn as he should advance; but that
general knew nothing of his design, until he himself arrived at the
village of Psaffendorff, about three in the morning, when the day
dawning, and a thick fog gradually dispersing, the whole detachment
of the Prussian army appeared in order of battle, in a well-chosen
situation, strengthened with a numerous train of artillery, placed to
the best advantage. Laudohn was not a little mortified to find himself
caught in his own snare, but he had advanced too far to recede;
and therefore, making a virtue of necessity, resolved to stand an
engagement. With this view he formed his troops, as well as the time,
place, and circumstances would permit; and the Prussians advancing to
the attack, a severe action ensued. The king rode along the line
to animate the troops, and superintended every part of the charge;
hazarding his life in the most dangerous scenes of the battle to such a
degree, that his horse was killed under him, and his clothes were shot
through in several places. The Austrians maintained the conflict with
great obstinacy, until six in the morning, when they gave ground, and
were pursued to the Katzbach; beyond which the king would not allow his
troops to prosecute the advantage they had gained, that they might be
able to succour the right in case mareschal count Daun should succeed
in his attempt to advance against them from Lignitz. That general had
actually begun his march to fall upon the Prussians on one side,
while Laudohn should attack them on the other; but he was not a little
surprised to find they were decamped; and when he perceived a thick
cloud of smoke