Frederick the Great and his seven years war

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1915 Excerpt: ...several of the enemy's squadrons, impossible to distinguish in the dark, compelled them to retire. The cavalry in their turn now made a desperate charge, sweeping everything before them, until in the darkness, being unable to make out their way, they came into contact with the infantry posted in the woods previously occupied by Laudon. The infantry was advantageously established, being supported by the greater part of the Austrians' cannon, which, on opening a deadly fire, brought back the Prussian cavalry by the side of their infantry. "In another quarter, Keith and Prince Maurice had attempted to retake the captured battery. Heading some battalions, they intended crossing the village of Hochkirchen, but the road being too narrow to take seven men abreast, they were overpowered by Austrians on either side, and being unable to form up, were forced to fall back. In this unsuccessful attempt Keith lost his life, while Prince Maurice was severely wounded. Although from time to time renewed attempts were made to retake the village, the spreading fire rendered them abortive, and the battle was now lost. I therefore sent orders to Retzow to join me immediately, and cover my retreat. The battle had begun at four in the morning; by ten the cemetery had been taken. The village and battery were already lost, the enemy being too well established to be dislodged, so that the position of the army became untenable, a retreat being the only possible course. The cavalry was the first to descend from the heights into the plain, in order to cover the infantry's march; the force of Retzow forming the rear-guard. The right of the infantry took the road for Doderschutz, where it was intended to encamp. On the march the Austrian cavalry repeatedly harassed the rear-guard, b...