Page:Decisive Battles Since Waterloo.djvu/353

Rh did not advance, but remained in one position. Franseky's division had suffered so terribly that it was not in condition to be sent forward to attack the Sadowa wood. In addition to the fearful losses they had sustained, they would have been exposed to the risk of being taken in rear by the artillery on the right of the Austrian line of battle before Lipa. All the Prussian artillery, excepting eight batteries, was engaged. These eight batteries were held in reserve in case of a reverse. At one time the firing in the Sadowa wood and of the Prussian artillery on the slope seemed to be retiring in the direction of the river. It was very certain that the First Army was checked in its advance, even if it had not been actually driven back. Prince Frederick Charles became anxious, and sent couriers to the left to ascertain about the advance of the Crown Prince. In a little while it was found that some of the Austrian artillery near Lipa were firing toward the Prussian left, and the hope was anxiously entertained that this fire was against the advanced guard of the Second Army. Prince Frederick Charles and his generals were greatly disturbed at the situation. They drew the infantry out of the battle and formed their cavalry in such a manner that it would be available either in pursuing the Austrians in case of victory or for retarding the pursuit in the event of defeat. General von Rhetz, the chief of the staff, went away with an escort to look for the Second Army. He returned very soon, bringing the joyous intelligence that the Second Army was forming for an attack on Lipa, and that the Austrian artillery on the right had been firing against the Crown Prince's advance. The word was passsedpassed [sic] from one to another, and where gloom had settled shortly before, was now to be seen the expression of delight and hope. The infantry and cavalry were sent again at the Sadowa wood, which they carried, and the battery beyond it was stormed and taken.