actively engaged in the duties of his profession, in which he rose gradually but rapidly. He was of great service in cutting off the convoys, and annoying the reinforcements which were sent to the assistance of the King of Prussia, during the siege of Olmutz, particularly in the defeat and destruction of the great convoy, the loss of which compelled Frederic to raise the siege. In this action he so highly distinguished himself, as to be made a major on the field of battle, by General Laudoho; and in the course of the ensuing winter, he was created a knight of the military order.
In the campaign of 1760, he was appointed to the command of two battalions, four hundred croats, and two squadrons of hussars,which formed the advanced guard before the battle of Landshut, in which memorable battle he forced the enemy, sword in hand, from three formidable entrenchments, made himself master of the hill, and contributed much to the taking of General Fouquet, who commanded the Prussian army. All the other field-officers of his regiment being wounded in this action, he commanded it during the remainder of the campaign, and being sent to Glatz, contributed much to the taking of that important fortress. The army of General Laudohn being entirely routed by the King of Prussia at Lignitz, Caldwell, observing a favourable opportunity for the horse to charge, by a wonderful exertion of spirit and presence of mind, gave the commanding officers orders in the general’s name to advance, and placing himself at their head, succeeded in putting a stop to the progress of the Prussians, by which means he secured the retreat of almost half of the army, which was dispersed and in the utmost confusion. For this important service he was immediately advanced to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and in the succeeding campaign always commanded the advanced or rear-guard of Laudohn’s army, when on a march.
At the storming of Schweidnitz, he acted as that general’s immediate instrument, being put at the head of a considerable corps; and the assault being entirely left to him,
