bayonet. The fighting was hand to hand as before, the Austrians disputing the possession of every tree and falling in great numbers. As the Austrians retired somewhat from their position, a chance was given for other batteries to come into play against the Prussians. About midway in the wood the latter suffered so terribly that the fight became a stationary one.
The Austrian artillery performed such effective work in this position that it seemed, a little after mid-day, as though the Prussians would be unable to advance any farther. They were obliged to fight very hard to retain the position they had gained. At one time most of their guns had been dismounted by the Austrian artillery fire, and where the ground was thickly wooded the needle-gun could not be used to advantage, so that the infantry fight was about even. Prince Frederick Charles ordered forward the 5th and 6th divisions which had been held in reserve. They piled their knapsacks and helmets on the ground before crossing the river. As they advanced, they passed the king, who had remained near the Bistritz, and in doing so they greeted him with loud cheers. They passed rapidly over the ridge of Sadowa and entered the wood, where very soon the increased rattle and roar of musketry told that they were actively engaged. The Austrian artillery poured volley after volley among them, and they only succeeded in advancing a few hundred yards. At one time they fell back, and for a little while there were great fears that the day was lost. They were torn and mangled by the fragments of the shells that dropped among them, and crushed by the splinters and fragments of the trees which the artillery fire tore away and dropped among them. Some of the officers and soldiers said after the battle that these splinters of wood were even more fearful than the shells.
On the right it seemed as if General Herewarth was checked, as the cloud of smoke from his artillery and in-
