Page:The Political State of Europe for the Year MDCCXCII.djvu/61

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Sztaray, two 6 pounders and two obusiers, had arrived to my assistance, and I immediately formed the flank, of which I yesterday spoke, respecting Frameries, and nearly two hundred French chevaliers (emigrants) had come and placed themselves near us; besides which, I had got a 6 pounder and a howitzer in reserve. With this fprce, I suddenly marched up to the French column, which immediately withdrew; then ordered the Captain of Thierri's chasseurs to quit Frameries, and advance and force the village of Paturage, where there was a number of French infantry, and where I would support him: this was accordingly done. Meanwhile, my left wing was extended toward the village of Paturage.

"The French, who had remarked, that by this means I should take them in flank and behind, whilst they kept firing their canon at Quaregnon on my right, which was at Jemappe, were at the same instant removing all their cannon, which was a considerable number (for they wished to take Mons), and were sending the artillery away during my march, and whilst Captain Thierri advanced to the village, and was driving before him the chasseurs, he found all the French flying to save themselves.

"I then formed an avant guard to purfue them, of which I gave the command to Colonel Fisher, and followed with a battalion of de Briey's grenadiers, two divisions of Murray, and a considerable number of cavalry. I at the same time advanced some troops, not to lose the advantages I had; I took from the enemy three pieces of cannon, and a number of prisoners. The French army commanded by M. de Biron took to flight — five French four pounders are now in my possession, besides a number of prisoners, and we may have killed more than 250 French. My troop is in high spirits, and ready to march where-ever I lead them, with an astonishing courage, and I cannot praise sufficiently the officers and soldiers whom I had under my command on this day.

"These two first successes of the troops of the King of Hungary inspire with the greatest joy all his faithful subjects of this country, and crown with glory the brave officers and soldiers who have fought.

"The troops coming from distant parts are, in consequence speedily advancing towards the places of their destination, and there is every reafon to believe they are equally eager to be distinguished as those who have shewn their bravery on this occasion, and that they will contribute to repel the enterprises of the French, of which a second army, commanded by M. de la Fayette, formed on the Meuse, appears to meditate an offensive operation on this side.