formidable obstacles. Came upon General Konigseck, namely:
a Konigseck manoeuvring ahead, in superior force; a Maguire, Irish
subordinate of Konigseck's, coming from the right to cut off our
baggage (against whom Bevern has to detach); a Lacy, coming from
the left;--or indeed, Konigseck and Lacy in concert, intending to
offer battle. Battle of Reichenberg, which accordingly ensued,
April 21st,"--of which, though it was very famous for so small a
Battle, there can be no account given here.

The short truth is, Konigseck falling back, Parthian-like, with a
force of 30,000 or more, has in front of him nothing but Bevern;
who, as he issues from the Lausitz, and till he can unite with
Schwerin farther southward, is but some 20,000 odd:
cannot Konigseck call halt, and bid Bevern return, or do worse?
Konigseck, a diligent enough soldier, determines to try; chooses an
excellent position,--at or round Reichenberg, which is the first
Bohemian Town, one march from Zittau in the Lausitz, and then one
from Liebenau, which latter would be Bevern's SECOND Bohemian stage
on the Prag road, if he continued prosperous. Reichenberg, standing
nestled among hills in the Neisse Valley (one of those Four Neisses
known to us, the Neisse where Prince Karl got exploded, in that
signal manner, Winter, 1745, by a certain King), offers fine
capabilities; which Konigseck has laid hold of. There is especially
one excellent Hollow (on the left or western bank of Neisse River,
that is, ACROSS from Reichenberg), backed by woody hills, nothing
but hills, brooks, woods all round; Hollow scooped out as if for
the purpose; and altogether of inviting character to Konigseck.
There, "Wednesday, April 20th," Konigseck posts himself, plants
batteries, fells abatis; plenty of cannon, of horse and foot, and,
say all soldiers, one of the best positions possible.