Most of the officers were of opinion
that, to attack at once, with men and horses worn out with fatigue,
was to ensure destruction; but there were others who thought that,
in face of so great an army as that gathered in front of them, the
only hope was in an immediate attack. Major Jamieson was one of
these.
"The king is right," he said. "If the Russian army have time to
form, and to advance against us in order of battle, we must be
annihilated. At present, their camp is an extensive one, for, as I
hear, it extends in a great semi-circle four or five miles long,
with the ends resting on the river. They cannot believe that we
intend to attack them, and, if we go straight at them, we may
possibly gain a footing in their intrenchments, before the whole
army can gather to aid those at the point of attack. It will be
almost a surprise, and I think the king is right to attempt it, for
it is only by a quick and sudden stroke that we can gain a success
over so great an army."
The halt was but a short one and, as soon as the regiments had
arrived at the positions assigned to them, they advanced. As soon
as they appeared, on a rise of ground facing the intrenchments, the
enemy opened fire. The king had already reconnoitred a portion of
their position, exposing himself recklessly to their shot, and, as
soon as the troops came up, he issued orders for them to prepare to
attack in two columns.
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