It set right in the face of the
Russians, and concealed from them the movement of the Swedes, for
which, indeed, they were wholly unprepared, believing that the
small force they saw was but the advance guard of a great Swedish
army, and that no attack need be expected until the main body
arrived. The consequence was, the Swedes were almost at the edge of
the ditch before they were perceived, and both columns attacked
with such vigour and courage that, in a quarter of an hour, they
had gained a footing in the intrenchments, and had so filled up the
ditch with the fascines that the cavalry were able to follow them.
The Russians were so astounded at this sudden attack that they lost
heart altogether. The Swedish left, as soon as it entered the
intrenchments, swept along them, the Russians abandoning their guns
and batteries, and making for their bridge across the river.
Unfortunately for them, their huts were built close behind the
works, and in rear was another intrenchment, designed to repel
assaults from the town; and the terrified crowd, unable to make
their way rapidly along, over ground encumbered by their huts,
crossed the interior intrenchments, thinking to make their way
faster through the fields to the bridge.
The Swedish king, however, placed himself at the head of his
bodyguard, and, followed by the rest of his horse, charged right
upon them, cutting down great numbers, and driving the rest before
them towards the river, while the infantry kept up a heavy fire
upon the fugitives in the intrenchments.
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