Page:The Political State of Europe for the Year MDCCXCII.djvu/59

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to take four pieces of artillery, some provisions, baggage and implements for intrenching. The subjoined reports of this General, contains some further details of this affair.

Extract from the Report of General Comte d'Happencourt to Field-Marshal Baron de Bender, dated Tournay, April 29, 1792.

"The enemy's column were more numerous in cavalry than infantry, and were above three thousand when they came from Lisle.

"Our troops being conducted to take the enemy in flank, and having fired about a dozen cannon, before our infantry could make a single discharge, and before the cavalry were advanced sufficiently to protect them, the enemy took to flight. We pursued them in the greatest order, with drums beating, quite to the frontiers.

"They left on the field, which they had abandoned, two dragoons and a number of horses killed; about forty of their soldiers, of different regiments, have been made prisoners.

"We have had none killed, wounded, or missing; and the three chasseurs, who in the beginning were taken prisoners by the enemy's dragoons, but whom they left behind in their precipitate retreat, have returned to their colour.

"All the baggage, warlike stores, bread, forage, and ten horses, have been divided among the soldiers and the peasants.

"I have this moment entered this town with the troops, and all is perfectly tranquil."

Extract from the Report of General Baron de Beauleau to Field-Marshal Baron de Bender, dated April 29.

"This morning, about half past nine, the enemy coming from Quieverain and Quievrechain, presented themselves in a number of columns of infantry and cavalry, extending in the form of a half-moon round my front. I only had about 1800 infantry, and between 1400 and 1500 cavalry, with ten pieces (chiefly three pounders) of cannon; and thus I was greatly inferior to the enemy; but the position of my front insured me, and especially the good will which the officers and soldiers unanimously testified.

"The French begun their attack on Boussut, with which they were suffered to go on; I drew in my advanced posts, which were extended too far to be supported, as the ground was not so good as that I occupied.

"After all the dispositions were made, I waited tranquilly for the enemy, but they did not come up; for when they had repassed Boussut, and attempted to form to advance, our brave