Page:The reign of George VI - 1763.djvu/64

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38
THE REIGN

on the enemy's front, while the King himself would pass the river higher up and fall on their rear.

This scheme had all the success that could have been wished for. General Sommers had no sooner made his attack than Schmettau gave into the snare: he concluded immediately that the whole English army was at his front, and, placing himself at the head of his first line, which included the choice of his army, he repulsed the English, but by the unparalleled bravery of the British troops was obliged to give way himself in his turn. Just at that critical moment the King made his attack on his rear, with a fury that at once threw the Russians into confusion; and Schmettau, finding himself between two fires, would have made his retreat had it been in his power: he made every effort to recover his oversight, and thrice rallied and led his troops to the charge; butthe