not YET true),--Neipperg, half done with his
first day's march, called halt; prudently turned back, and hastened,
Baumgarten way, to his strong Camp at Frankenstein again. His hope in
the Schweidnitz direction had lasted only a few hours; a hope springing
on the mere spur of pique, soon recognizable by him as futile; and now
anxieties for self-preservation had succeeded it on Neipperg's part.
For now Friedrich actually advances on him, in a menacing manner, hardly
hoping Neipperg will fight; but determined to have done with the Neisse
business, in spite of strong camps and cunctations, if it be possible.
[Orlich, i. 137, 138.]

It was August 16th, when Friedrich stirred out of Strehlen; August 21st,
when he encamped at Reichenbach. Till September 7th, he kept manoeuvring
upon Neipperg, who counter-manoeuvred with vigilance, good judgment,
and would not come to action: September 7th, Friedrich, weary of these
hagglings, dashed off for Neisse itself, hoped to be across Neisse
River, and be between Neisse Town and Neipperg, before Neipperg could
get up. There would then be no method of preventing the Siege of Neisse,
except by a Battle: so Friedrich had hoped; but Neipperg again proved
vigilant.

Accordingly, September 11th, Friedrich's Vanguard was actually across
the Neisse; had crossed at a place called Woitz, and had there got Two
Pontoon Bridges ready, when Friedrich, in the evening, came up with
the main Army, intending to cross;--and was astonished to find Neipperg
taking up position, in intricate ground, near by, on the opposite side!
Ground so intricate, hills, bogs, bushes of wood, and so close upon the
River, there was no crossing possible; and Friedrich's Vanguard had
to be recalled. Two days of waiting, of earnest ocular study; no
possibility visible. On the third day, Friedrich, gathering in his
pontoons overnight, marched off, down stream: Neisse-wards, but on the
left or north bank of the River; passed Neisse Town (the River between
him and it); and encamped at Gross Neundorf, several miles from Neipperg
and the River. Neipperg, at an equal step, has been wending towards his
old Camp, which lies behind Neisse, between Neisse and the Hills: there,
a river in front, dams and muddy inundations all round him, begirt with
plentiful Pandours, Neipperg waits what Friedrich will attempt from
Gross Neundorf.

From Gross Neundorf, Friedrich persists twelve days (13th-25th
September), studying, endeavoring; mere im