The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1809-07-26
AUSTRIAN OFFICIAL BULLETIN,
OF THE DEFEAT OF THE FRENCH.

ness the Archdukc Charles. !
In pursuance of the command of His I'm
pcrial Highness the Generalissimo, the fol-
lowing preliminary Report Of the brilliant VIC
tory obtained the 2 lst and 22d of May, is is
sued on the 23d, from the Head Quarters at
BreiteDlce So
On the 10Th and goth, the Emperour Ma
poleon passed the greater arm of the Danube
with the whole of his army, to which he had
drawn all the reinforcements of his powerful
allies. He established his main body on the
island Lobau, whence the second passage
over the less arm, and his further offensive
dispositions, were necessarily to be directed.
His Imperial Highness resolved to advance
with his army to meet the enemy, and not to
obstruct his passage, but to attack him after
he had reached the left bank, and thus to de-
feat the object Of his intended enterprise.
This determination excited throughout the
whole army the highest enthusiasm Animal
ed by all the feelings of the most loyal at
tachment to their Sovereign, every man be-
came hero, and the smoaking ruins, the
scenes of desolation which marked the track
of the enemy in his progress through Austria,
had inhamed them with Just desire of ven
geance. With joyful acclamations, with the
cry, a thousand times repeated, of--" Live
our good Emperor" and with victory in their
hearts, our columns at noon on the 2ist, pro-
cecded onward to meet the reciprocal attack
of the advancing enemy; and soon alter
o'cloc! the battle commenced. The Emper-
or Napoleon in person directed the move
ment of his troops, and endeavoured TO break
through our centre with the wholeof his ca
valry thar vast body of horse he had sup
ported by, 10000 infantry, his guards, and by
100 pieces of artillery. His wing rested on
Aspern and Esslingen, places to the strength
cning of which, the resources of nature and
Of art, had as far as was possible, contributed
He was not able, however, to penetrate the
compact mass which our battalions present
ed, and every where his cavalry showed their
backs, while our curiassiers unhorsed his ar
mour-equipt cavaliers, and our light horse
carried death into his fanks. 1t was gi-
gantic combat, apd is scarce capable of de-
scripton. The battles with the Infantry be-
came Immediately general. More than 900
pieces of cannon exhibited on the opposite
L sides rivalry in the work of destruction.
Aspern was ten times taken, lost, and again
conqucted. Ess!ingcn, after repeated attacks,
could not be maintained. AT eleven at night
| the villages were in flames, and we remained
| masters Of the field of battle. The enemy
was driven up in a corner, with the island of
| Lobau and the Danube in his rear. Night
had put an end to the carnage.
NIesuwhile FIRE boats, which were foatcd
down the Danube, destroyed the bridge which
| the enemy had thrown over the principal
branch of the river. The enemy, however,
| conveyed over during the night, by continued
embarkations, all the disposable troops which
II he loJ -, ND tbo IL
| made every possible effort for the rcconstruc-
tion of his great bridge, and attacked us q,
four in the morning with a furious cannonade
from the whole of his artillery, Immediately
after which the action extended along the
whole Of the line. Until seven in the eve
ming every attack was rcpeled
The perseverance of the enemy was ther
compelled. TO yicId to the heroism Of oui
| troops, and the most complete victory crown
cd the efforts of an army, which, in the Frencl
-Proclamations, was declared to be dispersed
and represented as annihilated by the nlcr
idea of the inyincibility of their anniversaries
The loss of the enemy has been immense
the field of battle is covered with dead bodic:
from among which we have already pickc
up 5000 wounded, and removed them to on
hospitals. When the French could no Ion
ger maintain themselves in Aspcrn the brav
Hcssians were obliged to make a last attcmT
and were sacrificed.
AT the departure of the courierth En-
Nopoleon was in full retreat to the other sid
Of the Danube, covering his retreat by III
possession Of the large island Of Lobau. On
army is still engaged in close pursuit. TT
more particular details Of this memorable ds
shall be made known as soon as they are CO
lected. Among the prisoners are the Frenc
Gen. Duronel, Gen. Of Division, and Foul
Roger, 6rst Chamberlain to the Empress (; a
/ SO the Wirtembcrgh Gen. Roder, who VI
!. made prisoner at Nusdorf, by the second b
talon Of 'ss Vienna Landwchr