The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-08-16

I H e r Z 2 u B Lie.
The Battle OF Idstedt.

The Battle OF Idstedt.
From the various newspaper accounts of the re.
cent great battle between the Danes and the Ho-
stelners, the New York Courier condenses the fol-
lowing succiuct account:
The held OF action was Idstedt, small village
on the Fiensburg road. The Danish army amount
ed to about As 900 men, commanded by General
Won krogh; the army of the Holsteiners to 2S 900
only, commanded at the centre by General Will
sen, Prussian volunteer; at the right by Colonel
Won Der Horst, also Prusslan; and at the left by
Colonel Won Der Taun a Bavarian officer of chiv-
alrous courage and great impetuosty. The battle
commenced at O'Clock on the morning of the
10th ult with an attack of the Danes both wings
OF The Schleswig -Holstein army.
The Danes did not at first succeed in obtaining q
any advantage, but in a short time they began to
gam ground on the left wing where they attempted
10 establish themselves, but were driven back SO
lar ny gallant charge OF the rifles and infantry,
that no further attack was made from this quarter.
On the right wing they were go warmly received
by the Schleswig- Holsteiners that they could not
| succeed In gaming single inch of ground. After
this attack on both wings had continued for two or
three hours, the Danes made onslaught on the
centre with infantry, cavalry, and artillery at the
same tune The Schleswig- Holstein light infantry
retired behind the main position near Idstedt,
where the advancing Danes received with a
shower of balls from the Notifications thrown I'D
there, which compelled them to retire little The
hoistelners again rushed TO the centre, and with
such vivacity that the Danes were soon obliged 70
retreat, en- masse into poplar wood.
This man9uvre twice repeated, and twice
was the main position on the right wing and CEN
tire attacked by the Danes. On the left wing
mere skrmishlng fire was carried on. The battle
had by this time continued for nearly eight hours,
and between 10 and III o'clock it seemed certain
that the result would not be otherwise than fayora
blet the Holsteiners But just at this time il be-
came apparent that the Danes had concentrated
their whole force for main attack on the centre
and right wing. The whole Danish infantry de-
bouched from the poplar wood and formed line
directly opposite the Schleswig Holsten lorce
bringing up, at the same time, several new bate
ries OF field artillery. General Willisen also caused
his reserve batteries to be brought forward, as well
as the cavalry, which had yet been but partially
engaged, and about ii o'clock most fearful can
nonade commeAced on both sides, which was kept
up, on the part of the Schleswig- Hosteiners with
great obstlnacy, for two hours aud half although
the enemy's guns were larger and more numerous
Individual instances Of courage were shown that
would appear almost Incredible A small battery
OF II Founders charged right into the thckest Of
the enemy fire, posted itself at half distance, and
greeted the Danes with repeated discharges. IL
was, however, soon obliged to retire, in order TO
avoid charge OF cavalry. The most determined
courage OF the whole army was, however, of no
avail against the superior force the Danes at this
time brought into action. The Holsteiners were
also deficient IN ammunition.
The Danes had as yet gained ground but it
Was Just as certain that they not beaten and
at midday, when they made their last and success
fu attack, il seen why il had been impossible
-
fresh and vigorous, was sent against the Holsein
force, OF which almost every available man had
been for many hours engaged. The advance was
covered by larger number of guns than had yet
been brought into action, and by strong body of
cavalry. The firing was now for hour heavier
than ever, and last the Holstein centre gave way
and rereated to Schleswig the right wing bent
back and retreated towards the town; the left fell
back through the open ground TO the west. By
quarter past two the army in full retreat, but
not IN disorder; nor were they moested in retiring
by the enemy
The Danes appear to have been either too fatigued
or too indolent TO follow up their advantage. The
members OF the Holstein government, who were in
Schleswig Hed Immediately 10 kiel, on hearing the
battle lost all the officials also left the town
the post office shut, the doors locked, and all
business suspended. A train of carts, wagons
tumbrils, and cannon passed slowly through the
town, from TO O'Clock; the inhabitants brought
out refreshments tor the troops which they distrb
uted as they went along
The battle was more sanguinsry than that fought
under the walls OF Fredcrica the 9th of July last
year. The loss both sides has been estimated at
Of which the Holstein party say the greater share
has tallcn upon the Danes. The Holstein cavalry
was not brought into action on any important point
having been used in picking up the stragglcrs close
to the Elder, 10 rally the army again or 10 cover
the retreat OF the guns, baggage, Sc, the greater
part OF which has been securely withdrawn with
the exception of some few pieces in the centre.
That the Schleswig iiolstein troops fought with
extreme bravery, and that their commanding Off
GERS showed great skill and energy in retiring from
positions which they were no longer tenable is
beyond any question.
Their cause is not yet desperate They still have
or had two days after the battle 20 900 men in DO
sition between kiel Rensburg and the town of
schleswig. truce OF three days had been offered
to Gen. Wilsen, and by him refused.