The National tribune., 1898-08-11

northern bank of the Danube, in order to
march his army over to the extended
plains of Marchfieid, that stretched away
from the bank TO the nights of Bison berg
where lay the Archduke with JOG, coo men.
Through unwearied efforts, Bonaparte
was able to assemble on the farther
shore, on the morning of the 21st, 40, 600
soldiers The Archduke saw, from the
hight he occupied, every movement of the
French army; which seemed, by its rash
ness and folly, TO be rushing into the very
Jaws Of destruction.
Just as the sun had reached its me-
ridian, the command to advance was heard
along the nights, answered by shouts
that shook the earth and the roll of
drums and thousands of trumpets and
wild choruSeS OF the soldiers. While
Bonaparte was still struggling to get his
army over the bridge, and LanneS'S corps
was on the farther side, and Davoust in
Vienna, the Austrian army of 80, 900 men
came rolling down the mountain side and
over the plain like a resistless flood.
Fourteen thousand cavalry accom-
panied this magnificent host, while nearly
800 cannon came trundling with the
sound OF thunder over the ground. The
army advanced in five massive columns,
with curtain Of cavalry in front To con-
ceal their movements and direction.
THE POINTS OF DEFENSE.
bOnaDdrtc looked Win an unQulet eve
on this advancing host, while his own
army was still separated by the Danube
In a moment the field was in an upToar
Lannes, who had crossed took posses
sion Of Essling, a little village that stood
half mile from the Danube, and Mas
sena Of Aspern, another village standing
at the same distance from the river and a
mile and half from Essling
These two villages were the CHIEF
points of defense between which the
French army was drawn up in line
Around these, n which were intrenched
these two renowned leaders, were to be
the heat and strength OF the battle
Three mighty columns were sen march
ing with firm and rapid steps toward
Aspen, while towards Essling, where the
brave LanneS lay, there seemed a count
less host moving.
Between thundered the 200 pieces o.
cannon, as they slowly advanced, en-
veloping the field IN cloud Of smoke
blotting out the on-day sun, and send
ing death and havoc amid the French
ranks.
As night drew on, the conflict became
indescnbably awful. Bursting shells, ex
plosions % artillery, and voleys OF mus
kerry were mingled with shouts Of vic
tory and cries OF terror; while over all a.
If 10 drown all was heard at intervals the
braying Of trumpets and strains of mar
tial music.
The villages in which MaSsena anC
Lannes maintained their ground with
such uncomfortable firmness, took fire
and burned with red fame over thu
nightly battlefield, adding tenfold horror
70 the work Of death.
At IL o'clock at night the uproar O
battle ceased. Napoleon rested his e2
hausted frame while he revolyed the dis
astrous events Of the day, and pondereS
how he might redeem his error Massen;
had lost most Of Aspern, but Lannes still
held Essling and had held it during one c
the most sanguinary struggles OF tina
hercely fought battle.
AGAIN TO THE FRAY.
Early in the morning, as soon as tn
light broke over the eastern hills the tw
armies were again on their feet and tn
cannon opened anew on the walls &
living men. The rest OF Lanncs's corn
had crossed the Danube during the night
while Davoust, with nearly 20 600 more
was marching with flying colors over tn
bridge. The Archduke had also receive,
Teinforcements, SO that two armies @
about f00, 600 each stood ready to contes
the field on the second day.
At the commencement of the onset
Lannes was driven for the first time from
Essling, but st. Hiliare coming up TO hi
aid, he rallied his defeated troops and lie,
them back to the charge, retook the place
and held il, though artillery, infantry an,
cavalry Numbered upon il with shock
that threatened to sweep the village itsel
from the plain.
At length, Bonaparte, tired of acting OF
the defensive, began to prepare for hi
great ana decisive movement on tn
center. MaSsena was TO hold Asperr
Davoust TO march on Essling. Will
LAnnes-the brave Lannes, who ha