At one period, Bismarck was in considerable danger of being taken prisoner.

His two sons were serving in the army; they were dragoons in the Cuirassiers of the Guards, serving in the ranks in the same regiment whose uniform their father was entitled to wear.

They both took part in the terrible cavalry charge at Mars-la-Tour, in which their regiment suffered so severely; the eldest, Count Herbert, was wounded and had to be invalided home.

Bismarck could justly boast that there was no nepotism in the Prussian Government when his two sons were serving as privates.

It was not till the war had gone on some weeks and they had taken part in many engagements, that they received their commissions.