But their great enemy had recently joined his array to that of Eugene: he was in force, and was then planning a turning movement on the north, similar to that which threatened his south flank.

Ney, on whom fell Bluecher's first blows, had observed the preparations, and one of his divisions, that of Souham, had strengthened the village of Gross Goerschen for an obstinate defence.

The French position is thus described by Lord Cathcart, who was then present at the allied headquarters: "The country is uncovered and open, but with much variety of hill and valley, and much intersected by hollow ways and millstreams, the former not discernible till closely approached.

The enemy, placed behind a long ridge and in a string of villages, with a hollow way in front, and a stream sufficient to float timber on the left, waited the near approach of the allies.

He had an immense quantity of ordnance: the batteries in the open country were supported by masses of infantry in solid squares.