The village of Preititz was lost, and with it the allies' communications were laid bare.

It was of the utmost importance to recover the village; and Bluecher, at the right centre, hard pressed though he was, sent down Kleist's brigade, which helped to wrench the prize from that Marshal's grasp.

But Ney was too strong to be kept off, even by the streams of cannon-shot poured upon his dense columns.

With the help of Lauriston's corps, he again slowly pressed on, began to envelop the allies' right, and threatened to cut off their retreat.

Bluecher was also furiously assailed by Marmont and Bertrand.