Page 99 - A Jacobite Exile

The Russians were so astounded at this sudden attack that they lost heart
altogether. The Swedish left, as soon as it entered the intrenchments, swept

along them, the Russians abandoning their guns and batteries, and making
for their bridge across the river. Unfortunately for them, their huts were

built close behind the works, and in rear was another intrenchment,
designed to repel assaults from the town; and the terrified crowd, unable to
make their way rapidly along, over ground encumbered by their huts,

crossed the interior intrenchments, thinking to make their way faster
through the fields to the bridge.

The Swedish king, however, placed himself at the head of his bodyguard,
and, followed by the rest of his horse, charged right upon them, cutting

down great numbers, and driving the rest before them towards the river,
while the infantry kept up a heavy fire upon the fugitives in the

intrenchments.

The panic had spread quickly, and the Russian troops nearest to the bridge

were already pouring over, when the mass of the fugitives arrived. These
pressed upon the bridge in such numbers that it speedily gave way, cutting

off the retreat of their comrades behind. Ignorant of the result, the terrified
crowd pushed on, pressing those in front of them into the river, and the
number of drowned was no less than that of those who fell beneath the

bullets, pikes, and sabres of the Swedes.

In their despair the Russians, rallied by some of their generals, now
attempted to defend themselves, and, by occupying some houses and
barracks, and barricading the passages between these with overturned

waggons, they fought bravely, and repulsed, for some time, every effort of
the Swedes.

Darkness was now falling, and the king hastened to the spot where the
battle was fiercely raging. As he ran towards it, he fell into a morass, from

which he was rescued with some difficulty, leaving his sword and one boot
behind him. However, he at once pushed on, and placed himself at the head

of the infantry engaged in the assault. But even his presence and example
did not avail. The Russians maintained their position with desperate