The Russian General-in-chief, Kutusoff, fell into the snare Napoleon had
held for him, and sent a large division of his army to turn the right of
the French. The troops detached for this purpose met with unexpected
resistance from Davoust, and were held in check at Raygern. Napoleon
immediately seized the opportunity; they had left a deep gap in the
line, and into that space Soult forthwith poured a force which entirely
destroyed communication between the Russian centre and left. The Czar
perceived the fatal consequences of this movement, and his guards rushed
forward to beat back Soult. It was on an eminence, called the hill of
Pratzen, that the encounter took place. The Russians began to drive the
French infantry before them. Napoleon ordered Bessieres to hurry with
the Imperial Guard to their rescue. The Russians were in some disorder
and flushed with victory, but they resisted bravely, though they were
finally broken and driven back. The Grand Duke Constantine, who had led
them gallantly only escaped by the fleetness of his horse.
The French centre now advanced, and the charges of its cavalry were
decisive. The Emperors of Russia and Germany beheld from the heights
their right wing, which had hitherto stood well against the impetuosity
of Lannes, forced down into a hollow under the incessant fire of
artillery from above, where some small frozen lakes offered the only
means of escape from the approaching cannonade.
[Illustration: THE BATTLE OF AUSTERLITZ.]