The ever-memorable and eventful battles of the
16th to the 19th of October began exactly upon and between my two
estates of Stoermthal and Liebertwolkwitz. All that the oppressive
imposts, contributions, and quarterings, as well as the rapacity
of the yet unvanquished French, had spared, became on these
tremendous days a prey to the flames, or was plundered by those
who called themselves allies of our king, but whom the country
itself acknowledged as such only through compulsion. Whoever could
save his life with the clothes upon his back might boast of his
good fortune; for many, who were obliged, with broken hearts, to
leave their burning houses, lost their apparel also. Out of the
produce of a tolerably plentiful harvest, not a grain is left for
sowing; the little that was in the barns was consumed in
_bivouac_, or, next morning, in spite of the prayers and
entreaties of the owners, wantonly burned by the laughing fiends.
Not a horse, not a cow, not a sheep, is now to be seen; nay,
several species of animals appear to be wholly exterminated in
Saxony. I have myself lost a flock of 2000 Spanish sheep, Tyrolese
and Swiss cattle, all my horses, waggons, and household utensils.
The very floors of my rooms were torn up; my plate, linen, and
important papers and documents, were carried away and destroyed.
Not a looking-glass, not a pane in the windows, or a chair, is
left.
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