JUNE 30TH.
A detachment of cavalry, sent by Frederick Charles towards Arnau, met the advanced-guard of the 1st Corps at that place. Communication was thus opened between the two armies.
It was evident that the advance of Frederick Charles would, by threatening the left and rear of the Austrians, cause them to abandon their position on the Elbe, and thus loosening Von Benedek’s hold on the passages of the river, permit the Crown Prince to cross without opposition.
The following orders were therefore sent by Von Moltke:
“The Second Army will hold its ground on the Upper Elbe; its right wing will be prepared to effect a junction with the left wing of the First Army, by way of Königinhof, as the latter advances. The First Army will press on towards Königgrätz without delay.
“Any forces of the enemy that may be on the right flank of this advance will be attacked by General Von Herwarth, and separated from the enemy’s main force.”
On this day the armies of Frederick Charles marched as follows:
The IIId Corps, to Aulibitz and Chotec;
The IVth Corps, to Konetzchlum and Milicowes;
The IId Corps, to Gitschin and Podhrad;
The Cavalry Corps, to Dworetz and Robaus;
The Army of the Elbe, to the vicinity of Libau;
The Landwehr Guard Division, which had been pushed forward from Saxony, arrived at Jung Buntzlau.[10]
The Second Army remained in the position of the preceding day.
Von Benedek’s army remained in its position on the plateau of Dubenetz.