To Count Hohenzollern, Lieutenant-General in the Service of his Imperial and Royal Majesty.
Signed, Ferdinand.
Countersigned, Morvahl.
Major and Aide-de-Camp.
"Egra, Oct. 23, 1805."
By this document the capitulation was rendered no capitulation; and thus Hohenzollern had fled without any violation of honour. He seemed astonished at being required to surrender in a mass troops which he was losing no less effectually in detail. His letter was curious; it was as follows:
To Field Marshal Baron Werneck.
"Dear Comrade,
"I cannot conceal my astonishment at the proposition that has been made to me to surrender with the cavalry which formed part of your corps. When I left you, you in my presence refused to enter into any capitulation; and, for my part, I intended to bring back the cavalry to the army at all hazards, if you could not extricate yourself with the infantry. I endeavoured to do this, and I succeeded. I do not understand by what law I can be accounted a prisoner of war, not having been present at your arrangements, in which I should never have suffered myself to be included. Having been separated from you since yesterday, I no longer conceive myself bound to fulfil your orders: I receive the commands of his Royal Highness our General-in-chief.
"I have the honour to be your very humble and obedient servant,