Daun

Daun, LEOPOLD JOSEPH, GRAF VON, commander-in-chief of the imperial troops during the Seven Years' War, was the son of Count Wierich Philipp von Daun, a distinguished officer in the Austrian service, and was born at Vienna, 24th September 1705. Entering his father's regiment, he acquired a reputation during the Turkish campaigns (1737-39). The war of the Austrian Succession also afforded him many opportunities of displaying that combination of valour and prudence for which he was famous. After the peace with Prussia in 1745, Daun fought against the French in the Netherlands (1746-48), and in 1754 received the dignity of field-marshal. Before this, he had, in spite of many obstacles, introduced into the imperial army a new military system, and reorganised the Military Academy at Vienna. At the commencement of the Seven Years' War he commanded the army of Moravia in 1757, and neutralised the defeat of the Austrians under General Browne near Prague, by driving Frederick the Great, who had beleaguered that city, as far as Kolín, and forcing him, after a hard-fought battle, to evacuate Bohemia. On the 14th of October 1758 he gained another victory over Frederick at Hochkirch, and came near to annihilating the Prussian army. In 1759, at Maxen, he compelled Fink, the Prussian general, with 11,000 men, to surrender. After this, however, he gained no important successes; Frederick began to understand the tactics of 'the Austrian Fabius Cunctator,' and to conduct his campaigns accordingly. Daun died 5th February 1766.