ZORN'DORF, a village 4 English m. D. of Kustrin, was the scene of the bloodiest of the many desperate conflicts of the Seven Years' War (q.v.). The Russians having for the second time been ordered by the czarina Elizabeth to invade Prussia, advanced toward Berlin, commiting frightful devastations, while Frederick the great, with the hulk of his forces, was engaged with the Austrians in Silesia and Saxony. The Russians, under Fermor, were 50,000 strong, and easily drove before them Dana's little Prussian army of 15,000; but Frederick being speedily apprised of this new invasion, hastened north ward with such a re-enforcement as raised the army to 30,000; and after taking care, by the breaking down of bridges, etc. to cut off their retreat, engaged the invaders. The battle, which commenced at eight in the morning of Aug. 25, 1758, and lasted till evening, consisted mainly in a succession of furious charges, accompanied with a tremendous artillery-fire, and was not decided till Seidlitz, by an able movement, turned the Russian flank. The Russians, now discovering that they were nearly surrounded, fought with
the utmost desperation, and ultimately both armies bivouacked on the field of battle. In the morning, however, Fermor drew off his forces, diminished by 20,000 men, 103 cannon, and 27 standards; having inflicted on the Prussians a loss of 13,000 men, 20 cannon, and a few standards. Generals Soltikof, Czernitchef, and prince Sulkowski were made prisoners by the Prussians on this occasion; and, oddly enough, the first named was the conqueror of Frederick II. in the next great battle between the two northern powers, at Kunersdorf (q.v.).