On the 19th of May, 1809, Napoleon took possession of the villages of Asperne and Essling, with so little opposition, that it was evident the Archduke wished the battle, now unavoidable, to take place with the river between the enemy and Vienna.

On the 21st of May, at day-break, the Archduke Charles appeared on a hill at some distance from the French, whose army consisted of 20,000 men. The Austrians began by a furious assault on the village of Asperne, which was taken and re-taken several times. Essling was also attacked three times; but there the French held their own.

Night interrupted the battle; the Austrians exulting in their partial success. On the following morning the French recovered the church of Asperne. The right wing of the Austrians renewed their assaults with increased energy on that point. Napoleon seeing them in such numbers, judged that the centre and left had been reduced, in order to strengthen the right wing, and instantly moved an immense body on the Austrian centre, so as to shake the Archduke’s line, and for a few minutes victory seemed secure. From this time the battle continued with varied success; the Austrians at length succeeded in destroying the bridge connecting the island of Lobau with the right bank. On this Napoleon fell back on Lobau; when the Austrians perceiving their retreat recovered their order and zeal, charged in turn, and finally made themselves masters of Asperne.