Tag: Cossacks
-
A letter of a cavalry ADC, Russia 1812 …
The author of the following letter, Alphonse de Vergennes, was captain aide-de-camp to General Doumerc at the time. Oulianovitschi, 4 November 1812. It is midday, my dear and good Gabrielle, and yet I am compelled to write to you by candlelight. This is to give you an idea of the charming premises which serve as…
-
A general taken prisoner, Russia 1812 …
In the following report, General of Brigade Heyligers [Gisbert-Martin-Cort Heyligers, general of brigade on 11 November 1810 and became lieutenant-general on 9 December 1814], relates in an interesting and lively manner how the 35th Line Regiment, one of the regiments he commanded, ended up, in spite of its valour, succumbing to the artillery and sabres…
-
Succinct history of the Dragoons of the Guard, Russia 1812 …
The recipient of this letter is most likely Marshal Berthier, the major général of the Grande Armée, or Bessières, who commanded the Guard cavalry. Elbing, 28 December 1812. Monseigneur, In accordance with Your Excellency’s order, I have the honour of presenting you the account of the regiment from the time of its departure from Paris…
-
Turmoil on the Katzbach (1813), a report of General Sébastiani …
In accordance with the orders of Your Excellency (Marshal Macdonald), I left Brockendorf on the 26th (of August) at seven o’clock in the morning to march on Jauer via the road to Kroïtsch. Brought to a halt in the defile of Nieder-Crayn, I established myself in front of Gietendorf at nine o’clock, and I marched…
-
The plight of cuirassier officer de Gouttes in Russia …
This portion of Jean de Gouttes’ correspondence with his family concerns the Russian campaign … He served in the 11th Cuirassier Regiment. From the outskirts of Königsberg (East Prussia), 12 June 1812. My dear mother, I have been sent on a mission to Danzig these days, from where I intended to write to you, but…
-
An aide-de-camp’s experiences of the battle at Guttstadt, 1807 …
… I moved off at once; but hardly had I passed Guttstadt, when I found Cossacks on the right and left of the road and the whole artillery train of VI Corps turning back. I wanted to cross the ploughed land to proceed to the camp of the 69th (Regiment) and from there to Scharnich,…
-
The recollections of a Swiss soldier on the 1813 campaign …
On 26 August the cannonade was heard on all sides, but we did not move all morning. The Emperor himself passed through our ranks and stopped from time to time to speak to the corps commanders and encourage the soldiers. It was only towards the evening that our columns moved to drive back the Russians…
-
The plight of a Dutch officer, after the retreat from Russia …
Theodorus Coenradus Casparus Veeren, a Dutch officer, made it out of the Russian debacle. He wrote this poignant letter to his wife … Kulm, 7 January 1813. You must be very worried not to have received a letter from me for such a long time. However, this has its reasons; I will tell you about…