Marshal the Duke of ELCHINGEN. lumns, and afterwards a full square, which, | supporting the first, as to protect its rethough surrounded on all hands, continued treat; the enemy kept up a terrible fire of to retreat with promptitude, continuing al- artillery and infantry on this battalion, ways fighting. Our light cavalry made which did not give way till masses of inmore than forty charges on this infantry. fantry sallied out against it. It effected its -Several squadrons penetrated into the retrograde movement in the greatest order, square, and cut off battalions from it; but the enemy not daring to pass the fosse in its the enemy was saved from a total loss by pursuit. This victorious attack of one batthe dead force opposed by its mass much talion against more than 4,000 infantry more than by the effect of its fire, which, protected by 60 guns, was one of the most though it made much noise, did very little valorous achievements which I have ever mischief. The Russians were pursued till seen since I was a soldier. It will certainnight, and as far as the defile of Kanosava. ly inspire the enemy with a high idea of We took from them eight pieces of cannon the courage of our troops. I am, &c. and about 800 prisoners, and killed at least 1,000; so that this division, which is the 27th, composed of four regiments of musquetiers and two of chasseurs, under the command of General. Newierowski, must have lost more than the half of its numbers in killed, wounded, and prisoners.--According to the most general account, it ap-quaint your Highness, that the enemy has pears that the numbers at Smolensk are not great and it would seem that the enemy is marching towards Porietche, to appear with a strength of cavalry on the Dwina. -The loss of the corps d'armée is nearly 200 killed and wounded. I shall request favours from the Emperor, for those officers and soldiers who distinguished themselves the most. I have the honour to be, &c. (Signed) Report of Marshal the Duke of Elchingen to the Major-General, respecting the Bivouac before Smolensk, the 17th August, 1812, at 11 in the evening. Monseigneur, I have the honour to ac incessantly, from five o'clock this morning till three in the afternoon, sent out successive detachments of the troops of the place of Smolensk to attack our posts.- -Agreeably to the order which I received, to second the attack made on the right of the town, by the troops of the first corps, and to attack the bastion which was attacked yesterday by a battalion of the 46th, I ordered the same regiment to march, which forced the enemy to evacuate its position. -The 25th division, in like manner, did not cease to fight during the whole day. -It was remarked, that some time after the commencement of the attack against the place, the enemy's columns, which were seen to disappear in the morning, retraced their steps, and again deployed themselves on the heights of the right bank of the Dnie Monseigneur, I have the honour to acquaint your Highness, that the troops of the 3d corps d'armée put themselves in march this morning, from their position of Loub-per, so that the position of the enemy this evening appears to be the same as it was yesterday.I am, &c. na, and the environs in the direction of Smolensk. The enemy defended the exterior of the town obstinately, with dragoons and numerous pulks of Cossacks, so that we were obliged to employ infantry to drive them off, which was executed, notwithstanding a very brisk discharge of artillery from the place. A battalion of the 46th displayed such ardour, that I allowed it to advance at a charge against one of the bastions on the height, that I might by this means discover the force of the enemy. -All the Russian infantry who defended the covered way was forced to fall back into this city in disorder, with great precipitation. I then ordered a second battalion to advance, not so much for the purpose of Marshal the Duke of ELCHINGEN. Report of the Marshal the Prince of Eckmuhl to the Major-General, 30th August, 1812. Monseigneur,-Agreeably to the orders of His Majesty, the 1st corps of the grand army took a position before Smolensk on the 16th of this month, in the following order :-The 1st division repaired to within 600 toises of the place, supporting its left on the Krasnoi road, where it joined the 3d corps. Its right extended as far as the Windmill on the Mohilow road. The 1st division occupied the Windmill with its left, communicating by its right I must join similar demands in favour with the 5th corps. The three other of several officers of my staff who displaydivisions were posted behind at a short ed much bravery, and who serve with the distance, the darkness not having allowed greatest zeal.- -I have the honour to be, them to occupy the different points assign- &c. ed them.The 17th, the 3d, and the 1st division remaining in the same position, the 2d inclined to the left of the 1st, the 4th remained in the ravine behind that division, and the 5th occupied the plain of (Signed) The MARSHAL DUKE of AUERSTADT, Prince of Eckmuhl. Report of Marshal the Duke of Elchingen, to the Major-General, August 19, 1812. Monseigneur, The 3d corps, passed on the right of the Dnieper this morning at four o'clock, climbing the heights where the army took a position yesterday. The small posts which the enemy had placed near to the Convent, were forced to fall back; a few cannon shots also made the Light Cavalry retreat, which occupied the table land (plateau). In proportion as the regiments. formed, I directed the columns on the road to Moscow. At my arrival near Valontino, on the Stabna road, I found the rear-guard of the enemy in po wort; the business began with extreme -His Majesty gave orders on the 17th to dislodge the enemy from their positions, and to drive them into the place; the 1st, 2d, and 3d divisions who were in the first line received the orders to attack at the same time. It took place towards mid-day. After shaking the enemy by a discharge of artillery, which was answered from the place and the redoubts, the troops advanced and, attacked at every point the enemy's troops opposed to them.- -The attack was very keen, and the defence obstinate; however, every thing gave way to the bravery of His Majesty's troops. The redoubts were carried, and the build-sition: it was the corps d'armée of Bagaings with battlements were forced.The enemy was pursued and driven into the place, where he took refuge after a great loss. I cannot praise too highly the conduct of the troops on this occasion-Generals, Officers, and soldiers of all descriptions, were eager to rival one another in zeal, bravery, and devotion to the service of His Majesty.The 127th regiment of the line, which stood fire for the Arst time, behaved in the most brilliant manner. I beseech His Majesty to bestow an eagle on it, which it could not better have deserved.I must above all, mention in the warmest terms the 13th Light Regiment, which mounted with the great-great part of the Russian army in battle est bravery, the plateau which it was order; I then ordered this division to take charged with attacking, notwithstanding a position, and wait till it was joined by the grapeshot and discharge of musketry the 10th and 25th. The enemy, however, with which it was assailed. General Dal- seeing they were no longer pursued, began ton, who led this attack, conducted it with to act upon the offensive, and tried every the greatest bravery. We have to regret effort to drive me from my position, but that he was disabled by a shot towards the they were always repulsed; and it is imend of the business. General Friant was possible to express in strong enough terms, struck by a spent ball. Our loss was very the fervour displayed by the troops under inconsiderable in comparison with that of my orders in this conjuncture.About the enemy.-The Generals of division, five in the afternoon, the division of GeMorand, Friant, Gadin, gave in this af-neral Gadin arrived behind me. I made fair new proofs of their talents and their instantly the necessary dispositions for car valour.I have the honour to address to rying the position of the enemy. The diyou their particular Reports, as well as the visions of General Gadin and General Ra accounts of the soldiers who distinguished gout were charged with the attack; and themselves, and for whom they solicit fa- those of Generals Leduc and Marchand revours from the Emperor. I beseech your mained in reserve. This attack and the deHighness to lay them before His Majesty. fence of the enemy were terrible. We (Signed) J. NAPOLEON. Mojaisk, 9th September, 1812. --- Extract from the became masters of the table land, and the ral Calane and the Marquis of Guilano, my position of the enemy. -This affair may Aid-de-Camps, were wounded. I shall be considered as one of the most desperate send to the Staff an account of the officers battles which it is possible to fight. It and soldiers who most distinguished themwas highly glorious for the arms of His selves, soliciting for them the advance Majesty, as General Barclay de Tolly who ment and rewards which they deserve. commanded in person had the half of his army in action, while, during the hottest of the combat, there were never more than two Freach divisions engaged.- -I canParis, Oct. 30. not praise too highly the courage of the Judgment delivered the 29th October, 1812, troops, and the admirable zeal of the of-which condemned Malet, Lahoire, Guidal, ficers; I shall have many favours to ask; Ex-Generals of Brigade; Rabbe, Colonel and I shall hasten to address an account to Soulier, chef de bataillon; Steenhouwer, your Highness, as soon as I shall have a Borderieux and Piquerel, Captains; Fesdetailed statement from the Generals of di- sart, Lefebvre, Regnier and Beaumont, vision and heads of corps.- -I am, &c. Lieutenants; Rateau, Corporal; and Boce chicampe, prisoner of state; to the pu nishment of death; the first in reparation of a crime against the interior safety of the state, by an attempt, the object of which was to destroy the government and the order of succession to the throne; and to excite the citizens or inhabitants to arm themselves against the Imperial authority; and the other for being accomplices with the said Malet. -The same judgment acquitted Sieurs Gomont, Lebis, Provost, Godard, Viallevielhe, Caron, Limozin, Julien, Chaumette, and Routt, of the crime of being accomplices. MARSHAL THE DUKE OF ELCHINGEN. Report of the King of Naples to the Major- * i On the 4th and 5th, the advanced guard of the army of His Majesty, was warmly engaged with the enemy's rear-guard, and drove it from all its positions. The enemy made a stout resistance on the 5th. On the 4th, every one did his duty; but Count Perigord, Colonel of the 8th regiment of Horse Chasseurs, distinguished himself in repulsing successfully several charges of a cavalry much stronger than his own.On the 5th in the evening, His Majesty ordered me to attack the redoubt with the cavalry, the division Compans, and the Polish corps. General Compans disposed his columns for attack, and marched on the town of ومنسق Napoleon, by the Grace of God and the Constitution of the Empire, Emperor of the French, King of Italy, Protector of the Confederation of the Rhine, Mediator of the Swiss Confederation, to all present and to come, greeting. The Military Commission sitting at Paris has delivered the following judgment: By the EMPEROR and KING, situated at the foot of the redoubt, and of the wood at its right. The cavalry supported it; master of the village and the wood, General Compans marched against the redoubt, which was carried by the bayonet by the 61st regiment. However, several charges of cavalry took place, and the Russian cuirassiers were overpowered by the fire of our infantry and artillery, and by our cavalry. The enemy returned to the charge with two columns of infantry to retake the redoubt, but he was vigorously received by the division Compans, and obliged to withdraw after a long fusilade. During this time Prince Ponia-ably to the Imperial Decree of the 17th towski drove the enemy at my right before him, and took possession of a mountainous position. The combat lasted till ten in the evening, and we posted ourselves.The result of this day gives His Majesty some prisoners, seven pieces of cannon, and the position which he was desirous of occupying.Every man did his duty. Gene Messidor, year 12 of His Excellency 22d February, 1769, at Meru Canten, of the said place (Oise), Lieutenant of the 10th cohort, 3d company, in barracks at Paris. Louis Joseph Levebre, born the 2d June, 1767, at Lille (Nord), of the military profession, on half-pay, at Nogent le Rotru, Sub-Lieutenant of the 10th, 2d company, in barracks at Paris, Member of the Legion of Honour. Nicolas Josue Steenhouwer, born the 7th October, 1763, at Amsterdam (Zuydezu), an officer on half-pay, residing at Bearvais, Captain Commandant of the 1st company of the 10th cohort, in barracks at Paris. Louis Marie Regnier, born the 5th April, 1778, at Chateau Renard (Loiset), residing at Chateau Renard, a Sub-Officer, on half-pay by permission, and Lieutenant of the 4th company of the 10th cohort, in barracks at Paris. Joachim Alexandre Lebis, born the 19th April, 1773, at Vimoutier (Orne), domiciled at Beavais, Lieutenant of the 10th cohort, 2d company, in barracks at Paris. 1770, at Olletta (Corse), and for ten years a prisoner of state, since the month of February last in more rigorous confinement. and Chevalier of the Iron Crown, Judge; -The General Baron Henry, Major of the Gendarmerie d'Elite of the Imperial Guard, Officer of the Legion of Honour, and Chevalier of the Iron Crown, Judge; -M. Geneval, Colonel of the 18th Legion of the Imperial Gendarmerie, Officer of the Legion of Honour, Judge ;Colonel Moncey, First Aid-de Camp to the First Inspector General of the Imperial Gendarmerie, Officer of the Legion of Honour, Judge;M. Thibault, Major of the 12th regiment of light infantry, Member of the Legion of Honour, Judge; M. Delon, Captain Adjutant to the EtatMajor of the 1st Military Division, Judge, appointed by the decision of Military Commission, to fulfil the functions of Reporter; -Assisted by M. Boudin, Clerk, appointed by the Reporter:Whom, according to the terms of the law, are not related nor allied amongst themselves, nor to the accused, in the degrees prohibited by the Constitution.The said Commission, convoked by His Excellency the Joseph Louis Boccheimpe, born in Count Dejean, President, assembled in the Hall of the Sittings of the first permanent Council of War, of the first Military Division at Paris, for the purpose of trying the under-named: Claude Francois Malet, born the 20th June, 1754, at Dole, (Jura,) of the Military profession, without any fixed domicile, having been bred to arms, (formerly a Captain of Cavalry,) at present a General of Brigade, on half pay since his arrest, 4 years since, one of the Commandants of the Legion of Honour.- -Victor Claude Alexander Fanneau, born the 6th January, 1766, at Gavron (Mayenne), Ex-General of Brigade. -Maximilien Joseph Guidal, aged 47 years, native of Grasse (Var), Ex-General of Brigade, on half pay for about ten years. Gabriel Soulier, born the 2d December, 1767, at Carcasson (Aude), Chef de Bataillon, Commandant of the 10th Cohort of National Guards, Member of the Legion of Honour.--Gomont, called St. Charles, (which is his baptismal name) born the 27th March, 1768, at Metz (Moselle), of the military profession, habitually domiciled at Paris, Sub-Lieutenant of the 10th cohort, 1st company, in barracks at Paris.Antoine Piquerel, born the 11th November, 1771, at Neufmarche (Seine Inferieure), domiciled before his entering on service at Pontoise (Seine and Oise), Adjutant Major of the 10th cohort, Member of the Legion of Ho-Louis Charles Tessart, born the nour. Pierre Charles Limozin, born the 8th June, 1773, at Bourges (Cher), Adjutant sub-officer of the regiment of infantry of the guard of Paris, in barracks at Minimes, do miciled at Bourges before entering on service.Jean Charles Francais Godard, born the 18th April, 1760, at Paris (Seine), copper-plate engraver by profession, Captain of the 1st class of the 1st battalion of the regiment of the guard of Paris infantry. -Hilaire Beaumont, born the 28th October, 1773, at Poitiers (Vienne), Lieutenant of the regiment of infantry of the guard of Paris. Jean Joseph Julien, born the 4th April, 1783, at Farm Fontaine (Forets), and there domiciled, a farmer before entering on service, Serjeant-major of the regiment of infantry of the guard of Paris, ed company, 2d battalion. Pierre Borderieux, born the 29th September, 1771, at Rouanne (Rhone), and under the colours of the 62d regiment, being a child of the troop, Captain of grenadiers of the regiment of infantry of the guard of Paris, Member of the Legion of Honour. Jean Henri Cab, born the 15th of December, 1773, at Paris (Seine), residing at Versailles, Adjutant, Sub-officer of the regiment of infantry of the guard of Paris, 2d battalion.George Rouff, born the 6th January, 1764, at Bouxweiller (Bas Rhin), Captain of the regi ment of infantry of the guard of Paris, 1st accused, his Excellency the Count Dejean, President, demanded of the Judges if they had any observations to make; on their answering in the negative, and before collecting their opinions, the President desired the Defenders, and persons assisting at the sitting, to retire. The accused were reconducted by the escort to prison, and the Clerk also retired.The Military Commission deliberated with closed doors; his Excellency the Count Dejean, President, put the questions.The votes were collected on each, beginning with the inferior rank; his Excellency the Count Dejean, President, having given his opinion last. company, 2d battalion, and Commandant his Excellency the Count Dejean, Presiof the battalion par interim. Jean Francois dent-having explained to them the paRabbe, born at Pesmes (Haute Saone), the pers material to the charge- having 16th January, 1767, domiciled at Pesines; also shewn to the accused, Malet, the before his entering on service, a farmer by pistols and sabre produced as proofs of profession, Colonel of the regt. of the guard the charge, The Military Commis of Paris, infantry officer of the Legion of Ho- sion heard the Judge Reporter in his Renour. Amable Aimé Provost, born in July port, and the accused in their defence, 1789, at Clermont (Oise), Lieutenant of as well by themselves as by two Adthe 1st company of the 10th cohort, in bar-vocates, who pleaded for several of the said racks at Paris.Joseph Antoine Viallivielhe, born the 27th December, 1781, in the Commune of Paris (Puy de Dome), Adjutant, Sub-officer of the regiment of the guard of Paris.-Jean Baptiste Caumette, born the 23d July, 1784, at Paris (Seine), Serjeant-Maj. of the regiment of infantry of the guard of Paris, Member of the Legion of Honour.- -Jean Auguste Rateau, born the 12th March, 1784, at Bourdeaux (Gironde), distiller, domiciled in the said town before entering in service, corporal of the regiment of infantry of the guard of Paris, 1st battalion, 2d company. Accused, to wit, the Ex-General of Brigade Mallet of a crime against the internal safety of the state, -The Military Commission condemned, by an attempt, of which the object was to to wit-1st. Unanimously, Claude Frandestroy the Government and the order of cois Malet, Ex-General of Brigade, in resuccession to the throne, and to excite the paration of a crime against the internal citizens and inhabitants to arm themselves safety of the state, by an attempt, of which against the Imperial authority.And the the object was to destroy the government under-named Lahorie and Guidal, Ex-Ge- and the order of succession to the throne, nerals of Brigade; Soulier, Chef-de-Batail- and to excite the citizens or inhabitants to Ion; Steenhouiver, Captain; Piquerel, Ad- arm themselves against the Imperial autho jutant-Major; Fessart, Regnier, Lefebvre, rity, to the punishment of death, and conLebis, Provost Lieutenants; Gomont, Sub fiscation of his property.-2d. UnanimousLieutenant; Rabbe, Colonel; Rouff, Bor-ly, Victor Claude, Alexander Farmeau Laderieux, and Godard, Captains; Beaumont, horie, and Maximilian Joseph Geidal, ExLieutenant; Simozin, Caron, and Vialli- Generals of Brigade; Gabriel Soulier, Chef vielhe, Adjutants, sub-officers; Julien and de Bataillon; Nicolas Rosué Steenhouwer, Caumette, Serjeants-Major; Rateau, Cor- Pierre Borderiux, Antoine Piquerel, Capporal; and Boccheimpe, prisoner of state, tains; Antoine Tessart, Joseph Lefebvre, accused of being accomplices with the Ex-Louis Marie Regnier, Filaire Beaumont, General Malet. -The sitting having been Lieutenants; Jean Auguste Rateau, Corpoopened by his Excellency Count Dejean, ral, in reparation of the crime of being acPresident, and a copy of the Imperial De- complices with the above-named Malet, to cree of the 17th Messidor, year 12, being the punishment of death, and confiscation laid on the table, the Judge Reporter, on of their property.-3d. By a majority of the demand of the President, read the pa-six to one, Jean Francois Rabbe, Colonel, pers as well in charge as in discharge of the in reparation of the crime of being an acaccused. The reading being terminated, complice with the above named Malet, to the sitting was adjourned till one in the af- the punishment of death, and confiscation ternoon, and having been resumed at that of his property.- -And, 4thly, by a matime, his Excellency the Count Dejean,jority of five to two, Joseph Louis BocPresident, ordered the guard to bring in cheiampe, prisoner of state, in reparation the accused, who were introduced free and of the crime of being an accomplice with without fetters before the Commission.- the said Malet, to the punishment of death, After having given information to the ac-and confiscation of his property.-The cused of the facts with which they were said sentences were pronouneed against the charged--having put interrogatories through (To be continued.) |