the lion of the russian army - Florida State University

wait for Soult’s infantry. Meantime, the French and Russian artilleries engaged in an
artillery duel. 132
Shortly after 3:00 p.m. Soult reached the battlefield and moved his thirty-six guns to the
heights around Bewernick. Superior French artillery soon silenced the Russians guns and
cleared the way for the offensive. 133 The French advanced around 3:00 p.m. with
Legrand’s division on the left, Savary’s grenadiers were slightly behind it, near
Bewernick, followed by Murat’s cavalry. These forces were to march between Langwiese
and Lawden and turn Bagration’s right flank. In the French center, St. Cyr’s division was
in the first line followed by St. Hilaire’s division while Soult’s cavalry covered the right
flank. 134 Bagration initially halted St. Cyr’s division but St. Hilaire reinforced it and
fierce fighting continued in the valley. Prince Peter appealed for reinforcements 135 and
simultaneously dispatched his cavalry against Murat, who was preparing to attack from
Langwiese. The French defeated and pursued the Russian cavalry, reaching as far as the
Russian batteries. Yermolov recalled, “The [French] cavalry pierced our lines and some
of my guns were captured from the rear. One of these cavalry attacks was so formidable
that most of our cavalry was dispersed behind Langwiese.” 136 However, Major General
Rayevsky held the line with his jagers allowing the Russian cavalry to rally and
counterattack.
132 Mikhailovsky-Danilevsky, Campaigns of 1806-1807, 309; Plotho, Tagebuch während des
Krieges, 141-42; Yermolov, Memoirs, 101; Gershicte des Krieges von Preussen und Russland
gegen Frantreich in den Jahren 1806 und 1807, 230-32.
133 Höpfner, Der Krieg von 1806 und 1807, III, 605-606. Yermolov lamented that, during the
campaign, his battery was often out-gunned by larger caliber French cannon. His 3-pounder
unicorns could do nothing against heavier French guns. Memoirs, 99.
606.
134 Petre, Napoleon’s Campaign in Poland, 295; Höpfner, Der Krieg von 1806 und 1807, III,
135 According to Wilson, “Prince Bagration sent for reinforcements. Some infantry were
advance to support him and 15 squadrons of Prussian cavalry, with a battery of horse artillery, by
thei most gallant bravery, afforded him great relief.” Brief Remarks, 145.
136 Yermolov, Memoirs, 101. After the battle, three Russian cavalry officers were awarded
Orders of St. George for recapturing these guns. Mikhailovsky-Danilevsky, Campaigns of 1806-
1807, 310.
396