CHAP. XXIV.] CAVALRY UNDER NAPOLEON. 



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rapidly, followed closely by theii opponents, who, 

 preceded by fifty pieces of artillery, spread terrible 

 destruction among the flying masses. 



The retreat was commenced in echelon of squares, 

 and for a time with admirable steadiness, but the Aus- 

 trians combined the action of all arms with the greatest 

 skill in the pursuit. The Imperial cavalry swept around 

 the retreating columns, being only checked by the most 

 vigorous efforts of the French horsemen under Kellerman 

 and Charapeaux.^ While, however, the Frencli cavalry 

 could arrest temporarily the pursuing dragoons, they 

 could not stop the onward mfirch of the Hungarian 

 infantry, which, advancing steadily, poured in a most 

 destructive fire, nor could they silence the artillery, 

 which, in the intervals between the battalions, moved 

 onwards, incessantly discharging volleys of grapeshot. 



This combined attack soon had its effect. The whole 

 plain was covered with fugitives, and the day seemed 

 irretrievably lost to the French. The arrival of Napoleon 

 himself, with a body c f fresh troops, temporarily revived 

 the spirits of his men, and checked their retreat, but all 

 in vain. The fortune of the battle was still on the side 

 of the Austrians. Melas deemed the victory won, and 

 had ridden to the rear, leaving his chief of staff to follow 

 up the success, when Desaiy with the French reserves, 

 arrived and entered into action. 



It was at this crisis, when the fate of a most decisive 

 action was trembling in the balance, that a celebrated 

 charge of cavalry was made, which, without doubt, 

 turned the scale. The Austrians were pressing on in 

 huge columns as to an assured victory. The formidable 

 appearance of the mass of -6,000 victorious Hungarians 

 caused the troops of Desaix to waver and halt.^ Keller- 

 man, at the head of only 800 horse, was concealed 

 behind a vineyard with festoons of vines from tree to 

 tree, which rising high completely intercepted the view. 

 Kellerman, watching the struggle, saw his infantry 

 comrades wavering, and the Austrians pressing on. 

 Moving rapidly out of his concealment, he fell suddenly 

 ' Alison, ii. 105. « ibid. ii. 106. 



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