CHAP. XXIV.] CAVALRY UNDER NAPOLEON. 



377 



terrible losso' in the crowded and massive columns. 

 "While shake, by this cannonade, a heavy snowstorm 

 came on, hiding the view and darkening the atmosphere. 

 The Russians took advantage of the opportunity, and a 

 large body of infantry, under Tutschakoif, attacked the 

 French division on one flank while a powerful force of 

 cavalry struck them upon the other.. 



So thick was the snowstorm that the attack was 

 totally unexpected, and the Cossacks were upon the 

 wavering columns before they were seen or steps taken 

 to meet the charge. The result, was soon decided. 

 Augereau's corps, struck on both fiav.ks by infantry and 

 cavalry, were attacked with the utmost vigour. Their 

 muskets were almost useless from the wet and snow 

 which caused them to miss fire, their columns were at 

 once broken and driven back upon the, reserves with such 

 carnage that of 16,000 men but 1,500 escaped destruc- 

 tion. This disaster almost ruined Napoleon's army ; the 

 Russian right and centre pressed forward, their light 

 troops entered Eylau, and a heavy column approached close 

 to the mound upon which the Emperor was standing and 

 very nearly captured him. 



Napoleon's measures were prompt, his calmness and 

 decision admirable. He ordered up his Old Guard to 

 attack one flank and a brigade of Murat's horse to attack 

 the other flank of the advancing Russians, who, elated with 

 victory, pressed on with disordered ranks. Before they 

 could organise to meet the coming storm the French 

 were upon them and almost the whole division cut to 

 pieces on the spot.' This saved the French centre, but 

 the disorder caused by it was so great that a vigorous 

 effort had to be made by Napoleon to restore the battle 

 by a desperate attack with his right wing against the 

 Russian left. 



This attack was made by Da^oust's corps, assisted by 

 a grand charge of the whole cavalry, which was massed 

 for that purpose. The horsemen amounted to the 

 enormous force of 14,000 men, supported by 25,000 

 infantry, and 200 cannon. Again a snowstorm aided the 



* Alison, ii. 484. 





