CHAP. XXV.] CAVALRY UNDER NAPOLEON. 405 



of Westphalia. TcheruichefF remained in possession of 

 Cassel for a whole week, and effected his retreat safely 

 without the loss of a man, carrying with him as trophies 

 the stores of the arsenal, the royal horses and carriages, 

 and an immense amount of plunder. 



The moral effect of this cavalry raid was greater than 

 the winning of a decisive victory. It proved the hollow- 

 ness of the position held by Napoleon in the military 

 kingdoms he had established, and its influence was at 

 once forcibly felt all over Germany. 



The Cossacks, who at first fought in a loose manner, 

 soon acquired a considerable ability in manoeuvring, and 

 from their speed and activity were generally more than 

 a match for the French cuirassiers, who, weighted down 

 by their trappings, were soon wearied out by the inces- 

 sant skirmishing. 



One or two examples, taken from Captain Nolan's 

 " History and Tactics of Cavalry," will serve to convey 

 a clear idea of the method of fighting, and the superiority 

 of the Cossacks in partisan warfare. 



"On the 19th August, 1813, when the armistice had 

 expired, the French troops began to push the allies back 

 on Berlin and Potsdam. Colonel Bichalow received orders 

 to make a reconnaissance in the direction of the Luchen- 

 walde, with a regiment of Don Cossacks. These men 

 had bivouacked on the Treboin road, and advanced 

 through Scharfenbriick and Waltesdorff. The French 

 pickets retired at our approach, and afforded us a full 

 view of the fields to the north and east of the Luchen- 

 walde. Presently a large body of cavalry issued in haste 

 from the town, and formed in our front in close column 

 of squadrons ; the skirmishers fell in on their flanks, and 

 we had this heavy^ column only ])efore us, The Cossacks 

 could gain but little against so large a foi ce, but as there 

 was no great risk in assailing it, they were ordered for- 

 ward. The French advanced at a trot, and, to prevent 

 the Russians getting in betwixt the squadrons, they 

 closed up, and bore right down on the centre of our 

 line, which naturally opened out ; the Cossacks attacking 

 the flank and rear of the column. The French, having 



