CHAP. XXV.] CAVALRY UNDER NAPOLEON. 413 



about on the approach cf Hattorf s squadron ; but in the 

 pursuit the flank of the squadron became exposed to the 

 fire of the infantry on the heights, by which Colonel 

 May and several men and horses were wounded, and the 

 pursuit was discontinued. 



" Captain Gustavus Von der Decken, who commanded 

 the third or left squadron of the regiment, seeing that if 

 he advanced according to the order given, his flank 

 would be exposed to the fire of a dense infantry square, 

 formed the daring resolution of attacking it with his 

 single squadron. 



" This square stood on the lower slope of the heights, 

 and obedient to the signal of their chief, the German 

 troopers advanced against it with order and determina- 

 tion, while a deafening peal of musketry from the enemy 

 greeted their approach. Arrived within a hundred yards 

 of the point of attack, the gallant squadron officer, struck 

 by a ball in the knee, fell mortally wounded, and Lieu- 

 tenant Von Voss, with several men and horses, were 

 killed ; but instantly Captain Von Uslar Gleichen, who 

 commanded the left troop, dashing forward, placed him- 

 self at the head of the squadron, and reanimating his 

 followers by word and example, while another shower of 

 bullets carried destmction among their ranks, the in- 

 trepid soldiers forced onwards, and bringing up their 

 right flank, appeared before the enemy's bayonets on 

 two sides of the square. 



" The two front ranks, kneeling, presented a double 

 row of deadly steel, while in rear of these the steady 

 muskets of four standing ranks were levelled at the 

 devoted horsemen. At this critical moment, when the 

 sword was about to be matched against the firelock, 

 and the chivalrous horseman against the firm foot- 

 soldier, when victory hung yet in equal scales, an 

 accidental shot from the kneeling ranks which, killing 

 a horse, caused it and the rider to fall upon the bayonets, 

 gave the triumph to the dragoons. 



"For a path was now opened, and the impatient troopers 

 rushing in amid the blazing fire while men and horses 

 fell fast before the muskets of the French infantry, their 



