The
Battle of
Borodino: French Reports
By Alexander Mikaberidze
Marshal Joachim Murat to Alexander Berthier,
9 September 1812, Mozhaisk
On the 4th and 5th, the advance guard of His Majesty's army vigorously drove
the rearguard of the enemy and chased it out of all his positions. The enemy
showed much resistance on the 5th. Everyone did their duty on the 4th, and
Count Perigord, Colonel of the 8th Mounted Chasseurs, distinguished himself
in successfully pushing back several charges of a cavalry much stronger than
his. That night, His Majesty gave the order to attack the redoubt with the
cavalry of the Compans’ division at the Polish corps.
General Compans prepared his attack columns and marched on the village of
situated at the foot of the redoubt and of the woods on the right. The cavalry
supported it; master of the village and the woods, General Compans ordered
a march to the redoubt, which was taken by the 61st Regiment at the end of
the bayonet. Meanwhile, several charges of cavalry had taken place and the
Russian cuirassiers were overwhelmed by the fire from our infantry and artillery,
and by our cavalry.
The enemy returned at a charge with two columns of infantry to retake the
redoubt, but it was vigorously received by the Compans division and obliged
to retreat after a long fusillade. During this time, Prince Poniatowski repulsed
on my right the enemy in front of him and overtook a mountainous position.
The combat lasted until ten o'clock at night, and we took position.
The result of this day gives His Majesty a few prisoners, seven pieces of
artillery and the position he had wanted to occupy. Everyone did their duty;
General Caland and Marquis Gulano, my aides-de- camp, were wounded. I will
address to the chief of staff the state of the officers, NCOs and soldiers
who distinguished themselves the most, and solicit for them the advancement
and rewards they deserve.
[Signed] Joachim Napoleon
[I would like to express my gratitude to J. David Markham for granting me
permission to use translations of battle reports from his book Imperial
Glory: The Bulletins of Napoleon’s Grand Armée, 1805-1814 (London:
Greenhill Books, 2003).]
Placed on the Napoleon Series: April 2008
[ Military Index | Battles Index ] |
