The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1850-04-23
hlisfellanfol1s Department.
THE BATTLE OF EYLAU.

dreadful. The snow, which fell thicklyin fine
fakes, froze as it reached the surface of the
earth. Our clothes, being covered with this
sort of hoar frost, were stiff and heavy. The
horses could not keep their footing. The san.
Culinary conflict had been maintained since
morning, and when night set in all was yet un-
decided. The Emperor, in state of the ut.
most anxiety and impatience, galloped up and
down the field of battle, Drawing the grape
shot which was showering in every direction.
He was alwaysto be seen on those points threat.
ming the greatest danger, well knowing that his
presence would alone work miracles. Mean.
while, the ceasing of the fire on some point In
dicated that the enemy was falling back. At
eight o'clock Nopoleen was informed that the
important position of the church, which had
been obstinately disputed, taken and retaken
several times n the course Of the day, had been
again carried by the enemy. ourtroops, whose
Numbers were infinitely inferior to those of the
Russians, retired fighting to the church-yard.
AT the moment when the orderly arrived with
this intelligence, the Emperor had dismounted
and was personally directing q formidable bat
terry pointed to the left wing ofthe Russian ar
my. He Instantly leaped on his horse, galloped
off with the rapidity OF lightning and, throwing
himself into the midst OF the battalions which
were beginning to give way, "What !" he ex.
claimed, "a handful of Russians repulse the
Grand Army! Hear me, my brave fellows; let
not Russion escape from the church! For
ward with the Artillery! We must have the
church, my lads we must have it y
This address was answered, give / EN-
pereur. FORWARD We must have the church!
and all rushed onward. rallying in good order.
"A few PAGES from US we espied on old gren.
adier; his face was blackened by gunpowder,
and the blood was streaming down his clothes;
his left arm had been carried away by bomb
shell. The man was hurrying to fall into the
ranks. 80 5s.ss &. 5..,.s..
: : .Stay, stay, my good fellow said the En-.
peror; ego and get your wound dressed-go to
the ambulance
q will" replied the grenadier, "when we
have taken the church" and we immediately
lost sight cf him. | perceived the tears glitter
ing in the eEmperors eyes, and he turned aside
to conceal them.
| AT ten o'clock that night the church was ours.
The Emperor, who was thoroughly exhausted
toItered with fatigue as he sat OH his horse.
Hefordered the firing to cease; and the army
reposed, surrounded by the enemy's bivouack.
OR headquarters were established on the pla.
teau, behind Eylau, in the midst of the infantry
OF the guard.
!" All is going on admirably" said the EN-
peror to me as he entered the tent. "1'hose
men have fought bravely" Without undres.
sing, he threw himself on his bed, and in a few
moments was sound asleep.
B at four in the morning the Emperor was
again on his horse. He surveyed the ground,
arranged his plans, posted the artillery, harau.
Sgued the troops, and rode past the front rank
of each regiment. At day.break he gave or.
.ders that the attack should commence simulta-
neously on all points. About eleven o'clock
the snow, had fallen necessarily during the
whole morning, increased with such violence
that we could scarcely perceive any object at
the distance Of ten PAGES. After the lapse of
some little time, a Russian column, amounting
ing to between five and six thousand men, was
discerned; during the night this column had re-
ceived orders to join the main body of the army,
and had missed the way. The troops, who
were marching forward hesitating and without
scouts, had strayed to within the distance ofa
musket shot of our camp. The Emperor, stand.
erect, with his feet in the stirups, and his
glass at his eye, was the first to perceive that
the black shadows, slowly defiling through the
veil Of snow, must belong to the Russian Re-
serve: He instantly directed towards them
two battaIlions Of the grenadiers ofthe guard,
commanded by Gen. Dorsenne. Whilst the
grenadiers advanced in silence, the squadron
on duty near the Emperor turned the column,