Murat at Borodino Postcard

As in every action, Murat was in the forefront of the battle at Borodino, heedless of danger. Louis Lejeune, carrying a message to him from Napoleon, found him amid a skirmish-line, well in advance of his own cavalry. Nearby Cossacks had recognised him from his flamboyant costume and his distinctive long hair, and were shouting ‘Houra! Houra! Murat!’, as much in admiration as with hostile intent; for, recalled Lejeune, none dare approach him for reason of his reputation as a swordsman. This depicts another noted incident involving the marshal, when Murat took shelter among the members of Marchand’s 25th (Württemberg) Division that was fighting for possession of the flèches. He rode among them to encourage them – he is seen here, in his eccentric uniform, exhorting the Württemberg Jägers – as they were charged by Russian cuirassiers who, one witness thought, were at first mistaken for Saxon cavalry because of the similarity of uniform (both wore white, which could be confused amid the smoke of battle). The Jägers held off the Russian cavalry until other Württemberg infantry came up in support; they are seen here, behind the green-clad Jägers, distinguished by their crested leather helmets.