At break of day on the 14th of October, 1806, Marshal Ney attacked the
bridge of Elchingen, with Loison’s division. The enemy occupied their
position with 15,000 or 16,000 men and upon them the 69th regiment of
the line began the attack in admirable order and with the greatest _sang
froid_, supported by the 76th regiment of infantry, the 18th of
dragoons, and the 10th of _chasseurs_. These four regiments rivalled
each other in intrepidity and bravery. Repulsed in two successive
charges, they began a third attack with still more fury; and after four
hours of a murderous fusilade the enemy were driven back, abandoning
their position at Elchingen, and were pursued into their entrenchments
in front of Ulm. One Major-general, and 3000 men were made prisoners,
and several pieces of artillery were lost to the French on this
brilliant day; which afterward procured for Ney the title of Duke of
Elchingen.
[Illustration: MARSHAL NEY AT ELCHINGEN.]