The brave Captain Chambure commanded a select troop called the
_Compagnie Franche_.
On the attack of the redoubt of Kabrunn, Chambure at the head of these
troops threw himself into the redoubt, and cut the Russians to
pieces--not one escaped,--for those who avoided the bayonet fell under
the fire of the battalions of Clamon and Dubowski.
A lieutenant, Connard, showed extraordinary coolness on this occasion; a
ball having shattered his shoulder he continued to fight, throwing
himself into the hottest of the battle. Chambure observing this, said,
“You are wounded, your place is not here; go, and tell the General we
are in the redoubt.” “Captain,” answered the lieutenant, “I still have
my right arm; you have only the left!” And with this he reentered the
battle.
Chambure pursued the enemy as far as Kabrunn. At this place he wrote as
follows to the Prince of Wurtemberg:--
“Prince, your bombs have disturbed my sleep. I have resolved to make a
sortie and spike the mortars which throw them. Experience shall teach
you, Prince, that it is dangerous to rouse the sleeping lion.