[48] In the third volume of Von Schoening's _History of the Artillery_,
we find the following extract from an official report of Captain
Spreuth, an artillery officer, dated Koenigsberg, 18th December 1812.
"The 'Grand Army' is retreating across the Weichsel, if indeed it may be
called a retreat; it is more like a total rout or disbandment, for the
fugitives came without order or baggage. The post-horses are at work day
and night. From the 16th to the 17th, 71 generals 60 colonels, 1243
staff and other officers, passed through this place; the majority
continued their route on foot, being unable to procure horses; the
officers' baggage is all lost, some of it has been plundered by their
own men, and we have even seen officers fighting in the streets with the
common soldiers."
[49] The noted military writer, Carl Von Decker, since General.