I propose that while the men are all in high spirits, and the Russians proportionately depressed, we take the offensive and fall upon one of their garrisons.

Hitherto, as you say, you have always contented yourselves with attacking the columns sent out against you, and the Russians will be altogether unprepared for an attack on them in their own quarters.

If we fall suddenly at night upon Piaski, we ought to succeed in nearly annihilating them.

There are about 1200 men of the column whom we have fought, and about 2000 in the other column which marched out against us this morning, but fell back when they heard of the defeat of their comrades.

It is probable that pretty nearly the whole force in the town came out, so that altogether there cannot be above 2500 men.