The roads were bad, but they took to the fields, and by six o'clock they had passed through the town of Montmirail, easily driving out a few straggling battalions which occupied it.

By eight o'clock they were in touch with the columns of Sacken at Vieux Maisons.

A bit of woodland covered their approach.

It was not until they were almost upon them that Sacken's advance came in touch with them.

The French horse followed the Russian outposts and advance guards at a gallop back to the main column, upon which they fell impetuously.