Batteries were also deployed in the woods and opened on the Russians.
Sacken's men had started after breakfast in a rather leisurely way, and they had not progressed very far when Nansouty surprised them.

The French rode down the advance regiments, threw the heads of the columns into confusion, and then galloped back to the shelter of the wood.
Believing that he was about to be attacked in force, Sacken deployed, wasting much valuable time before he discovered this was only a cavalry feint, whereupon he moved forward.

It was ten o'clock before he reached a large farm called Haute-Epine.

By that time Napoleon was ready for him.

He had left Marmont back at Champaubert to hold back Bluecher.