distance away. Questioned about the defensive precautions taken by
these Hussars, he said that before one reached the houses, they had
posted a picket-guard which was in a garden surrounded by hedges, and
that when he went through the hamlet, the remainder were preparing to
water their horses at a little pond on the far side of the buildings.

Having received this information, I had now to make a plan of
action. I wished to avoid passing the picket-guard who, being
entrenched behind hedges, could not be attacked by cavalry, while the
fire from their carbines would perhaps kill several of my men and
give warning of our approach. To do this required that we go round
the hamlet, so as to reach the pond, and fall, unexpectedly, on our
enemies. But how were we to pass without being seen? I then ordered
the peasant to lead us on a detour, and promised to set him free as
soon as we reached the other side of the hamlet, which we could see:
when he refused to do so, I had him taken by the scruff of the neck
by one Hussar while another held a pistol to his ear, which made him
change his mind. He guided us very well; some large hedges hid our
movements, and we got completely round the village to see, at the
edge of a small pond, the Austrian squadron peacefully watering their
horses.
All the riders were carrying their arms, which is the usual
practice for outposts, but those in command had neglected a
precaution which is essential in war, that is, to allow only one troop
at a time to unbridle their horses and enter the water, while the
remainder stay on the bank ready to repel any attack. Confident
that there were no French about and relying on the watchfulness of
the guard posted at the entry to the village, the enemy commander had
thought this precaution unnecessary. This was to be his downfall.