Unknown notes on the Russian campaign of 1812 by the commander of the Red Lanciers Colbert de Chabanais

Abstract

The first publication and scientific commentary of a valuable historical source, unknown memoirs on the Russian campaign of 1812 by Colbert de Chabanay, commander of the Red Lanciers. The document is kept in the private archive of the descendants of the French general and is of exceptional historical value to the researcher. The author analyzes the military-political context and traces the history of the memoirs. This article would not have been possible without the support of all the members of the de Poilloüe de Saint-Périer de Kergolay family. I would particularly like to thank Laurent de Poilloüe de Saint-Périer de Kergolay for his help during my research with the Notes et souvenirs du Général Edouard de Colbert.