Headquarters Campbell's DivisionNear Salzkotten, Germany, October 29, 1813SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report as to the part borne by this division in the action of October 29, 1813, near Wurzbach, Germany:
Around 1300 hours, I received orders to move my division towards the town of Salzkotten. I gave the necessary orders and the division began at once to move west along a dirt road with the right wing of the corps. My division was near front of the column. We had been marching for ten to fifteen minutes when reports of French cavalry began coming in from scouts just ahead of the column. Approximately five minutes later, I spotted what I believed was a French division forming north of the road near a place called Wurzbach. I immediately ordered the division to form on a ridge north of the road to guard the column as it continued on to Salzkotten. I formed a line on top of the ridge consisting of General Wheatley's brigade as the left wing and Col Fermor's brigade as the right. Col Lowe's brigade was placed behind the main line in reserve. I placed Major Gardiner's battery on the crest in front of the infantry and they began shelling the French infantry with great results.
The French Division began maneuvering but was checked by British cavalry. The cavalry was attempting to protect the main column that was marching towards the massive battle that was now raging at Salzkotten. After twenty minutes of shelling the French, the cavalry began harassing and attacking the enemy division's flank. It was at this time that I ordered General Wheatley's brigade forward with orders to probe the enemy. I also moved Col Fermor's brigade forward to support Wheatley's flank. The French division, weakened by artillery and repeated cavalry attacks, was weaker than I had anticipated so I ordered General Wheatley to increase his pressure and directly attack the opposing forces. I then ordered Col. Fermor to probe the right flank of the enemy.
General Wheatley's brigade made great progress and was driving the French back when Col Fermor ordered his command to attack the French Battery. The French guns made a gallant stand and drove Fermor's brigade back. I then ordered the Brigade of Col Lowe forward to replace Col Fermor's brigade in the fight with the order to drive off the French battery. I also ordered Major Gardiner's guns to fire on the enemy artillery. Col Lowe's troops executed an amazing bayonet charge against the stubborn battery driving them off and capturing two guns which were turned to fire on the rest of the enemy division. The troops belonging to Col Lowe behaved with extreme courage and bravery. After the enemy battery was taken care of, I ordered Col Lowe to assist General Wheatley's brigade with finishing off the now breaking French division. A few minutes later I received word that the rest of the corps had broken through the defense at Salzkotten and the battle had been won!
My division lost 938 men. We estimate that the division inflicted 1,346 enemy casualties.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Henry CampbellMajor General, Commanding Division.
One of the two massive columns.
French division forming north of the road. I have just set up on the ridge.
The division formed on the ridge while the column continues to march behind us.
Lowe's brigade charging the battery.
My complements to Cook for his glorious bayonet charge against the battery.
Other notes: Cook(DeoVindice61) commanded Lowe's brigade
Total forces engaged 49,030 Coalition troops
45,642 French troops
Overall casualties for entire battle13909 Coalition
11235 French
