Bedeutender Augenzeugenbericht eines deutschen Offiziers von der Schlacht bei Borodino, datiert 12.9.1812 - photo 1
Bedeutender Augenzeugenbericht eines deutschen Offiziers von der Schlacht bei Borodino, datiert 12.9.1812 - photo 2
Bedeutender Augenzeugenbericht eines deutschen Offiziers von der Schlacht bei Borodino, datiert 12.9.1812 - photo 3

Bedeutender Augenzeugenbericht eines deutschen Offiziers von der Schlacht bei Borodino, datiert 12.9.1812

Lot 3226
06.11.2025 10:00UTC +02:00
Classic
€
AuctioneerHermann Historica
Event locationGermany, Grasbrunn / München
Buyer Premium25 %
ID 1476421
Lot 3226 | Bedeutender Augenzeugenbericht eines deutschen Offiziers von der Schlacht bei Borodino, datiert 12.9.1812
Bedeutender Augenzeugenbericht eines deutschen Offiziers von der Schlacht bei Borodino, datiert 12.9.1812
Doppelbogen aus grauem Papier (Maße 31,7 x 19,5 cm), in Tinte vierseitig eigenhändig beschriftet. Brief an die Eltern des 22-jährigen Karl Wilhelm Illing, Hauptmann der Infanterie bei den mit den Franzosen verbündeten deutschen Truppen. Oben datiert "Mosaik den 12ten Sept: 1812 / 100 Werste, oder 10 Meilen von Moscau". Detaillierte Schilderungen von Ereignissen im Vorfeld der Schlacht vom 7.9.1812, zum Beispiel "Das Schlachtvieh, welches die Russen nicht mitnehmen konnten, war erstochen, und in die wenigen Wasser-Behälter geworfen, die es hier giebt, und so unser letztes und bestes Erquickungs-Mittel verpestet. Die Straße, die von so vielen Armeen passiert war, war mit todten Menschen und Pferden bedeckt, der Gestank fürchterlich. Vom Brod war hier keine Rede ..." oder von der Hauptschlacht: "Kugeln regneten: der Tod machte fürchterliche Beute. Wir standen vor den Russischen Batterien. Bald standen wir zwischen Todten! Verwundete jammerten! Arme und Beine flogen!" und "Die Russen wurden mit dem Bajonett ermordet, wer nicht floh. Aber es waren der Batterien mehrere - Sturm auf Sturm!". Sein Resümee: "Erobert habe ich nichts, als meine complete Gesundheit, ich glaube daß sie das beste ist, was man haben kann.". Der Brief ist dem Alter entsprechend fleckig und zeigt Risse entlang der Faltspuren. Dazu ein Umschlag, in Tinte alt beschriftet als "Brief meines Großvaters Illing aus dem Jahre 1812", und eine komplette Transkription des Textes. Außerdem das Buch "1812 - Der Untergang der großen Armee und seine Vorgeschichte" von Theodor Rehtwisch, Berlin, um 1910. Seltene, höchst anschauliche Darstellung eines bedeutenden historischen Ereignisses.
Provenienz: Direkt aus dem Familienbesitz von Lauenstein.
An important eyewitness account by a German officer at the Battle of Borodino, dated 12 September 1812
An important eyewitness account by a German officer at the Battle of Borodino, dated 12 September 1812
A double sheet of grey paper (measuring 31.7 x 19.5 cm), four pages handwritten in ink. A letter addressed to the parents of 22-year-old Karl Wilhelm Illing, Hauptmann der Infanterie with the German troops who were allied with the French. The top dated (tr.) "Mosaic, the 12th Sept. 1812 / 100 werste, or 10 miles from Moscow". Detailed account of the events leading up to the battle on 7 September 1812, for example (tr.) "The Russians stabbed all the slaughter animals that they could not take with them and threw the carcasses in the few water containers we had, thereby contaminating our last and best means of refreshment. The road that had been passed by so many armies was covered in dead people and horses, the stench was horrendous. There was no hope of any bread ..." or regarding the main battle: "Bullets rained down: death claimed his terrible prey. We stood in front of the Russian batteries. We were soon surrounded by fallen men! The wounded were whimpering! Arms and legs flew in all directions!" and "Any Russians who did not flee were murdered with bayonets. However, there were several batteries – wave after wave stormed through!" His summary (tr.): "I have won nothing more than my complete health, I believe that it is the best thing one can have.". The letter is stained, consistent with its age, and torn in places along the folds. Along with an envelope, bearing old lettering in ink (tr.) "Letter from my grandfather Illing dated 1812", and a complete transcription of the text. Moreover, the book "1812 - Der Untergang der großen Armee und seine Vorgeschichte" by Theodor Rehtwisch, Berlin, circa 1910. Rare, exceptionally vivid account of a significant historical event.
Provenance: Consigned directly from the family estate.
Condition: III
Auction house category:France: 1st Empire
Address of auction Hermann Historica
Bretonischer Ring 3
85630 Grasbrunn / München
Germany
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