Given the interesting range of recent posts on Cossacks, I thought NWC members would appreciate reading this 7 part article on the Usefulness of Cossacks in the Field by Austrian Captain A. Prokesch, dated 1824 and translated by Geert van Uythoven. If nothing else, it should help you understand why Cossacks have always been regarded by Russian rulers as a unique military asset.
http://home.wanadoo.nl/g.vanuythoven/Cossacks%201.htm
"Cossacks are the best light troops among all that exist.
If I had then in my army, I would go through all the world with them."
- Napoleon
I invite other NWC members to share information or articles which shed further light on this subject.
Shtabs-Kapitan Bill Cann
New Russian Dragoon Regt
13th Brigade,IV Cav.Corps
2nd Russian Army
