Senior Editor's Note:
A few readers have written asking why so much data on the Royal Saxon Army is presented in these pages. Well, the answer is simple; besides being an often mis-understood army, it is one on which I have been conducting a vast amount of research for many years. Thus it has developed into a regular column as that research is brought to light.
Saxon Uniforms 1813-1815
The following article dealing with the uniforms of the Royal Saxon Army during the post- Leipzig period is a three person effort. The drawings are based upon the ELBERFELD MANUSCRIPT which were drawn by an unknown inhabitant of the German town of Elberfeld in 1813-1815, showing each of the many Allied and French regiments which passed through the town.
The later German artist Knotel drew upon it quite heavily and the Bucquoy set of 'Garison de Magdeburg' used it as a source as well. Identifications are not those of the original manuscript, but it is clear which units some are supposed to represent, (as worked out by Knotel and others). Unfortunately, they probably create as many problems as they solve and there is an infuriating lack of clarity in some areas (i.e. only a back view in one, concealed cuffs in another, unclear shako plate, etc.), but at least, they are eye-witness drawings and though a few post-date the 1814 campaigns, they are probably wearing the uniforms of that era.
The French text was translated by Philip Haythornthwaite, who also undertook to redraw each of the individuals represented.
Saxons Uniforms 1813-1815
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