Kossecki's forces were given the task of protecting Minsk from a southeast attack and ensure a path of retreat for Napoleon's Grande Armée.[3]
Background
Maret sent General Kossecki with about 3,000 infantry and 500 cavalry men to Nowo Schwerschen where they were to protect the crossing of the Niemen.[4]
According to Smith, Kossecki's division was composed of:[2]
On November 13, Lambert arrived at Nowo Schwerschen with the Third Western Army's vanguard. Kossecki's raw Lithuanian recruits were driven off with heavy losses by the cavalry.