From Geschichte des Kgl. Sächs. Garde-Reiter-Regiments., Dresden 1880, pp. 349-352

The Saxon Cuirassier Brigade (1st French cavalry corps) got to know about the defection their comrades in the afternoon of 17th October. General Lessing sent his adjudant, premier-lieutenant Trützschler, to the king for instructions. The answer was somehow sibyllic: "The cuirassiers always have know to do their duty." So it was decided to stay with the French army, and in the evening they marched with 1st cavalry corps though Leipzig to Schönau.

On 18th, the brigade had only 200 men left in the ranks. General Lessing had stayed in Leipzig and sent his adjudant with the message that the supernumerary officers were allowed to return to Leipzig as well, if they wished so. Two Rittmeister and three Lieutenants decided to stay with the men, "in order not to leave the men without leaders" (this implies all the other officers left).

On 19th in the morning, colonel Laporte, chief of staff of the cavalry corps, came and announced that the horses should be given to the artillery and the men serve on foot. As the cavalry corps departed shortly afterwards, this was not yet executed. During the morning, the Saxon colonel Lindenau arrived, demandig to speak with general Bordesoulle. The Saxon king wanted his cuirassiers back, but was ready to leave the horses to the French. Bordesoulle replied he needed an order from a higher commander in order to accept the request. Lindenau departed to look for one.

In the afternoon of 19th, the cuirassiers took a bivoauc in Markranstädt. Colonel Laporte walked with some other French officers through the ranks and made a list of all the horses. The Saxon officers managed to calm down their furiuous men. On the other hand, general Bordesoulle and other French officers expressed their sympathy for the cuirassiers.

Several hours later, Rittmeister Gutschmidt, who was commanding the cuirassiers, was ordered to come to the Emperor. Napoleon had heard of the king's request and declared he would let the brave cuirassiers leave in an honorable way, and wouldn't take their horses. Gutschmidt happily returned to his men. Later, the remaining cuirassier officers were orderd to come to Napoelon's headquarters, the inn "Goldener Löwe" in Markranstädt. Arriving there, Caulaincourt told them they had to sign not to serve against France for the duration of one year. Objections were put down by Caulaincourt in an unfriendly manner, who told them they could serve in the Saxon king's guard. The alternative being that they had to follow the French army, the five officers signed.

In the night of 19th, the cuirassiers were told to march off in the direction of Merseburg. They encountered Russian cossacks and dragoons, and took a bivouac at Zscherneddel.