Kasel—Moskau—Küstrin 1812–1813 by Johann Friedrich Geiß(e) is a historical account—often based on personal experience or near-contemporary reporting—of the Napoleonic campaign in Russia and its aftermath, as seen through a German (likely Hessian or Westphalian) perspective. The title traces a geographic arc from Kassel in central Germany to Moscow and back toward Küstrin (Kostrzyn), reflecting the path taken by soldiers involved in Napoleon’s ill-fated 1812 invasion of Russia.
The work situates itself within the broader context of the Confederation of the Rhine, when many German states were compelled or allied to provide troops for Napoleon’s army. It describes the mobilization of forces, the long march eastward, and the initial phases of the campaign, which culminated in the occupation of Moscow. Particular attention is given to the harsh realities faced by soldiers, including supply shortages, extreme weather, and the logistical challenges of campaigning across vast distances.
A central focus of the narrative is the catastrophic retreat from Moscow in the winter of 1812–1813. Geiß(e) details the breakdown of order, the effects of cold and hunger, and the constant threat from Russian forces. The return journey toward Central Europe, symbolized by Küstrin, underscores the scale of the disaster and the heavy losses suffered by the multinational army.
Stylistically, the work often blends descriptive narrative with reflective commentary, conveying both the physical hardships of the campaign and its emotional toll on those involved. As a historical source, it provides valuable insight into the experiences of German soldiers serving under Napoleon and contributes to the broader understanding of how the Russian campaign was remembered in contemporary and near-contemporary accounts.
