General De Brack served Napoleon and France for many years as a light cavalryman during the wars that raged for over a decade. He served under some of the most able and dashing of officers, including the legendary Lasalle and the celebrated Pajol. During this time, the skills and instincts of outpost duty were engraved on his mind, time-taught instincts long forgotten by the army in peace time. In his older age he was approached by the officers of his regiment to recount his advice, lessons and memoirs so that the invaluable experience could be passed on. In his book, Light Cavalry Outposts, General De Brack dispenses his maxims for service in the light cavalry interspersed with memories of his service under the eagles of Napoleon.
