Hello Mister Cornwell

I have a general question about napoloenic warfare.

Its about infantry  melee attacks with bayonet an swords.

Duke Eugen of Württemberg (1788–1857) once said:

In  99 of  100  cases, the bayonet is gonna be more of a decoration then a weapon, and that most infantry units would retreat instead of facing the attack.

You describe in your Sharpe-Books a lot of melee fight. I would like to know how common were they on a battle during that time?

Thank you and best regards

Stefano