As to Duroc, he first signified his disapprobation by a chilling silence, and afterwards by terse replies, reference to accurate reports, and brief remarks.  To him the emperor replied, “that he saw clearly enough that the Russians wanted to draw him on; but that, nevertheless, he must proceed as far as Smolensk; that there he would establish his head-quarters; and that in the spring of 1813, if Russia did not previously make peace, she would be ruined; that Smolensk was the key of the two roads to Petersburgh and Moscow; that he must get possession of it; and that he would then be able to march on both those capitals at the same time, in order to destroy every thing in the one, and preserve every thing in the other.”

Here the grand marshal observed to him, that he was not more likely to make peace at Smolensk, or even at Moscow, than he was at Witepsk; and that in removing to such a distance from France, the Prussians constituted an intermediate body, on whom little reliance could be placed.  But the emperor replied, that on that supposition, as the Russian war no longer offered him any advantageous result, he ought to renounce it; and if so, he must turn his arms against Prussia, and compel her to pay the expenses of the war.

It was now Daru’s turn.  This minister is straightforward even to stiffness, and possesses immoveable firmness.  The great question of the march upon Moscow produced a discussion which lasted during eight successive hours, and at which only Berthier was present.  The emperor having desired his minister’s opinion of the war, “It is not a national war,” replied Daru; “the introduction of some English merchandize into Russia, and even the restoration of the kingdom of Poland, are not sufficient reasons for engaging in so distant a war; neither your troops nor ourselves understand its necessity or its objects, and to say the least, all things recommend the policy of stopping where we now are.”

The emperor rejoined, “Did they take him for a madman?  Did they imagine he made war from inclination?  Had they not heard him say that the wars of Spain and Russia were two ulcers which ate into the vitals of France, and that she could not bear them both at once?

“He was anxious for peace; but in order to negotiate, two persons were necessary, and he was only one.  Had a single letter from Alexander yet reached him?

“What, then, should he wait for at Witepsk?  Two rivers, it was true, traced out the line of position; but, during the winter, there were no longer any rivers in this country.  It was, therefore, a visionary line which they traced out; it was rather a line of demarcation than of separation.  It was requisite, therefore, to constitute an artificial line; to construct towns and fortresses capable of defying the elements, and every species of scourge; to create every thing, land and atmosphere; for every thing was deficient, even provisions, unless, indeed, he chose to drain Lithuania, and render her hostile, or ruin ourselves; that if they were at Moscow, they might take what they pleased; here it was necessary to purchase every thing.  Consequently,” continued he, “you cannot enable me to live at Witepsk, nor shall I be able to defend you here:  both of us, therefore, are here out of our proper element.