IV.—­Retreat of the Russian army, and fresh disappointment of Napoleon—­Ineffectual attempts of Murat to dissuade his farther advance—­Capture of Smolensk 234

V.—­Napoleon’s reflections on the conduct of the Russians—­Intelligence of Regnier’s victory over Tormasof—­Opinions of the Emperor’s principal officers as to the impolicy of proceeding farther 240

VI.—­State of the allied army—­its immense losses from various causes, independent of the enemy—­Napoleon’s professed intention to stop, but real determination to proceed 248

VII.—­Final evacuation of Smolensk by the Russians after setting it on fire—­their army overtaken by Murat and Ney—­Death of General Gudin—­Battle of Valoutina—­Narrow escape of the Russians in consequence of Junot’s irresolution 254

VIII.—­Results of the battle—­Recompenses and rewards conferred by Napoleon—­Enthusiasm of the army—­Melancholy state of the wounded—­Animosity of the Russian population 264

IX.—­Napoleon’s plans of moving the Russian peasantry to insurrection—­Conduct of their nobles to ward off the danger—­Napoleon’s hesitation as to the plan he should pursue 271

X.—­Saint Cyr’s victory over Wittgenstein on the 18th of August—­Dissension between Murat and Davoust—­Discord in the Russian camp in consequence of Barclay’s continued retreat—­Napoleon’s advance to Dorogobouje 276

BOOK VII.

Chap.  I.—­Manner in which the allied army was supplied on its march—­Details of the organization of Davoust’s corps 285

II.—­Napoleon’s bulletin and decrees at Slawkowo—­Fresh quarrels between Murat and Davoust—­Description of the Russian mode of retreat and of Murat’s method of pursuit 290

III.—­Advance to Wiazma and to Gjatz—­Refusal of Davoust to obey Murat—­Full development of the Russian plan of destroying their cities and towns 297

IV.—­Clamours of the Russians against Barclay—­Kutusof sent to supersede him—­Great merit of Barclay’s plan of retreat 304

V.—­Near prospect of a battle—­Character of Kutusof—­Sanguinary and partial action on the 4th of September—­Anecdote of Murat—­Napoleon’s survey of the ground 309

VI.—­Disposition of the Russian army on the field of Borodino—­Napoleon’s plan of battle 317

VII.—­Plan proposed by Davoust rejected by Napoleon—­Feelings of the French army—­Proclamation of Napoleon 322

VIII.—­Preparations of the Russians—­Feelings of their soldiery—­Napoleon’s anxiety—­his indisposition on the night before the battle 328