right of this great line, and orders were given to obtain possession of that fortress.  In addition, an insurrection of the populous provinces of the south was calculated on; they would assist Schwartzenberg in expelling Tormasof, and the army would be increased by their numerous cossacks.  One of the greatest proprietors of these provinces, a nobleman in whom every thing was distinguished, even to his external appearance, hastened to join the liberators of his country.  He it was whom the emperor intended for the leader of this insurrection.

In this position nothing would be wanting.  Courland would support Macdonald; Samogitia, Oudinot; the fertile plains of Klubokoe, the emperor; the southern provinces would effect the rest.  In addition, the grand magazine of the army was at Dantzic; its intermediate ones at Wilna and Minsk.  In this manner the army would be connected with the country which it had just set free; and all things appertaining to that country—­its rivers, marshes, productions, and inhabitants, would be united with us:  all things would be agreed for the purposes of defence.

Such was Napoleon’s plan.  He was at that time seen exploring Witepsk and its environs, as if to reconnoitre places where he was likely to make a long residence.  Establishments of all kinds were formed there.  Thirty-six ovens, capable of baking at once 29,000 pounds of bread, were constructed.  Neither was utility alone attended to; embellishment was also considered.  Some stone houses spoiled the appearance of the square of the palace; the emperor ordered his guard to pull them down, and to clear away the rubbish.  Indeed, he was already anticipating the pleasures of winter; Parisian actors must come to Witepsk; and as that city was abandoned, fair spectators must be attracted from Warsaw and Wilna.

His star at that time enlightened his path:  happy had it been for him, if he had not afterwards mistaken the movements of his impatience for the inspirations of genius.  But, whatever may be said, it was by himself alone that he suffered himself to be hurried on; for in him every thing proceeded from himself; and it was a vain attempt to seduce his prudence.  In vain did one of his marshals then promise him an insurrection of the Russians, in consequence of the proclamations which the officers of his advanced guard had been instructed to disseminate.  Some Poles had intoxicated that general with inconsiderate promises, dictated by the delusive hope common to all exiles, with which they flatter the ambition of the leaders who rely upon them.

But Murat was the individual whose incitements were most frequent and animated.  Tired of repose, and insatiable of glory, that monarch, who considered the enemy to be within his grasp, was unable to repress his emotions.  He quitted the advanced guard, went to Witepsk, and in a private interview with the emperor, gave way to his impetuosity.  “He accused the Russian army of cowardice; according to