was given a secondary position.  The Emperor Alexander had paid little attention to these energetic complaints, until at last, frightened by the symptoms of insurrection which began to be manifest in the army, he had yielded, and Kutusoff had been named generalissimo, over which important event there had been rejoicings and illuminations at Moscow.  A great battle with the French was talked of; enthusiasm was at its height in the Russian army, and every soldier had fastened to his cap a green branch.  The prisoner spoke with awe of Kutusoff, and said that he was an old man, with white hair and great mustaches, and eyes that struck him with terror; that he lacked much of dressing like the French generals; that he wore very ordinary clothes—­he who could have such fine ones; that he roared like a lion when he was angry; that he never started on a march without saying his prayers; and that he crossed himself frequently at different hours of the day.  “The soldiers love him because they say he so much resembles Suwarrow.  I am afraid he will do the French much harm,” said he.  The Emperor, satisfied with this information, dismissed the prisoner, and gave orders that he should be allowed the freedom of the camp; and afterwards he fought bravely beside our soldiers.  The Emperor made his entrance into Gjatsk with a most singular escort.

Some Cossacks had been taken in a skirmish; and his Majesty, who was at this time very eager for information from every quarter, desired to question these savages, and for this purpose had two or three brought to his headquarters.  These men seemed formed to be always on horseback, and their appearance when they alighted on the ground was most amusing.  Their legs, which the habit of pressing their horses’ sides had driven far apart, resembled a pair of pincers, and they had a general air of being out of their element.  The Emperor entered Gjatsk, escorted by two of these barbarians on horseback, who appeared much flattered by this honor.  I remarked that sometimes the Emperor could with difficulty repress a smile as he witnessed the awkward appearance made by these cavaliers from the Ukraine, above all when they attempted to put on airs.  Their reports, which the interpreter of the Emperor had some difficulty in comprehending, seemed a confirmation of all his Majesty had heard concerning Moscow.  These barbarians made the Emperor understand by their animated gestures, convulsive movements, and warlike postures, that there would soon be a great battle between the French and the Russians.  The Emperor had brandy given them, which they drank like water, and presented their glasses anew with a coolness which was very amusing.  Their horses were small, with cropped manes and long tails, such as unfortunately can be seen without leaving Paris.