Chapter V: Book VIII

CHAP. I.--The Emperor Alexander's arrival at Moscow after his retreat from Drissa--Description of that city--Sacrifices voted by the nobility and the merchants to meet the threatened danger 1

II.--Alarm in consequence of the advance of the French army--Determination of the Governor, Count Rostopchin, and his preparations for destroying the capital--Evacuation of Moscow by the principal part of the inhabitants on the 3d of September 10

III.--State of that city just before and after the battle of Borodino--The Governor's departure 18

IV.--Napoleon advances to Moscow on the 14th of September--Feelings of the army on approaching it--Disappointment at finding it deserted 27

V.--Murat's entrance into the city 34

VI.--Napoleon's entrance into the Kremlin--Discovery of the conflagration of the city 38

VII.--Danger which he ran in escaping through the flames to Petrowsky--Hesitation as to his future plans 47

VIII.--His return to the Kremlin--Description of the camps outside the city--System of general plunder--Reproaches made to the army, and vindication of it 52

IX.--Conduct of Kutusof after abandoning Moscow--Rostopchin sets fire to his seat at Woronowo--Partial actions at Czerikowo and Vinkowo--Anxiety and uneasiness of Napoleon--consultation with his chief officers--Sends Lauriston to the Emperor 60

X.--Conference of Lauriston with Kutusof--Artful conduct of the latter--Armistice--Infatuation of Murat--Distress of the French army--Warnings of the impending danger--Napoleon's obstinacy in remaining 71

XI.--Illusions by which he kept up his own and his army's hopes--Count Daru's advice--Rupture of the armistice--Incapacity of Berthier--Disastrous engagement at Vinkowo--Napoleon determines to leave Moscow 82