Chapter VII: Book X

CHAP. I.--Wittgenstein's attack upon Saint Cyr at Polotsk--Retreat of the latter--Want of concert in the movements of the Russian generals 183

II.--Junction of the corps of Saint Cyr and Victor at Smoliantzy on the 31st October--Opportunity lost by the latter of defeating the enemy--General view of the state of the army--Errors committed by Napoleon and his commanders 192

III.--Napoleon's departure from Smolensk--Dispositions of the Russian army to interrupt his farther retreat--Bravery of Excelmans--Arrival at Krasnoë 205

IV.--March of Eugene from Smolensk to Krasnoë with the remains of his corps--his narrow escape 211

V.--Successful nocturnal attack by Roguet on the Russian camp at Chickowa--Desperate situation of Napoleon--Wilson's fruitless efforts to induce Kutusof to surround and destroy him--Battle of Krasnoë--Bravery of the guard under Mortier 219

VI.--Napoleon's arrival at Dombrowna--Nocturnal false alarm--General disorganization of the army--Davoust's ineffectual efforts to check it 231

VII.--Council held at Orcha to determine the farther course of retreat--Opinion of Jomini--Napoleon decides on Borizof--Quits Orcha on the 20th of November without hearing any thing of Ney--Re-appearance of that Marshal after his departure 239

VIII. IX.--Details of Ney's retreat from Smolensk until his arrival at Orcha 248