Chapter VIII: Book XI

CHAP. I.--Capture of Minsk by the Russians--Different opinions in the army as to the causes of their disasters--Rumoured treachery of Schwartzenberg--Napoleon's reproaches to him and Schwartzenberg's reply 270

II.--Details of the loss of Minsk--Movements of Dombrowski, Oudinot, and Victor--Distress and malady of Napoleon--Remarkable conversation with Count Daru 278

III.--Passage through the Forest of Minsk--Junction of the remains of the grand army with Victor and Oudinot's corps--State of the former 284

IV. V.--Preparations for crossing the Berezina 289

VI.--Circumstances which led the Russian general, Tchaplitz, into error as to the point where Napoleon was to cross the Berezina, and consequences of that error--Napoleon crosses that river at Studzianka on the 27th November 299

VII.--Capture and destruction of Partouneaux's division 304

VIII.--Attack made by the Russians under Wittgenstein and Platof on the left side, and by Tchitchakof on the right side of the Berezina, and repelled by the French 308

IX.--The burning of the bridge over the Berezina 315

X.--Napoleon's situation during the preceding actions--Passage over the morasses--His manners to his officers 321

XI.--Napoleon's arrival at Malodeczno--Announcement on the 3d of December of his intention to set out for France 325

XII.--Increased severity of the winter--Partial actions of Ney and Maison with the Russians between Pleszezenitzy and Malodeczno--Quarrel between Ney and Victor 330

XIII.--Napoleon's arrival at Smorgony--his parting interview with his marshals 335