Chapter XXIV: Book VII: Chap

—Manner in which the allied army was supplied on its march—Details of the organization of Davoust's corps —Napoleon's bulletin and decrees at Slawkowo—Fresh quarrels between Murat and Davoust—Description of the Russian mode of retreat and of Murat's method of pursuit —Advance to Wiazma and to Gjatz—Refusal of Davoust to obey Murat—Full development of the Russian plan of destroying their cities and towns —Clamours of the Russians against Barclay—Kutusof sent to supersede him—Great merit of Barclay's plan of retreat —Near prospect of a battle—Character of Kutusof—Sanguinary and partial action on the 4th of September—Anecdote of Murat—Napoleon's survey of the ground —Disposition of the Russian army on the field of Borodino—Napoleon's plan of battle —Plan proposed by Davoust rejected by Napoleon—Feelings of the French army—Proclamation of Napoleon —Preparations of the Russians—Feelings of their soldiery—Napoleon's anxiety—his indisposition on the night before the battle —Battle of Borodino on the 7th of September —Battle of Borodino on the 7th of September (Cont.) —Battle of Borodino on the 7th of September (Cont.) —Results of the battle—immense loss on both sides—faults committed by Napoleon—how accounted for—incompleteness of his victory —Advance to, and skirmish before Mojaisk—Gallantry of fifty voltigeurs of the 33d—Surprising order in the Russian retreat—Napoleon's distress VOLUME SECOND