Eighteen hundred and twelve, or, Napoleon's invasion of Russia [microform]

5–6 July 1809

Battle of Wagram

NAPOLEON'S INVASION OF RUSSIA.

Thus Mary's appearance at the morning promenades had gradually made her ac- quainted with the bathing world, and her presence at a small rural restival, which was to be arranged, was considered indispensable, if it should not want its finest decoration. It happened, therefore, on a certain morning, as she took her usual promenade with her friends near the fountain, that she was ap- proached by a deputation of young men, at whose head was an Austrian captain of cavalry, Arnheim, who visited the bath for a wound of the arm, which he had received in the Battle of Wagram. With a modest bear- ing he addressed her tJius :

7 September 1812 (26 August Old Style)

Battle of Borodino

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND TWELVE; OR,

" The devil ! " cried Rasinski, suddenly, turning to the Marshal, and pointing with his sword in the distance ; " do you see yonder columns 'i That is the Rus^an army in full retreat, on the road to Borodino !"

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND TWELVE; OR,

" The devil ! "' cried Rasmski, suddenly, turning to the Marshal, and pointing with his sword in the distance ; " do you see yonder columns '{ That is the Rus^an army in full retreat, on the road to Borodino !"

CHAPTER XLVn. ' '

* Soldiers ! — ^Thc day of battle you have 80 long wished for has arrived ! Victory is in yopr hands. It is necessary to ua^ It will secure to you abundance, safe winter quarters, and a speedy return to your homes. Behave yourselves as at Austerlitz, at Fnedland, at Witepsk, at Smolensko ; so that your remo- test descendants may with pride say of their ancestors : ' He fought in the great battle un- Her the walls of the Moskwa !' "

CHAPTER LVIIL . , ,

" Dear Sister — For four days we have been in ceaseless pursuit of the enemy, and have daily skirmishes. We push our way, however, only slowly, as the Russians retire in good order. It would not have been so if our exhaustion had not made it impossible to pursue them faster. The care of our wounded, and of providing for our pressing wants, claims almost every moment of our time. Thus I can only write these few lines at present. We have lost many dear friends. Two-thirds of my regiment fell on the hills of Semenowski, and among them, my old faithful Petrowski, whose dead body I could not even search for and bury. For centuries past no such battle has been fought. Our exertions cannot be described ;j)ut still, by the blessing of heaven, we are in good spi- rits and bodily vigor. Over the bloody battle- field of Borodino the sun of Poland's liberty will rise ! Therefore, Johanna, mourn not those who are dead. Their country will erect monuments to them, that their glory may shine for ever. Farewell, Johanna ! — The morning dawns at last. Be happy !