we were looking for the French—having lost touch with them—the French stumbled upon Nevérovski’s division and reached the walls of Smolénsk.
It was necessary to fight an unexpected battle at Smolénsk to save our lines of communication. The battle was fought and thousands were killed on both sides.
Smolénsk was abandoned contrary to the wishes of the Emperor and of the whole people.
But Smolénsk was burned by its own inhabitants who had been misled by their governor. And these ruined inhabitants, setting an example to other Russians, went to Moscow thinking only of their own losses but kindling hatred of the foe.
Napoleon advanced farther and we retired, thus arriving at the very result which caused his destruction.
II
The day after his son had left, Prince Nikoláy Andréevich sent for Princess Márya to come to his study.
“Well? Are you satisfied