. A history of all nations from the earliest times; being a universal historical library . were no longer able to offer resistance, he castall consideration behind him. A man who, under the most polishedforms, concealed a passionate ambition, a burning hatred of the French,and the wild energy of a Tatar barl)arian, he was resolved at once evento commit the capital to the flames in order that it slumld not be sufferedto fill! into the enemys hands. Kutusoff had indeed announced to histroops another battle for the defence of Moscow, and he directed tliem towork zealously on entrem^lunents; but a
. A history of all nations from the earliest times; being a universal historical library . were no longer able to offer resistance, he castall consideration behind him. A man who, under the most polishedforms, concealed a passionate ambition, a burning hatred of the French,and the wild energy of a Tatar barl)arian, he was resolved at once evento commit the capital to the flames in order that it slumld not be sufferedto fill! into the enemys hands. Kutusoff had indeed announced to histroops another battle for the defence of Moscow, and he directed tliem towork zealously on entrem^lunents; but against the unanimous opinion ofa council of war, which he called, that it was inevitable to give over thecity to its fate, he had nothing to offer in the way of objection. How-ever little Kutusoff excelled as commander in the field, yet to him belongsthe merit of having perceived that even without his participation thingsmust turn to the ruin of Napoleon. Terror and dismay seized upon theinhabitants when the army passed through the city. In great confusion TUE FREyCH BEFORE MOSCOW. 195. 196 TUE FÄLL OF NAPOLEON. there ensued a nnivcrsal migration; of 240,000 inhabitants, only some14,000 of the lowest classes remained behind. The army took up aflanking position on the road to Kaluga, principally for the purpose ofcovering the stores collected in that city. We have it now truly, that famous city, cried Napoleon, when, onSeptember 14, he saw the gilded domes of Moscow, but he added : itwas time. Transport and pride filled every one of his warriors at hav-ing reached, in this great and rich city, the object of all suffering and thesure pledge of pc^ace. But tiie heads of Murats advance were alreadyentering the suburbs, and yet, to the emperors great amazement, theadvancing deputation ilid not appear to appeal to his mercy and to begforbearance. No deception was possible—IVIoscow was empty. Deepdepression and gloomy apprehension fell upon the army, though disposedto joy. During t
Size: 1228px × 2034px
Photo credit: © Reading Room 2020 / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookaut, bookcentury1900, bookdecade1900, booksubjectworldhistory
