On August 16, 1812, the Grande Armee arrived at Smolensk, the town being defended by 120,00 Russian troops. By 1 in the morning of August 17 Smolensk was in French hands. The stench of the quickly decaying corpses prevented the Guard from enjoying the pleasures of victory in the town. On the 19th a Russian general, found hiding in the town, refused to surrender and was bayoneted by the Grenadiers. On the 24th, the army began to quit Smolensk, for the Russians were withdrawing to defend Moscow. The Regiment survived Borodino intact, like the rest of the Guard infantry who saw no action even after repeated requests that the Guard would tip the battle in Napoleon’s favour rather than a long drawn-out stalemate. After Krasnoi the 3rd only had 40 men left; and only 7 reached France after the campaign.