Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1859-03-03
Written for the MARSHALL Co. Republican,
III .e I 8 = - ew
RETREAT, FROM MOSCOW.
BY MAJOR JOHN !. LASoENBAuon, sen.
CHAPTER III.


mW -n. CHAPTER Ill. aon
Colonel I.arush inqsiring Of him whom to report
to, the officer replied, "Al is prepared, the Emp0-
ror has beer informed, Marshal Morticr is in mo
ton The order for the cavalry and artillery is to
leave the city as soon As possible and the sappeurs
miners, and infantry, on the contrary, are to assem-
tIe aid assist in cxtnguishing the fire. All reports
tobc made to Marshal Mortier."
/ With this he turped his horse, and galoped away
to carry the order to other corps in the Streets
"Well, at least We know whatwo have to do, "said
Lar,sh, .'I confess that at a loss how to act
We turned into street which conducted to the
desired gate, but we soon found ourselves in the
| midst of confusion Columns of infantry, with tho
bearded sappeurs at their head, were coming at a
quick pace. "Give way. give way" exclaimed
the leader, pressing forward with his men. Thus
pushed aside, we could only advance step by step
Meanwhile the fumes behind US spread awfuiy,
black and glowing clouds whirled high over the
spires of the palaces, hiding the sky and its stars.
But the streets were not darkcned, houses and
pavements clowed as if Illuminated by the blood
red torches Of the furies. The storm raised by the
sea Of fire fell with raging burst on the glowing
waves, and carried onward sparks, enbers and
ashes which poured down ike thick rain. Thus
was great event, in all its gigantic majesty, dis
played to the eye of man in his weakness. Thus
our little band advanced slowly but steadily. until
we at length arrived at the gate, where we were
Joined by several more regiments of cavalry, ana
companies of artillery. The whole division took
up the line of march and retired about ten rersts
from the burning city.
Night began to approach, as Colonel Larush and
his companions in arms reached the place OF
bivouac in plain, nearly surrounded by hills
ave will encamp here," said Larush, "at the foot
of these hills,-we will have at least protection
against the storm" As night fully set in the storm
swept over the plain and whistled sadly through the
dark pines on the hills. Weary and hungry, our
limbs benumbcd with cold, We at last dismounted
and began to make preparation for picketing, and
feeding our horses under as good shelters could
be obtained. A party was detailed for foraying,
another for cutting wood on the neighboring hills,
and another for carrying water, the remainder were
ordered to undertake the stable duty. Col. Larush
had chosen his place of cIicampment Lear point
of an OLD pine forest. Tall trees grew on the pre-
ciptoIs, but not lofty hills, which almost encom-
passed our encampment in this valley. In the
course ofhalf an hour bright fire cracked beneath
large pine, and we soon began to dispatch our
supper. Il wish,'' said Larush, "Legrand and
Boles were bach, II am anxiously waiting for news
\ from Moscow" "They will be back to night" l
replied. .'Do you think So" said Larush.
a sentry at this moment challenged, and the re-
ply was heard indicating arrival from Moscow.
"That is Boles.'' exclaimed Larush, hastily ri
sirg. In moment Bolcs jumped from his horse
and saluted us.
"Wherc is Legrand7 What news from Mos
cow7'' asked Larush, in quick voice.
"Thc negotiations for peace broken of, v
said Boles, "Kutusow has suddenly attacked the
King of Naples and rcpulsed him. The Emperor
received the intelligence at the kremlin, while re-
viewing the troops under the command of Marshal
Ncy. He instantly exclaimed, SIS it wari-be il
sor' Orders were dispatched in all directions, and
TO- morrow evening the army will move on Kalouza.
We, and all those regiments who have had their
stations north easterly, march from Moscow to-
morrow to Join the Grand Army 6lilss
"Thus the war viii be renewed" said Larush'
Legrand now coming up with wagon filed with
boots, and cloaks, and some provisions, we we're
soon in good spirits again.
..I presumc," said Larush, "wc are now to force
our way to the ssutherly provinces. where VIC may
aopc to obtain firm footing before the winter sets
in,-or at least reach Kew, and be quartercd there
during the cold season." "If the war is carried IN
that direction, shall still entertain hopes, / re
piled, "in those regions the winter commences hal
month later at least, aud is considerably milder
the country is rich and supP rt us better by far
than the desert we have traversed. This news is
indeed. worth something"
As soon as practical in the morning, we com
menccd our march 20 the city again, where we ar
rived about four o'clock in the afternoon, and soon
went into bvouac. Great were the preparations fcr
our departure, for some days, from the ruins o
Moscow 1
Al length, on the evening Of the eighteenth ol
October, the French army ccminenced its retreat
from the Capitol of the Cars, in which it had re
msincd either much too long or too short time
Napoleon, however, had not yet admitted the ne
ccssty Of retreat, since he had not yet been taught
the power Oh tnc efemeitS 10 siDscFt HIS oWns-uS
;stlll thought Of attacking Kutusow's troops, who
made stand at Kalouza. To attack, was to defeat
them, and open for himself and army way into the
southern provinces. This design was to bring for
ward his means of communicating with Poland; te
make the right wing of the army his point 'appu;
aud thus maintain himselfi in the heart Of the hostile
country, until more favorable season should arrive
On the morning of the nineteenth, the opening
of pleasant day, Napoleon himself left Moscow
Although the army had marched the whole night
fresh masses were constantly passing the gates o
the more than half destroyed city. In lines extend
ing far beyond the point of vision, they proceeded
forward on the wide main road. 1t was not merel,
the number of soldiers that formed the immense
train; there were also innumerable vehicles ladel
with booty, and numerous trains Of artillery ant
baggage wagons, which could not be left behind
On both sides the columns of infantry and cavaIr,
moved forward. marching over the fields alongsid
the road, so as to leave it free to the wagons
Nevertheless, the enormous amount ofbaggagc OBJ
structed the passage. The Emperor and his suit
were delayed by the confusion arising from the en-
, tanglcmcnt Of the numerous vehicles. 1t was a
-