The mountain Democrat., 1863-04-18
BORODINA.

The French army, on its march to
Moscow, arrived on the evening of the
4th Of September, 1918, near the village
of Borodina, on the banks OF the Moskwa
river. The Russian army. 10000
strong, were liere strongly entrenched.-
General kutusoff, in command, having
resolved upon the most desperate resis-
tance, had arranged in commanding po-
sitions, and behind we'll constructed re.
doubts, GOO pieces of heavy artillery.
The French army, numbering 120, 900,
approached in three great columns. Ma.
pOleon ascended an eminence, and, care
fully scrutinzing the position of the en-
emy, with his characteristic promptness,
instantly decided upon his plan of attack.
The night was cold and dark, and driz-
zling rain fell upon the French army,
weary with the long march. The bivou.
&C fires Of the Russians swept around the
French encampment, in belt of fame
many miles in extent The morning was
to usher in battle which would certain
" be sanguinary in the highest degree,
and which might be decisive of the re-
suits Of campaign. Until midnight Ma
poieon was debating dispatches, and
sending reconoltering parties in all direc-
tions. He theE retired to the inner part
of his tent, where he slept. Soon, how
ever, he sent for BeSsieres, and inquired
of him with great minuteness respecting
the wants and supplies of the soldiers.
Still, not satisfied, he rose and went out
to inquire himself of the soldiers if they
had all they needed. He appeared un-
usually detected. Soon after he had
returned again to his inner tent, an Off
Ger who had occasion 20 speak to him
found him sitting upon his couch, sup
porting his head with both his hand.
The Emperor looked up and said, sadly /:
"Wbat is war? 1t is trade of bar
barians The great art consists in being
the strongest at given point A great
day is at hand. The battle will be ter
rible one. shall loose 10000 men,"
As soon as the dawn appeared the Elm
peror was on horseback. The storm of
the night had passed, and the sun arose
in uncloudcd brilliance. Napoleon smiled
and said, Behold the sun of Austerlitz "
AS he stood upon the emnence, sur
rounded by but few attendants 20 es-
cape observation. q Russian battery
opened fire on him. 1t was the signal for
the onset. A terrific peal of thunder
burst forth from all the embattled host.
Three hundred thousand men with all the
most formidable enginery ef war, fell
upon each other. From o'clock in the
morning until the middle Of the afternoon
the tempest of battle swept over the field
without a moments intermiSsion. Da-
voust was str1ck from his horse by q can.
non ball which tore the stecd to pieces.
AS he was plunged headlong and stunned
upon the plain, word was carried to the
Emperor that the marshal was dead. He
heard the tidings in silence. Soon, how
ever, intelligence was brought him that
the marshal was again at the head Of his
troops "God be praised!" exclaimed
the Emperor fervently.
| Count Caulaincourt was q young off.
Ger of rare accomplishments. The night
| beforer1he battle, wrapped in his cloak.
he had fixed his eyes for sleepless hour,
upon the miniature of his young bride
whom he had left but few days after
his marriage. In the heat of the battle
he stood by the side of the Emperor
awaiting his orders. Word was brought
that Gen. Montburn, who had been or
dered to attack a redoubt, was killed
Caulaincourt was ordered to succeed
him. Putting spurs to his horse, h'
said, 81 will be Immediately at the re
doubt, dead or alive" lie was the frs
to mount the parapet At that moment
pierced by a musket ball, he fell dead.