The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1870-03-17
TRIGAUD.
A Souvenir Of the Retreat from Moscow,

UnleSS you reau IL h1terWaTu!
| TRIGAUD.
| A Souvenir Of the Retreat from Moscow.
On the 18th of October, 1912, Napoleon,
accompanied by the prince d'Eckmubi, bet
ter known as Marshal Davoust, command
ing the first division, commenced that event
full retreat from Moscow, so disastrous to the
immense army that had followed him. AT
the close Of march that had been rendered
more difficult by the state of the roads and
continued rain, the Emperor arrived on the
23d at Borowsk, and there passed the night.
The next morning, while indicating the order
of march so as to gain co-Jaroslavitz,
where he depended on making some stay, he
learned that at the distance of four leagues
before him, the Delzian division, under the
prince Eugene, had found that village, with
the surrounding woods and heights, unoccu-
pied. This was an important position to
maintain; for the Russian general, Kutusoff,
who marched parallel with the French army,
might possibly seize on it. and thus cut off
himself Of the taking possession Of this point,
the Emperor rode to the quarter from whence
it was expected the Russian general would
make the attack; and, despite the torrents of
rain, TRANQUILITY examined the ground which
might erelong become field of battle.
Suddenly the sound of brisk firing struck on
his ear. He became restless; and pressing
his horse, ascended hillock to reconnoitre,
but the belt of wood intercepted any extend
ed view.
''Can the Russians have been beforehand
with us ?" demanded he of Davoust, who
had not quilted his side. eve have not
marched quick enough. should not wish
to repass the left wing of Kutuzofi,"
Sire" replied the prince d'Eckmuhl,
perhaps, in the manGuvre prescribed by
your majesty, the troops may have manifest
ed Il little of that dullness which usually ac-
companies great fatigue"
"Believe you So Monsieur lie Marshal p
Nevertheless, we have already passed more
than six leagues :"
at &c truo, eilu, DuL MOSCOW is not more
than one hundred and sixty versts from Mar
cu-Jaroslavita. Four days march arc suIli-
cient to clear that distance, and this is our
sixth day Kutusoff has been in advance of
u.s."
''It is then battle" said Napoleon, impa-
tiently, as the cannon were heard more dis
tinctly, and seemed to be approaching go,
Davoust, 90; quicken your troops, and in
fuse little more spirit into them; for we
must act now not to conquer, but solely to
preserve"
Notwithstanding the haste with which the
marshal executed the orders of the emperor,
he did not arrive on the scene of the action
until the success OF the French troops had
been assured. However, the combat ragged
with fury at the extremity of the village,
and when the second division of the first
corps. commanded by General Fryant, at
tempted to take possession Of one of the
heights. the Russian cannon played upon
them with redoubled vigor. Davoust imme-
diately despatched one of his aides s-de-camp,
the Colonel Koblenski, to Prince Eugene
but in traversing the line, that officer was
struck by bullet, which shattered his thigh,
and instantly fell from his horse.
On the night of that brilliant combat the
Prince d'Eckmulh was still uncertain Of the
fate Of his aide-de-camp, and sought him on
the field of battle, which presented a most
horrible spectacle. Delzon and his brother
general had also fallen while leading the last
attack. While sadly thinking on the blight
ed hopes Of his Emperor, and mourning the
sad fate Of his brave companions, the atten-
ton of Davoust was arrested by the voice of
a soldier who, covered with blood and en-
deavorng to extricate himself from Il heap
of carnage, that surrounded him, feebly ex-
claimed, Heavens have my friends left me
here to die without succor ?''
1t was Kloblinski. Davoust immediately
recognized him, and leaping from his horse,
gently raised him in his arms, checred his
dropping spirits and despatched a messenger
for the surgeon general. On his arrival
with his assistants, he examined the wounds,
and a glance with the marshal, told more ell
oquently than words could convey, how
slight were the hopes entertained for the re-
covery of the unfortunate Pole.
''It is a soldiers fate" said Davoust, with
emotion. "Gentlemen, exert your skill to
the utmost
The effect of the bullet had been such as to
make amputation necessary, which the brave
Pole bore with fortitude, the prince remain
ing by his side during the operation. The
wound being dressed, he embraced the suf-
serer, and spoke in tones of hope and encour-
agement; and having recommended him to
the care OF a few whom he could confide in,
mounted his horse to Join the Emperor, who
waited with impatience.
After attending a council of war, compos-
ed of the principal generals of the army, and
having received instructions as to the future
line of march, Davoust retired to his quar-
ters. Already the two first divisions of the
two first corps were in movement, when an
officer, whom he had sent to enquire after
the state of Koblenski, returned and inform
ed him that he still survived, and with prop
er care, might recover. The marshal was
overjoyed at the intelligence, but he was per-
picked as to the best means of conveying him
to Smolensk, the wagons being in the rear,
and already filled to excess. A sudden
thought started to his mind, and placing him
self in front Of the forty-eighth regiment as
they defiled, he addressed a company of old
grenadiers of the first battalion:
"Grenadiers," said he, "my ide-de-camp,
Colonel Koblenskl, was yesterday severely
wounded while showing you an example of
courage and obedience He is a Pole.
Would you wish to leave him to the Rus
sians?''
"No, no ! Long live the Pole ~ cried the
soldiers
"Vive l'Empereur I" cried they who had
not fully comprehended the words of the
marshal.
Listen then >, sail Daunust ..Aro thorn