The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1881-08-02
MURAT AND DAVoUsT.

FreEch) of certain General, who'is
pleased to throw upon Napoleon the
whole blame of the disastrous war in
Russia; despite his admiration for the
defeat of the Russians during the march
to Moscow, it is but just to declare that
elsewhere than in the imprudence and
)incapacity of the Emperor, the essential
causes of our misfortunes will be found,
and that "le grand homme" was not so
much OF a simpleton as he wishes to
make him appear. Perhaps, too, the
complsints of certain Generals, who
pretend to believe that war can be waged
without risking limbs and lives-the eff
lfeminscy of some and the jealousy Of
others may have contributed in no small
degree to sow dissension and discour-
agement in the midst of our army
Here is fatal proof of that rivalry
among officers, which rendered the sol.
diers uncertain how 10 act, and frequent
iy took from them that enthusiasm so
necessary to the success of an expedi-
ton.
Napoleon had recently placed Davoust
under Murat, who commanded the van
guard of the army. They. were now
(the 9th of August) at Slawkow; on
the 2Sth Murat pushed the enemy to-
ward the Osma. He crossed the river
with his cavalry and vigorously attacked
the Russians, who were posted On hill
on the opposite side of the stream,
where they could easily maintain an OBJ
stinate fight They did go at first with
some success, and Murat, wishing to
spare his cavalry in spot where the
ground was difficult, commanded one
of Davoust's batteries to sustain his
movement and annoy the enemy on the
nights. He waited some moments to
see the effect of this new attack but all
was quiet, and the Russians, proiiting
by this extraordinary inaction, poured
down from their eminences, drove back
the cavalry to the.borders of the Osma,
which runs in the hollow of.a ravine,
and almost precipitated them into the
river
Murat. by words and example, encour-
aged his soldiers, and sent another mes
sage to the commandant of the battery;
hut still his order was not obeyed; on
the contrary, word was returned that the
commandant, alleging his instructions,
which under penalty of deposition for
hade him to engage without command
from Devoust, refused to fire. Rage
glowed within Murat, but a more imme-
diate peril called him: the Russians con
tinued 10 bear down upon the cavalry.
He headed the fourth Lancers, threw
himself upon the enemy, and by fierce
struggle carried these heights that Da-
voust might have swept with his cannon:
The next day the two officers stood
before Nspoleon = the King sef Naples,.
secure In having justified his rashness
by success, the Prince of Eckmul, firm
in his opinion, founded on well-tried
science. Murat complained bitterly Of
Devoust's commands to his subordi-
mates.
The Emperor listened with his hands
behind him, his head slightly bowed to
conceal an air of satisfaction, pushing
at the same time Russian ball with his
toe, which be followed as it rolled with
seeming interest. Davoust, incensed,
did not remain silent.
''Sire,' said he, addressing the EN-
peror, "the King Of Naples must be
cured of the habit Of making useless
and imprudent attacks. that only fatigue
the vanguard. Never before was mems
blood SO prodisally spilled; and, believe
me, tits worth preserving in campaign
like this"
"The Prince of Eckmul has discover
ed an excellent way to do So" replied
Murat, disdainfully; sit is to forbid his
soldiers to fight Apparently he follows
the same receipt himself" a
The unbending Davoust, who had in
controvertibly proved himself brave. and
who now especially wished to prove
himself in the right, addressed Murat
in an angry tone:
"And what have all your rash attacks
accomplished against an army which al
ways effects aretreat, previously decided
on and wisely planned or against rear
guard which never abandoues position,
save when on the poiut of being
beaten 2" 'r
"Will you tell me-" answered Murat,
sneeringly, "when it would abandon it's
position lit were never attacked, nor on
the point of being beaten ?"
s.Some hours later" said Davoust, who
had understandingly judged of the Rus
sian Generals plans, "because retreat is
part undertaken and invariably execu-
ted; one which they will accomplish by
fighting or not fighting, just as we please.
What do we gain, then, for attacking
troops who. would retire tomorrow If
not routed to-day ?"
aGlory!' replied Murat.
"And lose thereby half the vanguard" F"
sharply continued Davoust "We shall
see, when we arrive without cavalry at
Moscow, how much assistance the glory
of the King of Naples will be to as, with
not single horseman under his COM
mand."
Murat, exasperated, flercely interrupt
ed him. "Marahal, 'you would End
nothing imprudent or useless in my con
duct, were / under your orders as you
are under mine. ii is well known, how
ever, that the Prince of Eckmul likes not
to be subject to, any; that it would please
him to be the hero of this expedition,
even at the expense of the most exalt-
ed; but | swear to him there is place
for allie, him try to find mis-"
The reprosch told; Murat had inten-
tionally laid emphasis on the words 'the
Prince OF Eckmu. likes not to be subject
to any,"
A slight contrac ion was observable
on the brow of Napoleon. Davoust,
aware that he was attacked in a vulnera-
bic quarter, and for thing of which
the Emperor frequently accused him
FASTENED to protest that it was his ,levo-
lion alone that caused him to speak and
act as he did. Murat interrupted him
still more fercely.
$50 it is hatred to me! Well, then
lit is time to end it: it has existed sinct
the campaign in Egypt, and am weary
of it. If Davoust will recollect that
have been soldier as we'll as be; il h,
will recolllect that he wears a sword al
we'll as myaelf, give him"
At these words Napoleon, until nov
lannarnn,lv indifferent to the controversy