A messenger from Kutúzov explains to the Emperor that there was no choice but to surrender Moscow, but that the army is burning to continue fighting. The Emperor says he will never make peace with Napoleon.
A messenger from Kutúzov explains to the Emperor that there was no choice but to surrender Moscow, but that the army is burning to continue fighting. The Emperor says he will never make peace with Napoleon.
Book 12, Chapter 3
A messenger from Kutúzov explains to the Emperor that there was no choice but to surrender Moscow, but that the army is burning to continue fighting. The Emperor says he will never make peace with Napoleon.
Summary:
Nine days after the abandonment of Moscow, Kutúzov sent a messenger named Michaud with a report to the Emperor. Michaud told the Emperor that it had been impossible to fight before Moscow. Defending Moscow would have meant losing both Moscow and the army. So Kutúzov actually had no choice but to save the army. Consequently, Moscow was now in ashes. The Emperor asks Michaud about the army. He tells the Emperor that the army is burning to keep fighting. The troops are ready to sacrifice their lives. Michaud says the army is only worried that the Emperor will be persuaded to make peace with Napoleon. The Emperor assures Michaud he will never disgrace Russia by making peace with Napoleon. It’s a battle to the death. It’s “Napoleon or I,, the Emperor tells Michaud, We can no longer both reign together. I have learned to know him, and he will not deceive me any more….. Michaud replies Your Majesty is at this moment signing the glory of the nation and the salvation of Europe! And, with an inclination of the head the Emperor dismissed Michaud.
quote from the chapter:
Have you brought me sad news, Colonel?
Very sad, sire, replied Michaud, lowering his eyes with a sigh. The abandonment of Moscow.
Have they surrendered my ancient capital without a battle? asked the Emperor quickly, his face suddenly flushing.
Michaud respectfully delivered the message Kutúzov had entrusted to him, which was that it had been impossible to fight before Moscow, and that as the only remaining choice was between losing the army as well as Moscow, or losing Moscow alone, the field marshal had to choose the latter.
The Emperor listened in silence, not looking at Michaud.
Has the enemy entered the city? he asked.
Yes, sire, and Moscow is now in ashes. I left it all in flames, replied Michaud in a decided tone, but glancing at the Emperor he was frightened by what he had done.
The Emperor began to breathe heavily and rapidly, his lower lip trembled, and tears instantly appeared in his fine blue eyes.
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