BOOK 13, Chptr. 15, P&V pg. 1020

Book 13, Chapter 15

Kutúzov again rejects an offer of a treaty from Napoleon. General Dokhtúrov unexpectedly finds the French army in Formínsk, and sends to Kutúzov for further instructions.

Summary:

Another letter from Napoleon to Kutúzov proposes a treaty, which Kutúzov rejects. Learning of an isolated French division at Formínsk, General Dokhtúrov is sent to destroy it. But, unexpectedly, the entire French army has moved into Formínsk, and is now in front of Dokhtúrov. Dokhtúrov sends to Kutúzov’s headquarters for instructions. Tolstoy notes that Dokhtúrov was a very competent General who always seems to be called upon in the most critical moments. But his contributions seem to have been largely forgotten. In later years, among the many heroes proudly remembered in Russian verse and prose, of Dokhtúrov scarcely a word is said.

quote from the chapter:

It was Dokhtúrov again whom they sent to Formínsk and from there to Málo-Yaroslávets, the place where the last battle with the French was fought and where the obvious disintegration of the French army began; and we are told of many geniuses and heroes of that period of the campaign, but of Dokhtúrov nothing or very little is said and that dubiously. And this silence about Dokhtúrov is the clearest testimony to his merit.
It is natural for a man who does not understand the workings of a machine to imagine that a shaving that has fallen into it by chance and is interfering with its action and tossing about in it is its most important part. The man who does not understand the construction of the machine cannot conceive that the small connecting cogwheel which revolves quietly is one of the most essential parts of the machine, and not the shaving which merely harms and hinders the working.

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