BOOK 10, Chptr. 22, P&V pg. 764

In the procession crowd, Pierre sees a number of people he knows. He speaks with Borís, Dólokhov and Kutúzov.

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  1. Book 10, Chapter 22

      In the procession crowd, Pierre sees a number of people he knows. He speaks with Borís, Dólokhov and Kutúzov.

      Summary:
      In the crowd Pierre meets Borís. Pierre tells Borís he wants to see the Russian battle line and to be present for the battle. Borís, while gracious to Pierre, believes the Russian left flank is very weak but is concealing his opinion from Kutúzov’s staff. There were two factions at the headquarters: Kutúzov’s party and that of Bennigsen. Borís has gotten himself a position on Bennigsen’s staff. Playing politics as usual, Borís hopes that Bennigsen will be given command of the army if the battle goes badly. Pierre also meets Dólokhov, who has once again been demoted. Dólokhov, never cowardly, is volunteering for a dangerous mission in the hope it will restore him to favor. Pierre asks about Andrew, and Borís says Pierre can see him when they tour the camp. Pierre also speaks briefly with Kutúzov. Half an hour later Kutúzov left, and Bennigsen and his suite, with Pierre among them, set out on their ride along the line.

      quote from the chapter:
      What about the left flank? asked Pierre
      To tell you the truth, between ourselves, God only knows what state our left flank is in, said Borís confidentially lowering his voice. It is not at all what Count Bennigsen intended. He meant to fortify that knoll quite differently, but… Borís shrugged his shoulders, his Serene Highness would not have it, or someone persuaded him. You see… but Borís did not finish, for at that moment Kaysárov, Kutúzov’s adjutant, came up to Pierre. Ah, Kaysárov! said Borís, addressing him with an unembarrassed smile, I was just trying to explain our position to the count. It is amazing how his Serene Highness could so foresee the intentions of the French!
      You mean the left flank? asked Kaysárov.
      Yes, exactly; the left flank is now extremely strong.

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