The initial French attack damages and disorganizes the Russian defenses, but they quickly fall into order again behind Bagratión’s calm, confident leadership.
The initial French attack damages and disorganizes the Russian defenses, but they quickly fall into order again behind Bagratión’s calm, confident leadership.
Book 2, Chapter 18
The initial French attack damages and disorganizes the Russian defenses, but they quickly fall into order again behind Bagratión’s calm, confident leadership.
Summary:
Prince Bagratión, riding downhill towards where the fighting is taking place, begins to pass some horribly wounded Russian soldiers. Some of the Russian soldiers are retreating. Many Russians are firing at the approaching French infantry. The Russians are firing furiously, but clearly lack any sort of military organization. Bagratión gives no orders but acts like everything is going just according to his plans. He calls up the two battalions of the Sixth Chasseurs. Subordinates repeatedly beg Bagratión to flee for safety, but Bagratión remains where he is on the battlefield. Bagratión’s low-key, calm and brave presence seems to inspire the troops. A company commander proudly marches his company past Bagratión towards the French. This company commander is struck down. Then Bagratión looked round and shouted, Hurrah! to his men. Hurrah-ah!-ah! rang a long-drawn shout from our ranks, and passing Bagratión and racing one another they rushed in an irregular but joyous and eager crowd down the hill at their disordered foe.
quote from the chapter:
Forward, with God! said Bagratión, in a resolute, sonorous voice, turning for a moment to the front line, and slightly swinging his arms, he went forward uneasily over the rough field with the awkward gait of a cavalryman. Prince Andrew felt that an invisible power was leading him forward, and experienced great happiness. The French were already near. Prince Andrew, walking beside Bagratión, could clearly distinguish their bandoliers, red epaulets, and even their faces. (He distinctly saw an old French officer who, with gaitered legs and turned-out toes, climbed the hill with difficulty.) Prince Bagratión gave no further orders and silently continued to walk on in front of the ranks. Suddenly one shot after another rang out from the French, smoke appeared all along their uneven ranks, and musket shots sounded. Several of our men fell, among them the round-faced officer who had marched so gaily and complacently. But at the moment the first report was heard, Bagratión looked round and shouted, Hurrah! . Hurrah-ah!-ah! rang a long-drawn shout from our ranks
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