On the day of the battle, Kutúzov leads his men cautiously towards the French, whose proximity is still unknown. The Emperor orders Kutúzov to move forward more quickly. Kutúzov obeys.
On the day of the battle, Kutúzov leads his men cautiously towards the French, whose proximity is still unknown. The Emperor orders Kutúzov to move forward more quickly. Kutúzov obeys.
Book 3, Chapter 15
On the day of the battle, Kutúzov leads his men cautiously towards the French, whose proximity is still unknown. The Emperor orders Kutúzov to move forward more quickly. Kutúzov obeys.
Summary:
At 8:00 AM, Kutúzov is leading a Russian column down into the valley. He pauses briefly in the village of Pratzen. As they wait, Prince Andrew, who is riding in Kutúzov’s immense suite, feels destined to be the hero of the day. Andrew fantasizes various battle scenarios in which he rises to glory. Meanwhile, the more experienced Kutúzov is being cautious. He sends Prince Andrew ahead to check for French sharpshooters and to order a Russian division to pause and wait for him outside the village. The Russians still have not realized how near they are to Napoleon’s army. Kutozov is advancing slowly, not trusting the reports that the French are six miles distant, but the Emperor comes upon them and condescendingly orders Kutozov forward without delay. Kutúzov plainly disagrees, but he obeys the Emperor’s order.
quote from the chapter:
I am waiting, Your Majesty, answered Kutúzov, bending forward respectfully. The Emperor, frowning slightly, bent his ear forward as if he had not quite heard. Waiting, Your Majesty, repeated Kutúzov. (Prince Andrew noted that Kutúzov’s upper lip twitched unnaturally as he said the word waiting.) Not all the columns have formed up yet, Your Majesty. The Tsar heard but obviously did not like the reply; he shrugged his rather round shoulders and glanced at Novosíltsev who was near him, as if complaining of Kutúzov. You know, Michael Ilariónovich, we are not on the Empress’ Field where a parade does not begin till all the troops are assembled, said the Tsar with another glance at the Emperor Francis, as if inviting him if not to join in at least to listen to what he was saying. But the Emperor Francis continued to look about him and did not listen.
That is just why I do not begin, sire, said Kutúzov in a resounding voice, apparently to preclude the possibility of not being heard, and again something in his face twitched-That is just why I do not begin, sire, because we are not on parade and not on the Empress’ Field, said he clearly and distinctly.
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