Pierre observes the surrounding battlefield, and sees a religious procession, and Kutúzov.
In the procession crowd, Pierre sees a number of people he knows. He speaks with Borís, Dólokhov and Kutúzov.
Pierre tours the Russian line with Bennigsen and his staff. Bennigsen angrily moves a group of men from a strategic location from which Kutúzov had planned an ambush.
On the eve of battle, feeling his whole life has been meaningless, Andrew is agitated and irritable.
While having tea, Andrew, Pierre and several officers discuss the war, and war in general.
Napoleon issues his order of the day for the army, on the eve of the battle of Borodinó.
Tolstoy explains that the elaborate Borodinó battle plan prepared by Napoleon was in reality unworkable and valueless.
Tolstoy says historic events are predetermined from on high – and depend on the combined wills of all the participants, ( not just the wills of a few great men).
With all his preparations for battle complete, Napoleon passes a sleepless night and waits for the morning and the start of the battle.
In the morning, Pierre sees that the countryside around him has become a hive of military activity.