HISTORY OF EUROPE.

CHAPTER XLIV.

CAMPAIGN OF EYLAU.

DEC. 1806.-MARCH 1807.

ARGUMENT.

Advance of the French and Russians to the Vistula-Military Preparations of Russia -Composition and Character of her Armies-Imprudent Division of their force by the invasion of Turkey-Embarrassment of Napoleon on the Polish question—Argument in favour of the Restoration of Poland-Argument on the other side against interfering in their concerns-Napoleon adopts a middle course, and rouses only Prussian Poland-His dubious bulletins on the subject-He proposes to Austria to exchange Gallicia for Silesia, which is refused- His strong declarations in favour of Turkey-His proclamation to his soldiers on the Anniversary of Austerlitz-Its great effect-Formation of the Temple of Glory at Paris-Secret designs of Napoleon in the construction of this edifice-Vast efforts of Napoleon to recruit his Army, and secure his flanks and rear-Enormous contributions levied on all the conquered StatesPositions of the French on the Vistula- And of the Russians-Their dispositions, and evacuation of Warsaw-They resume the offensive-Proclamation of Alexander to the Soldiers-Application for aid in men and money to England-Its impolitic refusal -Advance of Napoleon to Warsaw-General enthusiasm there-He resumes the offensive against the Russians-Forcing of the passage of the Ukra by the FrenchKamenskoi loses his presence of mind, and orders the sacrifice of his Artillery-Object of Napoleon in these movements-Description of the field at Pultusk, and of the positions of the hostile bodies there-Battle of Pultusk-Which turns out to the disadvantage of the French-Combat of Golymin-Its doubtful issue-Napoleon stops his advance, and puts his army into winter quarters-The Russians also go into Cantonments-Results of the winter campaign, and impression which it produces in Europe-Positions of the French army in its winter quarters-Napoleon's measures to provide food and secure his Cantonments-Successive reduction of the Fortresses in Silesia-Capture of Brieg and Schweidnitz, and total conquest of Silesia-Opera. VOL. VI. A

tions on the left towards Pomerania and Dantzic-And of Marmont in Illyria- Napo-
leon's efforts to stimulate the Turks to vigorous resistance-Delightful winter quarters
of the French at Warsaw-Enthusiastic reception which they there experienced from
the Polish Women-Kamenskoi goes mad-Benningsen assumes the command of the
Russian army, and advances against Bernadotte-His rapid march towards Konigsberg,
and surprise of Ney's corps-Bernadotte, attacked near Mohrungen, escapes with
difficulty-Graudentz is relieved, and the French left wing driven back by the Russians
-Extraordinary energy of Napoleon in re-assembling his army-He marches to the
rear of Benningsen, who discovers his design and falls back-The French pursue the
Russians, who at length resolve to give battle-Combat of Landsberg-And of Leib-
stadt and retreat of Lestocq-Relative forces on both sides-Bloody combats around
Eylau the day before the battle-Anxious situation of both armies during their night
bivouac-Description of the field of battle, and the distribution of either army-Posi-
tions of the French forces-Battle of Eylau-Defeat of Augereau-Imminent danger
of Napoleon-Grand Charge by the Cavalry and Imperial Guard on the Russian centre
-Great success of Davoust on the French right-Benningsen throws back his left to
arrest the evil-Lestocq at length appears on the Russian right, and restores the
battle-Schloditten is carried by Ney, and retaken by Benningsen-Who, contrary to
the opinion of his officers, resolves to retreat-Results of the battle-Losses on both
sides-Aspect of the field of battle on the following day-Inactivity and losses of the
French after the battle-Napoleon calls in all his reinforcements and proposes peace
to Prussia-Which is refused by that power-Napoleon retreats, and goes into Can-
tonments on the Passage-The Russians advance, and also go into Cantonments-
Both parties claim the victory at Eylau-Operations of Essen against Savary-Combat
of Ostrolenka-Immense sensation excited by the battle of Eylau over Europe-Uni-
versal consternation at Paris on the news being received of Eylau-Napoleon demands
a third conscription since the 14th October 1806-Great activity of Napoleon to repair
his losses- Extreme danger of his situation at this juncture-Ruinous effect of the
surrender of the Prussian Fortresses-Observations on the Military movements of
both parties.

XLIV.

French and

THE campaign of Jena had destroyed the power CHAP. of Prussia; inconsiderate valour had yielded to overwhelming force and skilful combination; with more 1806. justice the King than the people could say with FranAdvance cis I. at Pavia, Tout est perdu fors l'Honneur. But of the Russia was still untouched; and while her formidRussians able legions remained unsubdued, the war, so far from being completed, could hardly be said to have seriously commenced:-Napoleon felt this; on the Trebia, at Novi, at Diernstein, and Austerlitz, the French had experienced the stern valour of these northern warriors; and he counted the hours, as the mortal con

to the

Vistula.

XLIV.

flict approached, which was to bring either universal CHAP. empire or irreparable ruin in its train. Nor were the Russians less desirous to commence the struggle. 1806. Confident in the prowess of their arms-proud of the steady growth of an empire, the frontiers of which have never yet receded, and which its meanest peasant believes is one day to subdue the world—they anticipated a glorious result from their exertions, and, without underrating the forces of their opponents, indulged a sanguine hope that the North would prove the limits of their power, and that while they repelled them from their own frontiers, they would afford the means of liberation to oppressed Europe. The severity of a Polish winter could not deter these undaunted combatants: Eager for the conflict, both their mighty hosts approached the Vistula; and, at a period of the year when some respite is usually given in ordinary war to suffering humanity, commenced a new campaign, and advanced through a snowy wilderness to the bloody fields of PreussichEylau.

Alexander had displayed the greatest activity in repairing the losses which his army had sustained in Military the campaign of Austerlitz. Thirty fresh squa-tions of drons and fifty-one battalions had been added to its Russia, amount, all the chasms occasioned by the casualties of war supplied, and the new French organization into divisions universally adopted.* Nor was this all-anxious to rouse the religious enthusiasm of his

The Russian army was divided into eighteen divisions, each of which was composed of six regiments of infantry, ten squadrons of heavy cavalry, ten of light, two batteries of heavy cannon, three of light or horse artillery, and a company of pioneers; in all for each, eighteen battalions, twenty squadrons, and seventy-two pieces of cannon; about 12,000 men. The army was thus divided

CHAP. subjects, and deeply impressed with the magnitude XLIV. of the struggle which was approaching, he had called 1806. out a defensive militia of six hundred thousand men,

and excited their devout loyalty to the highest degree by a proclamation, in which Napoleon was represented as the relentless enemy of the Christian religion, and they were called on to shed their best blood in defence of the faith of their fathers.* This proclamation excited the ridicule of a large part of Europe, still tainted by infidel fanaticism, and not then awakened to the impossibility of combating re

besides the local corps in Georgia, Finland, and garrison battalions. The whole regular force was about 380,000 men; but in no country is the difference between the numbers on paper and in the field so great as in Russia, and the troops in the campaign of Poland never exceeded 80,000 men. See JOMINI, ii. 335, and WILSON, 4.

* "Bonaparte," said this proclamation, which was read in all the Russian churches, " after having by open force, or secret intrigue, extended his power over the countries which he oppresses, menaces Russia, which Heaven protects. It is for you to prevent the destroyer of peace, of the faith, and of the happiness of mankind, from seducing the orthodox Christians. He has trampled under foot every principle of truth; in Egypt he preached the Koran of Mahomet, in France manifested his contempt for the religion of Jesus Christ by convoking Jewish synagogues. Do you love your fellow-creatures? Fly the persecutor of

XLIV.

335.

volutionary energy with any other weapons but those CHAP. of religious fervour; but it was admirably calculated for the simple-minded people to whom it was ad- 1806. dressed, and excited such an enthusiasm, that not only was this immense armament without difficulty1 Jom. ii. raised, but, contrary to usual custom, the peasants Hard. ix. drawn for the regular army joyfully left their homes, 375, 376. and marched with songs of triumph, amidst the 99. Wilson, blessings of their countrymen, towards the frontier, War, the anticipated scene of their glory or their martyr- 10, 11, dom.1

Dum. xvii.

Polish

tion and

The troops who were now pressing forward to defend the western frontiers of the empire were very dif- Composi ferent from those with whom the French had hitherto, character for the most part, contended in the fields of Germany of her or the Italian plains. The forces of civilization, the resources of art, were exhausted; the legions of Napoleon had reached the old frontier of Europe; the energy of the desert, the hosts of Asia were before them; passions hitherto, save in La Vendée, inexperienced in the contest, were now brought into action. Religious enthusiasm, patriotic ardour, the fervour of youthful civilization, were arrayed against the power of knowledge, the discipline of art, and the resources of ancient opulence. There were to be seen the serf but recently emancipated from the servitude of his fathers, whose mother and sisters had checked the lamentations of nature when he assumed Christians. Do you desire to be saved? Oppose an invincible barrier to his advances. He has dared to the combat God and Russia; prove that you are the defenders of the Most High and of your country. Chase far from your frontiers that monster; punish his barbarity to so many innocents, whose blood cries aloud to Heaven for vengeance. God will hear the prayer of the faithful; he will shield you with his power; he will cover you with his grace. Your exploits will be celebrated by the church and by your country; immortal crowns or abodes of eternal felicity await you."-HARDENBERG, ix. 376.