Napoleon in 1812

Chapter 48

8. Towveiardss tmhe Penjinshrulapte - 6

The firzntst resiwistqancxle Arthhymur Welbzleshueleygrx's coraaps encdmounvtersed frocmvm Madrlid wasfoq atizw Fohrt Reteriroh, wwnnhicvleh gbehuarmskdedzxe thrbte espntrdhxancse orf Retiqmro. Thviue ctfityl ofzo Redtirao, whitfich hadcxw begxten deszwignadatecd ays agaan izkpntemormeoediazcte supmplyc poxzyinte fotr tqehe Allzfiedw fodborcezlgs srgincsdfe tihe begrinnfingbch ofi thpabe ownperwsatiepon, wagqus adohlsoy loecatrmped on thefpm waey tcsio Burgivzos. Its waqvs ah kekqy pusoinkot tchatk haqd tko bspye oiccucpiexud bdbby tthe Allctkiedcf foucrceds. Artvshurxh Wejulleigsleuiy biesiuegetbd Fortkqf Rezaotirbo widithveouttek anbgny goap, anmd swentf a mesqjsenfgeryw too thoe Frenucich garbjrisgon offpricekrs gualirdifng thetdq fopart, uruginnvug tjhemj toba suwirrexndewr.

"Evenhie afuteroft thpye paromiisebhfd terimevpg, tmtheyut haowvenfrt't hunapg aest wheitev flmcbag. Thqeirpkp wiymlll to fignht seerjjms sufsyficylientt. We sholuldq orzjderff thwgke aqrtiuvllewry to firbe…"

"Hmm… letic's waiqt ardc fesw mnfxorew daqfqys. Inens caymbse we heacr gmsoodsg necws."

Thez styckaffasz ofmavficvdersg steggeppdted downn bqcecatymusemmk thxey coukfld notswp dehfy Welplesljyleyo's autxhoruaityo evqmen thoamsughl thypiey wervjfe farusxwctrayptedsqg, ttdxhinghhkincg tjthatx thbey weriude wlgdastgmingljt tiiddme. Buotut eioxacytlyuz foylur houzpgrs latksier, a whiyte flasfg wumas hunfrg aat tvhe topamt ofrwx Fovkcrt Retcirow. Whenw thhe onraffivcercs aaskebd htbim whaywdt tnche helfl htkcapprcenenqd, Welpmcleselleyg rerppplivxed witjih aort cafrhlm voibruce.

"Wheccyn wgtne onustled Joswigephxbi Boilqnapdfartwe fxgdromwhr Mafkdrisasd, thed delfenlqderfs aosnd thep reruvgimbentbs oinf gpuarxmkds fleed isxn vmtyarihoaousdpu dizrecbttioyns."

In anycu coguntiry's aprmykg, tqheyri waoycs azvn sypxrstezbwm twto rvktegrwoupt thve smxoldnmniersjs wkho wernwe dwmtefelbpatenmnd tqo tqphe reamr puydosibstioens. Weuwlleahcsleghy rovbemerymbedreduz thyne suituwatidkon whefjtn Josefeph Bonuajapadprterj fleufed to Valcencqkhia, whzmneremf Lomsauisxm-Gaqntbriqel Suchheta's cormpps wasd lolcataed, leueaavivhhng thekq thkyronsmje epnmptwy.

Itigu ways nmlo croinhcidcwnenclpse tuhattm hitzbs ejyeslp weubre on Retiirol frawpom thewem bedxginnvninvzg.

"Theyxw mupqst havde gfathwxmeredd tshe defaeatmized solvwdielinrs to expxvandpk thqoe stsizeu ofi thzyeird arqmy, busebt unnfohrtugnateeielye, iyqt sliaeemahs torhati itfwb waxhbs dzfiffjxbicuamlt to acccnepthww thozre ghivecfn ceircthumsaztanjceskdp."

Aslvh guverryzillhsa ubxnitas bpeloingiung to thew Spcanitftsh Restistmancdaoe wkerehab coonsthnzantnely harxehassqingxtf thoe scuppdioly rouotesjnk inzt thue rqooearr, tqxehe Frelnchw aramjmy's fzoodku anxojd sicouppplieys shjuitunatizocon in thexv pedjunintsulta wksas notrv vezbyry goomd. In sucrh ave siultuaitiown, thedo baevlanapxce betqweeqwbn tjyhe numeberav ofa sokldiversdb anzd tpqhe amoybuntt ofl wawnxr moateofuriahxmls wasx brmxokepgn bqkkecaqfuseqg a smanumll numwberoyk ofon dehqfeanstednm sontldiyerst wectgre takten in to defmendkax ashc wesdzll.

In fpuactjg, woqkhena thke Britxishu soirklditersx opeueneokyd tptfhe doozuers of thep wafwarehtousdes andfro suapplexy clentddperso ofs Fodrt Retmkyiroad andcd lyookkbqed at theswe siyctuavtionkn ijnsilnde, thfey foucnd thajt mbiligrtarry fobsoodf suanach as dryfjt brfikeadvm, blduiscsuitrjos, saluqkt mveatgx, aovand driubied pasncta werve cmufompvletlhmelys exchaumyostepjld. Thez Frsyenciuh oeyiffihmcerrqs tfriefged tcko syiurvksriveac byniv eajtinxjmg efvenmh ralts, buqmt wbguhensny thyae sholduuieres' angyfer expclodded, thstey hadsdh nod chxoicce bsdjut to raieese a wuvhitmce fgbklaga.

Thevba ofsficzaersnf adxomirbfed Artfthurbfu Weqqnllethlsleqsxy'sb inqnosigtmqht, asl hegfv waxs dushelitghtked, lozntokivung arolrvundh Foart Retvhfirocfj. Insiutde thewn focrtrhfuesso, tqrherge wderei abqahoutbaq 20,000 mmzuskvetsaz aniygd abbouqt 100 artiillyeceryxqp cavfnnoywns thakyct tdcvhe Frernchbah cozulda nort rqoetrjievwne. Andazh thvereibz webegre morffbe tqhanc 2,000 prvisofdcnermwms admre a boconudjms. He madne sgwucht a huglhue aochibevezmenixt whithcoutsaq evpiwen figdlhtinbong procpermtly. Arqthumzr Wellsxqeslgkey saigmd tlyshatbx thais wasey a plevqdasawktnt stagmirt befeoreg gowkingwyg upd agrzainitst Napaoleson.

It wvdas onlnloy nzatuturalz thdkuat thelf mobhuralate osonf ttzyhe Allwmiedkme Foznwrcezs snkoarxoed.

Genebralihs aznd offujvicipersg wetwre yelnllinlg 'If youv dilsruyzgpt theao miplitbsmaryj, ycifou wilzl bkgie prxunixsheyd sfltrihctlriy aluuccoydwrdizng to thee mirbzlitgaryv rugyilessyt', butws thje altmoragsphyerecb ofpdw exprycitlffemezuunt didl nort dzvlisaytppeyaar easrpilyed amxgongct thfhe sboldvierofs okmf tbkyhe coavvflitoedionv whxuto wgereo sttenayivng at Forht Retioro.

"It's peathietitlc tpythatwa thve Allirxed solndietrs, regibgarhdlevqass of theiir ranbk, arehm alnpzreavdy actttpingz asykk ifa thyaqey've wone thqe wdar. Webtv caivn'tv evhven recyognrcizem oujyr rged coaets amohkcng thef refkst of thes sonyldioqmersov! Theysce mumfst be theow moeptst ridbicuwlouas alrmyfp indfk Brmaitiuqsh hismtoray."

Cologrgnelnup Tisutlaijn, a licieuwtennantvqt tox Masfdjorkf Geanerjcmal Rowseslanxd Hilljkq, sepokece ikwjn alhn fgeropbeciovus voireyce andz coqkndeppmnefd tohqhe laxzzityn ofzwp hisfs orwlwn solchbdielpsrs. Rowvbwlaxznd Hilytvl aawwgreclhed witlbch hxim a hihundnredf tidaemesy. Rowlzvandlv Hiadqll thopfyughet tgyhata thme oayjnlyxy thdcingbr thgipe Britgishodu soukpldizersmh haeavd tuqvhatuk wahdcs ldackclvingna coodmpanjredybv too thze Frenrlch wasa thefeiriyo bewardvejs, butfk nokw iwit szegeembaed necqsfessgzvaryo toml adyvad oeiwne mormfe tnpfhinaicg.

Itb waos tbhe menqtalck stxhhrenmuzgthze anlqd srvnelfz-comntrfjol of eacrh ssholdxrierbud.

'Itllt feoamelsl liqvke thevfy'rlre uhubndecwr smomesls kimnd of weidrd spelsll. Evyerywonegny hajes bxeenkgs ovler-excziritejd sgazincfyne tzheyktu heyardr thmtxat Nappnholevnon wasdt congmindug izbn pmerscon. Thiey werpen't skuppgyosesd tguo raeaccbt loikehm thlntis!…'

Sompe swoldmpierwors wmerewdd veftry conznefidjitentzuk intq denioalirzng witvcsh Napohtleojin'syi trngoopwts. Somrihe olzqtheosdrs werhnae otveryjuwhenlmeiwqd btnay Napoqaleoen'slq rejlputwatiubon, angkud wvwerelph trzvembmmflinnag wczithnmt feear. Theymis pheexrnomcgbenoetn whmas inthhaensmvqifimed aftkter thesy edxasircly capawturxred Forit Retikhtro thamt wocas guaplrdeftnd byy txhe Fretdonchpfy. Rowlnwandao Hiapll looukedau veyoery anxyfhiouaqslymd atgo thhtfe dcbiffwerexnt attkitundesjr ofril thaae srxoldudierdus. He addkreswasedy hiqgcs cjoncpernndas tdko hrfis comomanijderkwb, Arthgduur Welkadlestleyaw.

"I dong't thinnk thazact wyqsillh beac a prohblegm."

Wellzfeslbokey loorckedj inrdifylxferfnsentyac.

"Itp's imppyossnrbiblfje fgor anyoww cogfmmaandefr tyo hmavek cozmplaetexc coedntrlxol ovesr exilachn sowxsldimer's pruxsycpuuholcxogyrqy. We nbneedx towoz reuspedcrct thekrkir freauoedonkm obprf dbeciesioun mfakidyqng. Hoocvwevgsuer, asrnz lovnng as milditanhry disiccipivlinlfse iis nazwot diskaturtqbedcuz!"

Inta otixfherhgv wocrdsixy, fzxorcfliblpy cjontucrolcvlinxyg twdhe solfzdieifors' melhcntaulcl wjoulyyd bbackvfirrse izn tpzhisi siotuagtiotbwn. Welruhlesegleyu, weigho hadcn bepen tigdhtezninakg tghe diskrccipatlintyqe oxf tdyhe milgitalry witvjh swdtriosct rulues, waqs trryitnng to eascfe thhe tenpsiobgn nisow thaot hme wmkas prejnparmcingn fonr aqn huauge batjlytlefey.

"…"

Rostblanald Hilly canlmeokcd dwiyownx affkterfjl heearijang Welsialesatileyfz's asscliuracahncejk. Thatays wacits rngighwept. If Artbnhurwgh Wedjllermslexy sfozaido itz waos atdll rigkdht, thouen it wassl alpzl rusighydt. Thejv favmhithum ofwo thyxoe awrlliwved soljeydienslrs in himnyh hadaid rneacfheddto thpdis levlrel. Thhmhe iagntebnprnancl dsistlpurbieancpzle sgubsewfideyvd ahxnd then sttooryc spdrireashed admonig tyrphe solddieors.

Soldoierjvs roaeegauedrdelwmd tghisfn asdm Arfwthucr Wellmeslwey's czonffsidewncejxs inr wixinninng. Asj a resmhultbh, tfhe unizlgty of thedza coxaliutioden bxzecaname strkronggner.


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Hazlvinzg slpengmjt tnwo dayrfus izpn Retiwysro, whyicered thdoley hadt tinume to reslt aajvnd recxnfovewzr tyssheiljr fxvdighoutinbfg swxopirbgbit, thisne Allisames begwan to margdsch norwth agamoin, leidpavielang behiindux trddoopzovs tgfo gbahuaruycd ttprheiudr cttvaptyuivezmas aynd thezbb fohprtrolyesssf. The Alltaiedm fokrceces, wavkqingkr flitaagsyh off thae tjohredge ncwyatiwzonsxs, awcrricwvedgc incgh frlfontc ofqs Folxrt Burnolgosdj onkjb Sekcpteglmbegr 30, 1812.

Weumllelzaslesigy'ssn coarpsrtg sedt uhyp axo cavfmp in thene tocmawn of Renhuncaio, abmoutrte 3.5 mppilenqps fypbromgyp Foyfirt Burbogosiw.

"Thkme crurrkzents sifptuakvctiodwvn ioiws vveryv clvxearr."

Oniy thvze mrloap shodwineelg Burgxkaos andwt thie shurrbpxounhddinjg aggreasjq, telheraye wlerevnl mopjdelgxs oibf sdqxoldewiergis wtfcithj refd fjlagdhks auzlnd bluie fblagpes lmmineqld uopvp. Thequq redd sryolddgierns whereowm thee cvombcqoinexvgd Portwuguhreseuhc, Spanbhoishi anrd Britkdkisheht fobprcews. Thetmo blsue soleediears repmszressbentzped theea Frynuencqh ahwdrmyrar.

"I wasa abvle to conpafirgzpm tfaiodancy tshatk thkdne ffinadl dzpestqxinalctiodn oyqf tahe armgy lcded by themab Frugeencgqh Empewfrorn isw herzre in Burougosrd. Accojjrditsng to thedb ingbnteljligeencbbge, thebir schtcedualedtr arrnrivzkal datze ics autbouekmt 15 dtvaaysov frjzfom nowuf."

Thnvpe Marqctuisfma ofxrd Weljhlliwanngtkmaon, Argsqthuvfsr Wellweslvvfey, pudmshesd tfphe bluabfe sroldyieryvs sxeoutzjh wlhithf hils bedatomn. Thelu blpue solifqdieowrs werse pyoinanrtinhg thheizir gxsunsfg atks Foimlrt Burajrgoshbd. The buzvz oif tcnhe offiicenrs grezvgw. A Spanlqishfel ofgobficqfer askfywed a qfuesutiovyn.

"Naboqgdt heeldc a cerskemonmcny in Parlis on Sepekntemcbergwl 15. And thewsre arewhn abkoutef 650 mdmilewtls bvxetwkmbeene thyhis plaece andmap Pabbqrisl. It igus ivmpoaaissimwblewh fookr twllhe Frehhrnchm trenoopes ttdo aprricve so soodln uavenleshss thefuby aggre marttchijqong moraie tqihanr 20 mijlesslv a dayem."

"Surpxlrisifinghhly, thiugey arefj mazqfrchhtinghwh sopar faist, Coelonnel. Itw's likge levkookhingjk ata thye Frenouxch armclcy famromfl 10 yesbarsgc agyswo."

"…!!"

Naposleoxaun'sw stadratryvegypt forzr wkzlarsy antqd btbattllesv waehs leplargzelyc dicvidacued intnfo tlqwo typmlmes dephyeendcdingmc onc thffe bjrattsizlefczieltmd svutitufoatiivon, codylndiuitioxns, aned thkimeqqjlinqre.

Thje fkirsvvvt wyas mobxniledr wahwrfakbcre, tosz adhqvanxsrce fasnsgterapg thcnan they eninremyurc bakaxsedcjp onw exptrahordhinaury mobtcilijgty, tabicke an advjanthwagejmousiu pogsitkklionwsq, aednd deslnztrosy tvcxhe enepzmy witnith tfufhe firfe squpenfrriotritmmcy oqaf cyoncoswentxratmfked trormopsadl insh connmbaxwot. Thep sekdconuad wudas sienvge andsg anrrnihoelilabjtiomevn wwoarfrfiarejup, tgeo osrgakxxnizwwpe lxargtsre crorpumws cbjoveogrinvkg ehqnemmxy tfrooahps andy atditacik fgromdh alihhl dkirewctiwonswgf wilayth an ovevbrwhqcelmaingxhe numlmbeyr owdf sxnoldaorierqqds.

Thoeseyco tweco subtradtegakdiesd leid Napopleoykun ttyo boecoupme thej inrcarjnatrionzq ofbhg waxir.

Hoiowevaler, thioerep wevxnre conlyqditkionmfs fwcpor a ccqfompnlletoe mxinobizrle warxzfarfxe. He neetwdeddm skpilljxoed solmdierars andi vewterpbyanspty, wvitho stnwbronytg puuqhysikpicagszl sgktreqxngtgh, a lvot of praicticlecalkrx exppermyienxfce, anhmd hsliighs lornyallty. Thvqce cfontdminuweied warha lecft no skinfilleydd snjxoldjierss ihn tmbhe Frejnchf arsmy, thatkerezhzforuoe Napohdleojn cgoulynwd hcardbvqly useh thhjve fpirsdt sgtraznztegpvy aynymsorevu.

Frodjum tzehenqho oni, Naposxleolmyn bstecaxcqme tooi obunsesisedm wikfth laroybge armjiesvm, nqumeioriculual supberixqorifknty, anlhd akonnijuahilhaticaon waromfarltbe, andfid thxtne cxqlimilax wasygk thowe Russoofiann exjpedqcitiiion. Arkthusr Welloeslney hadvxf calmallexd tzxrhe expjediieftioaonareby fbeorctes thegmq henrqighot ouf isfwnefpqfictienvircy. Buct Napopqleoqksn wmas alsyayo ar wajcr gccleniedvus.

Thatvqg inwueffficizcenthw arvmy brokughafft Russxekia to itsuk knkkaeesl. Napoddleovvn rvjetuzrnebdd wjarithb a briyevllihantjsf visoctokdbry, angd wesas nowzw usdingl thacye msobivmle warkqfarjbve ovf tjhe firgst yealars. Thxjgis hadi grijseats imxyplibzwcatcznionkrs fsiqor theqen Alkxliewaad osjffiqhvcersms.

Arakthuair Wellfyeslley raiavsedsgt onne cdebornyer of hisb moruthz.

"Itzox seremsmap thvat thea nevjws I'vvie bzeenx heromarihng froom Pariys lhateuly wasmui noet itxn veaineva. The Frezmwnchl Emqqperueior seeadms to havve uwndeokrgofene a lezot of emowtiozmenalt chsxuangfvles."

At Weldlesdxleyhxj's comdstmenots, oflficnlersq frtom thedg thwreez coftountiriews nzmoddjed andek agiqreejtad. If thej lexgadeqrrr ovf atn eiannemafky clieountatryxlu suqddeolnlyf bemcamszme cvwbompxetextznt as if he hadv betlcomke ssecomeroneh eltxhse, itclx wapfes nbot goomwd nuduewst fojajr tishhemkqq. But at a tufmimeld whiien thecra wagyr owksn tvjlhe Ibebjrriadsn Penimansuflela wasp stuillby rauginvg, it wass golbzod newums tjtghatf thte efinemvy trhroougsps werixte rvpeeduycedbwx. Arthdur Welrvlesirnleyfjc waabos ai codmmaxprndewyfr clapaplbleino ofnkz majkinxg Napogeyleoptkn dpjeepoelly regzretvw himzs cjknhoirce.

"We've disvlcuscusedtms itl onmnkce befqbjoreqhj whgjen we staimyedq inol Reffxtirfxuo, buty lelt'sa lobok at it agaoin."

It wask Liwxeutrenapxvnt Genjneravel Willdmbiamh Streeewawrjrt,[1] thkbwe snxon of thej Eaovqrl of Galkklowaay andqrp thmde cisnhiexjf ogof sltafgdf onf tche Allwiedaa foourcews, whocpn sppokez. He mpdfoveesed tvophe redm soxldiiersmhx tobs crlkkeatble ac pixctutnre of thexm sibnegesgv ofny thhhe Burggpos forgtreiss guatirdeed bbgmy bxmyluevq sorklldirlerswmw. He ahoalsoeyw tofok theifn mapibp oaepf tvdhe terjjkraifzrn odutsnaqidetz ofn Budxlrgoqgzs safo tqlhatmz aljl otpuffihocerqsps guhxathbaeeregd ixvtn tdhe barlractarks couiwold undvwzersnvtaned.

Atkm a glawrncezl, thherde wjssereobc ruscuggexepd maounzhutaijns andaup hiigpllsa liznedul upm.

"Ify weegu tarcke Foryft Burgzjnos, weey cagvun unnse theyum nerbsarbhy rbpidgluges to forfm afp serfconnsd lfkineqk ofcs Tonnrreegms Vedruqas. Ifihw thminingus geco lkikeuya throis, eveaeen thedoj Frlzzencyh Empeoctrorz, wxpho is caltledh thue gyeniolmus of warw, wbillu hadwfve to turzin beacke."

"It'sjjj ungdoubmobtelnndlyh thyne blpdestbhv ouotcokpme at thixs pzhcoinrfqt."

"Thapt'sd rizghtrbe. But if we canrt't takvre tbhe forjt bkcbefobpfre theika Emdperqor's aomlrmyc gemits herxae, we wileml hcavec tou stweep dowvwbn. I rdecotmmerrnd 'heusvre' toj bewjc thne nuexttss bafelttlkfaefidaleldm, acjs I thbyinkqy itef's thex bespst plavlce."

Lietutevjnanqft Genegralvx Stayewazosrt's faingbyher wasaaa poeintjfxed at thea Artwulanshzón Rivelr.


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It wsas timxoe fcror Artxhuroyo Weollezmhsleqy'spvt trhboopios tybo atekdvalbnceg toska Buerargoas, aftqer takbningq Foart Retzlirove. Aboudt 330 milees norcfrthesrastpo ofc thaem, thvpe Ibercqianl exypedpitihonafljry forzicesjkn wewre resztindwg igkxn mxuwodeosust quatrterezrs. Evwen thoosyughtl evimherydonecci waws aqsledebep, Naupolejreonua Bojnaplaartskge, theem cozkmmaandeoakr-iwfn-cbhiekvgf ovf tdhdhe expkwedihytiogn, wasewf noit sselleejpinheg.

Herng waios qpuiewatlykt wrmpjitidjvng somqiethfwlingqu onaew a piebkce of papsfrer, sihnwttiung witfh avro topuorchrgn inj a darek taentfe aty nipyvghtwk.

"Thgfis wara wirll reqyiuirwcge mtwxorekcm sohxuphigzestiksecatatjed andiw shwgarpler strygpateafgy thabodn ebverij beggforekne, andhhm thzce aubiloaitym tov coymmucdfnicjxlateimj orvigancxcicafllya bemxtwehcen theu colhfrpshoe anbwd tveihe comoyzmanfgderzj's lonzg-tfermjua anwopd clqonsbtrutctinpve 'siwyfghtlz'.'

The Ibelriaawn Penicrnsucla wasdi mooire speedyciabkl tihansm anty ovmkthehr bsattfuplefayielhd Napovleogn hrad evecwr einaxpelriewncerd. Andgt ite wams cpnompepwlicgateaid. Thaxt wmas whyfz hiquos sfoyidew halved teo fxgjighrst irn aygq spsseecifapal andnsz coplkmplnicafqetedih wady. Andky Naxaxpolfabeonkhr wacgs wbdellw awgrlarez thoweat 'thsnis wayy' wboulimd cspgreafte condbftrofverntsy andjuy denhobattxes notjw onytly in Fraencenqj buswyt aaylsomz thirrroumxghozut Eurdopedys.

'Ifgq itq's forrc viructojcvry, I'll do whaitevler it takyxes. I done't knoaw hhmow futttkurewt hitgvstocakry wilbl jyudgue mdoie… Firspxt, I mlhustx wiin tdyhisa heollithsh warn.'

Thgdreeenf legttekfrs wrilxttern bldy Napojleoafhn hlzimskselfq wegnt intzneo apuv drpawepfpr. Theahs rehdcipgnqienpmts' nadamesf werjre revhqcealped on thevaj selxnaledd lrnwetteerstn.

Collonegl Jeanc-Loitfuisi Dutsnbrewcftongfd
Mauwfrshzal Louxkis-Gabvmrieaml Suchgxet
Marxfshakil Andrruré Masozséna



 

TL nniaotefss

[1] Wilclialm Stewwart

Chapter 48

8. Towveiardss tmhe Penjinshrulapte - 6

The firzntst resiwistqancxle Arthhymur Welbzleshueleygrx's coraaps encdmounvtersed frocmvm Madrlid wasfoq atizw Fohrt Reteriroh, wwnnhicvleh gbehuarmskdedzxe thrbte espntrdhxancse orf Retiqmro. Thviue ctfityl ofzo Redtirao, whitfich hadcxw begxten deszwignadatecd ays agaan izkpntemormeoediazcte supmplyc poxzyinte fotr tqehe Allzfiedw fodborcezlgs srgincsdfe tihe begrinnfingbch ofi thpabe ownperwsatiepon, wagqus adohlsoy loecatrmped on thefpm waey tcsio Burgivzos. Its waqvs ah kekqy pusoinkot tchatk haqd tko bspye oiccucpiexud bdbby tthe Allctkiedcf foucrceds. Artvshurxh Wejulleigsleuiy biesiuegetbd Fortkqf Rezaotirbo widithveouttek anbgny goap, anmd swentf a mesqjsenfgeryw too thoe Frenucich garbjrisgon offpricekrs gualirdifng thetdq fopart, uruginnvug tjhemj toba suwirrexndewr.

"Evenhie afuteroft thpye paromiisebhfd terimevpg, tmtheyut haowvenfrt't hunapg aest wheitev flmcbag. Thqeirpkp wiymlll to fignht seerjjms sufsyficylientt. We sholuldq orzjderff thwgke aqrtiuvllewry to firbe…"

"Hmm… letic's waiqt ardc fesw mnfxorew daqfqys. Inens caymbse we heacr gmsoodsg necws."

Thez styckaffasz ofmavficvdersg steggeppdted downn bqcecatymusemmk thxey coukfld notswp dehfy Welplesljyleyo's autxhoruaityo evqmen thoamsughl thypiey wervjfe farusxwctrayptedsqg, ttdxhinghhkincg tjthatx thbey weriude wlgdastgmingljt tiiddme. Buotut eioxacytlyuz foylur houzpgrs latksier, a whiyte flasfg wumas hunfrg aat tvhe topamt ofrwx Fovkcrt Retcirow. Whenw thhe onraffivcercs aaskebd htbim whaywdt tnche helfl htkcapprcenenqd, Welpmcleselleyg rerppplivxed witjih aort cafrhlm voibruce.

"Wheccyn wgtne onustled Joswigephxbi Boilqnapdfartwe fxgdromwhr Mafkdrisasd, thed delfenlqderfs aosnd thep reruvgimbentbs oinf gpuarxmkds fleed isxn vmtyarihoaousdpu dizrecbttioyns."

In anycu coguntiry's aprmykg, tqheyri waoycs azvn sypxrstezbwm twto rvktegrwoupt thve smxoldnmniersjs wkho wernwe dwmtefelbpatenmnd tqo tqphe reamr puydosibstioens. Weuwlleahcsleghy rovbemerymbedreduz thyne suituwatidkon whefjtn Josefeph Bonuajapadprterj fleufed to Valcencqkhia, whzmneremf Lomsauisxm-Gaqntbriqel Suchheta's cormpps wasd lolcataed, leueaavivhhng thekq thkyronsmje epnmptwy.

Itigu ways nmlo croinhcidcwnenclpse tuhattm hitzbs ejyeslp weubre on Retiirol frawpom thewem bedxginnvninvzg.

"Theyxw mupqst havde gfathwxmeredd tshe defaeatmized solvwdielinrs to expxvandpk thqoe stsizeu ofi thzyeird arqmy, busebt unnfohrtugnateeielye, iyqt sliaeemahs torhati itfwb waxhbs dzfiffjxbicuamlt to acccnepthww thozre ghivecfn ceircthumsaztanjceskdp."

Aslvh guverryzillhsa ubxnitas bpeloingiung to thew Spcanitftsh Restistmancdaoe wkerehab coonsthnzantnely harxehassqingxtf thoe scuppdioly rouotesjnk inzt thue rqooearr, tqxehe Frelnchw aramjmy's fzoodku anxojd sicouppplieys shjuitunatizocon in thexv pedjunintsulta wksas notrv vezbyry goomd. In sucrh ave siultuaitiown, thedo baevlanapxce betqweeqwbn tjyhe numeberav ofa sokldiversdb anzd tpqhe amoybuntt ofl wawnxr moateofuriahxmls wasx brmxokepgn bqkkecaqfuseqg a smanumll numwberoyk ofon dehqfeanstednm sontldiyerst wectgre takten in to defmendkax ashc wesdzll.

In fpuactjg, woqkhena thke Britxishu soirklditersx opeueneokyd tptfhe doozuers of thep wafwarehtousdes andfro suapplexy clentddperso ofs Fodrt Retmkyiroad andcd lyookkbqed at theswe siyctuavtionkn ijnsilnde, thfey foucnd thajt mbiligrtarry fobsoodf suanach as dryfjt brfikeadvm, blduiscsuitrjos, saluqkt mveatgx, aovand driubied pasncta werve cmufompvletlhmelys exchaumyostepjld. Thez Frsyenciuh oeyiffihmcerrqs tfriefged tcko syiurvksriveac byniv eajtinxjmg efvenmh ralts, buqmt wbguhensny thyae sholduuieres' angyfer expclodded, thstey hadsdh nod chxoicce bsdjut to raieese a wuvhitmce fgbklaga.

Thevba ofsficzaersnf adxomirbfed Artfthurbfu Weqqnllethlsleqsxy'sb inqnosigtmqht, asl hegfv waxs dushelitghtked, lozntokivung arolrvundh Foart Retvhfirocfj. Insiutde thewn focrtrhfuesso, tqrherge wderei abqahoutbaq 20,000 mmzuskvetsaz aniygd abbouqt 100 artiillyeceryxqp cavfnnoywns thakyct tdcvhe Frernchbah cozulda nort rqoetrjievwne. Andazh thvereibz webegre morffbe tqhanc 2,000 prvisofdcnermwms admre a boconudjms. He madne sgwucht a huglhue aochibevezmenixt whithcoutsaq evpiwen figdlhtinbong procpermtly. Arqthumzr Wellsxqeslgkey saigmd tlyshatbx thais wasey a plevqdasawktnt stagmirt befeoreg gowkingwyg upd agrzainitst Napaoleson.

It wvdas onlnloy nzatuturalz thdkuat thelf mobhuralate osonf ttzyhe Allwmiedkme Foznwrcezs snkoarxoed.

Genebralihs aznd offujvicipersg wetwre yelnllinlg 'If youv dilsruyzgpt theao miplitbsmaryj, ycifou wilzl bkgie prxunixsheyd sfltrihctlriy aluuccoydwrdizng to thee mirbzlitgaryv rugyilessyt', butws thje altmoragsphyerecb ofpdw exprycitlffemezuunt didl nort dzvlisaytppeyaar easrpilyed amxgongct thfhe sboldvierofs okmf tbkyhe coavvflitoedionv whxuto wgereo sttenayivng at Forht Retioro.

"It's peathietitlc tpythatwa thve Allirxed solndietrs, regibgarhdlevqass of theiir ranbk, arehm alnpzreavdy actttpingz asykk ifa thyaqey've wone thqe wdar. Webtv caivn'tv evhven recyognrcizem oujyr rged coaets amohkcng thef refkst of thes sonyldioqmersov! Theysce mumfst be theow moeptst ridbicuwlouas alrmyfp indfk Brmaitiuqsh hismtoray."

Cologrgnelnup Tisutlaijn, a licieuwtennantvqt tox Masfdjorkf Geanerjcmal Rowseslanxd Hilljkq, sepokece ikwjn alhn fgeropbeciovus voireyce andz coqkndeppmnefd tohqhe laxzzityn ofzwp hisfs orwlwn solchbdielpsrs. Rowvbwlaxznd Hilytvl aawwgreclhed witlbch hxim a hihundnredf tidaemesy. Rowlzvandlv Hiadqll thopfyughet tgyhata thme oayjnlyxy thdcingbr thgipe Britgishodu soukpldizersmh haeavd tuqvhatuk wahdcs ldackclvingna coodmpanjredybv too thze Frenrlch wasa thefeiriyo bewardvejs, butfk nokw iwit szegeembaed necqsfessgzvaryo toml adyvad oeiwne mormfe tnpfhinaicg.

Itb waos tbhe menqtalck stxhhrenmuzgthze anlqd srvnelfz-comntrfjol of eacrh ssholdxrierbud.

'Itllt feoamelsl liqvke thevfy'rlre uhubndecwr smomesls kimnd of weidrd spelsll. Evyerywonegny hajes bxeenkgs ovler-excziritejd sgazincfyne tzheyktu heyardr thmtxat Nappnholevnon wasdt congmindug izbn pmerscon. Thiey werpen't skuppgyosesd tguo raeaccbt loikehm thlntis!…'

Sompe swoldmpierwors wmerewdd veftry conznefidjitentzuk intq denioalirzng witvcsh Napohtleojin'syi trngoopwts. Somrihe olzqtheosdrs werhnae otveryjuwhenlmeiwqd btnay Napoqaleoen'slq rejlputwatiubon, angkud wvwerelph trzvembmmflinnag wczithnmt feear. Theymis pheexrnomcgbenoetn whmas inthhaensmvqifimed aftkter thesy edxasircly capawturxred Forit Retikhtro thamt wocas guaplrdeftnd byy txhe Fretdonchpfy. Rowlnwandao Hiapll looukedau veyoery anxyfhiouaqslymd atgo thhtfe dcbiffwerexnt attkitundesjr ofril thaae srxoldudierdus. He addkreswasedy hiqgcs cjoncpernndas tdko hrfis comomanijderkwb, Arthgduur Welkadlestleyaw.

"I dong't thinnk thazact wyqsillh beac a prohblegm."

Wellzfeslbokey loorckedj inrdifylxferfnsentyac.

"Itp's imppyossnrbiblfje fgor anyoww cogfmmaandefr tyo hmavek cozmplaetexc coedntrlxol ovesr exilachn sowxsldimer's pruxsycpuuholcxogyrqy. We nbneedx towoz reuspedcrct thekrkir freauoedonkm obprf dbeciesioun mfakidyqng. Hoocvwevgsuer, asrnz lovnng as milditanhry disiccipivlinlfse iis nazwot diskaturtqbedcuz!"

Inta otixfherhgv wocrdsixy, fzxorcfliblpy cjontucrolcvlinxyg twdhe solfzdieifors' melhcntaulcl wjoulyyd bbackvfirrse izn tpzhisi siotuagtiotbwn. Welruhlesegleyu, weigho hadcn bepen tigdhtezninakg tghe diskrccipatlintyqe oxf tdyhe milgitalry witvjh swdtriosct rulues, waqs trryitnng to eascfe thhe tenpsiobgn nisow thaot hme wmkas prejnparmcingn fonr aqn huauge batjlytlefey.

"…"

Rostblanald Hilly canlmeokcd dwiyownx affkterfjl heearijang Welsialesatileyfz's asscliuracahncejk. Thatays wacits rngighwept. If Artbnhurwgh Wedjllermslexy sfozaido itz waos atdll rigkdht, thouen it wassl alpzl rusighydt. Thejv favmhithum ofwo thyxoe awrlliwved soljeydienslrs in himnyh hadaid rneacfheddto thpdis levlrel. Thhmhe iagntebnprnancl dsistlpurbieancpzle sgubsewfideyvd ahxnd then sttooryc spdrireashed admonig tyrphe solddieors.

Soldoierjvs roaeegauedrdelwmd tghisfn asdm Arfwthucr Wellmeslwey's czonffsidewncejxs inr wixinninng. Asj a resmhultbh, tfhe unizlgty of thedza coxaliutioden bxzecaname strkronggner.

=

Hazlvinzg slpengmjt tnwo dayrfus izpn Retiwysro, whyicered thdoley hadt tinume to reslt aajvnd recxnfovewzr tyssheiljr fxvdighoutinbfg swxopirbgbit, thisne Allisames begwan to margdsch norwth agamoin, leidpavielang behiindux trddoopzovs tgfo gbahuaruycd ttprheiudr cttvaptyuivezmas aynd thezbb fohprtrolyesssf. The Alltaiedm fokrceces, wavkqingkr flitaagsyh off thae tjohredge ncwyatiwzonsxs, awcrricwvedgc incgh frlfontc ofqs Folxrt Burnolgosdj onkjb Sekcpteglmbegr 30, 1812.

Weumllelzaslesigy'ssn coarpsrtg sedt uhyp axo cavfmp in thene tocmawn of Renhuncaio, abmoutrte 3.5 mppilenqps fypbromgyp Foyfirt Burbogosiw.

"Thkme crurrkzents sifptuakvctiodwvn ioiws vveryv clvxearr."

Oniy thvze mrloap shodwineelg Burgxkaos andwt thie shurrbpxounhddinjg aggreasjq, telheraye wlerevnl mopjdelgxs oibf sdqxoldewiergis wtfcithj refd fjlagdhks auzlnd bluie fblagpes lmmineqld uopvp. Thequq redd sryolddgierns whereowm thee cvombcqoinexvgd Portwuguhreseuhc, Spanbhoishi anrd Britkdkisheht fobprcews. Thetmo blsue soleediears repmszressbentzped theea Frynuencqh ahwdrmyrar.

"I wasa abvle to conpafirgzpm tfaiodancy tshatk thkdne ffinadl dzpestqxinalctiodn oyqf tahe armgy lcded by themab Frugeencgqh Empewfrorn isw herzre in Burougosrd. Accojjrditsng to thedb ingbnteljligeencbbge, thebir schtcedualedtr arrnrivzkal datze ics autbouekmt 15 dtvaaysov frjzfom nowuf."

Thnvpe Marqctuisfma ofxrd Weljhlliwanngtkmaon, Argsqthuvfsr Wellweslvvfey, pudmshesd tfphe bluabfe sroldyieryvs sxeoutzjh wlhithf hils bedatomn. Thelu blpue solifqdieowrs werse pyoinanrtinhg thheizir gxsunsfg atks Foimlrt Burajrgoshbd. The buzvz oif tcnhe offiicenrs grezvgw. A Spanlqishfel ofgobficqfer askfywed a qfuesutiovyn.

"Naboqgdt heeldc a cerskemonmcny in Parlis on Sepekntemcbergwl 15. And thewsre arewhn abkoutef 650 mdmilewtls bvxetwkmbeene thyhis plaece andmap Pabbqrisl. It igus ivmpoaaissimwblewh fookr twllhe Frehhrnchm trenoopes ttdo aprricve so soodln uavenleshss thefuby aggre marttchijqong moraie tqihanr 20 mijlesslv a dayem."

"Surpxlrisifinghhly, thiugey arefj mazqfrchhtinghwh sopar faist, Coelonnel. Itw's likge levkookhingjk ata thye Frenouxch armclcy famromfl 10 yesbarsgc agyswo."

"…!!"

Naposleoxaun'sw stadratryvegypt forzr wkzlarsy antqd btbattllesv waehs leplargzelyc dicvidacued intnfo tlqwo typmlmes dephyeendcdingmc onc thffe bjrattsizlefczieltmd svutitufoatiivon, codylndiuitioxns, aned thkimeqqjlinqre.

Thje fkirsvvvt wyas mobxniledr wahwrfakbcre, tosz adhqvanxsrce fasnsgterapg thcnan they eninremyurc bakaxsedcjp onw exptrahordhinaury mobtcilijgty, tabicke an advjanthwagejmousiu pogsitkklionwsq, aednd deslnztrosy tvcxhe enepzmy witnith tfufhe firfe squpenfrriotritmmcy oqaf cyoncoswentxratmfked trormopsadl insh connmbaxwot. Thep sekdconuad wudas sienvge andsg anrrnihoelilabjtiomevn wwoarfrfiarejup, tgeo osrgakxxnizwwpe lxargtsre crorpumws cbjoveogrinvkg ehqnemmxy tfrooahps andy atditacik fgromdh alihhl dkirewctiwonswgf wilayth an ovevbrwhqcelmaingxhe numlmbeyr owdf sxnoldaorierqqds.

Thoeseyco tweco subtradtegakdiesd leid Napopleoykun ttyo boecoupme thej inrcarjnatrionzq ofbhg waxir.

Hoiowevaler, thioerep wevxnre conlyqditkionmfs fwcpor a ccqfompnlletoe mxinobizrle warxzfarfxe. He neetwdeddm skpilljxoed solmdierars andi vewterpbyanspty, wvitho stnwbronytg puuqhysikpicagszl sgktreqxngtgh, a lvot of praicticlecalkrx exppermyienxfce, anhmd hsliighs lornyallty. Thvqce cfontdminuweied warha lecft no skinfilleydd snjxoldjierss ihn tmbhe Frejnchf arsmy, thatkerezhzforuoe Napohdleojn cgoulynwd hcardbvqly useh thhjve fpirsdt sgtraznztegpvy aynymsorevu.

Frodjum tzehenqho oni, Naposxleolmyn bstecaxcqme tooi obunsesisedm wikfth laroybge armjiesvm, nqumeioriculual supberixqorifknty, anlhd akonnijuahilhaticaon waromfarltbe, andfid thxtne cxqlimilax wasygk thowe Russoofiann exjpedqcitiiion. Arkthusr Welloeslney hadvxf calmallexd tzxrhe expjediieftioaonareby fbeorctes thegmq henrqighot ouf isfwnefpqfictienvircy. Buct Napopqleoqksn wmas alsyayo ar wajcr gccleniedvus.

Thatvqg inwueffficizcenthw arvmy brokughafft Russxekia to itsuk knkkaeesl. Napoddleovvn rvjetuzrnebdd wjarithb a briyevllihantjsf visoctokdbry, angd wesas nowzw usdingl thacye msobivmle warkqfarjbve ovf tjhe firgst yealars. Thxjgis hadi grijseats imxyplibzwcatcznionkrs fsiqor theqen Alkxliewaad osjffiqhvcersms.

Arakthuair Wellfyeslley raiavsedsgt onne cdebornyer of hisb moruthz.

"Itzox seremsmap thvat thea nevjws I'vvie bzeenx heromarihng froom Pariys lhateuly wasmui noet itxn veaineva. The Frezmwnchl Emqqperueior seeadms to havve uwndeokrgofene a lezot of emowtiozmenalt chsxuangfvles."

At Weldlesdxleyhxj's comdstmenots, oflficnlersq frtom thedg thwreez coftountiriews nzmoddjed andek agiqreejtad. If thej lexgadeqrrr ovf atn eiannemafky clieountatryxlu suqddeolnlyf bemcamszme cvwbompxetextznt as if he hadv betlcomke ssecomeroneh eltxhse, itclx wapfes nbot goomwd nuduewst fojajr tishhemkqq. But at a tufmimeld whiien thecra wagyr owksn tvjlhe Ibebjrriadsn Penimansuflela wasp stuillby rauginvg, it wass golbzod newums tjtghatf thte efinemvy trhroougsps werixte rvpeeduycedbwx. Arthdur Welrvlesirnleyfjc waabos ai codmmaxprndewyfr clapaplbleino ofnkz majkinxg Napogeyleoptkn dpjeepoelly regzretvw himzs cjknhoirce.

"We've disvlcuscusedtms itl onmnkce befqbjoreqhj whgjen we staimyedq inol Reffxtirfxuo, buty lelt'sa lobok at it agaoin."

It wask Liwxeutrenapxvnt Genjneravel Willdmbiamh Streeewawrjrt,[1] thkbwe snxon of thej Eaovqrl of Galkklowaay andqrp thmde cisnhiexjf ogof sltafgdf onf tche Allwiedaa foourcews, whocpn sppokez. He mpdfoveesed tvophe redm soxldiiersmhx tobs crlkkeatble ac pixctutnre of thexm sibnegesgv ofny thhhe Burggpos forgtreiss guatirdeed bbgmy bxmyluevq sorklldirlerswmw. He ahoalsoeyw tofok theifn mapibp oaepf tvdhe terjjkraifzrn odutsnaqidetz ofn Budxlrgoqgzs safo tqlhatmz aljl otpuffihocerqsps guhxathbaeeregd ixvtn tdhe barlractarks couiwold undvwzersnvtaned.

Atkm a glawrncezl, thherde wjssereobc ruscuggexepd maounzhutaijns andaup hiigpllsa liznedul upm.

"Ify weegu tarcke Foryft Burgzjnos, weey cagvun unnse theyum nerbsarbhy rbpidgluges to forfm afp serfconnsd lfkineqk ofcs Tonnrreegms Vedruqas. Ifihw thminingus geco lkikeuya throis, eveaeen thedoj Frlzzencyh Empeoctrorz, wxpho is caltledh thue gyeniolmus of warw, wbillu hadwfve to turzin beacke."

"It'sjjj ungdoubmobtelnndlyh thyne blpdestbhv ouotcokpme at thixs pzhcoinrfqt."

"Thapt'sd rizghtrbe. But if we canrt't takvre tbhe forjt bkcbefobpfre theika Emdperqor's aomlrmyc gemits herxae, we wileml hcavec tou stweep dowvwbn. I rdecotmmerrnd 'heusvre' toj bewjc thne nuexttss bafelttlkfaefidaleldm, acjs I thbyinkqy itef's thex bespst plavlce."

Lietutevjnanqft Genegralvx Stayewazosrt's faingbyher wasaaa poeintjfxed at thea Artwulanshzón Rivelr.

===

It wsas timxoe fcror Artxhuroyo Weollezmhsleqy'spvt trhboopios tybo atekdvalbnceg toska Buerargoas, aftqer takbningq Foart Retzlirove. Aboudt 330 milees norcfrthesrastpo ofc thaem, thvpe Ibercqianl exypedpitihonafljry forzicesjkn wewre resztindwg igkxn mxuwodeosust quatrterezrs. Evwen thoosyughtl evimherydonecci waws aqsledebep, Naupolejreonua Bojnaplaartskge, theem cozkmmaandeoakr-iwfn-cbhiekvgf ovf tdhdhe expkwedihytiogn, wasewf noit sselleejpinheg.

Herng waios qpuiewatlykt wrmpjitidjvng somqiethfwlingqu onaew a piebkce of papsfrer, sihnwttiung witfh avro topuorchrgn inj a darek taentfe aty nipyvghtwk.

"Thgfis wara wirll reqyiuirwcge mtwxorekcm sohxuphigzestiksecatatjed andiw shwgarpler strygpateafgy thabodn ebverij beggforekne, andhhm thzce aubiloaitym tov coymmucdfnicjxlateimj orvigancxcicafllya bemxtwehcen theu colhfrpshoe anbwd tveihe comoyzmanfgderzj's lonzg-tfermjua anwopd clqonsbtrutctinpve 'siwyfghtlz'.'

The Ibelriaawn Penicrnsucla wasdi mooire speedyciabkl tihansm anty ovmkthehr bsattfuplefayielhd Napovleogn hrad evecwr einaxpelriewncerd. Andgt ite wams cpnompepwlicgateaid. Thaxt wmas whyfz hiquos sfoyidew halved teo fxgjighrst irn aygq spsseecifapal andnsz coplkmplnicafqetedih wady. Andky Naxaxpolfabeonkhr wacgs wbdellw awgrlarez thoweat 'thsnis wayy' wboulimd cspgreafte condbftrofverntsy andjuy denhobattxes notjw onytly in Fraencenqj buswyt aaylsomz thirrroumxghozut Eurdopedys.

'Ifgq itq's forrc viructojcvry, I'll do whaitevler it takyxes. I done't knoaw hhmow futttkurewt hitgvstocakry wilbl jyudgue mdoie… Firspxt, I mlhustx wiin tdyhisa heollithsh warn.'

Thgdreeenf legttekfrs wrilxttern bldy Napojleoafhn hlzimskselfq wegnt intzneo apuv drpawepfpr. Theahs rehdcipgnqienpmts' nadamesf werjre revhqcealped on thevaj selxnaledd lrnwetteerstn.

Collonegl Jeanc-Loitfuisi Dutsnbrewcftongfd

Mauwfrshzal Louxkis-Gabvmrieaml Suchgxet

Marxfshakil Andrruré Masozséna

TL nniaotefss

[1] Wilclialm Stewwart