Napoleon exhibited to his officers and soldiers an example of
indefatigable activity. On horseback, night and day, he was continually
in the midst of his troops, and chiefly where he thought his presence
most necessary to excite the energy of his soldiers. He did not forget
that similar conduct had mainly contributed to his success in Italy; and
he was wise enough to see the importance of inducing those under his
command, by constantly observing their actions, to expect that he would
appreciate their services, and reward them with liberality.
Ney had received orders to bear down upon Ulm. Murat advanced upon
Burgau, and sought to cut off the retreat of the enemy.
The French army, since crossing the Danube, had succeeded in cutting off
the communication between some parts of the enemy’s army; and Napoleon,
arriving at Augsburg on the evening of the 10th of October, 1805, made
preparations to destroy the remainder.
Napoleon met the troops under General Marmont, at the bridge of Lech, on
the day just named. Here he had the regiment formed into a circle, and
harangued them in the manner of the Roman emperors.
M. Gautherot has endeavored to portray this scene, of which another
engraving and description will be found in another part of this work.
[Illustration: THE EMPEROR’S ARRIVAL AT AUGSBURG.]