On the 14th of June, 1807, the Russian General was compelled to accept
battle. “This is a day of good fortune,” said the French Emperor; “it is
the anniversary of the battle of Marengo!” Napoleon reconnoitred the
enemy’s position, and detailed to raze the city of Friedland. Ney
commenced operations under cover of a battery of thirty pieces, placed
in the centre, causing severe loss to the Russians. The imperial Russian
guard lying in ambush in a ravine, intrepidly advanced, and charged the
left wing of Ney’s division, which was for a moment broken; but Dupont’s
division marched to their support and brought most horrible carnage with
them. The field of battle at the conclusion of the day was dreadful to
behold; the Russians lost 18,000 men, while the French loss was only
from 4000 to 5000. Cannon, to the number of 120 pieces, 20,000
prisoners, and an immense number of flags remained in the hands of the
French.
[Illustration: THE BATTLE OF FRIEDLAND.]