The misfortunes at Moscow had disappointed the French Nation; the 29th
bulletin was published at Paris when Napoleon arrived at the Tuileries;
he alone could save the country, he alone could repair the disasters of
the grand army! France was not indifferent to the voice of her chief;
she knew well how to value his ardent patriotism.
The Emperor opened a new campaign, in which he commanded 250,000 men. He
did not deceive himself as to the crisis which menaced France; he
therefore decided to attempt everything, and, if needful, to make
political sacrifices, if the chances of war were against him.
Napoleon opened the campaign on May 2d, 1813, by gaining the battle of
Lutzen; a surprising victory, and one that acquired for him immortal
honor. The General of Marengo had not lost his genius; and the troops he
commanded understood him well, performing wonders which astonished the
old soldiers of Italy and Egypt. Masses of infantry advanced in
squadrons flanked by heavy artillery, and seeming like movable
fortresses; 81,000 foot and 4000 horse combatting 107,000 Russians or
Prussians, of which more than 20,000 were cavalry. Alexander and the
King of Prussia were there in person; and their old guards, so vain and
so proud, were not able to contend against French conscripts.
[Illustration: NAPOLEON AT LUTZEN.]