CHAP. I.--Capture of Minsk by the Russians--Different opinions
in the army as to the causes of their disasters--Rumoured treachery of
Schwartzenberg--Napoleon's reproaches to him and Schwartzenberg's reply
270
II.--Details of the loss of Minsk--Movements of Dombrowski, Oudinot, and
Victor--Distress and malady of Napoleon--Remarkable conversation with
Count Daru 278
III.--Passage through the Forest of Minsk--Junction of the remains of
the grand army with Victor and Oudinot's corps--State of the former
284
IV. V.--Preparations for crossing the Berezina 289
VI.--Circumstances which led the Russian general, Tchaplitz, into error
as to the point where Napoleon was to cross the Berezina, and
consequences of that error--Napoleon crosses that river at Studzianka on
the 27th November 299
VII.--Capture and destruction of Partouneaux's division 304
VIII.--Attack made by the Russians under Wittgenstein and Platof on the
left side, and by Tchitchakof on the right side of the Berezina, and
repelled by the French 308
IX.--The burning of the bridge over the Berezina 315
X.--Napoleon's situation during the preceding actions--Passage over the
morasses--His manners to his officers 321
XI.--Napoleon's arrival at Malodeczno--Announcement on the 3d of
December of his intention to set out for France 325
XII.--Increased severity of the winter--Partial actions of Ney and
Maison with the Russians between Pleszezenitzy and Malodeczno--Quarrel
between Ney and Victor 330
XIII.--Napoleon's arrival at Smorgony--his parting interview with his
marshals 335