Chapter 2 Chapter two

Anna Pavlovna's premonition was indeed confirmed.The next day, during the prayers held at the palace on the Emperor's birthday, Prince Volkonsky was called out of the church and received a letter from Prince Kutuzov.Here is a dispatch from Kutuzov at Tatarinovo on the day of the battle.Kutuzov wrote that the Russian army did not retreat a single step, and the French army lost far more than ours. This was reported hastily by him on the battlefield, and he had not had time to compile the final information in the future.It appears that this is a winning battle.And so, right here and now, in the church, thanks to the Creator for his help and for this victory.

Anna Pavlovna's premonition was confirmed, and the whole morning was in a cheerful and festive mood throughout the town.It was considered a victory by all, and some were talking of capturing Napoleon himself, of deposing him, and of choosing a new master for the French army. Far from the battlefield, and in the environment of court life, it is difficult to reflect the full truth and influence of the incident.Ordinary events happen one after another unconsciously around a particular case, and this is exactly the case now. The thing that pleases the hearts of the courtiers is not only that we have won the victory, but also that the news of the victory coincides with the emperor's birthday.It was a wonderful accident.Kutuzov's report also talked about the losses of the Russian army, which listed Tuchkov, Bagration, Kutaisov and others.Such tragic events surrounding the death of Kutaisov also took place unknowingly in this part of Petersburg.Everyone knew him, His Majesty doted on him, he was young and funny.On this day, when everyone met, they said:

"What a surprise. It's just prayer. Kutaisov's loss is too great! Oh, what a pity! " "Did I tell you about Kutuzov?" said Prince Vasili now with the pride of a prophet. "I've always said that only he could defeat Napoleon." However, there was no news from the army the next day, and everyone's voices became disturbed.The courtiers were distressed that the emperor had no news, so they felt uncomfortable. "What will become of the emperor!" said the courtiers, and instead of praising Kutuzov, as they had done two days ago, they accused him of being a source of uneasiness to the emperor.On this day Prince Vasili stopped praising Kutuzov, whom he protege (appreciated), and kept silent when the commander-in-chief was mentioned.Not only that, but that evening, as if with the intention of alarming the inhabitants of Petersburg, things came together: another dire news came to cheer the crowd up.Countess Helene Bezukhova died suddenly of the terrible illness which had been talked about with so much interest.In crowded circles it is said with seriousness that Countess Bezukhova died of an attack of angipectorole (the dreaded angina pectoris), but in intimate circles it is said at length that le medecinintimedelareined'EsBpagne (the Spanish queen) his own personal physician), saying that he had prescribed some medicine of unknown effect to Helen; but Helen was in great distress by the suspicion of the old count, and the refusal of her husband (that unfortunate wandering Pierre) to answer her letters, and she She suddenly took a large dose of the medicine prescribed for her, and died a painful death before people rose to rescue her.Prince Vasily and the old count, they said, wanted to pursue the Italian, but the Italian produced several letters of the unfortunate dead man, and they immediately let him go.

The conversation of the people focused on three sad things: the emperor's unknown battle situation, the death of Kutaisov and the death of Helen. On the third day after Kutuzov's report was received, a Moscow squire arrived in Petersburg, and news spread throughout the city that Moscow had surrendered to the French.this is too scary!What will happen to the emperor!Kutuzov was a traitor, and Prince Vasili was receiving visitesde on the death of his daughter Condoleance, speaking of Kutuzov, whom he had previously praised (he must be forgiven for forgetting what he had said earlier in his grief), said that it was impossible to expect anything else from a blind, wandering old man.

"I can only wonder how the fate of Russia can be entrusted to such a man." While the news was still unofficial it could be doubted, but on the next day the following report came from Count Rastoptchin: "Prince Kutuzov's aide-de-camp brought me a letter in which he asked me to send police officers to lead the troops to the Ryazan road. He declared that he regretted abandoning Moscow. Your Majesty! Kutuzov's action decision The fate of the ancient capital and your empire. Russia will shudder to hear that the city where the great things of Russia are concentrated, where the bones of your ancestors are buried--that city has fallen. I will follow the army. I have transported With everything, I can only mourn the fate of my country."

Having received this urgent message, the Tsar sent Prince Volkonsky to deliver to Kutuzov the following edict: "Prince Mikhail Illarionovich! Since August 29th I have not received any reports from you. But on September 1st I received a message from the Governor of Moscow from Yaroslav I have sent you a sad message that you have decided to abandon Moscow with your army. You can imagine for yourself how this news affected me, and your silence has increased our astonishment. I sent General Volkonsky The duke sends you this edict to hear from you the state of the army and the reasons which prompted you to take such a sad decision."