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army, formed an effective force of about 60,000, while the Austrians, commanded by Prince John of Lichtenstein, scarcely exceeded one third of that number. The second division of the Russians, upon its march to Moravia, had been exposed to the severest hardships. Such was the rapid progress of the troops, in consequence of the disasters in Germany, that they were compelled to abandon their convoys, and no sufficient magazines had been formed for their support. The casual supplies of the country were soon consumed; and the whole district through which the march of the army extended was completely exhausted. The horses were so reduced that they could scarcely draw the artillery, and the want of food had impaired the general strength and spirit of the army.

Upon the arrival of the emperors at Olmutz, a council of war was assembled to concert the subsequent operations of the campaign. It was evidently impossible to retire with an enemy in the rear through an exhausted country. It was equally impossible that the army could long continue in its present position. No alternative seemed therefore to remain, but to try the issue of a general engagement. Accordingly, on the morning of the 28th of November, a column of Russians, supported by a strong body of cavalry, was ordered to march to Wischaw. This division fell with great impetuosity and loud cries upon the advanced guard of prince Murat, whom they drove from his position, and after a slight resistance, made themselves masters of the town. Upon the same day the head-quarters of the emperor Alexander were removed to Wischaw, and the whole army advancing, encamped in the vicinity of that place.

The object of the allies was now sufficiently apparent. It was indeed evident, from the moment of the junction of General Buxhovden's division, that an engagement must take place; and Bonaparte was therefore desirous of obtaining some information with respect to the disposition and character of the Russians. General Savary, his aid-de-camp, had

been accordingly sent to congratulate the emperor Alexander upon his arrival, and with directions to observe attentively the temper and spirit of the hostile army. After remaining absent three days, General Savary returned to the French camp. He reported that the Russians entertained a very high opinion of their own prowess; that they were eager for battle; and felt assured of success. Bonaparte perceived all the advantage which might be derived from the confidence of his enemy. He immediately assumed an appearance of extraordinary circumspection and caution. He issued orders for his army to retire, as if apprehensive of an engagement with so formidable an enemy. In order to strengthen this impression, the retreat was made under cover of the night, and the army took up a strong position about ten miles in the rear of its former station. Here the troops immediately began to throw up entrenchments, and to form batteries, as if for the purpose of defending themselves against the threatened attack of the hostile army. Every thing wore the appearance of alarm and confusion. Bonaparte had proposed an interview with the emperor of Russia. The emperor's aid-decamp, the prince Dolgorucki, repaired in consequence to the French camp. Bonaparte, as if anxious to conceal from the observation of the prince both the temper of his army and the measures which he had adopted for its security, received him at his outposts. Preparations had been artfully made for this interview. Wherever the Russian directed his eye, he discovered symptoms of anxiety and care. The troops were labouring with the utmost activity at the entrenchments, all the posts were strengthened, and every precaution seemed to be taken to guard against surprise.

These dispositions appear to have been attended with the desired effect. The confidence of the Russians increased; they considered the victory as secure, and were anxious only to prevent the escape of the French. The head-quarters of the two emperors were removed to Austerlitz, and a powerful division was ordered to march to the left for the purpose of

turning the right flank of the opposite army. The French relate, that as soon as Bonaparte observed this movement, he turned to his attendants, and repeatedly exclaimed, 'Before to-morrow evening this army will be mine.' The Russians continued their march at a short distance along the front of the French lines. Bonaparte still preserved the same cautious and timid appearance; his troops remained inactive in their respective stations; and prince Murat, having advanced at the head of a small body of cavalry into the plain between the two armies, instantly retired with the utmost speed, as if astonished at the force, and confounded by the movements of the Russians.

When the day had closed, Bonaparte determined to proceed on foot and in private through the several quarters of the camp, for the purpose of discovering the temper, disposition, and opinions of his army. His person, however, was soon recognised, and in an instant lighted straw was raised upon a thousand poles. It was the eve of the anniversary of his coronation. The soldiers crowded around their chief, and he was greeted with acclamations and shouts of joy from the whole camp. Upon his return to his tent, he made the dispositions and issued the necessary orders for battle. Marshal Davoust was directed to march with the utmost expedition to Raygern, for the purpose of keeping the Russians in check npon the right, and General Gudin was ordered to advance at break of day with his corps from Nicholsburg, to oppose that part of the Russian division which should extend itself beyond the position of Marshal Davoust. The command of the right wing of the army, which was stationed next to Davoust's corps, was entrusted to Marshal Soult. Marshal Bernadotte commanded the centre, and Marshal Lannes the left. His flank was protected by the position of Santon, which had been strongly fortified, and was defended by eighteen pieces of cannon. The whole of the cavalry, under the command of prince Murat, was posted between the left wing and the centre. Bonaparte himself, attended by Marshal Berthier, and all

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