Part three

The author's thoughts about the driving forces of history. He believes that in order to study history, one must leave kings, ministers, generals, etc. alone and begin to study “the homogeneous, infinitesimal elements that lead the masses.” And only on this path is it possible to grasp historical laws.

Discussion about the movement and actions of the Russian and French troops in 1812 and about the dependence of the commanders-in-chief on the events taking place. The Russian army is constantly retreating, and the French are rushing towards Moscow. In the Russian army, as they retreat, the spirit of bitterness against the enemy flares up more and more. The French reach Moscow and stop there. Not a single battle was given. The commander-in-chief is always in the middle of a moving series of events, and therefore is never able to think about all the events that are taking place.

Kutuzov with generals on Poklonnaya Hill. Conversations about the future plan of action. From all the conversations, Kutuzov understands that there is no physical strength to defend Moscow. Only Bennigsen insists on defending Moscow, but only because he wants glory for himself. Kutuzov is concerned with other questions: was it really he who allowed Napoleon to reach Moscow, and at what moment did this happen? He understands the horror of the order that will have to be given. But there is nothing to do. Kutuzov goes to the carriage and goes to Fili.

The military council in Fili met in the hut of the peasant Andrei Savostyanov. His family left the hut, only Malasha, a six-year-old girl, remained. She looks at grandfather, as she internally calls Kutuzov, and listens to the conversation. Generals of the Russian army: Ermolov, Kaisarov, de Tolly, Uvarov and others are present at the council. Kutuzov poses a question to the council: is it more profitable to risk the loss of the army and Moscow by accepting a battle, or to give up Moscow without a fight? Bennigsen's clash with Kutuzov. Bennigsen believes that leaving Moscow is unacceptable. Debate. Malasha sees that the debate consists of a personal struggle between “grandfather” and “long-haired”, as she called Bennigsen, but she was on the side of “grandfather”. Kutuzov's order to retreat. After the council, Kutuzov admits to his adjutant that he did not at all expect to leave Moscow and says with irritation that the French will still eat horse meat like the Turks.

The author’s thoughts about the abandonment of Moscow by its residents and its burning. He believes that leaving Moscow was inevitable. As soon as the enemy approached, the rich left, but the poor remained and destroyed and burned what was left. The people were waiting for the moment when they could do what they were supposed to do, and therefore calmly awaited the entry of troops into Moscow. People left Moscow because they could not live under Napoleon, and they did that great thing that saved Russia. Count Rastopchin, who urged with his posters not to leave Moscow, did not understand the significance of the event that was taking place, but wanted to amaze someone, but looked like a stupid boy who was frolicking over the majestic and inevitable event of the burning of Moscow.

Helen Bezukhova in St. Petersburg. Her closeness with the nobleman and the foreign prince and her desire to maintain relations with both. A few days after her return, she was introduced to a Jesuit who had a long conversation with Helen about God, about love for Christ, about the heart of the Mother of God. Helen was touched. Helen's conversion to Catholicism. But she constantly demands that Catholics who are involved in this procedure free her from her husband. She says that now, having entered the true religion, she cannot be considered the wife of someone who is an adherent of a false religion.

Helen's desire for a new marriage. Her preparation of the opinion of secular society. She spreads the rumor that, poor thing, she cannot choose between two suitors for her hand.

The whole world began to discuss which party was more profitable, since Helen admitted that she loved both. The question of whether it was even possible to marry from a living husband did not arise, since it was considered resolved and to talk about it meant to show one’s stupidity and inability to live in the world. The attitude of her father and mother towards Helen's marriage. Vasily is happy for her, because she suffered for so long with Pierre. Mother Helen did not like the idea of ​​getting married a second time while her husband was alive, she even found a text in the Bible where such an action is prohibited. Letter from Helene to Pierre asking for a divorce.

Chapter VIII.

Pierre returns to Mozhaisk after the Battle of Borodino. He understands that only in a calm environment will he be able to think and rethink everything that he saw in the war. On the way to Mozhaisk, Pierre meets with soldiers. They accept him with simplicity, feed him, and accompany him to Mozhaisk, where he finds his own. Pierre decides to give money to the soldiers, but some inner voice tells him that it is not worth it. Pierre falls asleep in his stroller.

Pierre's overnight stay at an inn in Mozhaisk. Pierre's thoughts are “about them” - about soldiers, the desire to be a simple soldier. He remembers the behavior of the soldiers during the battle and thinks that they were firm and calm to the end. He wants to penetrate with his whole being into what makes ordinary soldiers who they are. Pierre's dream. He dreams of a dinner at which Anatol, Dolokhov, Nesvitsky, and Denisov are present. Everyone is drinking, having fun, screaming, but because of their screaming, the voice of a benefactor is heard, who tells Pierre about goodness, about the opportunity to be what they were. And they surrounded the benefactor, but did not see Pierre. He wanted to draw their attention to himself, got up and woke up. After sleep, he understands that simplicity is submission to God, and they are simple. They don't talk, they do. You can’t connect thoughts, you have to pair them, as if Pierre hears from somewhere, but he doesn’t know how to do this. They wake him up to continue on his way. On the way, Pierre learns about the death of his brother-in-law and Prince Andrei.

Return of Pierre to Moscow. Pierre in Count Rastopchin's reception room. Pierre reads the posters that the count issues and objects to him, talking about the impossibility of fighting in the city. Those present in the reception room hint to Pierre about Helene, but he still knows nothing about her decision to get married, so he does not understand them. The story of Vereshchagin. This is a half-educated merchant who decided to take the blame for writing the proclamation, which was actually written by Napoleon. And the count needed Vereshchagin to point to Klyucharyov. But Vereshchagin did not confess, so he will be punished.

Pierre's conversation with Count Rostopchin about Freemasonry and the case of Klyucharyov and Vereshchagin. Rastopchin asks Pierre if he is one of those Freemasons who, under the guise of saving the human race, want to destroy Russia. Pierre replies that he is a Freemason. Rastopchin explains to Pierre that Speransky, Magnitsky, Klyucharyov and the like were exiled to the right places for betraying their homeland. He advises Pierre to stop all kinds of relations with such Freemasons and leave as soon as possible. Pierre's mood. He reads his wife's letter, but does not understand a word. Pierre's disappearance from home.

Rostov. For the first time, the thought occurs to the Countess that both of her sons are at war and one of them, or maybe even both, could be killed. All the Rostovs’ acquaintances left Moscow, but the countess did not want to hear anything about leaving, since she was waiting for Petya to return from the army. Finally, Petya arrives, but he stays away from his mother, as her overprotectiveness irritates him. Moscow before the French invasion. Various rumors are circulating around the city, but despite this, people understand that Moscow will be surrendered. Some are leaving, others are just getting ready. The Rostovs are getting ready to leave Moscow. Sonya is in charge of packing things. The Countess, dissatisfied with Petya's behavior, takes out all her anger on Sonya, saying that she would be glad if Nikolenka married a rich bride. Sonya understood that this was a way out for the Rostovs, but she was in pain. Natasha and Petya were happy about their departure, as well as everything that was happening around them, because everything unusual is always joyful for young people.

Chapter XIII.

Natasha while getting ready to leave. She tries to take part in collecting things, but her soul is not in it, and therefore she goes outside. There she meets a convoy with the wounded and invites them to stay at their house. Natasha seeks permission for the wounded to stay in their house. Petya returns at lunch. He talks about Rastopchin’s call to take up arms and go tomorrow to three mountains, where there will be a battle.

Getting ready for departure at the Rostovs' house. Natasha's activity in packing things. Now she is seriously involved in this business: laying porcelain and carpets. Thanks to Natasha, unnecessary things were left behind and the most expensive ones were packed away. The carriage with the wounded Prince Andrei stops at the Rostovs' house.

The last day of Moscow before its surrender to the French. It was Sunday, people went to church. The wounded ask Count Ilya Andreevich to take them on carts, since they themselves have nothing in Moscow. The Count orders some of the carts to be unloaded in order to take the wounded with them. Explanation on this matter between the Count and Countess. He says that things are a matter of gain, but what is it like to keep them! But the Countess reproaches him for ruining his children with this act. Natasha, who heard the end of the conversation, tries to find out what the count and countess are arguing about, but they do not tell her.

Arrival to Rostov Berg. He begins to talk about the exploits of soldiers and officers during the battle. Berg asks the countess for one or two men to help him bring to his house the wardrobe and toilet, which he bought on the cheap, and which Vera dreamed of so much. Natasha's irritation with her mother for not wanting to give carts to the wounded. Natasha calls the countess’s act an abomination and disgusting. She shouts at her mother, then asks for forgiveness and says that she will order the wounded to be taken. The Count nods his head in agreement. Dumping things and placing the wounded. Natasha is in a cheerful mood. The wounded are taken from neighboring houses. Sonya wrote down the things that Natasha dropped off and tried to take away as much as possible.

Chapter XVII.

Departure of the Rostovs. The Countess cries, the Count crosses himself and kisses Mavra Kuzminichna and Vasilich, who remain in Moscow. The train of crews starts moving, the Rostovs' people, who remain in Moscow, see them off. Natasha experiences a joyful feeling. She leans out of the cart and looks at the carts of wounded who are traveling ahead of them. The very first to go is the carriage with the wounded Andrei Bolkonsky. Natasha's eyes search for this cart to make sure that it has not fallen behind, although she still does not know that Bolkonsky is in it. Meeting of the Rostovs with Pierre, dressed in a coachman's caftan. Pierre, recognizing Natasha, first goes to her, but then, remembering something, stops. Natasha calls him over, she asks if he is staying in Moscow, as he thought during the war. Pierre, looking confused, kisses Natasha's hand and leaves. Natasha looks after him for a long time, smiling joyfully.

Chapter XVIII.

Pierre, after his return from Mozhaisk to Moscow, experiences a feeling of confusion and hopelessness. It seems to him that everything is over now, everything is confused, there is neither right nor wrong, there is no way out of this situation ahead. Pierre settles in the apartment of the widow of the freemason Bazdeev. He asks for a peasant dress and a pistol for himself. They provide him with a dress, but there is no pistol. Then Pierre goes to buy a pistol from the Sukharev Tower, then he meets the Rostovs.

Abandonment of Moscow by Russian troops. By September 2, there were no soldiers or officers of the Russian army left in Moscow. They all gathered on the other side of Moscow and beyond Moscow. Napoleon on Poklonnaya Hill looks at Moscow and waits in vain for the deputation of the “boyars”. Moscow stretches out before Napoleon in all its glory. It seems to Napoleon that his long-standing dream, which until recently seemed impossible, has come true. The certainty of possessing this city excites and terrifies him. He sends his people after the boyars of Moscow. But they return with a report that Moscow is empty, everyone has left, only crowds of drunks remain. No one dares to tell Napoleon about this. A cannon fire is heard and all French troops are moving towards Moscow. Napoleon arrives at the Dorogomilovskaya outpost and awaits the deputation.

Empty Moscow - comparing it to a dehumidified hive. Such a hive appears to be alive on the surface, but there is no longer any life inside. The smell is not the same, the sound is not the same, the bees are still swarming, but there is no life. So in Moscow people were still bustling about, a fiftieth of the residents of Moscow, but they did not understand what they were doing. Napoleon is finally informed that Moscow is empty. He cannot believe in the reality of what is being reported, in the reality that the denouement of the theatrical performance has failed.

The movement of Russian troops through abandoned Moscow continued from two o'clock in the afternoon until two o'clock in the morning. Shop robbery. Stampede on the Moskvoretsky Bridge. General Ermolov orders the guns to be removed in order to fire at the bridge, provided that the crush does not stop. The crowd, fearing the fulfillment of the promise, overturned the carts, ran and cleared the way for the troops.

Chapter XXII.

In the empty house of the Rostovs. Marya Kuzminichna gives the officer a twenty-five-ruble note. This officer turned out to be a relative of the count, who always helped him financially, and now he was running around and wanted to ask Rostov for money.

Chapter XXIII.

Moscow before the entry of the enemy. Street scenes, factory scenes. A fight between blacksmiths and a kisser. A crowd marching down the street. Reading Rastopchin's poster in the crowd.

The police chief tries to calm down the rioters, but they threaten him with violence, and he leaves.

Chapter XXIV.

The author's discussion about Rastopchin's activities in Moscow. Rastopchin, dissatisfied and irritated with Kutuzov and the whole course of affairs, gives the last orders. He writes in his diary that his goal at that time was to maintain calm in Moscow and expel all residents from it. But Rostopchin had no idea what he needed to do, and therefore all his actions, in essence, did nothing to help save Moscow. He orders the release of the madmen, the prisoners. Only Vereshchagina orders to be brought to him.

By 9 o’clock in the morning, almost all residents, not listening to Rastopchin’s calls not to leave Moscow, left the city. He understands that his orders will not be carried out and that he is turning from a ruler into an insignificant, useless and weak person. Crowd at Rastopchin's house. People are shouting something about treason, about readiness to go against the French on Rostopchin’s orders. He understands that they need a victim. Rastopchin takes Vereshchagin out and gives him over to be torn to pieces by the crowd. Departure of Rostopchin to Sokolniki. His thoughts, mood. He thinks that he did something to Vereshchagin for the good of the people. Chasing a crazy man's stroller. This madman, released on his own instructions, reminded him of his act with Vereshchagin. Rastopchin, in horror, orders the coachman to drive as fast as he can. He remembers the words he said, “cut the traitor,” and thinks that if he hadn’t said them, then everything would have been different. Conversation between Rastopchin and Kutuzov about the surrender of Moscow. Rastopchin reproaches Kutuzov for the surrender of Moscow. But he does not listen to the count, busy with some thoughts of his own.

Chapter XXVI.

Entry of French troops into Moscow. An episode of a group of Russians defending the Kremlin. Several shots are heard from the Kremlin, hitting the soldiers. The French had already prepared for an attack and a bloody battle, but it turned out that only four people were defending the Kremlin. They are soon killed. Deployment of French troops in the city. It was an exhausted, exhausted army, but still holding out. Robbery. Marauding. The commanders stop the soldiers from looting, order no one to leave their houses, but everything is useless, the process cannot be stopped. The fire of Moscow and its causes. According to the author, Moscow burned down because it was placed in such conditions that every wooden city should burn down. In addition, a city cannot help but burn down, in which, instead of civilians, there are soldiers who smoke pipes and light fires in the streets to cook their own food. Moscow was burned by the inhabitants, those who left it. It was burned because they did not bring bread, salt and keys to the enemy.

Chapter XXVII.

Pierre's mood during his stay at Bazdeev's apartment. Lately he has been in a state close to madness. He cannot get rid of the feeling of his insignificance and deceit in comparison with the truth, simplicity and evil that the common people had. Thoughts about the assassination of Napoleon. He, Pierre, remained in Moscow, hiding his name, in order to kill Napoleon and end the misfortune of all of Europe. He has no idea how he can kill Napoleon, but he clearly sees his death and heroic courage. The arrival of a drunken Makar Alekseevich into Pierre's room. Under the influence of alcohol, it seems to him that there are French and Napoleon himself in the house, to whom he does not want to surrender. Makar Alekseevich is barely calmed down.

Chapter XXVIII.

The appearance of Captain Rambal in Bazdeev’s house. Pierre saves him from a shot from the crazy Makar Alekseevich. The officer wants to punish the traitor, but Pierre persuades him not to do this. Pierre's conversation with the Frenchman. The Frenchman does not believe Pierre that he is Russian and says that he is glad to meet his compatriot.

Pierre at dinner with Rambal. Rambal asks Pierre to give his name, but he refuses. Rambal mistakes Pierre for an officer of the Russian army who went over to the side of the French, and completely trusts him. He tells Pierre that the Russians are dashing enemies. Rambal's story about his love affairs. Pierre has the idea of ​​killing Rambal, but at that very moment some inner voice says that he shouldn’t do this. Pierre understands that the dream of sacrificing himself is crumbling into dust. Pierre's frank speeches about himself. To Rambal's question about Pierre's love, he replies that all his life he loves and will love one woman, but she will never belong to him. Pierre tells the love story of Natasha and Prince Andrei, reveals his name and position in society.

The Rostov convoy spends the night in Mytishchi. At ten o'clock all the Rostovs are located in the courtyards and huts of the large village. The glow of a fire in Moscow. People do not believe that this glow is from Moscow, but then they are convinced that it is so. There are sighs, prayers and sobs.

Chapter XXXI.

The Rostovs talk about the fire of Moscow. The Countess is crying, Sonya is afraid that all of Moscow will burn like this. Natasha's mood after she learned about Prince Andrei's wound and his presence with them in the convoy. Natasha walks as if in a dream after receiving this news from Sonya. Natasha's date with Prince Andrei. All day she lived only by the fact that she would see him, but when she made her way to him at night, she was afraid. Bolkonsky was the same as always. But the color of his face, his tender neck, his enthusiastic eyes directed at her, gave him a kind of childish appearance. Natasha approached him, he extended his hand to her.

Chapter XXXII.

Prince Andrey. Description of his illness after being wounded. For seven days Bolkonsky is unconscious. But then he seemed to recover and even asked to be taken out into the air, but he misjudged the strength and lost consciousness. Bolkonsky's moral revolution. He understands that love is not that kind of love, for the sake of love itself, for the sake of others, one must love everyone, enemies, relatives. And now Prince Andrei confesses this love to Natasha. She asks him for forgiveness, but he says that he loves her now more than before. Natasha takes care of the wounded Prince Andrei.

Chapter XXXIII.

Pierre wanders the streets of Moscow. He walks around in a delirium. Not understanding where he was going and why. They saved a child from a burning house. Pierre seems to sober up when he cries for help. He rushes to save the girl, but she does not want to go into the arms of a stranger. Pierre takes it and leaves the house.

Chapter XXXIV.

Pierre is looking for the mother of the Girl he saved. His figure becomes remarkable. A crowd gathers around, people try to help him. French soldiers rob an Armenian family. Pierre's intercession for the beautiful Armenian woman. Pierre angrily rushes at the Frenchman who attempted to kill the girl and beats him. The French patrol takes Pierre into custody. Pierre again falls into a state of delirium. The patrol traveled around Moscow and arrested suspicious Russians. That day he arrested five more, but of all of them Pierre seemed the most suspicious.

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Lesson on Russian literature

7th grade

Topic: L.N. Tolstoy “War and Peace” (fragments). “Council in Fili”, “Napoleon on Poklonnaya Hill”. Images of Napoleon and Kutuzov.

Goals:

To introduce the personality of L.N. Tolstoy and the history of the creation of the novel “War and Peace”, to show the role of historical figures Napoleon and Kutuzov in the events of the Patriotic War of 1812; test knowledge of literary theory (portrait, artistic detail);

promote the development of monologue speech, mental and creative activity;

cultivate interest in history and literature.

Expected results:

Knowledge of the biography of Kutuzov and Napoleon;

Knowledge of information about the War of 1812;

Knowledge of the biography of Leo Tolstoy and the history of the creation of the novel “War and Peace”;

Ability to highlight relevant information and display it graphically;

The ability to formulate “High” order questions and the ability to express one’s thoughts;

Ability to work in a group;

Ability to draw conclusions;

Knowledge of fragments of the novel “War and Peace”.

Lesson progress

Organizational moment

Update

Dividing the class into groups

Creating a collaborative environment (watching the video “Good Mood”

1 group. Life and work of Leo Tolstoy

2nd group. Brief overview of the novel “War and Peace”

3rd group. War of 1812

4th group. Kutuzov

5 group. Napoleon

Groups make up clusters.

Group performance

others make notes in the form of a thesis plan and prepare one question at a time

“higher” order, using Bloom's taxonomy questions for analysis, synthesis, or evaluation.

Group performance

F opdevelopment of new concepts and ways of acting

Work on the fragment “Council in Fili” (all groups participate)

What issue was discussed at the council in Fili?

Write out the portrait of Kutuzov from the text.

Emphasize the details of the portrait of Kutuzov that express the psychological state of the commander and draw a conclusion about how L.N. Tolstoy draws the portrait of Kutuzov.

Carefully read the description of the generals who came to the council. What details of their portraits does the author point out? Fill out the table.

General's name

Portrait description details

1. Barclay de Tolly

________________________________________________________________

2. Dokhturov

3. Osterman-Tolstoy

He sat, leaning on his broad arm, with bold features and sparkling eyes, his head..., seeming immersed in his thoughts.

4. Raevsky

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________

A firm, beautiful and kind face... shone with a gentle, cunning smile.

In the table, highlight the details of the statistical portrait with one line, and the dynamic portrait with two.

Analyze the behavior of Kutuzov and Bennigsen at the council.

How does the girl Malasha see Kutuzov and Bennigsen?

Why, in your opinion, does L.N. Tolstoy show Kutuzov and Bennigsen through the eyes of a six-year-old girl?

What motivates Kutuzov and Bennigsen? Fill out the table with quotes that indicate the reasons for their behavior.

Kutuzov

Bennigsen

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is the name of the artistic technique used by the author when comparing Kutuzov and Bennigsen?

Is it possible to apply the terms “protagonist” and “antagonist” to Kutuzov and Bennigsen? Why?

Application. Formation of skills and abilities

Ngapoleon on Poklonnaya Hill

1) Note in the text the artistic details with which Moscow in 1812 is shown.

2) Write out from the text the elements of Napoleon’s portrait and the lines that express the acting and posing of the French emperor.

3) Analyze the collected material and determine the attitude

Homework Information Stage

Summing up the lesson

Reflection stage

Additional material

Patriotic War of 1812

At the beginning of the Patriotic War of 1812, General Kutuzov was elected in July as the head of the St. Petersburg and then the Moscow militia. At the initial stage of the Patriotic War, the 1st and 2nd Western Russian armies rolled back under the pressure of Napoleon's superior forces. The unsuccessful course of the war prompted the nobility to demand the appointment of a commander who would enjoy the trust of Russian society. Even before the Russian troops left Smolensk, Alexander 1 was forced to appoint Infantry General Kutuzov as commander-in-chief of all Russian armies and militias. Within 10 days of his appointment, the tsar granted Kutuzov the title of His Serene Highness (bypassing the princely title). The appointment of Kutuzov caused a patriotic upsurge in the army and the people. Kutuzov himself, just like in 1805, was not in the mood for a decisive battle against Napoleon. According to one piece of evidence, he expressed himself this way about the methods he would use against the French: “We will not defeat Napoleon. We will deceive him."

The enemy's great superiority in forces and the lack of reserves forced Kutuzov to retreat into the interior of the country, following the strategy of his predecessor Barclay de Tolly. Further withdrawal implied the surrender of Moscow without a fight, which was unacceptable from both a political and moral point of view. Having received minor reinforcements, Kutuzov decided to give Napoleon a general battle, the first and only one in the Patriotic War of 1812. The Battle of Borodino, one of the largest battles of the Napoleonic wars, took place on August 26 (September 7). During the day of the battle, the Russian army inflicted heavy losses on the French troops, but according to preliminary estimates, by the night of the same day it itself had lost almost half of the regular troops. The balance of power obviously did not shift in favor of Kutuzov. Kutuzov decided to withdraw from the Borodino position, and then, after a meeting in Fili (now a Moscow region), left Moscow. Nevertheless, the Russian army showed itself worthy at Borodino, for which Kutuzov was promoted to field marshal general on August 30.

Having failed in his attempts to make peace with Russia, Napoleon began to retreat from Moscow on October 7 (19). He tried to lead the army to Smolensk by the southern route through Kaluga, where there were supplies of food and fodder, but on October 12 (24) in the battle for Maloyaroslavets he was abandoned by Kutuzov and retreated along the devastated Smolensk road. Russian troops launched a counteroffensive, which Kutuzov organized so that Napoleon's army was under flank attacks by regular and Pirtisan detachments, and Kutuzov avoided a frontal battle with large masses of troops.

Thanks to Kutuzov's strategy, Napoleonic's huge army was almost completely destroyed. It should be especially noted that the victory was achieved at the cost of moderate losses of the Russian army.

Napoleon often spoke contemptuously about the commanders opposing him, without mincing words. It is characteristic that he avoided public assessments of Kutuzov’s command in the Patriotic War, preferring to blame the “harsh Russian winter” for the complete destruction of his army. Napoleon's attitude towards Kutuzov can be seen in a personal letter written by Napoleon from Moscow on October 3, 1812 with the aim of starting peace negotiations:

“I am sending one of my adjutant generals to you to negotiate many important matters. I want Your Lordship to believe what he tells you, especially when he expresses to you the feelings of respect and special attention that I have had for you for a long time. I have nothing else to say with this letter, I pray to the Almighty that he will keep you, Prince Kutuzov, under his sacred and good protection.”

In January 1813, Russian troops crossed the border and reached the Oder by the end of February. By April 1813, troops reached the Elbe. On April 5, the military commander caught a cold and fell ill in the small town of Bunzlau (Prussia, now the territory of Poland). Alexander 1 arrived to say goodbye to the very weakened field marshal. Behind the screens near the bed on which Kutuzov was lying was the official Krupennikov who was with him. Kutuzov’s last dialogue, overheard by Kruppenikov and betrayed by Chamberlain Tolstoy: “Forgive me, Mikhail Illarionovich!” - “I forgive, sir, but Russia will not forgive you.”

Patriotic War of 1812 Yakovlev Alexander Ivanovich

How did the French behave in Moscow?

The first to enter Moscow on the evening of September 2 were the advanced units of Murat's corps, who showed off in front of his horsemen in a gold-embroidered purple velvet uniform, white trousers, yellow boots and a hat with a huge white plume.

On September 2, at two o'clock in the afternoon, the emperor's headquarters reached the great city, which was then larger than Paris. There were shouts: “Moscow! Hooray! Long live Napoleon, long live the Emperor!” In one impulse, the French began to sing “La Marseillaise.”

Napoleon spent a long time admiring the panorama of the huge city from the Sparrow Hills. Under the rays of the autumn sun, the domes of hundreds of churches sparkled among the greenery of the gardens. “So, finally, this famous city! - he exclaimed. “Now the war is over!”

Having crossed the river on a white Arabian horse, he stopped on Poklonnaya Hill in anticipation of the “delegation of boyars”, who were supposed to bring him the keys to the city, as before - from Brussels, Berlin, Vienna and other European cities. The fleeing king of Prussia even sent a letter asking if everything was comfortable for him in the royal palace. The Emperor accepted congratulations from his officers. He was given a letter from the Austrian Foreign Minister Metternich, who wrote: “Russia no longer exists!..”

Napoleon and his army on Poklonnaya Hill in front of Moscow, awaiting the deputation of boyars with the keys to the city. Artist V. Vereshchagin. 1891–1892

However, the boyars still did not go. Murat and the cavalrymen were sent after them, but in vain. “These rascals are hiding, but we will find them! - Napoleon exclaimed irritably. “They will crawl to us on their knees!” Did he understand that the old Russian capital had not surrendered to him? This became clear to him the very next day.

The conqueror went to the Kremlin and settled in the Grand Palace. The weather was so good that the few Muscovites were surprised. Napoleon rode horseback and repeated with pleasure: “In Moscow, autumn is better and even warmer than in Fontainebleau [a suburb of Paris].” He continued to lead his empire and all of Europe, receiving hundreds of dispatches and sending dozens of letters and decrees on a variety of issues.

His soldiers scattered around the city - hungry, many ragged and barefoot. Having reached Moscow, they set out to hunt for themselves, who needed what. The marauders wandered around the city and took chickens from the remaining residents, stole horses and cows, entered empty houses and took what they wanted.

The Moscow authorities and merchants did not have time to remove everything. What remained were arsenals of weapons, warehouses of food supplies, mountains of sugar, flour, thousands of liters of vodka and wine, warehouses with cloth, linen, and fur products. The women ran away so quickly that they left the diamonds on the dressing table. In many houses, wall clocks ticked rhythmically. Everything became the prey of the invaders.

Military quartermaster Henri Beyle (later to become the famous writer Stendhal) wrote on October 4 from Moscow: “I went with Louis to look at the fire. We saw how a certain Sauvois, a horse artilleryman, drunk, hit a guards officer with the flat of his saber and scolded him for absolutely nothing. One of his fellow robbers went deeper into the burning street, where he probably fried himself... Little Mr. J. came to rob a little with us, and began to offer us as a gift everything that we had taken without him. My servant was completely drunk, he dumped tablecloths, wine, a violin that he took for himself, and other sundry things into the carriage.”

Marauders

Someone told them that the large cross on the Kremlin bell tower of Ivan the Great was made of pure gold. They broke the cross and threw it to the ground, only later, during the retreat, the Cossacks found it in the French convoy. In the Kremlin Assumption Cathedral, a huge silver chandelier was removed, and in its place scales were hung for weighing stolen goods in churches.

The French violated Orthodox shrines: they entered churches, stripped gold and silver frames from icons, and in total plundered 320 pounds of silver and about 20 pounds of gold (all this was later recaptured from them by the Cossacks). 127 churches were looted and destroyed. They turned church altars into dining tables, and sacred garments were used as blankets for horses. Marshal Davout slept in the altar of the Pudovo Monastery, and in the Archangel Cathedral a dead horse lay in the altar. The blasphemy of the European barbarians was amazing: they chopped icons for firewood, threw the holy relics of St. Alexis and St. Philip onto the floor, turned many churches into stables, they cursed everything sacred in every possible way, forgetting that the Lord cannot be mocked...