MURAT AND DAVOUST QUARREL.

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then occupied, and that Junot had intended to watch for amoment when some little alteration might occur in theaspect of the engagement. In answer to this apology, theKing put himself at the head of this cavalry—animated itby his example—dragged them as it were along with him,fell upon the Russians , overthrew them, then returningto Junot , he exclaimed “you finish now this business;—your glory lies there, as also a field marshal’s Baton!”He then rejoined his own troops ; at this juncture Kutasoffsuperseded Barklay de Tolly in the command of theRussian armies.

I must not forget to observe that a field marshal with hisdivision was always under the immediate orders of Murat asforming the vanguard of the grand army. After the battleof Valontina, the troops of Ney being exceedingly harassed,were replaced by those of Davoust, but the latter being ofa more methodical disposition, and never having receivedany commands but from the Emperor himself, almostrefused to obey Murat. Much ill blood ensued, and finally,Murat was with difficulty restrained by his friends, especiallythe chief of his staff General Belliard , from forcing Davoustto a personal combat. However, the latter obeyed, but witha bad grace. Subsequently, on several occasions, when Muratrequired the co-operation of Davoust’s infantry, altercationsoccurred, the particulars of which I cannot stop to repeat.

From the intelligence now received by Napoleon of theredoubts and works constructing by the Russians on thegreat plain of Borodino, he announced to his army an ap-proaching battle, and he ordered two days to be devoted torest, preparing the arms, and collecting provisions.

It was on the 4th of September that the French armydivided as usual, into three columns, advanced from Gjatz,but also, as usual its progress was impeded by the clouds ofCossacks that hovered over its advance, perpetually obligingvoi» i. 2 i