22 order. Searching for food, they spread themselves over the plain, burning and pillaging whatever fell in their way. The horses fell by thousands. The cannon and the waggons which had been aban- doned served only to obstruct the way. No sooner had the soldiers separated from the ranks, than they were assailed by a population eager to avenge the horrors of which it had been the victim. The Cossacks came to the succour of the peasants, and drove back to the great road, already filled with the dying and the dead, those of the followers who escaped from the carnage made among them.
The Retreat continued. Marching from Smolensko, a spectacle the most horrible was presented to our view. From that point till we arrived at a wretched ruined hamlet, at the distance of about three leagues, the road was entirely covered with cammon and ammunition-waggons, which they had scarce time to spike or to blow up. Horses in the agonies of death were seen at every step ; and sometimes whole teams, sinking, under the labours, fell together. All the defiles which the carriages could not pass, were filled with muskets, helmets, and breast-plates. Trunks broken open,
(illegible text)portmarteaus torn to pieces, and garments of every
kind were scattered over the valley. At every little rice, we met with trees, at the foot of which the soldiers had attempted to light a fire, but the poor wretches had perished were they could accomplish their object. We saw them stretched by dozens
