History of the Expedition to Russia 1812: Pt. 1

History of the Expedition to Russia 1812: Pt. 1

by Philippe de Segur (Author)

Synopsis

On 23 June 1812, with virtually all of Europe under his control, Napoleon Bonaparte and his Grand Armee, the largest force yet assembled for war, crossed the River Niemen into Russia in an attempt to defeat the Russian army and force the Tsar, Alexander I, into a Treaty confirming Napoleon's dominance over the whole of continental Europe. Over half a million men embarked on the invasion and, initially, the attack went well, the Russians retreating before the French to within 70 miles of Moscow. Here, though, the Russians turned and fought one of the bloodiest battles of the war, at Borodino, with total casualties approaching 100,000. The Russians withdrew further and Napoleon entered Moscow on 14 September. These events were experienced by the author of this account, General of Brigade Count Philip de Segur. His detailed, eye-witness account of an epoch-making campaign is compelling reading. This first volume relates events leading up to the burning of Moscow, a precursor to the horrors of the French retreat related in Volume Two.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 192
Edition: 7th Ed
Publisher: Nonsuch Publishing
Published: 31 Oct 2005

ISBN 10: 1845880218
ISBN 13: 9781845880217

Author Bio
Philip Paul, Comte de Segur, (1780-1873) was born into a long line of military men. In 1800 he enlisted in the cavalry and saw his first major action with General Macdonald in the Grison. Like his father before him he was also a historian and his first publication was an account of this first campaign. He was attached to the personal staff of Napoleon and in this capacity was present at most of Bonaparte's major campaigns, including the Russian expedition and the Peninsular Wars, as well as doing diplomatic duties when required. After the restoration of the Monarchy he remained in the army, but having supported Napoleon during the Hundred Days he was retired until 1818. In 1831 he received the rank of Lieutenant-General and a peerage. As well as his military achievements he was admitted to the French Academy in 1830 and published several works of French history.