War and Peace, Book 2: 1805, Chapter 14 summary
Book 2: 1805, Chapter 14 of 365 · 5 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 14, Kutúzov retreats toward Znaim and sends Bagratión ahead to delay the French, whose advance threatens to trap his army. Murat mistakes Bagratión’s detachment for the whole Russian force and offers a truce, giving Kutúzov time to move his baggage before Napoleon orders an immediate attack.
What happens
- A spy warns Kutúzov that the French threaten his communications, and he chooses the dangerous retreat toward Znaim.
- Bagratión crosses roadless hills overnight and reaches Hollabrünn before the French, despite exhaustion and many stragglers.
- Murat mistakes the detachment for Kutúzov’s whole army and proposes a three-day truce while awaiting reinforcements.
- Count Nostitz withdraws his advanced posts, while Bagratión refers the truce proposal to Kutúzov.
- Kutúzov sends Wintzingerode to negotiate and offer capitulation terms while secretly accelerating his baggage trains.
- Napoleon recognizes the delaying tactic and orders Murat to attack; Bagratión’s men rest without knowing the danger.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The pause transforms Kutúzov’s position by giving his transport time to advance. It results from Murat’s mistaken estimate of the Russian force.
Quick check
Why does Murat initially offer a three-day truce?
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