Book Thirteen
Kutuzov leads the Russian troops back toward Moscow, restraining them
from attacking the vestiges of the French army. Napoleon writes
an arrogant letter to Kutuzov from Moscow, which Kutuzov interprets
as asking for settlements. The Russian army is rested and stronger
than before, and is superior to the French forces in Moscow.
Kutuzov, with his characteristic genius of profiting from
randomness, is aware that he cannot restrain his troops, so he orders
an advance. Furious to discover that his orders are not received,
he is forced to wait an extra day. During the battle, the Russian
regiments are divided and confused as usual, and many men are killed
pointlessly. One regiment fights well, however. Kutuzov, who is
able to restrain his column from attacking, is decorated for the
battle.
Napoleon inexplicably withdraws from Moscow, avoiding
further battle engagements. Napoleon issues proclamations to the Muscovites
assuring them that churches, theaters, and marketplaces are operating
again, and that tranquility is returning to city life. None of these
proclamations have any real effect, and the French loot the city
as they depart.
Pierre spends a month ragged and barefoot in prison, respected by
his captors and on friendly terms with a nameless dog. His fellow inmate
Platon Karataev sews a shirt for a French officer and is forced
to hand over the leftover scraps of cloth. The officer then feels guilty
and gives the scraps back to Platon, who wants to use them as leg
bandages. Surprisingly, in prison Pierre feels happy for the first time
in his life, appreciating simple pleasures like food and sleep.
He remembers Andrew’s bitter comment that happiness is merely the absence
of suffering. Pierre now agrees with Andrew’s words—without the
bitterness.
The French release the Russian prisoners and force them
to march with the French troops in the evacuation of Moscow. During the
march, Pierre and the soldiers are happy despite cruelty and privations
on the part of the French. Pierre is aware of a mysterious force
that protects him from physical suffering. He knows that the French
cannot touch his immortal soul, regardless of what they do to his
body.
The Russian officers Dokhturov and Konovnitsyn receive
word that Napoleon is in Forminsk, and they pass this information
on to Kutuzov. Kutuzov, still wondering whether Borodino has dealt
a mortal wound to the French, receives the news gratefully, understanding
that Napoleon has left Moscow and that Russia is saved. As the French
forces retreat back to Smolensk on their way to France, Kutuzov
is unable to prevent Russian troops from attacking them.
