War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide

Tushin’s battery managed to set fire to Schöngrabern, which delayed the advance of the French, who were occupied putting out fires.  The left flank —which consisted of the Azóv and Podólsk regiments as well as the Pávlograd hussars, tried to attack but were stymied by superior forces under Gen. Lannes. Bagration sent Zherkóv to the general commanding the left flank with orders to retreat.  Zherkóv, who Andrei once chastised for unprofessionalism, made the decision to deviate from duty but give himself the best chance to live.  He began to “look” for the general in places he would not be.   The commanders who should have received the message to retreat led the units that Nicholas Rostov (Hussars) and Dolokhov (Semënov) were a part of.  There was confusion and posturing between the leaders, a colonel and general. With lofty words, they were arguing that that the other should proceed. Neither was ready for action.  Their men had just been engaged in peaceful pursuits. Nonetheless, cannon and musketry thundered