[257] "This deputation thought fit to make representations to the Emperor, on the danger which he might incur by advancing beyond the Oder, and to express to him a wish to see his conquests brought to a termination. This observation offended the Emperor, and he replied to the deputation, that he would make peace as soon as he could, but in such a way as to make it once for all; and that he could not refrain from showing his dissatisfaction at their want of consideration, in exhibiting the shameful spectacle of disunion between the chief of the state and the first constituted body of the nation, at the very time when they knew that the Russians were advancing to join the Prussians."--SAVARY, tom. ii., p. 210. CHAPTER XXXVI. _Retrospect of the Partition of Poland--Napoleon receives addresses from Poland, which he evades--He advances into Poland, Bennigsen retreating before him--Character of the Russian Soldiery--The Cossacks--Engagement at Pultusk, on 26th November, terminating to the disadvantage of the French--Bennigsen continues his retreat--The French go into winter quarters--Bennigsen appointed Commander-in-chief in the place of Kaminskoy, who shows symptoms of insanity--He resumes offensive operations--Battle of Eylau, 8th February, 1807--Claimed as a victory by both parties--The loss on both sides amounts to 50,000 men killed, the greater part Frenchmen--Bennigsen retreats upon Königsberg--Napoleon offers favourable terms for an Armistice to the King of Prussia, who refuses to treat, save for a general Peace--Napoleon falls back to the line of the Vistula--Dantzick is besieged, and surrenders--Russian army is poorly recruited--the French powerfully--Actions during the Summer--Battle of Heilsberg, and retreat of the Russians--Battle of Friedland, 14th June--An Armistice takes place on the 23d._ [Sidenote: POLAND.] Napoleon was politically justified in the harsh terms which he was desirous to impose on Prussia, by having now brought his victorious armies to the neighbourhood of Poland in which he had a good right to conceive himself sure to find numerous followers and a friendly reception.