around it, even before the seal of secrecy is removed, but especially when, as in the present case, a total change of circumstances renders secrecy no longer necessary. We have only to add, that though the idolatry of Count Ségur towards Napoleon is not sufficient to satisfy his critic, he must in other eyes be considered as an admirer of the late Emperor; and that those who knew the French army, will find no reason to suspect him of being a false brother.--S. [119] Ségur, tom. i., p. 147; Jomini, tom. iv., p. 58. [120] Ségur, tom. i., p. 122; De Pradt, p. 119. CHAPTER LVIII. _Proceedings of the Army under Prince Bagration--Napoleon's manœuvres against him--King Jerome of Westphalia is disgraced for alleged inactivity--Bagration is defeated by Davoust, but succeeds in gaining the interior of Russia, and re-establishing his communication with the Grand Army--which retreats to Drissa--Barclay and Bagration meet at Smolensk on the 20th July--The French Generals become anxious that Napoleon should close the campaign at Witepsk for the season--He persists in proceeding--Smolensk evacuated by De Tolly, after setting fire to the place--Reduced condition of the French, and growing strength of the Russian Armies--Peace effected between Russia, and England, Sweden, and Turkey--Napoleon resolves to advance upon Moscow._ [Sidenote: PROTRACTED STAY AT WILNA.] Napoleon continued to occupy his headquarters at Wilna, from 28th June to 16th July, the space of eighteen days. It was not usual with him to make such long halts; but Wilna was his last point of communication with Europe, and he had probably much to arrange ere he could plunge into the forests and deserts of Russia, whence all external intercourse must be partial and precarious. He named Maret Duke of Bassano, Governor of Lithuania, and placed under the management of that minister the whole charge of correspondence with Paris and with the armies; thus rendering him the centre of administrative, political, and even military communication between the Emperor and his dominions.