“This battle,” says the French historian, “opened to Napoleon the gates of Moscow! Alas! that this new victory should have been so fatal to us!” [Illustration: THE BATTLE OF MOSCOW.] THE SKIRMISH. The French army, spread over all the provinces of the Peninsula, was surrounded by enemies; but could encounter none. The guerillas showed themselves on every side, but they could not be come at any where. Invisible foes, Proteus-like,--they ceaselessly dispersed or rallied at the voice of their chiefs. Well-informed on all points, the enemy’s most trivial movements were signalled to them, and prompt and faithful reports reached them through the peasants. Was a weak garrison left in a small village,--it was next day swept away by a guerilla! Was any considerable force of troops led against these free-booters,--not a soul was to be met. At the order of the chiefs the soldiers concealed their arms, and dispersed, only to unite at a totally different point! Mark well the Spanish guerilla, the _guerillero_ of the Peninsula, the _kleft_ of the Greeks, and the bandit of Italy, such as are known to be men of spirit, and think not that this insurgent is looked on with an unfavorable eye in his own country; far otherwise, he renders too many services, and performs his business with too much _conscience_, not to be occasionally visited with notions of valor and glory. He assassinates, martyrs, and mutilates; but thinks no offering more acceptable to one of the old saints he invokes, or to his guardian patron. [Illustration: THE SKIRMISH.] EVERYONE TO HIS OWN CALLING. One day Napoleon, followed by three or four officers, passed through the market on his way to the Tuileries. The customary acclamations followed him. A green-grocer cried out that he ought to make peace: “Good woman,” answered the Emperor, smiling, “continue selling your cabbages, and leave me to do that which concerns me,--every man to his own calling.” At this the crowd laughed and shouted, “_Vive l’Empereur!_” [Illustration: “EVERY ONE TO HIS OWN CALLING.”] THE DEATH OF PONIATOWSKI. In escaping from the field of Leipzig, Poniatowski attempted to cross the Elster by swimming, but unfortunately was drowned. Vernet has given us an admirable picture and has conveyed in lines not to be mistaken, the courage and fearlessness of the General in his daring attempt. Previous to the battle of Leipzig, which occurred on the 19th of November, 1813, Poniatowski had received his orders from Napoleon, and on leaving him observed “we are all ready to die for your majesty.” [Illustration: THE DEATH OF PONIATOWSKI.] NAPOLEON AT LUTZEN. The misfortunes at Moscow had disappointed the French Nation; the 29th bulletin was published at Paris when Napoleon arrived at the Tuileries; he alone could save the country, he alone could repair the disasters of the grand army! France was not indifferent to the voice of her chief; she knew well how to value his ardent patriotism.