At last this momentous day that was so awaited by Napoleon and his marshals came. They are before Moscow.

At 2p.m. on the 2nd (14th) of September Napoleon arrived to Poklonnaya (the place where someone bows) Hill 3 verts (1 vert=1.06km) from Moscow. The wonderful sight is before his very eyes. The ancient capital of Russia - Moscow - majestic in its original beauty crowned by the Kremlin appeared to the gaze of conqueror with its golden cupolas of innumerable cathedrals, domes, churches, convents burning in the sun rays. Here the superhuman efforts of the Grand Armee and its leader were to be finalized by the victory in the war.

Napoleon was intently looking at Moscow and its suburbs expecting the deputation that would ask him for the mercy to spare the city. But no one came. Moscow was empty.

"Moscow is deserted! It's incredible! It should be proved! Go there and bring me boyars!"

But there was nobody to bring.

Napoleon gave a sign and a powerful stream of soldiers entered Moscow. "Vive l'Empereor!" came from everywhere.