Page:Picture of war (2).pdf/16

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In the midst of this scene of carnage, I discovered the body of a Russian cannoneer, decorated with three crosses. In the one hand he held a broken sword, and with the other firmly grasped the carriage of the gun at which he had so valiantly fought.

Retreat of the Wounded.

The most horrid spectacle (continues our author) was, the interior of the ravines, where almost all the wounded, who were able to drag themselves along, had taken refuge to avoid further injury. These miserable creatures, heaped one upon another, and swimming in their blood, uttered the most heart-rending groans. They frequently invoked death with piercing cries, and eagerly besought us to put an end to their agonies.

Moscow at a distance.

While the fourth corps was constructing a bridge across the Moskwa, the staff, about two o'clock, established itself on a lofty hill, whence we perceived a thousand elegant and gilded steeples, which, glittering in the rays of the sum, appeared at the distance like so many flaming globes. One of these globes, placed on the summit of a pillar, or an obelisk, had the exact appearance of a balloon, suspended in the air. Transported with delight at this beautiful spectacle, which was the more gratifying, from the