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Here on this map revised from the West Point
Atlas we see that by 14 July Napoleon has gained considerable advantage despite
having to spread his forces over a wide frontage. The French are well between
Barclay and Bagration. But all Napoleon's columns are suffering delays due to
the absence of decent roads and the difficulties both of bringing supplies
forward and finding food and fodder locally to live off the land. Barclay is
realizing that if he stays in the Russian fortified camp at Drissa he will be
trapped. Bagration is moving east with all possible spead to avoid being cut
off by Davout who has already captured Minsk. But Jerome is moving much to
slowly and he was soon replaced in command. Schwarzemburg has positioned units
to cover the right rear of the Grand Army against movement north by Tormassov.
Macdonald is securing the ports and major towns in Courland preparing to move
on Riga. When we read in history texts that the Grand Army had over 600,000
troops we are impressed. But looking on this theater map we see that even that
large number was soon spread quite thin in the vast area. We remember, too,
that in 1812 military units only controlled the area immediately around
themselves, not large areas as in World War II. Coming next is the start of the
race between Barclay and Grouchy for Vitebsk.
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