Liveblogging Napoleon's Russian Invasion: Napoleon's Dismay at Vilna

According to his companion-in-arms General Armand de Caulaincourt, Napoleon was more than a little displeased with the unwillingness of the Russians to accept battle at Vilna:

The Emperor had definite information of the retreating movement of the enemy. He ws amazed that they had yielded Wilna without a struggle, and had taken their decision in time to escape him.

It was truly heart-breaking for him to have to give up all hope of a great battle before Wilna. . . . His first question to any officer coming to headquarters from the various army corps was, "How many prisoners have been taken?" He was anxious for trophies, so as to encourage the Poles. And no one sent him any. . . . .

The Emperor decided to summon M. Balachof to Wilna. ... The Emperor Napoleon said:

"My brother Alexander [i.e., the Tsar], who showed himself so haughty with Narbonne, already wants a settlement. He is afraid. My maneuvers have disconcerted the Russians; before a month is over they will be on their knees to me."

M. Balachof brought a letter from the Tsar Alexander, and also instructions in keeping with its contents, to demand the reasons for the invasion in peacetime and without any declaration of war. He was also to propose, in the absence of any known grievance caused by misunderstanding between the two States, to exchange explanations and to avoid war if the Emperor Napoleon would retire to his positions behind the Niemen, pending negotiations. ... [I]n the presence of the Prince of Neuchatel, the Duke of Istria, myself, and I think, Duroc, the Emperor Napoleon said in a loud voice:

"Alexander is laughing at me. Does he imagine tht I have come to Wilna to discuss trade treaties. I have come to finish off, once and for all, the Collosus of Northern Barbarism. The sword is drawn. They must be thrust back into their snow and ice, so that for a quarter of a century at least they will not be able to interfere with civilized Europe."

--Armand de Caulaincourt, With Napoleon in Russia 50-52

(William Morrow, New York, 1935)