Snappy Nappy

The Russian Conflagration of 1812

French and Russian Messages
in Chronological Order

by Russ Lockwood

Commanders Communiques

The following is a chronological listing of all the messages that survived the campaign. They form an intensely personal recollection of events and impressions of the Snappy Nappy 1812 French Invasion of Russia. As is the norm, they represent only what the particular commanders observed at the time. As Snappy Nappy is a real-time recreation, the time is listed first, followed by who the message is to, the sender, and the actual message. Usual delivery times were 10-15-20 minutes after sending, although on occasion, longer times were required for messages to travel longer distances.

John (left) and Joe battle each other for Russian terrain and tablespace.

Good news and bad become intermingled. Remember, there's an average lag of 15 minutes between sending a message and receiving it. French side: Emperor (Mike), Fred, Keith, Joe, and Steve. Russian side: Czar (Ed), John, Michael, Dan. Note that Michael eventually did double duty--when the French abandoned the siege of Riga, there was little for him to do, but there was a new force coming up from the south that he took commmand of. It never got into the battle, but you'll see earlier messages refer to his command around Riga, and later messages to his southern flank command.

Times are when the message was sent. Clarifications in [brackets].

Messages

1:30: From Czar to Dan: I am about to join you. Consider these notes a sketch for future. I would like to maintain a sizeable threat along the southern edge of your area -- Brest to Lutsk for the duration of your battle. Continue as directed for now. If the French turn south in force to oppose you, so much the better. In that event, we will have to re-think your position.

1:31: From Dan to Czar: Two corps attacking Vilnius, backed up by one more corp. One corp heading to Bialystok. Two corps heads north of Kovno. Two corps still milling around at Kovno.

1:31: From Michael to Czar: Looks like two corps moving fast to Riga.

1:50: From Dan to Czar: Two additional corps off map west of Brest that are coming to Brest. Contacting French at Bialystok. I expect to attract a lot of attention.

1:59: From Czar to Michael: You should be able to hold inside the fort at Riga against two corps. Deploy your army to best advantage. Be sure to sign your messages and include precise info about type and location of French corps.

2:13: From Michael to Czar: Two-three corps. They are crossing Shavli. Six artillery. They are 12" away from Mitau. In two turns, most of corps will be 12" away from Riga. Next turn I'll send a note.

2:19 From Czar to John: Currently, the road east from Lida is unscreened. The French could cross there soon if they wished. At this moment, they show litle interest in doing so. The French are attacking Vilnius -- it may fall soon. This info provided for your info. No change of orders at this time.

2:34: From Michael to Czar: They have four corps, 14" away from Riga. Elite artillery, six 6lber. I think I'm dead. I will be able to hold Riga for about two turns.

2:40: From Czar to Constantine: As you near Riga, contact Michael whois in command of 6th Corp and defending Riga. Request an update of his status -- he faces two French Corps. If in your judgement the fortress of Riga is in real danger of falling, support Michael and his efforts. If the fortress is not in danger of falling, carry on with your previous orders

2:43: From Fred to Napoleon: The enemy willl soon force the crossing at Bialystok. They have at least two infantry corps and two cavalry corps. This will open up the road north to Kovno.

2:48: From Czar to Michael: Thank you for your update. DEFEND conservatively. I have instructed Constantine [5th corp] to ask you for a status check. If Riga will fall *unless* you receive help, tell Constantine this and 5th Corp will assist you. Good luck. Hold firm!

2:55 From Czar to John: By now you have engaged the French. They are strung out and do not have a large force to follow up. In the short term you should be OK. The road between Lida and Navogrudok is *probably* secure for the short to medium term future. If you need to fall back [retreat orders], do so. Keep in mind there are no friendly corps nearby to screen your retreat. In short, remember your conditional geographical orders [from before], and MOVE rather than commit to a full combat that will eventually render you unable to fight at all.

2:57: From Czar to Michael: By now I hope you have heard from Constantine (5th Corps). I hear you are facing four French corps. I am ordering Constantine to assist you. Hold out for as long as possible! Defend that fort!

2:58: From Czar to Constantine: Assist Riga fortress defense ASAP.

2:59: From Keith to Napoleon: I have crossed the River at Vilnius and have met the too-well dug-in corps. I will attempot to circumvent or defeat them, but am hard pressed. I request immediate aid.

3:00: From John to Czar: French have appeared on the roads to Svencionys and Asmjaney. We are holding them at bay for now, but will fall back if pressed.

3:03: From Napoleon to Fred: Zenburg and Reynier defend Kovno. Call Eugene's corps for help.

3:08: From Michael to Czar: Two corps are charging Riga. Two corps are trying to cross the Dvina River. Not doing good. Light Cav is in panic. Artillery is holding them back a little.

3:09: From John to Czar: The French have been repulsed from the 2nd and 3rd Corps.

3:13 From Czar to John: FYI, 1 or 2 corps of French stretched out on road to Vilnius -- bottleneck. Expect them to expand beside the road to some degree. At this moment, they are vulnerable to counterattack. I hearby change your orders to PROBE in case you wish to take advantage of this. If so, suggest you do so with 1 corp only. Remember that by the time you get this, things may have changed.

3:22: From Michael to Czar: They plan to cross Dvina River or go around it. I'm holding fort good until 12lber artillery got there. Should last two more turns. Sending note to Constantine.

3:28: From Michael to Czar: Fort under attack in Riga. Artillery holding them back little. Two corps are going around river.

3:35: From Czar to Michael: I hear you are charged by two corps while two cross the Dvina River. Do they have a bridging unit? Continue holding. I have ordered 5th Corp to support and assist you.

3:45: From Michael to Czar: Four units and general, all in fort, holding for as long as possible. Help would be nice. Five corps it looks like.

3:48: From Keith to Fred: Do you need assistance? Napoleon is crushing the Russians that block us and I am holding against a potential Russian flank march. If your situation is dire, reply and we will attempt to move to your aid. PS: FIND EUGENE!

3:55: From Joe to Napoleon: Braslav is garrisoned with a [Russian] infantry division. On the road to Braslav is another [Russian] infantry division and three guns [units]. A cavalry division is at Svencionys. Cavalry on road to Asmjaney, with division of infantry in the town. The road from Molodenchno has a cavalry group justnorth of the town. I could fight my way through Braslav and cross the river west of Drissa instead of bridging the river. What do you wish me to do?

3:57: From Fred to Napoleon: 4 Russian corps are pressing attack on Vilnius from north and east. No need for help yet!

4:05: From Michael to Czar: Constantine has come to help me. Four 6lber artillery holding fort well.

4:14: From Michael to Czar: Rest of Napoleon's army is leaving, heading towards you. Holding Fort.

4:19: From Michael to Czar: Almost all of Napoleon's troops have left towards John. Send new orders soon.

4:29: From Michael to Czar: Well, one corp is still trying to siege Riga. I have two 6lber artillery [units], two infantry, and my general. I'll tell you when they leave. They're mostly holding at Shavli. Tell me how you're doing.

4:29: From Czar to Dan: Heavy French presence to NW of Svencionys village. This area will need some assistance. I also see French corps entering this area from the south of Vilnius. Area heavily outnumbered. When southern re-inforcements arrive, send them to assist. In the meantime, assist if you can--at your discretion.

4:31: From Czar to Michael: If the French completely withdraw, go south and harass them while remaining in a position to fall back to the fort. LEAVE THE FORT GARRISONED! Your orders are now SCREEN the fort. You can adjust to some degree to carry out your orders.

4:52: From Michael to Dan: Well, I've held the fort at Riga. 1 [French] corp is still here. Would be nice if you can help me, but you don't have to.

5:18: From Fred to Napoleon: Will lose Vilnius within 2 hours. Past hour saw many miraculous maneuvers by the enemy. Will try to hold on but unlikely.

5:23: From Michael to Dan, Czar, John: I've held the fort [Riga] for a long time and only lost a 6lber artillery unit. Could use some help killing the [French] corp. Anyway, Riga will be held for a long time.

5:26: From Dan to Czar: Have disintegrated two French corps. Will take 2-3 turns to liberate Vilnius. New Frenchcorp showed up but should not be a big problem.

5:27: From Fred to Napoleon: Need Rally orders for Latour and Nansouty.

5:34: From Czar to Dan: The "battle of the day" is developing near Dunaberg-Drissa-Minsk area. Currently, Napoleon is advancing on 2,3,4 Corps who cannot hold many turns. Constantine [Russian 5th Corp] fighting on North side of Dvina River, opposing pontoon bridge crossing/attempted crossing NW of Dunaberg--current crossing attempt at Jakobpils. All this info FYI. Stick a hand in at your discretion. Reserve corps from south OTW [on the way]. Army reserve app. [approaching] Minsk.

5:37: From Michael to Dan: Do you need help? Tell me so I can help you or John and Czar.

5:43: From Napoleon to Fred: Rally Latour and Nansouty.

5:46: From Czar to Dan: I have received word of your victories. Congratulations! Supporting the main effort is more essential than liberating Vilnius--still, at your discretion. Good work, comrade!

5:58: From Michael to Czar: How are you holding out? I am a few turns away from helping you. I have three corps. I'm coming as fast as I can. Dan is winning also.

6:02: From Fred to Napoleon: Have reformed Zenberg [corp]. Need Attack order. Am located near Bialystok.

6:17: From Fred to Napoleon: 1st and 4th Reserve Cavalry corps have collapsed. Remaining two corps close to Vilnius may do the same. Have deployed between Vilnius and Niemen River in a defense position. What are your orders? We are taking fire from heavy Russian batteries.

6:20: From Michael to Czar: I will be there in about 2-3 turns. So hold on.

6:20: From Czar to Dan: At moment, Napoleon cannot/is not bringing the bulk of his forces to bear. Once he does, things will fall apart, especially near Braslav, Svencionys, and possibly north of Dvina River near Dunaberg. If this happens, French troops might feel free to return to your area, especially Davout's troops, currently SE of Vilnius. Napoleon is concentrated north of road east from Vilnius all the way to River Dvina. FYI.

6:21: From Czar to Michael: What is your location? Dan could possibly use 1 of your corps. Other 2 should strive to join main battle in area of Minsk north to Dunaberg. Get to this area ASAP with two closest corps!

6:45: From Michael to Czar: Just got your note. The head of army [his three corps] is at Bialystok. So it could take some time.

6:46: From Steve to Napoleon: Vilnius under attack.

7:05: From Dan to Czar: Captured Vilnius and supply depot. Still engaged with estimated 3 French corps. Michael is re-inforcing your position on road from Stiffen. Can't help for at least two turns.

8:07: From Czar to Dan: Main French body now moving. It stretches from Molodenchko north to Dvina River. I have ordered Michael's corp [in Riga] to attack east about 12-16 inches south of Vilnius. You seem to have everything well in hand in your area. If one of your corps requires Rally orders, you have that option as a contingency order. If you take Vilnius and can disrupt [French] supply that runs through the town--and to the north --Nappy's main body will only have local supplies only.

8:07: From Czar to Michael: Regarding the corps you have on Dan's table. You do have one there, right? If you attack with it to the east, standing about 12-16" south of Vilnius, you will catch a French corp in the rear. This is true if you attack eats of Vilnius or north of Vilnius, too, but I guess you cannot get to either of those places. Or, do what Dan orders. Pick the one that is fastest.

Russian Superiority

You'll find that there are more Russian messages than French. Napoleon sent very few messages, even though his marshals wanted changes of orders and other guidance. The Emperor declared "I can't read their scrawl!" and refused to do more than glance at the messages. This had two consequences: one, Napoleon left the Marshals to their fate and original orders, and two, he isolated himself from the grand scheme. You have to give him credit for sticking to a plan, but when he changed plans, most of his Marshals didn't know it.

Czar Alexander, on the other hand, concentrated on keeping in touch with his units. He gathered information, wrote queries, assigned positions, and conducted C-in-C business.

More Snappy Nappy: The Russian Conflagration of 1812

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