Operations near Vilna 1812

Two centuries ago the French Army was learning the hard way about the need to keep supply for the massive 500,000 men that were in operations.

They were slowing down and growing very hungry in their attempt to catch Prince Bagration in the Vilna region.

"The pace of the French advance was now clearly slackening, as a combination of pouring rain, delayed convoys, and scarce intelligence reduced the forward movement to a crawl.  Clearly, the Campaign of Russia would not be over in the first twenty days -- as originally estimated."

~ Chandler, D. The Campaigns of Napoleon p.775

Russian forces retreat, leaving scorched earth behind them.