Chapter 315 A Prospect Of Another Victory Part 2

With the coalition forces defeated at Leipzig, Napoleon now had the momentum to push upwards toward Berlin.

On September 6th, 1804, Napoleon's army swiftly advanced through the defenses erected by the Prussian and Russian forces in the town of Wittenberg. Approximately twenty thousand French troops led the charge.

As the French forces advanced, the coalition forces fought valiantly, determined to defend their position at Wittenberg. The battle raged on for hours, with both sides exchanging volleys of bolt-action fire, artillery barrages, and fierce cavalry charges.

The Prussian and Russian troops, despite being outnumbered, displayed remarkable courage and resilience. They held their ground, refusing to yield to the advancing French forces. The streets of Wittenberg became a battleground, with buildings reduced to rubble and the air thick with smoke and dust.

Napoleon, from his command post, closely monitored the progress of the battle. He knew that breaking through Wittenberg was crucial to achieving his goal of reaching Berlin and possibly ending the war.

r. The French troops pressed forward relentlessly, inch by inch, paying a heavy price for every yard gained.

As the day wore on, fatigue and desperation began to take their toll on the coalition forces. Their ranks thinned, and their ammunition ran low. Despite their valiant efforts, it became increasingly clear that the French were gaining the upper hand.

In the late afternoon, a decisive moment arrived. The Prussian and Russian commanders like General Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher and Russian General Pyotr Bagration realized that Wittenburg was a lost cause. Reluctantly, they ordered a retreat, pulling back their remaining forces from Wittenberg.

Napoleon's army had prevailed, securing a hard-fought victory in the battle. The French tricolor flew high above Wittenberg as the town fell into French hands. The coalition forces, battered but not broken, retreated in two separate locations.

The Prussian forces retreated back to Berlin while the Russian forces retreated to Russia.

Napoleon had two choices, it's either split his forces into two, chase both armies, or he could focus on defeating the Prussian first and then redirect all of his strength to Russia.

Since there was no British to help Ferdinand I, the invasion, supported by the French Navy, would be an easy operation.

Napoleon's dreams of unifying Italy and Germany under his authority were inching closer to reality. He was wrong that he didn't want the war of the third and fourth coalition, he needed it.

***

September 25th, 1804. Sanssouci Palace.

Napoleon sat at a large dining table enjoying a hearty breakfast. On his plate were various Prussian dishes such as the Königsberger Klopse, savory Sauerbraten, and delicate Kartoffelsalat. The room was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries.

While having those breakfast, Talleyrand reported the news to Napoleon.

"The Polish are revolting, Your Majesty."

Napoleon paused mid-bite against Russian occupation," Talleyrand said. "They're seeking your support and assistance in their fight for independence."

Napoleon paused, his fork halfway to his mouth. The news intrigued him. After all, it's one that he had been anticipating.

"Prepare a message to the Polish leaders. Tell them that France stands with them in their struggle for freedom. Once we defeated the last enemy of France, Russia. I will secure their independence."

"Understood, Your Majesty. As for the next order of business, the Prussian King, Frederick William III, is ready to meet and discuss your terms of peace," Talleyrand continued.

Napoleon nodded, contemplating the negotiation ahead. "Very well."