The opening of I. THE LAST IMPERIAL VICTORY[1]
[Footnote 1: References: Pierron: Napoleon, de Dresde a Leipzig. Pelet: Des principales operations de la campagne de 1813. York von Wartenburg: Precis militaire de la campagne de 1813 en Allemagne. Clement: Campagne de 1813. Luedtke: Die strategische Bedeutung der Schlacht bei Dresden. Sorel: L'Europe et la revolution francaise, Vol. VIII.]
Napoleon's Prospects -- The Preparations and Plans of the Coalition -- Cross-purposes of the Combatants -- Condition of Napoleon's Mind -- Strength and Weakness of the Allies -- Renewal of Hostilities -- The Feint in Silesia -- Napoleon at Dresden -- First Day's Fighting -- The Victory Won on the Second Day.
[Sidenote: 1813]
In later years Napoleon confessed that during the interval between the first and second Saxon campaigns he had been outwitted. His antagonists had, in his own language, "changed for the better"; at least they secured the war they so earnestly desired under conditions vastly more favorable to themselves than to their opponent. Both parties had been arming with might and main during the prolonged truce, but each member of the dynastic coalition now had the backing of a growing national enthusiasm, while Napoleon had to deal with waning zeal and an exhausted people.