"At the time, I was still an infantry captain. After the Americans launched their sudden attack, we fought only one battle before beginning an unbroken retreat." As Major Makar recounted the tale in his plain, monotonous tone, Baron Léotard felt as though he were standing amid that war on the banks of the Mississippi River...
"Commander, we can't keep wasting time here!" Risking a breach of military discipline, Captain Makar pushed past the two guards blocking him and strode up to Napoleon. Looking north, he said, "You know that once the Americans capture Baton Rouge, New Orleans will be very difficult to defend.
"If we head back now, there should still be time!"
Indeed, after the French Army had been "routed" at Woodville, Napoleon had continuously avoided battle and retreated, even abandoning the important town of Baton Rouge. By now, they had fallen back into a wilderness along the lower Mississippi River.
Makar suspected that if the dense forest to the east had not blocked their marching route, Major Bonaparte would likely have fled straight back to New Orleans.
Seeing Napoleon's unconcerned expression, staff officer Souday, who stood nearby, cautiously added:
"Commander, those native soldiers have clearly been affected by our constant retreats. Every day, people are secretly deserting the army..." "Don't mind it. Those who remain are the true warriors." As Napoleon spoke, he lowered his Telescope and glanced at the stern-faced Makar. "Your post should not be here."
"I'm sorry, Commander, but..."
Napoleon waved a hand. "You needn't worry about Baton Rouge. Wayne will not attack it."
"Ah? Why?"
Napoleon gestured around them.
"He has pursued us for over half a month. Now that he has discovered we are trapped in a 'quagmire,' he will surely put everything aside and rush here to wipe us out." Makar looked