As Andrey observes Bagration during the barrage, he suddenly realizes the general gives no orders to the officers reporting to him. Rather, he seems to approve of everything they tell him, and the officers return to their men calmer and more cheerful. Marching past Bagration, the troops seem composed and confident, and when the general leads the attack, with a"hurrah" the men gaily plunge down the hill to rout the enemy. This covers the retreat of the right flank. Tushin, whose battery has been overlooked and abandoned in the center, meanwhile sets fire to the town of Schöngraben. The French are kept busy putting out the flames while the Russians gain more time for retreat. Nikolay's regiment, however, is attacked before it can get away. Denisov encourages his hussars, and Rostov joyfully spurs his horse to a gallop. His mount shot out from under him, Nikolay sees the enemy running toward him. He realizes in surprise that they intend to kill him —"me whom everyone is so fond of" — and he races back to his own lines.
Meantime Captain Tushin and his gunners are isolated but they maintain a steady fire until Andrey brings orders to retreat. Bolkonsky fights his panic as he remains to help remove the cannon.
As he gathers his officers' battle reports, Bagration holds Tushin in disgrace for abandoning two cannon in the center. The little captain is too humble to explain there were no troops to reinforce him. Prince Andrey offers explanation, saying how Tushin operated with two-thirds of his men disabled and no troops to back him up. We owe our success to Captain Tushin's steadfastness and bravery, he tells Bagration. Then he abruptly leaves the council, feeling bitter and melancholy.
Meanwhile Nikolay huddles over a fire in the woods, lonely and miserable. He recalls the cheerful faces of his family, sees images of soldiers wounded, unwounded, battling, and forlornly wonders why he came to be here.
