On the Road...

On the roads of Northern France.

A week ago, the 1st regiment of the grenadiers of the imperial guard left their encampment heading towards the concentration zone.

Each morning, the troop would start its march at sunrise and, by early afternoon, would have traveled about thirty kilometers. Each hour, a halt of a few minutes was used to eat or smoke a pipe. Mid-way a 30 minute break allowed for a refreshing rest.

When arrived at destination, after finding lodging among the populace, the soldiers would try to find a bite to eat, even flirt with the young ladies who were always welcoming.

The officers would have many discussions which were closely followed. Sergeant Bonheur was friends with the company leader, captain Le Sang...The courageous Bonheur, merely a corporal at the time, had saved him from certain death in an engagement at Marengo.

Also the sergeant knew the Emperor awaited his guard to march with it in this new campaign.

August 7th 1805... Excerpt from the book of Sergeant Bonheur

1st Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Regiment of the grenadiers of the imperial guard.