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All Moscow talks of nothing but war. One of my two brothers is

already abroad, the other is with the Guards, who are starting on

their march to the frontier. Our dear Emperor has left Petersburg

and it is thought intends to expose his precious person to the

chances of war. God grant that the Corsican monster who is

destroying the peace of Europe may be overthrown by the angel

whom it has pleased the Almighty, in His goodness, to give us as

sovereign! To say nothing of my brothers, this war has deprived

me of one of the associations nearest my heart. I mean young

Nicholas Rostov, who with his enthusiasm could not bear to remain

inactive and has left the university to join the army. I will

confess to you, dear Mary, that in spite of his extreme youth his

departure for the army was a great grief to me.