Yes, but if I had it in my power, I would do one thing. I would take no prisoners. The French destroyed my home and mean to destroy Moscow. They have insulted me and continue to insult me every second. They are my enemies. They are criminals. Timokhin thinks as I do. The whole army too. We must punish them. They plunder and kill our children. How can we talk about rules of war and mercy? We must take no prisoners, but kill and be prepared to die. War is not about decency. It is the lowest thing men stoop to. One must realize this and not make a game out of war. War is a dreadful necessity. Cast off the lies and see war as war. It is no game.
