On the previous day Platov reconnoitered with two Cossack regiments and two squadrons of hussars.

Denisov, as was his wont, rode out in front of the outposts, parading his courage.

A bullet fired by a French sharpshooter hit him in the fleshy part of his leg.

Perhaps at another time Denisov would not have left the regiment for so slight a wound, but now he took advantage of it to excuse himself from appearing at the staff and went into hospital.