two in the afternoon
Field-works had been thrown up at several points , and near the centre were two strong redoubts commanding Borodino and the high-road . Other strong works had been erected at important points . -LSB- Illustration : PLAN OF THE BATTLE OF BORODINO . -RSB- Considerably in advance of the general line of the position a strong work had been erected ; this it was necessary to take before the main position could be attacked , and at two in the afternoon of the 5th , Napoleon directed an assault to be made upon this redoubt . It was obstinately held by the Russians . They were several times driven out , but , as often , reinforcements came up , and it was captured by them ; and finally , after holding it until nightfall , they fell back to their main position , the loss having been heavy on both sides . The next day was spent by Napoleon in reconnoitring the Russian position and deciding the plan of attack .