midnight
In spite , therefore , of the terrible losses and calamities she had suffered , Russia looked forward with ardent hope and expectations to the future . Frank Wyatts 's work throughout the campaign had been arduous in the extreme . It is true that it was done on horseback instead of on foot , that he had not hunger to contend against , and that for the most part his nights were passed in a shelter of some kind . But from daybreak until sunset , and frequently till midnight , he was incessantly occupied , from the moment when Napoleon turned his back on Moscow , until the last remnant of his army crossed the frontier . Until after the battle at Malo-Jaroslavets on the 24th of October , when the French army owed its safety solely to Kutusow 's refusal to hurl all his forces against it , he had remained at headquarters , where he was assisted in his work by the Earl of Tyrconnel , who was now also acting as aide-de-camp to Sir Robert Wilson . He was a delightful companion and a most gallant young officer , and a fast friendship became established between him and Frank , during the time the Russian army was remaining inactive , while Napoleon was wasting the precious time at Moscow , unable to bring himself to acknowledge the absolute failure of his plans caused by the refusal of the Russians to treat with him , after his occupation of their ancient capital . But after Kutusow had allowed the French to slip past they saw but little of each other , for one or other of them was always with the troops pressing hard on the French rear , it being their duty to keep Sir Robert , who was necessarily obliged to stay at headquarters , thoroughly informed of all that was going on in front , and of the movements both of the French and Russian divisions .