twelve o'clock
Junot 's presence there , however , acted as a support to Poniatowski , who , covered by the fire of forty pieces of cannon , advanced against Touchkoff 's division . For a time he gained ground , but the Russian general , bringing up all his troops , assumed the offensive , and , driving Poniatowski back , recovered the lost ground . The brave Russian leader , however , was mortally wounded in the fight . It was now twelve o'clock , and so far the French had gained no advantage . Napoleon felt the necessity for a decisive effort , and concentrating his whole force , and posting 400 guns to cover the advance , sent it forward against the Russian left . The Russians , perceiving the magnitude of the movement , despatched large reinforcements to the defenders , and at the same time , to effect a diversion , sent the greater portion of their cavalry round to menace the French rear at Borodino . Three hundred Russian guns opposed the four hundred of the French , and amidst the tremendous roar of the guns , the great mass of French infantry hurled themselves upon the Russians .