Napoleon, in one of the worst decisions of his life (by his own admission), accepts Austrian mediation and agrees to an armistice that was to last (later extended) until July 20, 1813. Had he insisted on Poland, he would have divided the Russians and Prussians, terrorized the Austrians, and secured a more advantageous peace. Barclay de Tolly can’t believe his luck: at the right moment, when his troops are exhausted, he has six weeks to restore them.
