PultuskDecember 26, 1806

After the annihilation of the Prussian Army at Jena-Auerstadt, Prussia's allies, the Russians, found themselves faced by the entire French army. Napoleon's forces were suffering from severe fatigue and shortages of every kind due to the rapid pursuit of the shattered Prussians. The Russians were more rested than the French, but were suffering from command indecision and still had not replaced the losses from Austerlitz the year before. Napoleon needed to draw the Russians into a major battle to allow him to safely retire into winter quarters and rest his army. To this effect, Marshal Lannes was ordered to establish a bridgehead across the Narew at Pultusk. It was here that his Fifth Corps came upon the rear guard of Benningsen's First Army, . . . or so he thought!