[3][4] In July 1812, France's Austrian and Saxon allies were given orders to move into Russia on the right flank of Napoleon's Grande Armée as it drove toward Moscow.

During July, the Russians successfully defended Kobryn and send troops north to Pruzhany and Bialystok spreading panic and concern.

[5] At daybreak on 12 August 1812, the allies attacked utilizing causeways to cross a marsh behind which Tormasov had established his defensive line and battery.

Concurrently Saxon forces shifted part of their focus and attacked the Russian position in the center supported by artillery.

[7][8] Although the Russian defensive position remained intact, that evening Tormasov made the decision to withdraw based upon his belief that the allies would renew the attack in the morning with an additional 21 battalions of fresh troops that had yet to be engaged in the battle.