Part 2 of Book 1 begins in the forests outside Braunau, in the Archduchy of Austria, very close to the conflict engulfing Europe.

Thousands of soldiers from the Russian Empire marched 700 miles to link up with Austrian allies.  The Russian contingent is under the command of General Mikhail Kutuzov and Austrians under General Karl Mack von Leiberich.  This section focuses the Third Company of the Semyonovsky Regiment of about 2,000 men.  They are camping near Braunau and are quite the curiosity to locals. The troops are exhausted. However, they are intrigued by the Austrian splendor: the scenery, orchards, masonry and tiled roofs. 

The mid-level commanders receive word there will be an inspection, where Kutuzov and his Austrian counterpart will walk the lines. Their intuition says to get the men in their “parade” uniforms, so they can look their best. They yell commands on the thought it is: “better to bow too low; than not low enough.” The men do a splendid job but can’t cover up the horrible state of their boots, as the Austrians have been tardy in providing replacements.  Tolstoy is making the point that Kutuzov does not have a reliable ally. 

After some time, up comes riding an aide, along with a Cossack. This is the first look at a Cossack, who generally held connections to Ukrainian identity - though they were a great mix of ethnicities who once lived as freemen beyond the borders of prominent empires. Word is given that Kutuzov wants his men to look as they did when they arrived -- tired and poorly. Kutuzov knows once Austrian leadership sees them in such condition, his men will NOT be sent right into battle. The message to change gets relayed and the regiment is frustrated - but what’s a soldier to do?  

Once the men put back on their marching gear, one soldier sticks out like a sore thumb, as he has on a different colored coat. He is wearing a uniform associated with officers of rank.  This creates commotion and he is treated like an undisciplined rogue. It is Feydor Dolokhov, who had retained his officer’s gear after being demoted for boorish behavior. He was not given replacement clothes and needed what he wore for the long march. A commander dresses him down and tells him to change but Dolokhov sternly responds that will not bear insults. His boldness quiets his superior.