Whereas at Smolensk, he would be sure to gain either a decisive battle, or at least, a fortress and a position on the Dnieper.
History of the Expedition to Russia|Count Philip de Segur
In the attack on Smolensk 12,000 of Napoleon's best soldiers had fallen.
Through Russian Snows|G. A Henty
This marshal's left was to occupy Witepsk, his right Mohilef, and his centre Smolensk.
History of the Expedition to Russia|Count Philip de Segur
One such train went to Turkestan and back from the army near Smolensk.
The Crisis in Russia|Arthur Ransome
Vitovt, before Smolensk, invited this prince and his brothers to visit him in his tent.
The Story of Russia|R. Van Bergen, M.A.
British Dictionary definitions for Smolensk
Smolensk
/ (Russiansmaˈljɛnsk, Englishˈsmɒlɛnsk) /
noun
a city in W Russia, on the Dnieper River: a major commercial centre in medieval times; scene of severe fighting (1941 and 1943) in World War II. Pop: 323 000 (2005 est)