Russia and the Ottoman Empire. The opening of the memoirs introduces Marmont’s arrival in Raguse and outlines the immediate challenges he faced, including the dire conditions of the French troops and the inadequacies in their supply lines. He describes the state of the army's hospitals and the high mortality rates among soldiers, emphasizing the importance of proper medical care and administrative efficiency. Marmont's observations provide insights into the military strategies and diplomatic maneuvers of the time, as he prepares to fortify Raguse against potential threats while navigating relationships with local leaders, including the pacha of Bosnia. His meticulous description of the military and civilian contexts sets a foundation for the ensuing narrative of conflict, administration, and the role of leadership in wartime. (This is an automatically generated summary.)