At the Battle of Smoliani (November 13-November 14, 1812), the Russians under General Peter Wittgenstein defeated the French forces of Marshal Claude Victor and Marshal Nicholas Oudinot. This battle was the last effort of the French to reestablish their northern flank in Russia, known as the "Dwina Line". Previously, the French had been defeated in this sector at the Second battle of Polotsk (Oct. 18-20, 1812) and at the Battle of Czasniki (Oct. 31, 1812)