I would like to know why Napoleon drove straight east towards Moscow, which was not even the capital of Imperial Russia, instead of driving on St Petersburg. A drive North would have threatened the seat of the Imperial Government and would have left only one flank to protect instead of being exposed on both flanks. I don't know the naval balance of power in the Baltic, but if France had the upper hand that would also enable supply and support by sea. And I don't see the Russian government as willing to abondon and burn St Pete. So why Moscow, other than symbolism?