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the lion of the russian army - Florida State University

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Swiss Campaigns. Suvorov praised him for “demonstrating courageous character and most<br />

praiseworthy behavior in all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> actions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> campaign.” 163 At St. Gothard Pass, his<br />

flanking maneuver dislodged <strong>the</strong> stubborn Frenchmen and cleared <strong>the</strong> route for <strong>the</strong> Russian<br />

<strong>army</strong>. Bagration was first to cross Chinzig Pass and arrived to Muotatal Valley. At Netstal<br />

and Nafels, his advance guard fought its way through <strong>the</strong> French positions and ensured <strong>the</strong><br />

safe withdrawal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> main forces. On <strong>the</strong> way to Panixer Pass, Bagration fought desperate<br />

rear guard actions at Sool and protected <strong>the</strong> <strong>army</strong>. He was <strong>the</strong> first to reach Switzerland and<br />

last to leave it. This campaign surrounded Bagration with an aureole <strong>of</strong> greatness that<br />

followed him for <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> his life. A contemporary recalled, “Bagration returned in<br />

brilliance <strong>of</strong> glory and glitter <strong>of</strong> rewards.” 164<br />

162 Miliutin, Campaign <strong>of</strong> 1799 IV, 167-68<br />

163 Suvorov to Paul, 14 October 1799, A.V. Suvorov: Documents, IV, 359.<br />

164 Yermolov, Memoirs, 153.<br />

178

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