the lion of the russian army - Florida State University

The disastrous conclusion of the battle shocked the society. Joseph de Maistre recalled,
“The Battle of Austerlitz had a magical effect on the public opinion…and it seems that
the defeat in a single battle had paralyzed entire empire.” 172 The official newspapers in
St. Petersburg initially tried to suppress the news and continued publishing dated
information. Thus, on 15 December, the St. Petersburg Vedomosti printed articles on
Bagration’s victories at Wischau and Raussnitz. The official confirmation of the defeat
came only in February 1806, when the Vedomosti published a brief notice on the battle
with a description of the Russian heroics. The Bavarian diplomat Olry reported, “St.
Petersburg newspapers described [Bagration] as the glory and idol of the army.” 173
Bagration indeed became one of the most heroic commanders in the army. After
his determined defense at Schöngrabern, Austerlitz brought him even more glory, even
though it was a military defeat for the Russian army. Prince Peter played an important
role in this battle and helped to prevent the annihilation of the Allied army through his
aggressive actions and skilful defense. Between 9.30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on 2 December,
he successfully repulsed the French attacks and occasionally counterattacked. In these
actions, Bagration’s troops suffered heavy casualties and some of his regiments were
decimated. Thus, Arkhangelogorod Regiment lost over 1,600 men around Kruh and
Holubitz, while Old Ingermanland Regiment suffered 1,099 casualties. 174 Bagration’s
171 Kutuzov reported that 4,579 men, who were considered killed or missing, reported back as
the army retreat. Report on Killed and Missing in Action of 20 November [2 December], 6
January 1806, Ibid., 236.
172 Joseph de Maistre, Peterburgskie pisma [Letters From St. Petersburg], (St. Petersburg,
1995), 61. Similar information in Correspondence of Olry, Istoricheskii Vestnik, 147 (1917): 433.
173 Correspondence of Olry, Istoricheskii Vestnik, 147 (1917): 469.
174 Kutuzov presented the following rosters of Bagration’s casualties to Alexander in 6
January 1806.
Regiments
Staff
Officers
Ober-
Officers
Junior
Officer
s
Musicians
Private
s
Other
5 th Jagers 1 2 9 2 151 3 -
6 th Jagers - 5 12 2 141 3 -
Arkhangelogorod 1 14 71 37 1,502 6 -
Musketeers
Old Ingermanland 1 20 53 33 978 14 -
Musketeers
Pskov Musketeers - 9 28 17 482 17 -
Horses
295