the lion of the russian army - Florida State University

left flank, but was counterattacked by the Kurland Dragoons. 81 So, the French marshal
recalled his forces and bombarded the Russian positions for next hour.
Meantime, the 7 th Division of Lieutenant General Dmitri Dokhturov was
marching ahead of Bagration. It retreated very slowly and in confusion leaving numerous
wagons along the road. 82 Bagration soon learned about these carriages that could have
delayed his withdrawal. Several of his adjutants asked for permission to destroy them.
Bagration replied, “What is our goal as a rear guard? We must not give up a single cart or
wheel to the French and we have to preserve them all.” He categorically ordered all the
transports be moved forward. 83
Prince Peter remained at Wolfsdorf for another three hours before ordering to
retreat in the wake of the main army. He moved his cavalry first because there was only
one bridge over a deep ravine separating the Wolfsdorf valley. A contemporary described
Bagration “slowly retreating in good order, occasionally halting. His movements were
remarkable for their calmness and tranquility. Acting himself swiftly, Bagration did not
hurry his troops. The great composure of this hero was effecting his troops, who trusted
him blindly…” 84 Yermolov recalled, “We constantly changed positions and slowly
retreated, fighting until late in night.” 85 Bagration’s troops suffered considerable losses in
these actions while the French artillery fire decimated his artillery. A Russian artillery
commander noted, “If the hussars did not captured the French horses, we would have lost
many guns.” 86
81 Karpov, “Russian Operations in the 1806-1807 Campaigns,” RGVIA, f. 846, op. 16, d.
3161, ll.33.
82 Yermolov, Memoirs, 78.
83
Interview with Lieutenant General Eychen and Major General Loshkarev, in
Mikhailovsky-Danilevsky, Campaigns of 1806-1807, 172.
84 Mikhailovsky-Danilevsky, Campaigns of 1806-1807, 173
85 Yermolov, Memoirs, 78.
86 Ibid., 79. Unfortunately, no reports are preserved with the numbers for Bagration’s losses.
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