the lion of the russian army - Florida State University

still managed to capture eagle of the 2 nd Batallion of the 4 th Line. 152 Bagration somehow
survived this bloodbath and, around 6:00 p.m. on 7 February, he retained the possession
of Eylau. 153
After seizing Eylau, Bagration ordered his rear guard to the positions determined
in Bennigsen’s battle disposition. 154 He then left Major General Somov in charge of the
4 th Division at Eylau, and went to the headquarters located at Anklappen , some two
miles east from Eylau. 155 As a participant recalled, “the fires soon blazed in both army
camps and it seems that the fighting ended until the next morning.” Meantime, the
soldiers of the 4 th Division scattered in the town looking for some food and shelter.
Somov was concerned not to lose control over his soldiers so he decided to gather his
dispersed troops. However, he had not specified the exact rallying spot, and ordered the
drums to beat at 9:30 p.m. in northeast part of Eylau, close to the main Russian positions.
Davidov described, “It is difficult to portray confusion resulting from this misguided
decision. As the drums sounded the signal, everyone rushed in disorder, leaving the main
[city] gates, squares and streets undefended.” 156 The French immediately entered the
town. 157 Thus, by late evening of 7 February, Eylau was in Napoleon’s possession. The
152 Lieutenant Dmitri Kaftirev of the Polotsk Infantry Regiment claimed the trophy and was
awarded Order of St. George (4 th class). However, in 1808, it was discovered that Vasilii
Demchinsky of the same regiment seized the eagle. Andolenko, Aigles de Napoleon contre
drapeaux du Tsar, 137-38.
153 Karpov, “Russian Operations in the 1806-1807 Campaigns,” RGVIA, f. 846, op. 16, d.
3161, l.38b.
154 Barclay de Tolly and Baggovut were deployed on the left flank at Serpallen. Journal of
Military Operations of the Russian Imperial Army, 87.
155 Mikhailovsky-Danilevsky, Campaigns of 1806-1807, 188; Karpov, “Russian Operations
in the 1806-1807 Campaigns,” RGVIA, f. 846, op. 16, d. 3161, l.38b.
156 Davidov, Recollections on the Battle at Preussisch Eylau, 212. Wilson added that the
rallying spot was “not more than 300 yards from the interior houses.” Wilson, Brief Remarks, 97.
157 Yermolov, Memoirs, 84; Wilson, Brief Remarks, 97; Wilson to Lord Hutchinson, 9
February 1807, Koenigsberg, in Life of General Sir Robert Wilson, II, 408-409; Colmar, From
Jena to Eylau, 250-51. 58 th Bulletin claimed the French captured the town “after a deadly battle.”
Preussich Eylau, 9 February 1807, Correspondance de Napoleon Ier, No.11796, XIV, 366.
342