the lion of the russian army - Florida State University

Bagration provided his troops with ten-day supplies and gathered additional thirty-day
reserve of biscuits. This was particularly important because, under Prozorovsky, the
troops began to pillage the local population. Langeron lamented, “All of Bulgaria was
devastated and pillaged by the Cossacks; this fertile and prosperous country could have
sustained [Russian] army during the winter, but was completely drained and turned into a
desert.” Langeron held Platov responsible for destroying numerous villages and seizing
over 50,000 cattle. Many Cossack officers acquired fortunes on looting. Bagration
significantly reduced the pillaging but he failed to eradicate it. 62 Finally, for the first time
in the Army of Moldavia, Bagration established a mobile hospital, which comprised of
regimental infirmaries; moreover, all wounded and sick were to be transported to the rear
for treatment. 63 Bagration’s decisive actions animated the troops who were demoralized
by the indolent leadership of Prozorovsky. By 5 September, Bagration concentrated
forces at Girsov. His army, now totaling some 25,000 men, was divided into three corps
under Miloradovich, Markov and Platov. 64 On 7 September, Prince Peter advanced to
Silistra, with his corps marching in coordination along the different routes. Bagration
62 Langeron, Recollections, Russkaia starina, 134 (1908): 683. The Cossack plunder alienated
the local population, who often attacked the Russian stragglers.
63 Order to Army, No. 5, 26 August 1809, Ibid., 20-21. Prior to Bagration’s order, the
wounded and sick were treated at the regimental infirmaries in appalling conditions. Under
Bagration’s order, each infantry, hussar and uhlan regiments provided six fully equipped wagons
for 40 patients; dragoon regiments furnished eight carts for 25 men, and the artillery and engineer
companies provided wagons for 12 men.
64 Bagration reported the following strength of his troops:
Unit Battalions Squadrons Guns Engineer
companies
Cossack
reg.
1 st Corps, Right Flank, 10 15 21 ½ 2
Miloradovich
2 nd Corps, Advance Guard, Platov 13 20 24 1
8
(with 20
pontoons)
3 rd Corps, Left Flank, Markov 8 10 14 - 1
Total 31 45 59 1½ 12
Bagration to Alexander, No. 955, 18 September 1809, Correspondence of Bagration, 68-69.
According to Langeron, Miloradovich had ten horse artillery guns, ten 12-pounder cannon and
three heavy guns. Markov had ten 12-pounder guns. Recollections, Russkaia starina, 134 (1908):
686.
498