the lion of the russian army - Florida State University

the road from Constant, some ten miles from Caras, 83 and, on 12 September, he marched
with Platov’s Corps to Cernavoda. During the march, Bagration received Miloradovich’s
report about the Turkish movements. Hozrev Mehmet Pasha with some 10,000 men 84 was
bivouacked near Rassevat, awaiting reinforcements. Miloradovich wanted to attack the
Turks with his corps of 4,000 men, but Bagration categorically prohibited him from any
offensive action. So, Miloradovich took it as a personal insult and asserted Bagration
wanted to claim the “glory and victory.” 85 Prince Peter disregarded Miloradovich’s
claims and proceeded with his plan of action. 86
On 13 September, he dispatched Major General Count Paul Stroganov with four
cavalry squadrons and 500 Cossacks to locate the Turkish positions and reconnoiter the
terrain. Stroganov soon returned with a detailed report about the terrain. He also captured
two Turkish soldiers who provided additional intelligence on the deployment of the
Turkish troops. On 14 September, Bagration moved Platov’s corps to Cernavoda where
Dragoons were commanded by Kamensky, and in direction of Mangalia. Bagration ordered
demolition of the citadel in Constanta. Discussing the demolition of fortifications, Langeron
noted, “The country, owing to the Cossack rampage, was devastated and we could not leave
strong garrisons; therefore, we had to destroy the citadels, although it was a barbaric act to do. In
addition, [as a result of these demolitions] our troops had no winter quarters.” Bagration to
Alexander, No. 955, 18 September 1809, Correspondence of Bagration, 71; Dubrovin, “Materials
for the History of Reign of Alexander,” Voennii sbornik, 10 (1864): 45; Petrov, Influence of the
Russo-Turkish War, 245; Langeron, Recollections, Russkaia starina, 134 (1908): 689.
82 Bagration to Yazikov, 21 September 1809, Danubian Correspondence of Bagration, 78.
83 Bagration instructed Markov to protect Trajan’s rampart and send patrols along the Black
Sea coast to Bazardjik and Varna. Bagration to Alexander, No. 955, 18 September 1809,
Correspondence of Bagration, 71.
84 Bagration initially estimated some 3,000 men at Rassevat, but the prisoners told him
Hozrev Mehmet commanded around 12,000 men. Langeron referred to over 7,000 men with 14
guns. Bagration also reported that the Turks were commanded by “famous ayans of Rumelia
Uluk-Oghlu, Yar-Hassan and Tulum-Oghlu. Bagration to Alexander, No. 966, 19 September
1809; Bagration to Yazikov, 21 September 1809, Correspondence of Bagration, 74-78; Langeron,
Recollections, Russkaia starina, 134 (1908): 691.
85 Langeron, Recollections, Russkaia starina, 134 (1908): 690.
86 Bagration halted the troops on 12 September to wait for the supply trains. Ibid., 690.
502