the lion of the russian army - Florida State University

sick to 150-200 men a day.” 126 Bagration wrote that he did not expect to gather two
months supplies. He resumed his appeals to Alexander and State Chancellor Rumyantsev
for permission to cross the river. He argued that his army weakened with each passing
day. He wrote, “I am asking with what troops do you want me to advance against the
superior enemy forces? Thus, would not it be more shameful for us to be destroyed in the
spring… rather than abandon this barren region, where the enemy himself does not dare
to advance, knowing that there are no roads, shelter or food here?” 127
He asked
Arakcheyev to travel in person to witness the dreadful condition of the army. 128 He wrote
to Alexander that the retreat was essential for preserving army and resuming campaign in
the spring.
Even if I spent winter at the present positions, I would be unable to
commence campaign until the grass grows to provide the horses and
livestock with fodder. Besides, the army would have to march across the
barren steppes towards Silistra, go around this fortress across the
mountains and passes and then make another long and tiresome march to
reach the Turkish Army [at Shumla]. This movement will simply waste
our time and exhaust troops. 129
Instead, Bagration wanted to shift the axis of his attack to his right flank and cross
the Danube near Giurgiu with intentions to march directly to Shumla. He finished his
letter by asking Alexander to allow the crossing or relieve him of command. He assured
him of his devotion and loyalty, “My last drop of blood belongs to you and I consider a
great honor to sacrifice it in the service of Your Majesty.” 130 Emperor Alexander was in
Moscow at the moment and despite repeated pleas of Bagration he refused to give his
consent for the withdrawal. Only after State Chancellor Rumyantsev intervened did the
126 Ibid., 140.
127 Bagration to Rumyantzev, 25 December 1809, Voennii sbornik, 1 (1865): 58-59.
128 Bagration to Arakcheyev, circa 17 December 1809, Ibid., 60.
129 Bagration to Alexander, 17 December 1809, No. 1,211, Mikhailovsky-Danilevsky, Russo-
Turkish War of 1806-1812, 140.
130 Bagration to Alexander, 17 December 1809, No. 1,211, Voennii sbornik, 1 (1865): 59-60.
552