the lion of the russian army - Florida State University

January, he noted, “My nose got better, but I still have headaches.” 149 He wrote
Arakcheyev, “I ask only one favor – to be dismissed and receive a furlough of four
months to recuperate.” 150
In early February, Bagration told Langeron that he wanted to retire because of bad
health. 151 It is doubtful whether Bagration genuinely wanted to leave the army or was
simply bluffing. He had already planned the 1810 Campaign and was certainly willing to
execute it. However, Alexander, exasperated by the commander’s persistence and
determination, never forgave Bagration for his stubbornness on the issue of withdrawal.
In late February, he granted Bagration’s request for a furlough and appointed Count
Nikolay Kamensky, whom Bagration highly recommended, 152 to replace him.
Unquestionably, the news of replacement was surprising and shocking for Bagration,
further increasing his anguish.
Kamensky assumed command in late March 1810 as Bagration prepared to leave.
Before his departure, Prince Peter met Baron de Grostal, who brought so much pain and
misery to his life He ignored this diplomat who picked up the official correspondence for
State Chancellor Rumyantsev. Prince Peter sarcastically noted in his letter to the
chancellor, “As for the current situation in the region, ask [Baron de Grostal] for detailed
information.” He left the army in good order and well supplied for the oncoming
campaign. The strategy he prepared was sound and promising. New commander, Count
Kamensky, had the basis for his operations that Bagration lacked when he arrived to the
army eight months earlier.
Nevertheless, there was a widespread dissatisfaction in the army about the
appointment of Kamensky. Langeron commented that Kamensky was not popular for his
arrogant and overconfident attitude to his subordinates. He wrote, “The army was
149 Bagration to Arakcheyev, 31 January 1810, Ibid.
150 Bagration to Arakcheyev, 26 January 1810, Voennii sbornik, 2 (1865) 255.
151 Langeron commented, “I understood from the letter that Bagration knew [St. Petersburg
court] was unpleased with his campaign. So, he anticipated dismissal and wanted to resign.”
Langeron, Recollections, Russkaia starina, 135 (1908): 667.
152 Ibid., 427, 670.
557