the lion of the russian army - Florida State University

and urged the destruction of the French armies in Italy while they are demoralized and
weakened. 97
Impatient to fight, Suvorov complained, “If I stay any longer [in Milan] I shall
suffocate in incense. It is time to get back to work!” 98 Over next days, he reorganized his
troops for new actions. Although Suvorov commanded over 90,000 men in Italy, his
forces were weakened by the strategic consumption. He had available some 36,000 men,
including 18,500 Russians. 99 The French had only 20,000-25,000 men to oppose the
Allies in Northern Italy. With Moreau retreating in front of him, Suvorov received news
of General Macdonald approaching from Central Italy with 40,000 men. Therefore, he
decided to prevent the junction of the French forces by striking Macdonald first and then
turning to Moreau. The Russian commander-in-chief intended to march with main forces
across the Po River, defeat Macdonald and then quickly march back to Piedmont to
capture Turin. 100 Suvorov dispatched Vukassovih to Bufaloro on the Ticino River 101 and
then moved his main army to Melegnano. He divided his forces into two columns: the
right column, mostly Russian troops, including Bagration’s unit, moved to San Angelo
and Parpaneze on the Po River, while the left column of Austrians forces advanced to
Lodi and Piacenza. 102 As always, Suvorov appointed Bagration to command advance
guard composed of two infantry battalions and two Cossack regiments. 103
97 Buturlin, Campagne de 1799, 45-47.
98 Miliutin, Campaign of 1799, I, 308, 594-95
99 On 1 May, General Rosenberg’s column had 14,249 men, and after arrival of Ferster’s
Division, its strength increased to some 19,000 men. Suvorov reported 18,786 men. Ibid., II, 8,
413-15.
100 Suvorov left General Kray with 25,000 men to besiege Peschiera and Mantua and threaten
Ferrara and Modena; A detachment of 4,500 men were left to take citadel of Milan, and Prince
Hohenzollern commanded 2,500 men to ensure communications between Kray and Suvorov.
101 Clausewitz, Die Feldzuge von 1799, V, 250.
102 Disposition for the March Across the Po River, 30 April 1799, A.V. Suvorov: Documents,
IV, 39-40; Orlov, Study of Suvorov’s Military Operations, 105; Miliutin, Campaign of 1799, II,
9; Clausewitz, Die Feldzuge von 1799, V, 250; Buturlin, Campagne de 1799, 47-49.
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