the lion of the russian army - Florida State University

as of the traitor German; naturally, this was followed by mistrust and even hatred and
contempt that were openly expressed.” 29
Prince Bagration was then in the prime of his abilities and on the crest of his
military reputation. He retained an extraordinary presence of mind in the most desperate
situations and was known to endanger his life in the circumstances where the odds
seemed impossible. Exploits at Schongrabern and Eylau, tales about battles in Friedland
and Sweden were spread by word of mouth and turned into legends. The rank and file
knew idolized him. Bagration had a magnetic personality that could fire his men to
attempt the impossible. One of the soldiers recalled, “At that moment, the Russians
considered Bagration’s name as a mysterious omen against the apocalyptic Napoleon, as
a good genie against the demon…. The troops were animated by General Bagration’s
name alone. I myself shared these sentiments and wrote my father: ‘The troops retreated
from Smolensk and might move even further [eastward]. However, Bog - rati - on is with
us and we will soon enter Paris !” 30 Unlike Barclay who stayed in Smolensk governor
mansion, Bagration stayed with his troops and held “plain but abundant dinners” that
welcomed everyone. He was always “kind, friendly and loquacious with infinite stories
about his numerous campaigns in Caucasus, Poland, Italy, Germany and Turkey.” 31
On the negative side, Bagration had an uncontrollable temper. Although he was
often calm, taciturn and restrained, when he found an object that seemed worthy of his
wrath, his anger knew no bounds; It was often out of all proportion to the actual situation.
Bagration regarded Barclay’s tactics as ineffective. He was impatient to fight, but
realized his insignificant forces could not face Napoleon’s superior army without being
destroyed. As all his appeals to Barclay were ignored, Bagration’s rage grew steadily,
because he considered the current strategy ruinous for Russia. 32
29 Muravyeov, Writings and Letters, 89
30 The author played with Bagration’s name, modifying just a single letter. “Bog-rati-on”
means “the God of Army”. Gunner’s Campaigns Notes, 101.
31 Butenev, Recollections, 31.
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