the lion of the russian army - Florida State University

This period showed a major weakness of the allied intelligence. Though Suvorov
had superior cavalry, he was unable to establish effective intelligence service. This was
in part because the Cossacks were unfamiliar with the terrain and could not interact with
the local population. However, the Russian officers were also to be blamed. As described
above, Bagration reproached Denisov for his ineffective reconnaissance and allowing the
French to retreat unnoticed. Finally, Suvorov could be criticized for accepting the rumors
as reliable information that often led to wasted time and efforts.
Considering available information, Suvorov finally decided to march along the
northern bank of the Po and take the Piedmontese capital, Turin for both military and
political reasons. 189 On 22 May, the bridges were completed and the next day Suvorov
marched with two columns. Once again, Bagration commanded the advance guard. 190 He
crossed the Cessia River on a ferry at Losgosco and moved by forced marches along the
northern bank of the Po River. 191 Bagration approached the outskirts of Turin late
evening on 26 May. 192 His troops were exhausted and lacked provisions. Bagration
complained to Rosenberg, “I have no provisions at all. I sent your orders … to Melas’
headquarters but was unable to get anything there. So I had to dispatch an officer ahead
of troops to forage.” 193 He stressed that the regimental artillery was damaged on the
189 Suvorov’s Notes, in Miliutin, Campaign of 1799, II, 90, 463-65.
190 The detachment comprised of five battalions, two dragoon squadrons and three Cossack
regiments. Disposition of Army, 22 May 1799, A.V. Suvorov: Documents, IV, 85-86.
191 Bagration marched via Randizzone, Montanaro, San Benigno, Borgharo, then across the
Stura River towards Altisano, Pianezza and Rivoli. Suvorov ordered him to deploy patrols
between the Po River, Orbassano and Suza. Disposition of Crossing of the Stura River and
Blockade of Turin, 25 May 1799, A.V. Suvorov: Documents, IV, 93-94; Suvorov to Paul, 27
May 1799, A.V. Suvorov: Documents, IV, 101; Petrushevsky, Generalissimo Prince Suvorov,
564-65.
192 Bagration to Suvorov, 26 May 1799, Bagration to Rosenberg, 27 May 1799, Bagration’s
Journal, 25-26, Nos. 39, 41.
193 Bagration to Rosenberg, 25 May 1799, Ibid., 25, No.38.
56