ALEXANDER SUVOROV

(1730-1800)

His name has become a truly legendary. It is more difficult to discern a legendary figure, clothed in glory and strewn like sequins, anecdotes and outstanding personality of genius.

Alexander, son of Vasily Suvorov, was born in Moscow on November 30 (12 December) 1730. Father at that time expelled from the Guard, making the prosecutor in the field army, but there does transferred to civilians - Collegiate adviser. The boy gave no hope for any successful military career: remained smaller and weaker than their peers. But the name of something given to him was not without hope that he will indeed "Alexander" (in Greek "defender of men"). He soon emerged two characters who wanted to emulate: Alexander of Macedon and Alexander Nevsky. About them telling him his mother. She explained that they were not like the heroes, but differed primarily courage and wisdom: "You know, son, as the young David defeated the giant Goliath. In the mind of more force than in their hands. "

Most of all he loved the book, which talk about battles and military feats. Learned about Julius Caesar, Hannibal, Prince Conde and Prince Eugene of Savoy, King Charles XII, Emperor Peter I. To prepare for military battles, learned to ride a horse, overcoming obstacles, swim, sleep, even in winter when the open window in the morning poured cold water, not wearing warm clothes. Summer in the village organized amusement fights with peers. Knowing that not overcome an enemy force, resorted to ambushes, showed skill, vigor, perseverance.

The first document, signed by Alexander Suvorov, addressed to "Sovereign Grand Vsepresvetleyshey the Empress Elizabeth Samoderzhitse Vserossiiskoi gracious empress": "Beats petition ignoramus son Alexander Vasiliev Suvorov, and as the following points: 1. Inasmuch as I am in the service of your Imperial Majesty has never been determined. 2. I have the desire to serve . . . in the Life Guards regiment Semyonovsky . . . soldier . . . October 1742.

Please it was granted. Since then officially began his service, actually took place in the home environment. Father helped to develop the basis of fortification. There is still a favorite reading of Alexander were books on the acts of commanders and military history. In addition, with the help of teachers, he studied geometry and trigonometry, geography, philosophy (as Leibniz and Wolff), improved in knowledge of foreign languages. In its quest for a military career was guided by the rules of honor and patriotism, dreaming is not only famous, but also to glorify the fatherland.

Photo — «Alexander Suvorov»

This is important. Otherwise, he would try to curry favor, and not to serve faithfully. He chose the most difficult way to an almost unattainable for his goal, given its unenviable physical "data" and the absence of influential at the court patrons.

That statement Alexander Vasilyevich: "Self-observation (ie, self-education, self-control) and self-esteem are different: the first behavioral God, the second - in the beginning of damaged pride . . . Most of the philosophers they interfere and put myself in a bottle among the society where they are fed almonds. Generosity has bound us to the society more closely: we are members, should he himself to sacrifice, to hold to our abilities. " That he was not writing for the edification of posterity, and in a private letter to a friend. He had never been "damaged pride, and not isolated from society, the people" in the bottle so that it "fed almonds. Suvorov his life and work demonstrated a rare detachment of personal benefits and interests, because he shared with subordinates all the hardships and dangers of war, never felt sorry for himself.

In December 1747 he went to St. Petersburg with two serfs to the completion of active military service. Received a green soldier′s uniform with a corporal′s stripes. In addition to the mandatory drill, parades and exercises, they had to perform various work and guard duty. Wealthy nobles preferred to exempt themselves from hard work (they performed serfs), trying not to miss our amusement, so popular at the court of Elizabeth. Alexander Suvorov was no exception: their own hard soldier pulled the strap, not allowing yourself to indulgence.

Once, when he stood on guard at the Monplesir in Peterhof, it was held by the empress. She drew attention to a small, but the tightened gallant soldier and asked him his name. He Having reported. She took the ruble and handed him. He replied:

- According to the statute guard should not take the money!

Elizabeth praised him for his knowledge of the service, patted on the cheek and put the ruble on the ground in front of him:

- Will you take when a change.

So he did, holding a gift of the sovereign life. Outside the service, he continued to educate ourselves. And if he is rightly styled "commander-soldier", you can add that he remained a philosopher and poet, having an ironic look at himself. In one letter, when he was an officer, he described his condition (very sick, emaciated and exhausted) quatrain in French:

Now I - skin and bones, like a skeleton.

Photo — «Alexander Suvorov»

Evils as a donkey, at whose stalls and no food.

Bodiless, like a shadow, flying in the clouds

Helpless as a ship, perishing in a stormy sea.

Distinguished not only by soldiers′ manners and wit. Only one of the greatest generals of the world, he went all the way from the soldier to the generalissimo. As wrote historian ML Peskovsky, "prolonged stay Suvorov soldier was a matter of his personal desires, it is consistent with his intentions detailed way come to know my personal experience all that the soldier must do in addition to its direct responsibilities. Clearly, no schools, no books could not replace him in this regard personal experience . . . Suvorov opening a Russian soldier precious qualities of the soul . . . That is why the corporal and Suvorov Suvorov unbeaten Generalissimo still remained the same soldier, as he had always been equally near and dear to the soldiers′ interests, burdens, sorrows and needs. "

But fair addition of another historian A. Petrushevskaya: "The Russian soldiers among the many appealing. Common sense in connection with the harmless humor, courage and bravery of the quiet, natural, without the poses and theatrical effects, but with a lining of genuine good nature, ability to meekly content with little, to bear hardships and troubles as easily as an ordinary petty inconveniences. Suvorov was a Russian man is quite . . . "

Add: soldiers for Suvorov never been only a means to achieve a goal. He was saving his subordinates take care of them as well as himself ( "You shall love your neighbor . . . "). It was truly his own father for the soldiers. And so the loss of his troops were minimal, or simply insignificant in comparison with the losses of the enemy. "Fighting is not the number and skill" - the motto and guide to action.

In the junior officers was made in 1754. First, he served in an infantry regiment, then was appointed chief proviantmeysterom. Served commissariat work, writing monthly reports on the presence, gain and loss of provisions, forage and cash coffers. Stay on non-combatant positions possible in practice to master a difficult skill to provide the troops with everything necessary to organize the rear. He seemed to be able to notice from the deficiencies in the training of soldiers and officers, antiquated methods of warfare.

The first baptism of fire he received in the Seven Years′ War, achieving the appointment in the army.

Photo — «Alexander Suvorov»

Sought to earn their ranks, and not to curry favor.

Already in the first skirmishes with the Prussians Suvorov demonstrated outstanding composure, gumption, determination and courage. In general it drew the attention of Berg, who wished to appoint him commander of light cavalry regiment. There followed a series of exploits and victories of Suvorov - more and more significant. Such a track record there is no one commander in the world. Among his recordings is such, in French: "If I would have been Julius Caesar, it is called by the first commander of the world" (quite rightly pointed out, because many are charmed by the high ranks, and not act; Emperor fame is easier than fighting the commander). And there follows a postscript in Russian: "Insist on it would be similar to the Moscow Archimandrite, which itself complained to the chief priests. "

Its burdens stay at the court. "Here I feel sick in the morning and evening with a headache! Change of climate and life. The local language and treatment unknown to me. He could not rest, staying in idleness: "An animal, I say, we like that - wrote Suvorov, AI Bibikova, - accustomed to the works, even with the concerns of the conjugate, and deprived them, thinks himself a senseless creature: long rest lulls.

And another excerpt from this letter that helps to understand the beliefs and habits of Alexander Vasilyevich: "A good name is an attribute of every honest man, but I concluded my good name and patronymic in the glory of my . . . I forgot myself, where ought to think about the benefits of common. My life was a hard school, but manners innocent and natural generosity facilitate my work, my feelings were free, and I myself am hard . . . I now languishing in idleness, so the usual low-heart-koi live for ourselves alone, seeking the supreme good in sweet languor, going from joy to joy, found at the end of the bitterness and boredom . . . Hard-working soul must always ply their trade: part of the exercise also gives life to her, as the daily movement strengthens the body. "

Sometimes you can hear, if Suvorov was a bloody executioner, who suppressed the Polish revolt. Nothing like this actually was not. Yes, he fulminated against the Polish Confederates, but almost always had a smaller number of Russian soldiers, ordered the prisoners to spare, but civilians are not hurt. It is no accident varshavyane handed him a gold snuffbox with the laurels of diamonds and an inscription: "Warsaw my deliverer.

Photo — «Alexander Suvorov»

"

Here, for example, as Napoleon exhorted his troops: "Moscow and St. Petersburg will reward your deeds. In them you will find gold, silver and other precious treasures . . . You will dominate the Russian people, ready to slavishly carry all your commands. A similar meanness Suvorov does not allow. And never in my hour of need not throw it, like Napoleon and his troops. On the contrary, even in his advanced years has made an unprecedented move with his army across the Alps, with the honor came out of the hopeless, it would seem the situation. In "Science of Victory", instruction soldiers, he recalled: "Sin is wrong to kill. " And chastised: "philistine does not hurt, he gives to drink and feed us and the soldier is not a robber" (the famous Napoleon were, as we see, other principles).

Unusual personality Suvorov definitely manifested in style. He had stated the three martial arts. "The first - eye: how the camp to stand, walk, where to attack, chase and be. The second - the speed (Ur doing miracles, boys!). Third - the onslaught . . . Subordination - obedience, ekzertsitsiya - training. Discipline, order a military - a military order, cleanliness, health, cleanliness, cheerfulness, courage, courage, victory. Glory, glory, glory! "

He chased it, sharp thoughts, true judgments quite unique, it is kind of strange combination of Latin aphorisms and Russian folk sayings: "Shoot rarely, but apt. Bayonet if hard . . . Bullet fool, the bayonet fellow . . . Take care of a bullet in the barrel. " "hard to learn, easy to hike. " "The enemy has surrendered? - Mercy! "

His sanity is manifested in the ability to farm. He instructed his serfs: "Laziness is born of abundance . . . In the habit has become to plow some land without manure, from which the earth will degenerate. Bothered him not only "performance indicators. " He wrote the manager: "The peasant Ivanov, Mikhail, a cow! It would be the elder and the whole world to fine . . . Buy Ivanov another cow from the quit-rent of my money . . . Especially read such poor who have many children. Togo for the sake of Mihail Ivanov over a cow to buy more of my money cap in the ruble. "

Incidentally, having a serf theater, he still could not remain indifferent: "Vaska good comedian. But tragedian better Nikitka . . . Keep ought cadence in poetry, like the instrumental tact - without which the clarity and sweetness of speech is not, nor admiration .

Photo — «Alexander Suvorov»

. . Moreover the French force him to learn grammar gradually Ð�лекÑ�аÑ?ку, a barber.

. . . In one of the British journals of that time was a caricature portrayed moustachioed giant with a huge sword in his hand, signed it - Alexander Suvorov, who has height is 6 feet 4 inches (under two meters!). In one they have not sinned against the truth: he was indeed miraculous hero by force of spirit and mind, remained a particle of the Russian people, embodying the best of its quality. And with unbending stubbornness was on target in childhood ways.

As commander Suvorov is unparalleled in the history of mankind, not having lost not only a single major military campaign, but even a single battle (and they have had many!). Repeat that almost always he had before fewer troops than the enemy. Sometimes on a Russian had five or six Turks. And it′s not only in combat training of its soldiers, but especially in "the art of winning," Suvorov, who was fluent in, having vast knowledge in all branches of military affairs.

When Turtukae, with 500 people, he defeated 4 thousandth Turkish corpus. Russian losses - 200 killed and wounded, Turk - 1500. It was an extraordinary battle for Ishmael. The fortress was considered impregnable, defended its excellent, well-equipped army. Suvorov decided on the assault, with fewer soldiers than the defenders! He took the fortress, having lost 4 thousand dead and 9 thousand wounded, while the Turks were killed 26 thousand, and 9 thousand surrendered.

- How can I reward you, Prince? - Asked him after his victory, chief prince GA Potemkin.

- Nothing, Prince - was the answer. - I am not a merchant, do not sell here. " In God and the Empress, I will not be rewarded.

Suvorov was truly the creator of his destiny. From ordinary gentleman he is only thanks to their victories was elevated to the prince, which was the "royal honors. " From the soldier, he rose to the Field Marshal and Generalissimo. And all this was produced on the battlefield, the price of the incredible stress of physical and mental powers, with the constant risk to life, and even in spite of ill-wishers and envious. Largely thanks to his exploits for the first time Russia thundered throughout the world as a great and victorious power, and AV Suvorov - as the great Russian military commander.