Mikhail Kutuzov description. Borodino

Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov, from 1812 His Serene Highness Prince Golenishchev-Kutuzov-Smolensky. Born September 16, 1745 in St. Petersburg - died April 28, 1813 in Bolesławiec (Poland). Russian commander, field marshal general from the Golenishchev-Kutuzov family, commander-in-chief of the Russian army during the Patriotic War of 1812. The first full knight of the Order of St. George.

Father - Illarion Matveevich Golenishchev-Kutuzov (1717-1784), lieutenant general, later senator.

Mother - Anna Illarionovna, belonged to the Beklemishev family, however, the surviving archival documents indicate that her father was a retired captain Bedrinsky.

Until recently, 1745, indicated on his grave, was considered to be the year of Kutuzov's birth. However, the data contained in a number of official lists of 1769, 1785, 1791 and private letters indicate the possibility of referring his birth to 1747. It is 1747 that is indicated as the year of birth of M.I. Kutuzov in his later biographies.

From the age of seven, Mikhail studied at home, in July 1759 he was sent to the Artillery and Engineering Noble School, where his father taught artillery sciences. Already in December of the same year, Kutuzov was given the rank of conductor of the 1st class with swearing in and the appointment of a salary. A capable young man is recruited to train officers.

In February 1761, Mikhail graduated from school and, with the rank of ensign engineer, was left with her to teach mathematics to pupils. Five months later, he became the adjutant wing of the Reval Governor-General Prince Holstein-Beksky.

Quickly managing the office of Holstein-Becksky, he quickly earned the rank of captain in 1762. In the same year, he was appointed company commander of the Astrakhan Infantry Regiment, which at that time was commanded by Colonel A.V. Suvorov.

Since 1764, he was at the disposal of the commander of the Russian troops in Poland, Lieutenant-General I. I. Veymarn, commanded small detachments operating against the Polish confederates.

In 1767, he was recruited to work on the "Commission for the drafting of a new Code", an important legal and philosophical document of the 18th century, which consolidated the foundations of an "enlightened monarchy". Apparently, Mikhail Kutuzov was involved as a secretary-translator, since his certificate states that he “speaks and translates French and German quite well, he understands the author’s Latin.”

In 1770, he was transferred to the 1st Army of Field Marshal P. A. Rumyantsev, located in the south, and took part in the war with Turkey that began in 1768.

Of great importance in the formation of Kutuzov as a military leader was the combat experience accumulated by him during the Russian-Turkish wars of the 2nd half of the 18th century under the leadership of commanders P. A. Rumyantsev and A. V. Suvorov. During the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774, Kutuzov took part in the battles of Ryaba Mogila, Larga and Cahul. For distinction in battles he was promoted to Prime Major. In the position of chief quartermaster (chief of staff) of the corps, he was assistant commander and for success in the battle of Popesty in December 1771 he received the rank of lieutenant colonel.

In 1772, an incident occurred that, according to contemporaries, had a great influence on the character of Kutuzov. In a close comradely circle, the 25-year-old Kutuzov, who knew how to imitate the manner of behavior, allowed himself to mimic the commander-in-chief Rumyantsev. The field marshal found out about this, and Kutuzov was sent by transfer to the 2nd Crimean Army under the command of Prince V. M. Dolgorukov. Since that time, he developed restraint and caution, he learned to hide his thoughts and feelings, that is, he acquired those qualities that became characteristic of his future military activity. According to another version, the reason for the transfer of Kutuzov to the 2nd Army was the words of Catherine II repeated by him about the Most Serene Prince G. A. Potemkin, that the prince was brave not with his mind, but with his heart.

In July 1774, Devlet Giray landed in Alushta, but the Turks were not allowed to go deep into the Crimea. On July 23, 1774, in the battle near the village of Shuma, north of Alushta, a three-thousand-strong Russian detachment defeated the main forces of the Turkish landing force. Kutuzov, who commanded the grenadier battalion of the Moscow Legion, was seriously wounded by a bullet that pierced his left temple and exited near his right eye, which “squinted”, but his vision was preserved, contrary to popular belief.

In memory of this wound in the Crimea there is a monument - the Kutuzovsky fountain. The Empress awarded Kutuzov with the military Order of St. George 4th class and sent him to Austria for treatment, taking on all the expenses of the trip. Kutuzov used two years of treatment to replenish his military education. During his stay in Regensburg in 1776 he joined the Masonic lodge "To the Three Keys".

Upon returning to Russia in 1776, he was again in military service. At first he formed parts of the light cavalry, in 1777 he was promoted to colonel and appointed commander of the Lugansk pike regiment, with whom he was in Azov. He was transferred to the Crimea in 1783 with the rank of brigadier and was appointed commander of the Mariupol Light Horse Regiment.

In November 1784 he received the rank of major general after the successful suppression of the uprising in the Crimea. Since 1785 he was the commander of the Bug Chasseur Corps formed by him. Commanding the corps and teaching rangers, he developed new tactical methods of struggle for them and outlined them in a special instruction. He covered the border along the Bug with his corps when the second war with Turkey broke out in 1787.

On October 1, 1787, under the command of Suvorov, he took part in the battle of Kinburn, when the 5,000th Turkish landing force was almost completely destroyed.

In the summer of 1788, with his corps, he took part in the siege of Ochakov, where in August 1788 he was again seriously wounded in the head. This time the bullet went almost through the old channel. Mikhail Illarionovich survived and in 1789 accepted a separate corps, with which Akkerman occupied, fought near Kaushany and during the assault on Bendery.

In December 1790, he distinguished himself during the assault and capture of Izmail, where he commanded the 6th column, which was marching on the attack. he described the actions of General Kutuzov in a report: “Showing a personal example of courage and fearlessness, he overcame all the difficulties he encountered under heavy enemy fire; jumped over the palisade, warned the aspiration of the Turks, quickly flew up to the ramparts of the fortress, captured the bastion and many batteries ... General Kutuzov walked on my left wing; but was my right hand.

According to legend, when Kutuzov sent a messenger to Suvorov with a report about the impossibility of staying on the ramparts, he received a response from Suvorov that a messenger had already been sent to Petersburg with the news to Empress Catherine II about the capture of Ishmael.

After the capture of Izmail Kutuzov, he was promoted to lieutenant general, awarded George of the 3rd degree and appointed commandant of the fortress. Having repelled the attempts of the Turks to take possession of Izmail, on June 4 (16), 1791, he defeated the 23,000-strong Turkish army at Babadag with a sudden blow. In the Machinsky battle in June 1791, under the command of N.V. Repnin, Kutuzov dealt a crushing blow to the right flank of the Turkish troops. For the victory at Machin, Kutuzov was awarded the Order of George 2nd degree.

In 1792, Kutuzov, commanding a corps, took part in the Russian-Polish war and the following year was sent as an ambassador extraordinary to Turkey, where he resolved a number of important issues in favor of Russia and significantly improved relations with her. While in Constantinople, he was in the Sultan's garden, a visit to which men was punishable by death. Sultan Selim III chose not to notice the audacity of the powerful ambassador.

Upon his return to Russia, Kutuzov managed to flatter himself with the all-powerful favorite at that time, P. A. Zubov. Referring to the skills acquired in Turkey, he came to Zubov an hour before his awakening in order to brew coffee for him in a special way, which he then took to the favorite in front of many visitors. As a result, Kutuzov in 1795 was appointed commander-in-chief of all ground forces, flotilla and fortresses in Finland and at the same time director of the Land Cadet Corps. He did a lot to improve the training of officers: he taught tactics, military history and other disciplines. Catherine II daily invited him to her society, he spent with her the last evening before her death.

Unlike many other favorites of the Empress, Kutuzov managed to hold on under the new Tsar Paul I and remained with him until the last day of his life (including having dinner with him on the eve of the assassination). In 1798 he was promoted to general of infantry. He successfully completed a diplomatic mission in Prussia: during his two months in Berlin, he managed to attract her to the side of Russia in the fight against France. On September 27, 1799, Paul I appointed commander of the expeditionary force in Holland instead of General of Infantry I.I. German, who was defeated by the French at Bergen and taken prisoner. He was awarded the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. On the way to Holland, he was recalled back to Russia. He was the Lithuanian military governor (1799-1801). On September 8, 1800, on the day of the end of military maneuvers in the vicinity of Gatchina, Emperor Paul I personally presented Kutuzov with the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called. Upon the accession of Alexander I, he was appointed the St. Petersburg and Vyborg (1801-1802) military governor, as well as the manager of the civil part in these provinces and the inspector of the Finnish inspection.

In 1802, having fallen into disgrace with the tsar, Kutuzov was removed from his post and lived on his estate in Goroshki (now Volodarsk-Volynsky, Ukraine, Zhytomyr region), continuing to be on active duty as the chief of the Pskov Musketeer Regiment.

In 1804 Russia entered into a coalition to fight against Napoleon, and in 1805 the Russian government sent two armies to Austria; Kutuzov was appointed commander-in-chief of one of them. In August 1805, the 50,000-strong Russian army under his command moved to Austria. The Austrian army, which did not have time to connect with the Russian troops, was defeated in October 1805 near Ulm. Kutuzov's army found itself face to face with the enemy, who had a significant superiority in strength.

Saving the troops, Kutuzov in October 1805 made a retreat march 425 km long from Braunau to Olmutz and, having defeated I. Murat near Amstetten and E. Mortier near Dürenstein, withdrew his troops from the impending threat of encirclement. This march went down in the history of military art as a remarkable example of a strategic maneuver. From Olmutz (now Olomouc), Kutuzov proposed to withdraw the army to the Russian border, so that, after the approach of Russian reinforcements and the Austrian army from Northern Italy, to go on the counteroffensive.

Contrary to the opinion of Kutuzov and at the insistence of the emperors Alexander I and the Austrian Franz II, inspired by a small numerical superiority over the French, the allied armies went on the offensive. On November 20 (December 2), 1805, the Battle of Austerlitz took place. The battle ended with the complete defeat of the Russians and Austrians. Kutuzov himself was wounded by a shrapnel in the cheek, and also lost his son-in-law, Count Tizenhausen. Alexander, realizing his guilt, publicly did not blame Kutuzov and awarded him the Order of St. Vladimir 1st degree in February 1806, but he never forgave him for the defeat, believing that Kutuzov deliberately framed the king. In a letter to his sister dated September 18, 1812, Alexander I expressed his true attitude towards the commander: "according to the recollection of what happened at Austerlitz because of the deceitful nature of Kutuzov."

In September 1806 Kutuzov was appointed military governor of Kyiv. In March 1808 he was sent as a corps commander to the Moldavian army, however, due to disagreements that arose over the further conduct of the war with the commander-in-chief, Field Marshal A. A. Prozorovsky, in June 1809 Kutuzov was appointed Lithuanian military governor.

In 1811, when the war with Turkey came to a standstill, and the foreign policy situation required effective action, Alexander I appointed Kutuzov commander-in-chief of the Moldavian army instead of the deceased Kamensky. In early April 1811, Kutuzov arrived in Bucharest and took command of the army, weakened by the recall of divisions to defend the western border. He found in the entire space of the conquered lands less than thirty thousand troops, with whom he was supposed to defeat one hundred thousand Turks located in the Balkan mountains.

In the Ruschuk battle on June 22, 1811 (15-20 thousand Russian troops against 60 thousand Turks), he inflicted a crushing defeat on the enemy, which marked the beginning of the defeat of the Turkish army. Then Kutuzov deliberately withdrew his army to the left bank of the Danube, forcing the enemy to break away from the bases in pursuit. He blocked the part of the Turkish army that had crossed the Danube near Slobodzeya, and in early October he himself sent the corps of General Markov across the Danube in order to attack the Turks who remained on the southern bank. Markov attacked the enemy base, captured it and took the main camp of Grand Vizier Ahmed Agha across the river under fire from the captured Turkish guns. Soon famine and disease began in the encircled camp, Ahmed-aga secretly left the army, leaving Pasha Chaban-oglu in his place. Even before the capitulation of the Turks, by a personal Imperial Decree, dated October 29 (November 10), 1811, the commander-in-chief of the army against the Turks, General of Infantry, Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov was elevated, with his descendants, to the dignity of a count of the Russian Empire. On November 23 (December 5), 1811, 1811, Chaban-oglu surrendered to Count Golenishchev-Kutuzov a 35,000-strong army with 56 guns. Turkey was forced to enter into negotiations.

Concentrating his corps to the Russian borders, Napoleon hoped that the alliance with the Sultan, which he concluded in the spring of 1812, would bind the Russian forces in the south. But on May 16 (28), 1812, in Bucharest, Kutuzov made peace, according to which Bessarabia with part of Moldavia passed to Russia (Bucharest Peace Treaty of 1812). It was a major military and diplomatic victory that shifted the strategic situation for Russia for the better by the beginning of World War II. At the conclusion of peace, Admiral Chichagov headed the Danube army, and Kutuzov was recalled to St. Petersburg, where, by decision of the emergency committee of ministers, he was appointed commander of the troops for the defense of St. Petersburg.

At the beginning of the Patriotic War of 1812, General Kutuzov was elected in July the head of the St. Petersburg, and then the Moscow militia. At the initial stage of the Patriotic War, the 1st and 2nd Western Russian armies found themselves under the onslaught of Napoleon's superior forces. The unsuccessful course of the war prompted the nobility to demand the appointment of a commander who would enjoy the confidence of Russian society. Even before the Russian troops left Smolensk, Alexander I appointed Infantry General Kutuzov commander-in-chief of all Russian armies and militias. 10 days before the appointment, by a personal Imperial decree, dated July 29 (August 10), 1812, Infantry General Count Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov was elevated, with his descending offspring, to the princely dignity of the Russian Empire, with the title of lordship. The appointment of Kutuzov caused a patriotic upsurge in the army and the people. Kutuzov himself, as in 1805, was not in the mood for a decisive battle against Napoleon. According to one of the testimonies, he put it this way about the methods by which he would act against the French: “We will not defeat Napoleon. We will deceive him."

On August 17 (29), Kutuzov received the army from Barclay de Tolly in the village of Tsarevo-Zaimishche, Smolensk province.

The great superiority of the enemy in forces and the lack of reserves forced Kutuzov to retreat inland, following the strategy of his predecessor Barclay de Tolly. Further withdrawal meant the surrender of Moscow without a fight, which was unacceptable both politically and morally. Having received insignificant reinforcements, Kutuzov decided to give Napoleon a pitched battle, the first and only one in the Patriotic War of 1812. The Battle of Borodino, one of the largest battles of the era of the Napoleonic Wars, took place on August 26 (September 7). During the day of the battle, the Russian army inflicted heavy losses on the French troops, but according to preliminary estimates, by the night of the same day, it lost almost half of the personnel of the regular troops. The balance of power obviously did not shift in favor of Kutuzov. Kutuzov decided to withdraw from the Borodino position, and then, after a meeting in Fili (now a Moscow region), he left Moscow. Nevertheless, the Russian army proved to be worthy at Borodino, for which Kutuzov was promoted to field marshal on August 30 (September 11).

After leaving Moscow, Kutuzov secretly carried out the famous Tarutino flank maneuver, leading the army to the village of Tarutino by the beginning of October. Once to the south and west of Napoleon, Kutuzov blocked his path of movement to the southern regions of the country.

Having failed in his attempts to make peace with Russia, on October 7 (19) Napoleon began to withdraw from Moscow. He tried to lead the army to Smolensk by the southern route through Kaluga, where there were food and fodder supplies, but on October 12 (24) in the battle for Maloyaroslavets he was stopped by Kutuzov and retreated along the devastated Smolensk road. The Russian troops launched a counteroffensive, which Kutuzov organized so that Napoleon's army was under flank attacks by regular and partisan detachments, and Kutuzov avoided a frontal battle with large masses of troops.

Thanks to Kutuzov's strategy, the huge Napoleonic army was almost completely destroyed. Kutuzov in the pre-Soviet and post-Soviet times was criticized more than once for his unwillingness to act more decisively and aggressively, for his preference to have a sure victory at the expense of loud glory. Prince Kutuzov, according to contemporaries and historians, did not share his plans with anyone, his words to the public often diverged from his orders in the army, so that the true motives for the actions of the illustrious commander allow for various interpretations. But the end result of his activities is undeniable - the defeat of Napoleon in Russia, for which Kutuzov was awarded the Order of St. George of the 1st degree, becoming the first full St. George Knight in the history of the order. By personal decree of the Highest Decree, dated December 6 (18), 1812, Field Marshal General His Serene Highness Prince Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov was granted the name "Smolensky".

Napoleon often spoke contemptuously about the generals opposing him, while not embarrassed in expressions. Characteristically, he avoided giving public assessments of Kutuzov's command in the Patriotic War, preferring to lay the blame for the complete destruction of his army on the "harsh Russian winter." Napoleon's attitude towards Kutuzov can be seen in a personal letter written by Napoleon from Moscow on October 3, 1812 with the aim of starting peace negotiations: “I am sending one of My Adjutant Generals to you to negotiate on many important matters. I want Your Grace to believe what he tells you, especially when he expresses to you the feelings of respect and special attention that I have long had for you. Having nothing else to say with this letter, I pray to the Almighty that he keep you, Prince Kutuzov, under his sacred and good cover..

In January 1813, Russian troops crossed the border and reached the Oder by the end of February. By April 1813 the troops reached the Elbe. On April 5, the commander-in-chief caught a cold and fell ill in the small Silesian town of Bunzlau (Prussia, now the territory of Poland).

According to a legend refuted by historians, Alexander I arrived to say goodbye to a very weakened field marshal. Behind the screens, near the bed on which Kutuzov lay, was the official Krupennikov, who was with him. The last dialogue of Kutuzov, allegedly overheard by Krupennikov and transmitted by the chamberlain Tolstoy: “Forgive me, Mikhail Illarionovich!” - "I forgive, sir, but Russia will never forgive you for this." The next day, April 16 (28), 1813, Prince Kutuzov passed away. His body was embalmed and sent to St. Petersburg.

The journey was long - through Poznan, Riga, Narva - and took more than a month. Despite such a margin of time, it was not possible to bury the field marshal in the Russian capital immediately upon arrival: they did not have time to properly prepare everything necessary for burial in the Kazan Cathedral. Therefore, the illustrious commander was sent "for temporary storage" - the coffin with the body stood for 18 days in the middle of the church in the Trinity - Sergius Hermitage, a few miles from St. Petersburg. The funeral in the Kazan Cathedral took place on June 11, 1813.

They say that the people were dragging a wagon with the remains of a national hero. The emperor retained the full maintenance of her husband for Kutuzov's wife, and in 1814 ordered the Minister of Finance Guryev to issue more than 300 thousand rubles to pay off the debts of the commander's family.

During his lifetime, he was criticized for obsequiousness, manifested in an obsequious attitude towards the royal favorites, and for excessive predilection for the female sex. They say that while Kutuzov was already seriously ill in the Tarutinsky camp (October 1812), Chief of Staff Bennigsen reported to Alexander I that Kutuzov did nothing and slept a lot, and not alone. He brought with him a Moldavian woman dressed as a Cossack who “warms his bed”. The letter ended up in the military department, where General Knorring imposed the following resolution on it: “Rumyantsev drove them four at a time. It's none of our business. And what sleeps, let it sleep. Every hour [sleep] of this elder inexorably brings us closer to victory.”

Kutuzov family:

The noble family of the Golenishchev-Kutuzovs originates from the Novgorodian Fyodor, nicknamed Kutuz (XV century), whose nephew Vasily had the nickname Golenishche. The sons of Vasily were in the royal service under the surname "Golenishchev-Kutuzov". The grandfather of M. I. Kutuzov rose only to the rank of captain, his father already to the lieutenant general, and Mikhail Illarionovich earned hereditary princely dignity.

Illarion Matveyevich was buried in the village of Terebeni, Opochetsky District, in a special crypt. Currently, there is a church on the burial site, in the basement of which a crypt was discovered in the 20th century. The expedition of the TV project "Searchers" found out that the body of Illarion Matveyevich was mummified and, thanks to this, was well preserved.

Kutuzov got married in the church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in the village of Golenishchevo, Samoluk Volost, Loknyansky District, Pskov Region. Today, only ruins remain of this church.

The wife of Mikhail Illarionovich, Ekaterina Ilyinichna (1754-1824), was the daughter of Lieutenant General Ilya Alexandrovich Bibikov and the sister of A. I. Bibikov, a major statesman and military figure (marshal of the Legislative Commission, commander in chief in the fight against the Polish confederates and in the suppression of the Pugachev rebellion , a friend of A. Suvorov). She married a thirty-year-old colonel Kutuzov in 1778 and gave birth to five daughters in a happy marriage (the only son, Nikolai, died of smallpox in infancy, was buried in Elisavetgrad (now Kirovograd) on the territory of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin).

1. Praskovya (1777-1844) - wife of Matvey Fedorovich Tolstoy (1772-1815);
2. Anna (1782-1846) - wife of Nikolai Zakharovich Khitrovo (1779-1827);
3. Elizabeth (1783-1839) - in the first marriage, the wife of Fyodor Ivanovich Tizenhausen (1782-1805); in the second - Nikolai Fedorovich Khitrovo (1771-1819);
4. Ekaterina (1787-1826) - wife of Prince Nikolai Danilovich Kudashev (1786-1813); in the second - Ilya Stepanovich Sarochinsky (1788/89-1854);
5. Daria (1788-1854) - wife of Fyodor Petrovich Opochinin (1779-1852).

Lisa's first husband died fighting under the command of Kutuzov, Katya's first husband also died in battle. Since the field marshal left no offspring in the male line, the name of Golenishchev-Kutuzov in 1859 was transferred to his grandson, Major General P. M. Tolstoy, son of Praskovya.

Kutuzov also related to the imperial house: his great-granddaughter Daria Konstantinovna Opochinina (1844-1870) became the wife of Evgeny Maximilianovich Leuchtenberg.

Kutuzov's awards:

M. I. Kutuzov became the first of 4 full Knights of St. George in the entire history of the order.

Order of St. George 4th class. (11/26/1775, No. 222) - “For courage and courage shown during the attack of the Turkish troops, who made a landing on the Crimean coast near Alushta. Being detached to take possession of the enemy retrangement, to which he led his battalion with such fearlessness that the numerous enemy fled, where he received a very dangerous wound "
- Order of St. George 3rd class. (03/25/1791, No. 77) - “In respect for the diligent service and excellent courage shown during the capture of the city and fortress of Ishmael with the extermination of the Turkish army that was there”
- Order of St. George 2nd class. (03/18/1792, No. 28) - “In respect for diligent service, brave and courageous deeds, with which he distinguished himself in the battle of Machin and the defeat of the Russian troops under the command of General Prince N.V. Repnin, a large Turkish army”
- Order of St. George 1st class. bol.cr. (12/12/1812, No. 10) - "For the defeat and expulsion of the enemy from Russia in 1812"
- Order of St. Anne 1st class. - for distinction in the battles near Ochakovo (04/21/1789)
- Order of St. Vladimir 2nd class. - for the successful formation of the corps (06.1789)
- Order of St. Alexander Nevsky - for battles with the Turks near Babadag (07/28/1791)
- Order of St. John of Jerusalem Grand Cross (04.10.1799)
- Order of St. Andrew the First-Called (09/08/1800)
- Order of St. Vladimir 1st class. - for battles with the French in 1805 (02/24/1806)
- Portrait of Emperor Alexander I with diamonds to wear on the chest (07/18/1811)
- Golden sword with diamonds and laurels - for the battle of Tarutino (10/16/1812)
- Diamond signs to the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called (12/12/1812)
- Holstein Order of St. Anne - for the battle with the Turks near Ochakov (04/21/1789)
- Austrian Military Order of Maria Theresa 1st class. (02.11.1805)
- Prussian Order of the Red Eagle, 1st class.
- Prussian Order of the Black Eagle (1813)

Great commander of the Russian Empire.

Kutuzov is one of the few Russian generals to have earned all four degrees of the Order of St. George, the highest military award in the Russian Empire. Together with him, such an honor fell to only three Russian field marshals.
Perhaps, Kutuzov's leadership talent was most clearly manifested in his ability to withstand a numerically superior enemy, and also skillfully use such a military maneuver as a retreat. And contrary to all the laws of military art, he won, and his popularity grew both among the military and among the common people. A vivid example of this are the lines of Pushkin, where Kutuzov, This idol of the northern squads, is always ready to defend the fatherland.
Amazed by the talents of the Russian military genius, Napoleon I Bonaparte called him the “Old Fox of the North”.
The future Field Marshal also bore the title of His Serene Highness Prince Smolensky and came from an old noble family. Researchers give the date of birth of the commander as September 1745 (as indicated on his burial site) or 1747 (according to correspondence and formulary lists).
After completing his studies at the engineering school, Kutuzov's baptism of fire took place in the Russian-Turkish wars, in which the courage and outstanding abilities of the future commander were manifested. A significant contribution to the approval of the personality of Mikhail Illarionovich belongs to another great Russian commander - Alexander Suvorov, under whose command Kutuzov was during the Russian-Turkish war, which lasted from 1768 to 1774. It was after these wars that Kutuzov was recognized as one of the most talented Russian military leaders.
Despite past merits, in 1802 Kutuzov fell into disgrace with the recently ascended Emperor Alexander I. In such a situation, he was forced to ask for resignation and not do what he loved for three years. At that very time, in distant France, the star of another great commander, Napoleon I Bonaparte, was rising, whom only Kutuzov could stop.
The first meeting of the two greatest commanders of that time took place in the autumn of 1805. Kutuzov was appointed to command the army, the main task of which was to help the allied Russian Empire of Austria. Opposing the decisive battle with the French, Kutuzov is forced to submit to the will of Alexander I. The result was the defeat that Russian troops suffered in the battle of Austerlitz on November 20 of the same year. The reason for the defeat of the imperial army was the actions of Mikhail Illarionovich, who, in fact, practically did not command the troops.
The Russian commander once again falls into disgrace and is transferred to the post of military governor in the capital of Ukraine. A year later, another war begins with the Ottoman Empire, which wins a number of important battles against the army of Alexander I. In such a situation, the emperor once again decides to appoint Kutuzov commander of the Russian army.
Standing at the head, Kutuzov inflicts a crushing defeat on the Ottomans in the battle of Ruschuk (July 1811), in which 15-20 thousand imperial troops opposed the 60-thousand army of the Turks. The result was the signing of a peace treaty with Turkey.
In June 1812, the Great Patriotic War and Napoleon's invasion began. Kutuzov is again appointed commander of the Russian army. On August 26, 1812, a key battle between the Russian and French armies begins near the village of Borodino. As a result of a bloody battle, the Russian troops were forced to retreat, but Napoleon could not achieve a decisive victory, having suffered heavy losses. Kutuzov decides to surrender Moscow to the French.
The calculation of the great commander, which was reduced to exhausting the enemy and stretching his reserves, did not disappoint him. Although Napoleon entered Moscow, Moscow was already deserted and burned down. It seemed that the near victory of the French arms turned into a defeat for Napoleon.
At this time, Kutuzov is transferring troops to the south of Moscow, thereby cutting off Napoleon's path to rich food and fodder in the southern regions of the country. Seeing the futility of a breakthrough to the south, the French commander decides to break through back to the west through Smolensk.
In the cold winter, without food and fodder, thousands of horses died, and military discipline was at zero. Serious damage was caused by the actions of the partisans. Napoleon's retreat became chaotic.
On December 21 of the same year, the French were completely expelled from Russia. January 6, 1813 The Great Patriotic War was over.
Inspired by success, Alexander I decides to pursue Napoleon and sends troops further west. In April 1813, in the Silesian town of Bunzlau, Kutuzov fell seriously ill and died on April 16.
The commander's funeral took place on June 11, 1813 in St. Petersburg.

Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov - Russian Field Marshal General, His Serene Highness Prince, Commander-in-Chief of Russian troops in the Patriotic War of 1812, became the first full holder of the Order of St. George.

Biography

Childhood

Father, Illarion Matveevich Golenishchev-Kutuzov, was a lieutenant general (later a senator). There are several opinions about the origin of the mother, Anna Larionovna: some sources indicate that she was Beklemisheva as a girl; others - Bedrinskaya. The confusion also occurred with the year of Kutuzov's birth: the year 1745 is indicated on the grave, and according to the official lists, he was born in 1747.

Education

Kutuzov was educated at home until 1759, and then studied at the Noble Artillery and Engineering School, which he graduated in 1761 with the rank of ensign engineer.

Career

After graduating from school, Mikhail was left with her as a teacher of mathematics, but Kutuzov did not work long in this position: he was soon invited to act as an aide-de-camp at Prince Holstein-Beksky. In 1762, a clever adjutant beyond his years received the rank of captain and commanded one of the companies of the Astrakhan infantry regiment, headed at that moment by Colonel A.V. Suvorov. In 1770 he was transferred south to the army under the command of P. A. Rumyantsev, in which he took part in the Russian-Turkish war.

Russian-Turkish wars

In the first Turkish campaign, from 1770 to 1774, Mikhail Illarionovich distinguished himself in battles at the Ryaba Mogila, Cahul, Larga, Popesty and Shum. In the battle near the village of Shuma, Kutuzov received his first facial wound. He ended the war with the rank of lieutenant colonel and was sent for treatment to Austria by Catherine II herself.

In 1777, Kutuzov became a colonel, he was given command of the Lugansk pike regiment in Azov. In 1783 he was already in command of the Mariupol Light Horse Regiment. In 1784, he managed to suppress the uprising in the Crimea, for which he received a major general. In 1785 he formed the Bug Chasseur Corps, developed new tactics. In 1787, the second Russian-Turkish war broke out.

In this campaign, Kutuzov takes part in the battles near Kinburn, Kaushany and Baghdad, in the siege of Ochakov, Bender, Izmail. Becomes the right hand of A. V. Suvorov, who led the Russian army. During the siege of Ochakov, he received a second facial wound. He defeated the Turkish army in the battle of Machin, putting an end to the war.

When a new war broke out with Turkey in 1811, Kutuzov saved the situation by concluding a profitable Bucharest peace treaty with the Turks.

Russo-French War

Kutuzov was Catherine's favorite, he was able to establish relations with Paul, but Alexander I clearly did not favor the commander. In 1805, Mikhail Illarionovich was appointed commander in chief of one of the armies sent to Austria to fight Napoleon. The Austrian troops were defeated, and the emperor insisted on the battle, which took place near Austerlitz and was lost.

In the Patriotic War of 1812, Kutuzov, appointed commander-in-chief, first of the militias, and then of the entire army, endures the battle of Borodino, in which the Russian troops behaved with dignity. With his wisdom, the commander-in-chief in the famous councils in Fili insists on leaving Moscow. It was this tactical move that became decisive in the victory over Napoleon. He led the foreign campaign of the Russian army, where he died.

Personal life

Kutuzov's first love was Uliana Ivanovna Aleksandrovich, who shared his feelings. A wedding day was appointed, but the tragic circumstances of Ulyana's illness separated them. The girl remained faithful to her lover until the end of her days, never getting married.

In 1778, Kutuzov married Ekaterina Ilyinichna Bibikova. The marriage produced five children. It is known that while Kutuzov was on campaigns, his wife lived in grand style, and Alexander I himself patronized her.

Death

In the spring of 1813, Kutuzov, being on a campaign abroad, caught a cold and fell ill. At the end of April, in the Prussian city of Bunzlau, the great commander died. His body was transported to St. Petersburg and buried in the Kazan Cathedral.

The main achievements of Kutuzov

• The Russian army, led by Kutuzov as commander in chief, won the war against Napoleon in 1812.
• Kutuzov is a participant in such historical battles as the assault on Izmail, the battle of Austerlitz, the battle of Borodino.
• He was awarded the Orders of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, St. Alexander Nevsky, St. John of Jerusalem, St. George I, II, III, IV degrees, St. Vladimir I and II degrees, St. Anna I degree, Red and Black Eagles, as well as the Grand Cross of the Military Order Maria Teresa.

Important dates in Kutuzov's biography

• 1745 (1747) - birth
• 1759–1761 - studying at the Noble Artillery and Engineering School
• 1761 - adjutant wing at the Prince of Holstein-Beck
• 1762 - captain of the Astrakhan infantry regiment
• 1764 - service in Poland
• 1770–1774 - participation in the Russian-Turkish war
• 1774 - the first wound
• 1774–1776 treatment in Austria
• 1777 - Lugansk pike regiment in Azov
• 1778 - marriage to E. I. Bibikova
• 1783 - Mariupol Light Horse Regiment
• 1784 - the suppression of the uprising in the Crimea
• 1785 - Bug Jaeger Regiment
• 1787–1991 - Second Russo-Turkish War
• 1788 - second wound
• 1790 - the capture of Ishmael
• 1791 - Machinsky battle
• 1805 - Battle of Austerlitz
• 1811 - the third Russian-Turkish war
• 1812 - Treaty of Bucharest, Battle of Borodino
• 1813 - death

• Kutuzov lost his eye at the age of 29 (Russian-Turkish war, battle near the village of Shumy in 1774), when a bullet hit the left temple, pierced the nasopharynx and flew out through the right eye, knocking it out. 13 years later, in 1788, in a battle with the Turks near Ochakovo, a fragment of a grenade hit Kutuzov in the right cheekbone, went through his head, flew out of the back of his head, knocking out almost all his teeth. Both wounds were considered fatal. In the battle of Austerlitz, the bullet once again injured the commander's face: it hit him on the right cheek, but did not cause serious damage.
• Very often in the cinema, in the portraits of Kutuzov, they are depicted in a bandage on a damaged eye. This is the speculation of directors and artists: Mikhail Illarionovich never wore it in his life.
• Kutuzov met with Germaine de Stael, the famous French writer, who noted that Mikhail Illarionovich spoke French much better than Napoleon.
• Staying in Constantinople on a diplomatic mission, Kutuzov managed to visit the harem of the Turkish Sultan and even communicate with its inhabitants, although this was punishable by death in Turkey.
• Kutuzov had a talent for imitation and often, in his youth, entertained friends by ingeniously parodying either Rumyantsev or Catherine the Great herself.

The name of Field Marshal Mikhail Golenishchev-Kutuzov enjoys well-deserved world fame. Brought up on the best traditions of Russian military art, the foundations of which were laid by Rumyantsev and Kutuzov, in more difficult historical conditions, raised Russian military art to a new, higher level. With the strength of his military talent, his selfless and hard military work, he achieved great successes, won many victories, the glory of which will never fade.

A descendant of an ancient boyar family, a graduate of the Artillery School, Kutuzov distinguished himself for the first time in 1765 and 1769, defeating the Confederate Poles. During the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. he showed his military talents by participating in the main battles of this war: at the Pockmarked Grave, Larga and Cahul.

In 1774, in a battle with the Crimean Tatars, Kutuzov was wounded in the temple by a bullet that went through, depriving him of his left eye. He survived after a severe wound and was awarded the Order of St. George 4th degree. From 1776 he served under Suvorov, becoming one of his favorite and most talented students. In 1784, the commander received the rank of major general. During the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1791, in the battle near Ochakovo, he was again seriously wounded. The bullet entered Kutuzov in the cheek and exited the back of the head. The wound was fatal, but the commander survived, which amazed his doctor, who noted that fate kept Kutuzov for future extraordinary feats.

In 1790, he took part in the assault on Izmail, one of the first to break into the fortress, in 1791 Kutuzov defeated the Turks in Moldova, and soon defeated the Polish rebels of Tadeusz Kosciuszko. Under Paul I, Mikhail Illarionovich was promoted to general from infantry.

In the 19th century Europe entered with the thunder of Napoleon's cannons. In August 1805 M.I. Kutuzov, at the head of the Russian army, moved to Austria, and soon the famous Battle of Austerlitz took place, which ended in the defeat of the Russian and Austrian troops. Before it began, Emperor Alexander I said to Kutuzov: “Why don’t you attack? After all, we are not Tsaritsyn Meadow, where they don’t start the parade until all the regiments arrive. ” Kutuzov replied: “Sire, that’s why I don’t attack, because we are not on Tsaritsyn Meadow.” Nevertheless, Kutuzov had to fulfill the imperial order, which led to the defeat of the Russian-Austrian troops.

Subsequently, Alexander did not like Kutuzov, remembering how he witnessed his commander's disgrace. Nevertheless, in the spring of 1811, the emperor had to appoint Kutuzov to the post of commander-in-chief of the Danube army in a protracted war with Turkey (1806-1812). In October 1811, under his command, Russian troops inflicted a decisive defeat on the Turkish army near Ruschuk, which forced the Ottoman government to start peace negotiations. Kutuzov on May 28, 1812 (a month before Napoleon's invasion) managed to sign a peace treaty in Bucharest, which ensured the neutrality of the Ottoman Empire in the upcoming war. This side of M.I. Kutuzov is remarkable: he showed himself as a subtle diplomat, being in 1793-1795. envoy to the Ottoman Empire. The result of his activities was the signing of an unprecedented Russian-Ottoman treaty, and the Ottoman Empire itself took an active part in the wars of the second anti-French coalition.

The popularity of Kutuzov, who in 1812 was the most senior among the Russian generals, forced Alexander I to sign a decree appointing him commander-in-chief of the Russian army. Kutuzov's task was not only to stop Napoleon's further advance, but also to expel him from Russian borders. He, like his predecessors, adhered to the tactics of retreat, but the army and the whole country expected a decisive battle from him. And Kutuzov gave it near Borodino. Until now, disputes continue about who left the battlefield behind: in Stalin's times it was said that it was a victory for the Russian army, the French always recognized themselves as winners. But, probably, in assessing this battle, Napoleon himself was most accurate: “Of all my battles, the most terrible is the one I fought near Moscow. The French in it showed themselves worthy of victory. And the Russians have gained the glory of being undefeated.”

Kutuzov, having made a difficult decision to leave Moscow, made a skillful Tarutinsky march maneuver. The second most important battle after Borodin took place on October 12, 1812 near Maloyaroslavets. The city changed hands eight times, and although in the end it was occupied by the French, Napoleon was still forced to abandon the movement to the south and turn onto the Old Smolensk road devastated by the war. The retreat of the "Great Army" began.

The expulsion of Napoleon from Russia did not yet mean the complete end of the war. Alexander decided to continue it until the complete destruction of Napoleonic rule in Europe. M.I. opposed this plan. Kutuzov, who believed that the war should end on the Neman River. Europe, in his opinion, should save itself, and the invasion of the Russian army there will bring more benefits not to Russia, but to England. Alexander I managed to convince Kutuzov, but on April 16, 1813, in the small town of Bunzlau, he died. Almost a year after his death, on March 19, 1814, the Russian army entered Paris.

Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov is one of the most famous commanders in the history of Russia. It was this field marshal general who commanded the Russian army during the Patriotic War of 1812. It is believed that the wisdom and cunning of Kutuzov helped to defeat Napoleon.

The future hero was born in the family of a lieutenant general in 1745. Already at the age of 14, Kutuzov got into the Artillery Engineering School for noble children. In 1762, the young officer became the company commander of the Astrakhan infantry regiment, commanded by Suvorov himself.

The formation of Kutuzov as a military leader took place during the Russian-Turkish wars. In the Crimea, it is believed that he received the very famous wound that cost him an eye. Before the war of 1812, Kutuzov managed to make war with Napoleon in Europe, including at Austerlitz. At the beginning of World War II, the general became the head of the St. Petersburg, and then the Moscow militia.

But due to failures at the front, Alexander I was forced to appoint the authoritative Kutuzov commander in chief of the Russian army. This decision caused a patriotic upsurge. Kutuzov died in 1813 in Prussia, when the fate of the war had already been decided. The bright image of the commander gave rise to many legends, traditions and even anecdotes. But not everything we know about Kutuzov is true. We will debunk the most popular myths about him.

In alliance with the Austrians against their background, Kutuzov showed himself to be a talented commander. Domestic historians write that fighting together with the Austrians against Napoleon, Kutuzov showed all his best qualities. But for some reason, he constantly retreated. After another withdrawal, hiding behind the forces of Bagration, Kutuzov reunited with the Austrians. The Allies outnumbered Napoleon, but the battle of Austerlitz was lost. And again, historians blame the mediocre Austrians, Tsar Alexander I, who intervened in the course of the battle. This is how a myth is created that tries to protect Kutuzov. However, French and Austrian historians believe that it was he who commanded the Russian army. Kutuzov is blamed for the choice of an unsuccessful disposition of troops and unpreparedness for defense. As a result of the battle, an army of one hundred thousand people was utterly defeated. The Russians lost 15,000 killed, while the French only 2,000. From this side, Kutuzov's resignation does not look like the result of palace intrigues, but the result of the absence of high-profile victories.

In the biography of Kutuzov there were many glorious victories. In fact, there was only one independent victory. But even she was questioned. Moreover, Kutuzov was even punished for her. In 1811, his army surrounded the Turks near Ruschuk along with their commander, Ahmed Bey. However, at the same time, the commander circled for days and weeks, retreated and waited for reinforcements. The victory was forced. Domestic historians believe that Kutuzov did everything prudently and wisely. But the contemporaries themselves saw many mistakes in the activities of the Russian commander in that long confrontation. A quick decisive victory in the style of Suvorov did not work out.

Kutuzov came up with a tactic to avoid head-on collisions with Napoleon. The Scythian plan, which provided for the avoidance of head-on collisions with Napoleon, was invented by Barclay de Tolly back in 1807. The general believed that the French themselves would leave Russia with the onset of winter and a shortage of provisions. However, the plan was thwarted by the appointment of Kutuzov to the post. The tsar was convinced that a Russian patriot should be at the head of the army, who would stop the French. Kutuzov promised to give Napoleon a general battle, which was just impossible to do. Barclay de Tolly believed that Moscow could also be left, moving further east and waiting out the winter. The actions of the partisans and the blockade of the French in the city will hasten their withdrawal. However, Kutuzov believed that the battle was necessary in order to prevent Napoleon from entering Moscow. With the loss of the city, the commander saw defeat in the entire war. Soviet films show a conflict with Barclay de Tolly, who, being a non-Russian, did not understand what leaving Moscow meant. In fact, Kutuzov was forced to retreat after the battle of Borodino, while losing 44 thousand killed. And in Moscow, he left another 15 thousand wounded. Instead of a competent retreat, Kutuzov preferred to give battle for the sake of image, losing half of his army. Here already had to follow the Scythian plan. But soon the commander again could not restrain himself and got involved in the battle of Maloyaroslavets. The Russian army did not capture the city then, and the losses were twice as high as the French.

Kutuzov was one-eyed. Kutuzov received a head wound during the siege of Ochakov in August 1788. For a long time it allowed to save vision. And only 17 years later, during the campaign of 1805, Kutuzov began to notice that his right eye was beginning to close. In his letters to his wife in 1799-1800, Mikhail Illarionovich said that he was healthy, only his eyes hurt from frequent writing and work.

Kutuzov went blind after being wounded near Alushta. Kutuzov received his first serious wound in 1774 near Alushta. The Turks landed there with a landing force, who were met by a three thousandth Russian detachment. Kutuzov commanded the grenadiers of the Moscow Legion. During the battle, the bullet pierced the left temple and exited at the right eye. But at the same time, Kutuzov retained his vision. But Crimean guides tell gullible tourists that it was here that Kutuzov lost his eye. And there are several such places near Alushta.

Kutuzov is a brilliant commander. Kutuzov's talent in this regard should not be exaggerated. On the one hand, he can be compared in this respect with Saltykov or Barclay de Tolly. But Kutuzov was far from Rumyantsev, and even more so from Suvorov. He proved himself only in battles with a weak Turkey, while his victories were not loud. Yes, and Suvorov himself saw in Kutuzov more of a military manager than a commander. He managed to prove himself in the diplomatic field. In 1812, Kutuzov held negotiations with the Turks, which ended with the signing of the Bucharest Peace. Some believe that this is the highest example of diplomatic art. True, there are opinions that the conditions were unfavorable for Russia, and Kutuzov hastened, fearing his replacement by Admiral Chichagov.

Kutuzov was a prominent military theorist. In the 17th century, such theoretical works on military art as Rumyantsev's Rite of Service and Thoughts, Suvorov's The Science of Victory and Regimental Establishment stood out in Russia. The only military-theoretical work of Kutuzov was created by him in 1786 and was called "Notes on the infantry service in general and on the chasseurs in particular." The information there is relevant for that time, but insignificant in terms of theory. Even the documents of Barclay de Tolly were much more significant. Soviet historians tried to identify the military-theoretical legacy of Kutuzov, but could not find anything intelligible. The idea of ​​preserving reserves cannot be considered revolutionary, especially since the commander himself at Borodino did not follow his own advice.

Kutuzov wanted to see the army smart. Suvorov also said that every soldier must understand his own maneuver. But Kutuzov believed that subordinates should blindly obey the commanders: "Not the one who is truly brave, who arbitrarily rushes into danger, but the one who obeys." In this regard, the position of the general was closer to Tsar Alexander I than the opinion of Barclay de Tolly. He proposed to reduce the cruelty of discipline so that it would not extinguish patriotism.

By 1812, Kutuzov was the best and most respected Russian general. At that moment, he victoriously and on time ended the war with Turkey. But Kutuzov had nothing to do with preparing for the war of 1812, or with its beginning. If he had not been appointed commander in chief, he would have remained in the history of the country as one of the many generals of the first row, not even field marshals. Immediately after the expulsion of the French from Russia, Kutuzov himself told Yermolov that he would have spat in the face of someone who, two or three years ago, would have predicted for him the glory of the conqueror of Napoleon. Yermolov himself emphasized Kutuzov's lack of such talents that would justify his accidental celebrity.

Kutuzov was glorified during his lifetime. The commander managed to taste the lifetime glory only in the last six months of his life. The first biographers of Kutuzov began to exalt him as the savior of the fatherland, hushing up the unfavorable facts of his career. In 1813, five books about the life of the commander appeared at once, he was called the greatest, Perun of the North. The Battle of Borodino was described as a complete victory that put the French to flight. A new campaign to exalt Kutuzov started on the tenth anniversary of his death. Yes, and in Soviet times, with the approval of Stalin, the cult of the commander began to form, who expelled the enemy from the country.

Kutuzov wore an eye patch. This is the most famous myth about the commander. In fact, he never wore any bandages. There was no evidence of such an accessory from his contemporaries, and in his lifetime portraits Kutuzov was depicted without bandages. Yes, she was not needed, because the vision was not lost. And that same bandage appeared in 1943 in the film "Kutuzov". The viewer had to show that even after a serious injury, one can remain in the ranks and defend the Motherland. This was followed by the film "Hussar Ballad", which confirmed in the mass consciousness the image of a field marshal with an eye patch.

Kutuzov was lazy and weak-willed. Some historians and journalists, considering the personality of Kutuzov, openly call him lazy. It is believed that the commander was indecisive, never inspected the campsites of his troops, signed only part of the documents. There are recollections of contemporaries who saw Kutuzov frankly dozing during meetings. But the army at that moment did not need a decisive lion. Reasonable, calm and slow Kutuzov could slowly wait for the collapse of the conqueror, without rushing into battle with him. Napoleon, on the other hand, needed a decisive battle, after the victory in which it was possible to dictate conditions. So it’s worth focusing not on Kutuzov’s apathy and laziness, but on his caution and cunning.

Kutuzov was a freemason. It is known that in 1776 Kutuzov joined the lodge "To the Three Keys". But then, under Catherine, it was a craze. Kutuzov became a member of lodges in Frankfurt and Berlin. But the further activities of the military leader, as a freemason, remains a mystery. Some believe that with the ban on Freemasonry in Russia, Kutuzov left the organization. Others, on the contrary, call him almost the most important Freemason in Russia in those years. Kutuzov is accused of escaping at Austerlitz and repaying his fellow Mason Napoleon with salvation at Maloyaroslavets and Berezina. In any case, the mysterious organization of freemasons knows how to keep their secrets. How influential Kutuzov the Freemason was, we do not seem to know.

Kutuzov's heart is buried in Prussia. There is a legend that Kutuzov asked to take his ashes to his homeland, and to bury his heart near the Saxon road. The Russian soldiers should have known that the commander had stayed with them. The myth was debunked in 1930. The Kutuzov crypt was opened in the Kazan Cathedral. The body decayed, and a silver vessel was found near the head. In it, in a transparent liquid, was Kutuzov's heart.

Kutuzov was a clever courtier. Suvorov said that where he bowed once, Kutuzov would do it ten. On the one hand, Kutuzov was one of the few favorites of Catherine left at the court of Paul I. But the general himself did not consider him the legitimate heir, about which he wrote to his wife. Yes, and relations with Alexander I were cool, as well as with his entourage. In 1802, Kutuzov generally fell into disgrace and was sent to his estate.

Kutuzov participated in a conspiracy against Paul I. Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov was indeed present at the last dinner of Emperor Paul I. Perhaps this happened thanks to his daughter-maid of honor. But the general did not participate in the conspiracy. The confusion arose because among the organizers of the murder there was also a namesake, P. Kutuzov.

Kutuzov was a pedophile. Critics of the commander accuse him of using the services of young girls during the war. On the one hand, there is indeed a lot of evidence that Kutuzov was entertained by 13-14-year-old girls. But how immoral was that for the time? Then the noblewomen got married at the age of 16, and the peasant women generally at 11-12. The same Yermolov cohabited with several women of Caucasian nationality, having legitimate children from them. Yes, and Rumyantsev took with him five young mistresses. It certainly has nothing to do with military talent.

When appointing Kutuzov to the post of commander in chief, he had to face serious competition. At that time, five people claimed this post: Emperor Alexander I himself, Kutuzov, Bennigsen, Barclay de Tolly and Bagration. The last two fell away due to irreconcilable enmity with each other. The emperor was afraid to take responsibility, and Bennigsen dropped out because of his origin. In addition, Kutuzov was nominated by the influential nobles of Moscow and St. Petersburg, the army wanted to see its own, Russian man in this post. The choice of the commander-in-chief was handled by the Extraordinary Committee of 6 people. It was unanimously decided to appoint Kutuzov to this post.

Kutuzov was Catherine's favorite. Almost all the years of the reign of the Empress Kutuzov spent either on the battlefields, or in the nearby wilderness, or abroad. At court, he practically did not appear, so he could not become a saint or favorite of Catherine with all his desire. In 1793, Kutuzov asked for a salary not from the Empress, but from Zubov. This suggests that the general had no closeness to Catherine. She appreciated him for his merits, but no more. Under Catherine, Kutuzov received his ranks and orders for deeds, and not thanks to intrigues and someone's patronage.

Kutuzov was against the foreign campaign of the Russian army. This legend is replicated by many historians. It is believed that Kutuzov did not consider it necessary to save Europe and help England. Russia is saved, the army is exhausted. According to Kutuzov, a new war would be dangerous, and the Germans are not sure that they will rise against Napoleon. Allegedly, the commander called on Emperor Alexander to fulfill his vow and lay down his arms. There is no documentary evidence of this, as well as Kutuzov's dying words that Russia will not forgive the tsar. It meant the continuation of the war. Rather, Kutuzov did not oppose a foreign campaign, but simply was against a lightning-fast rush to the West. He, being true to himself, wanted to move slowly and carefully towards Paris. In Kutuzov's correspondence there are no traces of a fundamental objection to such a campaign, but operational issues of the further conduct of the war are discussed. In any case, the strategic decision was made by Alexander I himself. The experienced courtier Kutuzov simply could not speak out openly against it.