Russia in 1839 -Empire of the Czar: A Journey Through Eternal Russia

THE COSSACKS.53

of the Imperial government. Their activity, their wandering habits, the speed and spirit of their horses, the co-acting patience and address of man and beast, their mutual endurance of fatigue and hardship, constitute, in themselves, а ролуег. It is impossible not to admire the geographical instinct which aids these savage guides of the army to lead the way, without reference to roads, in the countries they invade, whether they be the wildest and most sterile deserts, or the most populous and civilised lands. In war, does not the very name of Cossack spread terror among the enemy ? The generals who know how to make use of such a light cavalry have a means of action at their disposal, which the commanders of the most civilised armies cannot obtain.

The Cossacks are said to be naturally amiable. They have more gentleness and sensibility than could be fairly expected in so rude a community; but their excessive ignorance is lamentable in its effects, both on themselves and their masters.

When I think of the way in which their officers avail themselves of the credulity of the soldier, every higher feeling of my mind rises indignantly against a government which can descend to such subterfuges, or which does not punish such of its servants as dare to have recourse to them.

I have it from good authority, that many of the Cossack chiefs led their men away from their country during the war of 1814 and 1815, saying to them : " Kill your enemies ; strike without fear. If you fall in combat, you will, within three days, be again with your wives and children; you will rise again, both in D .3