Mikhail Andreevich Miloradovich

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Russian Count Mikhail Miloradovich was a general of infantry who became famous as a military commander during the Patriotic War. After Napoleon's exile, he became a member of the State Council and the man who saved Alexander Pushkin from exile in the north of the country.

Childhood and youth Mikhail Andreevich Miloradovich was born on October 1, 1771 and, according to archival information, belonged to the family of Poltava nobles. His mother Maria Gorlenko was considered the great-granddaughter of the Cossack hetman, and his father Andrei Stepanovich was related to the Serbian princes.

The origin and merits of the parents determined the biography of the boy, who was enlisted in the Izmailovo regiment at a very young age. This grace was shown by Catherine II, the Empress, so the family did everything possible to make sense of the offspring.

The son lived up to his expectations and distinguished himself in the honorable service, receiving the rank of ensign at the age of 16. Then he and his brothers mastered general education subjects and for some time attended a foreign university.

In 1798, after traveling through the capitals of Europe, Mikhail returned to his homeland and received the rank of general. He participated in the war with the Swedes and distinguished himself in many battles because he studied with Alexander Suvorov and other famous Russian men.

Military service In the early 1800s, Miloradovich participated in helping the Allies and showed valor in the famous battle near the Czech city of Austerlitz. For his exploits in battles against the French, Swedes, Turks and the British, Mikhail was promoted and joined the highest circle of people.

With the rank of general of Infantry, he was appointed military governor of Kiev, and in this place Mikhail Andreevich earned the respect and love of the townspeople. When wooden buildings caught fire in one of the central districts, he forgot about his leadership position and personally extinguished the fire.

Then Miloradovich decided on compensation for the victims and appealed to St. Petersburg officials, ministers and the tsar himself. But his numerous messages went unheeded, and it was necessary to resort to outside means to prevent a bloody massacre.

During the Patriotic War of 1812, the general with the Ukrainian regiments again operated on the front line. Judging by the portrait described by the adjutant of the young commander, his image and behavior bordered on bravery and boasting.

Having successfully fought the Battle of Borodino, Mikhail Andreevich, with an average height, a courageous face and burning eyes, received the nickname Russian Bayard. He entered into negotiations with the Napoleonic marshals and, having achieved a temporary truce, earned fame as a diplomat and was awarded high honors.

When the French left Russia, Miloradovich gained fame as a talented military leader and an avant-garde commander. He was awarded the title of count and the rank of general under His Majesty, and since then the monograms of Alexander I have decorated his ceremonial uniform.

In the summer of 1818, by decree of the Russian Emperor, Mikhail Andreevich, as military governor, was entrusted with the city of St. Petersburg. He subjugated the local police and organized a widespread fight against drunkenness, as well as launched the process of reforming the entertainment services sector.

Character Miloradovich can be described as sincere, direct, cheerful. In a "quiet" time, he was a kind-hearted man who loved balls, wasted money and wanted to act fairly in everything, Some of Miloradovich's character traits: Fearlessness. Miloradovich did not know what fear was, and thus instilled incredible confidence in his subordinates.

Tough character. During the Patriotic War, Miloradovich repeatedly demonstrated his tough character. Simple-minded. Perhaps his career rise was connected with this: the emperor trusted a simple, reliable and devoted person whom he could rely on. Extravagance. Miloradovich was always in debt, and neither the large allowance he received, nor the leases assigned to him from the emperor, could extricate him from endless debts.

appearance He is shown in full military regalia: a dark, high-collared coat with a richly embroidered red and gold collar and a row of gleaming brass buttons down the front. Massive, gold-braided epaulettes with heavy tassels sit on both shoulders, giving a sense of rank and ceremony. A wide, pale blue silk sash is worn diagonally across his chest, its sheen contrasting with the deep tone of the coat. Clustered on the right breast are several orders and decorations — cross-shaped medals and multi‐pointed star badges set on colorful ribbons, arranged in an orderly group. His hair is reddish-brown, wavy and neatly styled above the collar, and one ear is visible at the side.