ZS THE LIFE OP 



CHAP. V. 



Improvements in the Rujfian army by the author. — 

 Remarks on viilitary uniforms. — RuJJian peafants, 

 — Remarks on the proper uje of the bayonet in 

 exercife. — A refutation of an anonymous libeller. 

 — T^he author having compleated the organization 

 of the CorJicanSy fets off to the army in the Cri- 

 mea. — His flattering reception. — Chara£ler of the 

 eommandersy Potemkin ajid Suwarrow. — Ruffian 

 foldiersy their character and hardinefs. 



xJuRiNG my firft converfations with Potemkin 

 at Peterfburgh, he had afked my opinion of the 

 Ruffian army ; and I frankly told him that im- 

 provements might be made^ in both their drefs 

 and manoeuvres. 



The Ruffian uniform confifted of a green 

 coat, lined and faced with red, very tight, and 

 fo long that it incommoded the wearer, by 

 beating on the calves of his legs ; the breeches, 

 which were alfo tight, did but barely cover the 

 knee-joint; and as the Ruffian foldiers, both 

 cavalry and infantry wear boots, though of a 

 different form, a vacancy between the knee- 

 welt of the breeches and the boots became una- 

 voidable; the hat was very fmall, and unfit for 



