62 MILITARY COMMISSION TO EUROPE. 



The system of warfare adopted in the Caucasus is to cut off the low and settled regions from 

 the inroads of the mountaineers by Cossack settlements and posts of regulars ; to construct roads 

 and bridges through the mountains, occupying the passes and other important points by 

 mountain forts with small garrisons, and, using these forts as depots, to send out small 

 moveable columns of infantry and irregular cavalry into the heart of the hostile region. 



The information contained in this report is derived from personal observation, information 

 obtained from Eussian officers, the official regulations and tactics, Haxthausen on the Institu- 

 tions of Eussia, Hirtcnfeld's Organization of European Armies, the narrative of the campaigns 

 of Paskivitch in Asia Minor in 1828 and 1829, and from other sources. Errors have probably 

 been committed, but it is believed that the true spirit of the organization is given. 



COMPOSITION OF THE EUSSIAN AEMY. 

 At the commencement of the recent war the army of Eussia was composed and organized 

 about as follows : 



The emperor is the commander-in-chief of all the forces, by sea and land. 



GKAND STAFF OF THE EMPEROR. 



Its members, in time of peace, participate in the duties of the war department, as presidents 

 of committees, &c. It consists of: the minister of war ; the inspector general of the various 

 corps of engineers ; the inspector general of artillery ; the inspector general of cavalry ; the 

 inspector general of infantry ; the inspector of the military engineers ; the inspector of artillery ; 

 the chief of the general staff ; the inspector general of the army ; the commandant of the 

 imperial headquarters ; the sub-commandant of the same ; the baggage master general ; the 

 inspector general of the medical department ; the chaplain general. 



THE GENERAL AIDES DE CAMP. 



This is merely an honorary title bestowed upon distinguished general officers, but involving 

 no especial duty. There arc some eighty general officers in this category. 



THE AIDS DE CAMP OF THE EMPEROR 



consist of about four major generals, "in the suite;" some thirty field officers, and fifteen 

 captains ; the number is not limited. These are the real aides de camp of the emperor. 



THE WAR MINISTRY. 



This is divided into the office of the minister of loar and the departments, 

 (a.) The first consists of — 



1. The military council of legislation and administration. 



2. The office proper, in six sections. 



3. The committee of general judge advocates. 



4. The committee of military censorship. 



5. The scientific military committee. 



6. The medical committee. 



(b.) The departments. Of these, there are nine, subdivided into several sections, each depart- 

 ment having one director, one vice director, and a council of administration. 



1. The department of the grand general staff, under the chief of the general staff; in addition 

 to the usual functions of the general staff, all matters pertaining to organization and tactics are 

 referred to this department. 



