A Truthful History

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THE RULE OF THE INFANTRY GENERAL COUNT GUDOVICH IN THE CAUCASIAN PROVINCE AND THE EVENTS OF THE PERIOD

In June of 1806/1222 H. Ex. Count Gudovich was appointed governor ofGeorgia, and the Infantry General Bulgakov (Bulghaqov) - Commander-in-Chief of theCaucasian province army. As soon as Count arrived in Tiflis, a war started against theSoltan of the Ottoman Turkey. He invaded Akhalkalak (Akharkalak) with well prepared bigarmy. General Bulqakov was sent to the south of Daghestan to occupy Baku, Quba, and itsdistricts. General Glazenap (Ghlazenap) captured Derbend and advanced towards Kabardia(Qabarda). After some fights he subdued its population. Major General Nesvetaev was sentto Giumri (Gomri).

Meanwhile, Humshi Zade Selim Pasha, the governor of Akhaltskha(Akhalsqe), received the news of the events. He was extremely frightened and sent adetachment to defend his dominion from Russian troops. H. Ex. Count hurried there with hismartial warriors without delay at any place. At the end of the month he had alreadydistributed his tents around the fortress and encircled it. [They] constructed ladders andafter a week, two hours before dawn, they attacked the town. The fight continued until themidday, [the Russians] lost the battle. They stayed there a night and on the other daymade for Georgia. When the Count arrived at Tiflis, learned of Yusuf Pasha'sappointment to the post of the Commander-in-Chief of the army and his advancement towardsKars (Qars) with intentions to war. Therefore, after some military preparations on June 17of 1807/1223 [Gudovich] he left for Giumri. Both armies met by the river Arpa, not farfrom Giumri, now Aleksandrapol. They fought from both sides of the river and oppressedeach other with the fire of their cannons. Soon the Ottoman troops were crashed andstarted to retreat. The Russians owned the great spoils of this war left by Ottomantroops. Then the Commander-in-Chief returned to Tiflis.

In the bitter frost of the winter of 1808/1224 the Count withconsiderable preparations made his way to Erevan. At first he fought a battle withQizilbash army at Karababa, smashing them, he came and blocked up the fortress of Erevan. After some time he attacked the town, but failed to conquer it. Many of the [Russian]soldiers were murdered during the fight. At last, being unable to cope with the Qizilbash, he was back to Tiflis with no result.