..Napoleon was the master of the short run, Kutuzov understood the long... Personality All citations taken from "The Fox of the North" unless otherwise stated. He was handsome, strong, an excellent horseman and highly intelligent. He became proficient in mathematics, fortifications and engineering. He was well-informed in theology, philosophy, law, and social sciences. He spoke Russian, French, German, Polish, Swedish, English and Turkish. He was popular, entertaining, brave, quick-witted and efficient. He displayed courage and decisiveness in the attack. Kutuzov owned more than 3,000 serfs. He visited Berlin and discussed tactics with Frederick the Great. He studied in London the attrition warfare of the American colonies against the United Kingdom. He became ambassador in Constantinople and survived his visit of the sultan's harem. He was a happy grandfather. After his appointment in 1812 he went into a cathedral, bent his knees grunting from his rheumatism, and prayed. He was a member of the Moscow Freemason lodges "Sphinx" and "Three Banners." He was described to Napoleon as a cool and selfish calculator, dilatory, vindictive, artful, pliable, patient, preparing an implacable war with caressing attention. Kutuzov reported to Alexander I that he had won the Battle of Borodino. The partisan leader Denis Davydov reported to him in filthy peasant clothing. He supported Aleksandr Figner despite his barbarism and even increased the guerilla warfare. He appreciated the value of armed peasant groups. He sobbed "Russia is saved" when he was informed that Napoleon had left Moscow. Kutuzow said to Robert Wilson, here simplified: "I am by no means sure that the total destruction of the Emperor Napoleon and his army would be such a benefit to Russia; his succession would fall to the United Kingdom whose domination would then be intolerable." Philippe Paul, comte de Ségur, reported: ...emerging from the white ice-bound wilderness only 1,000 infantrymen under arms, 20,000 stragglers, dressed in rags, with bowed heads, dull eyes, ashen, cadaverous faces and long ice-stiffened beards. This was the Grande Armee... Notes References External links Short biography and painting from the Hermitage Museum History of the memorial at Kutuzov's place of death The Russian Army during the Napoleonic Wars See also Kutuzov (film) War and Peace (film series) 1745 births 1813 deaths Military personnel from Saint Petersburg People from Sankt-Peterburgsky Uyezd Characters in War and Peace Commanders-in-chief of the Russian Army Field marshals of Russia French invasion of Russia Members of the State Council