Ataman Platov and emperors
They met in June 1807, during a meeting of Napoleon to Alexander I in Tilsit (now Sovetsk, Kaliningrad oblast, a town in Kaliningrad oblast). Platova presented Napoleon himself Alexander I, in conveying to the famous Frenchman with his retinue. And after some time had Napoleon's interview with Ataman.
Matvey Ivanovich long Emperor asked about daily life and customs of Cossacks on the Don province. Napoleon, leleâvšij dream to use Cossacks as a shock force in their aggressive hikes, asked all those not from idle curiosity. He would like to learn more about Cossacks before the proposal to move it to the service.
The last point raised by Napoleon to Ataman, was also inspired by practical considerations. The emperor has not forgotten: in the recent battle of Vellau, behind which he had observed, there has been a truly miraculous deliverance of retreating Cossacks from seemingly imminent destruction – unusual for that time. The secrets of these weapons and became emperor. Well then here is what happened: the French Cavalry under the command of General Pears knock Cossack cover and rushed him to chase.
All agreed that the Cossacks had nothing could save. However, the avalanche of French horsemen unexpectedly was literally inundated with a barrage of arrows. Attacking instantly mixed: Roy arrows struck mčavšihsâ jockeys and their horses. After seeing the launching of the turmoil, Platov immediately issued an ambush Kalmyk Regiment which destroyed and captured many of the French.
Napoleon, remembering what had happened, would like to see weapons, which were vypušeny arrows. Platov explained to the Emperor that the battle bow familiar Cossacks.
Moreover, during the battle the Vellau scored Bashkir archers.
The next day, Platov showed the "secret" Russian weapons in action. Matvey Ivanovich long upražnâlsâ at archery to well understand the weapons used by the Turks, Cossacks often had to fight. Skills and useful this time Ataman, with French and Russian emperors their marksmanship.
Platovu had bequeathed him when something as trophies, Turkish bow and quiver with arrows. Cossacks erected the straw effigy, became a target. Platov take one after the other three arrows, and they all hit the target. The latter, to the delight of Napoleon, vonzilas′ in the head and stuffed. Rapt French Emperor òóã same Platovu honorees gold snuffbox with its image. Ataman had to make a gift to hear encouraging words of the Emperor Alexander. In turn, Matvey Ivanovich gave Napoleon the richly decorated with gold and Silver Bow and quiver with arrows.
So Napoleon was not only shown, but also delivered the secret weapons used by the Russians. Then the Emperor repeatedly showed the guests received a gift, calling him "platovskim" arms of Cossacks.