Odesa Oblast, Ukraine
We continue to consider the capture of Ishmael during the Russian-Turkish war of 1787 - 1791. Today we’ll talk about the situation that developed around the Izmail fortress before the arrival of Suvorov.
The defense of the fortress was led by a veteran of the Turkish army, a gray-haired three-bunkered Aidozli-Mahmet Pasha. Let me remind you that Pasha 2 refused the title of Vizier. He believed that his duty was to defend the Ishmael fortress. Pasha vowed that he would not surrender the fortification. He stated that he would rather be buried under the ruins of the fortress than he would give in to the Russians. At that time, there was plenty of food in the fortress. In particular, food should have been enough for 1.5 months. But at the same time, a shortage of meat was noticeable. He was given out only to noble officials. And even that, the portion was cut to a minimum. Pasha and the Turkish authorities considered the fortress irresistible.
What difficulties did the Russian soldiers face?
1. The defenders of the fortress had more human and weapons resources. The Turks exceeded our ancestors not only in numbers, but also in armed terms.
2. The fortress was well stocked.
3. The courage of Pasha went through the roof.
4. Turkish warriors were ready to stand to death. It's not even about courage. Here the fact is that there was a threat of the death penalty of all those who disobey the order.
Policy
Starting in August, a stately adviser, Loshkarev, began to carry out Potemkin’s instructions and negotiated in Zhurzhev with the High Vizier.
The process almost stood still. Prussia constantly slowed down the negotiations, which were already practically at an impasse. Despite the fact that the Russian army took Kilia, Tulch and Isakchi (including the Battle of Pasha’s defeat in the Kuban, the Sheriff Pasha did not agree to sign the peace. And the position of the Russian Empire was not very profitable either. Moreover, Prussia offered to mediate and achieve peace on unfavorable conditions for us. Potemkin was furious. On September 7, he writes a message to Loshkarev, in which he says that Turkish fables already got him. In addition, the Empress demanded that Potemkin end the war as soon as possible.
Empress Rescript
In the rescript dated November 1, 1790, received by Potemkin from the Empress, indignation prevailed. She ordered to give up all strength and pay special attention to achieving peace with the Turks. The empress pointed out that without a peace treaty it is impossible to start a single new enterprise. This document indicated that Selim, in view of his youth, was not able to conduct business in the international arena. Accordingly, he surrendered to the guardianship of the Prussians, the British and the Dutch. She (the Empress) is now not in an equal position with him and is not ready to accept the guardianship of the above states.
Potemkin’s actions
Potemkin understood that now it’s not worth going to the signing of a peace treaty. First of all, this is due to the fact that the Turks will simply gain time. And the conditions for signing the document are not in favor of the Empire. At the same time, he was well aware that the capture of Ishmael would be able to radically change the situation. Potemkin understood that not one of the military leaders who were under Izmail could take the fortress. Most likely he doubted his personal strengths.
In this regard, December 25, 1790 Potemkin from Bender sends a secret message to Suvorov. In the warrant, Potemkin indicates that the flotilla that was under Ishmael destroyed the entire enemy fleet. Accordingly, the city side facing the water is already completely open. Potemkin points out that with God's help, the time has come to take action to seize the fortress. He asks Suvorov to go to Ishmael and take in command all the troops that are there. He says that Suvorov, upon arrival, should inspect the fortifications and, with the help of leading engineers, identify the weakest points of the fortress. He (Potemkin) believes that the weakest is the part of the fortress that goes to the Danube.
Suvorov hastened to fulfill the order - the request of Potemkin ...
To be continued…
Posted by: @jurgan
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