ABSTRACT
N ot only in the Caucasus, but throughout Russia, and, above all, in distant St. Petersburg, this rapid series of triumphant campaigns had an overpowering effect. YermdlofFs name was on all men’s lips, YermólofFs heroic figure filled all men’s eyes. He had many enemies, in deed, in the higher ranks of the army and at Court, but Alexander I., always well disposed^towards him, was now more than ever impelled to support one who, to all appearance, so completely justified his confidence and favour. I f any misgivings were felt as to the ultimate result of the Persian mission they were as yet faint, while, in regard to the Caucasus proper, Yermóloff’s policy and actions seemed to presage unqualified and permanent success. One by one the khanates and other independent States, by policy or by arms, were being brought within the fold of the empire. Even internal Daghestan, hitherto inaccessible, was apparently no more able to resist the might of Russia than the outlying territories. Russian bayonets glittered on the mountain passes ; Russian cannon reverberated in the valleys and defiles. Victory followed victory, and the conquered peoples not only bowed their necks to the yoke, but, in
many cases, rendered willing service against the still recalcitrant tribesmen, fighting gallantly in the ranks of the Infidel invader. What was left of Daghestan, Yer móloff threatened to make short work of; nor was he less confident of success in Tchetchnia and the west. It is abundantly evident that to him the complete and per manent conquest of the Caucasus was a matter of a few short years at most, so overweening was his belief in his own power and genius, so blind his ignorance of the latent forces that even now were gathering head against him, gaining strength, indeed, with every seeming success of his vaunted policy, every step in advance of his vic torious armies. The mighty edifice he was rearing had its foundations in the sand, and before long was to come tumbling about its builder’s ears.
