In 1816, he became an adjutant to General Nikita Volkonsky and promotions followed rapidly. By 1823, he had been promoted to Colonel and left the General's service. He had several friends among the Decembrists and the courage to speak out on behalf of those who had been exiled or placed in custody. In 1827, he was given command of a Hussar regiment and, in 1830, took part in suppressing the November Uprising. The following year, he was promoted to Major-General. Over the next few years, he commanded light cavalry and Uhlan regiments, as well as the Hussars.