The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1847-09-07
A Russian Imperial Review.

We have received letter from friend
in Europe, from which (though not lu-
tended for publication we cannot forbear
making an extract The writer had the
good fortune to be present at the late an
nual review of the Russian Imperial
Guard by the Emperor at ST. Petersburgh
which is composed of 10000 men, and
as such descriptions are seldom afforded
the American reader, it will be read with
Interest," New Haven Register.
ST. PETERSBURG, June 1877.
Every year tins review takes
place al the imperial city preparatory 10
the departure of The troops for their sum
mer quarters. For about four hours
had good view Of the magnificent sight,
and my hurried pen will fail me 10 give
you an adequate description of its exceed
ing splendor. When arrived upon the
ground the troops had already begun TO
march. The balconies and windows of
The public buildings and elegant private
residences surrounding the field were filled
with ladies and gentlemen, and The sides
Of the field itself covered with a dense
mass of men, women and children. On
one side Of the field gorgeous tent was
pitched upon raised platform for the
Empress, and before her Majesty and the
Emperor the troops had TO pass in re-
view. The panoramic view Of the whole
field, you can readily imagine, was beau
tifuI But to the view itself of this great
body Of 10000 troops, who in part only
compose the gorde Imperial of the EN-
peror Nicholas, and who are distinct from
the main army of Russia, which believe
numbers near one million rank and file.
The foot soldiers, infantry principally,
first passed in review, marching by pla-
looms of companies containing perhaps
one hundred and fifty men each, and in
double order. As the several platoons
arrived opposite the Emperor the pecu-
liar Russian hurrah went up the whole
length OF the line, making the welkin
ring. The soldiers were all picked men,
tall, athletic, and every one of them with
heavy black mousiache. They moved
with mathematical precision, and whether
on slow or quick march, seemed like
pieces of mechanism, and the muskets
not varying il seemed an inch either in the
heigth or inclination given to them. Of
all The marching have seen-and have
seen the American, French, Dutch and
Prussian soldlers--none will at-all COM
pare with the Russian. Uniform OF the
infantry was blue and red, not unlike our
militia uniform in Connecticut. 1t was
about two hours before the infantry had
passed in review, and then came the cav
airy, advancing in double order by pla-
toons Of sixty horses abreast; anc here
was sight that bcggars descripten. and
which when recall it, seems like mag
ni6cent vision.
First came company of Caucasian
princes, mounted upon black, coal-black,
fiery steeds, with long names and tails
almost sweeping the ground. The Cau-
casians were dressed in red garment,
fitting closely to the skin, and over this
finely wrought steel chain armor, covering
the entire body fell from the head loose
" over the neck and shoulders; upon
their feet they wore kind Of sandal, and
upon their legs leather leggins, similar to
those Of our Indian warriors; across their
backs they carried a bow, with well-fled
quivers; in their hands carbine, and IN
their girdles the savage looking yaghti-
gain. They are fierce, though hand
some looking set of fellows. Next came
the Tartars. upon their Withholding. fleet
horses--the horses all OF them carrying
their necks forward and their heads high
10 in the air. as if snufiing the breeze,
and SO Uniform was the line of heads as
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