But the favourable tide for accomplishing so gigantic a project had ebbed; the people showed some mistrust and disaffection; and the treaty of Koadtshak-Kainardgy which was concluded between Turkey and Russia, in the month of July, on the banks of the Danube, PFGATCHEF. 213 obliged Pugatchef to change his quarters. Dreading, not without strong reasons, that the army which was engaged against the Turks, might be sent against him, he came to the decision of remaining on the spot which he had chosen, in the very centre of his power, near those deserts and wilds so familiar to him; and where he might yet find a refuge, in the event of any misfortune befalling him; he resolved to annoy the Russians by quick marches, unexpected attacks, and guerilla warfare; thereby training his bands, by well directed excursions, and by the exercise of unremitted and restless activity, to acquire, gradually, the nerve, experience, and power of disciplined soldiers; and gaining time and opportunity either to seduce and disorganize the Russian armies, or to brave them openly.
As Pugatchef had lost, in previous battles, many able officers who were training his army; as his adversaries were infinitely superior to the former Russian commanders; as he had some practical knowledge of navigation and was a good sailor, he descended suddenly the Wolga, on a small flotilla which had been formerly constructed by his orders; and having heard that a Russian corps, unprepared for his visit, was encamped near the small town of Dubofska, under the orders of Baron Diez, he pounced suddenly upon him, put to the sword every living soul, and took by storm, Pensa and Saratof. The governor of the latter town escaped with scarcely fifteen of his men. A few days later, Pugatchef, whose very name spread terror in all directions, seduced the gar-. rison of Demitrewsk; and after putting to death without mercy all the Russians faithful to the czarina, he feasted his eyes with the agonies of its commander, who, abandoned by his soldiers for his oppression and cruelty, was barbarously impaled alive by the order of the Cossack.
Not far from that town, Pugatchef, having been apprised that a scientific man, Lowitz, a member of several universities and a distinguished astronomer, was actively engaged, by order of the Russian government, in taking the proper measures for the construction of a navigable canal between the river Wolga and the Don, summoned him before him; and after conversing with him, asked him whether he was an astrologer and could foretell his destiny? On giving an evasive answer, the man of science was not a little amazed at the sight of his own letter, which the terrible Cossack drew from his pocket; and in which the astronomer had spoken slightingly of him, and had given information to the Russian colonel respecting his military movements. Lowitz cried for mercy; but Pugatchef, casting on him the look of a tiger, ordered him to be lifted up with long spears, that he might have the better opportunity, as he said, of giving more correct information respecting this world, and he on the way to the other, nearer the countless stars. Thus perished Lowitz in terrible agonies, in spite of all his entreaties to spare his life.
The Empress Catherine, having now nothing to fear from the Turks, who were often duped by Russian diplomacy, in the most critical moments for the safety of the Russian empire, was able to concentrate all her power against the Cossack chief. Count Peter Panin, who had distinguished himself in the last Turkish war, received a peremptory order to march immediately with a large army and unlimited power against Pugatchef, and to crush the rebellion by all possible means.
Having been apprised that Colonel Michelson had successfully fought against Pugatchef, who had offered a large reward for his head. Count Panin detached from his army several regiments, and sent them by forced marches towards Kazan, for his release. He also dismissed, under different pretexts, all of superior rank, whose jealousy or inferiority might have obstmcted his views and fettered the military talents and activity of Colonel Michelson. These two wise measures, and especially the latter, coupled with unexpected circumstances, produced the ultimate success of General Panin's mission, just at the very moment when the crown of the czarina was already tottering.