"RUKS EXPEDITION". DEFEAT OF THE ARMY OF PRINCE M.S. VORONTSOV
On the basis of a large factual material deeply researched «rusks» expedition and analyzed the defeat of the army of Prince Vorontsov. The article pointed out that the huge success of the insurgent mountaineers in 1843 led to the fact that the tsarist government again decided to return to the tactics of massive strikes – expeditions deep into Chechnya and Dagestan to seize the main strongholds of the enemy in a pitched battle. To achieve this goal in December 1844 approved a plan of Nicholas I Imamat capture the capital – ichkerinskoe village of Dargo. Due to the fact that some historians erroneously called caucasiologists Dargin campaign «rusks» expedition, the article deeply studied «rusks» expedition and an attempt is made to prove that the expedition is the only episode of Battle of Dargo Prince Vorontsov. After the capture of the capital of the Imamate to Vorontsov serious problem was the delivery of supplies and ammunition. For this purpose, it is provided with the expedition of General Klugenau. It was this campaign, which lasted from 10 to 12 July, «one of the bloodiest episodes of» the whole of the Caucasian War, was named «rusk». As a result, Vorontsov instead of 6-day old food stocks, received only a half day supply which in turn complicate the already difficult situation Vorontsov led to the Battle of Dargo complete disaster.