Georgy Emanuel

Count Georgi Arsenijevič Emmanuel (Russian: Георгий Арсеньевич Эммануэль; Banat of Temeswar, 13 April 1775 - Kirovohrad, 26 January 1837) was a Russian general of the Napoleonic Wars of Serbian origin.

He was promoted to major general on 26 December 1812 and after the end of the battle of Paris to general on 27 March 1814. After returning to Russia, he was put in command of the 4th Dragoon Division. On 25 June 1825 he became the supreme commander and governor of the Caucasus. He was promoted to general of the cavalry in July 1828, during the Russo-Turkish War (1828-29). In 1829 he organised and led the first Russian scientific expedition to Mount Elbrus, for which he was made a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

George Arsenyevich Manuilović (hence Emmanuel) was born in Vršac, a Serbian town in the Banat Military Frontier of the Habsburg Monarchy where from early age he participated in actions against the Turks in the Siege of Belgrade (1789) in the ranks of the Serbian Frei-Corps (volunteers). In 1791 he joined the Austrian army to fight the Porte. At Landau in 1792, he was serious wounded after receiving a bayonet wound to the stomach, and a cannonball splinter to the right hand. The same year, in another battle he was shot with canister in the right leg. For his actions under combat, he was awarded a gold medal with inscription "Der Tapferkeit" (for bravery) and, notwithstanding his humble origins, was accepted in the Hungarian Guard with rank of second lieutenant in 1794. But Emmanuel soon found the Austrians reluctant to commit resources to the Serbian cause (war of independence). Dissatisfied with his prospects he resigned in late 1796 and sought military employment elsewhere. He arrived in Moscow in April 1797 and applied to Emperor Paul I of Russia, who immediately accepted his services. The same day, he enlisted in the Life Guard Hussar Regiment with a rank of lieutenant. The next year, he became staff rotmistrz (or rittmeister) and in 1799, was promoted to rotmistrz, commander of between 100 and 180 hussars, having lieutenant Hussar executing his order. He was highly valued by Paul I who, in October 1800, promoted Emmanuel to colonel. With the accession of Alexander I of Russia, Emmanuel's rapid promotion slowed down. In 1802, he was transferred to the Kiev Dragoon regiment and then participated in the 1806-1807 Campaign against Napoleon. At the Battle of Pultusk, he commanded two squadrons and was again seriously wounded, but remained in the ranks. For his courage, Emmanuel was awarded a gold sword with inscription "For Courage". After his wounds healed, he served in General Ivan Essen's 1st Corps. In June 1807, he fought at Dobre Miasto (Guttstadt), where he personally led his squadron in a charge and captured over 100 French. For his actions, he was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir (4th Class). He then distinguished himself at the Battle of Heilsberg and received the Order of St. Anna (2nd Class). At the Battle of Friedland on 14 June 1807, he served with Kiev Dragoons, covered the retreat of the main forces, and destroyed the bridges over the Neman River. On 24 May 1808, he was appointed commander of the Kiev Dragoon Regiment and on 23 December 1808, became chef of the Kurland Dragoon Regiment. Two months later, on 2 February, he became chef of Kiev Dragoon Regiment.

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