Order of the day given to the Russian armies - Proclamation by Count BARCLAY DE TOLLY (1761-1818) Printed military document entitled "ORDRE DU JOUR DONNÉ AUX ARMÉES RUSSES" dated January 3, 1814, signed by Count Barclay de Tolly, General-in-Chief of the Russian Armies, from his headquarters in Basel. This proclamation was addressed to the Russian soldiers after their advance into French territory, following Napoleon's defeat in the 1813 campaign and the invasion of France by the Sixth Coalition. In this solemn text, Barclay de Tolly extols the bravery and discipline of his troops "after having triumphed over the disturber of universal repose", while reminding them to behave with dignity towards the local population: "Having crossed, for this purpose, the frontiers of France, our aim must be to alleviate and not to aggravate the weight of the evils which weigh upon its inhabitants." The general-in-chief insists on the need for strict discipline, warning against any exaction "But if, against all expectations, there should be some among you unfortunate enough to forget their honor and duty, soiling themselves by violence or by outrageous conduct toward the inhabitants, they will be delivered without mercy to all the rigors of Justice." Visible folds and wear. 1 p., in-4° format. 1814.