Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - XIII. Reign of Charles XII, 1697–1718 - D. War with Augustus II - E. War with Russia Continued
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226 A History of Sweden
jewels and pearls; and in their midst the northern
hero in his coarse blue coat with turned skirts lined
with yellow flannel, bright brass buttons, yellow rid-
ing breeches, and large dubbed-leather boots, and a
broadsword at his side. Stern and silent he stood in
the midst of the pomp, unmoved by all attempts to
divert him from his own military plan the Russian
campaign.
E. THE WAR WITH RUSSIA CONTINUED
Peter’s Conquests in the Baltic Provinces. The long
war against Augustus gave Peter time to strengthen
and drill his army and to ravage and conquer lands in
the Baltic Provinces. In Ingria he founded in the
marshes at the mouth of the Neva a new capital, St.
Petersburg. Thus Russia had once more a footing on
the shores of the Baltic. Charles’ counselors now
begged him to attack and remove this danger. But he
thought himself so near the accomplishment of his
cherished plan to depose Augustus. He could not now
abandon this object. When informed of the fall of a
certain important fortress, he simply said, "We will
soon retake the castle."
Preparation for the Campaign. For his Russian war
Charles had made extensive preparations. But his
plans are not easily discovered. He was such a silent
man. His main object, however, seems to have been
to direct a decisive blow against the heart of Russia,
the old sacred capital of Moscow. When, in the spring
of 1708, he invaded Russia he had an army of 40,000
men. Besides, reinforcements were to arrive from
Courland. This province had been conquered by
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