Adam Petrovich Ozharovsky

Who was Adam Petrovich Ozharovsky?

Count Adam Petrovich Ozharovsky was a Russian general of Polish descent who distinguished himself during the Napoleonic Wars.

His father, hetman Piotr Ożarowski, was seized by the insurrectionists and charged with treason during the Warsaw Uprising, which took place from April 17 to April 19, 1794. He was sentenced to death and executed by hanging three weeks after the insurrectionists gained control of the Polish capital, on May 9, 1794.

Possibly as a consequence of this, Adam entered the Russian service. Emperor Paul had him dismissed from the imperial service and committed to prison in 1798; he was pardoned the following day, without any explanation. In 1806, upon her divorce with Count Pahlen, Ozharovsky married Maria, great niece of Prince Potemkin and the last Countess Skavronskaya.

In September 1802 Ozharovsky was promoted Colonel and took part in all the Napoleonic Wars that followed. During the Battle of Austerlitz he took hold of the French banner, an exploit which won him the Order of Saint George. He also excelled in the Battle of Friedland, which claimed the life of his brother. On 22 July 1807 Ozharovsky was promoted Major General.