After Paul I came to power, the living standards of Russian Nobles started plummeting. Officers were hit the hardest—higher taxes on one side, sharply reduced income on the other.
Take this expedition to India for example. Since officers couldn't skim off the soldiers' pay, they could only cut back on logistical supplies—the biggest item being oats for the army's horses.
After all, horses don't have guns. No matter how hungry they get, they won't mutiny.
This supply shortage led to the already weak horses dying in droves.
The Bakhov Corps is still over 40 kilometers from the Afghan border, but out of their 15,000-plus horses, nearly 9,000 have already died.
When dawn broke the next day, finally some good news arrived, riding on the chilly desert winds into General Bakhov's tent.
A Major covered head to toe in sand reported: "Commander, sir, we've brought water and bread."
