Fighting at home required only soldiers and weapons; local governments nearby could gather the logistical supplies. But sending troops overseas imposed hard requirements for large numbers of draft horses and wagons, along with many craftsmen accompanying the army.
During its previous expedition to India, Russia had lost tens of thousands of horses and nearly all its accompanying vehicles. Thus, it could now send only some sixty thousand men to Europe.
Only after the horses, wagons, and supplies from Moscow, Novgorod, and other places had been transferred westward could it continue increasing its troop strength.
Suvorov did not remain with his main army all the way. After entering Lesser Poland, he set off alone for Vienna with his Guard.
He needed first to learn the Allied Forces' deployment in detail from Austria's General Staff Headquarters, then determine which direction the Russian Army should join the fighting in for the best results.
As one of Europe's finest masters of strategy and tactics, he knew all too well that the French were no easy opponents—generals such as Massena and Moreau had fully demonstrated their outstanding command abilities in previous wars. Combined with the French Army's superior weapons and equipment, one careless misstep by the Allied Forces could bring a devastating blow.
Yet when he arrived in Vienna and saw the Allied Forces' operation plan, he finally set his mind at ease.
"This plan is flawless." He folded up the map covered in markings and addressed the Austrian staff officer before him in flawless French. "Did you devise it?"
"No, General, I do not possess such ability. This was a plan proposed by Archduke Karl."
Suvorov said instinctively, "That young prince who once led the Austrian Army in successfully shaking off the French pursuit? Oh, my apologies, I should not have brought that up..."