Vronsky liked him both for his extraordinary physical strength, which he chiefly demonstrated by his ability to drink like a fish and go without sleep without its making any difference to him, and for the great mental power which was apparent in his relations with his commanding officers and comrades, who feared and respected him, and in his card-playing when he staked tens of thousands of roubles and, in spite of what he drank, always with such skill and decision that he was considered the best player in the English Club.
Vronsky le apreciaba por su extraordinario vigor físico, que demostraba generalmente bebiendo como una cuba, pasando noches sin dormir y permaneciendo inalterable a pesar de todo. Pero también le estimaba Vronsky por su fuerza moral, que demostraba en el trato con jefes y camaradas, a quienes inspiraba respeto y temor.