MIKHAIL GOLITSYN

Prince, Field Marshal-General.

Princely family Golitsyn, its origin from the descendants of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas, who are vitally connected with the great princes of Moscow and later to the Romanov dynasty, in the fifth generation of the founder of Bulak-Holice divided into four main branches. By that time among the members of the genus Golitsyn was 22 Boyar, 3 Okolnichy and 2 kravchih. Representatives of the genus have long held high positions at the court of the great princes and even laid claim to the throne.

At the end of XVII century the clan was split by political and dynastic struggles. In the infancy of Peter I alone Golitsyn, such as Prince Vasily, dominated public office during the reign of the princess Sophia, became supporters Miloslavskys. Other supported Peter and Naryshkin.

Party Naryshkins won, and Vasily Golitsyn and his descendants the hand of Peter I was heavy. In the future, the elder branch of the family was unable to give the history of any outstanding representative.

To the Party Naryshkins belonged to his cousin Vasily Vasilyevich, Prince Boris Alekseevich Golitsyn. He was the tutor of the young Tsar Peter the Great, who was always accompanied by becoming one of the most trusted men, the king at the beginning of his reign. When Peter left the capital, Boris A. met his place in the council. On his shoulders responsibility to keep order and prosperity, "that the State poterki not brutally. " At the end of his life, he left high government positions and took vows.

Under Peter I became famous as the representative of another branch Golitsyn - Prince Dmitry Mikhailovich, who started his career at the court stolnik. In the period of the Petrine reforms Dmitry Golitsyn, like many young nobles, went to study abroad. He studied in Italy and returned to Russia, was sent ambassador to Constantinople. When it was ratified by the treaty with Turkey on 30 years of the world. Later he served as the magistrates, and from 1711 became governor of Kiev. During the Northern War Dmitry ensure the security of rear areas and supply the Russian army in the Ukraine. He proved himself an excellent administrator, he in 1718 led the Chambers-board - the most important agency of the State, Finance of Russia. In 1722 Dmitry became a senator, and four years later - a member of the Supreme Privy Council.

During the reign of Peter the Great came to power many people non-nobiliary origin. The most glaring example - Alexander Danilovich Menshikov, who became the de facto ruler of the State of Catherine I. For many at the time Golitsyn became the leader of noble opposition, discontented domination "low-born" temporary worker.

Photo — «Mikhail Golitsyn»

And after the accession of Peter II in 1727 Menshikov soon falls into disgrace, and Golitsyn became the de facto head of the Supreme Privy Council. He was already old and wiser by the experience, and his manners, educated, self-restraint and dignity evoked respect not only among the court of the Emperor of Russia, but also among foreigners. English Envoy Claudius Rondeau left of Dmitry such memories: "He has extraordinary natural ability, which is refined by science and experience, gifted with wit and deep insight, foreseeing in his judgments, is important and gloomy, no one better than he knows Russian laws, he is eloquent, daring , enterprising, full of ambition and cunning, wonderfully abstemious, but arrogant, cruel and implacable. "

Dmitry Mikhailovich Golitsyn′s new monarch - Peter II - disappointed. He was irritated that the king and his entourage refer disparagingly to the most illustrious families. Perhaps this played a big role in that, after his impending death in 1730, Golitsyn, united with Dolgoruky in favor of limiting government. By inviting the Russian throne Anna Ioannovna, it was suggested some conditions that limit the autocratic power. But, as we know from history, the new empress quickly "lost control" of the supreme, with the active support of the other part of the nobility. Golitsyn tried to retain power and influence, but was defeated. He withdrew from politics and retired to his ancestral estate of the Archangel, deciding to spend the last years of his life among books and pictures, which gathered a great variety.

It has not been touched for some time, but in 1737 the Empress (Anna Ivanovna) still decided to start the process. On questioning Golitsyn brought on a stretcher as he was due to old age, he could not move. Despite the weakness, Dmitry remained true to himself and did not confess and apologize to the Empress. He was sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment. But in captivity, he came only three months, died in Shlisselburgskaya fortress in the same in 1737.

While Dmitry was glorified as a wise politician, his younger brother, Mikhail, no ability in political science did not possess. In this regard, he relied throughout on the mind and the talent they adored older brother, but the military career he has reached unprecedented heights, becoming a prominent commander of the Petrine era.

Mikhail Mikhailovich Galitzine, son of governor of the Kursk, was born in 1675. He began his career at the court stolnik the king that it was commonplace for children′s noblest families. Since childhood, Michael was attracted to military service and at age 12 became the ordinary Guards Semenov regiment, which until then was a drummer.

Photo — «Mikhail Golitsyn»

Since then, the Semenov regiment was for Mikhail Golitsyn′s second home.

Manufactured in 1694 in ensigns, Golitsyn participated with the regiment in the Azov campaigns and received the distinction for the fighting ranks of lieutenant and captain.

In 1698 Galitzine participated in suppressing the uprising musketeers, who were routed by the troops of Gordon and Sheina near Resurrection Monastery.

Mikhail Golitsyn was an active participant in the Northern War of 1700-1721. In 1700, he fought near Narva, where he was wounded. He was desperate daredevil, and more than once, even wounded, he again climbed into the thick of battle.

In 1702, Golitsyn became famous during the assault Noteburg, where he commanded a detachment of the Semenov regiment. The Swedes were fiercely resisted, and Peter, doubting the possibility of taking the fortress, Golitsyn had already sent an order to retreat, "Tell the Emperor, - he answered the messenger - that I now belong to God alone. " Police officer on the boat to the island part of the fortress, in the place where the wall was broken, Semenovtsi went into the attack, but were met with fierce enemy fire. The attack bogged down, and then to cut off the retreat, Golitsyn was ordered to push from shore empty boat. The soldiers rushed into the fight again, and . . . won, breaking the enemy′s resistance. Then the detachment of Golitsyn′s continued assault on the fortress, which was crowned with success. For this feat Golitsyn was awarded a gold medal, villages, and promoted to colonel.

To its credit, Mikhail Mikhailovich should say that all the military awards he procured from the battles. In 1703 Golitsyn was with the capture of Nyenskans, in 1704 took Narva in 1705 - Mitau.

The following year he was promoted to Major General. Golitsyn scored 30 August 1708 a brilliant victory in the village of Good over detachment Swedish General Ross and the battlefield was awarded the Order of St. Peter the Apostle Andrew.

September 28, 1708 at the Battle of Lesnaya Golitsyn participated in the defeat of General Corps Lewenhaupt done much to win over the Swedes. Peter I, who witnessed his bravery on the battlefield made him lieutenant-general, granted him his portrait, studded with diamonds, and gave Golitsyn right to ask whatever he wishes. Golitsyn took the opportunity and asked the king to forgive Prince AI Repnin, who was demoted to the ranks of the defeat at Golovchin. Repnin was forgiven.

In 1709 in the Poltava battle Golitsyn commanded the Guards and the pursuit of fleeing Menshikov Swedes forced Perevolochna put them under their arms.

In 1710, he fights for the capture of Vyborg, in 1711, protects the Ukraine from the Crimean Tatars and rebellious Cossacks and then participates in the Prut campaign.

Photo — «Mikhail Golitsyn»

From 1714 to 1721 Golitsyn became commander of troops in Finland. In February 1714 he defeated the Swedes in Lapio, for which he was promoted to Commander in Chief "for the courage and steadfastness. "

Then Golitsyn participated in the naval battle of Gangut, and July 27, 1720 won a brilliant victory over the Swedish fleet in the Battle Grengamskom.

Special arrangement of Peter against Golitsyn was manifested in the fact that only he and Sheremetev not allowed to drink during the holidays a great cup of "Big Eagle".

No wonder that Mikhail Golitsyn used in the army special love and reverence. He was by nature a kind and compassionate man, a courageous and brave soldiers, which earned great respect among the military. A contemporary of Prince Golitsyn, the Swede Erenmalm, left the memories of him: "He has earned a special reputation for his natural intelligence, friendly treatment of subordinate officers and men and the experience gained in the war. He did not lose his presence of mind in any situation. He also enterprising and spares no effort in order to quickly and very carefully implement entrusted to him. He sought both in clothes and all manner of life look like a soldier . . . "

During the expedition into Persia Peter Galitzine remained to command troops in St. Petersburg, and from 1723 to 1728 he was commander of all troops in the Ukraine.

Even after Peter′s death, Empress Catherine I to commemorate the military achievements bestowed Golitsyn May 21, 1725 rank of Field Marshal.

September 20, 1728 Golitsyn was summoned to St. Petersburg and on the order of Emperor Peter II, was appointed president of the Military Collegium, occupying that position until 1730. He was also a senator and member of the Supreme Privy Council.

Brave Marshal was naive and inexperienced in politics, but in all supported his brother Dmitry Mikhailovich. In 1730, when accession to the throne Anna Ioannovna, Mikhail Golitsyn, as the elder brother, supported the position limit autocracy. When the attempt to limit power failed, Mikhail Mikhailovich left all government and military posts, he settled in Moscow, where he lived quietly. Perhaps it was waiting to the fate of other Councilors. From trial and possible execution or life imprisonment, he saved sudden death.

At the age of 55, Mikhail Mikhailovich Golitsyn died in Moscow on December 10, 1730.