MIKHAIL VASILIEVICH SKOPIN-SHUISKY

The prince, boyar, Russian commander.

Princely family Skopin-Shuisky known from the XV century, is not numerous branch of the Suzdal-Nizhny Novgorod feudal princes Shuiskys, the ancestor of which was Yuri Shuya.

He had three sons - Basil, Theodore and Ivan. Skopin-Shuiskys originate from his grandson. Vasily Vasilyevich, received the nickname of Pale, which during the reign of Ivan III, was appointed governor of Pskov, and then in Nizhny Novgorod, participated in military campaigns in Lithuania, and Kazan and Kazan during a hike led an army. Of the three children Vasily two were named Ivan. From Ivan the Great, received the nickname Osprey, and began Skopin-Shuisky. Genus this quickly died down, the princes Skopin-Shuisky was only three. Sam Ivan Osprey under Ivan III was the magistrates, and from 1519 became a boyar. Participating in Kazan and Lithuanian hikes, he headed a large regiment. His son, Fyodor Ivanovich, was appointed the first voivod in Vyazma and 24 years of his life devoted to heroic for taking part in all military campaigns. He became a boyar in 1549.

Vasily Fedorovich Skopin-Shuya, son of Fyodor Ivanovich, distinguished himself during the defense of Pskov troops Stefan Batory. In addition to his distinguished military merit and ability to be needed at court. Sooner reaching the rank of boyar, he was repeatedly sent to manage Pskov, and at the end of his career he has received in the management of Vladimir judgment order. In the reign of Fedor Ivanovich, when the enmity between Shuiskys and Godunov intensified last Shuiskis been accused of betraying the Emperor. "traitors" were arrested and exiled to distant places. But not all. Vasily Fedorovich even though he was deprived of his governorship Kargopol′skogo who ruled at the time, but remained in Moscow. The verdict in the case Shuiskis was said of him: ". . . and their big brother, Prince Vasily Fedorovich Skopin-Shuya, a word of it did not reach (that is found not guilty. - Auth. ), And he to the Emperor lived in old. Vasily Fedorovich died in 1595 and was buried in Suzdal, in the family crypt.

Kind of military glory by his son - Mikhail Skopin-Shuya. Prince Michael was born Nov. 8, 1586. Michael′s father died when the prince was the eleventh year. Brought up by his mother, noblewoman Helena Petrovna, nee Princess Tatev. She tried to give him appropriate to his noble family and education. Up to seven years, Michael learned at home, then went to school.

Service in the palace Michael Skopin-Shujskij began at the age of fifteen years as a tenant. He has held various assignments of Tsar Boris. Michael was quiet disposition, he loved to read, especially books about military feats. In 1604, when he was 18 years old, he was promoted to waiter and became involved in the embassy receptions.

In October 1604 began a campaign to Moscow False Dmitry I, and in June 1605 he triumphantly entered Moscow. And on the throne installed himself "Tsar and Grand Prince Dmitri Ivanovich of All Russia.

Photo — «Mikhail Vasilievich Skopin-shuisky»

" With his rise to power changed the fate of the young Michael. The new king said Michael nobility and position of Great mechnika - the new title of nobility, he entered the Polish model. Appreciate not only beauty but intelligence, honesty and generosity Skopina-Shuisky Lzhedmitry entrusted him with an important mission for himself - to lead to Moscow "mother," the king naked Maria, a nun who lived in a remote monastery.

Authorities Lzhedmitry keep for a long time could not. In May 1606 in Moscow uprising broke out. False Dmitry I and many of his aides were killed. King was proclaimed Prince Vasily Ivanovich Shuya, a relative of Michael Skopin-Shuisky. At the same steward Skopin-Shujskij became warlord. Incidentally, in the genus Skopin Shuiskis were over the line compared with the line of Tsar Vasily Shuisky and, consequently, have more rights to the throne. It always bothered Tsar Vasily Shuisky and forced to be suspicious of his nephew. But while Michael served as a neutral position. He was not particularly close to the False Dmitri, did not participate in the conspiracy of his uncle, and changes on the throne, took for granted. And soon he had to prove themselves on the military career, becoming one of the most famous generals of the time. The first military glory came to him in battles with the troops of Ivan Bolotnikov, who have repeatedly smashed them against the exiled king′s troops governor. In addition to the peasants and slaves in the camp Bolotnikova were Cossacks and archers. There were many, and the nobles and knights. Skopin-Shuya was appointed voivod "to raid". It does with his detachment of rapid strikes on the rebels and withdrawal in scorodite - a wooden fort around Zamoskvoreche suburbs.

Bolotnikov force events, trying to take Moscow by storm. In one dark November night the rebels came close to the gates of Serpukhov. But the surprise attack failed. Moscow troops at Serpukhov Gates awaited attack enemies. In some places the walls were placed the gun near them were gunners, ready at any moment to give a volley.

Assault troops Bolotnikova at Serpukhov Gates, protected Ratiu Skopina-Shuisky began with the shooting. Despite the loss, Bolotnikov continued to approach the walls, and then the royal voivod made an unexpected sortie. Muscovites, inspires their leader, overthrew the enemy and wanted to pursue it, but Skopin-Shujskij stopped them. In the morning the royal voivod going to attack the Kolomna, where the camp was located Bolotnikov.

Raids Skopina-Shuisky prevented the insurgents to encircle Moscow. But on Nov. 26 Bolotnikov still ferried a large part of his army across the Moscow River, bypassing the city from east to completely block the capital.

November 27 Skopin-Shujskij struck out Zamoskvorechye blow to the troops Bolotnikov. Bolotnikov, who had managed to collect about 20 thousand soldiers, was defeated, but, using the gathering darkness, was able to retreat to Kolomna.

December 2 Skopin-Shuya from the Danilov Monastery went to Kolomna.

Photo — «Mikhail Vasilievich Skopin-shuisky»

Learning about the campaign magistrates Bolotnikov did not wait for the attack and he was made to meet the king′s troops. The battle took place at night near the village of Boilers. Peasants and slaves under the leadership of Bolotnikova troops tried to break Skopina-Shuisky in parts, but they were overrun by a heavy blow to a cavalry unit. All the same part of the rebels led by Bolotnikov managed retreat. Prince Mikhail surrounded Kolomna, but did not lead troops to attack, and waited for the approach of strong artillery. The three-day bombardment of the fortifications did not lead to the result, and then Skopin-Shujskij ordered to apply a new shell - a combination of incendiary core of a bursting bomb. The rebels immediately suffered heavy losses and were forced to leave in the open field, where the tsar′s troops were defeated. Despite the defeat, managed to divert Bolotnikov in Kaluga over 10 thousand soldiers. Some of the rebels went to Tula.

Order Bolotnikova defending Kaluga, was soon besieged by a huge army under the command of Ivan Shuisky. But Bolotnikov managed to reflect the attack, and then began to make daily forays outside the city, destroying the besiegers. In January 1607 the king sent to the aid of the troops besieging Kaluga, a special regiment, commanded by Fedor Mstislavsky, Mikhail Skopin-Shuya and his uncle Boris Tatev, and Skopin-Shuya was entitled to a separate action.

Mikhail tried to use heavy artillery, but it turned out that the deposition prepared for this. However Skopin-Shujskij not confined to a simple fire. Simultaneously, he took on the Kaluga high wall of logs, and under the cover of the tsarist army was adjusted to the city.

It seemed that the Kaluga nothing can save, but when the wall went up to the Palisades and has accumulated near the king′s troops, on orders Bolotnikova night were blown derived from the town of mines. Went up a huge column of earth, which swept away and the shaft, and people. Following the explosion at the king′s forces attacked the besieged troops. Bolotnikov attacked the royal army, and turned it into flight. Ability to resist were only Skopin-Shujskij and Cossack Pavlov. Led by their few troops cut off the rebels from fleeing the king′s warriors.

Under the command Skopina-Shuisky was hastily created a new army. It is composed of Tatars, Mordvinians, Chuvash, "datochnye people, monasteries, employees of the court. Skopin-Shuya, who by that time the age of 21, became the voivod Big regiment.

In early 1607 Bolotnikov made against the main forces Shuisky in Serpukhov, but then turned to Kashira, seeking to circumvent the king′s regiments and break through to Moscow, where there were large regiments. His intention disclosed defectors. Near Kashira River Vosme, bolotnikovtsy and Cossacks were divided into regiments governor Andrei Vasilievich Golitsyn, time received reinforcements from Skopina-Shuisky.

Bolotnikov went to Thule, entrenched in a muddy creek Voronkov.

Photo — «Mikhail Vasilievich Skopin-shuisky»

The limited power of the peasant leader, stretching for seven miles, covered the open space between the Crimson Zaseki Tula Zasechnaya features and fortifications in the Kaluga road. Skopin-Shuiski, knowing that his large army could easily panicked, took the fight only their own crack regiments. Nobility hundreds, diverting attention, tried to cross the river in several places. The main blow is dealt Skopin-Shujskij near the most Crimson Zaseki. After breaking through the defense, elite cavalry Skopina-Shuisky drove the rebels fled in panic, seven miles, but to break into the city could not. Bolotnikov stopped running and interrupted to break into the city gates.

July 12, 1607 the siege began stupid. Two weeks later, the city was standing at attention the whole Imperial army. Based on the overwhelming superiority in numbers and heavy artillery, Skopin-Shujskij tried to take the city by storm. During the month, the royal army 22 times went to the assault. But the besieged also sit on their hands. For three or four times a day they sally out, causing the loss of the king′s troops. Bolotnikov urged residents to stay, promising that she would soon be assistance (in July in Seversk cities appeared False Dmitry II). To accelerate the capture of the city, Skopin-Shujskij ordered to build a dam on the river Upa. The mounting water flooded the city and fortress. But the rebels did not intend to surrender. The end of the fourth month battle for the city. And then SHUISKI Bolotnikov offered to surrender on condition the preservation of life and liberty to him, other leaders of the uprising and all defenders of Tula. October 10 Tula surrendered. Bolotnikov was captured and executed.

Meanwhile, looming over Russia, a new danger - the invasion of the Polish forces under the leadership of False Dmitri II. The basis of troops, Polish troops were pretender Vyshnevetskoho Prince and Prince Ruzhinskaya. For it was joined by some South Russian nobles, Cossacks Zarutsky and remnants of the defeated troops Bolotnikov.

In 1607, False Dmitry II undertook a campaign in Bryansk and Tula. In May 1608, under Balcova imposter broke the troops Shuisky and went to Moscow, set up camp in the village Tushino.

A year before the attacks Falsdmitry II Swedes offered Tsar Vasily Ivanovich their assistance, but their proposal was rejected. However, while standing in Tushino Falsdmitry Tsar Vasily forgot their ambitions and asked Michael Skopin-Shuisky to negotiate with the Swedes. With Skopin was sent to the Swedes and SemyonVasilievich Golovin.

Reaching Novgorod, Tsar voivod found that city residents are against Basil Shuisky. Heard rumors that the Pskov and border with Sweden, the city Nut and Ivangorod swear Falsdmitry II. Therefore Skopin-Shujskij sent to the Swedes Golovin, while he remained in Novgorod.

Soon in Novgorod became known that the city sent to the Poles and the Russian troops from Falsdmitry. Multiple Novgorod chiefs told Skopin-Shuisky of betrayal Novgorod governor Mikhail Tatishcheva.

Photo — «Mikhail Vasilievich Skopin-shuisky»

The next day, gathered in the square of Novgorod, Mikhail told them what the charge for erecting governor. Novgorodians disliked Tatishcheva and therefore did not discuss, he is guilty or not - voivod was torn to pieces by the crowd.

In mid-March to the Novgorod came 5 thousandth the Swedish army. In April, the United Swedish-Russian army launched from the city. Soon the best Swedish squad collided with the Poles. The Poles were defeated and fled, leaving the guns and wagons. Joint army moved on.

Going to Tver, Skopin-Shujskij found it occupied by Poles. The first assault on the town failed, but the second was successful. Russian and Swedish warriors stormed the city in pursuit of the Poles. Broken near Tver Poles fled to the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, which is besieged army Sapieha.

Prince Mikhail expanded his dominion the territory, placing garrisons in captured towns, taking control of key roads. Gradually established a system of fortified towns, monasteries, fortresses and field, where troops sheltered Skopina-Shuisky, and from which they are at every opportunity to attack the enemy. Even the military governor Mikhail stood with the army in the Alexander settlement. Here was training troops, formed new units, to stockpile weapons.

From Alexander suburb Skopin-Shujskij made in Dmitrov. There is, stopping the fruitless siege of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery, rushed and Sapieha.

In early February, the governor Mikhail Vasilyevich appeared under Dmitrov. They began to destroy foraging, often started with "fire fight" to the fortress. Voevoda with the main forces stood in the village Shepilovke on the road from Nikolaev to Trinity-Sergius Monastery. Warrior Skopina-Shuisky raided the camp of the Cossacks Sapieha and hawked them to fight. But voivod always recalls them back: not having the strength to storm the city, he tried to get Sapieha leave. At the end of the month, riveted heavy artillery, the Poles have left Dmitrov and retreated to Smolensk, in connection with the forces of King Sigismund. A week later, supporters Falsdmitry II left Tushino.

March 12, 1610 the regiments of Prince Mikhail Vasilyevich entered the capital encountered nobles and the people who fell to his knees and tearfully thanked the governor for "purification of the Moscow State. " The Tsar and the boyars, in particular members of the genus Shuiskys, jealously watching the rise of Skopina-Shuisky. Glory commander gave them no rest.

In April voivod was invited to the banquet on the occasion of the christening, the son of Prince Vorotynsky. At the feast Skopin-Shujskij ate only from a common dish, and almost did not drink, but was unable to avoid poisoning. Boyarynia Catherine G. , wife of Dmitry Shuisky recognized as heir to the childless king of Basil, raised Skopin-Shuisky cup of honey, which was spiked potion. Right on the feast of the prince Mikhail fell, his nose began to bleed. Tormented for several days, April 23, 1610 voivod died young.