Alexander Ivanovich Baryatinsky (1815-1879) was a Russian field marshal general and a participant in the Caucasian War. During the Crimean War of 1853-1856, he served as the Chief of Staff of the Separate Caucasian Corps. From 1856 to 1862, he was the Commander-in-Chief of the Caucasian Army and the Tsar's Viceroy in the Caucasus. He was also a member of the State Council. His father did not support young Alexander's dream of a military career, believing that he had provided his son with an excellent education at home, not to make him a military officer, courtier, or diplomat. It was only through the support of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna that the 16-year-old managed to enroll as a cadet in the Cavalry Guard Regiment, and after completing the School of Guards Sub-Ensigns (later known as the Nikolaev Cavalry School), he became a cornet in the Life Guards Cavalry Regiment. However, at first the newly-made cuirassier, either paying tribute to his bravery, or because of the traditions of the then "golden youth", "hussar" more and more, so much so that Nicholas I himself drew attention to it. ...In the biographies of Soviet people of different generations, Spain, China, and Afghanistan were a kind of"character school". The Caucasus also played a similar role in the fate of the youth of the XIX century, including Alexander Baryatinsky. Here, a young rake quickly formed a real military officer, who was distinguished by a deep interest in the history and geography of the region, the customs and traditions of the peoples who inhabited it. How useful all this was to him in the future! Baryatinsky's service in the Caucasus began with his participation in General A. A. Velyaminov's expedition beyond the Kuban. On September 21, 1835, a daring charge by the vanguard under his command against the highlanders resulted in the enemy's defeat and scattering. During this attack, the commander himself was severely wounded in the side by a bullet. Baryatinsky, who had returned to the ... Читать далее