Nikolay Raevsky

Nikolay Raevsky was a prominent Russian general and statesman who achieved fame for his feats of arms during the Napoleonic Wars. His family left a lasting legacy in Russian society and culture. He was born in Saint Petersburg in 1771, the son of Colonel Nikolay Semyonovich Raevsky and Ekaterina Samoylova, a niece of Prince Potemkin and a close friend of Empress Catherine II. He joined the army at a young age and fought in the Russo-Turkish War and the Polish-Russian War. He distinguished himself in several battles and was awarded the Order of St. George and the gold sword for bravery. He was also a close associate of General Aleksandr Suvorov, whom he admired and learned from. He rose to the rank of Major General and commanded various units and divisions. He participated in the wars against Napoleon, and played a crucial role in the battles of Austerlitz, Borodino, Tarutino, Maloyaroslavets, Krasnoi, and Berezina. He was wounded several times, but always returned to the front. He was praised by his superiors and subordinates for his courage, skill, and leadership. He was promoted to Lieutenant General in 1812 and received the Order of St. Vladimir and the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky. He entered Paris in 1814 as a hero and a liberator of Europe. He was also a member of the State Council and the War Council, and held various diplomatic and administrative posts. He was appointed as the governor-general of New Russia, where he implemented reforms and improved the welfare of the people. He was also a patron of arts and sciences, and a friend of many prominent figures, such as Pushkin, Gogol, and Zhukovsky. He died in 1829 at his estate in Boltyshka, where he was buried. He was survived by his wife and six children, who also became influential in Russian history. He was posthumously awarded the Order of St. Andrew and the Order of St. Anna. He was also commemorated by a monument on the Raevsky redoubt, where he led a famous charge during the Battle of Borodino.