Alexander Samoylov facts for kids
Count Alexander Nikolayevich Samoylov (Russian: Александр Николаевич Самойлов; 1744 – 1 November 1814) was an important Russian general and statesman. He was known for his bravery in wars, especially the Russo-Turkish War of 1787–1792. He also held a very high position as the Prosecutor General of the Russian Empire. He was a relative of the famous Grigory Potemkin.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Military Start
Alexander Samoylov was born in 1744. His father, Nikolay Samoylov, was a senator, a high-ranking government official. Alexander began his military career in 1760 as a soldier in the elite Leib-Guard Semyonovsky Regiment.
Later, he moved to the main army. He fought in the Russo-Turkish War, 1768–1774. For his courage in capturing the city of Silistra, he received a special award, the Order of St. George of 4th degree.
Rising Through the Ranks
In 1775, Alexander Samoylov's relative, Prince Potemkin, became very powerful. Because of this connection, Samoylov was given the title of Count. After this, his career advanced quickly.
In 1775, he became a member of the group that tried Yemelyan Pugachev. Pugachev was a rebel leader. Samoylov was also promoted to kamer-yunker, a type of court official. He later became the chairman of the State Council of Imperial Russia. This was an important government body during the reign of Empress Catherine II.
In 1783, he led the Crimean Chasseur Corps, a special military unit. He played a key role in the campaign that led to Russia taking control of the Crimean Khanate.
Important Battles and Roles
During the Russo-Turkish War, 1787–1792, Alexander Samoylov was a Lieutenant-General. He commanded a large force of soldiers and cannons. In 1788, he showed great bravery during the capture of Ochakov. For this, he received the Order of St. George of 2nd degree.
In 1789, he served under Prince Potemkin. He helped capture the cities of Bendery and Kaushany. For his efforts in this campaign, he was awarded the Order of Alexander Nevsky. On December 12, 1790, he led the left side of the army of Alexander Suvorov. This was during the fierce storming of Izmail. For his leadership, he received the Order of St. Vladimir of 1st degree.
Empress Catherine II personally honored him with the Order of St. Andrew. This was for his important work in making a peace treaty with the Ottoman Empire. On September 17, 1792, he was appointed Prosecutor General of the Russian Empire. This was a very powerful legal position in the Senate. He took over from Prince Alexander Vyazemsky, who was very ill.
However, when Emperor Paul I became ruler, he removed Samoylov from his position.
Family Life
Alexander Samoylov married Princess Troubetzkoy. They had one son named Nicholas. Nicholas did not have children with his wife, Countess Yuliya Skavronsky. General Raevsky was Alexander Samoylov's nephew.
| Preceded by Alexander Vyazemsky |
Generals-Prosecutor 1792 – 1796 |
Succeeded by Alexey Kurakin |
