"White General" Mikhail Skobelev. Brief biography of Mikhail Skobelev, the most important thing

On September 29, 1843, the outstanding Russian military leader Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev was born.

The legendary commander Mikhail Skobelev, with whose name many brilliant victories of Russian weapons are associated, was born on September 17 (29), 1843 in the Peter and Paul Fortress, of which his grandfather was the commandant. Skobelev was a third-generation military man; his grandfather and father rose to the rank of general.

In his youth, Mikhail intended to devote himself to civil service and entered the mathematics department of St. Petersburg University, however, his studies had to be interrupted. The university was closed due to student unrest, and Skobelev, heeding his father’s advice, petitioned the emperor to enroll as a cadet in the elite Life Guards Cavalry Regiment.

Military service began with the oath and kissing the cross, according to the description given by the leadership, cadet Skobelev “serves zealously, not sparing himself.” A year later he was promoted to harness cadet, and six months later to junior officer rank cornet, in 1864 Skobelev participated in the suppression of the uprising of Polish rebels. He was included in the retinue of Adjutant General Eduard Baranov, but being burdened by his retinue duties, he begged the general to send him to the combat sector. Skobelev received his baptism of fire in a battle with the rebel detachment of Shemiot, and was awarded the Order of St. Anne, IV degree, for his bravery.

Participation in the Polish expedition confirmed the correctness of the chosen path; subsequently Skobelev repeatedly repeated: “I am where the guns thunder.”

In 1866 he entered the Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff, defeat in Eastern war forced the government to reconsider its approach to military education, now officers were trained according to a new program, and future military leaders left the Academy with a solid store of knowledge.

As one of the best graduates, Mikhail Dmitrievich is sent to the General Staff. After a short period of “paper” work in the General Staff, Skobelev showed himself in Central Asia; in 1873 he became a participant in the Khiva campaign, the general leadership of which was carried out by General Konstantin Kaufman. Skobelev commanded the vanguard of the Mangyshlak detachment (2,140 people); in difficult conditions, in almost daily skirmishes with the Khivans, his detachment approached the capital of the khanate in May 1873.

On May 29, Khiva fell, the first decree that the khan was forced to issue was a ban on the slave trade, because one of the goals of the expedition was to suppress the slave trade. Russia, as Engels, who was stingy with positive assessments of the “tsarist regime,” noted, played “a progressive role in relation to the East... Russia’s dominance plays a civilizing role for the Black and Caspian Seas and Central Asia...”.

Due to the powerful opposition of the British, the Russian government failed to implement the initial plan to establish good neighborly relations with the Central Asian states peacefully, so military measures were used. Skobelev will subsequently repeatedly perform this responsible role of enforcing peace.

Already in 1875, after a short business trip to Spain, Skobelev led a campaign to suppress the rebellion that broke out in Kokand. A Russian detachment of only 800 people with 20 guns near the village of Makhram entered into battle with the 50,000-strong army of the usurper Khudoyar. Despite the huge numerical superiority, the Russians scattered the enemy and put him to flight. Skobelev’s formula “It’s not enough to be brave, you need to be smart and resourceful” worked flawlessly.

N.D. Dmitriev-Orenburgsky “General M.D. Skobelev on horseback”, 1883

In October 1875, Mikhail Dmitrievich was promoted to major general, and in February of the following year he was appointed governor-general of the newly formed Fergana region. With his characteristic zeal, Skobelev began to develop the region and in this post proved himself to be a skilled diplomat. He dealt with the local nobility and warlike tribes “firmly, but with heart.”

He understood that military force alone was not enough to establish Russia’s authority, so he was actively involved in solving social issues. On the initiative of Skobelev, a city was founded, which later received the name Fergana and became regional center Uzbekistan, the Governor-General took personal part in its design.

Having learned about the beginning of the war with the Ottoman Empire, Skobelev, using his connections in St. Petersburg, changed the relatively calm office of the governor general to a battlefield more familiar to him. Participation in the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878 became the peak of Mikhail Dmitrievich’s military career and at the same time was the realization of his life credo: “My symbol is short: love for the Fatherland, science and Slavism.”

The Russian army owes Skobelev’s talent the capture of the strategically important city of Lovech, and it was he who became the true hero of the third assault on Plevna.

Thanks to the efforts of Skobelev, the battle of Sheynov was won, when a crushing blow by the Russians paralyzed the actions of the 30,000-strong army of Wessel Pasha. General Skobelev personally accepted the surrender of Wessel Pasha and his army.

In battle, the general was always ahead of the troops in a white jacket and on a white horse. “He believed that he would be more unharmed on a white horse than on a horse of a different color...”, explained this choice by artist Vasily Vereshchagin, who was well acquainted with Skobelev.

Skobelev’s detachment captured Adrianople and the town of San Stefano, located 20 kilometers from the Turkish capital. It was just a stone's throw from Constantinople.

Of course, Skobelev, who shared the views of the Slavophiles on the historical mission of Russia to liberate Constantinople from Muslims, which at the same time was the cherished dream of the Slavs and Greeks, was eager to begin the assault on this city.

The brilliant strategist saw that the historical moment was close, “... the presence of an active army in Adrianople and the opportunity... and now to occupy the capital of Turkey in battle,” he noted in one of the letters. But diplomacy decided otherwise; the war ended with the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano.

The name of the “White General,” as both Russians and Turks called him, thundered throughout Europe. After the signing of peace, Skobelev took personal initiative on the issue of organizing capable paramilitary units in Bulgaria, called gymnastic societies. The Bulgarians, for their efforts to liberate Bulgaria from the Turkish occupiers and help in the post-war development of the country, ranked General Skobelev among their national heroes.

Vyacheslav Kondratyev “Plow up Geok-Tepe!”

After the war with the Ottomans, the general will lead the Akhal-Teke expedition, which became a matter of special national importance. Skobelev turned out to be the only one who combined the talents of a military leader and the wisdom of a diplomat. The emperor himself had a confidential conversation with the general regarding this expedition. It was successful, the last source of unrest was eliminated, and peace was established in the Trans-Caspian possessions of Russia.

The general was always on the front line during hostilities. Even during the war with the Turks, soldiers composed a song about their commander, which contains the following lines:

I was not afraid of enemy bullets,
Not afraid of a bayonet,
And more than once near the hero
Death was already close.
He laughed at bullets
Apparently, God protected him.

He was wounded many times, but the bayonet and bullets did not harm his life. Skobelev did not die in war, but under other very mysterious circumstances. The causes of death, which occurred on June 25 (July 7), 1882, remained unsolved and are still being put forward different versions about what happened. IN last path A countless number of people came to see Mikhail Dmitrievich off.

The Russian general devoted his short but bright life entirely to the Fatherland.

Kirill Bragin

Date of event: 09/29/1843

Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev was born on September 29 (17 according to the old style) 1843 in St. Petersburg. On October 14, he was baptized in the Peter and Paul Cathedral. The first years of the boy's life were spent in the Peter and Paul Fortress, whose commandant was his grandfather. Home education was initially entrusted to a German tutor, with whom Mikhail did not have a good relationship. After another conflict with the teacher, the parents sent their son to the Parisian boarding school D. Girardet, where he received a general education, showing special interest in the study of languages ​​and literature, and Girardet became his friend, adviser, and traveling companion. Five years later, Mikhail Skobelev returned to Russia. To prepare him for entering the university, the famous teacher L.N. was invited. Modzalevsky, and classes continued from 1858 to 1860. In 1861, M. Skobelev became a student at St. Petersburg University, but a month after the student riots, in December 1861, the university was closed, and on November 22, 1861 the young man entered the Cavalry Regiment as a non-commissioned officer. On September 8, 1862, after passing the exam for the officer rank, he became a cadet harness, and in March 1863 he was promoted to cornet. On March 19, 1864, M. Skobelev was transferred to the Life Guards Grodno Hussar Regiment. Heading to his place of service, he joined the regiment that fought with the Polish rebels, and for participation in hostilities on June 10, 1865 he received the Order of St. Anne IV degree with the inscription "For bravery". On August 30, 1864 he was promoted to lieutenant and continued his service.

In the fall of 1866, having brilliantly passed the entrance exams, M.D. Skobelev was enrolled in the Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff, during his studies in which he gave preference to the subjects of military art, military history, languages, and was graduated in the 2nd category.

In November 1868 M.D. Skobelev was assigned to the General Staff and assigned to serve at the headquarters of the Turkestan Military District, commanded by General K.P. Kaufman, a talented military leader and administrator, who greeted his new subordinate warily, but later became his senior friend and mentor. At first, Skobelev led the film crew in the Samarkand region, then participated in the battles on the Bukhara border, commanding the 9th Siberian Cossack hundred. In December 1870 he was transferred to the Transcaspian region, and in March 1871 he was assigned to the Krasnovodsk detachment of Colonel N.G. Stoletova. Here he, with three Cossacks and three local residents, carried out the Sarakamysh reconnaissance of the area, famous for its audacity, on May 13-22. His self-will ended with his stay on forced leave from the summer of 1871 to April 1872. July 5, 1872 M.D. Skobelev was assigned to the General Staff with the rank of captain with the appointment of senior adjutant of the headquarters of the 22nd Infantry Division in Novgorod, and in August he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.

In the spring of 1873 M.D. Skobelev took part in the Khiva campaign as part of N.P.’s detachment. Lomakina. Commanding the vanguard, he captured a well-guarded caravan heading to Khiva, fought several battles on the approaches to the city, and directed the artillery shelling of the defenders. In August, after the capture of Khiva, Skobelev, on the instructions of General Kaufman, carried out reconnaissance of the route through the Turkmen desert, for which on August 30, 1873 he was awarded the Order of St. George 4th degree. Winter 1873-1874 He spent time on vacation in France, but at the same time managed to visit Spain, becoming an eyewitness to the internecine war. On February 22, 1874 he was promoted to colonel, on April 17 he was appointed to the adjutant wing and was assigned to the Retinue of His Imperial Majesty. In January 1875 he married Princess M.N. Gagarina, maid of honor of the Empress.

In April 1875 M.D. Skobelev was sent to the disposal of the Turkestan Governor-General and in May arrived at his duty station in Tashkent. For accompanying ambassadors through hostile territory with a small detachment of soldiers to Kokand (July 13) and Khojent (July 24), he was awarded the golden saber “For Bravery.” After the invasion of the Kokand people into the territory subject to Russia, mass robberies and murders of residents, Russian troops began active military operations on the territory of the Kokand Khanate. For the capture of Makhram on October 18, 1875 M.D. Skobelev was promoted to major general. Kaufman appoints Skobelev as head of the Russian department of the Namangan region and subordinates a large military detachment to him. Throughout the autumn and winter of 1875, endless battles continued. After the capture of Namangan, he led the cavalry in the detachment of General V.N. Trotsky, who conquered Andijan in January 1876. For this operation, Skobelev was awarded the Order of St. George 3rd degree and golden weapons. On February 5, 1876, Emperor Alexander II decided to annex the Khanate of Kokand to Russia, appointing Skobelev military governor of the new Fergana region. After receiving news of this, Skobelev occupied Kokand without a fight on February 8, for which he was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir 3rd degree. On February 19, 1876, the Kokand Khanate became part of Russia.

Throughout 1876 M.D. Skobelev was energetically engaged in administrative activities. He skillfully selected worthy personnel for management, winning the respect of the local population. As a result of his activities, trade and agriculture revived in the province. Much attention was paid to the living conditions and military training of troops stationed in the province. In the summer of 1876, Skobelev led a research expedition to the borders of the Pamirs (Kashgaria). At this time, the understanding of the inevitability of war with Turkey increased in Russia. After numerous reports, Skobelev was summoned to St. Petersburg to be transferred to the active army, but denunciations from ill-wishers were sent from Turkestan against the former governor. After the intercession of relatives and friends, especially K.P. Kaufman, Skobelev's honor was restored. And a new period in his life began - the Balkan.

On April 12, 1877, war was declared on Turkey, a month later Russian army went to the Danube. At the beginning of his service, General Skobelev was sent to his father's division, but it was soon disbanded, and he was included in the emperor's retinue. This situation did not suit Skobelev in any way; he sought to find application for his military experience, and voluntarily became an orderly of the head of the 14th Infantry Division, Major General M.I. Dragomirov, who assisted in organizing the crossing of the Danube on June 15 and the defense of the captured bridgehead. Later M.D. Skobelev took part in all the most important battles, leading small detachments, never gaining independence. After the Turks occupied the strategically important fortress of Plevna, the Russians tried to regain their advantage, but were unsuccessful. On July 18, during the second attack of the Pleven fortifications, Skobelev with his cavalry broke through almost to the outskirts of the city, but was not supported and retreated. Only after this did Mikhail Dmitrievich finally receive a significant detachment under his command and was awarded the Order of St. Stanislava. On August 22, 1877, the detachment, which was actually led by Skobelev, after careful reconnaissance and artillery preparation, took Lovcha, a city covering Plevna from the south. On August 26-31, the third attack on Plevna took place. And again, only the troops under the command of Skobelev managed to achieve success: they broke through the enemy’s defenses, occupied two fortified redoubts and approached the city within 300-400 meters. But the command again refused to reinforce Skobelev, and he was forced to retreat with the remnants of the detachment, picking up all the wounded from the battlefield. September 1 M.D. Skobelev was promoted to lieutenant general, and on September 16 he was appointed commander of the 16th Infantry Division. After participating in the siege and capture of Plevna, Skobelev’s detachments, in difficult winter conditions, crossed the Balkans in the area of ​​the Shipkinsky Pass and on December 28, 1877, together with P.D.’s column. Svyatopolk-Mirsky captures Sheinovo. On January 3, 1878, Skobelev was appointed head of the vanguard of the army advancing on Andrianople, and soon became acting commander-in-chief of the Russian troops in the Balkans. In this position, he directed all his efforts towards strengthening the independence of Bulgaria, creating an army based on public squads, supplying them with weapons and organizing training. During the Russian-Turkish war, the best qualities of M.D. were revealed. Skobelev as a military leader: thorough study of the terrain and reconnaissance of enemy forces before combat operations, the ability to quickly navigate the situation and make responsible decisions, initiative and foresight, personal courage. Skobelev made excellent use of his own and others’ experience, knew how to observe and constantly studied the art of war. It was during the Russian-Turkish War that for the first time something new in offensive combat appeared in Skobelev’s detachments - the loose formation of a rifle chain. It was also important that Skobelev constantly took care of the physical and moral condition of the soldiers. No wonder the soldiers of his detachments called themselves “Skobelevsky”. All this led to the fact that he returned to Russia not only as the commander of the 4th Corps, but also as a national hero, a White general.

After the war, the 4th Corps was stationed in Belarus, and the general was actively engaged in combat training of the troops entrusted to him. On August 30, 1878, he was appointed adjutant general to the emperor, and in 1879 he represented the country at German military maneuvers. But Russia now faced a new task - protecting the interests of the state in Central Asia. Emperor Alexander II summoned Skobelev from Minsk to St. Petersburg and appointed him commander of the second expedition to the Turkmen steppes (after the unsuccessful campaign of N.P. Lomakin). By March 1, 1880, M.D. Skobelev and his comrades in Turkestan and the Balkan war prepared a plan for a military expedition to the Geok-Tepe fortress. At the beginning of May, Skobelev arrived in the Caspian Sea and began preparing troops for the campaign, paying attention not only to armament and training of troops, but also to the supply of provisions, uniforms, and medical care. All summer and autumn, equipment and food were being delivered, and rare skirmishes with the Tekins occurred. On November 26 - December 1, the detachment finally set out for the Ahal-Tekin oasis, where up to 35 thousand Tekins gathered. After a thorough study of the approaches to the fortress, the weapons and forces of its defenders, systematic siege work began on December 23: redoubts were built, trenches were dug, and mining was carried out to mine the walls of the fortress. On January 12, 1881, the Geok-Tepe fortress was taken. Gradually, life in the region became orderly. After the end of the campaign in January 1881, Skobelev was awarded the Order of St. George 2nd degree and became an infantry general. Soon Skobelev surrendered command of the troops and headed to St. Petersburg. His return was triumphant; crowds of people greeted the general along his entire route. But in St. Petersburg the conqueror of Akhal-Teke was received by the new emperor, Alexander III. The meeting was more than cold.

M.D. Skobelev received leave and after a trip abroad settled in the village of Spassky, Ryazan province. All this time he was occupied with issues of national politics, he became close to the Slavophiles, developing his own own opinion on the international situation in Europe. In September 1881, he conducted maneuvers of parts of his corps in the Minsk province. On January 12, 1882, at a dinner in honor of the anniversary of the capture of Geok-Tepe, a speech was made (apparently prepared jointly with I.S. Aksakov), in which Skobelev openly proclaimed his anti-German sentiments, views on the domestic and international situation of Russia, its foreign policy interests, essentially presenting their political program. This speech was published in many newspapers and was actively discussed in society not only in Russia, but also abroad. An international scandal almost broke out. Alexander III expressed his displeasure, and Skobelev was asked to go on vacation abroad. In January 1882 he arrived in Paris. On February 5, Slavic students studying at the Sorbonne came to Skobelev’s apartment with a thank-you address. The conversation lasted two hours, part of it ended up in French newspapers and was the second political statement of the general, which again shook up all of Europe. Through Russian Ambassador In Paris, Skobelev received the emperor's order to immediately return to his homeland. On March 7, an audience with Alexander III took place, which began very unfriendly, but ended favorably towards the general. The content of their conversation was not made public.

April 22 M.D. Skobelev departed for Minsk to the location of the headquarters of the 4th Corps. Corps maneuvers began in the Mogilev province - the last maneuvers in the life of the general. After their completion on June 22, he headed to Moscow, where on the night of June 25-26, 1882 he died suddenly. Farewell to folk hero resulted in a funeral procession of thousands of people. The train with the body of the White General, which passed through a living corridor along the entire route, was met on June 29 at the Ranenburg station by the peasants of the village of Spasskoye. 38-year-old Adjutant General, Infantry General, three times Knight of St. George Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev was buried in the family crypt of the Spassky Church in the village of Spasskoye (Zaborovo, Zaborovskiye Gai) in the Ryazhsky district of the Ryazan province.

The family estate of the Skobelevs, Spassky, was acquired by the family in the 30s. XIX century Skobelev loved this village very much. He returned here from campaigns, rested and worked here, coming from the capitals. His parents were buried in Spassky. Under him, a solid stone building was built in the village - a village school, invited experienced teacher for peasant children. The general intended to organize a nursing home for war veterans in the village, providing them with everything they needed.

In 1882, by order of the military department, the corvette "Vityaz" was renamed "Skobelev" (in 1895 it was expelled from the Russian fleet). In November 1904, a committee named after Skobelev was formed, the chairman of which was his sister N.D. Beloselskaya-Belozerskaya, to preserve the memory of M.D. Skobelev. A home for disabled people was created in Spassky. In 1910, the city of New Margelan was named after him, which in 1924 was renamed Fergana. The sixteenth division, commanded by Skobelev, was given the name Skobelevskaya.

The first monument to the general was unveiled on June 25, 1886 on the territory of a military camp in the Troka district of the Vilna province (now the city of Trakai in Lithuania). In 1911, in Warsaw, the Hussars of the Grodno Regiment erected a bust with the inscription “To Skobelev - fellow soldiers, 1864-1872.” In the same year, in the village of Ulanovo, Chernigov province, a bust of the general was erected at the Skobelevsky Invalid Home for lower ranks. None of these monuments have survived. On June 24, 1912, a monument to Skobelev (sculptor P.A. Samonov) was erected on Tverskaya Square in Moscow, for which donations were collected throughout Russia. At the same time, the square was renamed Skobelevskaya. On May 1, 1918, the monument was demolished.

In Bulgaria, in the city of Pleven (Plevna), a bust of Skobelev was erected in the park that bears his name. In 1903, the Skobelev redoubts near Pleven were restored and are still preserved. In 1983, a 22-meter monument to the White General’s detachment was erected near Pleven. Streets and squares in Bulgaria are named after him.

In Russia, in recent years, much has been done to perpetuate the memory of M.D. Skobeleva. In 1995, the Skobelevsky Committee was recreated, the chairman of which was Major General, pilot-cosmonaut, twice Hero of the Soviet Union A.A. Leonov. The task of the committee is to collect and disseminate information about the commander, unveil memorial plaques and monuments. The main form of work of the committee was the Skobelev Readings, held in different cities Russia. On February 21, 1994, an interuniversity meeting was held at the Ryazan State Pedagogical University scientific conference"M.D. Skobelev and his time." On September 9, 1995, during the celebration of the 900th anniversary of Ryazan, the opening of the bust of M.D. took place. Skobeleva (sculptor B.S. Gorbunov) on the street. Novoselov. In 1996, in Moscow, in the Yuzhnoye Butovo district, a memorial plaque was erected in honor of the commander on the street bearing his name.

The Ryazan Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve houses a collection of items and awards of the Skobelev family: these are orders and medals of M.D. Skobelev, personal banner of the general with whom he took the Geok-Tepe fortress, lifetime photograph of M.D. Skobelev with an autograph, portraits of O.N. Skobeleva and I.N. Skobelev, embroidered painting "I.N. Skobelev near Minsk".

In connection with the 160th anniversary of Skobelev in 2003, construction, repair and restoration work was carried out in the village. Zaborovo for the restoration of the temple, the school building built by the general, and the improvement of the Skobelev estate. Nowadays in Zaborovo the “Museum-Estate “Memorial Complex of M.D. Skobelev” includes the restored Spasskaya Church, in the aisles of which Skobelev’s parents and M.D. Skobelev himself are buried, a bronze bust and the M.D. Skobelev Museum. The museum is located in the restored building of a rural school, which was built in 1881 at the expense of Mikhail Dmitrievich on the territory of the Skobelev estate for local children.

As part of the celebrations dedicated to the 170th anniversary general from infantry, liberator of Bulgaria M.D. Skobeleva, on September 27-28, 2013, the international scientific conference “M.D. Skobelev: history and modernity" (on the 170th anniversary of his birth)." Its organizers were the Government Ryazan region, Ryazan State University named after. S.A. Yesenin, Ryazan Regional Universal Scientific Library named after Gorky, Ryazan Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve and Ryazan Historical Society.

In Moscow, on December 9, 2014, on Hero of the Fatherland Day, a monument to Skobelev was solemnly unveiled near the building of the Academy of the General Staff. The monument is a four-meter bronze equestrian statue of General Skobelev on a granite pedestal. The author is People's Artist of Russia Alexander Rukavishnikov.

The central event of the celebration of Skobelev’s 175th anniversary in September 2018 in the Ryazan region will be the III Patriotic Forum “Science of Victory,” organized by the Gorky Regional University of Science and Technology and the S. Yesenin Russian State University.

Electronic version of the article from the book:

Chronicle of the life of Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev // Skobelev Mikhail Dmitrievich: decree. lit. /ROUNB; comp.: V.V. Bezuglova, O.Ya. Azovtseva, N.G. Dubova, E.I. Kutyrova, V.V. Nekhorosheva, A.D. Surina, R.D. Chelyanova; Rec. V.A. Gornov. - Ryazan, 2003. - P. 5-9. - The electronic version of the article is supplemented with information on materials published after 2003.

The outstanding Russian military leader, national hero of the Bulgarian people Mikhail Skobelev was born in St. Petersburg 172 years ago - September 29, 1843.

Fate decreed that the “white general”, who received this nickname for the light robe that he wore during numerous battles, was awaited by early glory, mysterious death and complete oblivion.

“Tremble, Asians!”

The name of General Skobelev enjoyed incredible popularity in all layers of Russian society. During his lifetime, squares and cities were named after him, and songs were written about his exploits and campaigns. The portrait of the “white general” hung in almost every Russian peasant hut, near the icons.

Popularity came to the general after the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-78 to liberate the fraternal Balkan peoples from the Ottoman yoke. Not a single military leader in Russian history has received such popular adoration.

Skobelev faced fame during his lifetime and complete disappearance from history under the Soviet Union. Photo: Public Domain

Mikhail Skobelev was born in the Peter and Paul Fortress. As a child, he was raised by his grandfather Ivan Nikitich Skobelev, the commandant of the main fortress in the country. He was a retired military man, a hero of the battle of Borodino and Maloyaroslavets, and took Paris. It is clear that his grandson, like most noble offspring, was prepared for military service from childhood.

Later, Mikhail went to study in France. The young man spoke eight languages, and spoke French no worse than Russian. In 1861, Skobelev entered St. Petersburg University, but subsequently the craving for military affairs overpowered him - the young man went to serve at the Nikolaev Academy General Staff. Unlike many officers who preferred playing cards and carousing to science, Skobelev read a lot and educated himself.

Skobelev received his first serious baptism of fire during the campaign of Russian troops against Khiva in the spring of 1873. The Russian state made an attempt to deal with the center of the slave trade in Central Asia. For a century and a half, the Khiva Khanate was a market for Russian slaves. Since the time of Catherine II, huge amounts of money have been allocated from the budget to ransom their subjects from Asian captivity. Russian slaves were highly valued because they were considered the most hardy and quick-witted workers. And for a beautiful young woman they sometimes gave up to 1 thousand rubles, which was a colossal sum at that time.

During skirmishes with the enemy, Skobelev received five wounds inflicted by a pike and a saber. With a detachment, he advanced 730 versts through the desert and took Khiva without a fight. More than 25 thousand slaves were immediately freed.

Hot and glorious time

Skobelev was not afraid to personally conduct reconnaissance in enemy territories. He dressed in the clothes of commoners and went on forays. Thus, he earned his first St. George Cross when he studied the route in detail among hostile Turkmen tribes. Later, he also went to Constantinople, studying the preparation of Ottoman troops for the defense of the city.

“General M. D. Skobelev on horseback” N. D. Dmitriev-Orenburgsky, (1883). Photo: Public Domain

Contemporaries admitted that the commander received all his awards and distinctions not through patronage, but through battle, showing his soldiers by personal example how to fight. In 1875, Skobelev’s troops defeated the 60 thousand army of Kokand rebels, their number was 17 times greater than the number of Russian troops. Despite this, the enemy was completely defeated, our losses amounted to six people. For these military successes, Mikhail Dmitrievich, at the age of 32, was awarded the rank of major general.

Thanks to the leadership of the young general, slavery and child trafficking were abolished everywhere in Central Asia, post and telegraph appeared, and construction of the railway began.

In 1876, a popular uprising broke out in Bulgaria against the Ottoman yoke. Hundreds of Russian volunteer doctors and nurses went to the Balkans. The uprising was drowned in blood, Turkish troops massacred tens of thousands of Bulgarians. Cities were turned into piles of ash, priests and monks were beheaded, babies were thrown into the air and caught on bayonets. Emperor Alexander II was shocked by the cruelty of the Ottomans. Skobelev could not stay away from these bloody events and in 1877 he returned to the active army. He took part in many battles, later becoming the liberator of Bulgaria.

“A hot and glorious time began, all of Russia rose in spirit and heart,” Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky wrote about those events.

Father to soldiers

Skobelev’s bravery and courage were combined with the foresight and prudence of an experienced military leader. Little things relating to a soldier's life did not escape his attention. Not a single subordinate of the “white general” died from frostbite during the trek through the mountains. He forced everyone to take at least one log with them. And when other soldiers were freezing because they could not make fires, Skobelev’s soldiers were warmed and fed with hot food.

Skobelev did not hesitate to talk with ordinary soldiers; he ate, drank, and slept with the privates. In these qualities, the general was very similar to another great Russian commander, Alexander Suvorov.

Skobelev's most famous exploits in the Russian-Turkish war were the defeat and capture of the entire army of Wessel Pasha and the capture of two fortresses during the assault on Plevna. The general himself led his soldiers under heavy enemy fire.

In total, more than 200 thousand Russian soldiers and officers died during the Russian-Turkish war for the liberation of the Balkan Slavs.

Disappeared from history

Skobelev became the first governor of liberated Plevna. There he met with the Emperor of Russia, who highly appreciated the merits of the commander. After this war, the “white general” became very famous in the country. In 1880, Skobelev took part in the Akhal-Teke expedition. Then, with a detachment of seven thousand people, he took the enemy fortress with a fourfold superiority of the defenders.

Mikhail Skobelev died at the age of 38 under mysterious circumstances. Having received leave, he arrived in Moscow, where, as usual, he stayed at the Dusso Hotel. After several business meetings, I went to the Angleterre Hotel, where ladies of easy virtue lived. In the middle of the night, one of them ran to the janitor and reported that an officer had suddenly died in her room. The cause of death of the fearless commander is still unclear. It was rumored that she took part in the elimination of the brilliant military leader German intelligence. The doctor who performed the autopsy stated that death was the result of sudden paralysis of the heart, which was in a terrible state. The general's death shocked all of Russia; his funeral turned into a national event.

After the October Revolution, all the gains of autocratic Russia began to be erased from history. In 1918, the monument to Skobelev in Moscow was barbarically destroyed on Lenin’s personal order. In accordance with the decree on “the removal of monuments erected in honor of the kings and their servants.” All bronze figures and bas-reliefs were sawn, broken into pieces and sent for melting down. And the granite pedestal was simply blown up.

Immediately, Soviet historians, with great zeal and pleasure, declared the general an enslaver and oppressor of the working masses and fraternal peoples of the East. In place of the destroyed monument to the general, a plaster monument to revolutionary freedom was erected. Subsequently, a monument to Yuri Dolgoruky appeared here.

He went through many wars, but he was not destined to die on the battlefield. His death was experienced as a nationwide grief. On the wreath from the Academy of the General Staff there was a silver inscription: “To the hero Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev - commander Suvorov’s equal.” Peasants carried the coffin of Mikhail Dmitrievich in their arms 20 miles to Spassky, the Skobelev family estate. There he was buried in the church next to his father and mother. In 1912, in Moscow on Tverskaya Square, a beautiful monument was erected to Skobelev using public funds...

General Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev

Heroes are not born. They become them. A truth as old as time. But in the entire history of the world there are not many examples that confirm this maxim. Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev can be safely included among these few.

While still a student at the military academy, Mikhail Skobelev was sent 30 miles from St. Petersburg to the shore of the Gulf of Finland to survey the area. Stopping in a small village, where he lived for several months, he was struck by the poverty and misery of the local peasants. Having spent all his salary on buying clothes and shoes for local children, he generously helped the local peasant Nikita, with whom he lived all this time. One day he went into the forest to get some poles and on the way back got stuck in a swamp. A seedy white sivka saved the life of the future hero of Russia. “I take her to the left, and she pulls me to the right,” Skobelev told Nikita, “if I have to ride a horse somewhere, so that I remember your gray, I will always choose the white one.”

General Mikhail Skobelev on a white horse during the Russian-Turkish War (1877 - 1878). Artist Nikolai Dmitriev-Orenbursky (1883)

Obviously, after this Skobelev developed a mystical addiction to white horses; and the white uniform during the battle was a continuation and completion of the whiteness of his horse. That is why Russian soldiers called Skobelev the “White General”, and in Central Asia and the Balkans - “Ak Pasha”; his mention awed Asian enemies and Turkish Janissaries. Ordinary Russian soldiers treated him with respect and reverence. The staff officers did not like him, they were jealous of his successes, they whispered behind his back that he was a poseur who deliberately flaunted his courage, contempt for danger and death. Vasily Ivanovich Nemirovich-Danchenko, brother of the founder, who knew the general well Art Theater, noted that “contempt for death is the best gesture of all gestures ever invented by people.” Nemirovich-Danchenko wrote: “He knew that he was leading to death, and without hesitation he did not send, but led with him. The first bullet was his, the first meeting with the enemy was his. The cause requires sacrifice, and, having decided the need for this matter, he would not back down from any sacrifice."

At the same time, Skobelev was not a “soldier.” He was a smart, interesting, extraordinary person - ironic, cheerful, an excellent debater and a daring reveler. But he devoted himself completely to the main cause of his life - service to the Fatherland. He was an amazing commander and an unusual person who became a true legend during his lifetime.

This year marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev. Legendary general and future hero Fatherland, favorite of Russian aristocrats and nobles, ordinary peasants and the army pre-revolutionary Russia was born on September 17, 1843 in military family: he was the first-born of a lieutenant of the Cavalry Regiment, later a participant in the Crimean War, a holder of the honorary golden sword. Mikhail's grandfather, Ivan Nikitich, was an adjutant to Kutuzov himself during the Patriotic War of 1812, rose to the rank of infantry general, was the commandant of the Peter and Paul Fortress and at the same time an original military writer and playwright. The grandfather was the main figure in the home education of his grandson. After his death, the mother of young Skobelev decided to send her son to France, where he studied at a boarding school and mastered several languages. Subsequently Skobelev spoke at eight European languages(in French, as in his native Russian) and could recite by heart large passages from the works of Balzac, Sheridan, Spencer, Byron, Shelley. Of the Russian authors, he fell in love with Lermontov, Khomyakov, and Kireevsky. He played the piano and sang in a pleasant baritone voice. In short, he was a real hussar - a romantic in the uniform of an officer.

Returning to his homeland, Mikhail entered St. Petersburg University in 1861, but soon family traditions prevailed, and he petitioned the Tsar to enlist him as a cadet in the Cavalry Regiment. Thus began his military service.

On November 22, 1861, 18-year-old Skobelev, in front of a formation of cavalry guards, took the oath of allegiance to the sovereign and the Fatherland and with zeal began to learn the basics of military affairs. In March 1863 he became an officer, the following year he transferred to the Life Guards Grodno Hussar Regiment, which bore the name of the hero Patriotic War 1812 Y. Kulneva, where he was promoted to lieutenant. In the memoirs of the officers of the Grodno regiment, he remained “a true gentleman and a dashing cavalry officer.”

In 1866, Skobelev, having passed the entrance exams brilliantly, entered the Academy of the General Staff. This was the heyday of the academy, in which such prominent military scientists as G. Leer, M. Dragomirov, A. Puzyrevsky taught. But studying was not easy for the temperamental officer; he either studied hard, delighting the teachers with his knowledge, or stopped going to lectures, indulging in bachelor parties. He probably would not have been able to complete the academy course if it had not been for Professor Leer, who recognized his exceptional military talents and therefore looked after him with all his attention. At the request of Leer, captain captain Skobelev, upon graduation from the academy, was enrolled in the staff of officers of the general staff.

However, he did not serve there long. At the first opportunity, he asked for the right to participate in combat activities. In 1869, as a representative of the General Staff, he participated in the expedition of Major General A. Abramov to the borders of the Bukhara Khanate. This enterprise was not entirely successful, but it allowed Mikhail Dmitrievich to get acquainted with Asian methods of warfare, which were strikingly different from those used in Poland. What he saw captured the young officer, and from then on Central Asia pulled him towards it like a magnet.

Bust of General Mikhail Skobelev in Ryazan

In 1870, Skobelev received an appointment to the Caucasus, in the detachment of Colonel N. Stoletov, where he showed initiative and energy, sometimes even excessive. It was here that a story happened to him that overshadowed the beginning of his service in Central Asia (the Central Asian theater of military operations was territorially part of the Caucasian Military District). Having begged N. Stoletov for a small batch of soldiers (Ural Cossacks), the young officer went to the Krasnovodsk region, where he carried out a daring and, although successful, reconnaissance in the Trans-Caspian region, which was not part of the command’s plans. The authorities did not like the arbitrariness. In addition, the veracity of the report presented by Skobelev about the many Bukhara bandit gangs he defeated raised doubts, especially since one of the reconnaissance participants - a Ural Cossack - accused Mikhail Dmitrievich of lying.

Subsequently, it became known that the Cossack did this because of personal enmity towards the young officer, who, in his temper, hit him in the face. And although a thorough investigation was carried out, which confirmed Skobelev’s innocence, the story in Bukhara society acquired an ugly connotation and harmed Skobelev’s authority for a long time. Ill-wishers took the opportunity to teach the “St. Petersburg upstart” a lesson. The matter ended with two duels between Mikhail Dmitrievich and officers of the headquarters of Governor General K. Kaufman and the sending of Skobelev to St. Petersburg.

Here Mikhail Dmitrievich took part in the work of the Military Scientific Committee of the General Staff, and then was appointed senior adjutant of the headquarters of the 22nd Infantry Division stationed in Novgorod, with a transfer to the General Staff as a captain. However, such military activity did not attract Skobelev much, although on August 30, 1872, he was awarded the rank of lieutenant colonel and transferred to the headquarters of the Moscow Military District. Almost immediately he was seconded to the 74th Stavropol Regiment as a battalion commander. There Skobelev learns about the upcoming Khiva expedition. Using the influence of his uncle, the Minister of the Imperial Court, Adjutant General Count A. Adlerberg, he literally begs for an appointment to Turkestan, where the next (sixth) expedition was being prepared to conquer the Khiva Khanate.

The expedition consisted of four detachments under the overall command of General K. Kaufman. Skobelev was appointed to the Mangyshlak detachment (2140 people) of Colonel N. Lomakin as vanguard commander. For participation in the Khiva campaign of 1873, Mikhail Dmitrievich received his first St. George award - the Order of St. George IV degree, but for what exactly is not entirely clear. It is generally accepted that Skobelev received the order for a brilliantly conducted reconnaissance. The fact is that one of the four detachments, Krasnovodsk, under the command of Colonel V. Markozov never reached Khiva. Skobelev was entrusted with finding out the reasons for this, who, in the course of this task, not only showed personal courage and organizational skills, but also dropped charges against the command of the Krasnovodsk detachment, proving the impossibility of moving along the previously planned path.

Memorial plaque in honor of General Mikhail Skobelev on the commandant's house of the Peter and Paul Fortress

His merits in this reconnaissance were again ambiguously assessed by his contemporaries. However, General Kaufman, having carefully checked the facts, decided to award all ordinary participants with the insignia of the Military Order (St. George's Cross), and presented Mikhail Dmitrievich to the Order of St. George IV degree. Soon the Cavalier St. George Duma, by a majority vote, recognized Skobelev as worthy of being awarded the order. Presenting the order, General Kaufman then said to Mikhail Dmitrievich: “You have corrected your previous mistakes, but they haven’t earned my respect yet.”

In 1874, Mikhail Dmitrievich was promoted to colonel and adjutant, married the Empress's maid of honor, Princess M. Gagarina, but a cozy family life was not for him. The following year, he again sought to send him to Turkestan, where the Kokand uprising broke out. As part of Kaufman's detachment, Skobelev commanded the Cossack cavalry, and his decisive actions contributed to the defeat of the enemy near Mahram. Then he was instructed, at the head of a separate detachment, to act against the Kara-Kirghiz who participated in the uprising; Skobelev's victories at Andijan and Asaka put an end to the uprising.

Dressed in a white uniform, on a white horse, Skobelev remained safe and sound after the hottest battles with the enemy (he himself, paying tribute to superstition, inspired himself and others that in white clothes he would never be killed). Already at that time, a legend had developed that he was charmed by bullets. For his exploits in the Kokand campaign, Skobelev was awarded the rank of major general, the orders of St. George 3rd degree and St. Vladimir 3rd degree with swords, as well as a gold saber with the inscription “For bravery”, decorated with diamonds. The first glory came to him.

In April 1877, the Russian-Turkish war began, in which Russia came to the aid of the fraternal Slavic peoples, and Skobelev decided to definitely participate in it. It seemed that he had been waiting for this thing all his life. Nemirovich-Danchenko writes in this regard:

“He was not a Slavophile in the narrow sense - this is undoubtedly. He went far beyond the framework of this trend; they seemed too narrow to him. Our national and Slavic cause was dear to him. His heart lay towards his native tribes. He felt live connection with them - but that was where his similarity with today’s Slavophiles ended. His views on government, on the rights of individual tribes, and on many internal issues were completely different. If a nickname is necessary, then he was rather a populist. In the letter I received from his chief of staff, General Dukhonin, after Skobelev’s death, by the way, it is reported that in one of his last meetings with him, Mikhail Dmitrievich repeated several times: “We, Slavophiles, need to come to an agreement, enter into an agreement with Golos.” ... "Golos" is right in many respects. This cannot be denied. Our mutual irritations and bickering will only cause harm to Russia." He repeated the same thing to us more than once, saying that in such a difficult time as our fatherland is now going through, all people of thought and heart need to unite, create a common slogan for themselves and jointly fight the dark forces of ignorance. The deceased understood Slavophilism not as a return to the old ideals of pre-Petrine Rus', but only as serving exclusively his people. Russia for the Russians, Slavism for the Slavs..." That's what he repeated everywhere."

But in St. Petersburg, by that time, an unkind opinion had formed about the young general: envious people accused him of excessive ambition, an “intemperate” lifestyle, and even of embezzling government money. With difficulty, Skobelev achieved an appointment to the Danube Army as chief of staff of the Cossack division (his father commanded it), but soon he was sent to the headquarters of the commander-in-chief, Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich. When the days came for the Russian army to prepare to cross the Danube, Mikhail Dmitrievich secured his assignment as an assistant to the head of the 14th division, M. Dragomirov. The division was tasked with being the first to cross the Danube, and Skobelev’s arrival came at a very opportune time. Dragomirov and the soldiers greeted him as “one of their own,” and he actively became involved in the work of preparing the crossing at Zimnitsa. Skillfully organized, it was successful on June 15, despite strong Turkish resistance.

Folk pictures about the exploits of General Mikhail Skobelev

After the army crossed the Danube, the advance detachment of General I. Gurko moved forward to the Balkans, and on the instructions of the commander-in-chief, Skobelev helped the detachment in capturing the Shipka Pass. By this time, large Turkish forces under the command of Osman Pasha launched a counter-offensive against the main forces of the Russian army and organized a strong defense of Plevna, a strategically important fortress and city. Mikhail Dmitrievich had the opportunity to become one of the active participants in the epic struggle for Plevna. The first two assaults on the city (July 8 and 18), which ended in failure for the Russian troops, revealed serious flaws in the organization of their actions.

Skobelev was given little consolation by the fact that during the assault on July 18, the combined Cossack detachment, which he commanded, advanced further than its neighbors, and during the general retreat retreated back to in perfect order. In the interval between the second and third assaults, he proposed to capture Lovcha, an important junction of roads leading to Plevna. The “White General” actually led the actions of the Russian detachment that took Lovcha, since the head of the detachment, Prince Imeretinsky, completely entrusted him with carrying out the attack.

Before the third assault on Plevna at the end of August, Skobelev was given command of parts of the 2nd Infantry Division and the 3rd Infantry Brigade. Showing enormous energy and putting everyone on their feet, he and his chief of staff A. Kuropatkin brought their troops into the most combat-ready state. On the day of the assault, Skobelev, as always on a white horse and in white clothes, led the actions of his detachment on the left flank of the advancing troops. His squad went into battle with music and drumming. After fierce battles with the enemy, he captured two Turkish redoubts and broke through to Plevna. But it was not possible to break the enemy in the center and on the right flank, and the Russian troops received the order to retreat.

This battle near Plevna brought Skobelev more fame and made his name more famous throughout Russia than all his previous successes. Alexander II, who was near Plevna, awarded the 34-year-old military leader the rank of lieutenant general and the Order of St. Stanislaus, 1st degree.

The sharp increase in Skobelev's popularity was largely due to the eccentricity of his personality and ability to win the hearts of soldiers. He considered it his sacred duty to take care of his subordinates, whom he provided with hot food in any combat situation. With sincere and emotional patriotic slogans and lively appeals to the troops, the fearless general influenced them like no one else. His associate and permanent chief of staff Kuropatkin recalled: “On the day of the battle, Skobelev every time appeared to the troops as especially joyful, cheerful, handsome... The soldiers and officers looked with confidence at his warlike handsome figure, admired him, joyfully greeted him and answered with all their hearts he is “happy to try” to his wishes, so that they are great in the upcoming task.”

In October 1877, Mikhail Dmitrievich took command of the 16th Infantry Division near Plevna. Three regiments of this division were already under his command: Kazan - near Lovcha, Vladimir and Suzdal - during the assault on Plevna. During the period of complete encirclement and blockade of the city, he put his division in order, upset by heavy losses in previous battles. After the capitulation of Plevna, which could not withstand the blockade, Skobelev took part in the winter transition of Russian troops through the Balkans. His order before heading into the mountains said: “We have a difficult feat ahead of us, worthy of the tested glory of Russian banners: today we begin to cross the Balkans with artillery, without roads, making our way, in sight of the enemy, through deep snowdrifts. Don’t forget, brothers that we have been entrusted with the honor of the Fatherland. Our sacred cause!”

As part of the Central detachment of General F. Radetsky, Skobelev with his division and the forces attached to it overcame the Imetliysky pass, to the right of Shipka, and on the morning of December 28 came to the aid of the column of N. Svyatopolk-Mirsky, who bypassed Shipka on the left and entered into battle with the Turks at Sheinovo . The attack of Skobelev's column, carried out almost on the move, without preparation, but according to all the rules of military art, ended in the encirclement of Wessel Pasha's Turkish corps. The Turkish commander surrendered his saber to the Russian general. For this victory, Skobelev was awarded a third golden sword with the inscription: “For bravery,” although, according to many, he deserved more.

Bypassing the Turkish positions, Skobelev said: “Scoundrels!”

Who are the scoundrels? - his companions were surprised.

Was it possible to give up such a position?

Yes, and you can’t defend, they went around.

You can’t defend, you can fight, you have to die,” Skobelev concluded.

At the same time, the general, extremely merciless in battle, who in decisive cases accepted only a bayonet attack, without a single shot, in order to see the enemy face to face, taught his soldiers on victorious days: “Beat the enemy without mercy while he holds a weapon in his hands. But As soon as he surrendered, he asked for amina, he became a prisoner - he is your friend and brother. You can’t eat it yourself, give him what he needs. He is a soldier like you, only in misfortune.”

At the beginning of 1878, Mikhail Dmitrievich was subordinate to the head of the Western detachment, General I. Gurko, and, heading the vanguard corps, ensured the occupation of Adrianople (Edirne). After a short rest, his corps set out for Istanbul (Constantinople), and on January 17 broke into Chorlu, which is 80 kilometers from the Turkish capital. Exhausted, Türkiye sued for peace. The peace treaty signed in San Stefano was quite beneficial for Russia and the Balkan peoples, but six months later, under pressure from the European powers, it was revised in Berlin, which caused a sharply negative reaction from Skobelev.

Monument to General Mikhail Skobelev in Plevna (Bulgaria). Five Bulgarian villages bear the name of the Russian general: Skobelevo (Lovech region); Skobelevo (Haskovo region); Skobelevo (Plovdiv region); Skobelevo (Starozagorsk region); Skobelevo (Sliven region)

By the end of the 70s, the struggle between Russia and England for influence in Central Asia intensified, and in 1880, Alexander II instructed Skobelev to lead an expedition of Russian troops to the Akhal-Teke oasis of Turkmenistan. The main goal of the campaign was to capture the Geok-Tepe fortress (45 kilometers northwest of Ashgabat) - the main support base of the Tekins.

After a five-month struggle with the sands and the courageous Tekins, Skobelev’s 13,000-strong detachment approached Geok-Tepe, and on January 12, after the assault, the fortress fell. Then Ashgabat was occupied, and other regions of Turkmenistan were annexed to Russia. On the occasion of the successful completion of the expedition, Alexander II promoted Skobelev to infantry general and awarded him the Order of St. George, 2nd degree.

***

One of the central boulevards in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, is named after Mikhail Skobelev, and on the wall of one of the houses there is a memorial plaque with the name and image of the general

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Alexander III, who ascended the throne in March 1881, was wary of the great fame of the “White General”. In turn, Skobelev did not seek to win the trust of the new tsar and allowed himself to say everything he thought about the reigning house, about the politics of Russia and its relations with the Western powers. Fascinated by the ideas of Slavism, Orthodoxy and the rise of national consciousness, he repeatedly and publicly declared the danger threatening Russia from the west, which caused a stir in Europe. The general spoke especially harshly about Germany and the “Teutons.” In March and April 1882, Skobelev had two audiences with the tsar, and although the content of their conversations remained unknown, according to eyewitnesses, Alexander III began to treat the general more tolerantly. Skobelev wrote to his friend General Kuropatkin: “If they scold you, don’t believe it too much, I stand for the truth and for the Army and I’m not afraid of anyone.”

Mikhail Skobelev's worldview was formed several years before the end of his life. Already at the end of the war in the Balkans, he said: “My symbol is short: love for the Fatherland; science and Slavism. On these whales we will build such a political force that we will not be afraid of either enemies or friends! And there is no need to think about the belly, for the sake of these We will make all the sacrifices for great goals." It was in the last years of his life that the general became close to the Slavophiles and especially I.S. Aksakov, who had a significant influence on him, which was noticed by his contemporaries. “Poor man Ivan Sergeevich,” said N.N. Obruchev, you used to convince and reason with the late Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev. Well, it seems that the man has completely calmed down. And he goes to Moscow, to Aksakov, and returns from there mad.”

But it cannot be said that Skobelev completely succumbed to the intellectual pressure of Aksakov and other theoreticians of Slavophilism. Still, he was a European and did not share even Aksakov’s negative attitude towards Peter’s reforms and Western European parliamentarism. He was a supporter of Loris-Melikov's constitutional project - he turned to him during a period of difficult reflection after an insulting audience in the Winter Palace. He was brought together by Aksakov and the Slavophiles by common views on Russian foreign policy, which they all considered unpatriotic and dependent on external influence. Skobelev formed this conviction after the Berlin Congress, where statesmen of the non-warring European powers dictated their terms to victorious Russia. Skobelev was an ardent supporter of the liberation and unification of the Slavic peoples, but without strict dictates from Russia.

It should be noted that his attitude towards the Slavs was romantic-altruistic, similar to the position of F.M. Dostoevsky. In his “Diary of a Writer,” he wrote about the capture of Geok-Tepe by Skobelev: “Long live the victory at Geok-Tepe! Long live Skobelev and his soldiers, and eternal memory to the heroes who “left the list”! We will add them to our lists.”
Such an assessment of Dostoevsky was of considerable value for Skobelev. And no less valuable and in tune with his worldview was the writer’s foresight regarding the role of Russia in the world.

The writer-prophet Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky wrote about it this way:

“According to my inner conviction, the most complete and irresistible, Russia will not, and never has had, such haters and slanderers and even obvious enemies as all these Slavic tribes, as soon as Russia frees them, and Europe agrees to recognize them as liberated!.. Even the Turks will be spoken of with more respect than Russia; they will curry favor with European states, they will slander Russia, gossip about it and intrigue against it... It is especially pleasant for the liberated Slavs to speak out and trumpet the light that they are educated tribes, capable of the highest European culture, while Russia is a barbaric country , a gloomy northern colossus, not even of purely Slavic blood, a persecutor and hater of European civilization...

These people of the earth will forever quarrel among themselves, forever envy each other and intrigue against each other. Of course, in a moment of some serious trouble, they will all certainly turn to Russia for help...

For a long time Russia will have the melancholy and concern of reconciling them, admonishing them and even, perhaps, drawing a sword for them on occasion. Of course, the question now arises: what is Russia’s benefit here, why did Russia fight for them for a hundred years, sacrifice its blood, strength, and money? Is it really because of reaping so much small, funny hatred and ingratitude?.. In order to live a higher life, great life, to shine the world with a great, unselfish and pure idea, to embody and create, in the end, a great and powerful organism of a fraternal union of tribes, to create this organism not by political violence, not by the sword, but by conviction, example, love, selflessness, light; to finally raise all these little ones to themselves and to raise their maternal recognition - this is the goal of Russia, this is its benefit, if you want. If nations do not live by higher, unselfish ideas and the highest goals of serving humanity, but only serve their own “interests,” then these nations will undoubtedly perish, become numb, weakened and die. And there are no higher goals than those that Russia has set for itself, serving the Slavs, selflessly and without demanding gratitude from them, serving their moral (and not just political) reunification into a great whole.”

...The chief of the Skobelevsky headquarters, Mikhail Dukhonin, later recalled how he once found his commander in an extremely difficult mood. “It’s time to die,” said Skobelev. “One person cannot do more than he can do... I came to the conviction that everything in the world is lies, lies and lies. All this is glory, and all this shine is a lie "Is this true happiness? How many were killed, wounded, suffering, ruined." The white general was deeply worried about those warriors who lost their lives in battle. Referring to his enemies, Skobelev exclaimed: “They think that there is nothing better than leading troops under fire, to death. Not if they saw me on sleepless nights. If only they could see what’s going on in my life.” Sometimes the soul itself wants to die - it’s so creepy, scary, so painful for these meaningful sacrifices.”

The general lived less than two months after this conversation. He died under very strange circumstances in the Moscow Dusso Hotel. "Heart palsy" was officially registered. But rumors circulated around the Mother See: some suggested that he was poisoned by Bismarck’s agents, others considered it a political murder, and others saw a love affair behind it. And to this day the secret of his death remains a secret behind seven seals...

General Skobelev repeatedly told his subordinates that he owed his fame, and indeed his whole life, to the Russian soldier. He really respected them, and they paid him the same. Hundreds of stories are told about how during the transitions he dismounted and walked along with his infantry, how he took care of the soldier’s kitchen, about supplying the troops, how, in case of need, he distributed money not only to fellow officers, but also to private soldiers.

The peasants, recent peasants, revered him as one of their own. “He’s ours, he’s Russian,” they said. “His great-grandfather plowed the land. When others talk to us, we don’t understand, but when he speaks, we always understand.”

That’s what he was, an understandable, crystal clear Russian man. His fate, his actions, legends and stories about him amaze with their exceptional integrity and intelligibility. If anyone in our history has created a complete, archetypal, nowhere-divided image of a patriot, it is Skobelev.

Skobelev's funeral resulted in a grandiose public demonstration.

Khitrovo said: “We are burying our banner.” The soldiers echoed him: “You have served our Mother Russia. You are our eagle!”

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Monument to General Skobelev in Moscow. In 1912, in Moscow on Tverskaya Square, a beautiful monument was erected to Skobelev using public funds (!). The author is a self-taught sculptor, Lieutenant Colonel P.A. Samonov. In total, six monuments to the general were erected in Russia before the revolution. In 1918, it was barbarously demolished and destroyed by the Bolsheviks in accordance with the decree “On the removal of monuments to the kings and their servants and the development of projects for monuments to the Russian Socialist Revolution”

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From the Church of the Three Saints to the station the coffin was carried in their arms. Along the entire movement of the funeral train, right up to Skobelev’s homeland - the village of Spassky, peasants with priests came out to the railway - entire villages, towns with banners and banners came out.

“It would be impossible for us,” said Charles Marvin, a shocked correspondent for the London Times, at the time.

“And it would be impossible for us,” one of his Russian colleagues answered him, “in no way possible, if not for Skobelev.”

...As you know, history does not have a subjunctive mood. It is an empty exercise to build the course of events based on the premise that this or that active participant in the historical process would not have passed away in the prime of life, but would have lived longer for many years and would give all his unspent strength for the good of his Motherland and his people. However, the tragic death of 38-year-old General Skobelev, for whom both friends and opponents predicted a brilliant future, was so sudden and stunning that in subsequent years, especially during the period of failures that plagued our army and navy during the Russo-Japanese War, many exclaimed: “Oh, if only Skobelev were alive today!”

Indeed, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Mikhail Dmitrievich could decisively change the course of the entire Russian history. There is no doubt that it was he who would have become Minister of War after P.S. Vannovsky. And if this happened, then, probably, Skobelev became commander-in-chief during the Far Eastern campaign of 1904-05. And, of course, he would not have missed victories either at Liaoyang or at Mukden, and would have saved Port Arthur, and the entire campaign as a whole. Then the political situation in Russia would have been completely different and, quite possibly, the country’s development would have taken a more successful course, without the revolutions of 1905 and 1917.

But, alas, history cannot be rewritten, and the Russian troops in this unfortunate war were commanded by, of course, a competent, educated, honest and brave, but very indecisive General A.N. Kuropatkin. Even during the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-78, M.D. Skobelev told him: “You, Alexey, are a wonderful chief of staff, but God forbid you ever become commander in chief!”

By the way, Alexey Nikolaevich himself soberly assessed his talent as a commander. During his presentation to Emperor Nicholas II on the occasion of his appointment as commander-in-chief of all land and naval forces at Far East, Kuropatkin said to the Tsar: “Only by the poverty of choice can I explain the decision made by Your Majesty.” Of course, you cannot refuse Alexey Nikolaevich honesty and directness.

Moreover, Skobelev’s talent as a commander could come in handy in later years, when on the European continent the tangle of contradictions between the leading powers became so confused and insoluble that a real threat of world war arose. Mikhail Dmitrievich knew very well the nature of the preparation of the German and Austro-Hungarian armies, their strategy and tactics, strong and weaknesses. And even if, due to his advanced age, he could not take a direct part in this war, then, undoubtedly, his rich experience would be indispensable in the fight against such dangerous opponents for Russia.

Alexander Kirilin,

“Convince the soldiers in practice that you take fatherly care of them outside of battle,
that in battle there is strength, and nothing will be impossible for you.”
(M. D. Skobelev)

Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev (1843-1882) was born 170 years ago - an outstanding Russian military leader and strategist, infantry general, adjutant general, participant in the Central Asian conquests Russian Empire and the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878, liberator of Bulgaria.
For Ryazan his name has special meaning, after all, Skobelev was buried on Ryazan soil, on his family estate.

There are not many famous military leaders in history about whom we can confidently say: “He did not lose a single battle.” This is Alexander Nevsky, Alexander Suvorov, Fedor Ushakov. In the 19th century, such an invincible commander was Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev. Heroically built, tall, handsome, always in a white uniform and on a white horse, prancing under the furious whistling of bullets. “White General” (Ak-Pasha) - as his contemporaries called him, and not only because he participated in battles in a white uniform and on a white horse...

Battles and victories

Why was he called the “white general”?
For various reasons. The simplest one is a uniform and a white horse. But he wasn’t the only one wearing a white general’s military uniform. That means something else. Probably the desire to be on the side of good, not to become impoverished in soul, not to come to terms with the need to kill.

I came to the conviction that everything in the world is a lie, a lie and a lie... All this glory, and all this glitter is a lie... Is this true happiness?.. Does humanity really need this?.. But what, what is this lie worth? , this glory? How many were killed, wounded, suffering, ruined!.. Explain to me: will you and I answer to God for the mass of people whom we killed in battle?- these are the words of V.I. Skobelev. Nemirovich-Danchenko discovers a lot about the general’s character.

“An amazing life, the amazing speed of its events: Kokand, Khiva, Alai, Shipka, Lovcha, Plevna on July 18, Plevna on August 30, the Green Mountains, the crossing of the Balkans, the fabulously fast march to Adrianople, Geok-Tepe and unexpected, mysterious death - follow one after another, without respite, without rest.” ( V.I. Nemirovich-Danchenko “Skobelev”).

His name made Central Asian khans and Turkish Janissaries tremble. And ordinary Russian soldiers treated him with respect. The staff officers, jealous of his success, gossiped that he was a poseur who flaunted courage and contempt for death. But V.I. Nemirovich-Danchenko (brother of the founder of the Art Theater), who personally knew the general, wrote: “He knew that he was leading to death, and without hesitation he did not send, but led. The first bullet was his, the first meeting with the enemy was his. The cause requires sacrifices, and, having once decided the necessity of this cause, he would not back down from any sacrifices.”

However, Skobelev was not a simple “soldier” - brilliantly educated, knowing 8 languages, smart, ironic, cheerful, intellectual and reveler. But he devoted himself completely to the main cause of his life - service to the Fatherland. He was an amazing commander and an unusual person who became a true legend during his lifetime.

Early biography and military education

Skobelev cadet

A hereditary military man, he was born in St. Petersburg on September 17 (29 according to the current style) 1843 in the family of Lieutenant General Dmitry Ivanovich Skobelev and his wife Olga Nikolaevna, née Poltavtseva. Having inherited the “subtlety of nature” from his mother, he retained spiritual closeness with her throughout his life. In his opinion, only in the family does a person have the opportunity to be himself.

“Too graceful for a real military man,” he, nevertheless, chose this path from his youth and already on November 22, 1861 he entered the military service to the Cavalry Regiment. After passing the exam, he was promoted to harness cadet on September 8, 1862, and to cornet on March 31, 1863. On August 30, 1864, Skobelev was promoted to lieutenant.

Skobelev with the rank of lieutenant

In the fall of 1866 he entered the Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff. Upon completion of the academy course in 1868, he became the 13th of 26 officers assigned to the general staff.

Khiva campaign

In the spring of 1873, Skobelev took part in the Khiva campaign, as an officer of the general staff under the Mangishlak detachment of Colonel Lomakin. The purpose of the campaign was, firstly, to strengthen the Russian borders, which were subject to targeted attacks by local feudal lords supplied with English weapons, and secondly, to protect those of them who came under Russian protection. They left on April 16, Skobelev, like other officers, walked. Severity and exactingness in the conditions of a military campaign, and first of all towards himself, distinguished this man. Then, in peaceful life there could be weaknesses and doubts, during military operations - maximum composure, responsibility and courage.

Scheme of Khiva fortifications

So on May 5, near the well of Itybay, Skobelev with a detachment of 10 horsemen met a caravan of Kazakhs who had gone over to the side of Khiva and, despite the numerical superiority of the enemy, rushed into battle, in which he received 7 wounds with pikes and sabers and could not sit on a horse until May 20. Returning to duty on May 22, with 3 companies and 2 guns, he covered the wheeled convoy, and repelled a number of enemy attacks. On May 24, when Russian troops stood at Chinakchik (8 versts from Khiva), the Khivans attacked a camel train. Skobelev quickly got his bearings, and moved with two hundred hidden, in the gardens, to the rear of the Khivans, overturned their approaching cavalry, then attacked the Khivan infantry, put them to flight and returned 400 camels captured by the enemy. On May 29, Mikhail Skobelev with two companies stormed the Shakhabat Gate, was the first to get inside the fortress and, although he was attacked by the enemy, he held the gate and rampart behind him. Khiva submitted.

Khiva campaign of 1873.
Transition of the Turkestan detachment through the dead sands - Karazin

Military governor

In 1875-76, Mikhail Dmitrievich led an expedition against the rebellion of the feudal lords of the Kokand Khanate, directed against the nomadic robbers who ravaged the Russian border lands. After this, with the rank of major general, he was appointed governor and commander of the troops of the Fergana region, formed on the territory of the abolished Khanate of Kokand. As the military governor of Fergana and the head of all troops operating in the former Kokand Khanate, he took part in and led the battles of Kara-Chukul, Makhram, Minch-Tyube, Andijan, Tyura-Kurgan, Namangan, Tash-Bala, Balykchi, etc. He also organized and, without any particular losses, completed an amazing expedition, known as the “Alai” expedition.
In a white uniform, on a white horse, Skobelev remained safe and sound after the hottest battles with the enemy, and then a legend arose that he was charmed by bullets...

Having become the head of the Fergana region, Skobelev found a common language with the conquered tribes. The Sarts reacted well to the arrival of the Russians, but still their weapons were taken away. The warlike Kipchaks, once conquered, kept their word and did not rebel. Mikhail Dmitrievich treated them “firmly, but with heart.”

This is how his stern gift as a military leader first manifested itself:
...War is war,” he said during a discussion of the operation, “and there cannot but be losses... and these losses can be large.

Russian-Turkish War 1877-1878

The peak of the career of commander D.M. Skobelev occurred during the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878, the goal of which was the liberation of Orthodox peoples from the oppression of the Ottoman Empire. On June 15, 1877, Russian troops crossed the Danube and launched an offensive. The Bulgarians enthusiastically greeted the Russian army and joined it.

Skobelev near Shipka - Vereshchagin

On the battlefield, Skobelev appeared as a major general, already with the St. George Cross, and, despite the incredulous remarks of many of his comrades, he quickly gained fame as a talented and fearless commander. During the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878. he actually commanded (being the chief of staff of the Combined Cossack Division) the Caucasian Cossack brigade during the 2nd assault on Plevna in July 1877 and a separate detachment during the capture of Lovchi in August 1877.

During the 3rd assault on Plevna (August 1877), he successfully led the actions of the left-flank detachment, which broke through to Plevna, but did not receive timely support from the command. Commanding the 16th Infantry Division, Mikhail Dmitrievich took part in the blockade of Plevna and the winter crossing of the Balkans (through the Imitli Pass), playing a decisive role in the battle of Sheinovo.

At the last stage of the war, while pursuing the retreating Turkish troops, Skobelev, commanding the vanguard of the Russian troops, occupied Adrianople and, in February 1878, San Stefano in the vicinity of Constantinople. Skobelev's successful actions created him great popularity in Russia and Bulgaria, where streets, squares and parks in many cities were named after him.

Siege of Plevna

Prudent people reproached Skobelev for his reckless courage; they said that “he behaves like a boy,” that “he rushes forward like an ensign,” that, finally, risking “unnecessarily,” exposes the soldiers to the danger of being left without a high command, etc. However, there was no more commander attentive to the needs of his soldiers and more careful about their lives than the “white general”. During preparations for the upcoming transition through the Balkans, Skobelev, who had anticipated such a development of events in advance and therefore did not waste time, developed vigorous activity. As the head of the column, he understood: regardless of the conditions of the transition, everything must be done to protect the detachment from unjustified losses along the way and to maintain its combat effectiveness.
Convince the soldiers in practice that you take fatherly care of them outside of battle, that in battle there is strength, and nothing will be impossible for you
- said Skobelev.

The personal example of the chief and his training requirements became the standard for the officers and soldiers of the detachment. Skobelev sent teams throughout the district to purchase boots, short fur coats, sweatshirts, food and fodder. Pack saddles and packs were purchased in the villages. On the route of the detachment, in Toplesh, Skobelev created a base with an eight-day supply of food and a large number of pack horses. And Skobelev carried out all this with the help of his detachment, without relying on the help of the commissariat and the partnership involved in supplying the army.

Russian-Turkish War 1877-1878

The time of intense fighting clearly showed that the Russian army was inferior in quality to the Turkish army, and therefore Skobelev supplied one battalion of the Uglitsky regiment with guns captured from the Turks. Another innovation was introduced by Skobelev. How the soldiers did not curse, each time putting heavy backpacks on their backs! You can’t sit down with such a burden, you can’t lie down, and even in battle it hindered your movements. Skobelev obtained canvas somewhere and ordered the bags to be sewn. And it became easy and convenient for the soldier! After the war, the entire Russian army switched to canvas bags. They laughed at Skobelev: they say, the military general turned into an agent of the commissariat, and the chuckles intensified even more when it became known about Skobelev’s order for each soldier to have a log of dry firewood.

Skobelev continued to prepare the detachment. As subsequent events showed, the firewood was very useful. At a rest stop, the soldiers quickly lit fires and rested in the warmth. During the transition, there was not a single frostbite in the detachment. In other detachments, especially in the left column, a large number of soldiers were out of action due to frostbite.

All of the above made General Skobelev an idol among the soldiers and an object of envy among the highest military ranks, who endlessly blamed him for having too “easy” awards, unjustified, from their point of view, courage, and undeserved glory. However, those who saw him in action could not help but notice completely different qualities. “It is impossible not to note the skill with which Skobelev fought. At that moment, when he achieved decisive success, 9 fresh battalions still remained untouched in his hands, the very sight of which forced the Turks to capitulate.”

Akhal-Teke expedition

After the end of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878. the “white general” commanded the corps, but was soon sent back to Central Asia, where in 1880-1881. led the so-called Ahal-Tekin military expedition, during which he carefully and comprehensively organized the campaigns of his subordinate troops and successfully stormed the Den-gil-Tepe fortress (near Geok-Tepe). Following this, Ashgabat was occupied by Skobelev’s troops.

As Juliette Lambert recalled:
If General Skobelev risked the lives of his soldiers as easily as his own, then after the battle he treated them with the greatest care. He always arranged comfortable accommodations for the sick and wounded, preventing their accumulation in hospitals, which, according to him, poses a double danger: epidemics and demoralization of the troops. He demanded that officers think first (to the extent possible) about the welfare of their soldiers than about their own, and in this regard he personally set an example for them. General Dukhonin, chief of staff of the 4th Corps, wrote about him:
“Our glorious generals Radetsky and Gurko knew how to perfectly guess the special abilities of officers and use them, but only Skobelev knew how to extract from each absolutely everything that he was capable of, and, moreover, with his personal example and advice, encouraged and improved them ".

He treated the Asians who were in Russian service in exactly the same way as he treated his soldiers. “This, he said, is the main guarantee of our strength. We are trying to make people out of slaves; this is more important than all our victories.”

During the battle there was no more cruel person than Skobelev. The Tekkins called him Guentz-Kanly, “Bloody Eyes,” and he inspired them with superstitious fear.
In conversations with Mr. Marvin, General Skobelev unceremoniously expressed how he understood the conquest of Central Asia.
- “You see, Mr. Marvin - but don’t print this, otherwise I will be known as a savage barbarian in the eyes of the League of Peace - my principle is that the peace in Asia is directly related to the mass of people slaughtered there. The stronger the blow, the longer the enemy remains calm. We killed 20,000 Turkmen at Geok-Tepe. Those who survived will not forget this lesson for a long time.

- I hope that you will allow me to express your view in print, since in your official report, you say that after the attack and during the pursuit of the enemy you killed 8,000 people of both sexes.
- This is true: they were counted and, indeed, it turned out to be 8,000 people.
- This fact aroused a lot of talk in England, since you admit that your troops killed women along with men.

In this regard, I must note that, in a conversation with me, Skobelev said frankly: “Many women were killed. The troops cut down everything they could get their hands on with sabers.”. Skobelev gave his division an order to spare women and children, and they were not killed in his presence; but the other divisions spared no one: the soldiers worked like machines and cut down people with sabers. Captain Maslov admitted this with complete frankness. As an eyewitness, he states in his essay “The Conquest of Ahal-Tekke” that in the morning, on the day of the attack, an order was given not to take anyone prisoner.
“It’s absolutely true,” said Skobelev, women were found among the dead. It's not in my nature to hide anything. That's why I wrote in my report: both sexes.

When I noticed to him that our main mistake in the last Afghan war was that, having entered this country, we did not put his principle (and Wellington’s) into practice, that is, we did not inflict the most brutal blows on the enemy, he replied: “The executions in Kabul, carried out on the orders of General Roberts, were a big mistake. I would never order the execution of an Asian with the aim of terrorizing the country, because this measure never produces the desired effect. Whatever execution you come up with, it is still always will be less terrible than those invented by some Masrulah or other Asian despot. The population is so accustomed to such cruelties that all your punishments seem insignificant to them. It is also important that the execution of a Muslim by an infidel causes hatred. the uprising of an entire country, rather than executing one person. When you take a city by storm and inflict a severe blow at the same time, they say: “this is the will of the Almighty,” and they submit to this verdict of fate, without retaining in their hearts even a trace of the hatred that infects them. silent execution. Here is my system: deliver strong and cruel blows until the resistance is destroyed, and then stop all massacres, be kind and humane with the lying enemy. After the declaration of submission, the strictest discipline must be observed in the troops: not a single enemy should be touched.

Skobelev near Geok-Tepe

An ardent supporter of the liberation of the Slavic peoples, Skobelev was tireless, reaching almost to Constantinople, and was very worried about the inability to complete the matter. V.I. Nemirovich-Danchenko, who accompanied the general, wrote: “Strange as it may seem, I can testify that I saw Skobelev burst into tears, speaking about Constantinople, about how we are fruitlessly wasting time and the results of an entire war by not occupying it...
Indeed, when even the Turks erected masses of new fortifications around Constantinople, Skobelev made exemplary attacks and maneuvers several times, occupied these fortifications, showing the full possibility of capturing them without large losses. Once in this way he broke in and occupied the key enemy positions, from which the askers looked at him and did nothing.”

Skobelev M.D.:
I directly suggested to the Grand Duke: to occupy Constantinople with my detachment without permission, and the next day let me be put on trial and shot, so long as they don’t give him up... I wanted to do this without warning, but who knows what types and assumptions there are. ..

But Russia was not ready for the brilliant victory that the courage of the soldiers and the valor of such commanders as Skobelev provided it with. The barely nascent capitalism was not ready to fight England and France, to whom Russia lost the Crimean War about 20 years ago. If soldiers become victims of recklessness in war, then entire peoples and states become victims of reckless politicians. The “pan-Slavic unity” that the general hoped for was not born in either the First or Second World Wars.

Skobelev - infantry general

However, even then, in the late 70s - early 80s of the 19th century, Skobelev was able to discern the future Russian-German front of the First World War and assess the main forms of armed struggle in the future.

Having received a month's leave on June 22 (July 4), 1882, M.D. Skobelev left Minsk, where the headquarters of the 4th Corps was located, to Moscow, and already on June 25, 1882 the general was gone. It was a completely unexpected death for those around him. Unexpected for others, but not for him...

He more than once expressed forebodings of his imminent death to his friends:
Every day of my life is a reprieve given to me by fate. I know that I won't be allowed to live. It’s not for me to finish everything I have in mind. After all, you know that I am not afraid of death. Well, I’ll tell you: fate or people will soon lie in wait for me. Someone called me a fatal man, and fatal men always end up fatally... God spared them in battle... And people... Well, maybe this is redemption. Who knows, maybe we are wrong in everything and others paid for our mistakes?..
This quote reveals to us a complex, ambiguous, even unexpected character for a military man.

Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev was first and foremost Russian. And how almost every Russian person “carried within himself” the internal discord that is noticeable in thinking people. Outside of battle, he was tormented by doubts. He did not have the calmness “with which the commanders of other countries and peoples send tens of thousands of people to their death, without experiencing the slightest reproach of conscience, commanders for whom the killed and wounded seem only to be a more or less unpleasant detail of a brilliant report.” However, there was no tearful sentimentality either. Before the battle, Skobelev was calm, decisive and energetic, he himself went to his death and did not spare others, but after the battle, according to contemporaries, “hard days and hard nights came for him. His conscience was not soothed by the awareness of the need for sacrifice. On the contrary, she spoke loudly and menacingly. The martyr awoke in triumph. The delight of victory could not kill the heavy doubts in his sensitive soul. In sleepless nights, in moments of loneliness, the commander stepped back and came to the fore as a man with a lot of unresolved issues, with repentance... The recent winner was tortured and executed as a criminal from all this mass of blood he himself had shed.”

Such was the price of his military success. And the “white general” M.D. Skobelev paid it honestly and selflessly, just as honestly and selflessly as he fought for the good of his Fatherland.