Russian admiral, hero of the Sevastopol defense. Vladimir Ivanovich Istomin 1809-1855. The future hero of the Crimean War and the defense of Sevastopol came from a noble family of the Pskov province. He felt an attraction to naval service from early childhood, which passed in the Baltic region, where his father, a retired officer, was the secretary of a chamber court. At the age of fourteen, Istomin entered the Morskoy cadet corps and a year later he was promoted to midshipman. He was one of the best students in the corps, standing out for his abilities and hard work. In 1827 he was assigned to a new 74-gun battleship"Azov", where he entered under the command of Captain 1st Rank M. Lazarev, one of the discoverers of Antarctica, later a famous admiral.
The failures of Russian diplomacy and the bellicose actions of the Anglo-French-Turkish coalition led to the Crimean War of 1853 - 1856, which became for Istomin a severe test of his military skills and personal courage. He fully demonstrated them already in the Sinop naval battle on November 18, 1853, in which the Russian and Turkish squadrons clashed. For valor at Sinop, Istomin was promoted to rear admiral on November 28, 1853. Together with Nakhimov and Novosiltsev, Istomin went ashore and became one of the main organizers of the defense of Sevastopol. He was entrusted with the most important, fourth defensive distance, based on the Malakhov Kurgan. Knowing neither sleep nor rest, Vladimir Ivanovich was in the forefront, encouraging and inspiring his subordinates. Nicholas I awarded Istomin the Order of St. George the 3rd. Being in the hottest sector of the city’s defense, Istomin was exposed to mortal danger every day. During the fighting, he was wounded and shell-shocked, but did not abandon his subordinates. Fierce enemy fire killed Vice Admiral Kornilov on the Malakhov Kurgan; a few months later, near the mound, on the Kamchatka Heights, the glorious Istomin also died. This happened on March 7, 1855. On this day, the enemy conducted intense shelling of Russian positions, and Vladimir Ivanovich fell, struck in the head by a cannonball. Only the back of the head, which flew back, remained from the head of the hero-admiral.
The death of Rear Admiral Istomin was a great loss for the defenders of Sevastopol and the entire Russian fleet. A few days before his death, anticipating his death, the rear admiral bequeathed to his mother and two sisters, for whom he was the only support in life, to turn to the tsar for help in the event of his death. Such assistance in the form of an annual cash benefit followed. The Hero of Sevastopol, covered with the stern flag of the Paris, was buried in the Cathedral of St. Vladimir, next to the graves of admirals Lazarev and Kornilov.
After his death, Nakhimov also lay down here. In 1992, long-suffering Sevastopol solemnly reburied the remains of four outstanding Russian sailors in the cathedral, called the Admiral's.
The heroic defense of Sevastopol during the Crimean War was led by Vice Admiral Vladimir Alekseevich Kornilov. His closest assistant was Vice Admiral Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov, who led the southern defense of the city. But Nakhimov entrusted the command of the most important section of the defense, the key position of the left flank - Malakhov Kurgan, to Rear Admiral Vladimir Ivanovich Istomin.
The future hero of the Crimean War, Vladimir Istomin, came from the nobility of the Pskov province. His father, a college secretary, had five sons. All of them subsequently devoted themselves to maritime affairs. Primary education Vladimir received a house and then entered the Naval Cadet Corps. He graduated from it in 1827 as a midshipman; for his outstanding abilities and hard work he could have been promoted to midshipman, but was not suitable for his age.
The first years of Istomin’s naval service took place on the famous battleship Azov under the command of Captain 1st Rank Mikhail Lazarev, the discoverer of Antarctica, the future famous admiral. They say that Lazarev had a “sense” for talented young sailors, so it was no coincidence that Nakhimov and Kornilov served on the same ship.
Soon the 74-gun Azov takes part in Battle of Navarino. Istomin’s merits in this battle were personally noted by the squadron commander, Count Heyden, in a report on awarding him the Order of St. George, 4th degree. For bravery and distinction in battle, the 18-year-old midshipman was awarded the rank of midshipman.
For the next five years, Vladimir Istomin served on the Azov. The improvement of his maritime education took place during the Russian-Turkish War, and was associated with the protection of the Greek archipelago and participation in the blockade of the Dardanelles and Constantinople. Free time the young midshipman devoted himself to the study of naval science, both domestic and foreign, the design of foreign ships, and sciences. Istomin maintained such a thirst for knowledge throughout his life; it was not for nothing that he was considered one of the most educated and experienced sailors. In 1832, Vladimir was transferred to the ship “Memory of Azov”; he continued his further service in the Baltic Fleet, and a year later he received the rank of lieutenant.
In 1834, Mikhail Petrovich Lazarev was appointed commander of the Black Sea Fleet, and from the very first days he began to gather around himself competent, active officers devoted to maritime affairs. It was at his request that Istomin was transferred to the Black Sea, where he served on the ship “Warsaw” and took part in cruising off the coast of the Caucasus.
In 1837, Lieutenant Istomin took command of the steamship Severnaya Zvezda. In August of the same year, Emperor Nicholas I and his wife boarded the ship for the voyage. For the excellent organization of the trip, the emperor awarded the captain of the ship two rings with diamonds, the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th degree, and ordered the payment of an annual salary.
Later, Vladimir Ivanovich, who commanded the schooner Lastochka, received another title captain-lieutenant. In 1840 he began to command the corvette Andromache, and in 1843 the frigate Cahul. This frigate rightfully began to be called the best of the ships on the Black Sea Fleet.
A few years later, Istomin, again on the recommendation of Lazarev, was transferred to the disposal of Prince Vorontsov, who needed an experienced and knowledgeable officer “to develop local maritime issues.” Over the five years of service, the lieutenant commander won the respect and trust of Vorontsov, many of his advice were invaluable in organizing land and sea operations in the Caucasus. In 1847 he took part in the Dagestan campaign, in the capture of Gergebil and Salta. For outstanding services in military operations, Istomin was first promoted to captain of the 2nd rank, and in 1849 he received the rank of captain of the 1st rank ahead of schedule.
In 1850, the young captain already commanded the 35th naval crew, under his command the 120-gun battleship Paris. Further service was associated with continued cruising off the Caucasian coast. In 1852 awarded the order St. Vladimir, 3rd degree “for excellent service.” In 1853 he took part in the Sinop naval battle. In his report to the Chief of the Main Naval Staff, Prince Menshikov, squadron commander Nakhimov reported on Istomin’s brilliant leadership of the Paris during the battle with the Turks, his excellent and effective actions, fearlessness and fortitude. It was for the Battle of Sinop that Vladimir Ivanovich was promoted to rear admiral. The admiral's epaulets were presented to Istomin by Paris officers. Touched by their attention, the ship's commander promised never to take them off; he would later be buried with them.
The beginning of the Crimean War was the landing of Anglo-French troops in Crimea. Most of the Black Sea Fleet was sunk in Sevastopol Bay. The sailors had to take part in the land defense of the southern stronghold of Russia. In addition to protecting the Malakhov Kurgan, Istomin, on the instructions of Nakhimov, held the defense of the 2nd bastion, the Selenga and Volyn redoubt.
Always on the front line, without rest or sleep, Vladimir Ivanovich, as eyewitnesses said, was an example of fearlessness and amazing calm. Even in the most difficult and critical moments, he did not lose his good spirits and clarity of thought. During the defense of Malakhov Kurgan, Istomin was wounded, shell-shocked, every day he was in mortal danger, many officers admired his courage. The Rear Admiral always personally supervised the installation of guns and the equipment of batteries.
During one of the intense shelling of Russian positions by the enemy, Vladimir Ivanovich died, struck in the head by a cannonball. This happened on March 7, 1855. His death was a great loss not only for the defenders of Sevastopol, but also for the entire Russian fleet.
One of the founders of the Russian navy, associate of Peter I, admiral general, first president of the Admiralty Board. The career of Fyodor Matveevich Apraksin began in 1682, when he became Peter’s steward and participated in the creation of the “amusing army” and the flotilla of Lake Pereslavl. In 1693–96 he was appointed governor of Dvina and governor of Arkhangelsk, under his watchful eye the 24-gun frigate “St. Apostle Paul”, laid down by Peter I himself, was being built, the city was acquiring new fortifications, and the Solombala shipyard was expanding. It was Apraksin who laid the foundations for commercial and military shipbuilding and for the first time equipped Russian ships with goods abroad. In 1697, Apraksin controlled shipbuilding in Voronezh, where a fleet for the Sea of Azov was urgently created. Since 1700 F.M. Apraksin is the chief head of the Admiralty Prikaz and the Azov Governor, the main manager of all matters related to the organization and supply of admiralties and ships entering the Azov and Baltic Seas. He was in charge of supply affairs, was responsible for the construction of a shipyard at the mouth of Voronezh, the opening of a cannon factory in Lipitsa, access to the open sea for ships, the construction of a harbor and fortifications in Taganrog, the deepening of the shallow estuaries of the Don, research papers in the sea.
In 1707, Fyodor Matveyevich was promoted to admiral and president of the admiralties, received personal command of the fleet in the Baltic Sea, and also often commanded and ground forces. In 1708, he headed a corps operating in Ingermanland, which repelled a Swedish attack on Kronshlot, Kotlin and St. Petersburg: on September 28, Stromberg’s corps was defeated at Rakobor, and on October 16, Liebecker’s corps in the Kapor Bay (these two corps, according to the Swedes’ action plan, came from two parties and had to eventually unite). For the victory, Fyodor Matveyevich received the status of an actual privy councilor and the title of count. For Apraksin’s services to the Fatherland and his military art Tsar Peter awarded him a special personalized silver medal, on one side of which Apraksin himself was depicted and the inscription was engraved: “The Tsar’s Majesty Admiral F.M. Apraksin”, and on the other - four military sailing ships against the background of the battle; at the top - two hands, outstretched from the clouds, holding a laurel wreath - a symbol of victory. Along the circumference there is an inscription: “Keeping this he does not sleep; death is better than infidelity.”
Alexander Menshikov
Right hand Peter the Great, Aleksashka, whose charismatic personality manifested itself in many fields, including in maritime affairs. Almost all instructions and directives that the sovereign sent to the troops passed through the hands of Alexander Danilovich. Often Peter presented an idea, and Menshikov found the best embodiment for it. He had many ranks and regalia, including in 1726 he became a full admiral. On the day the Peace of Nystadt was signed, which ended the many years of war with the Swedes, Menshikov received the rank of vice admiral. After that, he focused on issues of internal structure Russian fleet, and since 1718 he was responsible for the arrangement of all the armed forces of Russia. His great-grandson Alexander Sergeevich Menshikov was also an outstanding admiral who commanded the fleet in the Crimean War.
Ivan Krusenstern
Russian navigator, admiral. He distinguished himself not only in the battles for the North Sea, but also became famous as an explorer of new lands. Ivan Kruzenshtern, together with Yuri Lisyansky, made the first Russian round-the-world expedition. He opened new trade routes for Russia to the East Indies and China. He managed to prove that the sea route is more profitable. During the round-the-world expedition, such islands were explored Pacific Ocean, like the Kuril Islands, Kamchatka and Sakhalin. In 1827, Krusenstern was appointed director of the naval cadet corps and a member of the admiralty council. 16 years of activity as director were marked by the introduction of new teaching subjects into the courses of the naval corps, the enrichment of the library and museums with many of them teaching aids, the establishment of an officer class and other improvements.
Pavel Nakhimov
The famous Russian admiral, perhaps, was able to show his talent for the first time during the Crimean War, when the Black Sea squadron under his command, in stormy weather, discovered and blocked the main forces of the Turkish fleet in Sinop. As a result, the Turkish fleet was destroyed in a matter of hours. For this victory, Nakhimov received the Highest Certificate from His Imperial Majesty Nicholas with the words: “With the extermination of the Turkish squadron, you adorned the chronicle of the Russian fleet with a new victory.” Nakhimov also led the defense of Sevastopol from 1855. Having made the difficult decision to scuttle the Russian fleet, he blocked the path to the bay for enemy ships. The soldiers and sailors who defended the southern part of Sevastopol under his leadership called the admiral a “father-benefactor.”
Fedor Ushakov
Admiral Ushakov commanded the Black Sea Fleet, participated in the Russian-Turkish War, during which he made a huge contribution to the development of tactical warfare sailing fleet. He received his first award in 1783 for the successful victory over the plague that raged in Kherson. Ushakov’s actions were distinguished by extraordinary courage and determination. He boldly advanced his ship to the first positions, choosing one of the most dangerous positions and thereby showing an excellent example of courage to his commanders. A sober assessment of the situation, accurate strategic calculation taking into account all factors of success and a swift attack - this is what allowed the admiral to emerge victorious in many battles. Ushakov can also rightly be called the founder of the Russian school of tactical combat in naval art. For his military exploits he was ranked among the Russian Orthodox Church to the saints.
Vladimir Shmidt
Admiral Schmidt's ancestors were hired by Peter the Great in the 17th century as shipwrights from Frankfurt am Main. Schmidt participated in the Crimean War, defended Sevastopol and led naval operations in Russian-Turkish war. For his valor in battles, he was awarded the golden broadsword “For Bravery” and the Order of St. George, IV degree. In 1855 alone he was wounded four times: in the right side of the head and chest, in the left side of the forehead with a bomb fragment, in the index finger of the left hand and in the left leg. By 1898, he became a full admiral and knight of all orders that existed at that time in Russia. Cape Schmidt on Russky Island is named after him.
Alexander Kolchak
Besides the fact that Admiral Kolchak was the leader White movement and Supreme Ruler of Russia, he was also an outstanding oceanographer, one of the largest polar explorers, a participant in three polar expeditions, and the author of the monograph “What Fleet Does Russia Need.” Admiral developed theoretical foundations preparation and conduct of joint army operations on land and at sea. In 1908 he lectured at the Maritime Academy. He took part in the Russo-Japanese War, including its longest battle – the defense of Port Arthur. First world war commanded a division of destroyer ships of the Baltic Fleet, and from the 16-17s - the Black Sea Fleet.
Vladimir Istomin
Rear admiral of the Russian fleet, hero of the Sevastopol defense. Upon completion Marine Corps in 1827, as a simple midshipman on the battleship Azov, he set off on a long voyage from Kronstadt to Portsmouth, to the shores of Greece. There he distinguished himself in the Battle of Navarino and received the Insignia of the Military Order of St. George and the rank of midshipman. In 1827-1832, V. Istomin sailed the Mediterranean Sea, improving his naval education in a serious military situation created by long cruising in the Archipelago and participation in the blockade of the Dardanelles and the landing on the Bosphorus. In 1830 he was awarded the Order of St. Anne, 3rd degree. Subsequently he served in the Baltic Fleet, then in the Black Sea. In 1837, he was promoted to lieutenant and appointed commander of the steamship Severnaya Zvezda, on which Emperor Nicholas I and the Empress sailed through the Black Sea ports that same year. Istomin was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th degree, and a diamond ring. In 1843 he received the Order of St. Stanislaus, 2nd degree. Until 1850, he was at the disposal of the governor in the Caucasus, Prince Vorontsov, taking an active part in joint operations of the army and navy aimed at conquering the Caucasus. In 1846 he was awarded the Order of St. Anne, 2nd degree, and the following year, for actions against the highlanders, he was promoted to captain of the 2nd rank. In 1849 he became captain of the 1st rank. In 1850 he was the commander of the battleship Paris. In 1852 he was presented with the Order of St. Vladimir, 3rd degree. He distinguished himself in the Battle of Sinop on November 18, 1853, for which he received the rank of rear admiral. In a report to the emperor, Admiral P.S. Nakhimov especially noted the actions of the battleship Paris in the Battle of Sinop: “It was impossible to stop admiring the beautiful and calmly calculated actions of the ship Paris.” In 1854, when the siege of Sevastopol began, Istomin was appointed commander of the 4th defensive distance of the Malakhov Kurgan, and then became the chief of staff under Vice Admiral V. Kornilov. On November 20, 1854, Istomin was awarded the Order of St. George, 3rd degree. Istomin was one of the most active and brave participants in organizing this amazing defense. After Kornilov's death, he literally did not leave his positions for a single day; he lived at the Kamchatka redoubt, in a dugout. On March 7, 1855, 45-year-old V.I. Istomin had his head torn off by a cannonball as he was leaving his dugout. Istomin was buried in the Sevastopol Cathedral of St. Vladimir, in the same crypt with admirals M.P. Lazarev, V.A. Kornilov, P.S. Nakhimov. V.I. Istomin had four brothers, all of whom served in the navy; Konstantin and Pavel rose to the ranks of admiral.
Vladimir Kornilov
The famous Russian naval commander was a graduate of the Naval Cadet Corps. In 1823 he entered the naval service and was the first captain of the Twelve Apostles. He distinguished himself in the Battle of Navarino in 1827, being a midshipman on the flagship Azov. Since 1849 - Chief of Staff of the Black Sea Fleet. Kornilov is actually the founder of the Russian steam fleet. In 1853, he took part in the first historical battle of steam ships: the 10-gun steam frigate "Vladimir", under his flag as the chief of staff of the Black Sea Fleet, entered into battle with the 10-gun Turkish-Egyptian steamship "Pervaz-Bahri". After a 3-hour battle, Pervaz-Bahri was forced to lower the flag. During the outbreak of the war with England and France, he actually commanded the Black Sea Fleet, and until his heroic death he was the immediate superior of P.S. Nakhimov and V.I. Istomina. After the landing of the Anglo-French troops in Yevpatoria and the defeat of the Russian troops on Alma, Kornilov received an order from the commander-in-chief in the Crimea, Prince Menshikov, to sink the ships of the fleet in the roadstead in order to use sailors for the defense of Sevastopol from land. Kornilov gathered flagships and captains for a council, where he told them that, since the position of Sevastopol was practically hopeless due to the advance of the enemy army, the fleet must attack the enemy at sea, despite the enemy’s huge numerical and technical superiority. Taking advantage of the disorder in the disposition of the English and French ships at Cape Ulyukola, the Russian fleet was supposed to attack first, imposing a boarding battle on the enemy, blowing up, if necessary, its ships along with the enemy ships. This would make it possible to inflict such losses on the enemy fleet that further operations would be disrupted. Having given the order to prepare to go to sea, Kornilov went to Prince Menshikov and announced to him his decision to give battle. In response, the prince repeated the order given - to sink the ships. Kornilov refused to obey the order. Then Menshikov ordered to send Kornilov to Nikolaev, and transfer command to Vice Admiral M.N. Stanyukovich. However, the annoyed Kornilov managed to give a worthy answer: “Stop! This is suicide... what you are forcing me to do... but it is impossible for me to leave Sevastopol surrounded by the enemy! I am ready to obey you." V.A. Kornilov organized the defense of Sevastopol, where his talent as a military leader was especially clearly demonstrated. Commanding a garrison of 7,000 men, he set an example of skillful organization of active defense. Kornilov is rightfully considered the founder of positional methods of warfare (continuous attacks by defenders, night searches, mine warfare, close fire interaction between ships and fortress artillery). V.A. Kornilov died on Malakhov Kurgan on October 5 (17), 1854 during the first bombardment of the city by Anglo-French troops. He was buried in the Sevastopol Cathedral of St. Vladimir, in the same crypt with admirals M.P. Lazarev, P.S. Nakhimov and V.I. Istomin.
Vsevolod Rudnev
Hero Russo-Japanese War, Rear Admiral of the Russian Imperial Navy, commander legendary cruiser"Varangian". At the beginning of his naval career he took part in a trip around the world. He was one of the first to bring from France a steam warship specially built for Russia. Since 1889 V.F. Rudnev was on a foreign voyage on the cruiser Admiral Kornilov, again under the command of Captain 1st Rank E.I. Alekseeva. On the Admiral Kornilov, Rudnev took part in the maneuvers of the Pacific Fleet and became the ship's senior officer. In 1890 he returned to Kronstadt. Since 1891, he has commanded ships and moved up the ranks. In 1900, dredging work was carried out in Port Arthur on the internal roadstead, the dry dock was rebuilt and expanded, the port was electrified, and the coastal defense. Rudnev becomes senior assistant to the port commander in Port Arthur. At that time, Port Arthur was the base of the 1st Pacific Squadron, the basis of the Russian fleet's strength on Far East. Rudnev was not happy with his appointment, but, nevertheless, he set to work with enthusiasm. In December 1901, he received the rank of captain 1st rank. In December 1902, an order was issued from the Naval Ministry, by which Vsevolod Fedorovich Rudnev was appointed commander of the cruiser Varyag. He came to the Varyag as an experienced naval officer, having served on seventeen ships and commanded nine, being a member of three world travels, one of which he did as the commander of the ship.
The situation in the Russian Far East was deteriorating. Japan accelerated efforts to prepare for war. The Japanese managed to achieve considerable superiority in forces over the Far Eastern group of troops Russian Empire. On the eve of the Varyag war, by order of the Tsar's governor in the Far East, Adjutant General Admiral E.I. Alekseev was sent to the neutral Korean port of Chemulpo, where the Varyag was supposed to guard the Russian mission and carry out the duties of a senior stationary on the roadstead. On January 26 (February 7), 1904, the Japanese squadron stopped at the outer roadstead of the bay. On the internal roadstead there were Russians - the cruiser "Varyag" and the gunboat "Koreets", as well as foreign warships. On the morning of January 27 (February 9), 1904, Rudnev received an ultimatum from Rear Admiral Sotokichi Uriu, declaring that Japan and Russia were at war. The Japanese demanded that the Russians leave the raid before noon, threatening otherwise to open fire on them. Such actions in a neutral port would be a violation of international law.
V.F. Rudnev decided to break out of the bay. Before the formation of officers and sailors of the cruiser, he informed them about the Japanese ultimatum and his decision. The Japanese squadron blocked the path to the open sea. The enemy squadron opened fire." The “Varangians” responded, giving a worthy rebuff to the enemy, fighting holes and fires under powerful enemy fire. According to reports from various sources, the Varyag was damaged by fire. Japanese cruisers"Asama", "Chiyoda", "Takachiho" and one destroyer was sunk. The Varyag returned to port with a strong list on one side. The vehicles were out of order, about 40 guns were destroyed. A decision was made: remove the crews from the ships, sink the cruiser, and blow up the gunboat so that they would not fall to the enemy. The decision was immediately implemented. Wounded in the head and shell-shocked, Rudnev was the last to leave the ship. Captain 1st Rank V.F. Rudnev was awarded the Order of St. George, 4th degree, received the rank of adjutant and became the commander of the squadron battleship "Andrei Pervozvanny". In November 1905, Rudnev refused to take disciplinary measures against the revolutionary-minded sailors of his crew. The consequence of this was his dismissal and promotion to rear admiral. In 1907, the Japanese Emperor Mutsuhito, in recognition of the heroism of Russian sailors, sent V.F. Order to Rudnev Rising Sun II degree. Rudnev, although he accepted the order, never wore it.
Vladimir (Vladislav) Ivanovich Istomin(February 9, Revel - March 7, Sevastopol) - rear admiral of the Russian fleet, hero of the Sevastopol defense.
Biography
After graduating from the Naval Corps, he was assigned to the battleship "Azov", on which, as part of the squadron of Vice Admiral Heyden, he made a trip from Kronstadt to Portsmouth, and then to the shores of Greece, where he participated in the Battle of Navarino on October 8, 1827, and was awarded for distinction George's Cross and promoted to midshipman.
Memory
- A bay off the Korean Peninsula in the Sea of Japan is named after V.I. Istomin on a geographical map.
- Postage stamps
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Notes
Literature
- Nautical encyclopedic dictionary/ Dmitriev V.V.. - St. Petersburg. : Shipbuilding, 1993. - T. 1. - P. 498. - 503 p. - ISBN 5-7355-0281-6.
- Dotsenko V. D. Marine Biographical Dictionary / Kasatonov I.V. - St. Petersburg. : LOGOS, 1995. - P. 185. - 495 p. - ISBN 5-87288-095-2.
- Military Encyclopedia / Ed. V. F. Novitsky and others - St. Petersburg. : company of I.V. Sytin, 1911-1915.
- // Russian biographical dictionary: in 25 volumes. - St. Petersburg. -M., 1896-1918.
- . Retrieved June 2, 2013. .
- Journal of military operations in Crimea, September-December 1854 / comp. A. V. Efimov. - Simferopol: Antikva, 2010. - 192 pp.: illus, maps, portraits. - (Archive of the Crimean War 1853-1856). - 500 copies.
Excerpt characterizing Istomin, Vladimir Ivanovich
“I’ll ask,” Natasha answered.Her face suddenly flushed, expressing desperate and cheerful determination. She stood up, inviting Pierre, who was sitting opposite her, to listen, and turned to her mother:
- Mother! – her childish, chesty voice sounded across the table.
- What do you want? – the countess asked in fear, but, seeing from her daughter’s face that it was a prank, she sternly waved her hand, making a threatening and negative gesture with her head.
The conversation died down.
- Mother! what kind of cake will it be? – Natasha’s voice sounded even more decisively, without breaking down.
The Countess wanted to frown, but could not. Marya Dmitrievna shook her thick finger.
“Cossack,” she said threateningly.
Most of the guests looked at the elders, not knowing how to take this trick.
- Here I am! - said the countess.
- Mother! what kind of cake will there be? - Natasha shouted boldly and capriciously cheerfully, confident in advance that her prank would be well received.
Sonya and fat Petya were hiding from laughter.
“That’s why I asked,” Natasha whispered to her little brother and Pierre, whom she looked at again.
“Ice cream, but they won’t give it to you,” said Marya Dmitrievna.
Natasha saw that there was nothing to be afraid of, and therefore she was not afraid of Marya Dmitrievna.
- Marya Dmitrievna? what ice cream! I don't like cream.
- Carrot.
- No, which one? Marya Dmitrievna, which one? – she almost screamed. – I want to know!
Marya Dmitrievna and the Countess laughed, and all the guests followed them. Everyone laughed not at Marya Dmitrievna’s answer, but at the incomprehensible courage and dexterity of this girl, who knew how and dared to treat Marya Dmitrievna like that.
Natasha fell behind only when she was told that there would be pineapple. Champagne was served before the ice cream. The music started playing again, the count kissed the countess, and the guests stood up and congratulated the countess, clinking glasses across the table with the count, the children, and each other. Waiters ran in again, chairs rattled, and in the same order, but with redder faces, the guests returned to the drawing room and the count’s office.
The Boston tables were moved apart, the parties were drawn up, and the Count's guests settled in two living rooms, a sofa room and a library.
The Count, fanning out his cards, could hardly resist the habit of taking an afternoon nap and laughed at everything. The youth, incited by the countess, gathered around the clavichord and harp. Julie was the first, at the request of everyone, to play a piece with variations on the harp and, together with other girls, began to ask Natasha and Nikolai, known for their musicality, to sing something. Natasha, who was addressed as a big girl, was apparently very proud of this, but at the same time she was timid.
- What are we going to sing? – she asked.
“The key,” answered Nikolai.
- Well, let's hurry up. Boris, come here,” Natasha said. - Where is Sonya?
She looked around and, seeing that her friend was not in the room, ran after her.
Running into Sonya's room and not finding her friend there, Natasha ran into the nursery - and Sonya was not there. Natasha realized that Sonya was in the corridor on the chest. The chest in the corridor was the place of sorrow for the younger female generation of the Rostov house. Indeed, Sonya in her airy pink dress, crushing it, lay face down on her nanny’s dirty striped feather bed, on the chest and, covering her face with her fingers, cried bitterly, shaking her bare shoulders. Natasha's face, animated, having had a birthday all day, suddenly changed: her eyes stopped, then her wide neck shuddered, the corners of her lips drooped.
- Sonya! what are you?... What, what's wrong with you? Wow wow!…
And Natasha, opening her big mouth and becoming completely stupid, began to roar like a child, not knowing the reason and only because Sonya was crying. Sonya wanted to raise her head, wanted to answer, but she couldn’t and hid even more. Natasha cried, sitting down on the blue feather bed and hugging her friend. Having gathered her strength, Sonya stood up, began to wipe away her tears and tell the story.
- Nikolenka is leaving in a week, his... paper... came out... he told me himself... Yes, I still wouldn’t cry... (she showed the piece of paper she was holding in her hand: it was poetry written by Nikolai) I still wouldn’t cry, but you didn’t you can... no one can understand... what kind of soul he has.
And she again began to cry because his soul was so good.
“You feel good... I don’t envy you... I love you, and Boris too,” she said, gathering a little strength, “he’s cute... there are no obstacles for you.” And Nikolai is my cousin... I need... the metropolitan himself... and that’s impossible. And then, if mamma... (Sonya considered the countess and called her mother), she will say that I am ruining Nikolai’s career, I have no heart, that I am ungrateful, but really... for God’s sake... (she crossed herself) I love her so much too , and all of you, only Vera... For what? What did I do to her? I am so grateful to you that I would be glad to sacrifice everything, but I have nothing...
Sonya could no longer speak and again hid her head in her hands and the feather bed. Natasha began to calm down, but her face showed that she understood the importance of her friend’s grief.
- Sonya! - she said suddenly, as if she had guessed the real reason for her cousin’s grief. – That’s right, Vera talked to you after dinner? Yes?
– Yes, Nikolai himself wrote these poems, and I copied others; She found them on my table and said that she would show them to mamma, and also said that I was ungrateful, that mamma would never allow him to marry me, and he would marry Julie. You see how he is with her all day... Natasha! For what?…
And again she cried more bitterly than before. Natasha lifted her up, hugged her and, smiling through her tears, began to calm her down.
- Sonya, don’t believe her, darling, don’t believe her. Do you remember how all three of us talked with Nikolenka in the sofa room; remember after dinner? After all, we decided everything how it would be. I don’t remember how, but you remember how everything was good and everything was possible. Uncle Shinshin’s brother is married to a cousin, and we are second cousins. And Boris said that this is very possible. You know, I told him everything. And he is so smart and so good,” said Natasha... “You, Sonya, don’t cry, my dear darling, Sonya.” - And she kissed her, laughing. - Faith is evil, God bless her! But everything will be fine, and she won’t tell mamma; Nikolenka will say it himself, and he didn’t even think about Julie.
And she kissed her on the head. Sonya stood up, and the kitten perked up, his eyes sparkled, and he seemed ready to wave his tail, jump on his soft paws and play with the ball again, as was proper for him.
- You think? Right? By God? – she said, quickly straightening her dress and hair.
- Really, by God! – Natasha answered, straightening a stray strand of coarse hair under her friend’s braid.
And they both laughed.
- Well, let's go sing "The Key."
- Let's go.
“You know, this fat Pierre who was sitting opposite me is so funny!” – Natasha suddenly said, stopping. - I'm having a lot of fun!
And Natasha ran down the corridor.
Sonya, shaking off the fluff and hiding the poems in her bosom, to her neck with protruding chest bones, with light, cheerful steps, with a flushed face, ran after Natasha along the corridor to the sofa. At the request of the guests, the young people sang the “Key” quartet, which everyone really liked; then Nikolai sang the song he had learned again.
On a pleasant night, in the moonlight,
Imagine yourself happily
That there is still someone in the world,
Who thinks about you too!
As she, with a beautiful hand,
Walking along the golden harp,
With its passionate harmony
Calling to itself, calling you!
Another day or two, and heaven will come...
But ah! your friend won't live!
And he had not yet finished singing the last words when the young people in the hall were preparing to dance and in the choir the musicians began to tap their feet and cough.
Pierre was sitting in the living room, where Shinshin, as with a visitor from abroad, began a political conversation with him that was boring for Pierre, to which others joined. When the music started playing, Natasha entered the living room and, going straight to Pierre, laughing and blushing, said:
- Mom told me to ask you to dance.
“I’m afraid of confusing the figures,” said Pierre, “but if you want to be my teacher...”
And he offered his thick hand, lowering it low, to the thin girl.
While the couples were settling down and the musicians were lining up, Pierre sat down with his little lady. Natasha was completely happy; she danced with a big one, with someone who came from abroad. She sat in front of everyone and talked to him like a big girl. She had a fan in her hand, which one young lady had given her to hold. And, assuming the most secular pose (God knows where and when she learned this), she, fanning herself and smiling through the fan, spoke to her gentleman.
On March 7 (19), 1855, the hero of the Sevastopol defense died the death of the braverear admiralVladimir Ivanovich Istomin(1809-1855).
Brief biography
Born in 1809, he came from a noble family in the Pskov province, and spent his childhood in the Estland province.
In 1823 he entered the Naval Cadet Corps, and the following year he was released as a midshipman.
In 1827, sailing on the ship "Azov" in the squadron of Vice Admiral Heyden, he made a trip from Kronstadt to Portsmouth, and then to the shores of Greece, where he participated in the Battle of Navarino on October 8, 1827, for his distinction he was awarded the insignia of the military order St. George and promoted to midshipman.
In 1827-1832. Istomin sailed on the same ship in the Mediterranean Sea, improving his naval education in a serious military situation created by long cruising in the Archipelago and participation in the blockade of the Dardanelles and the landing on the Bosphorus. Istomin used this time to get acquainted with naval history, science and procedures of service on ships of foreign squadrons; all this placed him from a young age among the most educated and experienced sailors of the Russian fleet.
From 1832 to 1835, Istomin annually sailed on ships of the Baltic Fleet, and in 1836 he was sent to the Black Sea, where he sailed on the ship "Warsaw", cruising off the coast of the Caucasus.
In 1837, he was promoted to lieutenant and appointed commander of the steamship Severnaya Zvezda, on which Emperor Nicholas I and the Empress sailed through the Black Sea ports that same year.
In 1838, Istomin was finally transferred to the Black Sea Fleet, in which the rest of his brilliant service took place until his heroic death during the defense of Sevastopol. Istomin received all ranks from captain of the 2nd rank to rear admiral inclusive for his distinction, commanding schooners, corvettes and frigates until 1845.
From 1845 to 1850 he was at the disposal of the governor in the Caucasus, Prince Vorontsov, taking an active part in joint operations of the army and navy aimed at conquering the Caucasus.
In 1850-1852, commanding the ship Paris, Istomin cruised off the eastern shores of the Black Sea.
During his service in the Black Sea Fleet, V.I. Istomin became close and became friendly relations with Lazarev, Nakhimov and Kornilov. The ships he commanded were always exemplary in all respects.
On November 18, 1853, V.I. Istomin, commanding the ship Paris, distinguished himself in the Battle of Sinop; Nakhimov gave the order to raise a signal of “gratitude” to him on his admiral’s ship, but all the halyards were so broken that it was impossible to carry out the order; for this battle Istomin was promoted to rear admiral. In a report to the emperor, Admiral Nakhimov especially noted the actions of the ship “Paris” in the Battle of Sinop: “It was impossible to stop admiring the beautiful and calmly calculated actions of the ship “Paris.”
When the siege of Sevastopol began, Istomin was appointed head of the Northern fortification, and then, when Kornilov took this position, he remained with him as chief of staff. On November 20, 1854, Istomin was awarded the Order of St. George 3rd degree. He was one of the most active and brave participants in organizing this amazing defense. After Kornilov’s death, he literally did not leave his positions for a single day; he lived at the Kamchatka redoubt, in a dugout.
On March 7, 1855, Istomin’s head was torn off by a cannonball as he was leaving this dugout. He was buried in the Sevastopol Cathedral of St. Vladimir, next to the graves of admirals M. P. Lazarev, V. A. Kornilov, P. S. Nakhimov.
Istomin had four brothers and they all served in the navy; Konstantin and Pavel rose to the ranks of admiral
http://www.bestpeopleofrussia.ru/persona/Vladimir-Istomin/bio
