POLISH TRACE ON THE BLACK SEA FRONTIER OF THE CAUCASUS (BASED ON MATERIALS FROM THE RUSSIAN STATE ARCHIVES OF THE NAVY)

Abstract

The article studies the participation of immigrants from Poland in the events on the Black Sea border of the Russian Empire in the 30s - 60s of the XIX century. In addition to serving in land units, the Poles were also involved in warships, took part in the protection and defense of the borders of the empire. They were subject to the same rights and obligations as other subjects of the Russian state. For their blameless service, the Poles received awards, could earn a vacation, and were punished for misconduct. They took part in various military and political events related to the consolidation of Russian influence on new frontiers, which was reflected in the documents stored in the Russian State Archives of the Navy.
A part of Polish society did not accept the loss of its statehood, and therefore there were supporters of the continuation of the armed struggle against the empire among them. In search of allies, they went to the Caucasus to support the highlanders in their confrontation with Russia. This forced the local authorities to be wary of people of Polish origin, fearing their desertion and various hostile actions. The Black Sea Fleet was no exception, the sailors of which were trying to propagate the revolutionary emissaries. But judging by the surviving data, such agitation did not receive a massive response, and the Polish sailors remained loyal to the military oath.