Nerchinsk Executive Officer P. Ya. Shulgin: Warrior and Diplomat

   The article describes the main activities of Nerchinsk executive officer P. Ya. Shulgin, aimed to strengthen Russian positions in Eastern Transbaikalia. P. Ya. Shulgin governed affairs of Nerchinsk district from November 30th 1673 to the end of April – early May 1678. During this time he repelled the external military aggression of nomads who attacked the subjects of Russia – the indigenous population of the Nerchinsk district. The study focuses on marches out to Tabanutyand’s “thieves” Tungus, as well as on the solutions to problems associated with the transfer of tribute to the Nerchinsk district from other places. He also enhanced the position of Russia in the Amur region, by arming Cossacks of the Albazin fort and stimulating their advance into the basin of the Zeya river. He actively used the means of diplomacy as well, facilitating the relocation to the Nerchinsk district of the tribes that roamed Mongol feudal lords’ lands and rebels who got out of control of the Russian government. It is argued that the actions of P. Ya. Shulgin to repel external military aggression and settle the issues related to interaction with the “foreigners” of the Nerchinsk district laid a solid foundation for the trust of tribute collectors in the Russian government.