Orlov Alexey

Orlov Alexey (1737, Moscow - 1807, ibid) - a military leader, a close associate of Catherine II. Genus. a noble family. In 1749 he became a soldier of the Life Guards Regiment. By 1762 promoted to sergeant. Notable for great physical strength, courage, enterprising. For participation in a palace coup in 1762, vozvedshem to the throne of Catherine II, was promoted to major general, received a noble title, granted lands, serfs and money. In 1765 became a lieutenant general. At the beginning of Russian-Turkish war of 1768 - 1774 developed a plan of campaign against Turkey in the Mediterranean Sea, to-ing volunteered to perform. In 1769 was promoted to commander in chief and led the Russian military action. Fleet. In 1770 in Cesme Orlov, head of the land and naval forces from the rank of admiral and commander in chief. Despite the numerical superiority of the Turkish fleet, commanded Orlov SK. Greig attack, and nearly all the enemy ships were burned or captured. After signing in 1774 Kucuk-Kainarji Orlov given the title of Prince Chesmensky, 4 thousand. serfs and many awards. In 1774 Catherine II was ordered to seize the Italian impostor, proclaimed itself as the daughter of Elizabeth and A.G. Razumovsky (E. Tarakanova). Orlov deceit lured her to the ship and delivered to Kronstadt. In 1775 Catherine II to the cooling of Orlov and his. brothers led to the dismissal forever from any service ". Orlov started a stud farm, which has been bred a certain breed - Orlov trotter. After accession to the throne of Paul I was forced to go abroad. He returned after the accession of Alexander I, and lived quietly in their suburban estates, as Chief Zemsky militia.