Draft:Nikolai Petrovich Skarzhinsky



Nikolai Petrovich Skarzhinsky (1793–1813) was a second lieutenant of the Life Guards of the Izmailovsky Regiment. He was a member of the ancient Skarzhinsky family of Russian nobility. Nikolai's family was among the largest landowners in the Russian Empire. His bloodline played a significant role in the history of Russia and Ukraine.

Biography
Nikolai began his military career at the age of 12. His branch of the Skarzhinsky family was of Russian nobility. The Skarzhinsky family originates from Trakai Voivodeship, Grand Duchy of Lithuania. His bloodline played a significant role in the history of Russia. His family is of Bończa coat of arms. Initially Catholic the Skarzhinsky family converted to Orthodox Christianity. For his services at the Battle of Borodino, Nikolai Skarzhinsky received a high award - a golden sword with the inscription "For bravery", as well as promotion to the rank of second lieutenant. He was listed as shell-shocked after the battle. Nikolai Petrovich Skarzhinsky was mortally wounded in the battle of Kulm (August 17, 1813). At 10:00 a.m. on August 17, 1813, the famous battle between the Russians and the French began near the city of Kulm. The Emperor of Russia Alexander I personally observed the course of the battle. The battered Izmailovsky Regiment suffered huge losses: in one day, 532 people out of 860 people on the list were killed or wounded! It is said that when the Tsar met on the way to Teplitz a cart with wounded officers of the Izmailovsky regiment, Lieutenant Godein II and Second Lieutenant Skarzhinsky, he began to talk to the former and asked him to take care of Skarzhinsky, who was unconscious. At that moment Skarzhinsky, coming to his senses and recognizing who was talking to him, said: "Look, Sir, how the field is strewn with the corpses of your enemies; I will die with delight when I hear that we have won!" Nikolai Skarżynski died in Prague, in a military infirmary on August 19, 1813. His name was listed on one of the marble plaques on the walls of the old Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow for his outstanding service to Russia. There is a legend that Nikolai did not die of his wounds at the battle of Kulm, but remained alive, deserted from military service, secretly made his way to his estate in the Caucasus and lived there for about 40 more years.

Family
Nikolai was the son of legendary Cossack Commander Pyotr Mikhailovich Skarzhinsky.

His mother was Ulyana Grigorievna Bulatsel of Moldavian nobility.

His brother was legendary Russian Cossack Commander Viktor Petrovich Skarzhinsky.

Coat of arms (Orthodox Skarzhinsky)
In an azure field, a silver unicorn with scarlet eyes, tongue, horn and hooves galloping to the right. The shield is surmounted by a noble crowned helmet. Helmet: An erect unicorn with scarlet eyes, tongue, horn, and hooves. Insignia: azure with silver. The coat of arms of the Skarzhinskys is included in Part 12 of the General Armorial of the Noble Families of the All-Russian Empire, page 68.