Alexander Ivanovich Chernyshev Biography
Chernyshev, Alexander Ivanovich (30.12.1785 (10.01.1786) – 08 (20) .06.1857). Born in Moscow, died in Castellammare di Stabia, Italy. Russian soldier and statesman, Adjutant General (1812), General of Cavalry (1826), Earl (1826), His Serene Highness Prince (1849).
From 1802 he served in the Guards cavalry, participated in the war with France in 1805 – 1807.
In 1808 – 1812 served as important diplomatic assignment in France and Sweden, was a military-diplomatic agent in Paris.
Early in the war of 1812 was during the reign of Alexander I in the army, commanded cavalry detachment. He took part in overseas tours of the Russian Army 1813 – 1814.
From 1815 – in the suite of the king, in 1821 commanded a cavalry division. In 1826, a member of the commission of inquiry into the cause of the Decembrists. Since 1827, Senator.
In 1828 appointed deputy chief of General Staff and the manager of the War Department in 1832 – 1852 Minister of War, held a series of reforms, which lay down the recruiting system of recruitment (charter 1831), increased centralization of the military department.
Since 1848, Chernyshev – Chairman of the State Council.
Supporter of the stick of discipline and outdated linear tactics, Chernyshev was one of the main culprits Russian army's defeat in the Crimean War 1853 – 1856.
Lit.: Schilder H., HSH Prince AI Chernyshev. Biographical sketch, "The Military Collection, 1902, Vol. 1.