Special Authority of Vilna Governor-General M.N. Muravyov: Personnel Aspect

Abstract

Abstract. The notions of unlimited authority of M.N. Muravyov were mythologized both by the publicists of the 19th century and later by Soviet historians. Dictatorial ambitions and the pursuit of unlimited power were imputed to Muravyov, that were allegedly necessary for him to “terrorize” the local population, mainly Poles. However, Muravyov administration in North-Western Provinces (1863–1865) mainly was based on the extraordinary authorities of the Vilna governor-general, given already to his predecessor V.I. Nazimov in view of the activation of the Polish national movement in 1861–1862 and the beginning of the open armed uprising in January 1863. On the eve of Muravyov's offi cial appointment as the head of the North-Western Region emperor Alexander II approved special rights for him to replace the governors of all North-Western Provinces, as well as to “purge” the personnel of local offi cials. That “purge” affected high-ranking offi cials of various departments, including offi cers of the corps of gendarmes and the railway corps