Prince Alexander Alekseevich Vyazemsky (Russian: Александр Алексеевич Вяземский; 14 August 1727 – 20 January 1793) was one of the trusted dignitaries of Catherine II, who, as the prosecutor general of the Senate, monitored the spending of state funds and had a reputation as incorruptible.
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Early life
Vyazemsky was born on 14 August 1727. He belonged to a princely family, originating from the grandson of Vladimir Monomakh – Prince Rostislav Mstislavich. At the age of twenty, Alexander Alekseevich graduated from the Land Gentry Corps. During the Seven Years' War with Prussia, he participated not only in the battles of the Russian Army, but also in the implementation of some secret (presumably, intelligence) orders of the command, which almost cost him his life. By the end of the war, Alexander Vyazemsky already held the post of Quartermaster General and was well known to the young Empress Catherine II. In December 1762, she instructed him to "settle relations" between the rebellious peasants and their owners in the Ural factories. He has been in this business for almost a year. In December 1763, he was recalled from the Urals, and Major General Alexander Bibikov was sent in his place, completing the mission begun by Vyazemsky.
General Prosecutor
On 14 February 1764, Catherine II, convinced of the exceptional honesty of Prince Vyazemsky, appointed him Prosecutor General of the Senate. She personally wrote his "secret instruction", in which she clearly defined his responsibilities. The Empress reminded Alexander Vyazemsky that the Prosecutor General should be completely frank with the sovereign, since "in his position he is obliged to resist the strongest people", and this is only the imperial power "one of his support". She emphasized that she did not require "caress" from him, but "the only sincere treatment and firmness in business". Catherine II warned the Prosecutor General against getting involved in intrigues at court and suggested to have only "the only benefit of the fatherland and justice in mind, and take firm steps to take the shortest path to the truth".