Nikolay Baranov

Nikolay Mikhailovich Baranov (August 6, 1837 – August 12, 1901) was a lieutenant general, Mayor of Saint Petersburg (from March 21 to August 24, 1881), Nizhny Novgorod Military Governor (from July 31, 1882, to May 16, 1897), a senator. Inventor of the Baranov Rifle, Model 1869. Biography Born on the Luchkino Family Estate of the Kologriv Uyezd of the Kostroma Governorate in an old, but not rich noble family. Navy career Following the example of his father and uncle, Nikolai Baranov chose the career of a naval officer. Educated at the Naval Cadet Corps, from where he was graduated in 1854. He took part in the Crimean War, in 1856, he was promoted to the first officer's rank. In 1858, he transferred from the navy to the Russian Society of Shipping and Trade, then returned to the navy, headed the model workshop of the Petersburg Port. In 1866–1877, he headed the Maritime Museum, brought it to a brilliant state, was engaged in the creation of naval expositions at various Russian and international exhibitions. He carried out work on deepening the Kronstadt Harbor. On the eve of the Russian–Turkish War of 1877–1878, he proposed, based on his experience in the Russian Society of Shipping and Trade, to arm and use high–speed commercial ships for attacks on enemy sea communications. He was one of the first to realize such an idea, having received under his command the steamer "Vesta". On July 15, 1877, he was awarded the Order of Saint George of the 4th Degree for the distinction and then granted to the adjutant wing. During the campaign on the Black Sea, this ship withstood an unequal battle with the Turkish battleship "Fehti–Bulen" (another transcription – "Fehti–Bulend"). Subsequently, commanding the steamer "Russia", he seized the Turkish transport "Mersin" with numerous enemy troops. Received all–Russian fame and was promoted to Captain of the 1st Rank. However, this was followed by a scandal: Lieutenant Zinovy Rozhestvensky published an article in which he described the battle as a "shameful flight" and accused Nikolai Baranov of exaggerating the merits of Vesta. In July 1878, a trial of this episode was scheduled, but a year later the Naval Ministry terminated the process against Rozhestvensky, suggesting that Baranov sue the lieutenant for civil insult.