Brig Mercury livery. Brig "Mercury" - miracles of courage under the patronage of St. Nicholas
In 1820, as part of the squadron of Vice Admiral A.S. Greiga was on a practical voyage in the Black Sea. In 1821–1827, as part of detachments, he cruised off the coast of Abkhazia.
Participated in the war with Turkey 1828–1829. 21.4.1828 with the squadron of Vice Admiral A.S. Greiga left Sevastopol and arrived at Anapa on May 2. On May 5, he was sent with a detachment to cruise off the Caucasian coast. On May 8, near Sudzhuk-Kale, he captured a Turkish ship with a landing party of up to 300 people and brought it to the fleet, then escorted the captured ships to Kerch.
On May 15, with the detachment of Vice Admiral F.F. Messera left Anapa for Sevastopol, and then to Cape Kaliakra. Until August 1828, he cruised off Varna, went to Odessa with reports, and accompanied the frigate Flora, which delivered E.I.V. to Odessa. Nicholas I. On August 27 he left for Sevastopol “for corrections”, then was cruising off the coast of Abkhazia.
In April 1829 he arrived at the fleet stationed at Sizopol, and on April 21 with a detachment he went to the Bosphorus. Not finding the Turkish fleet, the Russian ships returned to Sizopol on May 7.
On May 12, as part of a detachment (frigate -Standard- and brig -Orpheus), -Mercury- went to the Bosphorus. On May 14, having met the Turkish squadron, -Standard- and -Orpheus- broke away from pursuit, and -Mercury- was overtaken by two Turkish ships (110- and 74-gun). Taking advantage of the calm, he began to oar away from the enemy, but the wind freshened and the Turkish ships, having caught up with the brig, opened fire from their guns. Mercury's gunners fired at the enemy's spars and rigging. It was decided to blow up the brig if it was impossible to escape from the enemy. The battle lasted 4 hours. Having received significant damage, the Turkish ships stopped pursuing. The Mercury team's losses were: 4 killed and 8 wounded. The brig received 22 holes in the hull, 16 damage to the spar and 148 rigging, as well as 133 holes in the sails. On May 15, he met with a squadron that had left Sizopol to help him. The brig was sent to Sizopol for corrections, and on May 30 went to Sevastopol for repairs.
By Decree of E.I.V. Nicholas I on July 28, 1829, the brig Mercury was awarded the St. George flag.
Having completed the repairs, on July 16 he arrived at Sizopol. I went cruising near Sizopol and to the Bosphorus. On September 5, in connection with the declaration of peace, he was sent to Sinop and Trebizond to return the detachments cruising there, after which he left for Sevastopol.
In 1830, 1831, 1837–1842, 1846–1848 and 1853, he acted as part of detachments and squadrons along the Caucasian coast. 30/7/1830 detained a Turkish ship with cannons and ammunition near Sukhum-Kale.
23.7.1831 as part of the detachment of captain 2nd rank G.I. Nemtinov delivered troops from Anapa to Gelendzhik Bay. On July 25–27, the detachment's ships fired at the Highlander fortifications, then landed troops. -Mercury- participated in the creation of the Caucasian fortified coastline: it landed troops that founded fortifications at the mouths of the rivers Sochi (4/13/1838, with the squadron of Rear Admiral F.G. Artyukov), Tuapse (5/12/1838, with the squadron of Vice Admiral M. P. Lazarev), Psezuape (7.7.1839, with the squadron of Rear Admiral S.P. Khrushchev) and Subashi (3.5.1839, with the squadron of Vice Admiral M.P. Lazarev).
October 8–10, 1841, being part of the detachment of Rear Admiral M.N. Stanyukovich, contributed to the advancement of the troops of General I.R. Anrepa from Adler to Sochi. In 1832–1836 it was stationed in the port of Sevastopol.
Timbered in Sevastopol in the winter of 1837/38. In 1843–1845 and 1849–1852, he was part of the squadrons on practical voyages in the Black Sea. In 1854–1856 (during the Crimean War) it was stationed in Nikolaev.
Dismantled after 1857
Brig commanders
THEM. Golovin (1820), L.A. Melnikov (1821), A.G. Konotoptsev (1822–1825), S.M. Stroynikov (1826–1828), A.I. Kazarsky (until May 25, 1829), S.A. Sterlengov (from May 26, 1829), M.P. Panyutin (1830–1832), F.M. Novosilsky (1835–1838), N.P. Wulf (1839–1840), N.I. Kazarsky (1841–1848), N.M. Sokovnin (1849), N.E. Kalands (1850–1851), K.Ya. Yavlensky (1852–1853), S.F. Zagoryansky-Kisel (1854–1856)
For reference:
Information about the brig:
In the work of Lieutenant K. Klimov - Materials contemporary to the Battle of Sinop and the Defense of Sevastopol - published in 1903, with reference to the Archive of the Headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet and the Black Sea Ports (case No. 1749, arch. No. 61 for 1853)
The following data is provided on the artillery armament of the brig Mercury during the 1853 campaign:
18-gun brig "Mercury": 2 cast-iron 6-pounder guns; 1 copper 3/4-pounder gun; 16 cast iron 24 lb carronades; 3 cast iron 3-pound falconets - a total of 22 guns
A. Satsky. Black Sea brigs "Mercury", "Orpheus" and "Ganymede". J-l Shipbuilding and ship repair, No. 2 2003
Additionally:
Dimensions (feet) Convert to meters Dimensions (in meters) Convert to feet
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From the Report of Rear Admiral Bychensky to Vice Admiral Greig
(About the launching of the brig "Mercury" on the 11th day of May 1820- RGAVMF F.243 op.1, d.1679, l.12):
“This month on the 6th at 11 o’clock in the morning, in the presence of me and the gentlemen of the director over the local port and the captain over the port in it, the brig “Mercury” built here
deck length 96 ft 8 inches 29.46 m
width without lining 30 feet 10 inches 9.4 m,
interior depth 13 ft 6 in 4.1 m
safely launched from the slipway.
On the descent with runners on the water I sat down
stem 6 ft 9 in 2.06 m,
sternpost 12 ft 3 in 3.73 m,
with the placement of cargo ballast 704 poods, which I have the honor to convey to Your Excellency."
From online publications by A.M. Glebova:
In the notes of Admiral A.S. Greig ( Estimates, statements and tables on the design of the 20-gun brigs "Ganymede", "Mercury", "Orpheus"- RGAVMF: Fund 8, inventory 3, no. 359) there are such data on the dimensions of the brig "Mercury":
Deck length: 96f 8d 29.46 m
Width with cladding: 31f 4d 9.55 m
| According to a practical book (1820) | By size (1829) | |||||
| Length | Diameter | Length | Diameter | |||
| Bowsprit | 41" 6" 12.65 m | 20" 0.51 m | 41" 6" 12.65 m | 19½" 0.50 m | ||
| Copper | 30" 9.14 m | 7¾" 0.20 m | 30" 9.14 m | 8" 0.20 m | ||
| Bom jig | 30" 9.14 m | 5¼" 0.13 m | 28" 8.53 m | 5¼" 0.13 m | ||
| Foremast | 60" 8" 18.49 m | 19¾" 0.50 m | 60" 8" 18.49 m | 19¾" 0.50 m | ||
| Top Foremast | 9" 4" 2.84 m | - | 9" 4" 2.84 m | - | ||
| Mainmast | 67" 8" 20.62 m | 21¾" 0.55 m | 67" 8" 20.62 m | 24¼" 0.62 m | ||
| Top Mainmast | 10" 1¼" 13.07 m | - | 10" 1¼" 13.07 m | - | ||
| Fore and main topmast | 40" 12.19 m | 11¾" 0.30 m | 35" 10" 10.92 m | 11½" 0.29 m | ||
| Fore and main topmast | 24" 7.32 m | 7¾" 0.20 m | 21" 3" 6.48 m | 7½" 0.19 m | ||
| Fore- and Main-bom topmast | 18" 5.49 m | - | 13" 7" 4.14 m | 6" 0.15 m | ||
| Rhea | ||||||
| Blinda-ray | 40" 12.19 m | 7" 0.20 m | 35" 8" 10.87 m | 7" 0.20 m | ||
| Fore- and main-yard | 51" 6" 15.70 m | 11¾" 0.30 m | - | - | ||
| Fore- and Main-marsa-rey | 40" 12.19 m | 8½" 0.22 m | 32" 5" 9.88 m | 8" 0.20 m | ||
| Fore and main beam | 26" 7.92 m | 5¼" 0.13 m | 25" 3" 7.70 m | 5¼" 0.13 m | ||
| Fore- and Grotto-bom-bram-ray | 18" 5.49 m | 3" 0.09 m | 17" 6" 5.33 m | 4¼" 0.11 m | ||
| Gaff | 34" 6" 10.52 m | 9" 0.23 m | 34" 6" 10.52 m | 9" 0.23 m | ||
| Geek | 53" 16.15 m | 12" 0.33 m | 53" 16.15 m | 12" 0.33 m | ||
The brig "Mercury" received its name in memory of the brave sailing and rowing boat, which distinguished itself in battles with the Swedes in 1788-1790. The boat captured a large number of enemy ships and earned immortal fame in its homeland. However, today we remember the brig that inherited such a fateful name.
Built at the Sevastopol shipyard from bog oak, the ship's thirty-meter hull was equipped with eighteen carronades and two portable guns. The carronades were a thin-walled cast-iron cannon with a short barrel, weighing twenty-four pounds. The stern was decorated with a statue of the Roman god Mercury, the ship had sails and 7 oars on both sides.
Krasovsky, Nikolai Pavlovich. Battle of the brig "Mercury" with two Turkish ships, 1829. 1867.
The handsome ship set out on its maiden voyage in May 1820; the crew was entrusted with patrol and reconnaissance missions along the coast of Abkhazia. Smugglers were considered the scourge of coastal waters, causing significant damage to the region’s maritime wealth. Until 1828, "Mercury" did not participate in battles. However, when the Russian-Turkish War began, the brig took part in the battles for the capture of fortresses: Varna, Anapa, Burchak, Inada and Sizopol. In these battles, the brig distinguished itself by capturing two Turkish ships with an enemy landing force.
The commander of the brig "Mercury" in 1829 was a young, handsome captain-lieutenant Alexander Ivanovich Kazarsky, who by that time had experience in naval service. Already at the age of 14, Alexander joined the navy as a simple volunteer, and then graduated from the Nikolaev Cadet School. In 1813, Kazarsky was taken as a midshipman to the Black Sea Fleet, and after a year he was promoted to midshipman.
The brigantines on which Kazarsky served transported cargo, so the tactics of naval combat had to be mastered only theoretically. Some time later, Kazarsky was appointed commander of rowing ships in Izmail; he received the rank of lieutenant in 1819. His service continues on the frigate Eustathius under the command of Ivan Semenovich Skalovsky on the Black Sea. The rear admiral willingly passed on his experience to the diligent student and brave officer Kazarsky.
As the commander of the transport ship "Rival", transporting, Kazarsky participated in the siege of Anapa. To do this, he had to convert this ship into a bombardment ship. He shelled the fortifications for three weeks, and the “Rival” received serious damage to the mast and many holes in the hull. For this battle, Kazarsky received the rank of captain-lieutenant, and a little later in the same 1828, for the capture of Varna, Alexander Ivanovich was awarded a golden saber.
On May 14, 1829, the ship Mercury, under the command of Kazarsky, conducted a patrol raid together with the frigate Shtandart and the brig Orpheus. The mission of the raid was to monitor enemy movements. Suddenly, a Turkish squadron of ships appeared from the east. Since the three patrol ships did not have the opportunity to engage in battle, the command decided to retreat to the north. The enemy outnumbered and equipped the ships, so they immediately organized a pursuit. Fourteen enemy ships were inferior in speed to the Standard and Orpheus, but the Mercury, with tattered sails, soon began to lag behind.
Soon the abandoned brig was overtaken by two large enemy battleships.
Realizing that it would not be possible to leave, the commander gathered a council of officers. An ancient naval custom gave the first word to junior ranks; in accordance with it, the question about further actions was asked to Lieutenant Prokofiev of the navigator corps. Without hesitation, the lieutenant offered to engage the enemy in battle and fight to the last shell and man. The sailors supported the decision of their command with a loud: “Hurray!”
The entire crew of the team changed into ceremonial uniforms with dazzling white trousers. To raise morale, a prayer was read to St. Nicholas, the heavenly patron of sailors. There were the words in that prayer: “don’t leave us in the hour of death, protect our conscience and souls from weakness, save and preserve...”. As subsequent events showed, the saint heard the words of the believers.
Tkachenko, Mikhail Stepanovich. Battle of the brig "Mercury" with two Turkish ships. May 14, 1829. 1907.
A loaded pistol was placed in a secret place on the spire so that the last survivor could shoot into the hold filled with gunpowder. The stern flag was nailed to the gaff so that under no circumstances could it be lowered. By order of the captain, Lieutenant S.I. Skaryatin was responsible for the sails and spars, F.M. Novosilsky was responsible for the artillery, and I.P. Prokofiev was the navigator. was responsible for the shooters, midshipman D.P. Pritupov had to deal with breaches and extinguishing fires, and the captain took upon himself the maneuvering of the ship. In the event of his death, Kazarsky ordered S.I. Skaryatin to take command. All secret documents and maps were burned before the battle so that they could not fall into the hands of the enemy.
The three-deck Turkish ship Selimiye, which had one hundred and ten guns on board, tried to enter from the stern. After the first volleys, an order to surrender was received from the enemy, but the team responded with fierce shooting. A fight ensued. A huge thirty-pound cannonball pierced the side of the Mercury and killed two sailors. The commander skillfully maneuvered the Mercury so that most of the enemy shells did not reach the target and only frayed the sails. Skillful maneuvers were accompanied by salvos from all guns. The gunners targeted the spar in order to disable the enemy ships, so the Turks had few casualties. Shcherbakov and Lisenko succeeded: Kazarsky came almost close to the Selima so that the shells could hit the target. The topsail and topsail immediately hung on the Kapudan Pasha's ship of the line. Having received severe damage to the Selima, he was forced to stop the battle and drift. However, in the end, he knocked out one of the Mercury's cannons with a salvo.
A salvo from the Turkish ship pierced the Mercury's hull below the waterline, and the threat of sinking hung over the brave brig. Sailor Gusev and midshipman Pritupov rushed to the hole. Gusev closed the hole with his back and demanded that he be pressed against it with a log, only after screams accompanied by strong abuse, the midshipman obeyed the sailor and fixed the leak, crushing the hero as a patch.
The second Turkish two-deck ship, Real Bay, with seventy-four guns on board, attacked the Mercury from the port side. There was a fire on the brig three times, but the united team fought to the last. The fire was quickly extinguished; there was numerous damage to the hull, spars, sails and rigging. It was impossible to dodge the shots, all that remained was to attack with retaliatory blows and with well-aimed shots the enemy's fore-bow-yard, main-rail and knock-for-top-yard were finally destroyed. The fallen foxes and sails covered the openings for the cannons, as a result, Real Bey was unable to continue the battle and left the battle. The Turkish command of the squadron realized that the brave brig would rather sink than surrender and chose to let him go. The proud ship, with enormous damage, headed towards Sizopol. The team was happy, although there were also losses among the sailors. The battle lasted three hours and out of a team of 115 people, four were killed and six were wounded. Kazarsky himself was wounded in the head, but, after bandaging it with a handkerchief, he continued to command.
Aivazovsky, Ivan Konstantinovich. Meeting of the brig "Mercury" with the Russian squadron after the defeat of two Turkish ships. 1848.
Two days earlier, the Russian frigate Raphael, commanded by the former commander of the Mercury, captain of the second rank Stroynikov, found himself in a similar situation. The frigate surrendered and, by coincidence, the captured Stroynikov was on the battleship Real Bay on May 14. He witnessed the brave battle of the crew and the skillful maneuvering of the young captain. Stroynikov's cowardly act infuriated Emperor Nicholas I, so he ordered the Raphael to be burned as soon as it was recaptured from the enemy. The imperial order was carried out a little later.
On August 1, 1829, the Mercury was repaired in Sevastopol and started sailing to Sizopol. The battle of the brave crew became the pride of not only the Russians, but even the Turks spoke admiringly of this battle, calling the crew of the brave brig heroes.
At the beginning of May in 1830, the St. George flag and a pennant, awarded to the ship for a heroic battle, soared over the Mercury. Kazarsky and Lieutenant Prokofiev were awarded the Order of St. George, 4th degree. By decree of the emperor, Kazarsky was promoted to captain of the 2nd rank and appointed aide-de-camp. The Order of St. Vladimir with a bow was awarded to the entire officer corps of the ship with an increase in rank and the right to place an image of a pistol on the family coat of arms. The pistol was supposed to represent the same one with which the last of the team was supposed to blow up the brig.
Many ships were named after the two-masted Mercury, and they are still called that way today. The courage of the team and its glorious commander remained forever in the Russian army. After the tragic death of Kazarsky, which was not related to the fleet, in 1834 a monument was laid in Sevastopol in honor of the captain, the heroic brig and his crew, more than 5 meters high. The inscription on the monument: “To Kazarsky. An example for posterity."
Navigator Ivan Petrovich Prokofiev was in charge of the Sevastopol telegraph in 1830, then participated in the defense of Sevastopol in 1854-1855. Only in 1860 did Prokofiev retire. The monument to the brave navigator was erected after his death in 1865.
Fedor Mikhailovich Novosilsky, who participated in the May battle on the Mercury as a lieutenant, continued to serve in the navy to the rank of vice admiral, and earned many orders, a golden saber with diamonds and other awards for courage.
Skaryatin Sergei Iosifovich, still a lieutenant on the Mercury, later commanded other ships, awarded the Order of St. George. He retired from service with the rank of captain 1st rank in 1842.
Dmitry Petrovich Pritupov, a midshipman of the brave brig, later left service due to illness with the rank of lieutenant in 1837, providing himself with double pay until his last days.
One of the most interesting episodes in the history of the sailing fleet is the battle of the Russian brig Mercury against the Turkish battleships Selimiye and Real Bay. Any theoretical analysis of the situation puts victory in the hands of the Turks, without any serious chance of saving the Russian ship. But reality often makes its own adjustments to theoretical scenarios.
The brig "Mercury" became part of the Black Sea Fleet in 1820. Built specifically for patrol duty, the ship was a typical representative of its class, except for two distinctive features - a low draft and equipped with oars (7 on each side). The displacement was 445 tons; length 29.5 m, width 9.4. The crew consisted of 115 people (including 5 officers). The two-masted brig was armed with 18 24-pound caronades - smooth-bore guns adapted for short-range combat. In addition, the ship had 2 long-barreled 3-pounder cannons. “Mercury” was an ordinary patrol ship and it is unlikely that its creator, the famous shipwright I. Ya. Osminin, envisaged that his creation would have to withstand a serious battle against the most powerful ships of the sailing fleet.
On May 12, 1829, a detachment of Russian ships, consisting of the frigate "Standart" and the brigs "Orpheus" and "Mercury", went to sea to conduct patrol duty. Two days later, on May 14, the formation discovered a large Turkish squadron (18 ships, including six battleships). Seeing the disproportionate superiority of the Turks, the Russian ships began to retreat. "Standard" and "Orpheus" managed to quickly escape, but "Mercury" could not break away from the pursuit of two Turkish battleships. "Selimiye" (110 guns) under the flag of Kapudan Pasha and "Real Bay" (74 guns) under the rear admiral's flag began to quickly catch up with the brig. The wind died down for a while and the Mercury tried to evade pursuit with oars, but the calm was short-lived - the Turks again began to close the distance.
Seeing the inevitability of battle, the officers gathered for a council and unanimously approved that the ship would not be surrendered to the enemy. Captain Alexander Ivanovich Kazarsky, with the support of the entire team, decided to accept an unequal battle. A loaded pistol was left at the entrance to the cruise chamber so that the last survivor would blow up the ship.
By that time, the inspired Turks had already opened fire from the bow guns. Thanks to the oars, the brig skillfully maneuvered, preventing the Turks from taking an advantageous position. But after some time, the enemy flagships managed to enter from the opposite sides of the Mercury, putting the Russian ship under crossfire. An offer to surrender was made from the Turkish flagship, which was met with a friendly volley of cannons and rifles from the Mercury. Realizing that these crazy Russians would not surrender, both battleships began to frantically fire at the brig. The battle lasted for four hours, with every minute the Mercury received more and more hits. A fire broke out several times, but the well-coordinated work of the team made it possible to maintain the survivability of the ship at the highest level. The brig's constant maneuvers made it very difficult for the enemy to fire. Captain Kazarsky, who received a shell shock, inspired the team and did not leave command for a minute. Russian gunners fired aimed fire at the rigging and sails of the Turkish ships. And now “Selimiye” leaves the battle, having received critical damage to the mainsail gear. "Real Bay" fights desperately, but the skillful actions of the brig's crew take him out of the battle. "Mercury" triumphantly leaves the battlefield.
During the battle on the brig, four crew members were killed and six were wounded. We counted 22 holes in the ship's hull, more than 280 in the rigging and sails, and 16 in the mast. With difficulty, the Mercury reached the Bulgarian port of Sizopol, where the main forces of the Black Sea Fleet were based.
The feat of the sailors was appreciated, including by the Turks themselves: “If in the great deeds of ancient and modern times there are feats of courage, then this act should eclipse all others, and the name of the hero is worthy of being inscribed in golden letters in the temple of glory” - the words of one from the Real Bay navigators.
Emperor Nicholas I, by his decree of July 28, 1829, awarded the brig with the memorable St. George flag. Officers and soldiers were awarded orders and medals, and cash bonuses.
After repairs, the Mercury actively participated in cruising operations on the Black Sea and landing troops on the Turkish coast. The ship ended its glorious military career in 1857, when it was dismantled due to its extreme disrepair. But in memory of the brig’s feat, his name was preserved and several ships of the Black Sea Fleet at different times bore the proud name “Memory of Mercury.”
AIVAZOVSKY Ivan Konstantinovich (1817-1900)"The brig Mercury attacked by two Turkish ships." 1892
Oil on canvas. 221 x 339 cm.
National Art Gallery named after. I.K. Aivazovsky, Feodosiya.
“The brig Mercury, after defeating two Turkish ships, meets with the Russian squadron.” 1848
Oil on canvas. 123 x 190 cm.
State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg.
"Brig Mercury on a moonlit night." 1874
Wood, oil. 15 x 21 cm.
Private collection.
One of the most striking episodes of the Russian-Turkish war of 1828-1829, demonstrating the fortitude, courage and skill of Russian sailors. Everyone who learned about this victory found it hard to believe that a small brig was capable of winning a battle with two enemy battleships.
The military brig "Mercury" was laid down at the Sevastopol shipyard on January 28 (February 9), 1819 and launched on May 7 (19), 1820. Unlike other brigs of the Russian fleet, it had a shallow draft and was equipped with 14 oars (rowing with large oars while standing). Also, the brig "Mercury" became one of the first Russian brigs, during the construction of which a system of framing was used according to the Sepings method - with diagonal fastenings, which significantly increased the strength of the hull. On the bow of the brig was the figure of the god Mercury. Construction was carried out under the leadership of the shipwright Ivan Yakovlevich OSMININA (? -1838).
The brig was armed with eighteen 24-pounder carronades for close combat, mounted on the upper deck, and two portable three-pounder cannons for long-range combat. The latter could be used as both stern and bow guns.
The commander of the brig, Lieutenant-Commander Alexander Ivanovich KAZARSKY (1797-1833), managed to organize a close-knit team of people of different beliefs, position, origin and temperament. Thus, Navy Lieutenant Fyodor NOVOSILSKY came from an aristocratic environment, was a liberal, but at the same time a very demanding officer. Fleet Lieutenant Sergei SKARYATIN was a hereditary sailor and tried to instill skill, efficiency and diligence in his subordinates. Midshipman Dmitry PRITUPOV came from a noble family and had an appropriate upbringing. He specially ordered a serf from the village to sail with him as an orderly, since a midshipman was not supposed to have an official orderly. Lieutenant of the navigator corps Ivan PROKOFIEV came from the people, so the lower ranks considered him their patron. Ivan Petrovich managed to obtain an education and the rank of officer only thanks to perseverance and talent.
On May 14 (26), 1829, the brig under the command of Lieutenant-Commander Alexander KAZARSKY won an unequal battle with two Turkish battleships - the 110-gun Selimiye and the 74-gun Real Bey, which perpetuated its name and was awarded the stern St. George's flag. Kazarsky’s words: “What are you guys? It’s okay, let them scare us - they’re bringing us Georgiy...”
While patrolling the Turkish Bosphorus Strait in the Black Sea, due to weak winds, the Mercury was unable to escape pursuit and was overtaken by the two largest and fastest ships in the Turkish squadron. On one of the ships there was an admiral (kapudan pasha) of the fleet of the Ottoman Empire. The Russian brig was forced into battle, having 20 guns on board against 184 enemy guns.
The decision to engage in battle was made at the officers' council and was supported by the sailors of the brig. According to tradition, the youngest in rank, Lieutenant of the Corps of Naval Navigators I.P., spoke first. PROKOFIEV: “Battle cannot be avoided, and the brig should not fall to the enemy under any circumstances.” After the military council, the commander addressed the team with a speech, urging them not to disgrace their honor and the honor of St. Andrew’s flag. The team unanimously chose death over surrender and captivity. It was decided that the last survivor would blow up the ship. To do this, they placed a loaded pistol in front of the entrance to the powder magazine.
"Mercury" was strong, but a little heavy on the move; He held the high waves well, but in the calm he became completely overweight. Only the art of maneuver and the accuracy of the gunners could save him. During the confrontation, which lasted two hours, the “Mercury” managed to damage the masts of the “Real Bey” and “Selimiye” with its fire; one after another, the Turkish ships lost their speed, the ability to maneuver and fight. The Mercury received very heavy damage (22 holes in the hull, 133 in the sails, 16 damage in the mast, 148 in the rigging), but lost only 4 crew members. Losses on the Turkish side are unknown. During the battle, on board the Real Bey there was a captive captain of the 2nd rank STROYNIKOV, who had surrendered his ship, the frigate Raphael, without a fight a few days earlier.
The brig returned safely to Sevastopol. “Mercury” served on the Black Sea until November 9, 1857, when an order was received “to dismantle it due to complete disrepair.” However, his name was ordered to be retained in the Russian fleet with the transfer of the St. George flag to the corresponding ship. Three ships of the Black Sea Fleet alternately bore the name “Memory of Mercury”: in 1865 - a corvette, and in 1883 and 1907 - cruisers. The Baltic brig “Kazarsky” and the Black Sea mine cruiser of the same name sailed under the St. Andrew’s flag.
AIVAZOVSKY knew firsthand about naval battles - he took a direct part in military operations in the Black Sea off the coast of the Caucasus in 1839. The exceptional bravery and courage of Russian sailors has always attracted the artist. Hence the brightness of the images and the expressed patriotic pathos of his works.
The canvas is very laconic in its compositional design. The artist placed the ships diagonally on the canvas, which makes it possible to completely take in the battlefield.
The brig is sandwiched between two Turkish ships, and the ships are heading jibe, which is a definite plus for battleships with their predominantly straight sails. This situation hardly leaves “Mercury” any chance of survival, therefore, according to a number of opinions, it cannot be historically reliable. However, it is possible that this situation was chosen by the artist to add tragedy to the situation, to emphasize the hopelessness of the brig’s situation. In the paintings of other artists, the same ships are depicted heading to the backstay, which gives the brig with a larger percentage of slanting sails an advantage in maneuverability.
The color scheme of the picture is distinguished by restraint. The blue-blue shades of the sea are in perfect harmony with the silver-gray tones that are used to paint the clouds. The pearl sails of warships stand out beautifully against this background. Inclusions of red (the image of crescents on Turkish flags) enliven the picture, which has a rather cold color.
TKACHENKO Mikhail Stepanovich (1860-1916) “The battle of the brig “Mercury” with Turkish ships on May 14, 1829.” 1907
Oil on canvas. 120 x 174 cm.
Central Naval Museum, St. Petersburg.
KOZHIN Semyon Leonidovich (b. 1979) “The battle of the brig “Mercury” with two Turkish ships.” 2004
Oil on canvas. 40 x 50 cm.
Author's collection.
The brig "Mercury" was launched on May 7 (19), 1820. And it was an 18-gun, two-masted sailing warship. In May 1829, under the command of Lieutenant-Commander Alexander Ivanovich Kazarsky, the brig won a brilliant victory in a battle with two Turkish battleships, which immortalized its name and for which it was awarded the stern St. George's flag. The brig "Mercury" is one of the most famous sailing ships; the canvases of many painters, including Aivazovsky, are dedicated to its feat.
Ship drawing
17 sheets ship drawings format 70x50 cm contain:- Longitudinal section, deck plan and plan of elements of the inner side of the bulwark;
- Side view of the hull with copper plating and lower deadeyes, plan for installing weapons on deck; view of the stern;
- Drawing and elements of the mainmast;
- Drawing and elements of the foremast;
- Full-scale drawing foremast and mainmast assembly;
- Bowsprit, gaff and boom;
- Yards and their equipment;
- Standing rigging. Shrouds and backstays;
- Standing rigging. Stays;
- Boom and gaff rigging;
- Running rigging (4 sheets);
- Patterns of flat frame parts and photo-etching (3 sheets)
About Us
We promise that:
- Having more than 15 years of experience, we offer only the best products on the market, eliminating obvious failed products;
- We deliver goods to our customers all over the world accurately and quickly.
Customer Service Rules
We are happy to answer any relevant questions that you have or may have. Please contact us and we will do our best to respond to you as soon as possible.
Our field of activity: prefabricated wooden models of sailing ships and other ships, models for assembling steam locomotives, trams and carriages, 3D models made of metal, prefabricated mechanical watches made of wood, construction models of buildings, castles and churches made of wood, metal and ceramics, hand and power tools for modeling, consumables (blades, nozzles, sanding accessories), glues, varnishes, oils, wood stains. Sheet metal and plastic, tubes, metal and plastic profiles for independent modeling and making mock-ups, books and magazines on woodworking and sailing, ship drawings. Thousands of elements for independent construction of models, hundreds of types and standard sizes of slats, sheets and dies of valuable wood species.
- Worldwide delivery. (except some countries);
- Fast processing of received orders;
- The photographs presented on our website were taken by us or provided by the manufacturers. But in some cases, the manufacturer may change the packaging of the product. In this case, the photographs presented will be for reference only;
- Delivery times provided are provided by carriers and do not include weekends or holidays. At peak times (before the New Year), delivery times may be increased.
- If you have not received your paid order within 30 days (60 days for international orders) from dispatch, please contact us. We will track the order and contact you as soon as possible. Our goal is customer satisfaction!
Our advantages
- All goods are in our warehouse in adequate quantities;
- We have the most experience in the country in the field of wooden sailboat models and therefore can always objectively assess your capabilities and advise what to choose to suit your needs;
- We offer you various delivery methods: courier, regular and EMS mail, SDEK, Boxberry and Business Lines. These carriers can completely cover your needs in terms of delivery time, cost and geography.
We firmly believe that we will become your best partner!
