From Memoirs of the Tsar’s counsellor
It is 1701. The Great Northern War is in full swing. Russia and Sweden are fighting for their access to the Baltic Sea. Our army is defeated at the battle of Narva but His Serene Highness Tsar Peter is not going to surrender. He makes up his mind to pay a visit to Pskov, which plays a crucial part in the war as it is situated on the border with the Baltic states. Peter takes us, his counsellors with him. We arrive in the town and stay at Yamskoy’s chambers on the bank of the Pskova River. Little time do we spend there as the state affairs brook no delay. Peter decides to make Pskov a cradle of the Russian army as the city has lots of stone buildings, dozens of foundries and smith forges. He immediately adopts a resolution about erecting new fortifications to protect the city. Most of them are to be located around Gremyachaya Tower. He demands that the ruined walls and towers be filled up and new bastions be made. Peter severely inspects fortification sites. I remember such an incident: Peter put one man in charge of completing the work and went on fighting against Swedes. On his arrival, he didn’t see the man on the site. Later he was found, whipped and demoted to soldier for failing to fulfil his duties. Having turned Pskov into a mighty fort, Peter’s garrisons are able to attack the areas occupied by the enemy. And here is our first tremendous victory in the battle at Eresfer. Peter exclaims, ‘Thanks God, we’ve gone so far as to say – we can defeat Swedes!’ and goes to the Church of Peter and Paul from Bui to pray for the country of his. Before our departure Peter wants to plant an oak near the house he stays in. I wonder where he gets all these acorns. He has lots of them in his pockets. It is still a mystery I want to unveil. 