BENEFACTOR OF THE FIRST RUSSIAN RESIDENT IN RZECZPOSPOLITA

Abstract

The reference to archival resources, heraldic and genealogical literature, as well as other sources, makes it possible to establish the identity and biographical data of Jan Pawel Szygowski. The study shows that he was one of the mediators in the compensation of Poland in 1677 incurred by the first Russian residence costs. The whole complexity of the mission, when internal and external problems affecting the Polish-Lithuanian state made it difficult to carry out the financial operation, is demonstrated. This, however, did not stop the process. Its circumstances and possible risks are clarified in the article. The analysis of Szygowskis's family traditions and the background explains the reasons for the overall successful completion of the "transfer", not the least role in which played the official position of Jan Pawel and his personal qualities. Along with this, considerable attention is paid to the manner of actions of the nobleman, the discovery of his potential accomplices, and useful business ties. Sufficient efficiency of payment from the crown treasury, executed in rather difficult conditions and allowing the embassy, despite the complications, to purchase the necessary inventory and provisions -to no small extent, is the merit of J. Szygowski.

Keywords

• the first regular diplomatic representation of russia in the polish-lithuanian commonwealth
• v. m. tyapkin
• the completion of the mission in 1677
• cash allowance
• j. p. szygowski