Unknown Victory: the First Significant Episode in the I.Bohun’s Career

Abstract

The aim of the research is to investigate the previously unknown I.Bohun’s young years on the basis of documents from the Russian State Archive of Ancient Acts.

The methodology is based on general scientific and specific historical research methods, as well as the comparative method.

The scientific novelty is that for the first time, on the basis of archival documents, the unknown fight of the famous Cossack commander I.Bohun, which took place in 1643 on the Kazan ferry of the Don River, is described. The article details the course of the fight, the causes and results, as well as the personal role of I.Bohun.

Conclusions. The fight on the Kazan ferry of the Don River is the very first battle of I.Bohun, which is now known to historical science. During the fight, a detachment of Cossacks under the command of I.Bohun defeated a detachment of Don Cossacks and Russian archers who defended the “town” which did not give free passage through the Don. I.Bohun at that time was the otaman in the Kodak fortress and had 200 Cossacks under his command. I.Bohun has shown himself as a talented, courageous and successful chieftain who dared to take decisive and daring actions, did not lose his presence of mind in difficult combat situations and used quick, non-standard solutions. The victory at the Kazan ferry, of course, brought I.Bohun fame, both among the security forces and among the Cossacks. This fight is also the first time when I.Bohun used “trick”, which later became his signature style. Bohun’s victory, the loss of more than 19 people by the Russians caused a sharp reaction in Moscow and prompted an investigation at the highest level.