Memoirs of Peter Henry Bruce

Artilleryman and military engineer Captain Peter Henry Bruce (1692–1757) left notes covering forty years of his life, thirteen of which (1711–1724) he spent in Russia during the turbulent era of Peter's reforms. He was born in Brandenburg, served in the Prussian army, and later, at the invitation of his relative Jacob Bruce (a companion of Peter, Russian general field marshal) joined the Russian army, participated in the Prut campaign, witnessed the murder of Tsarevich Alexei, was among the mentors of Peter I's grandson, Grand Duke Peter Alexeyevich, took part in the campaign against the Swedes, and on the tsar's commission described the shores of the Caspian Sea and created a detailed map of them. Leaving Russia with the rank of captain, Bruce went to Scotland, then later went to the West Indies, where he built two forts, and in 1745 returned to his homeland. The notes recount his life full of travels and adventures and represent a valuable historical source that significantly enhances our understanding of the crucial period of the formation of Peter I's imperial system.