Directors of the Bodies of Higher Directorate of the Cossack Troops of the Russian Empire (Second Half of 19th - Early 20th Centuries)

The article discusses the main milestones in the life of the chiefs of the bodies of higher directorate of the Cossack troops of the Russian Empire second half 19th - early 20th centuries With the help of a comparative technique, biographical material was grouped according to the following criterions: origin and education, chronological data, participation in hostilities, bureaucratic experience before taking office and acquaintance with the Cossacks as a future object of government, lefted scientific and literary heritage. Based on the analysis of the presented material, the article makes an assumption that the main goal of the higher control of the Cossack troops was mainly to account and control for the Cossack troops, to create conditions for their functioning and mobilization readiness. The military component in the activities of the higher Cossack officials in relation to the Cossack troops was present, but it seems that it was based on the opinion about the natural ability of the Cossacks to military affairs and was not a priority.