POTEMKIN,* GREGORY ALEXANDROVITCR, the most celebrated of the czarina Cath arine IL's favorites, was born near Smolensk in Sept., 1736. He was descended of a noble Polish family, and at an early age entered the Russian army. and rose to be ensign in the imperial horse-guards. Happening to attract the notice of the czarina by his noble appearance and handsome, athletic figure, he was forthwith (1762) attached to her household, and appointed colonel and gentleman of the bed-chamber. After a time (1774) he superseded Gregory Orlov (q.v.) in the good graces of the czarina, and became her favorite and avowed lover. He played the part of lover for only two years, when be was superseded by a younger and more amiable successor; but the ascendency which he had acquired over the czarina was in nowise affected by this change. Ile knew well how to flatter her vanity, rouse her fears, and make her believe that he alone could protect her from the numerous conspiracies (some of which were real, and many mythical) which were being constantly formed against her. Catharine submitted to all his caprices, consulting hint in everything, and was in almost all eases guided by his advice. Potemkin was consequently, from 1770 till the year of his death, the true representative of the Russian policy in Europe; and Frederick the great of Prussia, and even the haughty Hapsburgs, Maria Theresa and Joseph II., cringed at his feet, and it the demand of the czarina, loaded him with titles and honors; though, much to his chagrin, he failed to obtain the English order of the Garter, and the French one of the Holy Spirit. Potemkin interfered little with the internal government of Russia, beyond offering many valuable suggestions for the development of manufactures and industry, which were carried out; his important achievements being connected with the foreign policy of Russia. especially as far as it related to Turkey. It was at his instigation Turks were forced into war, and robbed of their territories n. and c. of the Black
sea, in order that Russia might possess a southern sea-board; and after this had la en done, Potemkin immediately ordered the creation of a Black sea fleet, and the building of Iihcrsoo, Kertch, Nikolaiev, and Sebastopol. For his services, he was created governor o7. the Taurida (q.v.), and loaded with numerous honors and presents, In 1787 Catharine paid a visit to him at his government, and the "hoax " which he played off on his so-'erJgn is well described by De Segur. He caused an immense number of wooden painted houses to be constructed, and grouped into towns and villages along the route the czarina was to take, and hired people to act the part of villagers, merchants, tradesmen, and agriculturists, engaged in their various pursuits. The czarina's vanity was hugely gratified at the seeming improvements of the country under her rule, and Potemkin was rewarded for his dexterity by further honors and emoluments. Almost immediately after this a war broke out with the Turks, and Potemkin was placed at the head of the army, with Suwarof and Repnin for his lieutenants. Ilis career was one of uninterrupted victory. Bessarabia and the two principalities were conquered, and he was about to advance on Constantinople, when the empress commanded it cessation of hostilities; but before Potemkin had time to bring her round to his own views, lie was seized with sudden illness on the road between Jassy and Nikolaiev, and died there, Oct. 15, 1791.