Drafting “Free and Voluntary People” in 1697 and the System of Military Recruitment in Russia on the Eve of the Northern War

In the historiography of the military reforms during Peter I’s reign, the focus has primarily been on the 1699 mass recruitment of conscripts for life (datochnye lyudi), free people (vol’nye lyudi), and itinerants (gulyashchie lyudi), as well as on the recruitment duty imposed in 1705. However, to gain a better understanding of the specifics of the Russian army’s recruitment system prior to the Northern War, the earlier mobilization measures must be considered. This article discusses the course and results of the 1697 recruitment by analyzing the regiments of K. Rigeman and D. Maine. The Order-in-Charge Prikaz records are used to disclose the recruitment mechanisms and their progress in different administrative levels and territories. In addition, the Complete Collection of Laws of the Russian Empire is studied as the major regulatory document, and I. Zhelyabuzhsky’s notes and Patrick Gordon’s diary are examined as the primary sources. Detailed descriptions are provided of where soldiers were registered, what documents were required at different stages of recruitment, and how soldiers were transported to their duty stations. The recruitment rates in various cities are shown. The social consequences faced by conscripts of different origins are outlined. It is concluded that despite the difficulties and problems at certain stages, two new regiments were quickly equipped during the 1697 recruitment. The drafting of free people and itinerants led to serious conflicts, forcing the government to gradually curtail the recruitment. Overall, the practical steps taken during the 1697 recruitment proved to be effective and determined subsequent recruitment campaigns of the late 17th century.

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