I'm going to go. He's

a-a-ra-s-s-s-s-a-s-s-a-s-a-s- Hey Uyghurs again.

Welcome to the Russian rulers podcast. Episode 48, the love of her life, Grigori Potemkin.

Last week we recounted the story of the greatest peasant rebellion in Russian history, the Pugachev rebellion. That, the war with the Turks and the building of the

Hermitage Museum took up much of Catherine's time. Her boy toy at this time was

the young Alexander Vassilchikoff, who, as the Empress put it, had his

head stuffed with hay. She yearned for a partner with brains as well as good looks.

Catherine began to think about the young man who she first met the night she staged

her coup to take control of Russia.

One Grigori Potemkin. On December 4th, 1773, the now 44-year-old Empress wrote the following note to

Potemkin.

Quote,

Lieutenant General, you are so busy, I wager,

gazing at Celestra that you have not time to read letters.

And though I do not know if your bombardment has been successful, I am confident that everything you undertake is motivated solely by your ardent devotion to me personally and in general to the beloved country which you love to serve.

But since for my part I wish to preserve men who are devoted, courageous, intelligent, and judicious.

I beg you not to expose yourself to danger.

On reading this letter, you will perhaps wonder for what purpose it was written. The answer is that I wish to give you

confirmation of my regard for you, for I am as ever. You're very kindly

disposed. Catherine.

She was clearly in love with a man.

But this was not a one-way love affair, as Potemkin was head over heels in love with

...