On the Customs Border Chain of Catherine II: documentary evidence from the National Archive of the Karelia Republic and the State Archive of the Arkhangelsk Region

The paper is of an archaeographic nature and mainly includes the introduction into scientific circulation of new evidence on the organization of the customs service in the Russian North during the reign of Catherine II. Such materials include orders from Governor-General T.I. Tutolmin on the arrangement of outposts and the organization of guards on the border of Russia and Sweden; a description of the border and analytical notes on the arrangement of customs posts; a formular lists of employees of the Yushkozersk customs outpost; a statement on the presence of outposts and military personnel on the border with Sweden. The paper provides information on the participation of military personnel from the St. Petersburg, Olonets and Arkhangelsk provinces in protecting the borders and customs in Karelia. The Decree of Catherine II of 1782 on the establishment of the customs chain did not bring the expected results, and, based on archival research, it became obvious that the Russian government faced a number of problems on the territory of Karelia as well, ensuring protection from smuggling there.