Universals of hetman Ivan Skoropadsky (on the materials of the Institute of Manuscript of V. I. Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine)

Abstract

During the preparation to publication of the “Hetman Sivershchyna” two volume edition, in the Institute of Manuscript of V. I. Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine unknown universals of hetman Skoropadsky were discovered. Of those, 19 texts are offered for publication. All the universals concern the Sivershchyna and predominantly Chernihiv. These are, in particular, the universals, which provided different benefits to the citizens of Chernihiv, who were in charge of caring about the Chernihiv regiment; a universal, by which a hetman took under his protection the Cossacks against the graft of Obmachiv village chief, who provided a hetman’s court with everything necessary; a universal certifying the properties of hetman Mazepa’s stepson Hryhorii Frydkevych and confirming the purchase by the Frydkevych family of small villages, grinding mills and lands; a universal about tax remissions for two grinding mills bought by a Cossack of the Konotop sotnia Nykyfor Savuiskyi, and some other documents.