“An order is an order and Kolchak is Kolchak, but a face is a face”: the letter written by the priest Boris Serebryakov / introduction, preparation for publication and notes by M. I. Veber

The letter written by the priest Boris Serebryakov is published with an extensive introduction. One phrase from this letter is widely known, but the whole letter is a precious source of information concerning everyday life during the Russian Civil War. The letter contains Boris Serebryakov's reflection on reasons of demoralization and defeat of the White Army in the Urals. Boris Serebryakov associates demoralization of white soldiers with cruel practice of corporal punishment and lack of agitation work. The letter also clearly indicates that the Ural peasants were strongly disappointed with the Whites because of marauding of Admiral A.V. Kolchak’s retreating army.