event
1891 French naval squadron visit to Kronstadt
the French squadron
also: французской эскадры, the French squadron
The visit of a French Northern Squadron under Rear Admiral Alfred Gervais to Kronstadt, 11-29 July 1891 -- a major public event and turning point in the Franco-Russian rapprochement that led to the 1891-1894 alliance; journalist and publisher V. V. Komarov was later decorated with the Legion of Honor for services in cementing the alliance, making him a plausible figure to have been part of a reception party for the squadron, as Chekhov asks his brother here.
Reading notes
- To Al. P. Chekhov, 24–25 July 1891. Bogimovo. §5 the French squadron
The French Northern Squadron under Rear Admiral Alfred Gervais visited Kronstadt 11-29 July 1891, a major public event marking the emerging Franco-Russian alliance -- just two weeks before this letter, explaining Chekhov's topical question.