The diaries of A. A Polovtsov are a unique source on the political history of Russia in the late XIX - early XX centuries. Researchers invariably turn to him, however, referring mainly to its published parts. In this case, it is supposed to prepare for publication the diaries of A.A. Polovtsov for 1859-1882. This text, in contrast to the subsequent text of the diaries for 1883-1909, was first prepared for publication.