Memoirs of the outstanding Russian statesman and military leader of the 19th century, adjutant general, Minister of the Sea of ​ ​ Russia Admiral Ivan Alekseevich Shestakov are published for the first time. In his memoirs, the author gives a completely new idea of ​ ​ the life and customs of his contemporaries, about the state of the Russian fleet. A deep knowledge of marine and engineering, remarkable organizational skills helped Shestakov implement a grandiose program for the construction of the Russian steam fleet, which is much discussed in the book. Life observations of one of the most educated people in Russia of the XIX century. relevant today and will be of interest to everyone.