Empress of Russia, was raised to that dignity, from the low condition of a menial servant, by the discerning Peter the Great, who married her in 1711. She attended the Emperor in all his expeditions; and when he was surrounded by the Turks on the banks of the Pruth, his army was saved by her prudent advice. Peter, afterwards, never resolved on any affair of consequence without first consulting her; success attended him in every thing, and the court of Peterburgh appeared in a new light. He instituted the order of St Katherine in her honour, which he gave her power to bestow on such of her sex as she judged proper; and, finally, appointed her his successor. On the death of her husband, she took all proper means to secure the quiet, advance the civilization, and promote the general welfare, of her kingdom; and it is more than probable, that the reigning illustrious Empress Catherine II. has considered her as a bright example: for Catherine I. established the academy of sciences at Peterburgh, now brought to such perfection. She likewise increased the naval force of Russia; and set on foot a design for discovering the north-east passage to China. "The lenity of this princess," (says Voltaire, in his Life of Peter the Great,) was carried to a degree unparalleled in the history of any nation. She promised, that, during her reign, nobody should be put to death; and she kept her word: she was the first sovereign that ever shewed this respect to the human species. Malefactors were condemned to work in the mines, and other public works; a regulation not less prudent than humane, since their punishment was rendered of some advantage to the state." She died on the 17th of May 1727; leaving issue, Anne who married Frederic Duke of Holstein, and Elizabeth the late Empress of Russia.