In Russian and European historiography D. V. Gorbachev’s article presents the first example of a critical analysis dealing with memoirs of I. A. Fessler, being a German thinker, public and religious figure, writer and freemason. The author purposes to estimate the reliability of information about Fessler’s stay in Saratov Volga region in 1810–1820th which is described in these memoirs. In connection with this aim author ascertains the subjects, which are passed by Fessler over (circumstances of his journey from St.
