Golovin left Moscow in January 1686 with 500 streltsy and reached Selenginsk near Lake Baikal in October 1687, from whence he sent couriers ahead. |
The next scene is concerned with the Streltsy, who march in to a drinking song. |
The Streltsy and the Cossacks were professional units but they were officered by foreigners. |
Ivan also commanded that a band of streltsy be sent to reinforce Yermak. |