Nikolai Alexandrovich Kachalov, a secret advisor and director of the customs duties department, was born on April 14, 1818, and died on October 28, 1891. He came from an ancient noble family in the Novgorod province and received his education at the Naval Corps, graduating as a midshipman on December 23, 1838. After several years of service in the Baltic Fleet, Kachalov retired in 1845, settled in his estates, and engaged in farming. In 1855 and 1863, he was the leader of the nobility of the Belozersky district. In 1865, he was elected the first chairman of the first provincial zemstvo in Russia in Novgorod.

His active work attracted the attention of Emperor Alexander Alexandrovich, and soon at the initiative of the heir, Kachalov was promoted to actual state councilor, receiving a flattering rescript from His Highness.

In 1865 and 1868, with Kachalov's direct involvement, the Novgorod provincial zemstvo significantly improved public health and education, leading to an increase in the number of students in schools and the need to open new educational institutions.

In May 1869, Kachalov was appointed Governor of Arkhangelsk. Emperor Alexander Nikolayevich entrusted him with addressing the economic situation in the region and presenting his proposals for local needs. Before heading to his post, Kachalov accompanied the heir to the throne on a trip through Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, Tsaritsyn, and the Don region to Crimea.

In the fall of 1869, Kachalov arrived in Arkhangelsk and dedicated the entire winter to studying the province. In February 1870, he presented a report to the Sovereign, which was fully approved.

In October 1870, Kachalov was appointed director of the department, and he took office on November 11. He remained in this position for 12 years, until April 1882. During his tenure, the payment of customs duties in gold was introduced, a customs service was organized at the new borders with Turkey and Romania, the customs section of the Caucasus was subordinated to the general administration, a free port was opened in Batumi, and customs facilities in the Baltic cities were improved. Kachalov also established two schools for the children of officials and contributed to the construction of several churches on the borders with Prussia and Austria.

After leaving the position of department director, Kachalov remained a member of the council of the Minister of Finance until his death and in 1885 headed a commission for the final development of materials on the situation in the Arkhangelsk province. Nikolai Alexandrovich left extensive notes on his official activities, written in 1883 and 1888.

He passed away on October 28, 1891, and was buried at the Smolensk Orthodox Cemetery in St. Petersburg.