The name of Nikolai Sleptsov is somewhat forgotten in Russian history today, although he was once placed in the same league as outstanding commanders like Rumyantsev, Suvorov, and Yermolov. Nikolai Sleptsov was born on December 6, 1815, in the village of Kologrivovka in the Saratov province. He graduated from the prestigious Nikolaev Cavalry School and in 1840 requested a transfer to the Caucasus. For six years, Sleptsov participated in continuous battles with the Chechens and gained fame even among his enemies. Shamil himself called him a desperate hero.

Once, the Sunzha regiment under Sleptsov's command was to pass through the Shali Valley, which Shamil had turned into a fortified line with trenches stretching four versts. All previous attacks on this position had failed. Shamil even claimed he would shave his beard if the Russians ever overcame this fortification. Sleptsov promised the commander of the Caucasian front: "I give my word that I will take the Shali trench alone, with my regiment, without your support." After conducting a deceptive maneuver, he attacked simultaneously from the flanks and defeated the enemy.

The name of Nikolai Pavlovich instilled fear in the mountaineers. Chechen mothers calmed their children by saying, "Sleptsov is coming," and the children fell silent. Nikolai Pavlovich was a man not seeking wealth, and he used all his fortune to help the widows of Cossacks and orphans. Even his implacable enemies, the mountaineers, noted the general's generosity, composing a song about him: "All the mountains knew, rich and poor, knew the fearless daring of Sleptsov, the hospitable shade of his roof. We, the Chechens, knew him and loved our enemy."

Nikolai Pavlovich fought his last battle on December 10, 1851, at the river Gehi. During the assault on the barricade, while at the front of the column, he received a gunshot wound to the chest. The grief was universal. On the day of his funeral, the Chechens promised not to open fire in respect for the hero. As the coffin was carried to its final resting place in the Sunzha stanitsa, the residents laid out scarves and shawls on the road. When Nicholas I was informed of the legendary commander's death, he ordered the renaming of the Sunzha stanitsa to Sleptsovskaya and the erection of a monument to Major General Sleptsov.