Nikolay Arsenyev was born around 1739, but according to Prof. Alexander Mikaberidze, the exact date of his birth is unclear.

[1][2] In 1780, he was promoted to colonel (polkovnik), seven years later, in 1778, to brigadier, and lastly on 16 February 1790 to major general.

[1] During the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-74, he participated in the siege of Izmail, and fought at Tulcea as well.

[1] For his deeds at the successful siege of Izmail, he was awarded the Order of Saint George (3rd class) on 5 April 1791.

[1] In these two years in Poland (1792-1794), Arsenyev fought at several battles, namely those at Nesvizh, Slutsk, as well as Brest-Litovsk.