This work is devoted to the scientific activity of V.N. Berkh, who was one of the most productive historians of the Russian fleet of the first half of the XIX century. The article discusses the history of the creation of the main work of VN Berkh “Biographies of the first Russian admirals” and the publication of letters of Peter I. The work used not only published materials, but also archival documents, mainly official correspondence, allowing to represent the relationship of V. N. Berkh and leadership of the naval department.