The whole of the remaining reign of Vassali was a scene of tumult and strife.  Civil war agitated the principalities.  The Lithuanians, united with Poland, were incessant in their endeavors to extend the triumph of their arms over the Russian provinces; and the Tartar hordes again swept Russia with the most horrible devastation.  In the midst of calamities and lamentations, Vassali approached his grave.  He died on the 29th of February, 1425, in the fifty-third year of his age, and the thirty-sixth of his reign.

Vassali Vassalievitch, son of the deceased monarch, was but ten years of age when the scepter of Russia passed into his hands.  Youri, the eldest brother of the late king, demanded the throne in accordance with the ancient custom of descent, and denied the right of his brother to bequeath the crown to his son.  After much trouble, both of the rival claimants consented to submit the question to the decision of the Tartar khan, to whom it appears that Russia still paid tribute.  Vassali was to remain upon the throne until the question was decided.  Six years passed away, and yet no answer to the appeal had been obtained from the khan.  At length both agreed to visit the horde in person.  It was a perilous movement, and Vassali, as yet but a boy sixteen years of age, wept bitterly as he left the church, where he had implored the prayers of the faithful, and set out upon his journey.  All the powers of bribery and intrigue were employed by each party to obtain a favorable verdict.

A tribunal was appointed to adjudge the cause, over which Machmet, the khan, presided.  Vassali claimed the dominion, on the ground of the new rule of descent adopted by the Russian princes.  Youri pleaded the ancient custom of the empire.  The power which the Tartar horde still exercised, may be inferred from the humiliating speech which Jean, a noble of Moscow, made on this occasion, in advocacy of the cause of the young Vassali.  Approaching Machmet, and bowing profoundly before him, he said,

“Sovereign king, your humble slave conjures you to permit him to speak in behalf of his young prince.  Youri founds his claim upon the ancient institutions of Russia.  Vassali appeals only to your generous protection, for he knows that Russia is but one of the provinces of your vast domains.  You, as its sovereign, can dispose of the throne according to your pleasure.  Condescend to reflect that the uncle demands, the nephew supplicates.  What signify ancient or modern customs when all depends upon your royal will?  Is it not that august will which has confirmed the testament of Vassali Dmitrievitch, by which his son was nominated as heir of the principality of Moscow?  For six years, Vassali Vassilievitch has been upon the throne.  Would you have allowed him thus to remain there had you not recognized him as the legitimate prince?”