Alexander I.
Tsar of Russia, 1777-1825
Alexander succeeded to the throne after his father was murdered. He ruled Russia during the chaotic period of the Napoleonic Wars. During the early years of his reign, Alexander often used liberal rhetoric, but continued absolutist policies in practice. In 1805 he joined Britain in the War of the Third Coalition against Napoleon. After suffering massive defeats (Austerlitz and Friedland), he switched sides and formed an alliance with Napoleon which collapsed by 1810. Alexander's greatest triumph came in 1812 when Napoleon's invasion of Russia proved to be a catastrophic disaster for the French. During the second half of his reign, Alexander became increasingly fearful of plots against him.
Source: Wikipedia
Fürst von Bulgarien, Graf von Hartenau (1857-1893). Eigenh. Brief mit U. Graz. 26.01.1892. ¾ S. auf Doppelblatt. Folio. Beilage.
$ 725 / 650 €
(942493/BN942493)
An den Ausschuss des Technikerballes mit der Absage seiner Teilnahme wegen des Todes von Herzogin Ludovika in Bayern (1808-92), der Mutter von Kaiserin Elisabeth: "Die soeben eingetroffene Nachricht von dem Hinscheiden der Mutter I. M. unserer Kaiserin zwingt mich, zu meinem allergrößten Bedauern die hochgeehrten Herren Studenten zu bitten, meine Frau und mich entschuldigen zu wollen [...]". - Mit wenigen kleinen Randeinrissen, leicht tintenfleckig verso. Beiliegend der Zeitungsausschnitt einer Parte zu Alexanders Ableben.
russischer Zar (1777-1825). Autograph letter signed (paraph). St. P[etersburg]. 30.08.1801. 2 SS. auf Doppelblatt. 8vo.
$ 5,020 / 4.500 €
(73176/BN47452)
Apparently to his sister, Anna Pavlovna of Russia, reassuring her of his friendship: "[...] Tomorrow we leave for Moscow and my wife separates from her parents. This will not make the scene any gayer, as you can well imagine [...]" (transl.). - From the "Autograph Collection / Dr. Max Thorek / Chicago, Ill".