Lot 104
Paul I (1754-1801) Son of Catherine the Great and her successor (1796-1801); he was assassinated. Considered a saint and martyr by some. Autogrpah Letter Signed ("Paul I") as Czar, one page, 7¾ x 6", Moscow, Mar. 23, 1797. In French, written one year after ascending the throne, to General Christoph von Benckendorff, who served as military governor of Livonia : "I truly share your pain my dear Benckendorf about the loss you have just sustained….You can feel at ease concerning the service. I know you and I am confident. Be assured that I regard it more than ever as my duty to have taken care of your family. Your affectionate Paul I." Benckendorff's mother was a lady-in-waiting to the Empress, Maria Feodorovna, and his wife (Anne Juliane Schilling von Canstatt) was a close friend of the Empress. Among their children were the Russian generals Constantine and Alexander von Benckendorff and Princess Dorothea von Lieven, who married the Russian ambassador to London. She was influential in the diplomatic, political, and social affairs of Great Britain, France, and Russia.
Estimated Value $500 - 700.
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| Realized $1,260 |
