Lot 63
Catherine II (1729-96) Empress of Russia (1762-96); called Catherine the Great. Born a minor German princess, she married Grand Duke Peter, the weak and incompetent successor to the Russian throne, in 1745. In July 1762, six months after becoming Tsar, Peter was deposed and murdered and Catherine succeeded him. She was devoted to art, literature, science, and politics. She also greatly expanded the Russian Empire.
Manuscript Letter unsigned but with Catherine's black wax seal, two and one-third pages, in French, n.p., N[ovember] 27, n.y. (c. 1757-58). Integral address leaf says "For Le Stolnia / Count Poniatowski." ("Stolnia" was a title used by Poniatowski during 1757-58). Written while still married to Peter, during her affair with Poniatowski.
"Very well, since it's necessary to speak very plainly and since you have decided not to understand what I have been telling you for six months, it's that if you come here, you run the risk of having both of us massacred. If, after the most specific orders to Kayserling [Catherine's ambassador to Poland] and the numerous reprimands to Rzyzewski on their behavior towards you, you say that you are by no means backed, I beg of you to tell me what will have to be done. I had Osten written to. It is true that he is quite comfortable in reproaching people, but if people only behaved according to the will of others around them, they would not last very long. Have I thus displayed such a horrible ingratitude, is it because I prevent you and by no means want you to come here? There is thus far nothing to complain about in my opinion. I have told you that even our letters do not mean anything, nothing at all and if you were prudent, you would take care not to write them, simply giving everything that concerns business to Kayserling to send to me. The last letters were almost taken by thieves and it would have been a fine mess if my bundle had been opened and handed in. Ministerally, I lived all of your letters and was not prepared afterwards for the strongest ones. Because of my most sincere friendship for you and yours, I will be accused of utter ingratitude. You will say what you will; however, I will do all I can for your family in standing by you as best I can."
Stanislaus Poniatowski (1732-98) became the last king of Poland in 1764 with the help of Catherine. They had met in 1755 while Poniatowski was in the service of England's ambassador to St. Petersburg, Sir Charles Hanbury-Williams. Catherine and Poniatowski had a five-year affair which produced a daughter, Anna (January 1758), who died in 1759.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 5,000
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| Realized $6,300 |
