#MB85
1873
Octavo (ca. 21x13 cm). 2 pp. Black ink on blue paper, with two period or slightly later ink notes in a different hand (Dolgorukov’s title, in English and in Russian). Slightly worn on folds, a small hole in the left upper corner after detaching the letter from an old mount, but overall a very good letter.
A social letter by influential Russian statesman Vladimir Dolgorukov, general of the cavalry, General Governor of Moscow in 1865-1891, and a member of the State Council after 1881. As the General Governor of Moscow Dolgorukov achieved wide popularity for his generosity, hospitality and charitable activities. During the Russian-Turkish war (1877-78) he actively supported the Red Cross, having assembled over 3 million roubles for the society’s hospitals, sanitary ships and trains. In 1874 Dolgorukov was awarded with the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First Called; in 1875 during the celebration of his 10th anniversary as the General Governor of Moscow the City Council bestowed him the title of the honorary citizen of Moscow.
In the letter Dolgorukov thanks his correspondent (“Monsieur”) for the souvenir and the intention to “take care of my watch. I will use the way you’ll show me to pay the amount of my debt. <…> I have got one regret to express to you – your letter didn’t show me the prospect of your return to Moscow. I don’t despair the pleasure to meet you somewhere else”.
