CATHERINE II THE GREAT: (1762-1796) Empress of Russia 1762-96, Catherine the Great. An excellent and...

CATHERINE II THE GREAT: (1762-1796) Empress of Russia 1762-96, Catherine the Great. An excellent and very attractive D.S., `Ekaterina´, in Cyrillic, a bold and good signature example, one large page, oblong 15 x 21 folio, Saint Petersburg, 8th August 1769, in Cyrillic. The document bears to the front a splendid and very large paper seal with coat of Imperial arms and is signed by the `Empress and Sovereign of All Russias..´, being a title given, appointing a representative to the Pope Clemens XIV, who will carry out his duties from the Russian consulate established in the port city of Ancona on the Adriatic Sea. Countersigned at the base by Prince Alexander Golitsyn. It is likely that this appointment was postponed or canceled, the name of the diplomat having never been completed. It was probably part of a political strategy of Catherine II who, after the occupation of Poland, had waited only a spark to launch a war of expansion against Turkey, under the false pretext of providing help to Christians against the unbelievers. It will be done in September 1768, and the port of Ancona, natural gate to Turkey, will serve as a base for the Russian fleet already installed in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1771, Russia will seize Crimea and the Turks will finally sign peace in 1774. Accompanied by an official contemporary translation into Latin, attached to main document signed by Catherine II. Very small overall minor age wear. VG £2500-3500

Prince Alexander Golitsyn (1718-1783) Russian Marshal and Diplomat. Governor of Saint Petersburg. One of the main Russian military leaders involved in the war against Turks.