ALEXANDER II (1818-1881) EMPEROR OF RUSSIA, KING OF POLAND AND GRAND DUKE OF FINLAND Handwritten letter addressed to Ekaterina Dolgorukova. Letter n°70 (10/22 mars 1869)

in French and Russian Letter n°70 (10-22 mars 1869) Monday 10/22 March 1869, at 12 ¾ pm. Tuesday 11/23 March, at 9 ½ h. in the morning. Letter on folded sheet, 4pp. Embossed imperial monogrammed paper, walnut ink. 18.5 x 12 cm Monday 22 March 1869, 12.45 p.m. Alexander II is convinced that despite all the obstacles he may encounter, he is ready to do anything to become one with her before God... In addition to all his obligations and his forbidden love, he shares his poetic inspirations. Tuesday 23 March, 9.15 am This letter from Alexander II to Katya contains various allegations about their last privileged moments together... ‘I love you, my angel, Katya ...hug and kiss you tight... my treasure’. Alexander II recalls their recent amoirous affair using their secret word ‘bingerle’: ‘Good morning, my beloved Angel, I slept exceptionally well and woke up still feeling the effects of last night’s wild bingerles.’