EMPEROR OF RUSSIA ALEXANDER I (1778 – 1825), Charter to Confirm Paul the First` Decree on Granting Lands and Peasants in Saratov Province to Chevalier Guard Corps` Staff - Captain (now Colonel) Bezobrozov. april 11, 1804.

On parchment, 2 p. 46,2 x 32 cm Handwritten signature of Alexander I. Also signed below by Chancellor Count Alexander Kurakin. Whole fabric binding. Silk flyleaves. Text in artwork ornament frames made with gold and silver leaves and water colors. Title page frame decorated with Alexander I monogram, arms of Russian province cities and two-headed eagle emblem. State wax seal fragment with silver tassels attached. Highly likely the Charter was designed for Lavrentiy Afanas`evich Bezobrazov (1775-1832) – afterwards Major-General and Patriotic war 1812` participant. In 1782 he started his Army service in Riga regiment. Staff Captain of Chevalier Guards regiment in 1797. Colonel in 1799. In 1812 he formed at his own expense a volunteer squad consisting of his serfs. Later he was commander of Penza volunteers horse Kazak regiment. Participant of military actions against Napoleon. Awarded the Oder of St. Vladimir of the 3d degree for his regiment skillful actions in Leipzig battle. Later was promoted into Major-General rank for his regiment heroism under Magdeburg which was held as an example for the rest cavalry. After the war he was living in his family estate in Penza province. Provenance: academician Bondarchuk’s collection.