Russian czar (1672–1725) who ruled from 1682 until his death. Peter was an instrumental force in the Westernization and expansion of Russia into a major European power. During his reign, the intellectually voracious Peter gained firsthand experience in a number of trades and specialized skills, including shipbuilding, dentistry, and others. His efforts at modernization included a decree outlawing traditional long beards for government officials, with the exception of those willing to pay an annual “beard tax” of 100 rubles. LS in Russian (Cyrillic), boldly signed “Peter,” one page both sides, 6 x 8, December 2, 1718. Peter writes from St. Petersburg to a lieutenant colonel. In full (translated): “Your letter of November 25 reached us, and you write that Arcenie is dying, [which] we greatly regret. If (God preserve from it) his life is finished already, order the doctor to perform an autopsy, to open his intestines and find out what the sickness was, and pay the doctor. Write to us afterwards. Send the body to Petersburg....” Less than two years earlier, Peter faced an “image” crisis with his son, the Czarevitch Alexei, offered to cede his issue to his infant half-brother. Alexei then fled Russia rather than face his father, who had persistently expressed his disapproval over Alexei’s lackluster military service and lack of ambition. Peter viewed Alexei’s flight as scandalous, especially as it had been aided and abetted by a foreign leader, Charles VI of Austria, Alexei’s brother-in-law. Alexei maintained his self-imposed exile until January 1718, agreeing to return to Russia only on the condition that he would not be punished and would be allowed to live in peace. Peter instead subjected him to brutal interrogation, extracting a “confession” and summarily torturing and killing all of Alexei’s friends and associates. Peter, who viewed Alexei as a traitor, sought a decision on his son’s fate from a council of clergy, who noted that the matter was civil rather than ecclesiastical. When the decision was placed before a panel of senators and other magistrates, Alexei was found guilty and sentenced to death. Hoping to exact further information on possible collusion against him, Peter ordered the torture to continue until Alexei succumbed two days later, on July 7, 1718. In good to very good condition, with intersecting folds, scattered soiling and light staining (the latter mainly confined to margins), and wear to one edge with small chips and tears. The writing is clear throughout, and the signature is large and dark. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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