The charismatic and enigmatic Russian mystic Grigori Rasputin insinuated himself into the Russian royal family when he “healed” the young Tsarevich Alexei’s hemophilia in 1905. From that point, his influence on the Romanovs grew ever greater, and his sway over the Empress Alexandra, who believed that God spoke to her through him, was especially powerful. In the waning days of Imperial Russia, he was viewed by the Russian nobility as increasingly dangerous, and an assassination plot was hatched. Recent theories have credited the assassination to the British government, apparently in response to worries that Rasputin was using his influence to replace pro-British ministers in the Russian government and to effect the withdrawal of Russian troops from the First World War. ALS in Russian, signed “Grigorij,” one page, 5.25 x 8.25, no date. Very brief letter to the Archbishop of Petrogras. In full (translated), “Give her your blessing, Eminence, and lister to her.” Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope, addressed in Rasputin’s hand to His Eminence Peterim, Archbishop of Petrograd (St. Petersburg). In very good condition, with light overall, somewhat irregular toning to letter and envelope, several horizontal folds and some light soiling. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
