Manuscript DS in Cyrillic, one page, 21 x 14.75, August 8, 1769. In part (translated): "Inasmuch as we have recognized the need to establish a Russian Charge d’Affaires within the domain of His Majesty the King of Naples, so that our subjects who arrive there to dispatch their merchants can find the patronage and succor they need, and as we have been apprised of dignity and art, we have then elected him into this capacity, and to this end have given him a commission, established and resolved, and with this patent signed by our hand do give said commission, establishing and resolving him to be our Russian Charge d’Affaires within the domain of His Majesty the King of Naples, and therefore request of his Majesty the King, and require of his viceroys, governors, and the other attendants…recognize as our Charge d’Affaires, who has been empowered and given this consular position to fully discharge with equanimity, and to accord him all the rights, privileges, and liberties.” The areas where the appointee’s name would be have been left blank. Signed at the conclusion by Catherine and countersigned by Prince Alexander Golitsyn. The large white paper seal affixed to the left side remains fully intact. An additional unsigned manuscript translation in Latin is attached to the reverse. In fine condition, with expected document wear. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA.
At the time of this document Ferdinand IV [later Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies] was king of Naples, presenting an interesting religious connection to this document. Ferdinand had expelled the Jesuits from Naples in 1767, as did many other European countries in the following years. Catherine, despite placing strictures on Roman Catholics in February 1769, provided asylum for Jesuits in Russia as they fled from other nations. An attractive and incredibly well preserved document from early in her reign. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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