Tsarina Ekaterina II (1729 - 1796) – a handwritten letter to her Quartermaster General Count von Elmpt Double sheet measuring 22.5 x 19 cm with a "D & C Blauw" watermark. Two pages written in ink, Ekaterina writes in German (tr.): "...I have received your two letters safely and written to the Governor General about them ... my opinion has not changed, I still insist on my edict and the aforementioned letter is written in confirmation of this matter. I furthermore hope that the construction of this important building will progress without any obstacles ... Incidentally, I cannot express anything but satisfaction with your conduct ... Caterina". Folded. Includes a portrait of the tsarina in calling card format. Field Marshal Ivan Karpovich Count von Elmpt (1725 Cleves - 1802 Courland) joined the French military service early and went to Russia in 1749. He was appointed Colonel in 1755, honoured for his courage in the Seven Years' War in 1759 and consequently became Brigadier. In 1762, Tsar Peter III promoted him to Major General and Quartermaster General. In 1763, he received the Order of Saint Anna, and Catherine II awarded him the Order of Alexander Nevsky for the conquest of Moldavia, especially due to his contribution to the storming of Khotyn Fortress in the campaign led by Prince Golitsyn. In 1796, he became Infantry General, Commander of the Livlandsky Division, Chief of the Saint Petersburg Grenadier Regiment, which was named after him. In 1798, Tsar Paul I appointed him Field Marshal and awarded him the Order of Saint Andrew. Von Elmpt retired from the Russian army in 1798. Condition: II