RUSSIA - [NICOLAS 1er] - Louis LEMENIL (1804-1872, actor, stayed 16 years in Russia at the Emperor's Court) / Autograph letter signed, 4 p in-8 (wetness without harming the text), St. Petersburg, December 31, 1851 (French style), to his friend Duval: after some affectionate bickering in a humorous tone, he recounts his life in Russia and is full of praise for the Emperor [Nicolas 1er], from whom he received 5 gifts of diamonds, "Voilà un bon et brave homme! I wish France a head as well organized as his!! and we'll be happy for a long time! this man is the most just, the most honest, and the most liberal of his empire... I would not finish saying good things about him... and don't think it's because he speaks to me, sometimes, because he gave us 5 gifts, no it's simply because I do him the justice that is due to him" / Enclosed: another letter from Leménil, 1 p in-4 (wetness) plus address page, to his same friend, which he signs "Leménil Comédien ordinaire de S. M. l'Empereur Nicolas".M. l'Empereur Nicolas".