1017. ALEXANDER II (1818 - 1881) Emperor of Russia responsible for the emancipation of the serfs, and made important contributions to the reform of the judiciary, economy and educational systems. Very fine content L.S. as Tsar, 2pp. 4to., St. Petersburg, April 9, 1879 in German to a German field marshal remarking on yet another attempt on his life. In full: "Accept my most cordial thanks for your letter form Karlsbad and the renewed expression of your devotion to me, with which I am well acquainted. Ever solidly convinced of your fidelity and devotion, I cannot doubt the grave impression on you on learning of another crime against me. The Almighty, with His merciful protection, has spared me my life for the third time. In His unending Grace I find the power and strength needed to fulfill my calling for the well-being and happiness of my people...". During the latter part of the 1870s, Alexander II was the target of increasingly frequent assassination attempts. His enemies finally got it right on March 13, 1881 when he was critically wounded in a bombing incident, dying several hours later. His death was blamed on several persons purported to be Jewish, unleashing a terrible series of pogroms against the Jewish community in Russia. Ex: Rendell. Usual folds, very light toning, otherwise in fine condition. $300 - 400