Paul I (1874-1801 Emperor of Russia 1796-1801, son of Peter III and Catherine the Great who succeeded Catherine, instituted reforms to help the serfs, angering the nobility. Assassinated. Manuscript D.S. 1p. 8vo., St. Petersburg, Nov. 12, 1796, headed "Imperial Decree To Our Office Of Construction Of Buildings and and Gardens". It reads, in part: "...We most graciously assign this office of the administration to our Major General Popov." Fine.