JOHANNA ELISABETH OF HOLSTEIN-GOTTORP: (1712-1760) German regent, Princess of Anhalt-Zerbst and the mother of Catherine the Great of Russia. L.S., Elisabeth Johanna, with holograph subscription, one page, folio, Zerbst, 28th December 1755, to Prince Friedrich, Duke of Saxony, in German. The Princess writes to assure her cousin that she will always be at his service, in part, 'Rest assured of our continued deference and please accept our warmest wishes at the turn of the year. At the same time, we would like to ask you to grant us your kindness and to stand by our side in times of spiritual and physical worries and needs. Furthermore, we would like to ask you to guarantee this, by princely decree, in our wider environment. We would like to assure you once again that we are happy to render any favours you request'. With integral address leaf bearing a good black wax seal. Some light age wear and a few minor tears to the edges, otherwise VG

Augustus III (1696-1763) King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania 1733-63 and Elector of Saxony in the Holy Roman Empire (where he was known as Frederick Augustus II).