UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE. No. XXVI-VOL. V.] For JANUARY, 1806. ALEXANDER THE FIRST, EMPEROR OF RUSSIA. [NEW SERIES. Austerlitz, was born† December the 12th, 1777. He was eldest son of the late emperor, Paul the First, by Maria princess is allied to the royal family of Prussia, and is still living. of Feodorovna, princess of Wirtemberg, his second consort. Testimate characters of princes; To estimate the che policy of cabi. and elucidate nets, is a task on which the ablest writer will not enter without diffidence. So inscrutable are the views that often regulate the conduct of courts; so unCatherine the Second, prescient of the apparent are the causes that sometimes fate experienced by the unfortunate reverse or determine the lot of empire; Paul, and anxious to perpetuate the and so variable are the interests of poli-rected her particular attention to the throne of Russia to her posterity, ditical connection, that it not only be comes impossible to anticipate the events education of her grandchildren, whom of futurity, but almost impracticable she was accustomed regularly to ques to appreciate those transactions of which tion, as to the nature and extent of we are the spectators. Who would their mental acquisitions, before their have conjectured, a few weeks past, preceptors, and for the benefit of whom, that the august subject of the she condescended to write various present wemoir, after having made a most tracts, which, under the title of " Mismagnanimous and successful stand acellaneous Pieces, or the Library of the gainst the subjugators of Europe, should Grand Dukes," were collected, and are be induced to relinquish a contest in still preserved in the imperial library at which he had been crowned with glo- Petersburgh. As the present emperor ry, without accomplishing the great had attained his nineteenth year previobjects for which he had so honour ous to the decease of Catherine, she ably contended? But, such is the mu- must have had the satisfaction to contemtability of human prosperity; and so plate, in some degree, the maturity of fatally are the hopes, not only of indi- those intellectual powers, to the cultividuals, but of nations, deceived! It vation of which she so eminently conremains for fortitude to sustain, and tributed. It is about this period that wisdom to repair those disasters, which Chantreau, in his "Philosophical Travigilance has failed to foresee, and vavels in Russia," speaks of Alexander as lour has not been able to avert. exceedingly promising." ALEXANDER, the first Russian emperor of the name, who has acted so distinguished a part on the plains of According to professor Pullas, the style of the Russian emperor is, "His Majesty, the most serene, most potent, and beloved Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias." The appellation of TZAR is supposed to have been borne by the monarchs of Russia, so early as 1015. That of AUTOCRAT was first assumed in July 1654, by Alexey Mitzhailovitch, and imports a SELF-RULER. In 1721, Peter the First added the dignity of EMPEROR to his other titles, 64 But Catherine, with all her felicity, was not invariably successful. Auxious to behold the extension of her progeny, she hastened the marriage of her The birth of the present emperor was thus announced by an imperial ukase, dated the 20th of December 1777. -"God having blessed their Imperial Highnesses with a first-born son, and Us (Catherine the Second) with a grandson, ALEXANDER PAVLOVITCH; We ordain, that in all cases and on all occasions, in our empire, that relate to him, the title of His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke Alexander Paylovitch' shall be given him." favourite grandson, who, at the age of politics and warfare. But the policy of sixteen, was united to Louisa, princess Russia did not authorise a precipitate of Baden Durlach, two years younger participation in the struggles of the. than the Grand Duke. She took the continent. Hitherto this power has name of Elizaveta Alexievna, conformably with the rules of the Greek church. Of this marriage there has been no is sue. Shortly after the completion of his twenty-third year (March 12th, O. S. 1801), Alexander, by a melancholy catastrophe, not uncommon to the sovereigns of Russia, was summoned to occupy the throne of his father; who had been strangled on the night preceeding, in his own palace, by two or three noble conspirators. The young monarch, a stranger to this tragedy, shed tears, when, on the morning of his accession to the crown, he was saluted by the soldiers, as their emperor ! Thus terminated the short reign of the miserable, and, apparently, infatuated Paul. His life was without importance, and his death excited no enquiry. been wholly passive, as to the contentions between France and England. Remote from the scene of contest, and unapproachable, at least comparatively, by any powers of whom he might have reason to stand in awe, nothing appears to have been more disinterested, more heroic, than the determination by which Alexander connected himself with the fortunes of Austria; and, even at the hazard of his own life, endeavoured to re-animate the spirit of that ancient and illustrious house. Having acceded to the continental confederacy against France, Alexander hastened to place himself at the head of those troops which he had marched to the assistance of the allies. He embraced this opportunity for visiting the king of Prussia. Alexander was graciously received by this potentate, whom he accompanied to the theatre of Berlin; where the people are reThe inauguration of Alexander was ported to have called on the two soveperformed with great magnificence. reigns for a vigorous opposition to the The emperor and empress were both French. The interviews of monarchs crowned at Moscow, in September 1801; are seldom unproductive of events comthe archbishop Platon, then one hun-mensurate with the dignity of the pardred and five years old, and who had placed the same diadem upon three of his successive sovereigns, officiating on the occasion. With the dethronement of Paul ended that system of foreign ascendancy, which threatened to annihilate the best interests of his country. There was at once a stop to the revolutionary intrigues of France. Russia, indeed, afforded the only spot on which persecuted royalty, and exiled honour, were permitted to repose. Cultivating the friendship of England, extending and improving the metropolis of his empire, inviting and naturalizing valuable or illustrious aliens, and ameliorating the national jurisprudence, the emperor Alexander proved how seriously he had considered the welfare of the people over whom he was destined to reign, and his competency to discharge the duties of his elevated situation. It is not to be supposed, that such a potentate could remain merely a spectator of the important scenes that were transacting on the theatre of European ties. Over the tomb of Frederick the Great, if intelligence is to be credited, these illustrious personages renewed the recollection of those ties which formerly strengthened the alliance of their respective families, and vowed to each other an invariable and permanent friendship. Experience will shew to what extent this transaction may affect the system of European politics. Prussia, at any rate, is likely to have secured the co-operation of Russia, should she be compelled, in her own defence, to resent and resist the predominating influence of France. Inauspicious as was the situation in which Alexander found the allied armies, he resolutely headed his troops, rallied the spirits of the confederates, and determined to attack their common enemy. He performed prodigies of valour. It was in this conflict, which is supposed to have continued during three days, (from December the 2d to Deceinber the 4th, 1805,) that he had a horse shot under him; that, in the hottest of the fire, he, who had never be fore engaged in battle, rode through the ranks, exclaiming," Victory or death!" and, inspiring in them the sentiments which glowed within himself, was hailed by the assurance, "We never will forsake our emperor!" That such courage should have been ineffectually exerted, must occasion matter of honourable regret to every refecting and patriotic mind. An armistice being soon after concluded between the emperors of Germany and France, Alexander departed for Russia. Speculation might delight to enquire into the probable consequences of mili tary adventure on the mind of this estimable and powerful prince. He has braved the dangers of battle. Sacrificing his accustomed ease and tranquillity, regardless of personal disaster, and emulous only of signalizing himself as the benefactor of an oppressed monarch, he has willingly devoted himself to toil and peril, and acquired, in no mean degree, the consideration due to exalted worth and illustrious atchievements.Alexander is not to be numbered with those who seem contented tamely to relinquish the ascendancy to which they are entitled. He who voluntarily endeavoured to oppose a barrier to the desolation of distant states, will magnanimously assert the honour and independence of his own dominions. It is, however, against the machinations of the common enemy that Russia has principally to guard. The present chief of the French, never forgetful of his interests, has constantly evinced a disposition to conciliate the Russian sovereign; who has only to remember, that what violence will fail to accomplish, stratagem may be directed to secure. More is sometimes to be apprehended from intrigue, than from force. To repeat the language of an illustrious statesman, there is no safety for honest men, but by believing all possible evil of wicked men, and by acting with vigour, promptitude, and decision on that belief! Of the personal character and appearance of the emperor Alexander, the charms and virtues of his empress, and the characteristics of the Russian court, some interesting descriptions, by an in "ALEXANDER," says Mr. Carr, "is about twenty-nine years of age, his face is full, very fair, and his complexion pale; his eyes blue, and expressive of that beneficent mildness which is one of the prominent features of his character. His person is tall, lusty, and well-proportioned; but being a little deaf, to facilitate his hearing, he stoops: his deportment is condescending, yet dignified. In the discharge of his august duties he displays great activity and acuteness; but without show and bustle; the leading features of his mind are sound discretion and humanity. He is so much an enemy to parade, that he is frequently seen wrapped up in his regimental cloak, riding about the capital alone, upon a little common droshka. In this manner he has been known to minister to the wants of the poor. It is his wish, if he should be recognised in this state of privacy, that no one will take off their hats; but the graciousness of this desire only puts the heart in the hand, as it uncovers the head. I have many times seen him in a chariot perfectly plain, of a dark olive, drawn by four horses, driven by a bearded coachman, a common little postillion, and attended by a single footman. Soldiers are always upon the look out for him, to give timely notice to the guard of his approach; without this precaution, it would be impossible, amidst the crowd of carriages which is to be seen in the residence, to pay him the honours due to his rank. Although the emperor has never visited England, he is perfectly acquainted with its character and manners, as he is with its language. He is very much attached to the English, numbers of whom have settled in the empire, and have formed, under the auspices of the governinent, a sort of colony +." *Carr's splendid publication, intitled, "A Northern Summer; or, Travels round the Baltic," in 1804. ALEXANDER, adds Mr. Carr, has often been heard to say, that "the man "The face of the reigning EMPRESS," observes Mr. Carr, " is very sweet and expressive; her person is slight, but very elegant, and of the usual height of her sex; she is remarkably amiable; and diffident, even to shyness. Her mind is highly cultivated, and her manners soft, gracious, and fascinating." within whose reach Heaven has placed the greatest materials for making life happy, was, in his opinion, an English country gentleman." A very amiable and respectable English gentleman," continues Mr. C. illustrating the character of Alexander the First, Mr. Gof the treasury, was, by the wish of Catherine, brought up with him, and was the playmate and associate of his early years. The incidents of boyish days, so dear to every feeling and generous mind, left their accustomed impressions upon the heart of Alexander; and though rank placed him at an immea surable distance from his early companion, he has never ceased to honour him with the most gracious regard, &c. + Lanskoi, or Lonsky, the favourite to whom Catherine the Second appears to have been most tenderly attached, sprung from an ancient Polish family; and was selected by the empress from her Chevalier Guards in 1780. His f gure was fine and interesting. Finding his education had been neglected, Ca therine (says Mr. Tooke) took the care of his improvement on herself. She adorned his mind with every useful knowledge, and he was very soon as distinguishable for his acquirements, and the superior elegance of his manners, as he was already by the graces of his person. Her love for this amiable youth was ardent and sincere: she ad"When an English gentleman, who, mired in him her own creation; but a short time before the death of Paul, this satisfaction was not of long conti had frequently played duets upon the nuance. Lauskoi was attacked with a flute with the Grand Duke (Alexan- violent fever (1784), and perished in der), was preparing to quit the empire the flower of his age, in the arms of for his own country, Alexander thus her majesty, who lavished upon him, apostrophised the flute of his friendly to the very last moment, all the tendermusician-Adieu, sweet instrument! ness the most passionate affection could you have charmed away many an hour inspire. of care; often and deeply shall I regret the absence of your enchanting sounds: but you are going to breathe them in the best, and happiest country, in the world." "Whilst I was at Petersburgh," proceeds Mr. C. ** a book called Secret Memoirs of the Court of Petersburg,' was published. The author was a French emigrant, and had been cherished by that court whose intrigues he had ungratefully exaggerated to the world. This man had the audacity to request permission of the emperor to return to Petersburg, which he had quitted some time before. The emperor sent him word, that his dominions were open to every body, but he was not so much his enemy as to recommend his entering them." On the first shock occasioned by the death of Lanskoi, the empress (who survived him about twelve years) ofdered herself to be put to bed, inditierent to life or death, being almost entirely absorbed in grief. She refused all sustenance for several days, and remained three months without quitting her palace of Tzarsko-selo. In the imperial gardens of that hut, she afterwards raised a superb mausoleum to Lanskoi, just visible, through the trees, from the windows of her private apartment.→→→ More than two years subsequently, when accidentally walking near this monument, she was observed to shed abundance of tears! Of all those whom she had elected into her favour, Lanskoi, indeed, best merited the kindness of Catherine. He loved and esteemed The men amounted to four thousand, pany was marching off the ground, a and presented a very noble and martial lane was formed to the palace through appearance. Their uniform consisted the people, who gazed upon their young of a round hat, with only a rim in emperor with enthusiastic delight." front, and green feather; a short green coat, buttoned tight round the body, and white duck breeches, cut very high, so that no waistcoat is necessary. The belly of the soldier is tightly strapped in, for the purpose of giving an artificial breadth to the chest. "The emperor came from the palace, mounted upon a beautiful grey charger, attended by two or three officers. He wore an amazing large cocked hrat, fastened under his chin by a black leather strap, and buttoned, to prevent the wind from occasioning any accident. The rest of his dress was a short coat of dark olive-green colour, decorated with a small star, and the cordon blue, white leather breeches, and high military boots, with very long projecting spurs. Upon this occasion there is always a great concourse of the comonalty, and a great muster of officers to pay their respects to the emperor, who rode, at an easy canter, down the line. Reigning in the affections of his people, possessing absolute controul over the resources of a mighty empire, with dispositions to improve these advantages, and ability to bring them into action, to the emperor of Russia mankind may reasonably look for some por◄ tion of that illustrious atchievement, without which the ancient edifice of civil society, in its present state of mutilation, cannot long resist the assaults of its adversaries. Alexander, profiting by his recent initiation into the business of war, will hasten to reform the errors of his military system, and, having improved the temper and discipline of his forces, will be ambitious of directing this mass of power to some object, at once signal and beneficial. Discretion, firmness, and courage, qualities which his opponents acknowledge him to possess, appear not to haye been granted to this potentate in vain. He cannot mistake the situation in which he is destined to act. Never will it be forgiven him, by the inexorable Napoleon, that he has generously and openly protected the persecuted adherents of the House of Eourbon; that, "As he passed, I was much surprised to hear each company salute him with deep-toned voices; and highly gratified when I was informed that the salutation was-Good day to our emperor! Upon in his progress towards Vienna, he had his return, he alighted, and took his station in the centre, when the regiments passed the emperor (who stood uncovered all the time) in open order, the band playing and officers saluting. As the imperial colours passed (which time, or war, or both, had reduced to a few shreds of silk) all the officers and spectators bowed! As the last com the constancy not to forget the legiti mate claimant of the throne of France, whom he visited with respect, and embraced with kindness. Nor will it be passed over, that he has uniformly refused to recognise the imperial dignity assumed by Bonaparte. It is not for the emperor of Russia to be unmindful of these considerations. He must discern the signs of the times and, convinced that there is no safety but in the sword, he will doubtless be prepared to her while living; and, at his decease, encounter the worst resentiment of an. it was found that he had bequeathed his implacable enemy. There remains now property to her, by whose munificence neither soothing in supplication, nor it had been conferred. This legacy, safety in submission. Only that peo however, was returned to the sisters of ple may expect independence and hapof Lanskoi, the empress reserving to piness, who are determined to confirm herself only the right of purchasing some them with their blood, or relinquish particular portions of it. them but with their lives. |