HARDENBERG KARL AUGUST VON: (1750-1822) Prussian Statesman. Prime Minister of Prussia 1804-06, 1807 & 1810-22. Hardenberg is recognized as one of the most important statesman of his time, being credited with the improvement of the army system, the abolition of serfdom, and most of all the complete reform of the educational system. A very good L.S., `A. Hardenberg´, one page, folio, Berlin, 7<sup>th</sup> April 1805, to Marshal Berthier, in French. Hardenberg, on behalf of the King of Prussia, and in his capacity as Prussian prime minister, reports to Marshal Berthier about the decoration granted to him by his sovereign, stating in part `C´est avec une satisfaction bien vive que je remplis les volontés du Roi mon Maitre, en transmettant de Sa part à Votre Excellence les marques des grands Ordres de Prusse´ (“It is with great satisfaction that I fulfil the wishes of the King my Master, by transmitting on His behalf to Your Excellency the marks of the great Orders of Prussia”) Hardenberg further refers to Napoléon, saying `Sa Majesté S´est determine à Vous les conférer Monsieur le Maréchal par une suite et des sentiments distingués qu´elle vous porte et du plaisir qu´elle éprouve à répondre aux vues de Sa Majesté Impériale, Votre Auguste Souverain´ (“His Majesty has determined to confer them on you, Monsieur the Marshal, by following and the distinguished feelings that he has for you and the pleasure that he feels in responding to the views of His Imperial Majesty, Your August Sovereign”) A letter of good association. With blank integral leaf. Small overall age toning, mostly to edges, small staining and remnants of former affixing to the verso of the blank leaf, otherwise G

 

Frederick William III (1770-1840) King of Prussia 1797-1840.