VOLKONSKY PETR MIKHAILOVICH (1776-1852) Protection certificate signed issued by Mr. Bourgeois in Troyes. [France], 1 February 1814. 1 leaf, 44x36 cm. Verge paper, typographic printing, brown oak ink. In Russian, French and German. Official stamp and autograph signature of Prince Volkonsky. ‘In the name of HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, to all troops, commands and persons belonging to the active armies are ordered to protect the house and estate of Mr. Bourgeois in the city of Troyes from insults, oppression and claims of any kind, providing him with all protection and assistance, under penalty of the strictest punishment by a military court for failure to comply.’ Petr Mikhailovich Volkonsky (1776-1852) was a Russian military and court official and field marshal. In 1801-1805, he was assistant to the head of Alexander I’s Military Campaign Office. He distinguished himself in the Battle of Austerlitz, where he personally led troops into battle. In 1810-1812, he was in charge of the quartermaster’s department and was one of the organisers of the General Staff. From December 1812, he was Chief of the General Staff of the Army under Field Marshal Kutuzov and, After his death, under Alexander I. From 1815 to 1823, he was Chief of the General Staff and de facto commander of the Russian army.