NESSELRODE KARL: (1780-1862) Russian diplomat who served as Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire from 1816-56. A.L.S., Nesselrode, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d. ('Samedi matin'; 15th October 1853), to Sir Hamilton [Seymour], in French. Nesselrode writes to complete the information which he gave to his correspondent yesterday, and informs Seymour that 'nous avons recu hier au soir la declaration de guerre.......et la sommation adressee au Pr. Gortichakoff' (Translation: 'we received yesterday evening the declaration of war…..and the summons addressed to Pr. Gortichakoff'). With blank integral leaf (a few very small, minor areas of paper loss to the edge). VG Sir George Hamilton Seymour (1797-1880) British diplomat who served as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of St Petersburgh 1851-54. Alexander Gorchakov (1798-1883) Russian Prince, diplomat and statesman who served as Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire 1856-82. Nesselrode's letter is written just one day before the commencement of the Crimean War, a three-year conflict between Russia and the ultimately victorious alliance of the Ottoman Empire, France, the United Kingdom and Sardinia-Piedmont.