First edition in English of these reminiscences of Baron vom Stein (1757–1831) and Count Pozzo di Borgo (1764–1842), both of whom had served in Russia under Alexander I, and their connections to Napoleon I. Published originally in French in 1846, this sketch came out in English translation by D. Forbes Campbell already a year later.

Our copy bears a presentation inscription from the translator to Napoleon III, who was elected the President of the French Second Republic the following year: "à Son Altesse, Le Prince Napoleon L. Bonaparte temoignage d'estime et d'amitié de la part de D. Forbes Campbell Londres 20 Avril '47'".

The work was written by Count Ouvaroff (1786 - 1855), a Russian classical scholar best remembered as an influential imperial statesman under Nicholas I of Russia. "A few copies were printed at St. Petersburg for the distribution among the literary and political friends of the author. Ten of these copies were sent to Paris, where, through the indiscretion of some person, detached portions appeared in the French newspapers, and to complete the indelicacy of the proceeding, the name of the author was divulged" (Preface).

WorldCat locates only 2 copies outside Europe, at Trinity College, CT and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

Octavo (22.5 × 15 cm), pp. iv, [5]–24; first and last pages dust-soiled, a couple of stains to the title; uncut and stab-sewn as issued, vertical crease where previously folded, fore-edge a little ragged.