Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-01-25
COUNT ORLORsss TREAGHERY-A
DARK PAGE FROM HISTORY.


one of the most prominent actors in the
murder of Peter Ill of Russia. But -treach-
erOus as was that deed, it loses halt its black
ness when compared with another commit
ted by him at the instigation of Catharine II,
widow and successor 10 the murdered mon
arch. .a..
Catharine, not being a native Russian
princess, was most desiTOus of removing
from her path all who might be supposed
likely 10 disturb the security Of her Govern
ment and Ia order 10 effect her pdrpose, in
one instance, she and her associate, Orlotf,
exercised degree of feudish ingenuity
almost unparalleled in history. The unfor-
tuIate girl who excited the jealousy of
CslhsIine was Russian Princess, aud grand
daughttr to Peter the Great. Elizabeth ii,
h daughter, contracted a private marriage
withu0nnt Alexey Razumoffsky, and three
children, two sons and daughter, were the
issue OF this union. Of the sons it is only
necessary 20 say that one was accidentally
killed, ar d the other not judged of sufficient
political importance to excite either jealousy
or suspicion. But it was otherwise with the
young Princess Tarranakof, the subject Of
our story. ls
The ambitious designs of the Empress
Oatharine with regsrdto Poland excited the
indignation of the Polish mobiles, and one
Of these, Couut Radziyill, conceived the de-
sign OF using this young native Princess as
an instrument in supplanting her. For this
purpose, by dint of bribing her female at
tend8nis, he secretly removed her to Poland,
and thence to Italy. Many attempts were
made to induce Radzivill to place the young
Princess in the power OF Catharine; but
though reduced to poverty by the con6sca-
tion of his estates, the promise of their
restoration, and the offer of the most costly
brides, failed in inducing him to yield. No
effect being produced by such proposals, the
Emp ess had recourse TO threats. Mysterious
Communications were conveyed to the Polish
OOuI {, intimating that ruin and misery i'm
pC Cnded over the Princess Tarranakoff which
could he avtrted only by his ceasing al cor
respOndence with her. Whatever ambitious
designs might have aetuated Radzivill, he
was most anxious for the safety of the un-
fortunate girl What could be do7 Shorn
of his estates and dignities, and in a foreign
land, how was he to protect her from a pow
erful Empress and most un. crupulous woman2
Unhappily, he yielded to these covert mem
aces and took final leave of the Princess,
having first exacted pledge from the Rus
sian Government that she should remain
unmolested. H
This separation effected, the most difficult
part of Catharine's work was completed, and
by the aid cfthe Count Alexey 0rlof, and
one of bis infamous associates, the rest became
easy. Though the murderer OF her husband,
Count Alexey retained the favor of his i'm
perial mistress; doubtless, she found him a
most useful tool in accomplishing other dark
deeds, though fouler crime than the one
committed on this hapless Princess could
hardly disgrace human nature. When first
resident at Rome, the grand daughter of
Peter the Great was amply supplied with
every thiDg,beftting her rank but at the
time Orlof came thither, she was almost in
want, and occupying poor lodging in a
humble quarter of the city. Judge of her
surprise when an elegantly attired officer
called upon her to offer his services. Though
he was 20 all appearance wealthy, and her
situation one Of actual Indulgence, he paid her
the same respect as though she had been
seated on the imperial throne. When in
Vited to sit in her presence, he respectfully
declined. Misfortune" said he, "cau not
alter your claims to our respect. Can |,
when you are before me, forget that the
grand daughter of the illustrious Gear Peter
the Great is entitled to all the homage can
offer 2 Is 1T for me, because you are in for
eign land, to forget that to you, and not to
the tyIannical foreigner who occupies it, be-
longs the imperial throne ofRussia2 l have
notthe honor to be your countryman, but
believe me, Princess, / am not the less de-
voted to your service in which | would
freely lay down my life."
The unfortunate Princess listened with de-
was long since such respectful language had
greeted her ears, and the departure of
RsdziyIlle had almost reduced her to despair
She answered this hattering speech in terms
which proved how much pleasure it had
given her, and desired to know to whom she
was indebted for this solicitude respecting
her welfare. To this her visitor replied:
THAT his name was of little moment since
he was only the ambassador sent by some of
har fKsA al
hearts bied to think that she, the descendant
Of one SO doubly illustrious as the Ozar Peter
the Great had proved himself to be, should
be exposed to neglect and indulgence in for
elgn land" The Princess being naturally
curious to know the names of those whose
interest was SO deeply excited in her behalf
again pressed her visitor for information on
this point, but be still refused to crafty her
curiosity. He, however, begged permission
to present one who would explain ali and
having obtained it, withdrew as from the
presence Of q sovereign prince, having first
knelt to kiss her hand.
The visitor who thus imposed upon the
eredulity of the Princess Tarranakof was
indeed employed by one Of her countrymen,
he being the spy and associate of Count
AleKey OTloff. The uniform in which he
appeared was of course assumed for the oc-
casion, as be was in reality man of most
NIdAAIlgAg q NCApDllbdn ny DlILut
and chosen as his tool by the Count, because
he had already committed crimes sufficient
to prove that he would enter unscrupulously
into the designs Of that nebleman. Ribas,
for that was bis name, did not at once intro
duee Orlof 70 the presence of his intended
victim; be repeated his visit, and finding
that she was in actual need, induced her 10
make use OF his purse, and by the respect he
paid her, completely won her confidence.
Now was Orlof's time. When informed
that the seheme Of his emissary had proved
successful, and the Princess was duly pre-
pared to listen to and believe whatever he
might advance, the principal tragedian, 90
we may call him, appeared on the stage.
Better skilled in the ways Of q Count than
was his eDiissary, the Difference OF the latter
sank INTO insignihcanee when compared
with that of his more polished employer;
and 50 we'll did the latter play his part, that
the Princess became deYOtedly attached TO
the man whom she Believed to be q model of
al that was noble, good and diSinterested.
In short time Orlof mad cause for exulta-
ton in the success of his plan, for the
Princess readily consented to be his wife.
A sham marriage completed the deception,
and was followed on the part of the Princess
by 4 brief period Of uncIouded happiness.
Never for moment did she suspect the i'm
position that had been praciiced upon her,
bot built With the most perfect faith on the
affection and sincerity Of him she believed
10 be her hashand.