Unique compilation of copies of at least 165 separately published decrees and edicts mainly spanning the last 18 months of the rule of Paul I (leaves numbered on recto 1-136) and the first 6 months of Alexander I's reign (leaves 137-258). Includes 3 decrees of Catherine II, originally published in 1779, confirmed by Paul I probably in April 1800 (leaves 58-61 and 67-68). Decrees are dated Jan. 1800 to Dec. 18, 1801; some are in draft form.
Most decrees have title: Ukaz Ego Imperatorskago Velichestva Samoderzht͡s︡a Vserossīĭskago, iz Pravitelʹstvui͡u︡shchago Senata.
Probably compiled between 1802 and 1805.
Four decrees are copied in manuscript (on leaves numbered 3, 134, 141, and 142).
Paper is of different dimensions, mostly uncut, and varies in color from white to cream (some discolored) and very pale blue to light blue. Watermarks and countermarks include variations of arms with the lion and sword with the legend Pro patria or Pro patria and the initials AO; another armorial seal with the year 1798; FAO (roman) and FAO (cyrillic); and 1800.
Leaves are numbered in manuscript in upper right corner (recto), except for the several blank leaves, and document numbers are given in manuscript in upper left corner. Many decrees are printed on one side only.
Table of contents is written in manuscript on early 19th-century (blue) paper bound in at front, listing 162 numbered documents for Jan. 9, 1800, to July 1801, usually corresponding to document numbers in text. Table of contents has title: Reestr pechatnykh imi͡a︡nnym i Senatskim Ukazam sostoi͡a︡vshimsi͡a︡ 1800-go i 1801-go godov.
Half bound in leather with marbled paper on front and back and frayed linen ties.
Not listed in Svodnyĭ katalog russkoĭ knigi grazhdanskoĭ pechati XVIII veka.
Includes letters to Paul I and Alexander I from the Senate.
LC copy has titles of two decrees for 1805 and 1806 inscribed on back endpaper.
LC copy acquired by the Law Library of Congress before Feb. 25, 1935.