Folio 35: Jefferyes to Stanhope. Information received of our declaration of war against...

Folio 35: Jefferyes to Stanhope. Information received of our declaration of war against Spain. The Czar's promised resolution delivered to Weber and me. It is the project of a defensive alliance delivered to Prince Kurakin at Altena on 20 May 1716 and communicatedby him to Walpole at the Hague on 5 June 1716. Sending this and contents of conference with Baron Safirov who confirms the death of the king of Sweden and that Princess Ulrica is regent. An interregnum published for 2 months. Petition to Chancery concerning the reclamation of 2 ships will be sent to you when answered. The Czar has shown attention to the erection of new colleges, established on the lines of the best regulated in Europe. This entails the abolition of the ancient senate, hitherto a source of much inconvenience and detrimental to the state. Rear-Admiral Paddon, who with HM's permission some time ago entered the service of the Czar, died and was buried with distinction, accompanied on foot by the Czar. He has since promoted 4 rear-admirals. The Czar goes to Olonitz next next week, but perhaps not as far as Moscow. Order issued for 24 half-galleys to be ready by next spring. Dated St Petersburg, 16 Jan 1718/9.