Folio 105: Jefferyes to Stanhope. It is thought that Osterman will not leave for...

Folio 105: Jefferyes to Stanhope. It is thought that Osterman will not leave for Abo until news of Baron Lillenstedt is arrived at Aland. The Prussian envoy Baron Mardefeld will follow as they are to lodge in the same house built at the Czar's expense. Baron Safirov requested to answer memorials about English ships taken by Czar's frigates. Admiralty too pressed to consider them yet. The Czar, he said, is not going to Riga or Mitau, but to Peterhof thereafter perhaps to Kronslot. Query as to the decision to send Brigadier Le Fort to Britain was negative, but unconfirmed reports of his imminent departure either to the army in Poland or the Courts of Berlin and Denmark. On arrival from Olonitz, the Czar asked the senate what funds were available for the channel he has decided to make along lake Ladoga - Answer was 1,200,000 roubles and 20,000 men to begin work when the weather permits. This channel will be 10 German miles long at least and a branch of the River Volga and another of the Volcha would be joined by a channel of 3 versts. Timber and naval stores can be brought from Kazan and the danger of rocks in the lake can be avoided. Account of mourning for the king of Sweden. The queen of Sweden writes to say she is determined to make peace with all the northern allies. Entreats the Czar to resume the congress of Aland, promising as a show of sincerity, to send Baron Lillienstedt. No answer to request for clarification of the edict prohibiting importation of foreign salt. Instructions desired as to whether I should accompany the Czar to Revel next spring; which I am willing to undertake, hoping HM will make a small allowance. The dowager duchess of Courland is returning there soon. Satisfied that Baron Mardefeld is preparing for Aland. Safirov told Westphal, adding that the king of Prussia has assured this court of his adherence to the mutually arranged measures and will stand or fall by the Czar. Shows insincerity of this court in dealing with Vienna, Great Britain and Denmark where they will make the ministers believe they embrace quite other interests. Safirov told Westphal that they planned to send Brigadier Le Fort to Denmark, but were doing nothing until he was consulted. Westphal declined his opinion then, needing more thought on such a weighty matter. Dated St Petersburg, 13 Mar 1718/9.