Folio 133: Jefferyes to Stanhope. Seasonal praying and fasting changing to feasting...

Folio 133: Jefferyes to Stanhope. Seasonal praying and fasting changing to feasting and drinking. Czar visiting suitable gentleman's houses in a sled 4 yards long seating 12 to 14 people. The shipbuilders will soon enable the Czar to have mastery of the East Sea. If he lives 3 years longer, he will have at sea a fleet of 40 ships of the line, from 70-90 guns each, as well as 20 frigates of 30-40 cannon, all built here, by these people whom the Czar flatters and caresses. They are paid highly and punctually. They eat with him and he goes hardly anywhere without some of them. In this way he wishes to hold their affection so they do not quit. Is this growth of sea power, aided by British subjects, in the interest of Great Britain? Five master builders and many other workers, all British, should be given some small equivalent as compensation for losses here, and they would decide to return home. As the same time a severe proclamation to all not returning would give them a good excuse for not staying. The secretary of Count Golovkin, ambassador at Berlin, is here to solicit the Czar's protection on behalf of the duke of Mecklenburg. Am told it will not be granted. The Czar is unwilling to annoy the Emperor. The Russian and Prussian peace-makers at Aland are given reason to suspect the sincerity of the Swedes about peace when news is given that all Swedes favouring the councils of Baron Gortz are confined, and Count Gylenburg sent to Stockholm from Aland under guard. Dated StPetersburg, 3 April 1719.