Folio 179: Jefferyes to Craggs. Safirov venomous regarding the proclamation recalling...

Folio 179: Jefferyes to Craggs. Safirov venomous regarding the proclamation recalling HM's subjects from foreign service, as I had dispatched copies without giving him prior notice. As I had kept an appointment made by him at which he had not appeared I wasted notime in executing HM's orders. Evidence of animosity by the British government, and tormenting of the Czar, in forbidding British subjects to employ foreign apprentices. He says foreigners, especially shipbuilders, have greater privileges here than they have at home. Safirov knows what Whitworth is up to at Berlin and Bassewitz at Stockholm. The Prussian ministers have told him that Whitworth's job is to disengage their king from the Czar's interests, but that they fear not on that account, and that Bassewitz has suggested a defensive alliance with Sweden, which if it comes about, will be in the Czar's eyes a breach of friendship. Questioned Safirov regarding Hodgins, who is commanded not to stir out of the country. Plainly told that when Russian apprentices discharged prematurely from their masters, Hodgins and all British merchants will be detained. It is likely that Puskin has made favourable proposals to the king of Denmark for a plan with the Czar about the next campaign. One plan is for the Danes to shut up Carlscrona to prevent the Swedish fleet from emerging. The Czar assisting them with 6 or 7 ships of war and offering to attack Sweden with 46,000 men. List of another 10 prizes taken to Revel by the Czar's cruisers, including 3 belonging to HM's subjects - the William of Glasgow, the Nathaniell of Yarmouth and the Mary of Dublin, all laden with goods such as herring, malt, butter and cheese. Dated StPetersburg, 29 May 1719.