Folio 195: Jefferyes to Stanhope. Everything in readiness for the ensuing campaign....

Folio 195: Jefferyes to Stanhope. Everything in readiness for the ensuing campaign. Golovkin, Safirov and Tolstoy have earnestly remonstrated with the Czar not to withdraw troops from his own dominions, partly so that no misfortune will befall, and partly because of the pretence of the uncertainty of the British in the Baltic and of the Danish fleet. Knowing the situation of a cold climate, and want of food and forage, they think all Europe can be defied by the Czar if he keeps his army at home. Information on the channel now going ahead, with 20,000 men digging, to join rivers Volkhovand Neva. No ship coming or going into the Volga need be exposed to the dangerous navigation of the Ladoga. Another important work is in hand. A line from the Tanais, or Don, to the Volga, 56 German miles in length with redoubts at certain distances. This is to prevent invasion by Tartars. It will start at Czaritza, on the Volga and be continued to Strelanov, on the Don. Account of the Czar's vessels in comparison with British, French and Dutch. Baron Lillienstedt is not at Aland. The first information was wrong and there is now doubt as to whether he has any intention of going there. Dated StPetersburg, 15 May 1719.