Folio 204: Jefferyes to Craggs. On orders from HM, I came here on the 16th, the Czar...

Folio 204: Jefferyes to Craggs. On orders from HM, I came here on the 16th, the Czar not having arrived yet from Kronslot. The first thing the Czar did after his arrival was to give up a vessel of 48 guns recently taken from the Swedes, which he ordered to be refitted for sea this campaign. His intentions are principally to train his marines, show his fleet and inform himself of the state of the work he is having done here, namely a country seat with a garden and a breakwater for the safety of vessels. The latter undertaken by 3 Swedish kings in vain, is almost completed by the Czar. It occupied last winter, 400 carpenters, 5,000 workmen and 1500 horses to carry the necessary materials. About 200 cannons had already been placed to defend the entry of the port. Wrangel the Swedish captain in command of the 3 vessels taken lastly by the Russians, is very sick from his wounds. It is said that he defended himself bravely but that he had to surrender. Contrary to all maxims of war 2 broadsides were fired after he had surrendered and more than 50 of his men were killed. The Czar is extremely angry and ordered the Dutch officer who committed this baseness to be severely punished. On the other hand the Czar advanced the pay of all the officers engaged in this affair, gave each a gold medal and distributed several thousand roubles to the sailors. It is thought that the Czar will not stay here long. Not one of his ministers has come with him; they all remain on their galleys which according to our news, have passed Helingsfors to continue on to Hangut. Dated Revel, 22 June 1719. French.