Folio 216: Jefferyes to Craggs. Has the commands of the Lords Justices and the Act...

Folio 216: Jefferyes to Craggs. Has the commands of the Lords Justices and the Act of Parliament regarding seducing of workmen from Great Britain to foreign parts, and will endeavour to induce those here to return home. Difficulties are likely with shipbuilders as they have come here with everything to seek their fortunes. Here they are treated like people of quality, favoured by the Czar, and therefore by all great men of the kingdom. The Czar endears himself to them, hoping for their lifelong service. Six years ago the Czar's fleet consisted of ships either bought abroad or built at Archangel by Dutchmen; about 17 or 18 in all. These being unacceptable for several reasons, shipyards were built at St.Petersburg with only English shipbuilders in charge except for the Czar and one Frenchman. By now the fleet is augmented to more than 30 sail, of which 27 or 28 are ships of the line. List of 13 ships named with 820 guns in all; 10 more on stocks, 7 ready by next spring. All materials are home produced. Russian seamen will improve under the Czar's tuition. Bringing home English shipbuilders will prove difficult unless an equivalent offer is made. If after they consent to return, the Czar refuses to let them go, HM must think up some other method. Edict passed at Hangut that English and Dutch shall have free commerce to Sweden excluding contraband which includes salt and corn of all sorts. Reported that the Czar went ashore on Aland but no further news of him or his plans against Sweden. Pushkin is en route for Germany, possibly to visit king of Denmark a second time. Prince Menshikov is reported instrumental in raising the ship sunk at Kronslot, is taking the waters at Olonitz and is afterwards assuming command of the army in the Ukraine. His government of Estonia is given to Admiral Apraxin. Congratulations on the overthrow of the rebels in Scotland. Dated Revel, 16 July 1719.