Folio 21: Rondeau to Townshend. The Emperor's resident here, Hochholzer, says that...

Folio 21: Rondeau to Townshend. The Emperor's resident here, Hochholzer, says that the court of Vienna is determined to make war against the allies of Seville, and as soon as it begins in Italy, the Emperor plans an attack on HM's territories in Germany, as theydisplease him most. Count Wratislaw ordered to ask this court for 30,000 men promised by treaty of 1726. He has had several conferences with Mardefeld and Crame, and then Osterman. Answer unknown, but imagine he was told to wait until the arrival of Czarina. Duke of Liria, tireless in trying to detach this court from that of Vienna, has insinuated to most of the highest Russian nobility, that sending any troops out of Russia at this stage may provoke dire consequences. Much will depend on Osterman's present standing with the Czarina. Perhaps he could persuade this court to give some hope to the Emperor. Unlikely to send troops to a prince unable to pay them, when the finances of Russia are in a bad way. This court displeased with Vienna because Count Wratislaw and Bonde and Baron Crame had planned to send for son of duke of Holstein so that he might be present to succeed should the Czar die. Crame told Osterman who said he must apply direct to great chancellor Count Golovkin. Bondé able to speak good Russian, deputed to feel chancellor's pulse, but mention of his master's son created violent passion in the old gentleman, gave him to understand anything done for Holstein was out of charity and not because he married one of Czar Peter's daughters. Despite all, it is to be hoped that duke of Liria and Westphal will eventually detach this court from Vienna. They think that if Great Britain would take a step towards understanding Russia it would have greatest effect on alliance of Seville. Feigned sickness of Osterman said to be caused by not wanting to be concerned in new regulations for knouting, banishing or putting to death of nobility without warning or trial. Form of future government unsettled, but suggested scheme is Empress, High Council of 12 of greatest nobility, senate of 36 persons, Assembly of 200 of lesser nobility, Assembly of gentlemen. Duke of Liria thinks he could get Don Philippe elected king of Poland on death of that monarch. If the allies of Seville do not oppose it he thinks a little money will assure him an advantage with this court, as at this time he is in favour with the Czarina. If you are against this idea, I could perhaps dissuade duke from proceeding. Dated Moscow, 2 Feb 1729.