Folio 132: Rondeau to Townshend. Count Osterman has told Count Wratislaw everything...

Folio 132: Rondeau to Townshend. Count Osterman has told Count Wratislaw everything that transpired between him and Magnan, and Wratislaw replied that, since his master the Emperor could not allow Spanish troops into Italy, it showed by Magnan's declaration that the allies of Seville planned war. Vienna tries hard to get the Russians to assist them. Wratislaw gave to Biron, the Czarina's Great Chamberlain, a picture of the Emperor set with diamonds valued at £5,000 at least and also a patent of Count of the Empire. Emperor tries to influence all here who can be of service, and has spent since death of Peter I at least £50,000 a year, as well as the expense of his 3 ministers here at court. This way he may persuade Czarina to send the 30,000 men. The ministers of allies of Seville have no such means to gain now friends. Old Russians murmur against Czarina for having so many Courlanders and Germans around her. Count Biron not likely to remain long in that position as Osterman has agreed that riches and honours should be heaped on him and in that way he will be odious to the Russians and ruined, as are all other favourites lately. Reiteration of Ward's conviction that I should have character of resident. With it I can do more to serve my country. Project of treaty of salutation returned to Westphal from his court only slightly altered. Same as I sent you last March. Prince George of Hesse-Cassel has left service of king of Prussia and plans to come here. You are, no doubt, informed why. A fire last Friday consumed about 400 houses. Dated Moscow, 22 June 1730.