Folio 21: Finch to Harrington. Count Osterman informed me that my project of the...

Folio 21: Finch to Harrington. Count Osterman informed me that my project of the treaty was being translated but he had had no time to look it over. Conversation turned to king of Prussia, he wanting to know if that prince and HM had an interview planned, being surprised and concerned that your dispatches mentioned none. He talked of the succession of Julich and Berg and East Friesland, and said that France, to gain the king of Prussia, would sacrifice the Elector Palatine and House of Sulzbach in the first case or flatter that prince and blow the coals in the second. Suspicion held by others that Turkish affairs and certain consideration for France are not entirely the cause of dilatoriness here, as Prussia desires to see first on what foot HM and Prussian king are likely to be. Osterman always a good Prussian, gives duke of Courland impression that it is necessary to prepare a party to withstand France without alarming her prematurely. Will use the Saxon secretary as interpreter between duke of Courland and myself. Bachoff insinuates an equitable regulation will be introduced in the Sound customs upon all Russian linens. The canal of Ladoga, a magnificent work, is being visited by Field Marshal Munnich and the hereditary prince on their return from Vyborg, My young travellers are to go to see it next week and perhaps I shall accompany them to satisfy my curiosity. Podoski, claiming damages for Czartowryski family, especially Palatine of Russia, sustained when Russian troops marched into Poland, obtained 30,000 roubles. Dated StPetersburg, 20 Aug 1740.