Folio 132: Finch to Harrington. Have since last week heard from undoubted authority...

Folio 132: Finch to Harrington. Have since last week heard from undoubted authority that some engagement was on point of being signed between this court and Berlin the day before regent's downfall, and it would shortly have been if regency had subsisted without a formal guarantee of Berg and Julich but only a promise from Russia not to allow anyone to fall on king of Prussia's rear, no doubt meaning the Swedes in Pomerania, in case of a breach on the death of Elector Palatine. Mardefeld appears to be pushing the conclusion of what was nearly concluded during regency of duke. Recent Russian jealousies of Shah Nadyr's actions, and late regent had sent orders to Astrakan to be put in good defensive order immediately. Count Osterman was going to some bath in Germany, but was prevented by Czarina's illness. Now has affection and confidence of this country, which the Prime Minister does not. Munnich not recovered from colic, making his life precarious. Orders to Swedish and Prussian ministers on mourning. Those to de la Chetardie unknown. Procuror General prince Troubetskoi has gone to Courland on some commission. Late regent's marshal Keyserlingk left here yesterday. The minister from Wolfenbuttel of the same name is at Mitau, perhaps en route to Brunswick. Hochholster the Imperial resident received news of co-regency of duke of Lorraine. Dated St Petersburg 2 Dec 1740.