Folio 136: Finch to Harrington. Yesterday tried to press conclusion of treaty with...

Folio 136: Finch to Harrington. Yesterday tried to press conclusion of treaty with Count Osterman, but he complained of his health so nothing accomplished. Announced nothing more to be said upon it until he thought convenient to conclude it which will not be long. Estafette from Dresden brought copies of protocol of conferences held at Father Guarini's to Counts Osterman and Lynar which you will have from Villers. Count Lynar said the project of a Concert sent to London was to inform HM that Dresden was ready to enter such a negotiation, but further instructions were required from HM to perfect it. Osterman told I had no knowledge of such a project. Question raised by Lynar was how famous declaration agreed between duke of Courland and the late Suhm, signed by late Czarina, would be understood here. Answer known to you was they did not find it derogated from Pragmatic Sanction. Secondly, king of Prussia pressed Polish king to explain himself, and the advice was given to him to postpone his answer on pretence that being Vicar of the Empire obliged him particularly to have peace at heart. Lynar said that Prussians would have 30,000 troops commanded by General Lacy on borders by end of April. Dated St Petersburg 21 Mar 1741/1.