Folio 184: Finch to Harrington. Informed Count Osterman, who was flattered, that...

Folio 184: Finch to Harrington. Informed Count Osterman, who was flattered, that HM was pleased with instructions sent to Count Golovkin after the prime minister's retreat and that HM had ordered Trevor to concurr with Russia's ambassador at the Hague, assuringOsterman that HM had not relented his zeal for the defence of queen of Hungary's inheritance in spite of the projected plan of accommodation between her and the king of Prussia. King of Prussia's acceptance of HM's good offices never doubted here. Russia's anxiety arises from possible opinion formed of her and that the overtime at Berlin may affect HM and tie his hands from acting vigorously against king of Prussia, which perhaps House of Austria may wish. Suggestion that Osterman was previously partial to House of Brandenburg, but now he is not for aggrandizing it. A Saxon courier brought me from Villiers a general account of the accommodation concluded at Dresden. Osterman has received a more particular one from Keyserling and Count Lynar, the whole of which he is decyphering. The only drawback is the other transaction at Berlin, which it's thought will make this ineffectual. My answer is that the Dresden one is not confined to king of Prussia alone, but designed against whosoever and for the House of Austria in particular. Arrival urged of English squadron in Baltic, for though the Casus Foedeirs does not actually exist, Russians flatter themselves that HM has their welfare so much at heart that he will anticipate it, to prevent a rupture with Sweden or to finish the war, if it breaks out, in one campaign, which they think they can do with the help of English fleet and thereby be at liberty to send 40,000 men to assist House of Austria. This only a report, as an insinuation of this kind has no precise authority. News continues of Swedish preparations and Russia undoubtedly will prepare to keep pace with them. Several generals have orders, including prince of Hesse Homberg, Spiegle and Henning. General Lubras, who directs the fortifications at Kronstadt, was sent to inspect those on frontiers of Finland and Field Marshal Lacy and General Keith have been sent for and are expected soon. Osterman cannot think that Sweden will be mad enough to break with Russia. Dated St Petersburg 25 Apr 1741.