Folio 1: Finch to Harrington. Answer enclosed from Count Osterman dated May 29 -...

Folio 1: Finch to Harrington. Answer enclosed from Count Osterman dated May 29 - Copy taken as he requested return of original. Firstly the secret intelligence ordered by HM regarding the intrigues carried on here by French and Swedish ministers: Osterman promised no one but Grand Duchess and Generalissimo should ever know the source of the intelligence - Description of his artfulness which is similar to his conduct after death of Peter II and the late revolution, until he was told by Her Highness that Duke of Courland was arrested. On talking to Prince Generalissimo about this intelligence, he admitted previous suspicions of something being carried on by de la Chetardie and Nolken. The latter's close connection with Lestock, surgeon, to the Princess Elizabeth was agreed by the Prince who added that if her conduct should appear equivocal, she would not be the first to be shut up in a monastery. Then the Prince came to the Field Marshal Munnich who had also visited the Princess without apprising the Grand Duchess. He had also pretended merit in having seized the late Regent to whom he was deeply attached but he resolved to betray Munnich hoping to succeed better with the Grand Duchess. After his dismissal he was watched in case he visited Princess Elizabeth and orders were given if he did to take him dead or alive. Further anecdotes about Grand Duchess and Munnich. Returning to Osterman he enquired of me whether Lestock should be arrested. I thought not unless more had been discovered to corroborate those suspicions. Prince Generalissimo knowing people and services thought it advisable to put himself at the head of the army if emergency arises regarding Sweden. Accounts of the different personalities of the Grand Duchess and Princess Elizabeth, and disquisitions Russians succession and Young Duke of Holstein prospects. Several speculative conversations held with Gammon avert distress with Princess Elizabeth and paying he current debts as Grand Duchess has paid her old ones, and paying her pension from Duke of Courland, providing she does not squander it all on her pleasures. Mention of common people and nobility and those in government. No one cares for St Petersburgh and all wish to return to Moscow and their estates, and send all the conquered provinces to the Devil. Cheaper and better to have nothing more to do with affairs of Europe. Everyone would discard every foreigner immediately after using them in war. Every Russian would rather be sent to the most desert part of Siberia for life, rather than serve on the best ship for one voyage. Reason Russian navy in such a parlous state. Clergy have great weight and give some embarrasement to the present government. Account of suppression by Peter I of book of religious controversy, which was reinstated by the late Czarina, until she realised the content and she suppressed it again. Publication a third time urged by Archbishop of Novgorod, the Grand Duchesses confessor. Affection for Mademoiselle Megden by Grand Duchess unlikely to do much harm. She will be mostly inclined to serve Munnich whose son married her sister. Prince Generalissimo will generally improve in behaviour, but is not too compassionate for fate of Duke of Courland and his family. First peg to keep Russia even partly in line with Europe was Peter the Great, and the pin which when pulled out collapses the entire machine is Count Osterman. If he goes, aged and infirm as he is, Munnich will no doubt be Prime Minister and could use their Highnesses and their son, as he used the late Regent. Madness or his malice would shortly betray the present establishment if Munnich should die before Osterman and then he dies, no one could find proper succession. Great Chancellor nor Vice Chancellor Golovkin as capable as Osterman since he kept everyone out of the secret. Breverin only man employed by him. Admirable as second man, possible as first. Character assessment of Golovkin who gives trouble to Prince Generalissimo with co