Folio 53: Finch to Harrington. Unfeigned joy at news from Duke of Newcastle on glorious...

Folio 53: Finch to Harrington. Unfeigned joy at news from Duke of Newcastle on glorious success at Cartagena and on my recall from this court. Preparations under way for my return during summer season, meanwhile await nomination of my successor. Affair of French ambassador's audience is over. Count Osterman and the Prince both expressed great obligation when the secret intelligence about King of Prussia's negotiations with Sweden was communicated to them by me on the 11th and the Count said they had reliable advice that the Swedes would begin hostilities certainly before August. He then asked where was the English Squadron. My reply was, on the coast of England, till the ratifications are exchanged and a defensive alliance exists. His excellency with warmth enquired, is not the Swedish fleet at our door, and now our patience is exhausted? 4 Russians revolve to have a formal explanation and repel Swedes. Are they to be deprived of help of English and Danish. Squadrons to which they are entitled by treaty if Russia judged to be the aggressor. Russians will have to do as best they can, although they will not be able to assist the House of Austria, their all, who herself will then be obliged to throw itself into the hands of France with farewell to the Balance of Europe. I told him he drew wrong conclusions from my words. This was the first heard of war with Sweden, certainly the most peaceful and incoherent one ever. Swedish conduct only tended to a rupture, not amounted to war. Movements of Swedish ships did not constitute hostilities and I emphasized that HM always faithfully executed his promises and if needed the English Squadron will have equally fair winds as any other nation. Last Sunday Lynar desired consent from the Grand Duchess to marry the favourite. Prince of Brunswick near Mittau and his election. Count Wilczeck leaving on 15th with diamond ring and snuff box from Grand Duchess and the Prince respectively. Nolken leaves the same day via Finland to Stockholm. General Lubras here from Vyborg and General Keith leaves for there, to take command, I believe. Dated St Petersburg 13 June 1741.