Folio 168: Finch to Harrington. Letter to Bestuzev not yet answered, but he informs...

Folio 168: Finch to Harrington. Letter to Bestuzev not yet answered, but he informs me as he is not sworn in that he passed it on to the grand chancellor, who does not speak French. However Bestuzev has told Mardefeld of this courts' desire to live well with his; perhaps to prevent King of Prussia entering into quarrel of deposed Regent, or to induce him to consent to the young Duke of Holstein passing through Prussian territory on way here. Peace with Sweden still thought certain even though it must be negotiated with court of France rather than that of Sweden. de la Chetardie's credit may depend on this. Something maybe made public on Czarina's birthday Dec. 18. 5000-6000 Grenadiers marching here under command of Colonel Stuart, son-in-law of Field Marshal Lacy. Czarina visited Princess of Hesse Homberg and then the barracks of Prebbezenski Guards where she assembled them on 25 Nov. Several houses bought by Czarina as quarters of the 141 Grenadiers. Biron family due back soon. Captain Hopken recently a prisoner, returned here and appeared at court. Also Nepluef the Privy Counsellor, returned from governorship of the Ukraine. Privy Counsellor Munnich constantly at court but Count Osterman not since first or second day after change. The travellers at Narva on the 7th. Prince Lewis still here. Letters brought by officer and Crepi from Lowenhaupt may contain secrets not proper for this court to see. Whether de la Chetardie delayed by these reports from journeying to Stockholm is unknown. Czarina alarmed by Swedish army advance and ambiguity of General's plans and answers, told the French minister that she was not to be trifled with, and that he should finish, as first proposed, by a peace, and that she would not sacrifice any provinces and said she was capable of putting herself at the head of the army and that he should go to Stockholm and bring back either an honourable peace or a certain war. Dated St Petersburg, 12 Dec 1741.