Folio 199: Finch to Harrington. Strong suspicions of what must follow this recent...

Folio 199: Finch to Harrington. Strong suspicions of what must follow this recent revolution have no doubt reached you. New ministry is reserved towards me. Both letters unanswered. Bestuzev ordered suspension of distribution of 1000 roubles, for undoubtable reason that perhaps that sum and other 12, 000 Crowns must be returned to me. Sir Cyril Wich better person than I am at this court where everything directed towards Versailles. Czarina insinuates she will never marry. Young Duke of Holstein's arrival will clarify matters. Mardefeld received answers from his court that king of Prussia cannot get embroiled in domestic affairs of Russia. Podewils privately asks Mardefeld to interpose on behalf of the king in favour of Prince Lewis as yet undeparted. It is thought that he may be kept here as hostage, for fear that King of Prussia may not allow young Duke of Holstein to pass through his lands. This unlikely as Prince Lewis knows Regent's conduct was unsatisfactory towards King of Prussia. Mardefeld expects Prussia to join Russia under France's patronage. Counts Golovkin and Osterman, Field Marshal Munnich and President Mengden are being examined. Munnich's fearless answers have dissatisfied the examiners, who have insinuated that his obstinacy would make them sorry to be extreme with him. Lestock appears to be Czarina's Chief Counsellor. He announced to me that Naryskin, now at Paris, would take Scerbatov's place in England. Baron Osterman (Note; not Count Osterman, the Russian minister) titular minister of Duke of Mecklenburg, has obtained leave to postpone his departure to dispose of his effectsDate and Place: 1741 26 Dec. St Petersburg