Folio 52: Finch to Harrington. De Swart had private audience with Czarina. de la...

Folio 52: Finch to Harrington. De Swart had private audience with Czarina. de la Chetardie has conglatulatory answer from Versailles and his credential which he will defer using until after Coronation in Moscow. Persian ambassador's baggage left in 1500 sledges. The march of guards a body of 10, 000, presupposes certain peace, or that if war continues this corps not necessary. If cossacks and Hussars had been allowed their pillaging and burning they would have destroyed so much that it would be impossible for Count Lowenhaupt to take the field next summer. Majority of Karchian peasants have returned to Swedish side. Illused families in Livonia declared foreigner here, and would happily go over to Sweden if Swedes would invade that country. No judgement possible on much desired peace until after assembly of Swedish Diet. Russia previously had nothing to fear from French animosity; but after example of French attitude towards House of Austria may now apprehend a treacherous friendship. De la Chetardie encourages Czarina's wish to be at Moscow knowing that if war continues, cessions will be more difficult, especially at that distance. Present ministry difficult to comprehend. Field Marshal Lacy and Admiral Golovkin to stay here when count goes to Moscow. The first to command troops, the latter to have inspection of the fleet at Kronstadt, from whence Admiral O'Biron came on 23rd to make court. Generals Keith and Lieven expected from Vyborg and Lowendahl also, all on the same errand. Previous President of College of Commerce Musin Puskin pleads for return of estates. His tongue, so little snipped that he talks quite intelligibly. New President of College of Commerce Prince Usupov who was vice governor of Moscow coming here soon. Duke of Holstein expected hourly. Czarina to meet him in the country incognito.Date and Place: 1742 26 Jan St Petersburg