Folio 172: Wich to Carteret. Court not settled. Great Chancellor indolent, brothers...

Folio 172: Wich to Carteret. Court not settled. Great Chancellor indolent, brothers Bestuzev very timorous. Nothing laid before Czarina since coronation. Previously informed you that troops in Flanders pleased our friends here. Partizans of France affirm with confidence that States General will never unite themselves with HM in supporting House of Austria and the Balance of Europe. These assertions of French, Prussian and Saxon ministers have impressed this court but if on the contrary the Earl of Stair should succeed at the Hague, Russia might be persuaded that their essential interest is to cultivate strict friendship with Maritime Powers and join them in limiting the dangerous ambition of France. Reliable source in Holstein doubts the conclusion of treaty between France and Denmark. Bestuzev the Vice Chancellor assures me that orders have been sent from here to Korff the Russian minister at Copenhagen to induce Denmark not to ally herself with France. If possibility of success apparent he could offer up to 30,000 roubles to Selvlin. Nothing spared to thwart designs of France at other courts. As whole of Russia on our side we can promise ourselves a happy issue. No accounts from Finland. Field Marshal Lacy has positive orders to attack the Swedes when possible. Daily expectations of news. Duke of Holstein visited me last Saturday. Singular distinction. Dated Moscow, 7 June 1742.