Folio 201: Carteret to Wich. HM pleased with assurances from Lestock and his reconciliation...

Folio 201: Carteret to Wich. HM pleased with assurances from Lestock and his reconciliation with Bestuzev brothers. French still rely absolutely on him and you must keep at strict eye on him and especially as we hear de la Chetardie ordered to return to Russia. Brummer also in interest of France, so be on guard as he will betray any confidence you repose on him to French ministers. Favourite plan is to bring about Alliance between Russia, Sweden Saxony and France and if [young] Duke of Holstein declared successor to Czarina the French hope to make a match between him and a French princess which would throw Czarina into their hands. Swedish minister in England, Wasenberg seeks HM's good offices which is agreed. Awaiting report of success of your procuring from Czarina similar demand for HM's mediation. Plan of Czarina to gain the crown of Sweden for Bishop of Lubeck [Duke of Holstein] seems to preclude a new candidate. Contest now seems determined in favour of Prince William of Hesse whom HM espouses or Duke of Deux Ponts the French candidate. Reveals in strict confidence as before, that French afraid of losing Russia as they have lost Sweden and are thinking of bringing about direct alliance, by means of Brummer and others with Czarina, by offering a treaty of Commerce between France and Russia, like ours. Opposition to this essential, as consequences highly prejudicial to England. This may be occasion to try Lestock's professions. France has hopes of gaining over Prince Cerkasskoi the Great Chancellor and the Attorney General. Prince Troubetskoi to be in favour of the French marriage for Duke of Holstein. Dated Whitehall, 19 Oct 1742.