Folio 112: Wich to Carteret. Glad to see HM pleased with reconciliation of Lestock...

Folio 112: Wich to Carteret. Glad to see HM pleased with reconciliation of Lestock and the two Bestuzev's, and Lestock satisfactory assurances plus his persuasion to take a pension from HM At supper informed him of the amount of the pension and arrangements to pay. French still reply on him as their own. Brummer entirely in the interest of France and remarkablly disinclined towards King of Prussia and Queen of Hungary the success of his plan regarding an alliance between Russia, Sweden and Poland and France seems doubtful. His marriage plans for Duke of Holstein and a French princess are contrary to Russian genius. France now says to provoke the Swedes that England is putting Czarina against Sweden and France tries hard to render HM's mediation suspect in Russia. Have informed Russian ministers of demands made by Wasenburg to HM for his good offices to restore peace with Czarina. Brummer on arrival of French courier displayed all his eloquence, when introducing D'Alion to the Czarina, in extolling services rendered by the French but since Holstein courier arrived he has changed his tune, saying French assumed more merit than they deserved. Informed Russian ministers that the French Candidate is the Duke of Deux Ponts who if elected to the throne of Sweden would be contrary to interests of Russia. Swedes now likely to favour Prince Frederick of Hesse as Duke of Holstein out of the running. D'Alion has made proposals about Treaty of Commerce between France and Russia. On arrival at St Petersburg will oppose this with help from my friend, Prince Usupov President of the College of Commerce de Swart is struggling for a similar treaty for the States General and Russia. Both French and Dutch prejudicial to England If I am to thwart then, I need larger funds. People here accustomed to gratifications from French, Polish Prussian and Hungarian courts. Will prepare Grand Marshal Bestuzev for new plot French are forming against him and his brother the Vice-Chancellor in particular. Breven equally well disposed as they are. Foreign affairs suffer greatly since demise of Great Chancellor but Czarina talked yesterday on her own accord, about our Treaty. Doubt we shall finish these negotiations before return to St Petersburg which is allegedly fixed for 12 Dec. Dated Moscow, 22 Nov 1742.