Folio 36. To Blathwayt. Reflects, at great length, upon his own future, i.e. his...

Folio 36. To Blathwayt. Reflects, at great length, upon his own future, i.e. his prospects and expectations. Wishes to remain in the foreign service, at least for the duration of the war by the end of which he 'may have better pretensions to some moderate, but lasting settlement at home'. Would prefer service in the empire where he is personally known to most of the 'chief princes' with whose interests he is conversant and with whose principal ministers he is acquainted. Refers to and encloses [copies of] previous correspondence with Montague, Blathwayt, Vernon and, now, Shrewsbury. Complains about his meagre emoluments. 'Good husbandry' was possible at Berlin and Vienna, but at Dresden this was 'much more impracticable by the inconstant humour of the late elector & by the doubtful prospect wee had [of] what might be the issue of our negotiation'. Mentions his ever-mounting extraordinaries to ward off dangers and avoid pitfalls. By contrast, the new elector, being a man 'who loves to live easy with all mankind and who has shown him 'kindness, has made life more amenable. Fears that after service at Berlin, Vienna and Dresden, Ratisbon may seem but a civill banishment, where the august assembly is so much debased that little remains but pedantry and chicane. Yet there might be scope for him even at Ratisbon where the King has no say, if and when the time comes to talk of peace and the diet may be removed to another place, for the main points will probably be discussed at venues like The Hague or Aix-la-Chapelle; or, if peace negotiations with Turkey should be 'set on foot', he could be at Ratisbon, to 'fall down' to Vienna, particularly if Lexington should go to Stryj, in which case he might be used as a 'Mercury' between him and Paget. Thus situations may arise at which a post at Ratisbon may not altogether be a sinecure. Has asked Vernon to search the books at the office for the reports from Edmond Poley [English resident at Ratisbon 1682-1685] and Sir George Etheredge [English resident at Ratisbon 1685-1689]. Has also written to Poley to find out how he had governed himself. Etheredge had 'bilk'd'him, Stepney, who should have gone with him, as he did with his creditors, though he had an equipage of £300. Suggests that the new elector of Saxony be made a Knight of the Garter, when he, Stepney, might either be chosen to present it, or be a member of the commission presenting it; or that he might be commanded to present a return gift for the horses Friesen is to hand over Asks Blathwayt to consult with Montague and Vernon and let them have copies of this letter. After exchange of ratifications and 'gratifying the ministers', he would like to go to Flanders to report to the King and thereafter have about a month's leave in England. Acknowledges letter of July 11 (s.n.), just come to hand in which he is told that Lexington would like to see him to be briefed on Vienna. Will be glad to meet him anywhere, preferably at one of the Brunswick (-Lüneburg) courts, halfway to Flanders. Asks for any orders to be sent 'under a couvert' to Cresset .

Date and Place: 1694 July 10/20 Dresden