Add MS 6825

Volume XXII of the papers of Mr. Andrew Mitchell.

Letters from Mr. Rineking and Mr. Keith at St. Petersburg, to Mr. Mitchell. With copies of some despatches to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy] and the Earl of Bute [John Stuart], 1757 to 1763. Also includes letters relating to Mr. Keith’s recall.

1. Letter from Mr. Rineking to Mr. Mitchell. Orders received to continue the correspondence with Lord Holderness, after the departure of Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 27 December N.S. [Gregorian Calendar] 1757. (folio 1)

i. Enclosed copy of a letter from Mr. Rineking to the Earl of Holderness. The anger of the Empress [Elizabeth] against General Apraxin is subsiding. Orders given to General Fermor to march into Prussia. Account of this General’s services. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 27 December 1757. (folio 3)

2. Letter from Mr. Rineking to Mr. Mitchell. (Being the copy of a letter to the Earl of Holderness). March of General Fermor suspended. Further particulars of the army. Alteration in the finances. Seizure of the estates of the clergy by the Empress. (Chiefly in cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 17 January 1758. (folio 6)

3. Letter from Mr. Rineking to Mr. Mitchell. (Being the copy of a letter to the Earl of Holderness). Promotion in the Russian army. Disposition and movements of the troops. (Chiefly in cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 24 January 1758. (folio 8)

4. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Prop. M.) Journey to Narva. The roads covered with peasants carrying provisions to the army in Prussia. Movements of troop. Disgrace of the Great Chancellor, Count Bestucheff [Alexey Bestuzhev-Ryumin]. General Apraxin is at Narva, and said to be under arrest. Dated Narva, 1 March 1758. (folio 10)

i. Enclosed in the above. Cypher part of the Earl of Holderness’s letter to Mr. Keith. Dated Whitehall, 25 February 1758. Instructions to represent the King as resolved to fulfil his engagements with the King of Prussia. [It does not appear how this letter came into Mr. Mitchell’s hands, but it was probably communicated to him by Mr. Keith].

5. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Being the copy of a letter to the Earl of Holderness). The fate of Count Bestucheff [Alexey Bestuzhev-Ryumin] is not yet decided. His fall was owing to the intrigues of the French and Austrian Ambassadors. Attempts to alienate the Grand Duke [Peter] from the Duchess [Catherine], by means of one Brockdorff. M. Stalke, the Grand Duke’s Minister for the affairs of Holstein, placed under arrest. General Soltikow [Saltykov] is still at St. Petersburg. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 14 March 1758. (folio 14)

6. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. Account of the manner in which the Great Chancellor’s fall was occasioned. General Soltikow is to set out in a day or two for Riga, to take the command of the army of observation. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 19/30 March 1758. (folio 18)

7. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Enclosing the copy of a letter to the Earl of Holderness. Dated St. Petersburg, 12 May 1758. (folio 22)

i. Enclosed copy of a letter from Mr. Keith to the Earl of Holderness. Substance of a confidential conversation held with Count Schuwallow, on a separate peace between Russian and Prussia, and motives of Austria and France in commencing the war. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 12 May 1758. (folios 23 and 25)

8. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Enclosing an extract of a letter to the Earl of Holderness, with some general Intelligence. Dated St. Petersburg, 5/10 May 1758. (folio 28)

i. Enclosed extract of a letter from Mr. Keith to the Earl of Holderness. Conversation held with County Worongow, the Vice Chancellor, on the same points as in the conference with Count Schuwallow. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 16 May 1758. (folios 29 and 31)

9. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Enclosing a paper. Congratulations on the reduction of Schweidnitz. General news. Dated St. Petersburg, 28 April-9 May 1758. (folio 33)

10. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Enclosing an extract of a letter to the Earl of Holderness. Dated St. Petersburg, 22 May-2 June 1758. (folio 36)

i. Enclosed extract of Mr. Keith’s letter to the Earl of Holderness. An intercepted letter, falsely said to have been written by Mr. Keith to General Yorke, has been communicated by the Imperial Minister to the Vice Chancellor. False statement circulated by Prince Charles of Saxony. The Swedes sent ships to Revel to export corn, but it is forbidden at present to be taken away. Uneasiness about the Turkish Envoy, who pretends to a new ceremony. Dated (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 2 June 1758. (folio 38)

11. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. When General Fermor begins to march, he will endeavour to penetrate into Brandenburg, on the side of Custrin [Kostrzyn]. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 27 June 1758. (folio 40)

12. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. News of the battle of Zorndorf and the taking of Louisbourg. Mr. Keith will obey the King of Prussia’s orders to the best of his power. Troops ordered to join General Fermor’s army. (Chiefly in cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 8/19 September 1758. (folio 42)

i. Enclosed extract of a letter from Mr. Keith to the Earl of Holderness, of 12 September 1758. Project for choosing Prince Charles of Saxony, Duke of Courland. Conversation with the Vice Chancellor on the subject of a peace with Prussia. (In cypher). (folio 44)

13. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Duplicate of the letter, dated the 19 inst. with the enclosure). (folio 46)

14. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Uneasiness on account of Marshal Keith. Recommendation from the Great Duke of a Mr. Lattorff. Dated St. Petersburg, 6/17 October 1758. (folio 48)

15. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly in cypher). Approbation of General Fermor’s conduct by the Empress. Threats of the Empress against the town of Danzig, for partiality shown to the Prussians. Wishes for peace expressed by a person of great distinction. Grief at the death of Marshal Keith. Dated St. Petersburg, 25 December 1758/5 January 1759. (folio 50)

16. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell’s attention to the Russian prisoners has been communicated to the Empress, and well received. Desire that the Russian General’s should be released on parole. A General Officer from Vienna is expected at St. Petersburg, to settle the plan of the next campaign. English person mentioned by Mr. Mitchell to have interest with the court. False representations with regard to the army, and the King of Prussia. (Partly in cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 5/10 January? 1759. (folio 52)

i. Enclosed extract of a letter (apparently from Mr. Keith to the Earl of Holderness). Predilection of the Court in favour of France. Reports that the Duke of Courland is to marry a French woman, and that the Tartars have made an incursion into the Ukraine. (In cypher). (folio 54)

17. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. Orders received by the Danish Ministers to desire that the Czarina would give instructions to her Minister at Stockholm, to join with the Danish Ambassador there in persuading the Swedes to recall their declaration; forbidding commerce with the Prussian ports in the Baltic. State of the Russian army under General Fermor. In a postscript is added the Intelligence of the King of Denmark [Frederick V] having offered his mediation to Russia. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 15/25 January 1759. (folio 55)

18. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. Offer of mediation from Denmark to England, Russia, and France, is declined by the latter powers. Preparation for war proceeds with vigour. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 22 January 1759. (folio 58)

19. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. Instructions from Mr. Pitt. Difficulty of drawing off Russian from Austria in the present state of affairs. Recruiting for General Fermor’s army, and state of the troops. Dislike of the Court of Vienna to the General. Contracts for transporting provisions. Count Czernichew is talked of as the new Vice Chancellor. Court of Warsaw. Release of the Russian Generals again recommended, or a cartel to be settled. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 2/13 February 1759. (folio 60)

20. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) General Brown is arrived, but has excused himself from serving in the ensuing campaign on account of his wounds. Pardon of Lord Mareschall. The order of St. Anne has been given by the Grand Duke to a French Brigadier. Dated St. Petersburg, 6 March/23 February 1759. (folio 64)

i. Enclosed extract of a letter from Mr. Keith to the Earl of Holderness, of the 2nd March. Conference held to settle the operations of the campaign. Particulars respecting the journey of General Fermor to the capital. Strength of the army. Health of the Empress. (In cypher). (folio 66)

21. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Pardon of Lord Marischall. Satisfaction at the leave given to the Russian General Officers to go to Berlin. General Fermor takes leave of the Empress. Dated St. Petersburg, 26 February/9 March 1759. (folio 68)

i. Enclosed extract of a letter from Mr. Keith (apparently to the Earl of Holderness). Conduct of General Fermor in the conferences held on the operations of the campaign. They are to begin by the siege of Stettin. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 26 February/9 March, 1759. (folio 70)

22. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) In return for the King of Prussia’s civility to the Russian Prisoners, orders have been given to bring Mr. Schwerin to St. Petersburg. General Intelligence. Dated St. Petersburg, 9/20 March 1759. (folio 72)

i. Enclosed extract of a letter of the 20th March to the Earl of Holderness. Conversation held with Count Worongow, the Great Chancellor, on the means of bringing about a peace, by getting the King of Poland [Augusts III] to make overtures to the King of Prussia. The Empress has a fit of epilepsy. (In cypher). (folio 73)

23. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., Partly in cypher). The Danish Minister has delivered a paper to the Chancellor, desiring that in case the Empress should again send a fleet to the Baltic, she would choose another station for it than that it had previously occupied. General news. Dated St. Petersburg, 16/27 March 1759. (folio 77)

24. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. Departure of General Tiller, and information respecting the plan of the campaign. Strength of General Fermor’s army. Remarks on the Imperial Ambassador’s endeavours to depreciate General Fermor’s military character. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 30 March/10 April 1759. (folio 81)

i. Enclosed decipher of Mr. Keith’s letter to the Earl of Holderness. By the instructions of the King of Prussia, Mr. Keith will not at present make any advances to the Russian Ministers. Disposition of the Chancellor. Endeavours used to cultivate the friendship of Mr. Alsufiew, the Cabinet Secretary. Count Alexander Schuwallow has the care of the state prisoners. In a postscript is added the intelligence of the Empress having signed the sentence of banishment against the late Chancellor. Offer made to some English Merchant ships to convey artillery to Pillau. Intimacy between Mr. Esterhazi, the Imperial Ambassador, and Mr. Osten, the Danish Minister. Dated St. Petersburg, 30 March/10 April 1759. (folio 85)

25. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Private P.M.) A friendly letter of general Intelligence. Dated St. Petersburg, 10 April 1759. (folio 79)

26. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. Arrival of General Lieven, with a commission relative to the operations of the campaign. State of the Russian army, as reported by General Tiller. Departure of the Countess Bestucheff, and her son. Arrival of M. Schwerin. (Chiefly in cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 24 April 1759. (folio 89)

27. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) A letter of general Intelligence. Dated St. Petersburg, 1 May 1759. (folio 91)

i. Enclosed extract of Mr. Keith’s letter to the Earl of Holderness. The King of Prussia judged right in thinking the present an improper time to make overtures to the Russian Court. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 1 May 1759. (folio 93)

28. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. General Soltikow nominated Commander in Chief of the troops in Prussia. Report of the squadron from Revel having sailed. It is said the Russian army will act in two separate bodies. (Partly cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 11/22 May 1759. (folio 94)

i. Enclosed extract of Mr. Keith’s letter to the Earl of Holderness. The Court dissatisfied with General Fermor. Marshal Butterlin has offered himself to supply his place. Uneasiness of the Court at the arrival of a Prussian agent at Constantinople. French memorial given in to the Porte [Ottoman Empire]. Prince Meneizow sets out with a secret commission for the army. Resolution of the Russians to seize all ships going to and from Stettin, carrying Prussian colours. (In cypher). Dated Petersburg, 18 May 1759. (folio 96)

29. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) General Soltikow declared Commander in Chief, and General Fermor to act under him. Uneasiness felt at the removal of the Russian prisoners to Spandau. Dated St. Petersburg, 29 May 1759. (folio 99)

i. Enclosed extract of Mr. Keith’s letter to the Earl of Holderness of the 29th May 1759. Depressed state of the finances and army. Character of General Soltikow. (In cypher). (folio 100)

30. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Seizure of the books of M. Gross (late Russian Minister at Warsaw) at Dresden. Death of General Forbes. Dated St. Petersburg, 5 June 1759. (folio 102)

i. Enclosed extract of Mr. Keith’s letter to the Earl of Holderness of the 5th June 1759. Departure of General Soltikow for the army. Dislike of the Great Duke to the Duke of Courland. (In cypher). (folio 104)

31. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. The Russian army is advancing, and is not only to act in concert with Marshal Daun, but to receive orders from that General. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 26 June 1759. (folio 105)

32. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) General remarks on the state of public affairs. Dated St. Petersburg, 6 July 1759. (folio 107)

i. Enclosed. General Lieven takes leave of the Empress to take command of the Swedish Army in Pomerania. Struggle at the Court between the parties of the Rosamowskies and Schuwallows. The Great Duke’s dislike to the Duke of Courland. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 6 July 1759. (folio 109)

33. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Enclosing an extract of a letter to Lord Holderness. Dated St. Petersburg, 24 August/4 September 1759. (folio 111)

i. Enclosed extract of Mr. Keith’s letter to the Earl of Holderness. Conversation held with Count Woronzow on the sentiments of the King of Prussia towards Russia, and the conduct of the latter in carrying on the war. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 4 September 1759. (folio 113)

34. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. Letter of the new King of Spain [Charles III] to the Empress, notifying his accession, and his intention to resign the Kingdom of Naples to one of his sons. Reported detachments of Russian troops into Prussia. Intention to besiege Glogau [Głogów] or Colberg [Kolberg]. Congratulations on Admiral Boscawen’s victory, and other successes of the King’s arms. (Partly in cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 21 September/2 October 1759. (folio 115)

35. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Departure of Count Schwerin, in order to be exchanged. Details of a pecuniary nature relative to this officer. Dated St. Petersburg, 2/13 November 1759, (folio 117)

i. Enclosed letter to Mr. Mitchell. Mr. Keith will regulate his conduct according to the King of Prussia’s sentiments. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 13 November 1759. (folio 119)

36. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.). General remarks on the state of affairs. Death of General Wolfe. Further particulars relative to lending money to Count Schwerin. Arrival of General Czernichew. Dated St. Petersburg, 4 December 1759. (folio 120)

37. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Remarks on General Finck’s surrender. Count Schwerin again. Dated St. Petersburg, 15 December 1759. (folio 122)

38. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. The defeat of General Finck has prevented, for the present, any other steps to be taken in execution of the directions received from the King of Prussia. Attempts of the French Court to remove M. Wall from the Spanish Court, through the King of Poland. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 4/15 December 1759. (folio 123)

i. Enclosed copy of Mr. Keith’s letter to the Earl of Holderness. Account of the steps taken in the execution of the orders received from his Lordship, relative to making overtures for a peace. Delivery of the memorial found among Prince Xavier’s papers to the Chancellor. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 4/15 December 1759. (folio 127)

ii. Note pour M. de Keith, Envoyé Extraordinaire de Sa Majesté Brittanique. Reply to the communication made by Mr. Keith, touching a peace. Dated St. Petersburg, 1 December 1759. (folio 129)

iii. Enclosed copy of Mr. Keith’s letter to the Earl of Holderness. (Separate and Most Secret). Ascendancy of the party of the Schuwallow’s, and dependency of the Chancellor on them. Some account of the Chamberlain Schuwallow. (In cypher) Dated St. Petersburg, 4/15 December 1759. (folio 131)

39. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Congratulations on the success of Admiral Hawke. Dated St. Petersburg, 17/28 December 1759. (folio 135)

i. Enclosed copy of Mr. Keith’s letter to the Earl of Holderness. (Private). Conversation held with the chancellor. Determination of the Court to carry on the war. General Czernichew continues in high favour. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 28 December 1759. (folio 133)

40. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Being a copy of Mr. Keith’s letter to the Earl of Holderness). An answer to the King’s declaration has been sent from the Russian Court, similar to that of Vienna. It is taken ill that the declaration was not also communicated to Sweden and Saxony. Intention of the French Ministers to send on Monsieur Breteuil to St. Petersburg. Report of the King of Denmark having sent orders to his Minister to make some sort of declaration in favour of the King of Prussia. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 31 December 1759. (folio 136)

41. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Information desired respecting Lieutenant Kursel, prisoner at Spandau. Further particulars respecting the load of money to count Schwerin. The disposition of the Court remains the same. Dated St. Petersburg, 8 February 1760. (folio 138)

42. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (With an extract of a letter from Mr. Keith to the Earl of Holderness in cypher). Exchange of the Duchy of Holstein for Oldenburg and Delmenhorst, likely to be effected. This explains the declaration made from the King of Denmark. General news. Dated St. Petersburg, 1/12 February 1760. (folio 142)

43. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. Memorial given in to the Court of Vienna by the French Ambassador, with respect to a congress. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 11/22 February 1760. (folio 142)

44. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., Partly cypher). The affair of the Duchy of Holstein is at a stand. Payment of the Austrian subsidy to Russia. News of the seizure of the Margrave of Schwedt and Prince of Wirtemberg [Württemberg?]. Dated St. Petersburg, 22 February/4 March 1760. (folio 144)

45. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Affair of Baron Schrotter and Monsieur Aver being appointed by the Empress to two vacant places in the Government of Prussia, against their inclination. Dated St. Petersburg, 22 June/3 July 1760. (folio 146)

46. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. The King of Denmark refuses to ratify the act of accession to the convention, relative to the navigation of the Baltic. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 7/18 July 1760. (folio 149)

47. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. The declaration His Danish Majesty has been made by his Minister to the Chancellor. The fleet is getting ready for sea, and designed against Colberg [Kolberg]. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 14/25 July 1760. (folio 150)

48. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. Still on the subject of the King of Denmark’s refusing to ratify the convention. It is supposed this has been done in concert with Great Britain. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 25 July/5 August 1760. (folio 152)

49. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Lord Hope and Mr. Rouet wish to meet Mr. Mitchell. The Russian Court is much dissatisfied with Marshal Daun’s conduct. Dated St. Petersburg, 29 August/9 September 1760. (folio 154)

50. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., and partly cypher). Victory of the King of Prussia over General Laudohn [Laudon]. The Danish Minister, M. Osten, has obtained his recall. Marshal Butterlin is named to supply the place of General Soltikow. Prince Galitzin is ordered to the army. The cause of M. Osten’s recall arises from a personal aversion of the Empress. Dated St. Petersburg, 9/30 September 1760. (folio 156)

51. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Being an extract of a letter to the Earl of Holderness). The Russians have raised the siege of Colberg [Kolberg]. The Court may new wish to get out of the war. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 26 September/7 October 1760. (folio 158)

52. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. The ratification of the treaty by Denmark has been received, so the affair of the Duchy of Holstein will probably be settled to His Danish Majesty’s satisfaction. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 3/14 October 1760. (folio 160)

53. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Condolence on the loss of the late King [George II]. Congratulations on the Prussian victory at Torgau. Dated St. Petersburg, 14/25 November 1760. (folio 162)

54. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Enclosing a letter from the English factory at St. Petersburg, complaining of the interruption of the correspondence between Berlin and St. Petersburg. Dated St. Petersburg, 21 November/2 December 1760. (folio 164)

i. Enclosed letter from the Merchants of the English factory to Mr. Keith. Dated St. Petersburg, 18 November 1760. (folio 166)

55. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Enclosing despatches to the Earl of Holderness. Miss Keith, having fallen in love with the King of Prussia, begs, as the greatest favour in the world, a miniature portrait of that Prince. Dated St. Petersburg, 4/15 January 1761. (folio 168)

i. Enclose copy of Mr. Keith’s letter to the Earl of Holderness. Account of a conversation held with the Chamberlain Schuwallow on the means of bringing about a pacification. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 9/20 January 1761. (folio 169)

56. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) A letter of introduction to the Marquis Silow, Gentleman of the Bedchamber to the infant Don Philippe, etc. Dated St. Petersburg, 11/12 January 1761. (folio 173)

57. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M. with the copy of a despatch to Lord Holderness). Baron Fener’s mission to London, with new credentials for Prince Galitzin. Letter received by the chancellor from the Duke de Choiseul [Étienne François], stating the King of France [Louis XV]’s wishes to put a stop to the war, and powers given to M. de Breteuil to continue the negotiation. Dated St. Petersburg, 18/29 January 1761. (folio 175)

58. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M. with an extract of a letter to the Earl of Holderness in cypher). No answer has yet been returned to the French declaration. Probability that the Great Duke will yield to the Empress’s wishes in the affair of Holstein. Memorial presented by the Swedish Envoy, declaring the King of Sweden’s intention to prosecute the war. Recall of M. de l’Hopital, the French Ambassador. Dated St. Petersburg, 30 January/10 February 1761. (folio 177)

59. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M. with an extract of a letter to Lord Holderness in cypher). The affair of the Duchy of Holstein remains as before. The disposition towards a peace is not so favourable as it was, and another campaign will be hazarded. News of the change of administration in Sweden. Marriage of Count Peter Schouwalow, and munificence of the Empress to him. Dated St. Petersburg, 20 February/5 March 1761. (folio 179)

60. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (With an extract of a letter to Lord Holderness). The negotiation for Holstein remains as before. Uneasiness of M. Breteuil on this head. M. Osten is to succeed Count Haxthausen at Warsaw. Mr. Keith will profit of every opportunity to serve the King of Prussia. Dated St. Petersburg, 2/13 March 1761. (folio 181)

61. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). Note given to the Danish secretary signifying the willingness of the Great Duke to appoint his Great Chamberlain to negotiate for settling the differences relative to the Duchy of Holstein. Dated St. Petersburg, 6 /17 March 1761. (folio 183)

62. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). The King of Denmark has required a definitive answer of the Empress. Dated St. Petersburg, 3/14 April 1761. (folio 185)

63. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). Application from M. Brandenhaupt (who has been arrested by the Russians) for permission to proceed to St. Petersburg. Appointment of Lord Bute to be Secretary of State. Dated St. Petersburg, 28/17 April 1761. (folio 187)

64. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). Disposition of the Court towards a peace, but jealousy towards the King of Prussia. Count Keyserling and Count J. Czernichew are named Plenipotentiaries at the congress. Dated St. Petersburg, 8/19 May 1761, (folio 189)

65. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) A letter in general terms. Lord Marischall. Earl of Bute. The Russians still busy fitting out their fleet. Dated St. Petersburg, 18/29 May 1761. (folio 191)

66. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). The new Danish Minister, Count Haxthausen, has given in a strong memorial on the affair of the Duchy of Holstein. Admiral Polanski is appointed to the command of the fleet. Departure of M. Gross for The Hague. Report that General Romanzow is to attack Colberg in conjunction with the Fleet. Dated St. Petersburg, 5/16 June 1761. (folio 193)

67. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). Anger of the Court at the conduct of Totleben. Capture of Belleisle [Belle Île]. General remarks on the state of affairs. Dated St. Petersburg, 12/23 July 1761. (folio 195)

68. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). The Danish Minister has demanded an immediate answer from the Russian Court on the affair of the Duchy of Holstein, which if not satisfactory, the King of Denmark threatens to join the King of Prussia. Congratulations of the good news from Westphalia. Dated St. Petersburg, 31 July/11 August 1761. (folio 197)

69. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). Remarks on the negotiation between England and France, and taking of Schweidnitz. Health of the Empress. Report of Mr. Pitt’s resignation, and appointment of the Earl of Egremont [Charles Wyndham]. Dated St. Petersburg, 30 October/10 November 1761. (folio 199)

70. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). Information respecting a person enquired about by Count Finckenstein. Health of Empress broken a good deal. Elation of the Court at their late successes. Pitt’s administration. General topics. Dated St. Petersburg, 4/15 December 1761. (folio 201)

71. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). The Empress is worse. News of the surrender of Colberg. Particulars of the Empress’s indisposition. Dated St. Petersburg, 14/19 December 1761. (folio 203)

72. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) The Empress is out of danger. An ukase of grace, for setting free all prisoners for crimes over the Empire is soon to be published. Dated St. Petersburg, 1 January 1762. (folio 205)

73. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) The Empress is dead, and succeeded by her nephew the Grand Duke, now Peter III. Dated St. Petersburg, 5 January 1762. (folio 207)

74. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Favourable turn of affairs, and orders sent by the Emperor to the troops, to proceed no further into the King of Prussia’s territories. Count Czernichew is ordered to leave the Austrians. An armistice is to be accepted, if proposed by Prussia. The emperor has some designs against Denmark. Dated St. Petersburg, 8 January 1762. (folio 209)

75. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Enclosing a letter from County Herdt. Everything carries the most favourable aspect towards a peace. Dated St. Petersburg, 8/19 January 1762. (folio 210)

76. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Enclosing a letter to M. Gross, containing a new arrangement, by which M. Gross is to remain at The Hague, and young Count Woronzow to go to England to succeed Prince Galitzen, who returns to St. Petersburg as Vice Chancellor. Dated St. Petersburg, 23 January 1762. (folio 212)

77. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) A friendly letter, sent by Burnet. Dated St. Petersburg, 28 January 1762. (folio 214)

78. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Written by order of the Emperor, to express His Imperial Majesty’s wishes, that the King of Prussia should send, without loss of time, a person of confidence with propositions of peace to St. Petersburg. The Emperor also has intimated he should take it as a compliment if the Order of the Black Eagle were sent to him. Sweden cannot go on with the war. The Emperor has declared the Russian Nobility and Gentry free, and on a footing with those of other European states. The price of salt has also been reduced, in relief of the poorer orders. War declared by Spain against England. Dated St. Petersburg, 19/30 January 1762. (folio 216)

79. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). Account of the interview held with the Emperor, and His Imperial Majesty’s assurances of concurrence with the King of Prussia in bringing about a peace. General Totleben is to be tried by a court-martial. Return of the famous Count Lestock from exile. Dated St. Petersburg, 29 January/9 February 1762. (folio 218)

80. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Commission of Brigadier Godowitz. Arrival of General Werner. The late Empress’s funeral. Release of the Prussian prisoners by the Emperor. Prince George of Holstein. Dated St. Petersburg, 4/15 February 1762. (folio 220)

81. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). Distinction shown to Mr. Keith by the Emperor. Prince George of Holstein and M. de Saldern. The Empress is not so well disposed towards a peace as the Emperor. Dated St. Petersburg, 9/2 February 1762. (folio 222)

82. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Enclosing a letter from a M. Seelhorst. Dated St. Petersburg, 9/20 February 1762. (folio 224)

83. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. Orders dispatched to the Russian Generals, to accept the cessation of arms proposed by the Russians. A Minister of Knowledge and confidence is wished for from the King of Prussia. His Prussian Majesty is to be sounded, whether Count Keyserlingk would be acceptable as Ambassador at Breslau. Money issued to hasten the return of Count Czernichew’s troops into Silesia. Dated St. Petersburg, 9/20 February 1762. (folio 226)

84. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). Celebration of the Emperor’s birthday. Behaviour of the Court of Vienna. The Empress again requests to have the Order of the Black Eagle sent him, and also the Order ‘pour le merite’. Prince George of Holstein is in great favour, and has entered into the Emperor’s service. Dated St. Petersburg, 12/23 February 1762. (folio 228)

85. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Enclosing the copy of a paper delivered by the Emperor’s orders to the Imperial, French, and Swedish Ministers. An explanation has been demanded. False reports spread by the Austrian and French emissaries that the Emperor has demanded a fleet from England to attack Denmark. General occurrences. Dated St. Petersburg, 15/26 February 1762. (folio 230)

i. ‘Copie de la Declaration remise aux Ministres d’Autriche, de France, et de Suede, à St. Petersbourg. Le 12 de Fev. 1762, vieux stile’. (folio 232)

86. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Arrival of Baron Goltz. The Chamberlain Sohuwalow made director of the corps of cadets. Dated St. Petersburg, 22 February/5 March 1762. (folio 234)

87. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Refusal of the Emperor to receive Mr. Wroughton as Minister. Dated St. Petersburg, 28 February (Old Style) 1762. (folio 235)

88. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Enclosing despatches to Lord Bute. Behaviour of Baron Goltz. Dislike of the Emperor to Mr. Wroughton. Dated St. Petersburg, 28 February/11 March 1762. (folio 237)

i. Enclosed copy of a letter from Mr. Keith to the Earl of Bute. The Emperor has consented to enter into a negotiation with Denmark, but wishes to know what part the King will take in case a rupture should take place. Baron Goltz has full powers to sign a treaty of peace with the Emperor, who will restore all the conquests made by the Russians, and perhaps will become guarantee for Silesia in case the King of Prussia will guarantee Holstein. Dated St. Petersburg, 28 February/11 March 1762. (folio 239)

89. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Chiefly in cypher). Colonel Goltz has sent, in the Emperor’s name, to desire the King of Prussia to draw up the project of a peace between the two Courts. From something that passed between Lord Bute and Prince Galitzin, the Emperor has conceived a jealousy that England intends to make up matters with the Court of Vienna, at the expense of the King of Prussia. Dated St. Petersburg, 5/16 March 1762. (folio 241)

90. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Mr. Wroughton’s journey and the Emperor’s refusal to receive him in a public character. Mr. Keith’s determination to serve under no body whatever. Dated St. Petersburg, 8/19 March 1762. (folio 243)

i. Enclosed copy of Mr. Keith’s letter to the Earl of Bute. Probability of a peace being speedily concluded between Russia and Prussia. Jealousy conceived by the Emperor with regard to England’s deserting the King of Prussia. Dated St. Petersburg, 8/19 March 1762. (folio 245)

91. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Still on the affair of Mr. Wroughton. General news. Dated St. Petersburg, 15/26 March 1762. (folio 247)

92. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) A letter of General Intelligence and friendship. Dated St. Petersburg, 19/30 March 1762. (folio 248)

93. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). The Duke of Holstein and his family. Coolness and reserve should be Colonel Goltz, ever since the jealousy of England conceived by the Emperor. Character of Wokow, and Count Worozow. The Chancellor if pleased at finding Count Keyserling acceptable to the King of Prussia. Dated St. Petersburg, 22 March/ 2 April 1762. (folio 250)

94. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Most Secret). Count Schwerin has arrived with despatches from the King of Prussia to Colonel Goltz. The plan of a treaty is conjectured to have been brought, and would be shortly concluded. (In cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 29 March/9 April 1762. (folio 252)

In a note annexed, headed ‘most secret and to yourself only’, it is stated that Prince Galitzin’s despatches, which had occasioned the Emperor’s jealousy, contained an account of a conversation held with Lord Bute, in which that Minister had been pleased ‘to open himself with an astonishing confidence’. (folio 254)

95. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). Colonel Goltz has communicated the project of the treaty. The King of Prussia said to be pleased with the late accounts from England. Dated St. Petersburg, 2/13 April 1762. (folio 254)

96. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Success at Martinico [Martinique]. Despatches to Lord Bute are enclosed. Dated St. Petersburg, 5/16 April 1762. (folio 259)

i. Enclosed copy of a letter from Mr. Keith to the Earl of Bute. The Emperor’s intention of concluding a peace immediately with the King of Prussia. Dispute with Denmark. Intentions with respect to the Duke of Courland. Congratulations on the success at Martinique. Dated St. Petersburg, 5/16 April 1762. (folio 256)

ii. Enclosed copy of a letter from Mr. Keith to the Earl of Bute. (Most Secret). The Emperor has paid a visit incognito to Prince Iwan [Ivan VI], who is confined to the fortress of Sloselbourg [Shlisselburg]. The Prince is in a state of imbecility. Dated St. Petersburg, 5/16 April 1762. (folio 258)

97. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Success at Martinique. Count Mercy, at last, calls on Prince George of Holstein, by order of his Court, and in consequence receives an audience of the Emperor. Dated St. Petersburg, 12/23 April 1762. (folio 261)

i. Enclosed extract of a letter from Mr. Keith to the Earl of Bute, dated, St Petersburg, 12/23 April 1762. (Very Secret). Intentions of the Court of Sweden to make peace with the King of Prussia. The Emperor influenced by a set of favourites, who are in the French interest, and alienate His Imperial Majesty from the Chancellor. (In cypher). (folio 262)

98. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). The Emperor goes to reside in the new palace. Reports of the intentions of Denmark. The Emperor sends to consult the King of Prussia on the subject. Dated St. Petersburg, 3/20 April 1762. (folio 264)

99. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Exculpation of Baron Schrotter and M. D’aver for accepting employment under the Russians. The King of Denmark accepts the negotiations offered. The Emperor has written to England, to desire Mr. Keith may remain as Minister at his Court. Dated St. Petersburg, 23 April/4 May 1762. (folio 266)

100. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). Signature of the treaty of peace between the Emperor and the King of Prussia. Orders given to General Czernichew’s corps to hold themselves in readiness to assist the King of Prussia against Austria, in case Austria does not give up its conquests in Silesia. Reason to think the King of Prussia has guaranteed to the Emperor the Duchy of Sleswick [Schleswig], and all his possessions in the Duchy of Holstein. Dated St. Petersburg, 27 April/8 May 1762. (folio 268)

i. Enclosed extract of the treaty between The King of Prussia and Emperor of Russia. (In French). (folio *268)

101. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Enclosing a letter from Marechal Munich to His Prussian Majesty. Dated St. Petersburg, 1 June/31 May 1762. (folio 270)

102. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). Enclosing a note from the Russian Court, relative to the affair of Holstein. Orders given for the Foreign Ministers to follow the Emperor, in case he should put himself at the head of his army. The Emperor’s two ruling passions are his love for the King of Prussia, and hatred of Denmark. The Government in great want of money. Prince Nariskin solicits the Order of the Black Eagle. Dated St. Petersburg, 26 May/6 June 1762. (folio 272)

i. Note pour Monsieur de Keith, Envoyé et Mre. Plenre. De Sa Majesté le Roi de la Grande Bretagne. (folio 274)

103. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Most Secret and Private). Everything relative to the new treaty of alliance between Russian and Prussia is adjusted. Substance of the treaty. M. de Saldern is to set out for Denmark, with propositions for a Congress. General Intelligence. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 7/18 June 1762. (folio 276)

104. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Secret). Signature of the treaty between the Czar and King of Prussia. The Court of Vienna consent to offer a truce to the King of Prussia. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). Dated St. Petersburg, 11/22 June 1762. (folio 277)

105. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (Partly P.M., partly cypher). Monsieur Nariskin’s wish to have the orange ribbon. Affairs in England. The Emperor’s journey is still problematical. Report of the Cham of Tartary having marched with an army. Dated St. Petersburg, 21 June/2 July 1762. (folio 279)

106. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Revolution in Russia. Arrest of the Emperor, and resignation. The soldiers and others take the oath of fidelity to the Empress [Catherine II, alias Catherine the Great]. The principal actors in this affair were the Hetman, and Mr. Panin, Governor to the young Prince; but the contrivance of the plot was principally due to the Princess Dashkow [Yekaterina Vorontsova-Dashkova], niece to the Chancellor, a young lady of 20 years old. Dated St. Petersburg, 2/13 July 1762. (folio 281)

107. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Congratulations on the success of Prince Ferdinand. The Empress’s disposition said to be towards a peace. In consequence of the change at court, Mr. Keith has written for his recall. Dated St. Petersburg, 6/17 July 1762. (folio 283)

108. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Affairs in England. State of the Russian Court. Mr. Keith’s knowledge of the Empress’s dislike to him. Dated St. Petersburg, 10/21 July 1762. (folio 285)

109. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Things seem to take a pacific turn. Nomination of the Earl of Buckinghamshire [John Hobart] to be Ambassador Extraordinary to Russia. Further explanation of the motives of Mr. Keith’s desiring to be recalled. Dated St. Petersburg, 23 July/3 August 1762. (folio 287)

110. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Enclosing an account of the late revolution in Russia, written immediately after that event. Conduct of the English Court towards the King of Prussia. Prince Galitzin’s account of the conversation held with Lord Bute, was certainly and literally true. Further remarks on the conduct of that Minister. No account yet of Lord Buckinghamshire. Dated St. Petersburg, 3 September/23 August 1762. (folio 289)

i. Enclosed copy of a letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Grenville, containing an account of the revolution in Russia. Dated St. Petersburg, 2/13 July 1762. (folio 290)

111. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Arrival of the Earl of Buckinghamshire. Mr. Keith is preparing for his journey home. Dated St. Petersburg, 17/28 September 1762. (folio 293)

112. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) A friendly note, written on the road. Dated Riga, 12 October [Gregorian Calendar] 1762. (folio 294)

113. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) General intelligence of what is passing in England. Dated The Hague, 23 December 1762/ (folio 296)

114. Letter from Mr. Keith to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) A letter of friendship. Liberality of the King towards Mr. Keith. Transactions of a pecuniary nature with the Duke of Buckinghamshire, for a chariot and horses. Date Edinburgh, 9 August 1763. (folio 297)Copies of letters relative to Mr. Keith’s recall.

1. Copy of a letter from the Earl of Bute to Mr. Keith. Orders to present the King’s congratulations to the new Emperor and Empress. An Ambassador Extraordinary will shortly be sent out. The King’s disposition towards a peace to be represented to their Imperial Majesties, and their concurrence to be solicited. Mr. Wroughton is nominated Resident at Petersburg, and Mr. Keith instructed to act in concert with him. The commercial interests of the King’s subjects recommended. Dated St. James’s, 2 February 1762. (folio 299)

2. Copy of a letter from Mr. Keith to the Earl of Bute. Mr. Keith solicits his recall. Dated St. Petersburg, 8/19 March 1762. (folio 302)

3. Copy of a letter from the Earl of Bute to Mr. Keith. (Private). Mr. Wroughton will be employed on another service, owing to the Emperor’s dislike of him. Statement of the motives for his appointment. Dated St. James’s, 23 March 1762. (folio 304)

4. Copy of a letter from the Earl of Bute to Mr. Keith. (Private). His Lordship has delayed asking the King’s commands in regard to Mr. Keith’s recall. The appointment of Mr. Wroughton not meant to imply any defect in Mr. Keith’s ability or zeal. Dated St. James’s, 9 April 1762. (folio 306)

i. Enclosed copy of a letter from the Earl of Bute to Monsieur Luders [the Russian Resident in London]. The wishes of the Emperor in regard to the mission of an Ambassador are inquired. (In French). Dated St. James’s, 9 April 1762. (folio 308)

5. Copy of a letter from Mr. Keith to the Earl of Bute. (Private). Motives for soliciting his recall. Mr. Keith is willing to remain, if put into a situation to do it with honour to himself. Reply of the Chancellor on the subject of the Ambassador. Dated St. Petersburg, 7 May/28 April 1762. (folio 310)

i. Enclosed copy of Count Woronzow’s letter to Monsieur Luders. The Emperor wishes that Mr. Keith may have the character of Ambassador given to him, and remain at the Russian Court. (In French). Dated St. Petersburg, 22 April 1762. (folio 312)

6. Copy of a letter from Mr. Grenville to Mr. Keith. The King has determined on sending an ambassador, and cannot comply with the Emperor’s request, relative to Mr. Keith. The King consents to the Emperor’s wish, that twenty young Russian Gentlemen should be admitted on board his Majesty’s ships of war, to qualify themselves for the sea service. Dated St. James’s, 29 June 1762. (folio 314)

i. Enclosed copy of a letter from Mr. Grenville to Monsieur Luders. Intention of the King to send out an Ambassador. (In French). Dated St. James’s, 29 June 1762. (folio 316)

7. Copy of a letter from Mr. Grenville to Mr. Keith. (Separate). The King has appointed the Earl of Buckinghamshire his Ambassador Extraordinary to the Court of Russia. Dated St. James’s, 14 July 1762. (folio 318)