L29/559/1

Harris, St. Petersburg to Lord Stormont (copy) Harris has been in the favour of Prince Potemkin and the Empress and has not worried about the personal attacks upon him as a consequence of this favour - it has affected him only in his private capacity. He fears now that their effects will extend still further. He perceives a lessening in Her Majesty's favour and is not receiving support from his friend. He cannot expect, having been the "avowed friend" of Prince Potemkin, ever to be that of anyone else. He has continued to stand well with Count Osterman and M. Besberodke because they knew his connection with Potemkin. He will need to be recalled shortly. Harris suggests Grantham looks out for someone "less improper than himself". He faces disgrace if he remains. He is ready to remain until his successor arrives. Suggests his successor should spend three or four months with him to gain a competent knowledge of the court. He has sent Lady Harris and the children away. Mr Elliot and Mr Eden are qualified to take his post. He strongly recommends Mr Pole Carew, who has lived with him for the last eight months. Harris trusts he will receive the usual pension granted to Foreign Ministers. He has now a debt of twenty thousand pounds.

8, 14 Aug 1781

From: 1781 To: 1781

item

Lucas,
Grantham, Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron,
Harris, James,
Potemkin, Prince,
Osterman,
Besberodke,
Harris,
Elliot,
Eden,
Carew, Pole,
Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia

political correspondence, ambassador, Foreign Secretary, Russians, general royalty, general children, debt, St.Petersburg