L29/559/11

Harris, St. Petersburg to Grantham (1, Private) Harris is pleased with having Grantham as his chief. A "state of suspense" prevails at the Russian court. Cannot determine whether fermented by the French and Emperor together or whether the work of the Bourbons alone. If the first, the experiment is dangerous - if the second, "a general war must ensue". Whatever happens Britain will offer such assistance as it can give and assure the Empress that "all our political influence shall be at her service". Grantham is to "use unction" in speaking to Simolin. While "this state of suspense holds, any direct actions for a closer connection with Russia would be ill timed & premature". Harris suggests consenting nominally to the four cardinal points of the neutral declaration on condition "Une alliance provisionelle" is formed. Between the departure and return of this messenger "things should so materialy change on the side of the Turks as to bring the Empress to the verge of war". The terms which the French set out are exorbitant. Harris strongly disapproves of Tom Grenville's abrupt departure from Paris. Lord Hillsborough was indiscrete to Simolin. Panin accused Harris (and made the Great Duke believe it) of having attempted to set fire to the Russian Fleet and of attempting to poison the Great Duke and Duchess and their children by persuading them that some geraniums and other plants that Harris had sent them were poisonous. Harris is pleased Grantham is contented with Simolin - his dispatches are "candid and fair".

16, 27 Aug 1782

From: 1782 To: 1782

item

Lucas,
Grantham, Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron,
Harris, James,
Bourbon,
Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia,
de Simolin,
Grenville, Thomas,
Panin,
Downshire, Wills Hill, 1st Marquess of

political correspondence, ambassador, Foreign Secretary, Russians, French, actions up to 1815, Turks, naval ships, arson, general children, geraniums, plants, St.Petersburg, Russia, France, Britain, Turkey, Paris