The Present CONDITION OF THE Muscovite EMPIRE, TILL THE YEAR 1699, In a LETTER from a Gen­tleman, who was Conversant with the late Muscovite Am­bassadours in Holland.

IN your last you desired me to acquaint you with what I had been able to learn concerning the present State of Musco­vy, during the Stay of that most solemn Embassy of His Czarish Majesty in this Ci­ty. I am extreamly well pleased, you have put me in the way of satisfying in some [Page 2] measure your Curiosity, having by the fre­quent Conversation with the said Ambassa­dours, had the opportunity to inform my self of several Matters of great Conse­quence, not commonly known in these Parts. I cannot but be amaz'd at the strange. Notions the greatest Part have form'd to themselves of the present Con­dition of the Muscovites, being prepossess'd with an Opinion, that this Monarchy is of so little Consequence in respect of the other European Kingdoms, as scarce to be worthy taking notice of.

But whoever will take the trouble to make a true insight into the present Posture of their Affairs, will be forced to confess, that there are few Kingdoms in Europe, which at this time may be look'd upon as a more proper Object of our Curiosity.

It is not to be denied, but that before the Year 1645, when Czar Alexis Michaelovitz, (his present Czarish Majesty's Father) came to the Crown, the Mascovites were much more barbarous, that they cultivated but a very slender Correspondence, and had but little Commerce with foreign Nations; and that being ill vers'd in all manner of Sci­ences, they were consequently very igno­rant of the Military Art and Discipline, at least as it is practised now a-days in Eu­rope which was the true Reason of their ill Success in so many Encounters, and that, tho' naturally fierce and hardy, they were frequently worsted by their Enemies, tho' much interior in Number.

[Page 3] The Czar Alexis Michaelovitz, a Prince of a vast Understanding, and a Great Po­litician, having immediately after his Ac­cession to the Throne, investigated the true Cause of the Disadvantage, the Muscovites lay under at that time, in respect of other foreign Nations, applied all his Thoughts to remove this Obstacle; The best Expe­dient he could pitch upon, was, to draw in­to his Service as many foreign Officers as possibly he could, to instruct his Subjects in the Modern Art of War; And the better to compass his Design, he made use of all the Politicks that could have been invented by the most refined Politician. For being sensible, that it would be no easie Task to engage a considerable Number of well qua­lified foreign Officers into his Service, he insensibly brought them over to his Party, by the Promises of great Pay, of entire Liberty of Conscience, of what Religion soever; and by taking them into his Ser­vice but for a little time: all which was ve­ry punctually observed on his side. Thus he put his projected Design in execution, with so extraordinary Success, that accord­ing to the Account given by the Baron of Meyerbergh, who was in the Year 1662, sent by his present Imperial Majesty Leo­pald, as his Ambassadour into Muscovy, there were among the foreign Officers in the Czar Alexis Michaelovitz's Service, two Generals, two Marshals de Camp, above a hundred Collonels, a great Nnmber of Ma­jors; Captains, Lieutenants and Ensigns, in [Page 4] prodigious Numbers, who were all paid very punctually: This Account coming from a Person, who otherwise seldom speaks well of the Muscovites and their Affairs, deserves to be particularly taken notice of in this place.

These abovementioned Officers, having made their Levies in divers parts of the Country, subject-to the Obedience of the Czars of Muschovy, and brought them under a regular Martial Disciplines, did afterwards in several Encounters with the Poles and Swedes, give sufficient Proofs, that the Muscovites don't want Bravery, when they are led on by good and experienc'd Officers. But, besides these new Levies, the Czar had always on foot a certain standing Number of old Troops, not unlike to the Roman Legions; those the Muscovites call Strelitzes, consisting of forty Thousand Men, under the Command of the Chiefest of the Nobility of the Empire.

It is further to be observed, that the in­troducing of a more regular Discipline a­mong the Muscovite Forces, was not the only Reason which induc'd the Czar Alexis Michaelovitz, to entertain so vast a Num­ber of foreign Officers in his Service, it having been prov'd by Experience, That the same was in a great measure, founded upon the Security of the Prince's Person, who before that time, having committed the whole Management of their standing Forces to the Nobility, thereby gave them frequent opportunies of abusing their Pow­er [Page 5] in opposition to the Royal Authority.

This Great Prince died in the Year 1676, much lamented by his People, whose Dar­ling he was, as having not once, in all his Reign, in the least abused his Absolute Pow­er, but given them a thousand Demonstra­tions of his Moderation, Justice and Pie­ty. It was he, that first changed the face of Affairs of the Russian Empire, and laid that Foundation, upon which the Greatness of Muscovy has been built since that time, and which is likely to be brought to perfection, by the present Grand Czar Peter Alexiovitz.

He left the Succession of the Crown to his eldestt Son, Fedor Alexiovitz, who reign­ed but six years, his early Loss was like­wise much lamented by his Subjects, being a very Accomplish'd Person, and who had given extraordinary hopes of a Good and Great Prince, having exactly followed his Father's footsteps, especially in what con­cerns the foreign Officers, and the Encou­ragement of Commerce. He was a great lover of all Sciences, but especially of the Mathematicks, and design'd to have all the Houses of the City of Muscon, new built of Brick, and the Streets pav'd with Stones, if he had not been prevented by Death; It was under his Reign, that Ge­neral Le Fort, of whom I shall have oc­casion to speak more anon, entred into the Service of Muscovy. He was on a sudden, seiz'd by a violent and continual Feaver, of which he died in a few days afte; having before [Page 6] his death appointed his younger Brother Peter, begotten by second Adventure, his Successour, as judging his own Brother Ivan (John) who was of a weakly Consti­tution, uncapable of bearing the Burthen of so Great an Empire.

Accordingly Peter Alexiovitz was pro­claimed Czar of Muscovy, when he was scarce eleven years of Age. By the Prin­cess Sophia, Daughter of the deceased Czar Alexis Michaelovitz, by his first Marriage, being of a very aspirng Temper, and na­turally disposed to Caballing, could not brook to see her own Brother excluded from the Succession to the Russian Throne; for which Reason, she set all her Engines at work, to put the Crown upon her Brother Ivan Alexiovitz, or rather, her own Head. The better to encompass this Design, she took care to have it spread abroad, that the late Czar Fedor Alexiovitz, her Brother, had been poysoned by the Physicians, at the Instigation of some of the Chief Men of the Empire, whose Names were industri­ously published as the Anchors and Pro­moters of so hellish a Crime. Being sen­sible that nothing could strengthen her In­terest more, than if she, could draw the Strelitzes into her Party; it was rumour'd abroad, That a Design was form'd against them at Court, it being resolved, That the Strong Liquor which was to be given at die Czar's Funeral, should be mix'd with Poyson.

[Page 7] This succeeded according to the Princes­ses Expectation, for the Strelitzes being En­raged by this sudden and unexpected News, ran in a most Furious manner to the Pal­lace, where they began the Fray with the Slaughter of two of the Czar's Physicians, the Chief of whom was a Jew by Extra­ction; the next were some of the Princi­pal Officers of the Crown, such as were mark'd out by the Princess, as being oppo­site to her Interest. Their Rage did not stop here, but after they had committed a thousand Insolences and Murthers, they assaulted, and entred the Czar Peter Alexio­vitz's Lodgings, where they shew many of his most faithful Officers and Friends of the first Quality, in his presence, and then proclaimed Prince Ivan Alexiovitz, Grand Czar of Muscovy, in conjunction with Pe­ter Alexiovitz.

Thus a Calm succeeded the Storm which however lasted not long. For the Princess Sophia, whose Ambition was not satisfied with seeing her Brother Ivan mounted up­on the Throne, entred into secret Cabals With Fedor (Theodore) Chikolowitin, the Ge­neral of the Strelitzes, unto whom she re­presented, That she only having made use of her Brother, as a Pretext to put the Crown upon her own Head, she was wil­ling to make him her Spouse, and Associate in the Empire, if he would join his Power and Interest with hers; and that it would be no difficult Matter to compass their De­sign, the Russian Empire being too heavy [Page 8] a Burthen for the Shoulders of two Infants.

The General of the Strelitzes, not able to resist such powerful Charms, they left no stone unturn'd to bring their projected Design to maturity, which was to be begun with the Death of both the Czars, and would in all humane probability have succeed accor­ding to their wish, if the Plot had not been timely discovered to Their Majesties.

The two Czars having all the reason in the World to mistrust the Strelitzes, retired thereupon to the Convent of Troitza, a strong and well fortified place, about twelve Leagues distance from the Capital City of Muscow, where Monsieur Le Fort gave them many signal Proofs of his Bra­very and Fidelity. To be short, they drew the General of the Strelitzers into an Am­bush near Troitza, where being taken, he was carried Prisoner into the Convent, and had his Head cut off. He was a Person of mean Extraction, who, as he had raised himself to that height by his own Valour, so he brought himself to a miserable End by his Treachery; The Princess Sophia was shut up in a Convent, where she is very narrowly watch'd.

Quiet being thus recovered in the Go­vernment, by removing the Two Chief Heads of the Rebellion, these Regiments of the Strelitzes, as had shew'd themselves most vigorous against the Czars Interest, being divided into many small Bodies, were sent into several parts of the Country un­der the Guard of some other Troops, whose [Page 9] Officers having received secret Instructions to fall upon them at a certain appointed time, they put their Orders in execution, with so much Exactness, that very few es­caped their Hands.

It was particularly taken notice of at that time, and sook'd upon as a Presage of the future Grcatness of the present Czar Peter Alexiovitz, that, when several of his nearest Friends were massacred by the Rebellious Strelitzes in his presence, he did not shew the least Alteration in his Countenance, which struck such an Amazement into the Soldi­ers, that they durst not presume to dethrone him, but were contented to proclaim his Brother Ivan his Associate in the Empire. Those who have known his present Czarish Majesty in his most tender Age, do unani­mously confess, That from his very Infancy, there has been observed in him a certain Greatness of Soul, and a piercing Wit, much above the common Rank. He used to be very seldom idle, but always in Acti­on, lively and brisk, and shew a great deal of eagerness to be instructed in all Matters of Moment, especially in what had any re­lation to the Manners and Customs or fo­reign Nations. He was scarce fifteen years of Age, when he applied himself to the Study of the Mathematicks, his Inclinations tending more particularly to Navigation, and other Mcchanick Arts, which he look'd upon as the most Instrumental, to promote these Great Designs, he has since put in execution with a most stupendious Con­duct and Prudence.

[Page 10] In the last War betwixt the Turks, the Emperour, Poland and Venice, the Czar was Engaged in a War against the Chineses, who being, as it was supposed, encouraged by some Missionaries, had upon very frivo­lous Pretences attack'd the Muscovites; but the Czar being resolved not to let slip so favou­rable an opportunity to act against the Ot­tomans, in conjunction with the beforemen­tioned Christian Princes, he chose rather to abato something of his Pretensions to procure a lasting Peace betwixt him and the Chi­neses, He had also all the Reason imagi­nable to promise himself a happy issue of this War on his side, the Turks being at that time by their ill Success, and the ma­ny Battels they had in Hungary; redu­ced to so low a condition, that they were not in a capacity to make any considera­ble resistance; and he look'd upon the Con­quest of Asoph as a thing of so much con­sequence to the Muscovite Empire, that it ought to be attempted at any rate, especi­ally since the Fortifications of that place were in so different a Condition, as to give him no small hopes of succeeding in this Enterprize

Besides, this, the Czar was induced by ano­ther motive, which as it was nearer home, so he look'd upon it as the most pressing in relation to his own Person. He had as yet in fresh me­mory the rebellious inclinations of his Guards he Strelitzes and did not question, but that by this War he should find means to rid himself of them, or at least to repress their Insolence, by augmenting the number of foreign Of­ficers, [Page 11] well qualified and exercised in the Military Art, whose Fortunes depending abso­lutely on him, he might intirely be assured of their Service and Fidelity. Accordingly it was resolved to make considerable new Levies to be commanded by foreign Officers whose number was augmented to eight thousand; and the Troops under their Command being in some time after, brought by their care under a very regular Discpline in the year 1695. The City of Asoph and Ka­sikermeen were both besieged the same time, to render the relief of Asoph the more diffi­cult to the Enemy, this being the place Chiefly aimed at by the Muscovites.

Our Geographers do most commonly fix the scituation of Asoph to the North of the Ri­ver Tanais on the side of the Crim Tartary, whereas its true scituation is to the South, on the side of Circassia, upon a rising ground ve­ry near the Palus Moetis. Neither is this City built upon an Island, as it is represented in some Maps, neither are any other Islands to be seen thereabouts, either near the mouth of the River, or in the Palus Moetis it self, as it is likewise expressed in these Maps, unless it be one very small Isle which lies at the very mouth of the River Tanais (now a-days called the Don) to­wards the North-west, very near the Coastt.

About two Leagues above this Fortress, the River Tanais emits a branch which runs towards the North, in the form of [Page 12] a Semy-circle before it enters the Palus Moetis, but it is both very narrow and shal­low. A good way, beyond this, a little above the Town, issues forth another Branch, which ruuning likewise to the North in the form, approaching, to a Semy-circle, divides it self into five other Branches, just before it disembogues into the Sea. But this Branch is also of a very slender depth, and the Ground thereabouts, through which those several Channels pass, very low and Marshy, so, that at high Water when the Wind blows strong from the South, which drives the Waters from the black Sea, upon that Coast, all the Country here­abouts lies under Water.

You will, I suppose, be not a little sur­prised, when I tell you, that the Musco­vites in their Maps put Asoph under the 47th degree of Northern Latitude, and so do likewise the Turks; whereas in our Map; we find it under the 51 degree, or thereabouts. But, what deserves our par­ticular observation is, That, our Maps a­gree exactly with theirs in the scituation of that part of the Country where the Ta­nais or Don, approaches nearest to the River Wolga, which both they and we put under the 49th Degree. I can only thus much assure you, that, the Muscovites, who are generally taken for very ignorant and unpo­lish'd, have composed the most exactest Maps of their own Country in the World, I having seen some of them my self; and that [Page 13] they exclaim against ours, as very imper­fect in this point.

The City of Asoph was formerly no more than a small Place, fortified only with one single Wall, after a very irregular manner; its Form approaching to a Hexa­gon, two of its opposite sides lying near pa­rallel with the River, surrounded with ma­ny Towers, after the ancient Fashion. A­bout the middle of that side which is oppo­site to the West, there was a very large Tower of a considerable heighth, round at the bottom, running up like a Pyramid, but flat on the top; within the body of the Place there was another Retrenchment, which supplied the place of a Cittadel, and was provided always with a good Garrison. The Turks afterwards surrounded the whole with new Fortifications of Earth, compos'd of our large and high Bastions, but not very regular, yet is the Ditch both very broad and deep. Two of these Bastions towards the South-East Side lie pretty close to one another, for the better defence of the place, in re­spect of the nearness of several Hills, which else would command the Town. The third Bastion to the South-West, is at a great di­stance from the other two, and the fourth Bastion towards the West is yet further di­stant from the third. The Courtin betwixt thest two last Bastions has in the midst an Obtuse. Angle; the like has also the Courtin towards the East, which, runs down to the River; and on the River side it is very well provided with strong Pallisadoes.

[Page 14] Besides this, they had built a little above the Place two strong Towers of brick-work, and of a quadrangular figure, one on each side of the River, provided with good store of Cannon, by which means, and a very strong Chain, they prevented the Donaick Cosacks from passing that way to the black Sea, who formerly used to take the advantage of the darkness of the Night, when they went a Pyrating upon, the Turks. This was the condition of Asoph, when the Muscovites first laid siege to it, in the Year 1695.

It may well seem strange, that the Turks should either so little understand the ad­vantage of the Scituation of this Important Place, or else be so negligent in providing for its Security, as not to take away all Hopes from the Muscovites of succeeding in this Enterprise. In my Opinion, it was not only their highest Interest to have secured a Place of so much Consequence against any Attempt of this nature, by rendring it Impregnable, but also to have as much as possibly they could, extend their Conquests on that side, by making themselves Masters of the Country betwixt the Rivers Don and Wolga, which thereabouts approach within seven Leagues distance to one ano­ther. Besides which, there are two other Rivers betwixt the Don and the Wolga, one of which coming from the North East, is pretty large, and discharges it self into the River Don. The other much lesser co­ming from the South West, disembogues into the Wolga. These two Rivers carry their [Page 15] Currents within one League and an half distance. These two Rivers, are invisible in our. Maps, in lieu of which they have obtruded upon us a suppositious River, called Camus, which is not to be found therea­bouts. The Ground betwixt these two Rivers is very convenient for Building of Forts and Fortifications, there being but a few small Rocks, which may be made passable, and convenient enough for such an Undertaking.

The Turks shewed themselves but indiffe­rent Politicians, and who had but a slender insight in matters of this nature, when they let slip so favourable an Opportunity of extending their Conquests on that side during the Intestine Troubles, which har­rassed, and almost destroyed the Mus­tovite Empire in our Age, at the same time that the Ottomans were in a most flou­rishing Condition. If they at that time had joined these two Rivers by a Canal, and strengthened the same with some Forts; or if they had built but one considerable Fortress upon the River Wolga, the whole Kingdom of Astracan must of necessity have fall'n into their Hands, by which means it would have been no difficult task for them to render themselves Masters of the Caspian Lake, or Sea, which is the Inlett into the Heart of Persia, and at no great distance from the Indies, Subject to the Great Mogul, and for the rest it is surrounded by a great number of Petty Tartarian Princes, who might either have been easily Conquered, or at least [Page 16] brought over to their Party to make them instrumental in the Conquest of Asia, What would in such a Case have become, of the Muscovites, who would have been continually allarm'd, and harrassed on all sides by an infinite number of Tartars, by those of the Cri­mea, of Circassa, Bulgaria, by the Calmuck and Mogul Tartars, who like a Torrent would have over-run this vast Empire, and would have rendred the Conquest of all the Circumjacent Countries as cheap and easie to the Turks, as these Vagabonds formerly did, when they took up Arms under those Renown'd Heroes, Ginghis Khan, and Ta­mur Lenek.

These, are two things which pre­vented the Turks from making use of that critical Juncture to their Advantage. The first was, that they look'd upon the Mus­covites as too inconsiderable to stand ever in Competition with them, seeing they had not Courage enough to accept of the For­tress of Asoph from the Cossacks, who had taken it by Surprise. The second was, That the were not so fully satisfied of the Consequence and use of a good Naval Strength, by which means they might most conveniently have enlarged their Dominions on that side, and carried the terror of their Arms not only along the Wolga, but also by the way of the Caspian Sea into the very heart of Asia.

Bat to return to the Siege of A­soph.

[Page 17] The Turks had provided the City of Asoph with great Stores of Ammunition and Provision, and all other things ne­cessary for a long and vigorous Defence, the Garrison consisting of ten Thousand chosen Turks and Tartars; notwithstanding which, the present Czar Peter Atexiovitz, resolved to besiege it in Person. His Ar­my consisted of one Hundred Thousand Foot, and twenty Thousand Horse, all chosen Troops, arid among them the whole Body of his Guards, or Strelitzes, commanded under the Czar, by a great many good and Experienced Generals.

Whilst they were busy in persecting the Lines of Circnmvallation, and Contravalla­tion, and carrying on the Trenchcs, the Czar ordered a smal1 Fort of four Bastions to be made at some distance above the two a­bovementioned brick Towers on the South side of the River, upon a piece of Ground that lies betwixt, and is encompassed by two small branches which spring out of that River, and re-unite themselves about half ways distance betwixt these Towers and the City. All the Communication being cut oft betwixt the Place and the Towers by these two branches, it was hot long before the Muscovites made them­selves Masters of them, and it, being judg­ed most expedient to Fortifie that, on the South side of the River, it was immediately put in Execution accordingly, by surround­ing it with three good Bastions, and an Angle on each of the Courtins on the [Page 18] River side. The Fort was called Calansa.

In the mean while the Trenches were carried on with the utmost Expedition and Vigour, especially on the South East side of the Place, where the Muscovites being ad­vanced to the top of the Hills, which in some measure command the Town, they Fired most furiously out of their Cannon, and threw a prodigious number of Bombs into the Place, by which means they hop'd soon to terrifie the Garrison to come to a Capitulation; but those within consisting of old and well Disciplin'd Troops, who were not to be vanquish'd at a distance, the Trenches were carried on to the body of the Place, but not without great Slaughter on the Muscovite side; the Enemies by their frequent and vigorous Sallies disputing every Inch of Ground with the utmost bravery. The Muscovites were likewise couragiously repulsed in se­veral Attacks before they could lodge them­selves upon one of the bastions, where the Garrison, like desperate Men, fell upon them with such an incredible Fury, that the Russians after a most obstinate Defence, were forced to quit it at last, with the loss of a great number of their Men, especially of the Strelitzes, who, as they were most exposed, so they bore most commonly the greatest Share in the loss, the Czar making use of this Opportunity, both to try their Valour, and rid his Hands of them in a handsome way; though at the same time it must be confess'd to his Immortal Glory, [Page 19] that he was not sparing of his own Per­son, but exposed himself to the Enemies Fire as well in the several Attacks that were made, as upon other occasions, having had several Persons slain by his side in the Sallies made by the Besieged. The in­vincible Resolution of the Garrison thus protracting the Siege beyond all Expecta­tion, the Muscovites began to be in want both of Ammunition and Provisions, which, together with the approaching cold and wet Season, obliged them to change the Siege into a Blockade.

But the Disgrace received before Asoph, was in some measure recompensed by the Conquest of Kasiker meen, a Tartarian City Scituated on the South side of the River Boristhenes, about two Leagues distance from the Black-Sea.

It is encompassed by four strong brick Forts of a quadrangular Figure, and an e­qual bigness, adjoining to one another. Three of them lye upon a strait Line, but the Fourth makes up a right Angle with the Second. The first of these Quadrangu­lar Forts lies upon the very Bank of the River Borishenes, being Flancked with several good Towers as well as the two o­thers, which are upon the same Line. But the fourth exceeds the three others in Strength, being on one side provided, in­stead of Towers, with two large, and high Bastions, surrounded with a good Ditch.

Just opposite to the place you see a small Island in the River Boristhenes, re­sembling [Page 20] in form, a Neats Tongue, called in their Language Towan. Upon this Island the Tartars had erected two Forts of four Bastions each, which on the upper end of the Island was called Momberethkermenn; as the other on the lower part was named Muftritkermeen; on the opposite side of the River belonging to the Crim Tartars, there was also another Fort in all respects like to the other two, just over against Momba­rethkermeen, upon the Bank of the before mentioned River Boristhenes.

The Army of his Czarish Majesty was chiefly compos'd of Cossacks, inhabiting those parts, and who some years before had submitted to the Czar's Obedience. To facilitate the Siege of Kasikermeen, it was resolv'd to Attack first the said Forts, which being done, accordingly they were soon ta­ken by the brave Cossacks who imme­diately after laid Siege to the Place it­self.

The train Attack was carried on against the Fort with the two bastions, the Ground thereabouts being most proper for the car­rying on of the Trenches, which were ad­vanc'd with so much Expedition, that in a short time they carried in by Assault. The Enemies however got time to retreat into the other Forts, where having beat a Par­ley, it was agreed that they should March out of the Place with their Arms and Bag­gage, &c.

[Page 21] The Muscovite Army on that side was commanded by the General Czeremetoff, who having contrary to the Capitulation, connived at some disorders committed by the Cossacks against the Garrison; his Czarish Majesty was so much dissatisfied at it, that he shewed his Resentment in very hard Terms to the General. He, who did not expect such a Reprimand, desired thereup­on leave from the Czar to lay down his Commission, which being readily granted him likewise beyond his expectation, he, after­wards repented atleisure. The better to divert himself in this Melancholly Disposition, he resolved to Travel in Forreign Countries, and you are not ignorant, how he visit­ed most of the Courts of Italy, and had the Curiosity to go to the Isle of Maltha, where, as well as in all other Pla­ces, thro which he Travelled, he was re­ceiv'd with all imaginable Respect due to his Birth and Merits.

The succeeding Winter was chiefly ta­ken up with vast Preparations for the next ensuing Campaign, which being to be o­pened with the Siege of Asoph, great stores of Ammunition, Bombs, and Provisions were got in readiness for that Enterprise to prevent the Turks from sending any Relief by Sea; many Gallies and Brigan­tines were order'd to be built near the City of Muscow, but especilly at Veranowitz, a City Scituate on the River. Don, about a Hundred Leagues distant from the Capital City. But what is most remarkable is that the Czar Pe­ter [Page 22] having a particular curiosity to be pre­sent at the building of some of the biggest Gallies, he caused them to be set upon the Stock, in the River Ocea, at some small distance from the City of Muscow, they being from thence to be Transported to Veranowitz, by Land, were so artifici­ally contrived, that they might be taken to pieces without much trouble, and so be joined together again at Veranomitz.

To be short, by the great Vigilancy of his Czarish Majesty, all things were got in such forwardness, that there was no­thing wanting to put the projected Design in Execution.

'Tis to be observ'd that the City of Asoph had been kept block'd up during the whole Winter, and that the Muscovites having maintain'd their Post all this while upon the abovementioned Hills, which o­verlook the Place, they had been so In­dustrious in guarding all the Avenues, that the Besieged had not receiv'd the least Sup­ply of Men, or Provisions. To cut off all further hopes of Succours, it was resolved to open the Campaign very early in the Spring, for which purpose all the Troops design'd for this Expedition, were order'd to March to their Rendezvous, and from thence strait to the Siege of Asoph, which was begun by throwing a most prodigious quantity of Bombs into the place, with such extraordinary Success, that the whole Body of the city was reduced to Ashes, and Rubbish, and the old Fortifications to [Page 23] one large Stone heap, so that there was scarce a place left for the Garrison to shel­ter themselves against the fury of the Ene­mies Cannon and Bombs, all being de­stroyed even to the deepest Vaults and Caves.

Besides which, the Number of the be­sieged was reduced to less than two thou­sand Men capable of bearing of Arms, both by the furious Attacks made upon the place in the last years Siege, and the continual firing from the Muscovites Great Artillery, and throwing in of Bombs; in this; not withstanding which, they were deaf to any proposals of a surrender, living in hopes of the promised Succours.

At last it appeared, to their great Joy and Satisfaction, consisting of twelve Gal­lies, a great number of Saiques laden with Provisions and Ammunition, and a good number of fresh Troops, besides fifty thou­sand Ducats, to be distributed among those brave Fellows that had so Valiantly de­fended their Post.

His Czarish Majesty having before-hand received Intelligence of the approach of this Succours, had caused seven of his largest Gallies, of a hundred foot length each, besides several lesser, and a great number of Brigantines to pass that small branch of the Don, which issues forth a lit­tle above the Town As the Water is ve­ry shallow in this Channel, so it was not without a great deal of difficulty, that the largest Gallies could be brought along that [Page 24] way, and would in all likelihood have scarce succeeded, if the Czar by his Pre­sence and Encouragement had not anima­ted the Workmen to surpass all Difficulties, which at last they did, to the no small A­stonishment of the besieged.

This Obstacle being happily surrnounted, his Czarish Majesty judged it of very great consequence for his purpose to plant good Store of Cannon upon the little Island we have mentioned before, because the Shoar being very low, the Cannon-ball would strike even with the surface of the Water; besides, that the greatest part of the Isle being covered with Wood, did prevent the Enemy from discovering the Design.

The same favourable disposition of this Island furnished the Muscovites with an Opportunity of putting some of their lightest Gallies and Brigantines for a Re­serve, behind the Isle, unperceiv'd by the Enemy, whom, they intended thus to at­tack both in Front and Flank, as they pas­sed by that way, which succeeded accord­ing to Expectation.

For, all these Precautions having been taken before the Enemies Fleet came in sight, some of the biggest Muscovite Gal­lies, with many Brigantines were sent out to meet them, making a Show, as if they intended to Engage the Turkish Fleet; but no sooner were they come within Can­non Shot of one another, but the Musco­vites feigning to dread the Ottomaa Fleet, superior in Number to them, made a run­ning [Page 25] Fight, making the best of their way towards the Shoar, and posted themselves below the Island. The Turks perceiving the Enemy to fly before them, and not in the least forewarn'd of the red that laid behind the Island, thought themselves, by the small number of the Muscovite Gal­lies, that appear'd in sight, assur'd of the Victory.

Flush'd with these hopes, they made all the Sail they could to fall in among the Muscovites, but no sooner were they come within reach of the Cannon from the Isle, but they receiv'd such a warm Salute from thence, that they saw their Gallies torn to pieces on all sides by the Enemies Cannon, in an insant, with a great Slaughter of many of their Men. Bur this was only the fore-runner of what was to ensue.

For his Czarish Majesty, who had a watchful eye on all sides, and who was sometimes upon the Isle, sometimes on board the Fleet of Reserve, that lay be­hind, having soon observed the Consterna­tion the Turks were put in by this unex­pected Salute, and willing to improve their Confusion to his Advantage, got on board in Person one of the lightest Gallies, Man'd only with forty Men, giving the Signal for the rest to follow him with all the Oars they could. Thus the Enemy found them­selves surrounded on all sides by the Musco­vites, who attack'd them with great bravery; the Czar himself boarding the Turkish Ad­miral, [Page 26] and being successfully, seconded by the rest, the Victory was almost as soon completed as begun, the Turks being routed so entirely, that not one Gally escaped, but what was either sunk or taken; and it must be confess'd, That the Czar shew'd so much Conduct during the whole Action, that no more could have been expected from the Prudence and Valour of the great­est Captain of our time.

So compleat a Victory soon decided the Destiny of Asoph, for the Garrison, who had been Spectators of their Loss, being now bereav'd of all Hopes of Succours, demanded a capitulation. In confederation very honourable of their bravery, they had Conditions granted them, it being com­prehended in one of the Articles, that be­fore their, marching put of the Place, they should surrender to the Muscovites a cer­tain Officer, who had desearted his Czarish Majesty's Service, and discovercd what he knew concerning his Designs to the Enemy. The Czar to recompence the Sea-Officers and others on board his Fleet for their last Service, and to give them some marks of his Liberality, ordered the Fifty Thousand Ducats, taken oil board the Turkish Admiral, to be distributed among them.

Asoph was no sooner surrendred, but the Czar made it appear to all the World, that he was sufficiently sensible of what Consequence the Conquest of this Place was to his Affairs. For, the first thing he [Page 27] did, was to give his Orders for the resto­ring the Fortifications, and bringing them with all possible Speed, to a state of De­fence; and not content with this, he caused the Ancient Walls within the For­tifications, for the most part rain'd by the Bombs, to be entirely rased, and in lieu thereof, the Foundation was laid of a new City, td extend to the Fortifica­tions made of Earth.

Those were likewise considerably aug­mented by the Addition of two new Bastions in the same places where we mentioned before the two obtuse Angles to have been. All the ancient Bastions were enlarged, and made regular, accor­ding to our modern Rules of Fortification; each of them being strengthened by a Half-Moon. The Ditch was defended by a good Counterscarp, with a cover'd way, from whence was carried a Line up to the top of the Hill, which over­looks the Town, where a goodly Fore was erected (or the Defence of the Line, and to keep a Communication with the Place.

All these Precautions, though very con­siderable in themselves, yet were thought insufficient in respect of the Accomplish­ment of his Czarish Majesty's Design, who was resolv'd to render Asoph impregnable; as being the main Frontier place on that side of the Empire. Pursuant to this Design, the Foundation was laid of a new Fortress, just opposite to Asop, in the marshy [Page 28] Grounds, which was to have a Communi­cation with that City by a bridge of thir­ty Arches to be built over the Marshes. This Design, of which I have seen the Model, was soon put in Execution, the City which was to be put in the Center of the place being called St. Peter.

The whole Body of the Fortifications consisted of six Bastions, the two first facing the River side, with a Half-Moon betwixt them. The other two Bastions lying on each side are at a small distance from the others; but the two opposite to the North, lye at a much greater distance, defended by three Half-Moons The whole is surrounded with a double Ditch, and a cover'd way. The Ground upon winch this Fortress was built, is raised to that heighth, as to command Asoph, and when the Wind blows from the South, the Marshes round about the Fortress are all under Water, so that there is but one way to approach it to wit, by the Bridge.

These Fortifications would have been more than sufficient, if His Majesty had had no other design than to defend his Fron­tiers, to bridle the trim Tartars, and to keep the neighbouruing Cosacks inhabiting the Coun­try, near the Don, in awe, but this Monarch had matters of greater Consequnce in view, which he knew would in a little time redound to the great benefit of the Em­pire. His design was to make use of this place to serve for the conveniency of carry­ing down the River the Commodities of [Page 29] the product of Muscovy into the Palus Maeotis, and to transport them by the way of Caffa, and Constantinople, into Italy.

He wisely foresaw that by this means he might introduce, and settle Navigation in his Dominions, to the great encrease of the Wealth of his Subjects, who thereby would be used to the Sea, so that in time they might render themselves redoubtable to their Enemies. But to bring this great and noble Design to Perfection, it was ab­solutely necessary to put the Muscovite Fleet into such a Condition, as to be able to coop with the Turks in the Black Sea, and to render themselves so formidable, that the Enemies might be obliged at the next Peace to allow them a free Commerce, and the Liberty of their Ports upon those Coasts, and of Constantinople it self.

By the restoring, and strengthning the Fortifications of Asoph, and laying the Foundation of the new Fortress of St. Peter, the present Czar had in view three great Points, each of which, as it tended to the great benefit of the Empire, so it was sufficient to Eternalize his Memory.

The first was the making of a conveni­ent and safe Harbour, capable to contain a great Fleet.

The second, the joining of the two Ri­vers, the Wolga, and Don, by a Canal, fit to carry Ships of a great bulk.

And Lastly, the building, and equipping of fourscore Men of War, as well Frigats [Page 30] as Gallies, with a hundred and fifty Brigan­tines, to make Head against the Turks, where­ever they should attempt to dispute with him the free Commerce at Sea.

It was found quite impracticable to ren­der Asoph a good Port; for, tho' the Ri­ver Don is the most proper in the World for Shipping betwixt Veranowitz and Asoph, as being very deep, without any Islands, and its Current very smooth, being not interrupted by any Sands; but the Mouth. of this River is so full of Shelves, and choak'd up with Sands, that at Ebb-Tide there is not above seven Foot Water, so that those Geographers who have describ'd us the Entrance of this River as very con­venient, and one of the moil famous Ports, have imposed their own Inventions upon the World for Truth.

It was for this reason His Czarish Majesty ordered the Coast thereabouts to be found­ed, being willing to find out a convenient Place to make a Port of, as near as possi­bly could be to the City of Asoph. When the Turks formerly used to send any Ships of a considerable burthen to that Town, they were, obliged to unload near the En­trance of the River Mious, in the Crim Tartary, about five and twenty Leagues distancc from Asoph, where at Low Water, it is at least fifteen or sixteen Foot deep.

The Mauscovites sounding along the same Coast, came to a certain Cape at about seven Leagues disteance from the Don, where, at [Page 31] an Ebb Tide there was twelve Foot, Water. The Coast was hereabouts very high, and steep, the Ground Sandy, but so hard that it resembled both in Substance and Hardness a Free-Stone. To the East of the Cape there was a small Bay, and at about a Leagues distance from thence to the West there was a small River, whose Cur­rent turn'd in form of a Half-Moon, round that Point of the Land. The Shoar from the bay was of an easie Ascent.

The Czar having been exactly informed Concerning the convenient Scituation of this Place, order'd a Fort of Five bastions to be erected, and a City to be built some­what below it, likewise defended by a good Fortification, betwixt vvhich and the Bay there was a Plain, through vvhich vvas to be cut the great Channel, which was to dissembogue near the Point, of the Land, into the Sea; and in the midst of this, there vvas to issue another less Channel tovvards the Bay, for the conveniency, of Vessels of less burthen. I have seen the Model of the vvhole Design. The Port is to be, Three Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Foot long, and half as broad.

Concerning the Conjunction of the Rivers, Wolga and Don, vve have already mentioned before the advantageous Scitua­tion of the, Grounds betwixt the tvvo Ri­vers, and the condition of the tvvo lesser ones, which come within a much nearer distance of one another, so that the whole [Page 32] design being founded upon very good Grounds, it will succeed in all Probability. For it is proposed to stop the Waters of these two lesser Rivers, which are to be join'd in the Grand Canal by many Sluices, to bring them to such a heighth as sha11 be judged sufficient for the passage of Ships of a considerable burthen; there are daily above tvventy Thousand Men Employed to dig the Ground, besides others who are to bring the vvhole to Perfection.

As to vvhat relates to the third part to wit, his Navy, it must be confessed that the Czar made use in this Point of all the fore­sight and Prudence that could be e expected from the molst refin'd Politician. For, be­ing immoveable in his Resolution of rid­ding his Hands of the Strelitzes, that used to stand under the Command of the best of the Russian Nobility, he judged not vvithout Reason that at this Juncture he could not pitch upon a more seasona­ble and more glorious Expedient than this, to Employ them in the Service of their Country, and at the same time to take away from them all opportunities of fu­ture Revolts, Pursuant to this Resolution; he issued his Declaration, wherein he told them that the Present State of Affairs be­ing such, as required the Muscovites to ap­pear formidable at Sea, and he being fully convinced, both of their Valour, and Fidelity, he wished nothing more at this time, than to see them apply themselves to the Knowledge of Maritime Affairs, [Page 33] to qualifie themselves for the best Com­mands at Sea. That for this purpose he had taken all imaginable care to provide a sufficient. number of Sea Officers, Fa­mous for their Skill in Maritime Affairs, and the managing of Sea Engagements, under whose Conduct they might be trained up in this Art, and fitted for the highest Commands. That he being re­solved to try the Foundation of the present Glory of the Russian Monarchy up­on its Naval Strength, and rendring him­self redoubtable at Sea, would head them in Person, and shew them by his own Ex­ample what Footsteps to tread in. According­ly it was resolved, that each Subject, propor­tionable to his Ability, should contribute to the Equipping, and maintenance of a cer­tain number of Men of War, the chief Ci­ties of the Empire, being like wise obliged to bear a proportion in this Tax, By this means His Majesty Equipped a good Fleet without the least impairing his ordinary Revenue, and engaged at the same time the Nobility, and chief Men in the Cities to take. Cognizance of Maritime Affairs, to render themselves capable of the Sea­Service, which they were to look upon for the future, as the main and most du­rable Establishment of the whole Em­pire.

These several Projects were no sooner set on foot with the utmost Expedition, by the most admirable Vigilancy, and indefatigable Care of the Czar, put towards [Page 34] Autumn, he set out on his Journey in or­der to his return to the Capital City of Muscow, leaving a great body of his Troops under the Command of the Gene­ralissimo of his Armies, the Prince Alekis Simoniwitz Schein, near Asoph, to cover the Workmen that were Employed in bringing the Works projected thereabouts to Perfection. At his Arrival in the City of Muscow, he was received with all the Demonstrations of Honour due to a Con­querour, Marching along the Streets to the Cattle in Triumph, with a great many Cha­riots loaden with the Spoils of the Enemy, and Prisoners, before him. Among the rest was to be seen the Officer, who having Deserted the Czar's Service, was surrender'd to the Muscovites, pursuant to the Capitu­lation before Asoph; had his Hands tied behind him, and was soon after Executed, as a Terrour to others. It is past Expres­sion, with what loud and joyful Acclamati­ons this publick Entry was Solemnized by the People, who flocked thither from all Parts to adorn the Triumph of the Con­quering Prince. Great were the Rejoicings that were made that Night all over the Ci­ty, but the best was reserved till the Win­ter: when a most Glorious Firework was let off upon the Ice.

The whole was composed of several Ar­tificial Machines, inclosed in a double Square, surrounded with Rockets of all sorts and Sizes, which took up a great space upon the Ice.

[Page 35] His Czarish Majesty took a particular Delight to be among the Engineers, and had himself a Hand in making the greatest Machine, which was erected in the very Center of the rest. It was a double Spread Eagle, who with his left Paw darted Roc­kets upon an Horrizontal Line at one of the Horns of a Half-Moon, which succecded according to Wish the Fireworks conti­nued all the Night long, the whole Design of it being laid by His Majesty himself, and drawn with his own Hand, which he did me the Honour to shew me in Per­son.

Notwithstanding that the whole Empire seem'd to take Share in the Glorious Conquest of their Prince, and that nothing but Feast­ings, and Rejoicings were to be seen in all Parts, during the whole Winter; there remained nevertheless, a certain dis­contented. Party among the Nobility, who being encouraged by the secret Ca­bals of the Princess Sophia; found means, in spight of her Confinement, to keep an underhand Correspondence with her, for the promoting their Designs against the Czar's Person. They were so well pre­pared for the Undertaking of any Enter­prize of this Nature, that there wanted but little Fuel to kindle the Flame; They Could not brook the Loss of their belo­ved Strelitzes, whom they had always looked upon as the Chief Supporters of, their Authority; which at last made them conceive so implacable a Hatred a­gainst [Page 36] the Czar, that they entred into a Con­spiracy against his Life. To put their Design in execution, they had brought over to their Party four Captains of the first Re­giment of the Strelitzes; but the difficulty was, in what manner the Attempt was to be made For they look'd upon it as im­practicable, to declare openly against a Prince, who, besides that he was much be­loved by the People, had at his devotion a good Number or the best Troops, Com­manded by foreign Officers, who were quartered in and about the City of Muscow, and ready upon all Occasions to sacrifice their Lives for His Majesty. It was pro­posed among them, That the Czar was used to go sometimes abroad with very slender Attendance, and to appear in the Streets of Muscow without any considera­ble Retinue; this was also look'd upon as too dangerous, considering the general Love the People bore to his Person.

After many Debates, it was at last re­solved, That considering that Czar, who takes share in every thing that concerns his Subjects Welfare, was wont to appear in Person, in case of any Accident of Fire, which frequently happens, and makes a most terrible Havock in the City of Mus­cow, where most of the House are of Wood; they look'd upon this as the most proper Opportunity to encompass their Design; wherefore it was concluded to set Fire to some Houses in the night-time, when they did not question to draw the [Page 37] Czar thither, and during the Confusion, to find means to Assassinate him. The next thing to be done was, (according to their own Confession) to have joyn'd the Donaick Cossacks with their Party, to have released the Princess Sophia from her Con­finement, recall'd Prince Wassily Galizin out of Siberia, and surrendred the Administra­tion of the Govevernment into their hands, who were also to restore the Strelitzes to their antient Station.

But it pleased Heaven to touch the hearts of two of these four Captains, that were Engaged in this Conspiracy; their Names were Largon Gilisarof and Gregory Sileri, who being struck with Remorse at the penetrating of so detestable a Fact, did throw themselves at His Majesty's feet, in­genuously confessing their Crimes, and dis­covering their Accomplices, that very day preceding the Night which this Tragedy was to be acted.

It was on the 1st day of February, in the year 1697, when His Majesty was in­form'd concerning this Conspiracy formed against his Life, at the House of General Le Fort, where he happened to dine that Day, He appear'd very little mov'd at so surprising a piece of News, but, without any Change in his Countenance, arose from the Table, and being followed only by a few Persons, in whom he confided most, he went directly to the House of the Chief of the Conspirators, whose Name was John Sickler, and elevated by the Czar to the [Page 38] Dignity of a Councellour of State. When His Majesty came to the House of this wic­ked Wretch, he commanded the rest to remain without doors; He himself entred only with three Gentlemen more, and pretending he had occasion to ask his Ad­vice in some Matter of Moment, ordered he should follow him; But no sooner was he come into the Street but he was seiz'd, and immediately carried to Prison, as were likewise five more that were his Accom­plices in the Conspiracy; to wit, The Boyar Alexis Sekouin, Fedor Puskin, Son of the Boyar, Matfe Puskin, two Captains of the Strelitzes, and a Donaick Cossack. They all confess'd their Crimes, and being condemn­ed by all the Boyars, were executed on the fifth day of March, in the Year 1697, in the Great Market-place, before the Ca­stle. First, their Arms and Legs were cut off, then they had their Heads severed from their Bodies. Their Heads were fixed on the top of a Stone Column, erected for that purpose, and their Arms and Legs struck upon Iron-bars round about it; the Trunks of their dead Carcasses were left in the Market-place for eight days after; till the Scent became so nauseous to the In­habitants, that, they were forced to be re­mov'd from thence.

It having by Confession of some of the Conspirators been made apparent, That the Boyar, Ivan Miloslaski was the Chief Head of the Rebellion which hapned in the year 1682, immediately after present Czar­ish [Page 39] Majesty's Accession to the Crown, his Body Was disinterr'd, which being found very near intire, without any considerable decay (tho' it had lain under ground near twelve Years,) several Gibbets were erected, on which were hung the Quarters of his Car­cass, which were torn to pieces in an in­stance by the enraged Multitude.

These several In-lets contrived and car­ried on against his Czarish Majesty's Per­son and Life, are so many instances, to convince the World, how dangerous it is for a Prince to change the antient form of a Government, it being unquestionable, that thereby he must needs draw upon himself the implacable Hatred of that Party, who arc Sufferers by that Change. But it must also be confess'd, that no­thing can be more glorious for a Prince, than to promote the publick Welfare, at the peril of his own Life; which may without the least Contradiction to truth, be applyed to the present Czar Peter A­lexiovitz, who had no other Aim in re­moving the antient establish'd Guards of the Strelitzes, from their Station, than the publick Tranquility; knowing this arrogant and violent body of Troops, to have been the Source of the many Re­volts and Troubles, that have harassed the Russian Empire in our Age.

His Majesty was graciously pleased to pardon such of the Conspirators, as were not so deeply engaged in the Design a­gainst his Life, being now resolved to [Page 40] begin his Journey into Germany, with all imaginable Expedition. It is to be taken Notice of, That this Prince had for a considerable time before premeditated this Journey, but had only suspended his Re­solution till he saw the Success of the Siege of Asoph, not questioning but that he should then be for some time upon the defensive, till the beforemention­ed Fortifications, and other Works, which he had projected, could be brought to perfection.

He was sufficiently sentible, That, con­sidering, the present State of his Empire was founded, upon the service of his fo­reign Officers, and a good Naval strength, whereby he might appear formidable in the black Sea, nothing could conduce more towards the prompting and impro­ving so great a Design, than, if he should go hi person to visit some of the Courts of Europe, and especially to make some considerable stay in Holland. But, as if was absolutely necessary to appear with a most splendid Equipage and Atten­dance, besitting the Greatness of so Po­tent a Prince, if he would be acknowledg­ed in these Parts through which he was to pass for the Grand Czar of Muscovy; and as he wisely foresaw that his Rank would not be a great Obstacle to his Design, which was to see and penetrate by degrees in such Matters, as he was desirous to be informed of himself, so he judged it most convenient for his [Page 41] present Purpose, to go in the Quality of a private Gentleman, under the prote­ction of that most solemn Embassy, which he then resolved to send, and has since appear'd with so much splendor in se­veral Courts of Europe.

Pursuant to this Resolution, he appoint­ed for his Ambassadours, My Lord Le Fort, General of His Majesty's Armies, and of the first Regiments or his Guards, Admiral of his Fleet, and Viceroy of Alovogorod. My Lord Fedor Alexiovitz, Gollanin, Viceroy of Siberia, and My Lord Procofet Bodgnanovitz, Wolnitzin, Lord high Chancellor of the Empire.

His Majesty by giving the first Rank in this Embassy to the General Le Fort, gave the most ample Demonstration that could be, in what Esteem the said Ge­neral was with him, in consideration of his pass'd Great and Signal Services; and to let the World know, what re­compences he was ready to bestow up­on all (the Foreigners) that deserved well of him, since from a simple Captain, he was mounted in a short time, to the highest Dignities in the Empire, notwith­standing the difference of his Religion.

The second Ambassadour, is likewise a person of Great Wisdom, and most ex­cellent parts, well versed in publick Ne­gotiations, having been sent twice by the Czar as his Ambassadour Extraordinary into China; and it was he that Concluded the last Peace betwixt Muscovy and that [Page 42] Empire, He is in great Esteem with the Grind Czar.

The third Ambassadour has been fre­quently employed with good Success in those Transactions the Muscovites have been engaged in with the Ottoman Port.

The Czar, before his departure out of Muscovy, found means under a plausible pretext, to send abroad such as lay un­der the least Suspicion of raising any Di­sturbances in his Absence. It is to be observed, that for several years before the Czar had sent many of his Subjects, of all Sorts and Qualities, in whom he ob­served some extraordinary Qualifications, a travelling in foreign Parts at his Char­ges, the better to instrust themselves in several Arts and Sciences, and to quali­fie themselves for the Service of their Country, after their return. He made use of the self-same pretext to rid his hands at this time, of those whom he suspected to be against his Interest, and inclinable to foment any ill Designs a­gainst him, in his Absence; For some of them were sent abroad a travelling in far distant Countries, before his depar­ture, the others who lay under more Su­spicion than the rest, were ordered to follow the Embassy.

The Administration of the Govern­ment during his Majesties Absence, was committed to the Care of the three Prin­ces, Loss Kerilvitz. Alariskin, Procorofskoi, and Boris Alexiorvit Gallizin.

[Page 43] The first is Uncle to His present Ma­jesty, being the Brother of the Empress Dowager, his Mother. He is Chief Mi­nister of State.

The second is the Lord Treasurer of the Empire, a person advanced in years and much esteemed for his great Ability.

The third is his Majesty's Favourite, being likewise Minister of State, besides many other places, which arc of a great yearly Value to him. He is a Nephew of the unfortunate Prince Wassily Gallizin, Chief Minister of State, but since banish­ed into Siberia.

His Majesty gave them most particular Charge of the Prince his only Son, being then scarce nine years of Age; This young Prince is of a very vigorous Constitution, Robust, Tall, and well Shaped, having a great resemblance, as well in his Face as his Natural disposition, to the Czar his Father.

General Gourdon had orders to Encamp with twenty Thousand of the best Troops near the City of Muscow, to keep a watch­ful eye, and to be in readiness upon a­ny occasion, that should offer. This Ge­neral is a Scotchman by Extraction, who entred into, the Service of the Czar Alexis Michaelovitz, his present Czarish Majesty's Farther. He has given eminent Proofs of his Valour and Ability upon several Oc­casions, which has deservedly acquired him the Esteem both of his Czarish Ma­jesty, and the whole Muscovite Nation, [Page 44] notwithstanding he is a Roman Catho­lick.

Things being thus disposed, His Maje­sty left the City of Muscow, Incognito, with his Ambassadours, who were attend­ed by a most numerous and magnifi­cent Train. They took the way of Ples­cow, passed through the Frontiers of Li­vonia, Courland and Samegitia, and so ar­rived safely at Coningsbergh, the Capital City of the Ducal Prussta, where they were received with a great deal of Splendor by his Electoral Highness of Brandenbyrgh. In this City, his Czarish Majesty receiv'd the Post-news, by a Messenger sent for that purpose, That the Elector of Saxony was elected King of Poland; and, that the Cardinal Primat, had protested against the said Election, under pretext, That die Prince of Conti was legally chosen. Upon which, immediate orders were dispatched to the Muscovite Ambas­sadour, then residing in Poland, to main­tain the Rights of Election made to the Elector of Saxony, and to assure him, in behalf of his Czarish Majesty, That he had sixty thousand Men in readiness, at his Service, in order to maintain his just Pre­tensions to the Crown of Poland; and, That orders were already sent into Muscovy, for the Troops to advance from Smolen­sko, towards the Frontiers of Lithuania, to re­tain that Great Dutchy in his Polish Ma­jesty's Devotion. It is without all que­stion, the fear of so Powerful an Assistance, [Page 45] had no small Influence over many of the Poles, in the contrary Interest; it being most evident, that when the Prince of Conti appear'd in person near Dantzick, those of Prussia, though not averse to that Prince's Interest, durst not declare for him.

After some stay at Coningsbergh, his Czarish Majesty continued his Journey towards Berlix, the Ordinary Residence of his Electoral Highness of Brandenburgh, where he was received with all the pos­sible demonstrations of Honour and E­steem due to a Prince of so Eminent a Rank. It is most certain, That the Grand Czar was so well satisfied with his Re­ception here, and with the Great Quali­fications he discovered in his present Electoral Highness, That he has declared several times since, that as soon as the young Prince his Son should be fit to Travel, he would send him to the Court, of Berlix, to tarry there for some con­siderable Time.

No sooner had their High and Migh­tinesses, the States General of the United Provinces received advice, that this so­lemn Embassy was on their way towards their Frontiers, but they sent some De­puties, who were to receive their Ex­cellencies in the name of the States Ge­neral upon the Frontiers; and orders were given not only to defray them at the Charge of the State, but to welcome them with considerable Presents, and by [Page 46] the discharge of the great Cannon of all the great Towns through which they pas­sed; their High and Mightinesses being willing upon so extaordinary an Occasion, to eternalize the Memory of the Honour, they were going to receive by so solemn an Embassy, the most glorious that ever was seen; in respect of Personal Apppear­ance of so great a Monarch, with whom they were Engaged in a most strict Tye of Friendship and Commerce. After they had travelled some Leagues in the Territories of the United Provinces, his Czarish Majesty left the Embassy, that he might with the more speed reach the City of Amsteldam; and that by tra­velling thus in Disguise, he might with the more freedom, and unperceived, take a view of every thing he thought worth his Curiosity. Accordingly he came to Amsteldam, accompanied only by two or three Gentlemen, so disguised, as not to be known by any body, where he lodg­ed, at a Common-Inn for one night on­ly, The next day he went to Sordam, a large Town on the opposite side of the River of Amsteldam, and about two Leagues distant, this place being most famous for the great number of Ship-Wrights and others, who are there employed con­tinually in building of Ships.

His Majesty immediately after his ar­rival there, took up with a private lodg­ings at a Burgher's House, which lay much out of the way, his aim being to keep him­self [Page 47] from being discovered, as much as Possible could be. His Chief and first em­polyment in this place, was to inform himself in person from the Work-mens own Mouths, and to be an Eye-witness in what manner they built their Ships; He bought a small Yacht of about twen­ty five or thirty Foot long, which he took a particular Pleasure to steer himself, and to Sail in the Company on­ly of those three Gentlemen, that at­tended him up and down the River of Amsteldam (called the Tey) where his grea­test delight was, to make his own Ob­servations, and to feed his eyes with that most beautiful Prospect of that vast num­ber of Ships, which not unlike a Forrest, lie close together in the Road of that City.

But it was not many days before he was robbed of the Satisfaction of passing away his time thus undiscovered. For a certain Lock-Smith, who had lived a few years before in the City of Muscow, hap­pening to take particular. Notice of him one day, as he passed by, knew him first; and having told some of his Com­rades, the inhabitant flock'd in such Num­bers about him, when he appear'd a­broad, that being tired with the Crowd, he resolved to leave Sordam, sooner than he intended at first.

This News being come to Ears of the Merchants of Amsteldam, Trading to Muscovy, some of whom had the Honour [Page 48] to know His Majesty, they immediately went in a Body to pay him all imagi­nable Respest, and to pray him to ho­nour them with his Presence in the City of Amsteldam; where he arrived from Sor­dam some days before the Ambassadours, who had received Orders to tarry for some time there, before they went to the Hague, in order to be Admitted to the publick Audience of Their High and Mightinesses.

In the mean while the Magistrates of Amsteldam took effectual Care to provide every thing for the Magnificent Reception of the said Embassy, great store of Can­non being planted upon the Bastions, facing the River Amstell, which way the Ambas­sadours were to come. All the young Men of the City mounted on Horseback, with very splendid Equipages and those of the best Rank and Quality, went to meet him in their Coaches. The Ma­gistrates deputed some of their Members to Compliment Their Excellencies at their Landing, which was about a quarter of a League without the City, whither they were conducted in the Yatchs of the State, and received with a Discharge of all the Cannon round the Ramparts.

The three Ambassadours wire conduct­ed by the Deputies into the Coach of one of the Chief Magistrates of the City; the Deputies took their Places in the second, and the rest of the Coaches were taken up by the Gentlemen of the Embassy, among whom, as it was reported, was His Czar­ish [Page 49] Majesty. But first of all, rid the be­forementioned Gentlemen on Horseback, who leading the Van, were followed by the Trumpets of the State, and these by some Tartars, Armed with Bows, and some Muscovites on Horseback. After these marched on foot twenty Pages belonging to Their Excellencies the Ambassadours, very richly Clad, their Coats being of Scarlet Cloth, covered all over with very rich Gold and Silver Galloons. These went immediately before the Coach, where­in sat the three Ambassadours, Guarded on each side by twelve Tall and lusty Fellows, Cloath'd in a Slavonian Dress, car­rying each a Silver Ax in their hands, and Cimmetars with Silver Hilts on their Sides. They had red Cloaks over their Cassacques, trimm'd on both sides with large Silver Buttons, and large Plated Loops; all which together, made a very Glorious and Mag­nificent Show. These Coaches were fol­lowed by a great many Footmen, like­wise clad in red Scarlet Cloath, trim­med with Silver Galloons. His Excellen­cy the General Le Fort, appeared that day in an Europian Habit, and the other two Ambassadours, in a Muscovite Dress, but their Apparel was extreamly Rich. Thus they passed in very good order through the Chiefest Streets of Amsteldam, to the Lodgings prepared for them, where stood a Company of City Trained-bands in Arms, to render their Reception the more Magnificent; All the Streets through which [Page 50] they passed, were crowded with an in­finite number of People, who were flock'd to the City to be Spectators of the most solemn Entrance that had been seen there for many years before; and for several days after, their Excellencies were trea­ted with all the magnificence imagina­ble, at the Charge of the City of Amsteldam; all which, though it amount­ed to a considerable Summ, nevertheless the Magistrates being willing upon this Occasion to give the most ample Demonstrations that possible could be, of their Esteem and Respect for His Czarish Majesty's person, caused a great Fire-Work to be prepared, representing a Triumph­al-Arch, in Honour of his Majesty.

It was erected upon the River Am­stel (which had communicated, its Name to the Famous City of Amsteldam) in a place where it might be seen at a great di­stance, being of great height, and having four Fronts alike to the four principal Cor­ners of the World; the whole Fabrick being of the Corinthian Order, adorned with the Arms of His Czarish Majesty, with Tritons, Vessels, and many other Embellish­ments. The whole Machine was built upon many Flat-bottom'd Vessels, join'd close together, which being covered all over with a Linnen Painted Cloth, the bottom upon which the Fabrick was found­ed, represented at a distance, a small Island.

This Fire-work being too remote from their Excellencies Lodgings, to be seen [Page 51] there in its full Perfection, the Magi­strates intreated them to go with them to a noted Tavern of Amsteldam, called the Doclan, where they had the advan­tage of being Spectators of the Success of the Fire-works, to their entire Satisfa­ction, and were regaled with a most magnificent Collation. His Majesty being graciously pleased to appear in person at this Feast; it was then the first time, that I had the opportunity of taking a full view of him, as well as others, at leisure. He is a very Tall and Lusty Person, Well set, with very good Features in his Face, and, though there is a great deal Vivacity in his Eyes, (which are Black and Sprightly) as well as Activity in his whole Air, he has certain Marks of a Sweet Disposition in his Physiogno­my. He is very affable in Conversation, giving frequent opportunities to be enter­tained with any thing that is Curious.

Some Hours after it was Dark, the Fire-works began to Play, with extraor­dinary Success, to the Admiration of all the Spectators in General, and His Czar­ish Majesty in partiulcar, who could not sufficicntly speak praise in of it, and de­clare publickly the Satisfaction he had taken in the whole Entertainment. The Concourse of People was so. great at this publick Rejoycing, that by the Throng, some of the Iron Rails of the Bridge of the Amstel being broke down, a great many of those upon the Bridge, fell into [Page 52] to the River, some of whom were drown­ed, the rest narrowly escaping with Life, by the help of some Boats that were near at hand.

But the Deputies of the Admiralty of Amsteldam, bring sensible that they could give no greater satisfaction to the Czar, than in what related to the knowledge of Naval Affairs, took effectual care to shew his Majesty all their Store-Houses, belong­ing to the Building and Equipping of their Men of War.

I have it from good Hands, that these Gentlemen who were deputed to attend him thither, were extremely surprised to see him with so much eagerness enquire after every thing, that had the least rela­tion to these Affairs, and with how much Skill and Judgment he would talk and argue concerning these Matters, into which (as they were perswaded before) he had but a slender Insight.

Some Days after, his Majesty took a Pro­gress to Ʋtrecht, where he had an Inter­view with his Britanick Majesty; this being the first time these two Great Princes, E­minent for their Virtue and Bravery, met. They Discoursed for several Hours toge­ther, and parted from one another with all the marks of a mutual high Esteem.

The Ambassadors stay'd near two Months at Amsteldam, before they went to the Hague, in order to their Audience: For his Czarish Majesty being resolv'd that they should make their Appearance there with [Page 53] all the Splendor imaginable, Order'd that the Number of their Domesticks should be considerably augmented, that they should be all new Cloathed, and Richer than before. They had also an addition to their Equipage three of the richest Coach­es that could be made, with so many Sets of very fine Horses.

Every thing being got ready for their Departure to the Hague, they set out on their Journey, carrying along with them good store of Sables and other rich Furs, to be Presented to their High and Mighti­nesses from the Czar their Master, pur­suant to the Custom of most Eastern Na­tions.

Their Excellencies were receiv'd at the Hague, with all the marks of Honour and Respect due to their High Character, and the Day for their publick Audience being appointed, his Czarish Majesty followed in Person in Disguise, wearing a plain blew Coat, a large white Perriwig, and white Feather; and being perfectly well acquainted both with the Person, and ex­traordinary Merits of the Sieur Witsen (who is this Year Burgo-Master of Amsteldam) he borrowed his Coach, and desired him to accompany him thither, Which was per­formed with so much dexterity and secrecy by the said Sieur de Witsen, that his Ma­jesty was not discover'd by any body li­ving.

[Page 54] It was in the Month of September of the last Year, when there was the greatest show of Forreign Ambassadors, that ever was seen at the Hague, occasion'd by the Negotiation of Peace at Reswick, whither most Courts of Europe had sent their Pleni­potentiaries, who all striving to outview one another in Magnificence, it was no easie matter to add any thing to the Splen­dor of their Equipages: Yet his Czarish Majesty being sensible that the Eyes of the World, would in a most peculiar manner be fixed upon his Embassy; and being in­vited by a most commendable Emulation; to maintain upon this, as well as all other occasions the Glory and Lustre of his Emi­nent Station in the World, as claiming the Title of an Emperor, and bearing the Im­perial Arms, he was fully resolv'd that this most Solemn Embassy, honour'd by his Presence, should bear the marks of, and be answerable to his Grandeur.

In effect, according to the Testimony of all that were Spectators of this Solemn Au­dience, every thing was manag'd with so much Order, Majesty and Gravity, and with so much Magnificence, that nothing could be added to the Lustre of this Solem­nity, which in all Respects was suitable to his Majesty's Design and Grandeur.

It is confess'd by all hands, that never any Ambassador appear'd in a more Splen­did Attire, than the General le Fort, the first Ambassador did that Day; he was Clad after the Muscovite Fashion, in a long [Page 55] Robe of Cloth of Gold, Lin'd with the most precious Sables that ever were seen. This Robe, as well as the Vest which he wore under it, was cover'd before with Di­amonds of an inestimable Value, and upon his Bonnet there appear'd a large Jewel of Diamonds in the shape of a Herns Feather, with such lustre as dazled the Eyes of the Beholders: He harangued their High and Mightinesses id the Russian Tongue, with an Air altogether Majestick, suitable to the Character he bore upon so Solemn an Occa­sion. The two other Ambassadors, who appear'd likewise in very Rich Apparel, made also their Compliments to their High and Mightinesses with a Majestick Gravity: But that which added the greatest Lustre to this Audience, was, that all the Ambassa­dors of most Princes in Europe, honour'd these Men with their Presence, and his Czarish Majesty had the satisfaction to be an Eye Witness of all what passed, from a Closet which had a Window opening into the Audience Room, without being per­ceived by any body, and returned the next day privately to Amsteldam, extreamly well pleased with his Journey. Neither did their Excellencies make any long stay at the Hague, they having no other Matters to propose to the States, but the confirmation of former Treaties.

It is agreed on all hands, that the prin­cipal Motive of this Embassy was, that un­der the specious Pretence of this Publick Solemnity, the Czar might with the more [Page 56] conveniency pass Incognito, through such Places as he intended to visit; his particu­lar aim in respect to his Journey into Hol­land, being to have the opportunity of being undiscover'd at Amsteldam, to take, with the more conveniency a full view of such Matters as related to Maritime Affairs, and without any disturbance, to take Peo­ple fit for the Sea-Service into his Pay, and at the same time to supply himself with such Necessaries, as was requisite for the carrying on his Grand Design.

This sufficiently appear'd after his return from the Hague, by his Request to the Magistrates of Amsteldam, to wit, to chuse private Lodgings for himself, and a few Gentlemen of his Retinue at one end of the City. It must be confess'd the Lodg­ings were but very indifferent, in respect of the Quality of the Person that was to Inha­bit them; but in regard of their Situation, they were in all Points agreeable to his Majesty's Intention, they being just adjoyn­ing to the East-India House, which lying near a convenient Road for Ships, there was the most agreeable prospect that could be to the Water-side, of all what passed to or from Amsteldam.

No sooner hail his Majesty taken posses­sion of these small Lodgings, but he ap­plied all his Thoughts to the knowledge of two Things: The first was to be Instructed in all Particulars; which had any relation to the Building and Equipping of Ships: The second, to learn the manner of Bom­barding [Page 57] Places by Sea, which being a thing he was desirous to be inform'd of, he spar'd no pains to attain to. But as his Genius was always bent to the Mathematicks, and as he had been Instructed most particularly in the Mechanick part of it, which contains the Fundamental Principles of both: It was yet long before he made himself Master of these Mysterious Arts; especially, since his desire was such, as not to rest satisfy'd with being a looker on, but would lay him­self a hand to the Work sometimes, with a great deal of Pleasure, and finish a piece with his own Hands, which he did with so much dexterity, that one would have swore he had been accustomed long ago, to handle the Axe and the Hammer. I have my self seen two pieces of his own Handy-Work; one was a small Frigat of three or four Foot long, the other a little Wind-Mill.

What else can be gathered from all this, but that his Conduct in relation to these Matters, is founded upon most profound Reasons of State? It seems evident to me, that the sole motive of it, is the Glory and Greatness of the Russian Monarchy; and that by the eagerness he shews upon this occasion, of advancing the Naval Strength of his Empire, he intends to give the most evident demonstratons he is able, (to his Nobility and People) that on its due Establishment, depends the chief Welfare of the Realm; and that by divesting him­self thus of his Royal Dignity for a time, [Page 58] and applying himself in Person to the Build­ing of Ships, he intends to serve for an Example to invite them to follow his Foot­steps. He is too sensible that the Musco­vites are naturally inclin'd to Pride and Laziness, and he look'd upon it as the best means to correct those Vices in them, and hinder their further progress among them, if he by his own Example did encourage them to Labour and Industry.

At his spare Hours, his greatest delight used to be, to take a view Of any thing that was curious, or worth his observation in private Persons Houses, where he lay'd hold of all opportunities, to enter into a fami­liar Discourse with them, in so obliging a manner, that the Hollanders, who are ex­treamly taken with familiar Conversation, were charm'd with his franck Behaviour; which had this effect upon them, that it is almost incredible, how many voluntarily offer'd themselves to serve him; I having been an Eye-witness my self, that a great number of able and well deserving Persons could Hot be admitted into the Service, be­cause the intended Levies were compleated in much less time than was expected.

Not long after the Ambassadors return from the Hague, his Majesty receiv'd an Express from Muscovy, with the agreeable News of a Battle, fought betwixt the Mus­covites, under the Command of the Prince Schein; and the Tartars near Asoph. The Cham of the Crim Tartary, had in the be­ginning of the Spring, caused a great num­ber [Page 59] of Crim Tartars to pass in many small Bodies, and at different times thro' Caffa, in order to join them with the Tartars of Circassia; and especially those Inhabiting near the River Cubance. Knowing that the Muscovite Army was divided into Vseveral Bodies, the better to cover the Workmen, that were employed in several Places, in compleating the before-mentioned Fortifi­cations, he look'd upon this as a fit oppor­tunity to surprise them unawares: For which purpose, he order'd the Tartars Com­manded by Sultan Galga, to advance with great and speedy Marches toward the Ene­my. But the Muscovite General Schein, ha­ving received Intelligence of their approach, had just so much leisure given him, as to draw together his Troops in an advan­tageous place, where he resolv'd to engage the Enemy. These perceiving themselves superiour in number to the Muscovites, and being encourag'd by that pretended fear of the Muscovite Army, which did not move from their Post, fell with great fury upon them, and were received with great bravery by the Russians, who were con­tented to defend themselves in their Post, till their General perceiving the first heat of the Tartars spent, attack'd them very briskly, put them first into Confusion, and soon after to the Rout, with a great Slaughter on the Enemies side, whom they pursued to the River Hagalinek, where ma­ny of them were drowned: This River runs through Circassia, about two Leagues [Page 60] distant from Asoph. Our Maps put this Ri­ver to the North on the other side of the River Don, above thirty Leagues from Asoph

Their Excellencies the Muscovite Am­bassadors made publick Rejoycings upon this Occasion, and invited the Magistrates and other Persons of Quality to a Magni­ficent Entertainment, where they were di­verted, with Dancing, Musick, Fireworks, and all sorts of other Divertisement. His Czarish Majesty was pleas'd to appear there in Person, and in so pleasant a Humour, that all the Guess were extreamly satisfy'd with his Goodness, and at parting, made all the most sincere Protestations to his Ma­jesty, that they should keep in everlasting Remembrance, the extraordinary Favour be had been pleas'd to bestow upon them, in honouring them with his Presence.

Towards the beginning of the Winter, this Victory was Seconded by the News of another Advantage, obtain a near the Ri­ver Borysthenes. For the Crim Tartars in conjunction with those of Budziack and Oczakow having besieged Kasikermeen, had carried on their Trenches to the very Coun­terscarp, and at the same time made them­selves Masters of the Adjacent small Isle of Towam. But a Body of Muscovites having joined the Cossacks inhabiting those Fren­tiers, came time enough to the relief of the Place, forcing the Tartars to abandon the Siege and the Isle, with a considerable loss on their side. Upon which his Majesty [Page 61] gave Orders, that the said Island should be strengthned by some regular Fortifi­cations.

The same Express brought likewise the News, that the new Harbour about, seven Leagues from Asoph, (of which mention has been made before) was brought to per­fection, the Place being already Inhabited by Ten Thousand Mufcovites, his Majesty having expresly forbidden any Forreign Nation to settle there. He gave the Name of Setruchina Tuba to this City. In a little time after, Advice was also brought his Majesty, that a great number of the Circassian Tarltars voluntarily submitted to his Obedience; and thereupon being joined by some Muscovite Troops, they had ex­tended their Conquests into the Crim Tar­tary, to the River Mious, about five and twenty Leagues distant from Asoph, where the Turks formerly used to unload their Ships bound to that Place; and that the Muscovites were then busie in building a strong Fort near the Mouth of that River, thereby to make themselves Masters of, and to command that Road.

The Czar having now taken a resolution to pass over into England, before his de­parture out of this Country, gave notice of his Intention to his Britanick Majesty, who immediately sent some Yachts and light Friggots to conduct him thither. He Embark'd with an Attendance only of Twelve or Fifteen Persons, ordering his Ambassadors to stay behind at Amsteldam, [Page 62] and to buy up good store of Artillery and Ammunition: And being happily arriv'd in England, he was received there with all the Honour and Respect due to so Great a Prince; His Britanick Majesty offering him for his Residence the Royal Palace, call'd Sommerset-House, (which is very Remark­able for its pleasant Scituation on the River Thames,) and a Guard to attend his Person; but the Czar persisting in his Resolution to pass his time in England, Incognito, he refused to accept of the King of England's Offers.

After he had received the Compliments from his Majesty and the Royal Family, and return'd the same to them, he spent some time in taking a view of the Two Houses of Parliament, and what else was worth his Observation at Court; and then retir'd at some distance from the City of London. for the conveniency of the Pro­spect upon the River, from whence he might observe the Workmen, that were Employed thereabouts in the building of Ships. He stay'd above Two Months in England, during which time, he Employ'd most of his spare Hours, in viewing all what was Curious or Remarkable, espe­cially among the best Artists.

Some London Merchants having proposed to his Czarish Majesty, the Establishment of a new Commerce of Tobacco, to be Transported only by them into Muscovy, and the other Countries under his Majesty's Obedience, he sent for Fedor Alexiovitz [Page 63] Gallavin, his Second Ambassador, to Treat with them concerning this Point at London; The Treaty was brought to a good issue, to the satisfaction of both Parties; and it has been computed, that the Czar's Yearly Customs arising from that Commodity, will amount to above a Million of Livres.

But what is worth our particular Obser­vation in this Voyage into England, and which most of all discovers the main De­sign of his Czarish Majesty, is, his Progress to Portsmouth, to be a Spectator of a Sea Engagement betwixt two English Squa­drons, near that Port. I had forgot to tell you before, that the Hollanders did Enter­tain him near Amsterdam, with such ano­ther Mock-sight, where a great many Yachts were drawn up in different Lines, to shew to his Czarish Majesty the manner of En­gaging one another, and Retiring after an Engagement at Sea.

His Czarish Majesty having been present­ed by the King of England, with a very fine Yatch, Richly Guilt, carrying Thirty Pieces of Cannon, and one of the nimblest for Sailing in the whole Kingdom; he sent her to Archangle, and he himself re­turn'd, notwithstanding the badness of the Season into, Holland.

In the mean while that their Excellen­cies were gone back to the Hague, in Order to take their Audience of Leave from their High and Mightinesses, the Magistrates of Amsterdam, being sensible, that immediately after their Return, the Czar would set for­forward [Page 64] on his Journey to Vienna, made great preparations to signalize their Zeal for His Majesty by some fresh marks of Ho­nour: But he no sooner had notice of their Design, but he sent to desire them to de­sist, being willing to leave their City with­out noise, and undiscover'd, after a Thou­sand Testimonies of their Esteem and Friendship to his Person, received both from the Magistrates and other Inhabitants, during the Six Months he had stay'd among them.

He was just upon his departure, when he was surprised by the unwelcome News, that there had been a Mutiny near the Ci­ty of Muscow, among some Remainders of the Strelitzes, but that General Gourdon had soon dispersed them, and taken most of their Ringleaders Prisoners; who as they have thereby hasten'd the entire Ruine of their Party, so they have brought them­selves to a miserable End, having received since that time the due Rewards of their Treachery. For a great Number of them were Hang'd on Gibbets, and many of the Nobility had their Heads cut off.

You cannot be ignorant of what has passed since his Czarish Majesty's Departure out of Holland; with what Honour and Respect this Great Prince was received at the Imperial Court of Vienna; with what extraordinary Splendour and Magnificence his Embassy appear'd there; as likewise, what obliged his Majesty to return on a sudden into Muscovy. It is also sufficient­ly [Page 65] known to you, that he left Procofet Bogdanovitz Wolnizin, as his Ambassadour and Plenipotentiary for the Negotiation of Peace to be set on foot upon the Fron­tiers of Hungary, betwixt the Confederate Princes and the Ottoman Port.

His Majesty took the way of Poland in his Return homewards, where he had an Interview, not far from Lembergh, with his present Polish Majesty, who assured him, That he was resolved to continue the War against the Turks, unless Peace might be obtained upon very good Conditions, and especially by the Surrender of Ca­minieck to the Poles.

But whatever the issue of this Treaty may be, you will easily grant me, if you will be pleased to reflect seriously upon what I have told you before, That, supposing the Czar of Muscovy should not be comprehended in the said Peace, he is alone capable of waging War against the Turks, and not without hopes of Success on his side. For his Frontiers being so well provided and strengthned with good Fortifications on that side where the Turks must attack him; he has no more to do, than to be upon the Defensive by Land, and in the mean while to attack them briskly at Sea. And it is more than pro­bable, That this is the Grand Design of this Prince, who seems to have taken such sure Measures in respect to the Esta­blishment of his Maritime Affairs, that there is all the Reason in the World to [Page 66] believe, that he will always Triumph over the Turks at Sea, who never did any thing Memorable in that Se'rvice; and who according to all outward Appear­ance, are less in a Condition than ever to signalize themselves upon the Watery Element at a time, when their Empire appears in a declining State.

I will leave it to your own Judg­ment, whether it would not shake the very Foundation of the Turkish Monarchy, considering its present tottering Conditi­on, if the Muscovites should chase the Turks out of the Black-Sea, and make themselves Masters of their Ports on these Coasts, which from the City of Caffa, as far as to the mouth of the Borysthenes, must thereby be exposed to the Mercy of the Muscovites? And it is not im­probable that Constantinople it self might be hardly put to it, or at least run the Hazzard of being laid in Ashes by a Bombardment. What would in such a case, become of the Crim-Tartary, which being already enclosed on all sides by a good number of strong Fortesses, must of necessity fall, without making one Blow, into the hands of the Muscovites, if all Commerce and Correspondence betwixt the Peninsula and Constantinople should be cut off, by the Muscovites becoming Ma­sters of the Black-Sea;

[Page 67] Besides, it is to be considered, that as Places are attack'd now a-days, they have only Precop and Caffa, which are in a Condition to make some slender Defence.

But, Sir, being unwilling to tire your Patience with too long a Letter, I will come to a Conclusion; I must only repeat to you once more, what I have intimat­ed before, That it was the greatest O­ver-sight the Turks could be guilty of, not to take all the imaginable Precautions a­gainst the Muscovites becoming Masters of Asoph, who thereby have opened them­selves the way into the Black-Sea, over which the Ottoman Empire always claim'd the Sovereignty in a most peculiar man­ner. To make some Amends for so un­pardonable an Error, the most likely means they have left, seems to be, to con­clude an everlasting Peace with the Mus­covites, thereby to lull them asleep, that they may not lay hold of this Opportuni­ty of rendring themselves redoubtable in the Black-Sea.

The Ottoman Port might thus reap a considerable Advantage by the Commerce with Muscovy, by establishing certain Duties to be paid for the passage of Ships through the Channel leading to Constantinople, in the same manner as it is practised in Denmark, where the King of that Name, receives Customs of the Ships that pass and repass the Sound, in their going to, and coming from the Baltick.

[Page 68] This appears to me the only most pro­bable Means, to plunge them out of that Misfortune which they have drawn upon themselves by their own Neglect, it being allow'd by all that have any insight into the present State of Affairs in Muscovy, That the present Czar Peter Alexiovitz, has taken a firm Resolution, not to rest satisfied, till he has opened this Passage in order to establish a free Commerce with foreign Nations, and to encourage them to come into his Ports near the Pa­lus Meotis.

This, Sir, is the present Condition of the Russian Empire, which was formerly look'd upon as most barbarous, but which now bids fair for the Priority with any in Europe, by reason of the Encrease of its Commerce with most Nations of the World, by the indefatigable Vigilancy of their present Monarch, who being scarce 28 Years of Age; what is it that may not be expected from so Great a Prince, if God pleases to bless him with a long Life.

For the Wolga is above five hundred Leagues (to reckon from its first Spring) to the Canal, by which it is join'd with the River Don, and this River, from thence to the City of Asoph, four hundred Leagues more, fit for Ships of good Burthen, and from the Canal of Communication betwixt these two noble Rivers, there is two hundred Leagues distance to Asoph upon a straight Line, all extream good [Page 69] Grounds; Asoph and Astracan being situ­tuate under the most happy Climate in the World. The Western side of the River Wolga is very well inhabited al­ready, and there is no great question, but that the Conveniency of Commerce, and Plenty of the Country, will soon invite some of the Neighbouring vaga­bond Tartars to follow the footsteps of other more civiliz'd Nations, when once they are made sensible of the Benefit of an Industrious and settled Life. This is sufficiently verified by the Example of many of the Asiatick Tartars, who have by degrees abandoned their vagabond and idle Life, and follow'd their Prince into China, where they are become Wealthy by their Traffick; the like may be said of many of the Crim-Tartars, those of Astracan, Siberia, Dauria, and other parts subject to the Muscovites.

If we cast our eyes upon that Part of Muscovy, whereabouts the Port of Arch-Angel is, and consider, that not above an Age ago these Patts were as little inhabi­ted as any of Muscovy, being low Grounds, and situate under a very cold Climate; But since the Establishment of Commerce in this Harbour, the Country all there­abouts is very well stock'd with Inha­bitants, and many goodly Towns and Villages.

In the Southern Parts of Muscovy, the Cities of Wologda, Jeresla, Rostof, Pere­slaw, and others owe all their Encrease of [Page 70] Wealth to traffick. Add to this the ad­vantage of Commerce betwixt the Indies, Persia and Muscovy, by the way of the Caspian Lake or Sea; all which Commo­dities may for the future be transported by the newly projected Canal betwixt the two Rivers Wolga and Don, into all Parts of Europe; what immense Profit and Riches must not by this means be conveyed into Muscouy! which being al­ready so considerable for its vast Extent and Advantageous Situation for Trade, may in all probability thereby become the most Potent and Redoubtable in the World, &c.

Amsteldam, 30th October, 1698.

I am

A LETTER FROM A Person of Quality, Residing at VIENNA, Concerning The present CONDITION OF THE Muscovite EMPIRE.

AS the late Journey of the present Czar Peter Alexiovitz, has been for some time past, the surprize of all Europe; so I thought I could not make you a more Seasonable Return at this time, for the Obligation you were pleased to lay upon me some Months ago, in communicating to me your Observati­ons concerning His Czarish Majesty's Stay [Page 76] in England and Holland, than to inform you of what has past since his coming in­to this Court, and his Return into Mus­covy; of which I have been partly an eye­witness, the rest I stand indebted for the Correspondence of my Friends, upon, whose Integrity and Judgment, I can fully rely.

I will not pretend to insist upon the Motives which induced the Czar to En­gage in so Extraordinary an Undertaking, it being agreed on all hands, that as his Design was to build the Frame of the present Russian Monarchy upon a much more solid Foundation, than it was in for­mer times, so he judged nothing could more conduce to obtain this Great End, than if he should take this Opportunity, of being inform'd in Person concerning these Maxims, which have rendred some of the European States, so flourishing in our Age,

For, whereas the Russian Monarchs used to make the Ignorance of their Subjects the Main Foundation-stone of their Au­thority; so it is obvious to every unbyas­sed Person, that his present Majesty looks upon the Improvements of all Arts and Sciences, and the Establishment of a re­gular Discipline, as the Main Pillars of the Greatness of this Monarchy.

It was in the Prosecution of this Grand Design he appear'd, though Incognito, in England and Holland; and after having satisfy'd himself in those Matters which [Page 77] were the Chief Subject of his Curiosity, he resolved to visit likewise the Imperial Court of Vienna, where he arrived with the Muscovite Embassy, towards the latter end of June last past.

He had scarce been a few days in this City, when he received Letters from A­soph, That part of that Garrison, to the Number of betwixt seven and eight Thousand Men, having receiv'd Intelli­gence, That the Tartars had put a great Number of their best Horses in the cir­cumjacent Pastures, under the Guard of three thousand Men, were marched out against them, had defeated the Guard, and brought near thirty thousand Horses into Asoph.

These Letters were in a few olays after follow'd by an Express from▪ Muscovy with an Account, That the Remainders of the antient Muscovite Guards (whom they call Strelitzes) had Mutiny'd, un­der Pretence of Want of Pay; and that being join'd by some others, were mar­ched towards Muscow, the Capital City of the whole Empire, with an Intention to Surprize and Ransack the Place. The Strelitzes; who formerly might be compa­red to the Janisaries of the Turks, had given such frequent proofs of their Bar­barity and Cruelty against the Inhabitants of this City, upon such like Occasions, that many of them being terrified by so unexpected a Revolt in the Czar's Ab­sence, left their Habitations, and a gene­ral [Page 78] Consternation had seised the whole Empire, as dreading the Effects of the Fury of these Insolent Soldiers.

The Princes Loff Kerilvitz, Nariskin Procorofskoi, and Boris Alexiovitz Gallizin, who had the Supream Administration of the Government during the Czar's Absence, were not wanting in their Duty, to en­courage the Inhabitants both by Words, and their own Example; and that nothing might be wanting on their side, to reduce this rebellious Crew to their Duty, sent some of the Nobility, back'd by a good number of Troops, to endeavour to ap­pease their Fury; but they were so far from hearkning to the Propositions offered them by the Deputies of the Governours, that they fired at them, and forced them to retire to the City.

Thus all fair means proving ineffectual, General Gourdon was sent out with a good Body of faithful Troops, Commanded for the most part by foreign Officers, who meeting with the Rebels, as they were advanced within four Leagues of Muscow, Attack'd, and totally Routed them, kil­ling many of them upon the Spot, and carry the rest Prisoners to the City, where many of them receiv'd afterwards the due Reward of their Treachery.

The Czar being over-joyed at the Suc­cess of his Arms against these Mutineers, resolved not only to stay for some time at this Court, but also to continue his Jour­ney from hence to Vienice, before his [Page 79] Return into Muscovy. I have hinted to you before, the Chief Motive which in­duced His Czarish Majesty to undertake so long and dangerous a Journey; but besides this, there may be alledged ano­ther, having a peculiar Respect to the Imperial Courts. For the Muscovites, hav­ing by the Conquest of Asoph, opened themselves a Gate into the Palus Meotis, and consequently into the Black-Sea, had all the Reason in the World to promise themselves the entire Conquest of the Crim-Tartary, and the Tartarian Peninsula it self, if the War should be carried on but for two years longer by the Confede­rates against the Infidels, there being no­thing but the Cities of Precop, Crim and Caffa, places of no great Strength, which could make any considerable Resistance, and prevent them from making themselves Masters of all the Coast from Asoph, to the mouth of the River Borysthenes, where they had already got firm footing, by the Conquest of the Fortress of Kasikermeen, in the Year 1695, and the Submission of many of the Cossacks upon the Frontiers, to the Czar's Obedience. His Czarish Majesty, who from the beginning of his War with the Turks, had had no less in view than the reducing of these Places, and making himself Master of the Black-Sea, had, before his departure out of Muscovy, made all the necessary Prepara­tions for the promoting of so Great a De­sign. He had not only strengthned the [Page 80] City of Asoph by some new Fortifications, and erected a strong Fortress at some small distance from thence, but had caus­ed a new Port to be made for the Con­veniency of his Navy, This Great Prince, who perfectly understands the advantage­ous Situations of his Dominions for Com­merce, (one of the Main Pillars of the Prosperity of the Commonwealth,) has, ever since his Accession to the Throne, left no stone unturn'd, to improve it to the utmost Advantage.

It is to the Muscovites, Europe stands indebted for the Discovery of the Way by Land into China; and by the frequent Embassy sent by the present Czar into that Country, the Way through the Great-Tar­tary is as well or better known to the Russians, than some Provinces of their own Empire. Several goodly Cities and Villages have been built for the Conveni­ency of the Muscovite Carevans, And a vast Tract of Ground has been incorpora­ted with the Russian Empire.

It is incredible of what Consequences the China Trade by Land, is to the Mus­covites, who by the Help of their Sleds drawn by Renes in the Winter-time, per­form this great Journey with much Ex­pedition, Many of the Vagabond Tartars, incited by the Industry of the Muscovite Merchants trading in these parts, have quitted their Solitudes, and have settled themselves in Siberia, and some other Pro­vinces of Muscovy, which were scarce in­habited [Page 81] within these hundred years. The Communication betwixt Muscovy and some part of the Indies, as well as the Persian Empire, by help of the Caspian Sea, as it is obvious to every body that will but cast an Eye upon the Maps, so it is no less advantageous to the Russians than the China Trade. The Banajans (the most Trading People of all the Indies) have a very considerable Settlement in the City of Astracan (the Boundary of Europe and Asia on that side) from whence they furnish Masco­vy with all the most precious Things the Indies afford, and by the continual passage of Merchants and others, trading from the City of Muscow to Astracan, and other places upon the Wolga, the Country betwixt the Ocea and Wolga is better stor'd with Villages and Inhabi­tants, than many of the most Fertile Pro­vinces of Europe.

The Czar Peter Alexiovitz was as well before, as in his late Journey, suf­ficiently convinced, that all these Advan­tages were but imperfect in respect of what might be hoped for, if by o­pening his way into the Black Sea, he could settle a Communication with Italy, and some other provinces of Europe, by which means the Riches of China, of the Indies and Persia, might be con­veyed this way, to the no small Bene­fit of the Muscovites.

[Page 82] The Conquest of Asoph had opened him the way to attain this end without any great difficulty, considering the present declining State of the Ottoman Empire, and the flourishing Condition of Muscovy, if he could prevail with his Imperial Majesty to continue the War a few years longer against the In­fidels. It is agreed on all sides, That his Imperial Majesty shew'd as much incli­nation towards continuing the War with the Turks, than the Czar himself, and would have been as forward as any of the Confederates to second the lauda­ble Zeal of His Czarish Majesty, if the present conjuncture had not obliged him to prefer the Interest of his Country before his Inclinations, at a time, when the Infidels made such considerable Of­fers to the Confederates for the obtain­ing a Truce or Peace.

For, besides that, by the Animosities Reigning in Poland, that King was not in a Condition to give any considerable diversion to the Turks, the Subjects of the Hereditary Counries of his Imperial Majesty being exhausted by the heavy Taxes, requi­site for the carrying on so chargeable a War, stood in absolute need of some Respite to take breath, and the totter­ing State of the King of Spain's health, was a sufficient warning to the Imperial Court to be upon their Guard against France, where vast Preparations were made to back their claim to that Crown by Force.

[Page 83] These were the true reasons that in­duced his Imperial Majesty to consent some Months after, to a Truce of 25 years with the Ottoman Port, wherein the Czar of Muscovy included; but chose to accept of the same only for two years, for certain Reasons of [...] I shall have occasion to mention to you anon.

On the 29th day of June, his Czarish Majesty had a private Audience from the Emperour, and desiring to be Incognito, he was conducted by a pair of Back-stairs, to the Emperour's Antichamber, where he was received by his Imperial Majesty in Person at the door; no body was admitted to be present at this Audience besides the Count Wallenstein, Lord High Chamberlain, and the Count of Dieterichstein, Master of the Horse to the Emperour; the Czar was accompanied up Stairs only by the General Le Fort, his first Ambassadour, who sup­plied the place of an Interpreter betwixt these two Illustrious Personages at this In­terview.

After the first Complements were pass'd, the Emperour put on his Hat, but finding that the Czar remain'd uncovered, he al­so took off his Hat again, and remained thus till the Interview, which lasted about half an Hour, was pass'd.

Some-days after, the Czar took an exact View of the Imperial Armory, Library, and other Rarities belonging to the Impe­rial Pallace, and the Emperour being sen­sible [Page 84] of the Czar's Inclinations towards the Mathematicks, sent him a Present of the choicest Mathematical Instruments that could be found.

He likewise invited the Czar to a very splendid Entertainment, which began with a most Admirable Consort of Musick, and after a Magnificent Collation, ended with a certain kind of Masquerade, call'd in Germany, a Wirthshaft, frequently to be seen in the Courts of the German Princes, where the Master of the Feast always re­presents the Person of a Host; no body but persons of the first Rank of both Sexes being admitted to this Diversion.

In this, each Masker was clad after the Fashion of some different Nation, with a Lady in an Habit answerable to the same Nation, so that the most remarkable Na­tions of the World, being represented by this illustrious Company, adorn'd with the Richest Stuffs, and a prodigious quantity of precious Stones, it afforded a most un­usual, but at the same time, most Mag­nificent and agreeable Spectacle to the Czar.

To be short, this Court, to shew their utmost Respect to so Extraordinary a Guest, strove to out-vye all the rest which His Majesty had visited before; There was nothing but Jollity and Feasting to be seen, during his Stay at Vienna; and among others, the Count of Starenbergh, General of the Emperour's Armies, sig­naliz'd himself on this Occasion, having, [Page 85] invited the Czar and his Ambassadours, with all the Persons of Quality of both Sexes, then at Vienna, to a most splendid Feast.

The Czar in his Turn, took the oppor­tunity of St. Peter's Day, to Entertain the Principal Lords and Ladies of the Court, at the Pallace of Guntersdorff, where the Muscovite Ambassadours were lodg'd; the Emperour solemniz'd the same by an Artificial Fire-Work, and a fine Consort of Musick.

Towards the latter end of July, the Muscovite Ambassadours had their publick Audience of His Imperial Majesty, which was very splendid, especially in respect of the rich Presents design'd for the Empe­rour, which consisted in the most precious Ermines, and Sables, and Cloths of Gold and Silver, born by fifty Persons, Clad all in black Velvet. They were receiv'd at their Entrance into the outward Court by the Guards in Arms, and after being admitted to the Audience of the Emperour with the usual Ceremonies, were most splendid­ly Treated at Court, and reconducted to their own Pallace.

It was but a few days after, when the Czar, having taken a Resolution to go to Venice, in order, as it was supposed, to concert Matters with that Republick, how best to annoy the Turks at Sea, he sent some of his Train and Equippage before. The Venetians were no sooner inform'd of His Majesty's Resolution, but they appoint­ed [Page 86] four Procurators of St. Mark, to re­ceive and attend him. They ordered the necessary Carriages to the Frontiers, and the Pallace of Toscari in the Arsenal, was to be fitted up for his Receiption. But when every body expected to hear of the Czar's Departure for Venice, great was their Surprize when they understood, that he had taken his Leave on a sudden of the Emperour, and was return'd with only thirty of his most Trusty Servants, (among whom were General Le Fort, and Feder Alexiovitz, Gallowin, his two Ambassa­dours) by the Way of Polond into Mus­covy, leaving Procofet Bog danovitz Wolnit­zin, his third Ambassadour at Vienna, as his Plenipotentiary, to manage his Inte­rest at the approaching Treaty betwixt the Confederates and Turks.

You may easily suppose, that the whole Court was not a little amazed at this un­expected Change of the Czar's former Resolution, every one judging of the Matter according to his Opinion, but the Generality attributing it to some great Commotion in Muscovy, the Truth of which was not confirm'd to us, till some time after.

I told you before, that soon after his Czarish Majesty's arrival at Vienna, he re­ceiv'd the News of a Revolt among the Strelitzes in Muscovy, and of their Defeat by General Gourdon, which made the Czar take a Resolution to go to Venice before his Return into Muscovy; but the event has [Page 87] shewn since, that they were not so entire­ly despersed, but that their Party appear'd very formidable, notwithstanding their last Rour. For by the Confession of some of the Rebels that were put to the Rack, they were back'd in this Enterprize not only by the Princess Sophia, the present Czar's Sister, but also by a great many of the Nobility, who had been disgusted at the Czar's Severity against some of their Kindred, and by a considerable Part of the Army upon the Frontiers of Poland.

The Princess Sophia, with her Adhe­rents, taking the Advantage of the Czar's Absence, left no stone unturn'd to insinu­ate into the People, that he had over-turn'd the whole Frame of the Antient Russian Government, by reducing the Standing Forces of the Strelitzes to so in­considerable a Number, and depriving Them of their most antient Priviledges, in lieu of which, he had set over them a great number of foreign Officers, who were his absolute Favourites, and Domi­neer'd over the Natives at pleasure.

That the Chief aim of his Journey in­to foreign Parts, was to bring along with him such a Number of Foreigners, as should be able so entirely to subdue the antient Nobility of the Empire, as to be past all hopes of recovering their former Priviledges and Dignity.

There were also some among the Cler­gy, who being jealous of the Czar's Fa­vour towards these Foreigners, that were [Page 88] not of the Greek Church, blew up the coals, clamouring with great Zeal to their Auditors, That their Religion was in most imminent Danger, by the Encouragement given to Foreigners of another Religion, who, as they were the Instruments of o­verturning the antient Foundation of the State, so they would in time prove the utter Ruine of their Religion.

To this it was added, That the Czar being at present in far distant Countries, they could not wish for a more seasonable Opportunity to recover their Loss, by putting the Government into the hands of the Princess Sophia, which of Right be­longed to her in the Czar's Absence, and which she had managed with so much Dexterity during her Brother's Minority.

These Insinuations were so prevailing with many, that they had brought over to their Party, not only the Strelitzes, and other Malecontents of the Nobility, who were ready at all times to join against the Czar, but also some of the Head of the Clergy, many of the Chief of the Army, and among them the General that Com­manded upon the Frontiers of Lithuania, as likewise some Lords and Courtiers of the first Rank, who were, always look'd upon as absolutely devoted to the Czar's Interest.

Notice having been given to the Czar of these Cabals against his Person and Go­vernment, when he was just upon his de­parture for Venice, this obliged him to [Page 89] alter his Resolution, being sensible that the surest measures he could take at such an extraordinary Juncture, were to endeavour to divert by his Royal Presence, the Storm that threatned the destruction of his Government in his Ab­sence.

According to this to this Resolution, he took the nearest way through Poland, with a few of his faithful Friends, and after a Stay of three days at Rava near Leopold, where he had an Interview with his Polish Majesty about Matters of great Moment, especially concerning the approaching Treaty with the Turks; he continued his Journey with so much expedition, that he appear'd in Muscovy, when his Enemies believ'd him to have been at Venice.

His so unexpected Appearance, as it fill'd all his faithful Subjects with Joy, so it struck such a Terrour into the Re­bellious Party, that being thereby bereav'd of all hopes of Success, they, durst not as much as make any Attempt to put their projected Design in execution.

His Czarish Majesty having in the mean while, taken a firm Resolution, to strike at the Root of this Rebellion, and to era­dicate Root and Branch this Factious Crew of the Strelitzes, above two thou­sand of them were executed in sight of the Princess Sophia, all the rest being ba­nished into Siberia, and some other re­mote Provinces; Mary of the Nobility, of which number were prince Colorin, and [Page 90] the General Romanodokowski, with several Ladies of Quality, some Fryers, and other Priests of the first Rank, were some Ema­pal'd, some broken upon the Wheel, o­thers buried alive.

I don't question but that you will look upon these Transactions of the Czar, as favouring of too much Severity, both in respect of the Number and Quality of those on whom these Rigorous Punish­ments were inflicted; but if you will call to mind the reiterated Conspiracies, carried on by this Party ever since his Czarish Majesty's Accession to the Crown, both against his Person and Government, you will, I am apt to believe, be obliged to own, that what was done upon this Account by the Czar, was not an Effect of his Natural Disposition, which is in no wise inclinable to Cruelty, but must be attributed to the present Urgency of the Affairs of the State, which required, that those Members, who after all the Leni­tives had been made use of in vain, to allay their malignant Humours, were now to be treated with Corrosives, and such as were quite degenerated into an incurable Gangrene, must be separated from the rest, by cutting off the infected Parts.

You cannot be ignorant that since his Majesty's return into Muscovy, a Truce has been concluded with the Turks for 25 years, in respect of his Imperial Majesty and the Crown of Poland, but for two years only with his Czarish Majesty. The Treaty betwixt his Czarish Majesty and the [Page 91] Turkish Sultan, was sign'd under the Tents near Carlowitz,, December the 25th, 1698, by Procofet Bogdanovitz Wolnitzin, as Ple­nipotentiary and Ambassadour Extraor­dinary of the Czar of Muscovy, and Me­hemed Rami, and Alexander Mauro Corda­ti de Scarlati, as Plenipotentiaries of the Ottoman Port, consisting in these three fol­lowing Articles.

1. That by Vertue of this Treaty, a Truce is concluded betwixt these two Potent Empire for two years, to begin from the 15th day of December, S. N. 1698. And that in the mean while, all possible Endeavours shall be used on both sides, to re-settle a perfect Amity and good Understanding betwixt both Parties, either by a firm and perpetual Peace, or the prolongation of this Truce for a long­er space of Years.

2. That in the mean time all Acts of Hostility under what Pretence soever, shall be forborn, and all Animosities laid aside betwixt both Parties.

3. That the Chan of Crim-Tartary shall be comprehended in this Truce, who in the mean while, shall be obliged to pre­vent all Excursions on his side. And ef­fectual Care is to be taken on both sides, that none of the other Tartarian Hords, or any of the Cossacks, as well those under the Muscovite as Ottoman Jurisdiction, may commit any Hostilities or Depredations, such of the beforementioned Tartars or Cossacks (whether Muscovites or Turks) [Page 92] that shall in any wise violate or act con­trary to this Article, being to be exem­plary punished by their respective So­vereigns.

I am apt to imagine, that considering the small Space of Time concluded in this Treaty for the Truce betwixt these two Potent Princes, it will be look'd upon a­mong you, who live at so great a di­stance, as a Politick Contrivance of this Court and that of Poland, to wipe off the Blemish of deserting so Potent an Ally, who has given so considerable a Diversion to the Turks, during some Years of this War; but I do not question before I come to the Conclusion of this Letter, to make it apparent, that as the whole was trans­acted by his Czarish Majesty's Orders and good liking, so the same is founded upon a most solid and refined Reasons of State, on die side of the Muscovites.

I told you before, That the Czar of Muscovy, having by the Conquest of the City of Asoph, situate so near the Palus Miotis, not only opened his Way into the Black-Sea, but also to the entire Conquest of the Crim-Tartary, and the whole Pe­nirsula, as far as to the Borysthenes it self, had all the Reason in the World, to be de­sirous of the Continuance of the War a­gainst the Turks; and that this was one of the Chief Motives of his Journey to the Come of Venna.

[Page 93] But his Czarish Majesty being made suf­ficiently sensible, that at this juncture of time, the Confederates, without great Prejudice to their own Interest, could not refuse the Advantageous Propositions offered by the Turks, he could not pitch upon a better Expedient than this Truce of two years, to accomplish his Great, Design of either making himself Master of the Black-Sea, or at least to oblige the Turks to grant his Subjects a free Trade in their Ports, for the Conveniency of Transporting the China, Indian, Per­sian, and Russian Commodities into Italy, and other Parts of Europe.

This will be manifest, if we make a due comparison betwixt the present po­sture of Affairs, betwixt the Turks and Muscovites on that side. For, not to mention here the present flourishing State of the Muscovite Empire, and the decli­ning Condition of the Turks in general, it is most evident, that the Ottomans lie under no small Disadvantages, in respect of the Muscovites on that side.

The Muscovites by the late Conquests upon the Borysthenes and Palus Miotis, by the Submission of the Cossacks and Circas­sian Tartars, by strengthning the old, and erecting several new Fortresses in these Parts, have so strengthned their Frontiers thereabouts, that they seem to be inpe­netrable, considering the powerful Succours, they are able to send to the Relief of any place that shall be attack'd [Page 94] by the Turks; the Muscovite Armies by the introduction of a regular Martial Discipline among them, and the vast Number of well qualified foreign Officers, who command them, being at least equal, if, not superiour to the Turkish Janisaries themselves, the Flower and Main strength of their Armies, which also has been re­duced to a much less number, by the Mis­fortunes they have suffered in the last War against the Christians.

It is furthermore to be considered, that the Turks having hitherto look'd upon the Muscovites as so inconsiderable, that the Crim-Tartary was thought a sufficient Bul­wark against them, their Fortresses and Maritime Towns, though of the greatest Consequence to them, in respect of main­taining the Dominion of the Black-Sea, have been neglected; whereas by the Vigi­lancy of his present Czarish Majesty, the Muscovite Frontiers are in a better State than any of his other Dominions, by the Addition of several regular Fortifica­tions.

The Naval Strength of Muscovy, tho' scarce worth mentioning a few years ago, has by the indefatigable Care of the pre­sent Czar Peter Alexiovitz, been establish­ed upon so good and firm a Foundation, that the same is incomparably superior to the Turkish Fleet (which has been batter'd so often by the Venetians of late) both in respect of number of Ships, and the good­ness of their Seamen and Commanders, [Page 95] of which last, the Czar has taken a con­siderable number into his Service, during his stay in these Parts.

The Treaty betwixt the Christians and Turks being chiefly built upon this Foun­dation, that Matters should remain among all Parties in Statuo-quo, his Czarish Majesty had little prospect of obtaining thy Do­minion over the Black-Sea, or a free Com­merce in the Turkish Ports by a long Truce, which would have given the Turks leisure to recover Breath, and to strengthen their Fortresses and Maritime Places on that side; whereas two years cannot be judged in any wise a proportionable time requi­site for to put themselves in a State of defence against so Potent a Neighbour as the Czar of Muscovy is at present; so that at the expiration of these two years, his Czarish Majesty has all the Probability on his side to obtain his aim, either by the prolongation of this Truce, or force of Arms.

That this is his Czarish Majesty's design, seems sufficiently probable to me from his vast Preparations at Sea, being informed from very good hands, that he has at Ve­roniza only near fourty stout Men of War, ready to put to Sea, most of which carry betwixt fifty and sixty Guns besides thirty more which are to be ready and fit for Service against the next Spring, and a proportionable number of Great and small Gillies, Man'd for the most part with foreign Mariners, very Expert in the [Page 96] Sea-service. What Force are the Turks able to oppose at this time against such a Naval Strength, when they have not been able to cope with the Venetians at Sea in this last War? I am not ignorant that some of our Politicians in this Court are of Opinion, that when, by the intended▪ Canal betwixt the two Rivers, Wolga and Don, a Communication is made with the Caspian-Sea, the Czar may with more Conveniency extend his Conquests that way; but considering, that the Caspian-Sea has few good Ports, and that the Muscovite Territories are separated by Land by vast Desarts from Persia, and that there is a strict Correspondence be­twixt these two vast neighbouring Em­pires, founded upon the Conveniency of their mutual Commerce, I see no great Reason why it may not be more reasona­bly supposed, that, in case the Turks do not by granting free Commerce to the Muscovites, after the expiration of this, two Years Truce, prevent the Storm, his Czarish Majesty should not turn his Arms, against them, especially in the Black-Sea, where every thing seems to flatter him with hopes of Success and great Advan­tages on his side.

I am afraid I have been too tedious in these Reflections, wherefore I would not tire your Patience, if I had not some­thing to add, before I come to the Con­clusion of this Letter, concerning the Grand-Tartary, and other Northern Coun­tries, [Page 97] betwixt the River Oby and the Chi­nese Wall; in the Description of which, as the antient Geographers have labour'd with such ill Success, and given us their own Inventions for Truth; and the Mo­dern Historians for the most part, have described us inaccessible Desarts in lieu of a well inhabited Country; so, I reckon it will not be disagreeable to you, if I give you some Account of what I have been able to learn concerning this Point, from somld of the most open-hearted and most ingenious among the Muscovites, during the Stay of the late Great Embassy in this Court.

I have told you before that the World was beholding to the Muscovites, for the dis­covery of the Way by Land through the Great-Tartary into China. For the Way by Land through India, and the Territo­ries of the Great Mogul, being found al­most impracticable by reason of the vast Desarts; the Inhabitants of Siberia, after, they had submitted to the Muscovites, furnished them with sufficient Opportuni­ty to discover the Way into China oh that side. For these People being encouraged by the Advantages of vending their Sa­ble Martins to the Muscovites at so exces­sive a rate, as well as their black Fox-Skins, scarce ever known before in those Parts, did, to satisfie their Avarice, en­gage themselvs in those far distant Coun­tries in quest of those Creatures, by which [Page 98] means they were by degrees, and as it may be said insensibly brought upon those Roads which lead into China.

After the first discovery of these Roads, the Muscovites did leave no stone un­turn'd, to make themselves acquainted with the Countries that lie betwixt them and the Chinese Wall; for which purpose they used, under some pretence or other, to send frequent Messengers into China, who have taken divers Roads, and many times making great Circumferences in their Journeys, they by this means, in process of Time, made all the discoveries they could wish for. They discovered besides the Ostiakoi, Bratskoi, and Tungo­eses, who have their Habitations near the Rivers which border upon Siberia, three different sorts of Tartars, very remarka­ble for the vast extent of those Coun­tries they are possess'd of; to wit: The Tartars of Bogdoi, the Mongul Tartars, and the Calmucks.

The first are the same which by the Chineses, are call'd, the Eastern-Tartars: Their Country is of a vast extent, en­closed betwixt, the Eastern Seas and the Rivers Chingala and Yamour. They were the first that many Ages ago, entred China, but now are Tributaries to that Empire; which makes them much more civiliz'd than the rest of the Tartars, by reason of their great Commerce with the Chineses; the Rivers of Yamour and Chin­gala, [Page 99] affording great store of Rubies and Pearls, which supply the defect of their Cattle, which is very small. They are in their Bodies not unlike to the Crim-Tartars, and both their Language and Characters not unlike the Persian, but they write like the Chineses, from the top down­wards. Though they are not altogether ignorant of Guns and Gun-powder, yet not being well inform'd of all the Ad­vantages belonging to them, they make but seldom use of them, they are Go­vern'd by several Chans.

To the West of these Eastern-Tartars, are those of Mongul, inhabiting a spaci­ous Country, betwixt the River Yamour, China, Turquestan, and the Calmucks, from whom they are divided by vast Desarts. They are Govern'd by three Princes, who have each of them several other Chans under their Jurisdiction. They are call'd by the Chineses, the Western-Tar­tars, and acknowledge in some measure, the Authority of the Czars of Muscovy, by reason of the Neighbourhood of Si­beria, and some other Countries there­abouts, Subject to the Muscovite Empire, with whom they keep Traffick in Cattle, of which they have a great Plenty, this Country being very full of Rivers, good Meadows and Pastorages. They are un­acquainted with the use of Fire-Arms, and inhabit neither Towns nor Villages.

[Page 100] The Calmuck Tartars possess that vast Tract of Land, which lies betwixt these Mongal Tartars and the River Wolga, as far as to the Desarts of Astracan; they are divided into many Hordes, each under the Command of a particular Chan, yet they acknowledge one Principal Chan, who deduces his Pedigree from the Great Tamerlan, and keeps a very Noble Court after the Tartarian Manner; They have no fixed Habitations no more than the Monguls, but live in Tents very Commo­diously contrived As they never, stay long in a place, so they are the quickest in the World at Encamping and Decam­ping, which is the reason the Czars of Muscovy seek for their Alliance, by cer­tain yearly Presents; and these are very ready to keep a good Correspondence with the Muscovites, for the Conveniency of vending their Horses and Slaves, which they take from the other Neighbouring Tartars. They are all inclining to an O­live colour, their Eyes small but spark­ling, their Noses short and somewhat flat. Their Habits are for the most part the same, being distinguished only from one another, by a Tuft of Silk upon their round Bonnets, according to the colour of the Horde to, whom they belong. They wear only Sheep-Skins, sew'd to­gether in the nature of Vests, with a Cord round their Waste, whereon they fasten their Bows and Quivers.

[Page 101] You may easily imagine, that when the Muscovites had once opened their Passage into those Parts, it was no difficult Task for them, to subdue those inhabiting near their Frontiers by force of Arms, and by the Terror of their Strength, to settle a fair Correspondence with the rest; so that following first the Tracts of the Rivers Oby, Schelinga, Genessai and Yamour, they built several Fortresses upon the said Ri­vers, both to secure their Conquests, and for the more convenient Passage of their Ca­ravans to China.

The last Fortress, which the Muscovites built upon the River Yumour, is called Albazin, which, as it is not above a Months Journey from Peking, the Capital of the Chinese Empire, so it prov'd the occasion of the late War betwixt the Chineses and Muscovites, which was carried on for some time with equal Vigour on both sides, till at last, the present Czar Peter Alexiovitz, being made sensible by Experience of the great Inconveniences that attended this War on his side, in reference to the vast distance of Frontiers, which are five or six Months March from the City of Muscow; whereas on the other hand, the Chineses send their Supplies with much more Ease, and infinite less Charge, by reason of the nearness of the Eastern-Tar­tars, their Subjects; and the Czar having at the same time a strong Inclination to come to a Rupture with the Turks, at a [Page 102] Juncture when their Affairs were but in an ill posture, resolved to come to an Ac­commodation with the Chineses,

The first meeting of the Ambassadours of these two Potent Empires upon the Frontiers near Albazin, proved unsuccess­ful, the Chineses, according to their an­tient Customs; insisting upon some Cere­monies, that would not in any wise be granted by the Museovites; But the se­cond Treaty succeeded according to wish, the Chineses being forced to abate of their Pride, and to Treat the Muscovite Am­bassadours from that time, with all the Respect due to their Character.

The Muscovites having not till very lately applied themselves to the Sea, it is no great wonder, if they have not neg­lected the Passage by Water into China, by the Way of the Rivers Oby, Genessai, and Yamour; and in lieu thereof, have left nothing unattempted to open their Passage thither by Land. 'Tis true, the Heaps of Ice, which for the greatest part of the Year are to be met with at the En­trance of the River Oby, the many Water­falls of the River Genessai, and the Bul­rushes which choak almost up the mouth of the River Yamour, are Obstacles, which though they might have been sur­mounted by industrious and expert. Sea­men, yet were so terrifying to the Mus­covites, as to bereave them of all hopes of Success.

[Page 103] And to confess the Truth, considering the Method used by the Russian Merchants and Caravans, and the good Order taken for their convenient Passge through these Parts, the same contribute not a little to­wards mitigating both the Trouble and Charge of so long a Journey.

They set forward most commonly from the City of Muscow in February, when the Snow being well beaten, they travel in nineteen or twenty days, as far as Tobolskoy, the Capital City of Siberia, eight hundred English Miles di­stant from the City of Muscow. If it happens to thaw about that time (which is very seldom) they take the conveni­ency of the Rivers on this and the other side of the River Oby, by which means they cross the Country till they come to the Ostiakoi, the first of the Eastern-Tartars, Subject to the Czar of Muscovy. But if the Frost continue, they go on by Land the same way, where they change their Horses for Renes or Rain-deers, which carry them with incredible swift­ness over the Snow and Ice to the City of Genessai, built by the Muscovites upon the River of the fame Name, for the con­veniency of their Merchants traveling in those Parts; Here it is they take Ves­sels which carry them upon the Rivers Tongusi and Augara, against the Stream, to the Lake of Baikala.

[Page 104] From this Lake, they either take Shipping upon the River Schelinga, as far as to a City of the same Name, owing likewise its foundation to the Muscovites; or else proceed in their Way by Land, immediately after they have cross'd the beforementioned Lake, through the Country of the Mongul Tar­tars, who readily furnish them with Mules and Dromedaries, to the Con­fines of China.

But for the better understanding of this Famous Passage by Land, I will conclude this Letter with giving you the best Account I could get, of se­veral of the Muscovites here, of the Road lately taken by several Embassy's sent into China.

They go from Muscow to the Famous Convent of Troitza, about sixty English Miles; from thence to the City of Peresla, as many Miles from Troitza.

From Peresla, they go to the City of Ro­stof, sixty Miles from the last, and so to the City of Jeresla, near a hundred and twenty Miles distant from thence.

From Jeresla, they go to the Great City of Wologda, which lies one hundred and eighty Miles from the last.

From this place, they continue their Journey to the small City of Tottma, upon the River Wergno Suchuno, and so to Ʋstiuga, a considerable Place upon the River Suchana; from thence to a [Page 105] small City, call'd Lolowitzgotz, upon the River Wietzegda, which oxonerates it self in the. River Dwina.

About fifty Miles from thence, they pass through a great Forrest above se­ven hundred Miles long; after which they come to Kaigorod, a City upon the Famous River Kama.

From Kaigorod, they proceed to So­lokamskoy, a City upon the River Ʋsol­sko, which thereabouts discharges it self in the River Kama.

Thus they continue their Journey for one hundred and twenty Miles with­out any considerable River, till they come to the River Lusowa, where they take Shipping for stzogorod, a goodly City, near three hundred and fifty Miles distant from1 Solokamskoy.

From thence they go forward, to Jat, a Town upon the River Ajat, and so by Romoshora, upon the River Resh, to Newagorod upon the River Newa, the first Town of Siberia.

From hence they pass through a fer­tile and well Peopled Country to the Town of Zudna, situate upon the Ri­ver Nietza, to the Towns of Niginiskoy, Irbitskoy, Kirginskoy, Subrorawa and Ja­law, the last of which lies upon the River Tura, where the River Newa dis­charges it self into the same.

[Page 106] They continue their Journey from hence to the Town of Krasna, to the City of Tumeen, and so to the Town of Makoma upon the River Pishina, where it discharges it self into the River Tura; from thence to the Town of Siltska, at the confluence of the two Rivers Tura and Tobol, the last being on the right; which brings them to the City of To­bolskoy, the Capital of Siberia, situate upon the confluence of the two Rivers, Jotish and Tobol, the last of which has given her its name.

From Tobolskoy, they continue their Journey through the Towns of Demian and Samurskoyam, and about two Miles beyond the last, they meet with a Branch of the Famous River Oby, which brings them to the City of Surguto, and after­wards to the City of Narim, situate upon the Banks of the River Oby.

Here they quit this River, and pro­ceed to the River Kett, which brings them to the Town of Kettsway.

From hence they go to Makafskoy, and after they have travelled for two days and nights through a great Forrest, they come to the City of Jeneskay, upon the River Jeneskay, which is both very Na­vigable, and its Banks inhabited by the Ostiaki.

[Page 107] After they have continued their Jour­ney for some time upon this River, they leave it to the Right, and take their way towards the River Tungunsi, whereabouts are the Habitations of the Tungeses; which they leave again to the Right, and proceed in their Journey to the City of Ilimskoy, situate on the Ri­ver Ilim, the Country thereabouts being pretty well inhabited.

After they have travelled three days and nights through a Forrest, they come to the River Augara, which brings them to the City of Irkuskoy, situate upon the River.

About thirty Miles from hence is the Lake of Baikala, where the River Au­gara has its first rise, being the utmost Boundary of Siberia.

From hence, they continue their Jour­ney through the Towns of Kabaria, Belsko-Saimcko, and Ostrog-Ʋdinskoy, in the Province of Dauria, inhabited by, Tartars, to the City of Jerawena, situate upon a Lake of the same name.

After they have pass'd this Lake, they are forced to travel through a great Desart, which is watered however by the River Ʋda, and at last come to the Lake called Schacks-Oser, about two Miles over; then they come to the Vil­lage of Plothus, about a Mile from whence the Rivers Sueta and Onna, fall into the River Ingeda, which from thence for­ward [Page 108] is called Schilka, and being aug­mented by the two Rivers Nertza and Arguna, produces that Famous River, the Yamour.

From hence they go to the City of Nertzinskoy, upon the River Nertza, being the last Fortress upon these Fron­tiers belonging to the Muscovites.

Then they travel for near three weeks thro' Desarts, Forrests, and Boggy-grounds, till they come to Arguna, a small City upon a River of the same name, and the last Place under the Muscovite Ju­risdiction in the Province of Dauria. Here they meet in their way with the Rivers Derby, Gann, Kailar, and Saduma, all which discharge themselves into the Arguna, till they come to the Source of the River Jal, where they meet with, he first Out-gards of the Chineses, being a very fertile and well peopled Country, inhabited by the Targutshini, who are Pagans, Subject to China.

Through these they pass to a Village, called Suttigarski, and from thence to the City of Naun, three Miles distant from the former. From hence they pro­ceed in their Journey for several days, through another Desart destitute of any Springs or other Water, till they come to the River Casumur, which discharges it self in the River Naun.

[Page 109] They pass afterwards by the Ruines of a great many Cities, and at three days Journey from the Famous Chinese Wall, through a Road cut out of the Rocks, which brings them to the City of Karakaton.

After they have pass'd the Chinese Wall, the first Place they meet with is the City of Galgan; not above a Mile within the Wall; from thence they go to Xantu­ming Xunguxu, Xangote, and Tunxo to Peking, the Residence of the Emperours of China.` Being sensible that I have suf­ficiently tired your Patience, I will add no more, but in expectation of your next, rest