My Lord

Notwithstanding the indifference with which this court affects to wait the event of the present crisis, they are by no means free from apprehension; and news from England is expected with the utmost impatience. Monsieur Woronzow’s late dispatches have been of a nature to add to this uneasiness by the accounts he gives of the preparations which are making, and of the little effect which the idea of war with Russia seems to have on the minds of the People in general in England. This is the reverse of what was expected, as they have always given me to understand, that it would be highly reprobated by all ranks of people, but more particularly by the commercial part of the community. I cannot take upon me to say what may be the opinion of merchants in England, but I can safely affirm that those of that description here, and whom it might be supposed, would be most averse to intercourse which is the source of their wealth, are precisely those who are the most convinced of the necessity of our changing our tone and conduct with regard to this country. They argue and with reason, that it may be expedient to submit to a temporary inconvenience, in order to lay the foundation of a more solid friendship, built on the conviction of reciprocal advantage, and of reciprocal necessity….

As I am upon the subject of adventurers, I cannot avoid saying a few words of one of that description, lately arrived from France, by the Name of S. Ginier and particularly recommended to the Prince of Nassau. He has given a project by which, if there should be a war between England and Russia, he proposes to go with a corps of four thousand men from the northern extremity of the Caspian Sea through Cashmire to Delhi, and from thence to attack our settlements in Bengal. This fine project has been presented to the Empress by Monsieur Nassau, who I must in justice to this country acknowledge, is the only man in it who is mad enough to think it practicable.

Prince Potemkin is still so totally taken up with amusements of all kinds, that no business whatever is done. He is however endeavouring to engage the best seamen from his department, in order to send them to the Black Sea, where it is said, his fleet will be ready to put to sea by the end of May, and he will in all probability opent the campaign, by the attack of Varna.

I have the honour to be

With the greatest respect

My Lord

Your Graces

Most obedient and

Most humble Servant

Charles Whitworth

His Grace the Duke of Leeds etc etc etc