Επιστολή (No.15) του John Strange προς τον Earl of Rockford (Βενετία 16 Δεκέμβρη 1774) όπου αναφέρει:
My Lord,
After I had finished my letter N.14 an article of intelligence came to my notice with which I think proper also to acquaint your Lordship by this same dispatch.
It is as follows:
The Baillo at Constantinople lately informed the Senate that the Porte strongly invited this Republick to the navigation and commerce of the Black Sea. In consequence of this, after repeated councils of state held here this last week, it was determined in the Senate yesterday, that M. Maruzzi, the Russian Minister here, should be desired to propose to his Court, on the part of the Republick, the settling of a reciprocal treaty of commerce, signifying, at the same time, that the Republick would send a Minister of Senatorial Rank to that Court, if it was thought expedient.
In the mean time the Senate judged proper to recommend it to their Baillo to well dispose the Russian Minister at Constantinople for that Purpose, in order also to facilitate matters with the Porte, that no obstacle might arise out of jealousy or otherwise. …
I have the honor to be, with the greatest truth and regard,
My Lord,
Your Lordship’s
Most obliged and very obedient humble servant
John Strange