Mémoire sur la cour de Russie et l’Etat russe. Moscow? ca. 1746. Manuscript report by an unidentified French diplomat on the persons at the Russian court and on conditions in Russia. MS C9

Mémoire sur la cour de Russie et l’Etat russe. Moscow? ca. 1746. Manuscript report by an unidentified French diplomat on the persons at the Russian court and on conditions in Russia. MS C9

Diary of a Diplomat... This manuscript is a report by a high ranking but unidentified French diplomat of the men and women peopling the Russian court, and on military, economic, religious, political, and social conditions in Russia, 1745-1746. For one who would see the mid-18th century Russian court at Petersburg through French eyes, this is a grand opportunity for a research project. The first 22 chapters (of 30) form a remarkable portrait of the Empress Elizabeth (1741-1762), second daughter of Peter I and of those who played important roles in her surroundings: Russian and French counts, the ambassadors from Denmark, Hungary, England, and France. Intrigues abound.

MS C9