| Citation |
NEWJ.736.011
8 Jun 1736:11 (479)
An extract of a letter from an English officer, in the
service of the Empress of Russia, to his friend in London;
dated Jan. 11. N.S.
I landed at Cronstandt on the 8th of June, 1735, after a
passage of 30 days very fine weather. Admiral Gordon who is
governor of this place, and knight of St. Alexander,
detain'd me by his civilities two days, and then gave me a
barge to Petersburg, which is about 20 miles higher up the
River Neva. The river is about five leagues broad, and the
south side is enriched with royal palaces, viz. Catherina
hofte, Peter-hoffte, and Orien-boon. There is nothing
remarkable at the first, it being a small retiring house of
the late empress, about four miles from town: Orien-boon is
20 miles, and is a very large fine building, tho' now
neglected; it was Prince Menzikoff's, and came into the
possession of the crown on his fall: Peter-hofte lied
between them, is a very large spacious building, and the
gardens made to imitate Versailles; the water works are the
most extraordinary things I ever saw. When I drew near
Petersburg, I was surprized at the stately buildings and
beautiful situation: It is like Venice, on a great number
of islands; about thirty years ago a vile morass; another
age will scarce believe the story. As the weather was
excessive hot, I could not help fancying myself in Italy;
the ringing of bells, the vast number of gilded barges and
yachts, belonging to the nobility and people in office (they
each being obliged to keep one) rowing and sailing on the
river, the excessive pride and richness of the better sort,
and the poverty and slavery of the lower sort, all
contributed to this thought, all take place here according
to the rank and posts granted them in the army, and not by
birth.
I should not neglect giving you some account of the gaiety
of the court of Petersburg, we had one Italian opera, and a
comedy every week, in the theatre of the summer palace,
where the court then was. I assure you the voices are very
good, tho' they are not Farinelli's or Strada's. There is
an orchestra of 40 excellent hands, and the best set of
serious and comic dancers I ever yet saw on any stage
together: One woman pleases me as much as ever Madam Salle
did, or rather more, being far handsomer; and the men equal
to any you have in England.
The winters are long and sharp; but wear furs, warm rooms,
plays, balls, and masquerades, give me hopes of spending
them as agreeably as ever I did in any other country; and
'tis all at her Majesty's expence for the military officers,
and those of her household.
We have here a curious map of the new discoveries on the
east most boundaries of this vast Empire.
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