Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1778 edition. Excerpt: ... LETTER III. SIR, Peterfburgh. NOTWITHSTANDING the endeavours of Peter the Great to introduce men of learning and science into his dominions, he did not live long enough to fulfil, in any degree, his plan; and in truth, those who went from England and other places on the strength of promises, found themselves miserably disappointed, and but few remained there. During the reign os the Empress Ann, foreigners were countenanced at court; but on the revolution which brought Elizabeth on the throne, the Russians became eager to assume their former manners, and foreigners were held in great contempt. During her reign science slept, not a single volume could be imported into her dominions, but it was to be perused by ossicers appointed for that purpose, which rendered the importation almost impossible. When Elizabeth came to the throne, by the revolution esfected by Lestock, who was himself banished by her afterwards (this circumstance is not to be wondered at, for although we approve of the treason, the traitor is usually detested), she published a decree by which she abolished the punishment of death on any account, or for any crime, which gave encouragement to robbers and murderers; this was a political stroke to bind the lower class of persons to her interest. Elizabeth Elizabeth was a person of ah amorous turn, and me indulged her passions without ceremony or restraint, nor was her choice always from the nobility, persons of very mean rank had sometimes the good fortune to please her. Her disposition being known, all the foreign courts made a point of sending as their ambassadors, men, whose persons and address might assist their negotiations. The British court recalled, the blunt Tyrawley, to fend the gallant Sir Charles Hanbury Williams, ..
