not give me any powers, without the consent of the States, and for that
the form of the States does require their sending to the provinces,
which would require too much time. But the truth is, they are un-
willing to come into the acknowledging and guarantee for fear of dis-
obliging the czar.

"Since my being here I have received letters from Vienna, by which
I see they persist in the expedition for Naples, and at the same time
they complain of the king of Sweden. I find that the behaviour of the
French has given occasion to these people to wish heartily for good suc-
cess in this campaign.

"In two conversations I have had with M. de Buys, he has been very
plain in telling me that he should think it a very good peace, if we could
persuade the duke of Anjou to be contented with Naples and Sicily. I
am afraid there are a great many more in Holland of his mind; but as
we are very sure, I think, of making this campaign, there may be many
alterations before winter.

"The ambassador of Muscovy has been with me, and made many
expressions of the great esteem his master has for her majesty; that he
would do every thing to merit her friendship, and, as a mark of it, he
had resolved to send his only son into England; but he desired nobody
but the queen might know it, since he must pass incognito through se-
veral countries. He is also very desirous of the honour, as he calls it, of
the queen's appointing him a house. As it can be of no precedent to
any country but their own, and as the expense is so very inconsiderable,
I hope her majesty will do it; for it is certain you will not be able to
gratify him in any part of his negotiation.

"I have undertaken this journey to Saxony to comply with the great
desire of our friends; but I own to you that the pensioner and Slingeland
have shown me several intercepted letters, which have been deciphered,
that show very plainly that almost all about the king receive French
money except Count Piper.

"The agreement for 3390 foot and 1125 horse is almost concluded
with the Saxon ministers. Mr. Secretary will have a particular account
of it from Mr. Stepney. The 70,000 crowns that are to be given, to put
them in a condition to march, must be speedily paid, for the troops can't
march till one month after the payment. I have this afternoon received
a letter from the king of Spain, of the 6th of March, concerning some
employments in the Low Countries. He also tells me that he is resolved
to go to Barcelona for some short time, till his presence may be neces-
sary in the army. I have not time to have his letter copied, but by my
next you shall have it. I have left orders that the first letters that come
from England should be sent after me, there being now six posts due."

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