“Memoirs of Catherine ‘the Great’ II of Russia” As Written in Her Own Hand – Ch. 14
Commonplace Book – Pages: 154-155
“Memoirs of Catherine the Great” – Chapter 14: Intrigues Renewed (1756-1758)
- After leaving Oraneinbaum, they are visited by Prince and Princess Galitzine and M. Betsky.
- Autumn: Sir Hanbury-Williams goes back to England. He had gotten Count Bestujev to sign a treaty of alliance between Russia and England. However, Bestujev loses the authority and Russia adheres to the convention in Versailles between France and Austria.
- The Shuvalovs gain power. Worontsov, a great supporter, had received old furniture previously used by Madame de Pompadour as a bribe from Louis XV.
- Towards the end of 1756, Count Poniatovski comes back to Petersburg as Minister of the King of Poland.
- Under the influence of Brockdorff, the Grand Duke has a certain Elensheim in Holstein arrested, with no accusation or evidence.
- Brockdorff: tall; long neck; thick, flat head; red hair; “wore a wig of brass wire”; small eyes; “the corners of his mouth came down to his chin”; “almost no lids or eyebrows”; “encouraged the Grand Duke more towards drink”
- “Egyptians”: At this time, a name sometimes applied to “Bohemians” or gypsies.
- Towards Spring, 1757: M. Pechlin, the Grand Duke’s Holstein Minister dies. M. von Stambke, a confidante of Count Bestujev replaces him.
- Spring, 1757: Court goes to Oranienbaum. The Holstein troops made to camp in the village. (“never exceeded 1,300″)
- July, 1757: “Memel had surrendered to the Russian troops by the Agreement of June 24″
- August: News comes of the Battle of Gross – Jaegerndorf. (August 19, the Prussians were defeated by the Russian Army under the command of Marshal Apraxine)
- Later, Marshal Apraxine is found to be in flight, throwing away or burning his ammunition and dismantling his guns. Catherine believes it is because the Empress’ failing health. He believed the war would come to an immediate end if the Empress died.
- Director-General of Works, General Fermor leaves for Petersburg. He was appointed to the Army, having previously been Quartermaster to General Munich. Brigadiers Rosanov and Mordvinov become his assistants.
- Marshal Apraxine has a stroke and dies shortly after being recalled.
- General Fermor continues and occupies Koenigsburg.
- The Shuvalovs convince Leon Naryshkine to join their side, bribing him with the Order of St. Anne.
- April 5, 1758: Prince Charles of Saxony, son of Augustus III of Poland, candidate for the Duchy of Kurland, arrives in St. Petersburg. Count Ivan Chernishev is appointed to attend him.
-For the next 3 or 4 days, Catherine stays in bed with a high fever, and shows symptoms of pregnancy.
