n I originally did.

My dear Sir, even when transcribing the Mandchou Scripture, I was far
from being forgetful of the ulterior object of my mission, and therefore,
as in duty bound, applied to Dr. Schmidt for advice and information, who
was the person upon whom I mainly depended. But I found that gentleman
so involved in a multiplicity of business that it was utterly impossible
for him to afford me either; and though he was kind enough to promise to
make inquiry, etc. etc., it is very probable that he forgot to fulfil his
promise, for the result never came to my ears.

Thus circumstanced, and being very uneasy in my mind, I determined to
take a bold step, and directly and without further feeling my way to
petition the Government in my own name for permission to print the
Mandchou Scriptures. Having communicated this determination to our
beloved, sincere, and most truly Christian friend Mr. Swan (who has
lately departed to his station in Siberia, shielded I trust by the arm of
his Master), it met with his perfect approbation and cordial
encouragement. I therefore drew up a petition, and presented it with my
own hand to his Excellence Mr. Bludoff, Minister of the Interior. He
having perused it, briefly answered, that he believed the matter did not
lie with him, but that he would consider. I now began greatly to fear
that the affair would not come to a favourable issue, but nevertheless
prayed fervently to God, and confiding principally in Him, resolved to
leave no human means untried which were within my reach.

Since residing here I have assiduously cultivated the friendship of the
Honourable Mr. Bligh, His Britannic Majesty's plenipotentiary at the
Court of Russia, who has shown me many condescending marks of kindness,
and who is a person of superb talents, kind disposition, and of much
piety. I therefore, on the evening of the day of my presenting the
petition, called upon him, and being informed that he was out of town,
and was not expected till late at night, I left a letter for him, in
which I entreated him to make use of whatever influence his high official
situation was calculated to give him with the Minister, towards procuring
a favourable reply; assuring him that the Mandchou version was not
intended for circulation nor calculated for circulation in any part of
the Russian Empire, but in China and Chinese Tartary solely. I stated
that I would call for an answer the next morning. I did so, and upon
se