of 58.
Therefore the paper necessary for 1000 copies only would amount to about
450 reams, the price of which, after allowance had been made for the 50
reams at 75 roubles, would exceed 40,000 roubles. The next day I hired a
calash, and spent the best part of a week in causing myself to be driven
to all the places in the vicinity of Petersburg where paper is made.
Knowing but too well that it is the general opinion of the people of this
country that Englishmen are made of gold, and that it is only necessary
to ask the most extravagant price for any article in order to obtain it,
I told no person, to whom I applied, who I was, or of what country; and I
believe I was supposed to be a German. In some places I had now the
pleasure of hearing that I could have the paper at 60 roubles per ream.
At last I came to a person whom, after having informed him that I was in
need of a very great quantity, perhaps a thousand reams or more, I beat
down from 50 to 40 roubles, from 40 to 35, and it is probable that I may
be able to obtain a large quantity at 30. I must inform you that I also
employed two agents, and we three going various ways have ascertained
that the necessary paper may be procured for between 30 and 40 roubles
per ream, paper of as good a quality--nay, better than that on which the
Gospel of St. Matthew was printed, and that for which 100 roubles were
demanded at Peterhof. It is therefore now time for the Committee to come
to a decision respecting the number of copies to be printed, and I wish
it to be borne in mind that the price of the paper per ream in some
degree depends upon the quantity required. I do not think it possible to
obtain any where paper of a similar quality at a less price than 30 or 35
roubles; for the specimens which I have obtained are very beautiful, and
a work printed on such paper need not be ashamed to show its face amongst
the most fastidious Tartars and Chinese. To print the Testament on
common paper would certainly not be advisable, as in that case the
probability is that notwithstanding the reverence of those singular
people for written or printed characters, the sacred volume, if put into
their hands, would be destroyed.

I am in conformity with your expressed desire getting every thing into
readiness for commencing printing, and therefore earnestly beg for a
speedy communication, informing me how much paper I am to bespeak, and in
what manner I am to pay for it. I must here observe