whatever trouble it might cost me,
to procure for the Society unexceptionable paper at a yet more reasonable
rate than 35 roubles. I was aware, that an acquaintance of mine, a young
Dane, was particularly intimate with one of the first printers of this
city, who is accustomed to purchase vast quantities of paper every month
for his various publications. I gave this young gentleman a specimen of
the paper I required, and desired him (he was under obligations to me) to
enquire of his friend, _as if from curiosity_, the least possible sum per
ream at which the _printer himself_ (who from his immense demand for
paper should necessarily obtain it cheaper than any one else) could
expect to purchase the article in question. The answer I received within
a day or two was 25 roubles. Upon hearing this I prevailed upon my
acquaintance to endeavour to persuade his friend to bespeak the paper at
25 roubles, and to allow me, notwithstanding I was a perfect stranger, to
have it at that price. All this was brought about. I was introduced to
the printer, Mr. Pluchard, by the Dane, Mr. Hasfeldt, and between the
former gentleman and myself a contract was made to the effect that by the
end of October he should supply me with 450 reams of Chinese paper at 25
roubles per ream, the first delivery to be made on the 1st of August; for
as my order was given at an advanced period of the year, when all the
paper manufactories were at full work towards the executing of orders
already received, it was but natural that I should verify the old
apophthegm, 'Last come, last served.' As no orders are attended to in
Russia unless money be advanced upon them, I deposited in the hands of
Mr. Pluchard the sum of 2000 roubles, receiving his receipt for that
amount.

Having arranged this most important matter to my satisfaction, I turned
my attention to the printing process. I accepted the offer of Messrs.
Schultz and Beneze to compose and print the Mandchou Testament at the
rate of 25 roubles per sheet, and caused our fount of type to be conveyed
to their office. I wish to say here a few words respecting the state in
which these types came into my possession. I found them in a kind of
warehouse, or rather cellar. They had been originally confined in two
cases; but these having burst, the type lay on the floor trampled amidst
mud and filth. They were, moreover, not improved by having been immersed
within the waters of the inundation of '27 [1824].