This was the first communication which had been made by the Swedish
government since Gustaf IV. Adolf was deposed, and his uncle had
accepted the regency with full powers. By this _expose_ it appears
that their first act after the revolution was to try to make peace
singly with Buonaparte, which was of course refused; because the
Swedes could give him nothing in return, and shutting the ports
against Great Britain was a preliminary that could not be dispensed
with. There was no alternative therefore but to apply to England for
protection against their inveterate enemies the Russians, who had
already possessed themselves of all Finland, and were preparing for
the invasion of Sweden. Mr. Foster added the following private opinion
on the state of affairs, which now became so interesting:

Stockholm, 15th May 1809.

SIR,

I have written you a long public letter upon the wishes of this
government for your co-operation in the defence of Sweden. My
private opinion is, that the Swedes, in addition to their
desire to maintain their commercial relations with us, (which
of course they wish should be still carried on, though by
secret understanding,) entertain the design of preventing the
Russians from interfering in their interior concerns; they also
hope the French may be ultimately victorious against Austria,
as they suppose they will not be inclined to the confirming of
Russia in her conquest of Finland; which considerations make
this government so backward in accepting the terms proposed by
Russia. In the mean time they are in a most deplorable state,
and cannot, I believe, collect 10,000 men: without your
assistance they must perish or yield; with your aid it will be
but a respite, I dare say, but perhaps of use for the Swedes.

The news of to-day is rather better: on the Tagliamento it
would appear the Austrians are victorious; and in Poland, where
Colonel Marfeld is said to have cut off some Russians, marched
on Warsaw, and to be about besieging Dantzic: these latter want
confirmation. The French, I fear, have crossed the Inn, but
with great loss.

I have, &c. &c. &c.
AUGT. FOSTER.

Vice-admiral Sir James Saumarez, Bart. and K.B.
&c. &c. &c.

To the above letters Sir James returned the following satisfactory
answer, which decided the plan of his operations for this year: