is more than
probable that the state of the newly acquired provinces in Poland
was likewise a point which had considerable influence over the
political conduct of Catherine. The fatal effects resulting from an
apprehension of revolt in the late seat of conquest seem to have
been felt in a very great degree by the combined Powers, who in the
early period of the Revolution were so near reinstating the regular
Government in France. The same dread of revolt in Poland, which
divided the attention of the combined Powers and hastened their
retreat, deterred likewise the late Empress of Russia from entering
on the great theatre of war, until a combination of circumstances
rendered the progress of the French armies a more dangerous evil
than any which could possibly result to the Russian Empire from
active operations.... The last words which the Empress was known to
utter were addressed to her Secretary when she dismissed him on the
morning on which she was seized: 'Tell Prince' (Zuboff), she said,
'to come to me at twelve, and to remind me of signing the Treaty of
Alliance with England.'"

Having entered into ample considerations on the Emperor Paul's acts and
extravagances, the Rev. Mr. Pitt continues as follows:

"When these considerations are impressed on the mind, the nature of
the late secession from the coalition, and of the incalculable
indignities offered to the Government of Great Britain, can alone
be fairly estimated.... BUT THE TIES WHICH BIND HER (GREAT BRITAIN)
TO THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE ARE FORMED BY NATURE, AND INVIOLABLE. United,
these nations might almost brave the united world; divided, the
strength and importance of each is FUNDAMENTALLY impaired. England
has reason to regret with Russia that the imperial sceptre should
be thus inconsistently wielded, but it is the sovereign of Russia
alone who divides the Empires."

The reverend gentleman concludes his account by the words:

"As far as human foresight can at this moment penetrate, the
despair of an enraged individual seems a more probable means to
terminate the present scene of oppression than any more systematic
combination of measures to restore the throne of Russia to its
dignity and importance."

FOOTNOTES:

[1] This letter relates to the war against Turkey, commenced by the
Empress