[ V }
P R E F A C E .
TU E following pages contain the re'fult of that intelligence
w.hich Icollefted, and thofe -obfervations which occurred,
•during ray travel«-through the Northern kingdoms of Europe ; and
rit is ‘neeOflary to -apprize the reader upon what foundation the
principal feels are fupported.
In regard to Poland, I was honoured with information from pfer-
fons of the higfaeil rank and-authority ; and fortunately obtained
poffeffion of feme original letters-written-from Warfaw, before and
during the Partition, which have enabled -me to throw a coniiderable
light over that intereiling period. I prefume, therefore, that the
account of Poland comprehends many particulars which have not
heen hitherto presented to the-publick.
With refpe® to Ruffia, as the Emprefs herfelf deigned to anfwer
;fpme queries relative to the -fete of the-publick prifons*; this
;gracious'eondrfcenfion in fo great a foveréign could not but facilitate
riiy.further inquiries.
To this 1 mull add, that fhedate celebrated hiilorian-jyMr. Muller^
-favoured me with various communications on fome of the moil important
and intricate parts .of the Ruffian .annals, and -pointed out
to me the moil approved writers on this empire.
The nature of the Swediih government rendered -the fources -ef
information eaiy of accefsand, iince my return to England, Jeveral
* See 'Vol. II. p .*84. the order o f St. Vladimir, has, in refpect
+ Mr. Muller-died in the latter end o f to his memory, conferred va peniion on his
A.783. T h e Emprefs, who, in confi deration, widow,, and-.ennp.ble.d-his «fon.
iiof diis great ..merit, had honoured him with
c Swediih