Secret Memoirs of the Court of St. Petersburg, particularly towards the end of the reign of Catherine II. and the commencement of that of Paul I ... Translated from the French

Front matter

NOTICE. H. S. Nichols & Co. respectfully beg to call the attention of purchasers to the fact that all Books issued by them are intended to be sold at the net advertised prices without deduction, and that they are supplied to Booksellers on terms which will not allow of any discount being given by them to the public. Uniform with the present volume : " Memoirs of the Empress Josephine." 2 vols. "Secret Memoirs of the Court of Louis XIV." 1 vol. " Secret Memoirs of the Royal Family of France." 2 vols. " The Private Memoirs of Louis XV." 1 vol. •' The Secret History of the Court of Berlin." 2 vols. " The Secret History of the Court and Cabinet of St. Cloud." 2 vols. ■• Memoirs of Mme. la Marquise de Montespan." 2 vols. SECRET MEMOIRS OF THE COURT OF ST. PETERSBURG Edition strictly limited to 500 copies.

Five extra copies have been printed on Japanese vellum, but are not offered for sale. CATMEJRWE II fi/Lyu/f.Mrf SECRET MEMOIRS OF THE COURT OF ST. PETERSBURG PARTICULARLY TOWARDS THE END OF THE REIGN OF CATHERINE II. AND THE COMMENCEMENT OF THAT OF PAUL I. TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH LONDON H . S . NICHOLS & C O . 3 SOHO SQUARE and 62A PICCADILLY W MDCCCXCV Printed and Published by H. S. NICHOLS AND CO., 3, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. PUBLISHERS' NOTE This work, which forms the eighth in our Collection of Court Memoirs, is most inter esting, and throws much light upon the manners and customs at the Court of Russia during the latter part of the eighteenth century, and contains numerous anecdotes relating to Catherine II. and her favourites and the Court intrigues. The ninth work, which will be issued during next month, will be "Memoirs of Margaret de Valois, Queen of Navarre ; the first wife of Henry IV. of France, commonlv called the Great; containing the Secret History of the Court of France for seventeen years, viz., from 1565 to 1582, during the reigns of Charles IX. and Henrv III." London, 2nd July, 1895.

ADVERTISEMENT.

Chapter I The King Of Sweden's Visit To St

PETERSBURG 1'AGE Anecdotes respecting the marriage projected between him and the Grand Duchess Alexandra — Portrait of the King, and of the young Princess — Remarks on the failure of this match — German Princesses sent for to Russia — Marriage of the Grand Dukes, account of their brides, and pomp of the Court at that period I

Chapter II Catherine II

Particulars of the sickness and death of Catherine — Her portrait — Her character — Observations on her Court, Courtiers and Ministers — Influence of the French Revolution on her mind — Question examined, how far she was the patron of letters — Her literary works — Manners and monuments of her reign . . . • ' • 41

Chapter III Ok The Favourites

Their office made a distinct place at Court — The Empress's generosity in this point — Installation of Zubof — List of the twelve who enjoyed in succession the title of Favourite — Little Hermitage — Little Society contents FAGE

Chapter IV Accession Of Paul

Conduct and projects of Catherine with regard to her son — He is proclaimed — His first steps as Emperor — Funeral honours paid to his father and mother — Rigorous proceedings towards the guards — The wacht-parade — Favours and disgraces his occupations — Proscription of round hats and Russian harness — Re-establishment of etiquette — Its ridiculous or cruel consequences — Change in the army and in civil affairs — Peasants — Soldato-mania — Office of punishment — Finances 122

Chapter V Has Paul Reason To Fear The Fate Of Peter III

? Parallel between Paul and his father — Portrait of the reigning Empress — The Grand Duke Alexander — The Grand Duke Constantine — Zubof — N. Soltikof — Markof — Arkarof — Repnin — Suvarof — Valerian Zubof — Traits of the character of Paul and his principal Courtiers or Ministers — His portrait — Anecdotes of his conduct when Grand Duke . . 174

Chapter VI What Revolutions May Be Expected To Take Place In Russia

Attitude and strength of the Sovereign power in that country — Two ukases of Paul favourable to a Revolution — Debasement of the people — Other local obstacles — The Sovereign Power becomes more absolute — The nobility offended — These alone can change the Government — How, and why — Probability of a dismemberment of the vast territory, and of a change in the manners of the people and form of government CONTENTS xv PAGE 294 308

Chapter X Education

Anecdotes of the education of the Grand Dukes — Their governors and preceptors — Education of the Russians in general — Of the outshiteli, or tutors, and their influence — Of the young Russians — Proceedings of the present Emperor unfriendly to civilization — The Gazettes — Radischef — Fable of the Owl and Glow-worm m

Chapter XI Supplement

French and Swiss in Russia — Their proscription — Oath required of them — Billet of absolution — Additional traits of the present Emperor — Reflections ...... 362

Appendix

Description of the Tauric Palace, and of the feast which Prince Potemkin gave there to Catherine II COURT OF ST. PETERSBURG

Chapter I The King Of Sweden's Visit To St

PETERSBURG Anecdotes respecting the marriage projected between him and the Grand Duchess Alexandra — Portrait of the King and of the young Princess — Remarks on the failure of this match — German Princesses sent for to Russia — Marriage of the Grand Dukes, account of their brides, aiui pomp of the Court at that period. The Peace of Varela having reconciled Catherine and Gustavus, their conduct and attention towards each other formed a singular contrast with the hatred, animosity and invectives in which they had so pro fusely indulged during the war. The officers of the two nations were equally eager to display the esteem with which they had mutually inspired each other; for, the Cossackines of Denisof1 excepted, this war was carried on in a manner very different from what was usual with the Russians.

In the Swedes they found enemies whose urbanity was equal to their valour ; and the well-educated Russ, while he piques himself on the possession of these qualities, esteems them in others. Count Stackelberg, so famous for his embassy, or rather his reign, in Poland, was sent into Sweden ; and Catherine, who could not live in peace with her neighbours unless they were subject to her sway, or at least at her devotion, sought new means of re-establishing her interest in that country, which the talents and firmness of Gustavus had destroyed. To marry one of the young Grand Duchesses to the Prince Royal then became her favourite project ; and it is even said that this matrimonial alliance was a secret article in the treaty of peace. This, at least, is certain, that the Grand Duchess Alexandra was educated and trained up to the expectation of being one day Queen of Sweden ; while every person about her confirmed i A Cossack general, who distinguished himself by his bar barity and ravages in the war in Finland.

It is the same, or his nephew, who commands the corps of Don Cossacks marching into Germany. He is an ignorant man, but a resolute soldier and determined gambler. her in the idea, and entertained her with the charms and early ripening accomplishments of the young Gustavus. Even the Empress herself frequently jested with her upon the subject. One day she opened a portfolio containing portraits of several unmarried princes, and pressed her to point out which of them she would like best for a husband. The child, blush ing, chose the portrait of him of whom she had heard so many fine things, and who was already the lover of her rising imagination. The good old lady, not considering that her granddaughter could read, and knew the Prince of Sweden by his name at the bottom of the picture, persuaded herself that sympathy had decided in his favour, and pursued her scheme with additional pleasure.

It is equally certain that several persons about the young Gustavus endeavoured to inspire his heart with similar sentiments ; but I know not whether the King, his father, absolute and despotic as he was, would have given his consent to the match, as suit able to the young lovers as it would be the reverse to the two countries. Be this as it may, the violent and sudden death of Gustavus frustrated the schemes of Catherine, whose design had been no less than to send him at the head of his Swedes into France, 1—2 there to act the same part as Gustavus Adolphus and Charles XII. had done in Germany and Poland, in the hope that he would there meet with a similar fate ; while she prepared for that of Regent over the minority of an orphan King in Sweden, whom, to gether with his kingdom, she would have taken under her maternal care.

But the Duke of Sudermania, having seized the reins of government during the minority of his nephew, displayed sentiments diametrically opposite to the Russian system. Less gallant than his brother, he did not feel himself disposed to sacrifice his country to the ladies, and failed not to repay, with reciprocal sentiments, the hatred which Catherine had conceived for him during the war, when the noise of his cannon had reached the inmost recesses of the palace of the Tzars. This naval war, in which, however, he had little reason to boast of his success, had irritated him against the Russians ; and he was not ignorant of the raillery and invective which were liberally bestowed on him at the Court of St. Petersburg, or that plays were even acted at the Hermitage, in which he was held up as an object of ridicule.

The vilest corruption, the basest and most cowardly intrigues, were employed against him. Europe even saw, with fresh horror, a woman, who pretended to be an image of God, adored on the throne, exciting revolt in a nation, buying traitors, and paying — assassins. To remove the Regent, substitute a council of her creatures in his stead, and harness Sweden to her chariot by the side of Poland were the objects at which she aimed, and which she sought to attain by all the means that could be devised. Stackelberg,1 i Of all the ministers employed by Catherine, Count Stackel berg has the most wit and the most pride ; and this he displayed particularly in Poland. M. von Thugut being sent to that country by the Emperor, when he was to have his audience of Poniatofski, was introduced into a saloon, where, seeing a man gravely seated, and surrounded by Polish lords respectfully standing before him, he took him for the King, and began his complimentary speech.

It was Stackelberg, who was in no hurry to set him right. Thugut, informed of his mistake, was vexed and ashamed. In the evening, being at cards with the King and Stackelberg, he played a card, saying, "The king of clubs." — "You are wrong," said the King; "it is the knave." The Austrian ambassador, pretending to have been mistaken, answered, slapping his forehead, "Ah, sire, pardon me ; this is the second time to-day I have taken a knave for a king." Stackelberg, ready as he was at repartee, could only bite his lips. When he returned from Sweden, his time was spent loitering in the ante-chambers of Zubof. He was always one in Catherine's little parties, however, and was thus reduced to amuse, after having served her. His great humiliation, no doubt, was that of being named by Paul lord of the bed-chamber in waiting to the very King of Poland who had frequently danced attendance in his ante chamber at Warsaw.

In this malicious appointment of the Emperor there was something ingenious and noble that does him honour. whose wit and urbanity had charmed the King, and who, to use his own words, found in that Prince " a true and worthy knight of his immortal Sovereign," demanded to be recalled. His haughtiness could not stoop to act a part of little consequence with the Regent of a young King, after having himself been so long Regent of an old King of Poland. M. Romanzof, brother of him who was so well known and esteemed in Germany, succeeded him ; but, notwithstanding his ingenuity, his instructions were too glaring and treacherous for him to acquire similar respect in Sweden. The plots and intrigues, of which the Regent complained, soon required his recall. Who has not felt indignation at the impudence with which Armfeldt was set on, protected, and defended by Russia, in spite of the obvious proofs of his attempts, and the most forcible claims ?

At the very time when all the Kings in Europe seemed to make a common cause to hunt in concert every man who was barely suspected of rebellion, a Regent of Sweden in vain demanded, from Court to Court, a man who had conspired against his life and the Government of his country, which he would have sold and delivered to a foreign Power. From Court to Court his demands were evaded in an insulting manner ; and Armfeldt at length retired to Russia, to set him at defiance, being allowed to appear at Court, receiving a pension, and living there even during the visit of the King and the Regent.1 I shall not trace this plot, which so long engaged the Court of Sweden, through all its ramifications, or name all the agents who were still employed to carry it on ; but Catherine did not relinquish her design of ruling there, of acting the part of protectress to the young King, and of exhibiting the Regent as a tyrant who abused the minority of his nephew, or a Jacobin who intended to imitate the Duke of Orleans.

She even sent the King an invitation to come and put himself under her protection, or at least to pay her a visit ; and nothing was left untried to get him to St. Petersburg without his uncle. It is surprising that the Regent was not driven to extremities. Among the papers of the accomplices of Armfeldt were found several which would have made Catherine appear despicable in the eyes of all Europe ; but he did not make them public — -was it from fear, weakness or moderation ? He was at the point, however, of entering into i In 1798 he was at Carlsbad, worn out with infirmities and despised by all that knew him. an alliance with France, which to him seemed the most effectual step towards securing the independence of Sweden against the unbounded ambition of a powerful neighbour ; concluding that whatever connections might be formed between Sweden and Russia, excited by private passions or temporary interests, would still prove injurious to the former.

To strike at the root of Catherine's hopes the Regent took another step, which was still more sensibly felt. He demanded in marriage for his young pupil one of the Princesses of Mecklenburg, who was solemnly betrothed to him, and the match was announced in form to all the Courts of Europe. Count Schverin, who had already been in Russia, where his person had gained him many friends among the ladies, was despatched to St. Petersburg with this commission ; but at Viborg he found an order from the Empress, which forbade him to make his appearance at Court. This was certainly strange conduct, and displays rather the pique of an irritated woman than the reserve of a Sovereign. What ! because the King of Sweden had espoused another Princess instead of her granddaughter, she refused to receive the notification conformably to established custom !

A forsaken mistress who paid no regard to decorum and was destitute of true pride, could have done no more. The respect she owed herself, her sex and, above all, her amiable grand daughter, should at least have saved her from the humiliation of thus publishing her chagrin. On this occasion she ceased to act the part of the great Catherine.1 To account for this step, no less insulting than indelicate, she directed her charge d'affaires, or rather d'intrigues, at Stockholm to deliver to the Regent that note which has been read with astonishment in some of the public papers, where she not only made the Duke of Sudermania's maintaining the connection be tween Sweden and France a crime of treason to Her Imperial Majesty, but even seems to insinuate that he was privy to the assassination of the King his brother, the avenging of which she claims to herself.

The vexation of Catherine and folly of her ministers went still further. Everything announced that they were about to treat the King of Sweden like Sganarelle, 2 by obliging him at the cannon's mouth to break his engagement to the Princess of Mecklenburg, and marry i The Russians have aggrandized even her name ; they say, in their language, Yekatarina, which can only be translated Arch- Catherine. 2 In L' Amour Mcdecin of Moliere. — T. IO SECRET MEMOIRS OF THE the Grand Duchess Alexandra.1 The amiable qualities of this Princess would have justified a young King in fighting to obtain her hand rather than to escape it. A report was also spread that the King was already enamoured of her ; that his uncle had done violence to his inclinations ; and that he wished for nothing more than to defer his marriage with the Princess of Mecklenburg till he came of age, that he might then declare in favour of the other lady who aspired to his hand.

There is no doubt that several Swedes, gained over by the promises of Catherine, and by the hopes they had formed from the munificence of that osten tatious Princess, endeavoured to inspire the young King with such resolutions, and to excite in his heart the same passion as had been raised in that of the amiable Alexandra. A regular correspondence was even kept up between Schverin, Steinbach, and some i Some planks were laid at that time with great noise and preparation on the ice of the Neva, strong enough then to bear castles, to facilitate, as was said, the passage of the artillery which was going to be sent into Finland. The ministers and generals talked publicly of the approaching war ; a proof that it was all a deception ; but whether M. Steding was a dupe to it I do not pretend to say.

Prince George Dolgoruky, a general too honest and too little of a courtier to be employed by the favourites, was even sent to the frontiers by way of scarecrow. persons who had access to the Grand Duchesses, and several of the letters were shown to the Empress through the medium of Madame Budberg, chief gover ness to the Princesses. After such violent proceedings against the Regent, who could expect to see him bend and submit ? This, however, he did ; at least, he suffered himself to be either frightened or bribed.1 M. Budberg, who had just made the tour of Germany to find a wife for the Grand Duke Constantine, having brought with him the Princess of Coburg and her three daughters, was deemed capable of surmounting the difficulties experi enced in obtaining a husband for the young Grand Duchess.

At first he repaired to Mecklenburg to negotiate a renunciation, and was then sent to Stocki A Genevese, of the name of Christian, formerly the right hand and secretary to Calonne, being at Stockholm, introduced himself to the Regent by means of a fable, which he com posed in his praise. As he had been at St. Petersburg, he talked to him a great deal of Catherine, of the young Princesses, of the esteem in which he was held at that Court, and of the ad vantage of an alliance with Russia, by marrying the King to the Grand Duchess. Being persuaded, from the Duke's answers, that he was not very averse to a reconciliation with Catherine, he sent information of it to La Huss, Markof's mistress, and upon these grounds the negotiations, which had been broken off, were renewed. Christian returned to St. Petersburg, to reap the re wards of his address ; but the death of the Empress deprived him of the recompense he expected. holm as an ambassador.

Threats, promises, and money at length prevailed. Catherine obtained the point of the King's marriage being deferred till he should be of age; and the Regent, willing, no doubt, to show that his pupil was free in his choice and in his conduct, at length consented, to make a journey, whither he was so kindly invited. The affair of the marriage, which was the true motive of this invita tion, was touched but slightly, sentimentally. — //, as they say, the two children love each other already — if, when. they see each other, they should still prove mutually agree able — we will consider of the means of rendering them happy. Such was the language of the Empress. If she could get the King to her Court, Catherine thought she should have the game in her own hands. Reckoning on the charms of the Princess, and the kindnesses which she herself should lavish on the King, the Regent, and their suite, she doubted not but the young Gustavus, after having seen her whom he had ventured to refuse for reasons of state, would give both the kingdom and the glory of Charles XII. to possess such a bride.

On the 25th of August, 1796, he arrived at St. Petersburg with his uncle and a numerous suite, and alighted at the house of M. Steding, his ambassador. All the city was anxious to see the young Monarch. The Empress, who was at her palace of Tauris,1 came to that of the Hermitage to receive him and give him entertainments. At their first interview she appeared enchanted, and almost in love with him herself.'2 He would have kissed her hand, but she would not allow it, saying, " No, I cannot forget that the Count von Haga is a King." — " If your Majesty," answered he, " will not give me permission as Empress, at least allow me as a lady, to whom I owe so much respect and admiration." The interview with the young Princess was still more interesting. Both were extremely embarrassed ; and the eyes of all the Court being turned towards them, their confusion increased.

No doubt each found the other worthy of the sentiments with which they had been inspired from infancy ; and there is reason to believe that, if motives of state on the part of the i The Empress had purchased Tauris, the principal palace of Potemkin ; and in honour to the memory of this celebrated favourite, whom she regretted, she gave his surname to this palace, where she resided in the spring and autumn. It is at St. Petersburg, a short league (a mile and two-thirds) from the Winter Palace, and, like it, situated on the banks of the Neva. It was in this superb edifice that Potemkin gave his Sovereign that magnificent and so much celebrated entertainment in 1791. 2 These were her very words. King of Sweden, or the whims of the present Emperor, prevent not the match from being brought to a con clusion, the most charming of princesses will be like wise the most unhappy.

No one, however, has more claims to happiness than Alexandra Pavlovna. At fourteen she was already tall and womanly ; her figure was noble and majestic, softened by all the graces of her sex and age ; her features were regular, and her complexion fair as alabaster ; innocence, candour and serenity stamped their divine impressions on her brow ; and light flaxen hair, which seemed always arranged by fairy hands, fell in ringlets on her well-turned neck. Her heart, her talents, and her intellect were in unison with her exterior appearance. Miss Willamof, her private governess, had cultivated the noblest and purest sentiments in her mind. Exquisite sensibility, judgment and understanding distinguished her infancy and excited the admiration of all who came near her. It was difficult to find, I will not say a king, but a young man more interesting, better educated, and of so great promise, as the King of Sweden.

He was seventeen years of age, tall and finely shaped, with an air of nobleness, intelligence and mildness ; yet there was something of grandeur and stateliness about him, notwithstanding his age ; and he had all the graces of youth without the awkwardness that usually attends it. His manners were simple, though courteous and polite. Whatever he said was spoken with re flection. To serious things he paid an attention not expected from youth ; he displayed knowledge that announced a very careful education, and a certain gravity, that bespoke his rank, never forsook him. All the pomp of the Russian Empire, which was sedu lously exhibited to his view, seemed in nowise to dazzle him. In that brilliant and numerous Court, he soon appeared more at ease than the Grand Dukes themselves, who knew not how to converse with any person ; so that both Court and city soon drew com parisons between them very flattering to the young stranger.

The Empress herself could not conceal the pain she felt at the disparity between him and the second of her grandchildren, whose brutal and rude boyish tricks offended her to such a degree, that she put him under arrest once or twice during the stay of the King of Sweden.1 i On several occasions when the King appeared in public with the Grand Dukes, foreigners were shocked, and the honest Russians humbled, at the courtly demeanour of the former, con trasted with the rustic behaviour of the latter. At a review of the corps of cadets of the artillery, where the young Gustavus All the great men of the Empire were eager to participate in the joy of Catherine, who selected such as should give entertainments to her young guest, and fixed the days. Counts Stroganof, Ostermann, Besborodko and Samoilof distinguished themselves by the sums they expended, and the magnificence they displayed.

The courtiers sought to surpass each other in the richness of their dress, and the generals in the military spectacles which they exerted them selves in exhibiting to the King. The old general Melissino particularly distinguished himself by the manœuvres and artificial fireworks executed and played off under his direction. Gustavus was in a state of continual enchantment ; yet he wisely employed his mornings in traversing the city on foot with the Regent, and seeing everything that could be interesting or instructive. Everywhere he put such questions, or gave such answers, as shewed the understanding he possessed and the education he had received. appeared attentive to everything most worthy of notice, conversing with the generals around him, and with the Grand Duke Alexander, who was appointed to do the honours of the Empire, the Grand Duke Constantine was running and bawling behind the soldiers, imitating them in a burlesque manner, threatening them, and even beating them.

It is certain that the King of Sweden left St. Peters burg as well acquainted with the city as those who were one day to reign there. The Regent, who appeared to enjoy the honour of his labour in the approbation bestowed on his pupil, is a very little man. His manners are easy and polished ; he has an air of acuteness and observation ; his eyes are sparkling and full of fire; everything he says displays the man of understanding, and excites reflection in those who hear him. It may readily be supposed that during this succession of entertainments the two lovers had frequent opportunities of seeing each other, conversing and dancing together ; they became familiar, and appeared mutually enchanted. The aged Catherine assumed an appearance of youth, and again indulged in those scenes of joy and pleasure which she had long since renounced.

The approaching marriage was no longer a secret ; it was the common topic of con versation. The Empress already spoke to the young King and her granddaughter as betrothed lovers, and encouraged them to mutual affection. One day she made them give the first kiss of love in her presence — the first, no doubt, that the virgin lips of the young Princess ever received, and which may have left a pleasing and cherished impression that will long render her unhappy. In the meantime steps were taken to bring this l8 SECRET MEMOIRS OF THE desired match to a conclusion. The only difficulty which presented itself was that of religion. Catherine had felt the pulse of her Court on this subject ; and even consulted the Archbishop, to know whether her granddaughter might abjure the Orthodox faith. Instead of answering in the way in which she flattered herself he would have done, he merely replied, " Your Majesty is all-powerful."

The Chief Patriarch of Russia, not finding himself supported by the opinions of his clergy, whom he expected would be more tractable, was then desirous of appearing more Russian than the Russians themselves ; and, to flatter the national pride, rather than from respect to the Greek Church, resolved to make a Queen of Sweden of the Greek religion. In proportion as this appeared new and humiliating to the Swedish nation in the eyes of the Patriarch, the more flattering was it to his vanity, and that of his ministers ; besides, the popes, chaplains and others whom it would place about the young Queen, would be trusty persons, and well calculated to keep the Princess in the interests of Russia. The King was enamoured, dazzled ; the Regent appeared to be completely gained. Could it, then, be supposed that they would reject this arrange ment, after such decisive steps had been taken ?