Petersbourg April 29 th O.S. 1780 I returned late last night from Cronstadt much pleased with the excursion I had made there. I went there Sunday morning with 2 letters to Admiral Greig, better probably than the two I had brought from England and lost. One was from Count Czernicheff the other from S r James Harris.

From this double recommendation I got the confidence as well as the civilities of the Admiral. He devoted the whole of his time to me during the 3 days that I staid there when ever his great business did not prevent him; and I was almost constantly with him notwithstanding his business. I cannot say but what notwithstanding the very great character which S r James had given me of him I could not help considering him as a possible obstacle to my views and consequently I had prepared myself to behave with a good deal of caution and reserve. His behaviour however to me soon determined me to follow S r James's advice, to communicate to him my views and to consult him on the means of pursuing them. He is Commander in chief at Cronstadt, is in very great power and the Nation is under great obligations to him. He seems to be exceedingly well qualified for his trust, and is extraordinarily diligent. May 3 d. There are 15 Ships of the Line and 5 or 6 Frigates which the Admiral says would be ready in about days, that is about a week from this date. All the provision for 6 months was already onboard the greatest number of them. Their greatest Ship the Ezekiel the one which Ld Hour recommended it to me to take particular notice of is of 80 Guns on two decks, in that respect like our Foudroyant, but differing from it chiefly in not drawing so much water by about 2 feet or a little more. I saw her in dock and go out of dock with a 74 and 2 64s all four of which were together in one dock or rather canal out of which the water is shut by several pairs of gates. These were the last of the fleet which had occasion to be docked and were already in great measure rigged while in dock. The rest of the fleet consists of ships of 74, 66 & 64 Guns, and are in general well enough built. It seems they have as many more Ships which they could fit out if necessary though not in a very good condition The Seamen are excellent as to the fighting least if they have but officers to lead them on

The Empress takes in 2 English news papers of which the London Chronicle is one.

I dont know whether I told you in my last that Mr Lindgren's friend Eaton is here. He sets out in about a fortnight for the black sea, from whence he goes to Constantinople. He has been at me to go with him promising me admittance to see every thing at Constantinople, but I think I have somewhat else to do. If you were here you would get a great deal of information from him which would be entertaining at least, but my head is so full of almost too many things which are constantly comparing themselves that they exclude the admittance of all facts. Invention is all I am fit for.

Seyer the American is here but nobody knows what he is about. He has no recommendations and consequently scarcely any acquaintance. He appears on the change, he takes the name of Smith. His name is in the Gazette as a preparation to his leaving the country. He has been here I believe about 5 weeks or a month. He has been endeavouring with people here to get a couple of Ships built at Arcangel, but I dont learn whether he has suceeded or not. The destination of the fleet is now declared, I have already told you it consists of 15 of the line and 6 frigates. This to be divided into 3 squadrons each consisting of 5 of the line and 2 frigates. One squadron is to cruise in the Mediterranean the 2 d in the Channel and the 3 d in the North Sea. The object is said to be the protection of the trade, but perhaps the real and more reasonable one is to exercise the men and to make a shew as a Maritime power. The opinions which people entertain here of the abilities and resolution of the Sea Officers are very much divided Admiral Greig has taken the greatest pains to clear the sea service of a set of ragamuffins with which it swarmed and to secure the services of such as were most likely to do their duty: but after all there are few who have had any experience to signify and they have in general very little ambition or of that kind of motive which is called a sense of honour. One part of this character however may possibly work something on our favour which is the great animosity which they bear to the french on account of the tricks they play d them last war with the Turks. They dont employ one french man in any part of this Marine. I think I saw about 7 or 8 English men Officers in their service while I was at Cronstadt of which 2 or 3 have the command of Ships. They have some English also in different stations in their dock yards. Admiral Greig himself does not go out with this fleet. Rear Admirals are sufficient for the command of such small Squadrons, and he will have employment at Cronstadt.