| Content Description | Reports that the Russian declaration, and extension of military service has been used as an opportunity to extend the rights of the people; has obtained a copy of an address from the municipality of Moscow, which the Emperor has refused to see; encloses a translation of it by Mr Michell; Prince Tcherhassy is said to be one of its framers, and has a view to obtaining the support of the Old Believers.
Enclosure: translation of Address to the Emperor from the Municipality of Moscow; praises the Emperor for his recent actions; expresses loyalty to the Emperor; hopes that the Emperor will continue his work of reform and extend the freedom of the press and of speech, of religious worship and of conscience; argues that success in international relations cannot be achieved without national self-knowledge and self-respect; ends by citing the events of 1642, when the Emperor called a parliament to consider the taking of Azof from the Cossacks, and therefore becoming involved in a war with Turkey - and the people agreed, but asked for certain liberties. |