The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from a Gentleman at Petersburg,
to his correspondent in London.

"The politics of England and her enemies, are
the continual and almost universal subject here. I
cannot express a more agreeable sensation, I feel, in
discovering a generous partiality here to that country,
in which I had the advantage and the honour of being
born. I am conversant with some of the first families
at Petersburg, and glory in saying, that any news
unfavourable to the British arms, is received here
with a generous concern and sympathy. The vast
United Powers exerted against one poor island; the
combined efforts of American rebellion and French
treachery, now aided by the Court of Spain, have
excited the most liberal sentiments in a Russian breast;
and the very name of a Frenchman is held in the
utmost detestation.

"Though no assistance has been yet given by this
court, to curb the ambition of the House of Bourbon,
yet a most powerful force will shortly be at the service
of England, if reports now circulating here be true,
viz. that the Empress has actually engaged to supply
his Britannic Majesty, with 40,000 of the best troops
in Russia.

"I know her Majesty is well attached to the inter-
ets of England. She reads the English history, is
fond of the English language, and encourages the
English artist. I have received great favours from
this august Princess, and pronounce her one of the
most liberal, and illustrious characters of the age."