56 DIARY OF PATRICK GORDON. [1664 (wliich were sent me), twelve halberts or partisans

Passages from the diary of General Patrick Gordon of Auchleuchries : A.D. 1635-A.D. 1699"

56 DIARY OF PATRICK GORDOIS. [1664

(wliich were sent me), twelve halberts or partisans, with fringes of his livery,
etc. I returned answer two dajes thereafter, that all should be ready to
content, and in due tyme.


[A.D. 1664.]

Wee had notice that the English ambassador was keeping his Christmas at Vologda.

,ary 6. The English ambassadour haveing stayed two dayes at Rostokin, and, on
the fifth of February, by a mistake of the posts, who ran all out the Twersky
way, from whence the ambassadours from all places usually come, and
where all the foot and cavalierie, so well strangers as Russes, were ranged
on both sydes of the way ; the ambassadour being dissapointed of makeing
his entry, and was necessitated to lodge, with very bad convenience, m the
small village Prutky, which disgusted him very much, sending a letter to
his iMajestie, representing the circumstances thereof, and takeing it as an
affront, whereof he desired reparation befor he shoidd make his entry.
Yet, upon promise of satisfaction, he prepared for his entry. His suit was
not so numerous as gallant, the liveries rich, and gentlemen all well clothed.
He was received with great splendor after the usuall way, as to ceremonies ;
the Emperour himself, with the Empress, with all the chieffe nobility,
being spectatours on one of the gates of the citty. It was late befor he
gott to his lodging, which was on the great street in a large stone house.

The English ambassadour had his first audience, being convoyed up in

the usuall manner, all the presents going or being drawne and carryed befor

him ; the infantery being ranged on both sydes of the way, and the Crim-

lina, * or Castle, full.

X3 The English ambassadour had his second audience and first conference.

The English ambassadour at his second conference.

The Earle of Carlile had his third conference, and all with litle satis-
faction.



I had notice, by my servant and letters, that, on the seventeenth, the
Engli.sh ambassadour had refused the Emperours present of sables, saying

* [The Kremlin.]