Editor’s NoteEditor’s Note597To Jeremiah Bentham13/24 July 1787 (Aet 39)

Zadobras near Crichoff July Tuesday 13/24 1787

Hond. Sir

Since our last Post-day I reced. from my Brother Two thousand Rubles—accompanied with a short Letter datd. Krementchuck July 5/16.²

The Prince was just then come on board the Vermicular (it was then ½ after 4 in the morning) in order to fall down the River a second time in his way to Cherson where my Brother was also to attend him this second time.

But now with regard to the sending the money to England as soon as the remainder can be collected in, of which my Brother was in hourly expectation.

A difficulty occurs which must wait your decision, I give you his representation of it, which is all I know about the matter.

In the last winter the Exchange was such that a Pound Sterling might be had for 5 Rubles; now it could not be had under 6. This, you see, makes £20 per cent difference. He speaks of the difference as periodical, assuming as an event that may be relied on, the Exchange returning to, or near to the Point at which it was last Winter. The 6 is without doubt greatly more against Russia than the pg 558par or Medium Rate; but how much I have no means of knowing. I think the medium rate has been looked upon as about 5¼ or 5½; at least on one or other of those footings the Englishmen's wages here have been reckoned.

With this information I submit the matter to your decision, sincerely regretting the delay which the waiting for that decision renders unavoidable. In the mean time the following is the Plan which I shall recommend to my Brother to pursue. In three weeks from the date of his Letter he says he is to be here by appointment to settle some matters with the Prince's Steward | | and | | and he means to ask leave to go immediately from hence to Petersburgh, then will be the time for him to take the money thither, and after consulting with Mr. Shairp³ there about the time of remittance lodge the money with him, giving you advice of his so doing through that Channel: if the result of that Consultation should be in favour of an immediate remittance, such remittance will take place of course, if otherwise then it will rest with you to draw for the Money (which you will be authorised to do) at the time and in the manner you think proper. Had I even determined to send what money is come to me at all events without waiting for your decision, I know not of any prudent Course I could take to send it by any speedier means than that of my Brother's Journey to Petersburgh.

The Post master here is described to me as a raw Lad of about 17 or 18 years of age having not a penny of his own whereby he might be responsible. There is a method of remitting money by Post upon paying per Centage: ½ p. Ct. is the Rate between some Places and Petersburgh, and probably were it practicable, That would be the rate here, but here I am told it is not practicable; nor do I know of any place that I think I could depend upon for that purpose nearer than Mohileff which is about a hundred miles off; thither therefore should I have sent for that purpose, were it not for the reasons above stated, by the Special Messenger, an Englishman, who brought me the Money from my Brother at Kremenchuck.

I had thoughts of setting off (from hence) during the Course of the Summer but my Brother with much earnestness insists on my not leaving this Country till he has seen me. This request which I cannot refuse complying with, postpones my departure to a Season when a Journey by Sea would be far from agreable, and not altogether safe. I think therefore of setting off as soon as the winter Roads are formed in a Kibitki, a Cradle or Vehicle which People pg 559use as far as Holland. That, I reckon will be about the beginning or middle of November.

In my last I gave you to understand that the Empress was to take Kremenchuck again in her return to Cherson. This, I imagine, was my Interpreter's misconception: from Cherson She went to review her Army at Pultoway,⁴ and from thence to Petersburgh where She has been arrived, I dare say, long ago.

I question whether I have yet thank'd you in my Brother's name for your kind offer about the Maps and Atlas de Commerce—He will have an opportunity of availing himself of it before I see you.