September 28 1812: Adams Discussion with Mr. Poletica

On September 28, 1812, John Quincy Adams, the American Ambassador in St Petersburg writes the following entry in his diary:

28th. Had morning visits from Mr. Raimbert and from Mr. Pierre de Poletica, who was in America as Secretary of Legation to Count Pahlen. He was appointed to go with him to Brazil, but declined accepting the office, and returned home a few weeks since. He left the United States in May, and came through England. He is now appointed to go to Spain, and is to depart in ten days or a fortnight. I had a conversation of nearly two hours with him about the affairs of America, Russia, France, and England. His opinions and sentiments are those now prevailing here — of course anti-Gallican and Anglomanian.

That a Russian should abhor France and adhere to England at this time is very natural and very proper. With respect to American affairs, Mr. Poletica's opinions are favorable to the federalists, most of his acquaintances having been of that party. He said he had intended to publish here a statistical account of the United States, and had collected materials for the purpose, but that he should now be obliged to postpone it until after his return from Spain. He said there was an old ukase of Peter the Great forbidding any person employed in the Department of Foreign Affairs from associating with the foreign Ministers, and that he had asked Count Romanzoff whether he might visit me, to which he received for answer that he might see me, but not frequent me. He said the Chancellor had told him of the Emperor's offer of mediation between the United States and England, which he hoped would be successful.