138 
MOSCOW. 
CHAP. 
VI. 
' ^ 
given of the Russians; especially after the high 
character given of the former by David Hume 1 2 . 
It was during the reign ot the Empress Anne, 
that Valinshy , a minister of the Crown, together 
with his adherents, fell victims to the displeasure 
of one of her favourites. After relating their 
undeserved fate, and the confiscation ot their 
property, De Manstein observes s : “ All the 
estates of these unfortunate persons were given 
toothers, who did not possess them long. In this 
manner,” says he, “ it is, that in Russia, not only 
money, but even lands, houses, and moveables, 
circulate quicker than in any other country in 
Europe. I have seen lands change masters at 
least thrice in the space of two years." The same 
author, describing their barbarous finery and 
want of cleanliness halt a century ago, actually 
delineated a portraiture of the nobles as they 
appear at the present day 5 . “The richest coat 
would be sometimes worn together with the 
vilest uncombed wig ; or you might see a beau- 
tiful piece of stuff spoiled by some botcher of a 
tailor; or, if there were nothing amiss in the 
dress, the equipage would be deficient. A man 
richly dressed would come to Court in a mise- 
rable coach, drawn by the wretchedest hacks. 
(1) Hume vouches for his having been an eye-witness to most of 
the incidents he has related, and speaks of the author s candour, good 
sense, and impartiality.-— See Advertisement to the Memoits signed 
“ David Hume.” 
(2) Memoirs of Russia, p. 256. (3) Ibid. p. 247, 
