ve been so
tiresome to him.

General Le Fort, who had by this time been raised to a very high position
under Peter's government, was placed at the head of this embassy. Two
other great officers of state were associated with him. Then came
secretaries, interpreters, and subordinates of all kinds, in great
numbers, among whom Peter was himself enrolled under a fictitious name.
Peter took with him several young men of about his own age. Two or three
of these were particular friends of his, whom he wished to have accompany
him for the sake of their companionship on the journey. There were some
others whom he selected on account of the talent which they had evinced
for mechanical and mathematical studies. These young men he intended to
have instructed in the art of ship-building in some of the countries
which the embassy were to visit.

Besides these arrangements in respect to the embassy, provision was, of
course, to be made by the emperor for the government of the country
during his absence. He left the administration in the hands of three
great nobles, the first of whom was one of his uncles, his mother's
brother. The name of this prince was Naraskin. The other two nobles
were associated with Naraskin in the regency. These commissioners were
to have the whole charge of the government of the country during the
Czar's absence. Peter's little son, whose name was Alexis, and who was
now about seven years old, was also committed to their keeping.

Not having entire confidence in the fidelity of the old Guards, Peter did
not trust the defense of Moscow to them, but he garrisoned the
fortifications in and around the capital with a force of about twelve
thousand men that he had gradually brought together for that purpose. A
great many of these troops, both officers and men, were foreigners.
Peter placed greater reliance on them on that account, supposing that
they would be less likely to sympathize with and join the people of the
city in case of any popular discontent or disturbances. The Guards were
sent off into the interior and toward the frontiers, where they could do
no great mischief; even if disposed.

At length, when every thing was ready, the embassy set out from Moscow.
The departure of the expedition from the gates of the city made quite an
imposing scene, so numerous was the party which composed the embassadors'
train. There were in all about three hundred men. The principal persons
of the embassy we