education of the Jews was in no way
actuated by a desire for their conversion, and that this might be
depended upon.

Count Kisseleff told him, in reply to his inquiry, that the Jews did
not serve as long in the army as others. He spoke much in favour of
the establishment of manufactories, and said that the Government would
grant them privileges.

Returning to the hotel Sir Moses, accompanied by Lady Montefiore, went
to take leave of Mr and Mrs Bloomfield, from whom they had received
the kindest attention and assistance. His Excellency said that if Sir
Moses wanted anything at St Petersburg he should recollect he was
there, and would always be happy to render his best assistance. He
gave him a letter of introduction to the British Consul at Warsaw.

This was a memorable day here. The Emperor inspected the Guards, and
gave each soldier one and a half silver roubles. The Isaac Square was
thronged with holiday folks, enjoying the national sports. Count
Kisseleff told Sir Moses that four hundred recruits had just arrived
from a place near Wilna without a single man having fallen sick or
deserted. The Emperor had seen them, was pleased with them, and gave
them money.

Sir Moses spoke with several of the Jews who had served from ten to
fifteen years. They said that after twenty years they were free, if
they served in the Guards; but if they were attendants, or served in
the hospitals, or as mechanics, then their service was extended to
twenty-five years. As far as Sir Moses could judge, they did not
appear to be discontented with their situation, and observed their
religion. They were together in barracks, with their wives and
children.

Among the visitors who called during the day was Sheikh Mouhhammad
Ayyad Ettantawy, Professor of the Arabic Language and Literature in
the Asiatic Institution (who had been my Arabic master during my stay
at Cairo). The Sheikh expressed great admiration for the character of
Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore, and their noble exertions to ameliorate
the condition of their brethren; and he composed two poems in
commemoration of their visit to St Petersburg, which he himself copied
in the Arabic language in their diaries. He had been sent to St
Petersburg at the instance of Count Medem, the Russian Consul General
in Alexandria. Owing to his great learning the Mooslim professor had
already received two decorations--the Orders of St Anne and of St
Stanislas--from the Emperor Nicholas, and had b