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COXE’S TRAVELS IN RUSSIA, 787
A few months before the purpofed time of executing this daring enterprize, he com-
municated it at Cafan to Apollon Ufhakof, a lieutenant in the regiment of Veliki-Luki.
Thefe two aflociates repaired to the church of the Virgin Mary, where they took an
oath of fecrecy and fidelity on the altar, and mixing fanaticifm with treafon, invoked
the Almighty to affift and fanétify their defigns. ‘They alfo joined in drawing up a
manifefto, which they purpofed to diftribute as foon as Ivan fhould be reftored to liberty.
The execution of this enterprize was delayed until fummer, when the Emprefs was ex-
pected to be abfent from the capital on an expedition into Livonia. Soon afterwards
Mirovitch joined his regiment, which was quartered at Schluffelburgh ; but his confe-
derate Ufhakof was accidentally drowned, on the 29th of March, in his journey to
Smolentko.
Mirovitch, deprived of his affociate, does not appear to have found any other perfon
in whom he could repofe equal confidence. He founded, however, ‘Tikon Cafatkin, a
fervant of the court; and artfully endeavoured to infufe into his mind rebellious prin-
ciples, in order to make him, at a proper feafon, the inftrument of his purpofes. But
he was fomewhat more explicit with Simeon Tchevaridfef, lieutenant in the corps of
artillery, to whom he communicated, firft by dark and obfcure hints, and then in fome-
what plainer terms, a defign of releafing Ivan, and of conducting him to that corps fta-
tioned at Peterfburgh. But he mentioned it merely as a project, without fixing any
precife time for attempting it, or naming himfelf as the perlon who would dare to un-
dertake it.
With fo little management, and no precaution in cafe of failure, did Mirovitch refolve
to carry his defign into execution; but he was upon duty during a whole week in the
fortrefs, without finding a favourable opportunity. He obferved, however, and fet a
private mark on the door of Ivan’s apartment, and fhewed it to Simeon Tchevaridfef,
who came from Peterfburgh to vifit him. At the clofe of the week his turn expired ;
but he obtained, under fome fpecious pretence, the permiflion of being continued on
guard on the evening of the 4th of July*. He did not, however, previoufly gain more
than-one commom foldier, whofe name was Jacob Pifkof. It was not till about ten at
night that he firft hinted his intention to three corporals and two foldiers, who, though
they at firft pofitively refufed to join him, yet, by the affiftance of Pifkof, and by his own
arttul perfuafions, were at length prevailed upon to favour his defigns; but could not
be induced to a& with that determined refolution which the circumftances required. On
the contrary, they continued wavering, and alarmed with the danger, propofed to defer
the enterprize until amore convenient opportunity. Mirovitch at firft artfully appeared
to yield to their fears ; but between one and two in the morning he fuddenly renewed
his folicitations ; when, incapable of refifting his plaufible manner, the diftribution he
made among them of fome money, the promife of more, the expectation of great pro-
motion, and his authority, as commanding officer, they were induced to fecond his
attempt.
ie thus fecured fix afliftants, he fummoned about forty of the foldiers ftationed
in that part of the fortrefs, fome of whom were afleep, and others upon guard; and
under pretence of an order from the Emprefs, commanded them to load their pieces
with ball, and to follow him; and before they were aware of his intention, led them
towards the apartment of Ivan. In his way he was met by Berednikof the governor.
This officer had retired to reft, but being alarmed by one of the guards, haftily dreffed
himfelf, and accofting Mirovitch, commanded him to declare the caufe of the difturbance.
* sth, O.S.
5H 2 Mirovitch
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