The History of Russia Podcast · Damon Boar

Episode 79 - The Three Letters

·25 min

This episode of The History of Russia Podcast, hosted by Damon, focuses on Grand Duchess Catherine's high-stakes political maneuvering within the Imperial court in 1758. The narrative centers on Catherine's attempt to confront Empress Elizabeth's suspicions about her loyalty and conduct. Damon sets the scene against the ongoing backdrop of the Seven Years' War, where Prussian King Frederick the Great is battling a coalition of powers including Russia. Catherine, feeling vulnerable due to suspicions about her and the impending recall of her lover Count Stanislaus Poniatowski, decides to write a letter to Empress Elizabeth. In the letter, she strategically thanks the Empress but then requests to be sent back to her family in Germany, claiming she has failed in her duties. After waiting three weeks with no reply, Catherine feigns illness to force an audience, which occurs in a late-night meeting also attended by her husband Peter and courtier Alexander Shuvalov. Empress Elizabeth confronts Catherine with three letters as evidence she had inappropriately corresponded with Field Marshal Stepan Apraxin about military matters. Catherine admits to writing but claims the letters only contained polite regards and a reminder to follow the Empress's orders. Elizabeth also references allegations from the disgraced former chancellor Alexei Bestuzhev about more letters, which Catherine vehemently denies. A surprising moment occurs when Peter unexpectedly interjects during the confrontation to accuse Catherine of being spiteful and conceited. The tense meeting ends inconclusively at 3 a.m., leaving Catherine mentally exhausted. Shortly after, a message from Elizabeth via Shuvalov tells Catherine not to worry and promises a future private meeting. That private conversation occurs in May, but its contents remain a historical mystery because Catherine stopped writing her journal at that crucial point. Separately, Peter discovers Catherine's affair with Poniatowski and brokers a secret pact where both couples agree to keep each other's infidelities hidden from the Empress. The episode also details military developments in the Seven Years' War, including the bloody, indecisive Battle of Zorndorf between the Russian army under Count William Fermor and Frederick the Great's Prussians. The tone is narrative and educational, with the host delivering a detailed, chronological story in a conversational style. Listeners who enjoy deep dives into the personal intrigues of historical figures and the complex politics of 18th-century European courts will love this episode. Those seeking a broad overview of Russian history or who prefer episodes focused solely on military campaigns might find the detailed court drama less engaging.

As heard by us

Catherine's letters draw a late-night reckoning as Frederick's war widens on every side.

Episode 79 keeps one eye on the battlefield and the other on the Russian court, using the Seven Years' War to show how quickly private judgment could become political danger.

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Why you'd press play

You get a 3 a.m. court interrogation with the Seven Years' War pressing in from every direction.

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