CHAPTER XXIV.. The Conspiracy; and Accession of Catharine Ii.

THE CONSPIRACY; AND ACCESSION OF CATHARINE II.

From 1762 to 1765.

Peter III. at Oranienbaum.--Catharine at Peterhof.--The Successful Accomplishment of the Conspiracy.--Terror of Peter.--His Vacillating and Feeble Character.--Flight to Cronstadt.--Repulse.--Heroic Counsel of Munich.--Peter's Return to Oranienbaum.--His Suppliant Letters to Catharine.--His Arrest.--Imprisonment.--Assasination.--Proclamation of the Empress.--Her Complicity in the Crime.--Energy of Catharine's Administration.--Her Expansive Views and Sagacious Policy.--Contemplated Marriage with Count Orlof.