The Empire of Russia: From the Remotest Periods to the Present Time
Chapter 23
PETER III. AND HIS BRIDE.
From 1728 TO 1762.
Lineage of Peter III.--Chosen by Elizabeth as her Successor.--The Bride Chosen for Peter.--Her Lineage.--The Courtship.--The Marriage.--Autobiography of Catharine.--Anecdotes of Peter.--His Neglect of Catharine and his Debaucheries.--Amusements of the Russian Court.--Military Execution of a Rat.--Accession of Peter III. to the Throne.--Supremacy of Catharine.--Her Repudiation Threatened.--The Conspiracy.--Its Successful Accomplishment.