Preparing for Moscow

We have now been hesitating for some time as regards taking a trip to Moscow, and have now finally concluded on starting immediately hoping to be able to return in time to witness the Entry of his Majesty [Emperor Nicholas I]  into the Capital, but it is so undecided and he is so fond of taking the people by surprise, that no one knows when it will take place, and it is useless for us to wait much longer, as the season [15] is getting to be so late, that if deferred we should be obliged to give up the trip altogether.  Orders have been given by the Police to every household to keep themselves in readiness for an illumination at any moment.  Have been to the Chancery Office where we were again examined as usual, and given a paper allowing us by presenting it at the Police office, to obtain a fresh passport for Moscow, presented ourselves at the Police Office General, and after again answering all the questions once again, and paying twenty-five paper roubles, &c, about five dollars.  We obtained a pass for Moscow, the Police retaining our original Passports until we may leave the Empire.  Four of us in Company (Americans) obtained a Diligence and guard and at 2 o’clock P.M. of Wednesday 16 Sep we started for the city of Moscow.  The road is the only good one in all Russia, being McAdamized its entire length which is here measured by Versts, the Verst being equal to about ¾ of a Mile English. [16]  The distance between the cities is some 670 Versts making about 500 miles, and this was to be accomplished without our stopping at all on the road excepting for Breakfast & Dinner.