Coxe, William. Travels into Poland, Russia, Sweden, and Denmark, interspersed with historical relations and political inquiries. Volume 1 and 2. London, printed by J. Nichols, 1784.
In two volumes, aspiring travel author William Coxe provides personal accounts and observations that he compiled during his travels throughout Europe, spanning between Poland, Russia, Sweden, and Denmark. Coxe supports his principle facts with his own experiences, and cites many sources referencing political alliances, historical pasts, and cultural tradition. The focus throughout his travels primary pertain to Russia (specifically Minsk, Moscow, and St. Petersburg), where he reviews Russian history, the manner of reckoning among merchants, trade agreements, and social and economic life.
He briefly spent time in the Baltic State of Lithuania, making his way through the capital city of Vilna, and the esteemed principal town of Grodno. Coxe addresses the royal history of Lithuania and Poland; from the rivalry between the two contiguous states to the perpetual wars up until 1386. The Great Duke of Lithuania, Ladislaus Jaghellon, having married and taken heir to the Polish throne, embraced the Christian religion and was credited with the introduction of Christianity to Lithuania.
In addition to historical backgrounds, government relations, and trade, these volumes provide sketches of species familiar to these regions, portraits, interviews, and numerous maps of cities and territories.
The Baltic region is mentioned in the following places: (Vol. 1) p. 1, 212-34, 238, 459. (Vol. 2) p. 312-13.
(JH 2006)