it was no secret that the war was conceived to increase the king's popularity and influence, and diminish that of his, mostly noble, opponents. the anger was fueled also by cabinet members who felt duped to support the war plans by the king's selective quoting of diplomatic reports from saint petersburg. the failed attempts to besiege and recapture hamina and savonlinna, both of which had been in russian hands since 1743, ultimately ignited a vehement opposition among the officers, and it was said that even the king wished for peace.