New-York daily tribune., 1856-01-14
AMOOR RIVER.

We are informed by Mr.. James Pike, chief officer
of the bark Palmetto recently arrived from Aysh anu
the Russian Settlements the AmOor River, that the
forts eced at the latter place by the Russians, unde
the direction Of the Governor of Siberia, are actually
pregnable, and Were regarded by the Enghsn
observing officers No naval power possessed by the
Allies in the Pacific strong enough To take the three
forts. So
The Palmetto entered the Amoor River and pro
ceeded distance up. The navigation Is intricate,
and at the mouth, where the uver enptles INTO the
Saghalien Gulf, not unlike the Mississippi. The Gult
for many miles i discOored by the great volume OF
water discharged into il. The country bordering on
the river is low and aluvial, and the banks ana
channels constantly changing, owing to the great num-
her of auicksands and debris sent down the stream.
The Russians have good charts OF the rlNer ana tue
allies were making survey when the Palmetto left.
The supply ships Ofthe allied feet have been wrecked,
40 that and stores were scarce and COM
manded an unparalleled price. Our informant saw
two small pigs sold by the superargo ot the bark to
the English Aag-ship for sl5 each Soap sold readily
at 50 the bar common brown Liquors commanded
the most exorbitant price. and all that could be OBJ
tanned was eagerly bought up. Mr.. Pike thinks that
small trading-schooner, loaded WIN sIores uu t'le
necessary articles, would find constant market i'll
following the allied feet from port to port. The Gov
enor of Siberia presented each of the officers OF the
Palmetto with valuable gfts-that OF the cief ohcer
being a superb gold and silver goblet, wmch we nave
seen and which an eminent jeweler valued at 5000.
splendid sword was also sent by the Governor by
the Palmetto 10 the Commander of the American
squadron. The gift, however, we believe, coud not DO
accepted by him. owing to the rules OF the service pro-
bibno the receiving of presents from foreign oices
Money WAS abundant among the Russians, and
exchanged readily for the common necessares OF life.
While at anchor in a small port N Siberia there Were
at one time above a hundred Russians on board the
Palmetto who slept OR deck wrapped IN thelr urs ana
their skins of deer During the night snow fell on the
deck TO the depth of ten inches but, nothing ncom-
moded by the cold these hardy Northeners aroused
themselves in the morning, shook the snow from their
clothes, crossed themselves IL the deVout Russian
manner and repaired to their work. after eating crust
of black bread and tasting nothing stronger than liquor
The mode Of travelling i'll the great region OF Mont
chooria drained by the AmOor River, is by the rein
deer and sled Expresses were constantly passing be-
tween the Russian settlements and the far interior,
bearing orders and news from post to post All was
activity and cheeTfulnc5s, and the Car was RAPIDLY
and surely strengthening his position on the coast
Our informant states that the inhabitants from the
Governor down. displayed particular desire to con
cilate and please all Americans, and 1t was Thought
they were manfestng this friendly spirit by orders
from st. Petersburg.
on board the bark, and paid many compliments to the
vessel and made presents to all, according to rank.
The navigation Of the AmOor is probably at this time
compleely closed for various reasons. But with the
to Americans, which will in all probability prove OF
great value. All the tribes along the coast of this
immense stream which winds it, way for thousands OF
leagues amid fertile countries are well disposed toward
Americans and doubtless have instructions to keep on
as good terms with as possible.
The bark John Barring of Baltimore before reported
as having been seized by the British feet at Castro,
Oct Il, was taken on incontestible proof that her
commander and supercargo had been landing stores for
the Russians. The case to be decided before a
naval board. but had not been adjudcated when the
Palmetto left
The Palmetto has been much among the ice, has lost
some of her upper copper but in other respect
capable of making another trp at once. She IL to be
.od in few day- az pubic auction when, We hear
stated, she wi De rcfied with q cargo for the Russian