The Alaska sourdough. [volume] (Douglas, Alaska) 1911-1911, 1911-11-07

at Archangel, reacneu OF. IeIelSpuIS
in somewhat distorted and exaggerat-
ed form; and following, as it did, his
decoration, Baranoff was supposed to
have allowed the interests of the gov
eminent to "run themselves In that
he had succeeded in gratifying his am
bition in procuring his title. Such,
however, was his most remote Thought;
and Baranoff never, at any time, by the
virtue of his position, assumed an attl-
tude of lord over his subordinates. In
trials and privations he shared the same
conditions Of his men, and even provld-
ed for their welfare at the sacrifice OF
his own comfort.
1t seems that this and other reports
which had reached st. Petersburg, had
put Baranoff under cloud of dlsfavor;
but his frank report of conditions, ana
his sanguine views on the future OF
Russian colonization, put such fear TO
confusion; and again the silver lining
shown on the cloud that had risen on
+
the horizon of Baranoff 8 career.
Baranoff was always ably advised;
and undoubtedly he had been thorough
ly informed regarding the defamatory
reports sent to Russia. He was ever
ready to meet accusation in diplo-
matte and effective way.
Acquainted with aim of Alexander
to carry out the lofty ideas Of his tu-
tor La Harpe, Baranoff wisely sought
to ingratiate himself in the eyes Of
the emperor by requesting that an ex-
petition Of scientists be sent to him.
AS the rough, hard work Of conquest
had been done, he recommended the ad-
visibility, for the honor and glory Of
Russia, of sending such men that the
refining influence of religion, education
and science be brought to the land
which he had prepared to receive it.
He requested priests, astronomers, navi-
gators, geographers and teachers. This
served his purpose in that it pleased
Alexander; and accordingly as soon as !.
it was practicable to equip the expedi-
tion it was sent at great expense to
report to Baranoff. He must have ia
ken a peculiar sort Of secret satisfae:
ton as he contemplated the reception
he would give them when they arrived
To re-establish the post on Baranoff
Island now became his souls absorbing
task; and in preparation for his fight
with the Indians he equipped two sloops
the Ekaterina and the Alexander, and
three hundred bidarkas With one hun
dred and twenty Russians and eight
hundred Aleuts he set sail for Arch
angel. The sloop Neva, overlook him
enroute and joined his fighting force.
Arriving at Archangel he found that
the Indians had strongly fortified
themselves at the mouth of, the Indian
river, where Sitka now stands. Re
pulsed at first, the guns from the ships
were mounted on RATS; and soon the
forts were reduced Upon taking pos
session of the forts it was found that
the Indians had fed to the. woods, leav-
ing behind them two Russians who had
assisted them in the mounting and the
operation Of the guns taken from the
post at Archangel. These men were re-
cognized by Baranoff as deserters and
were unceremoniously hanged from the
yarda of the Alexander.
This was in 1904, when began, in
earnest, the permanent, establishment
of the Of the settlement of. New Arch
angel (Sitka).
Blockhouses and stockades were first
built, and then comfortable barracks
were constructed for the men before,
Baranoff even thoughtsof residence for
himself, a .sawmill,q foundry, black
smith shop, ship yard, and other insti-
buttons were inaugurated to facilitate
the company's operations at Sitka, the
center and base.
Baranoff. extended, his field Of opera
tions far to the south; and lent his as