61 



"II. To make new discoveries not only north of the fifty-fifth degree 

 of north latitude but farther to the .south, and to occupy the new lands 

 discovered as Russian possessions, according to prescribed rules, if 

 they have not been previously occupied by or been dependent on any 

 other nation. 



"III. To use and jjrofit by everything that has been or shall be dis- 

 covered in those localities, on the surface and in the interior of the 

 earth, without competition from others. 



"ly. We most graciously permit this company to establish settle- 

 ments in future times wherever they are wanted, according to its best 

 knowledge and belief, and fortify them to insure the safety of the in- 

 habitants, and to send ships to those shores with goods and hunters, 

 Avitliout any obstacles on the part of the Government. 



" V. To extend their navigation to all adjoining nations and hold busi- 

 ness intercourse with all surrounding powers, upon obtaining their free 

 consent for the purpose, and under our highest protection to enable 

 them to j)rosecute their enterprises with greater force and advantage. 



"VI. To employ for navigation, hunting, and all other business, freeand 

 unsuspected people, having no illegal views or intentions. * * * 



"X. The exclusive right is most graciously granted to the company 

 for a period of twenty years, to use and enjoy, in the above extent of 

 country and islands, all profits and advantages derived from hunting, 

 trade, industries, and discovery of new lands, prohibiting the enjoy- 

 ment of these profits and advantages not only to those who would wish 

 to sail to those countries on their own account, but to all former hunters 

 and trappers who have been engaged in this trade and have their 

 vessels and furs at those places; and other comj)anies which may have 

 been formed will not be allowed to continue their business unless they 

 unite with the present company with their free consent; but such 

 private companies or traders as have their vessels in those regions can 

 either sell their proijerty, or, with the company's consent, remain until 

 they have obtained a cargo, but no longer than is required for the 

 loading and return of the vessel; and after that nobody will have any 

 privileges but this one company, which will be protected in the enjoy- 

 ment of all the rights mentioned. 



"XI. Under our highest protection the Russian-American Company 

 will have full control over all above-mentioned localities, and exercise 

 judicial powers in minor cases. The company will also be permitted 

 to use all local facilities for fortifications in the defense of the country 



