8 Sketches of an Exi-i/nion In Southern Alaska. 



Manufactories were established here, among them a ship-yard, when ves- 

 sels were built and equipped from keel to yard-arm. Steam-boat buildintj 

 was carried on under the supervision of an American citizen named Moore, the 

 machinery being cast in the Sitka foundry. (Jne of his steamers was of lartje 

 dimensions, and performed important service up and down the coast. 



The hospital was so thorou^hlv furnished and so comiilctely nianagcc!, as to 

 win the admiration of Sir George .Simpson. President of the Hudson IJay 

 Company, who bestowed upon it high praise, by saying tliat it woukl do no 

 discredit to the city of London, five hundred Russians were employefl iieio, 

 who, with their families, forme 1 a [population of twelve hundred person^. 



These immense public buildings, now emjHy and decaying, weie then the 

 scene of busy activity. These ancient guns, whose mountings arc now rotting 

 away, then frowned from the lofty caslle walls. That parapet, broad and once 

 firm under the tread of military guardian.-., now warns you back as it trem- 

 bles lieneath you. 



Further along on the main streel were the shops and dwellings of engineers, 

 armorers, tin-smiths, jewelers, builders and cabinet-makers. Some of tliese 

 buildings are abandoned now. 



formi:k kI'.lickjus statk. 



The Russian government exercised a species of paternal care over all its 

 subjects. Rude and peremptory though it was, still it was useful in many 

 respects, and adapted to a half-civilized peoj-lc. This was observable in the 

 religous care in all parts of the empire, and Alaska was not neglected. Sitka 

 was the seat of the diocese, which embraced all of Russian America, including 

 the Alutian Islands, together with the northeastern part of Asia. On his mis- 

 sionary journeys, the Bishop was attended by a number of priests and acolytes. 

 It is written of one of them that he spared neither himself nor his clergy, 

 who were constantly engaged in their sacred calling, encountering many 

 hardships and dangers. .Sir Geo. Simpson, previously referred to, who made 

 several voyages to Russian America, and who had very favorable opportunities 

 'or forming correct opinions, speaks in high terms of the Bishop's character, 

 mdustry and piety. Me says further: "'i"he conduct of the Russo (Jreek cler- 

 gy in general, appeared to me to deserve great commendation, both as in the 

 performance of their duties, and the observance of tlieir vows." 



The evidence derised from various sources, is conclusive, tlial the cause of 

 religion was sustained by the Russian Government. Through tlie faithfulness 

 of the ecclesiasiics, large numbers of the natives were converted. Whole tribes, 

 in same instances, adopted tlie Christianity of the Greek church. .Many hf)uses 

 of worship were built, some of which are still in use. 



I'Rr.sivN'i- coNnnioN oi'' riii', c.rf.i'.k ciirRcii. 



Archbishop Nestor, of the (Irei-k Chuich. is imv, performing an Kpiscopal 

 journey through .Maska. .\11 accounts of him, which I ha \o seen, give him 

 credit for faitlifuln;.'ss in the discharge of liis ofticial duties. 



