FROM NICIIOLAEF, 
Dnieper, there stood, not long ago, a fortress, 
which the traditions of the country ascribed to 
Alexander the Great. The Emperor Paul gave 
orders for its destruction ; and the joyful 
Russians, prompt for works of this kind, speedily 
removed every trace of its existence. Not far 
from the same place, exactly at the junction of 
the two rivers, about twelve miles from Nicholaef, 
arc the remains of Olbiopolis, the only Greek city 
belonging to European Sarmatia of which there 
are antient medals extant 1 2 * * . The Russians have 
there discovered not only medals, but also bas- 
reliefs, inscriptions, amphorae, tombs, and other 
indications of the site of that city. A view of 
those Ruins might have afforded us the highest 
gratification ; but the circumstances of our situa- 
tion would not admit the necessary delay ; our 
liberty, if not our lives, depended upon making 
the best use of the time allowed for effecting 
our escape. We were well aware, that if 
any intelligence of our intention should reach 
Petersburg, all hope of quitting Russia would be 
annihilated. In the church of Nicholaef, a stone 
is preserved, brought from Olbiopolis, with the 
following inscription 8 ; recording the dedication, 
(1) Sec the Vignette to this Chapter. 
(2) The length of the stone is two feet; its breadth at the top, 
where the inscription begins, nine inches, and twelve indies at the 
bottom. 
