220 
MOSCOW. 
CHAP. 
IX. 
diminished. But, in despite of all the pretended 
regulations made in favour of the peasant, the 
peasant he chooses. The prisons of Moscow and Kostroma were chiefly 
filled with such ruuaway slaves, who were, for the most part, in irons. 
On the frontier, they often escape ; hut in the interior it is almost 
impossible: yet, during the summer, desertions are very common; 
and they sometimes lurk about for many months, living miserably in 
the woods. This particularly happens when there is a new levy of 
soldiers. The soldiers are levied, one from every certain number of 
peasants, at the same time all over the empire. But if a man be dis- 
pleased with Ids slave, he may send him for a soldier at any time he 
pleases, and take a receipt from Government ; so that he send one 
mail less the next levy. He also selects the recruits he sends to Go- 
vernment ; with this restriction, that they are young men, free from 
disease, have sound teeth, and are five feet two inehes high. 
“ The Starosta, of whom mention has been so frequently made, is 
an officer resembling the antient bailiff of an English village. He is 
chosen, we arc told, (at least generally,) by the peasants : sometimes 
annually, and sometimes for life. He is answerable for the abrocks to 
the lord ; decides small disputes among the peasants: gives billets for 
quarters to soldiers, or to Government officers, on a journey, &c. 
Sometimes the proprietor claims the right of appointing the Starosta. 
‘ ‘ ,\ slave cau on no pretence he sold out of Bussia, nor in Bussia, 
to any but a person born noble, or, if not noble, having the rank of 
Lieutenant- Colonel. This rank is not confined to the military; it may 
be obtained by them in civil situations. (Professor /‘alias had the rank 
of Brigadier.) This law is, however, eluded : as roturiers (plebeians) 
frequently purchase slaves for hire, by making use of the name of 
some privileged person ; and all nobles have the privilege of letting out 
their slaves. 
“ Such is the political situation of the peasant. With regard to his 
comforts, or means of supporting existence, 1 do not think they are 
deficient. Their houses are in tolerable repair, moderately roomy, and 
well adapted to the habits of the people. They have the air of being 
sufficiently fed, and their clothing is warm and substantial. Fuel, 
food, and the materials for building, are very cheap ; but clothing is 
dear. In summer they generally wear Nantkin caftans, one of which 
costs thirteen roubles. Their labhas (linden-bark sandals) cost nothing, 
except 
