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ACCOUNT OF THE RUSSIAN DISCOVERIES BETWEEN ASIA AND AMERICA.
ACCOUNT OF THE RUSSIAN DISCOVERIES BETWEEN ASIA AND AMERICA.
TO WHICH ARE ADDED, THE CONQUEST OF SIBERIA, AND THE HISTORY OF THE TRANSACTIONS AND COMMERCE BETWEEN RUSSIA AND CHINA. By WILLIAM COXE, A. M. Fellow of King's College, Cambridge, and Chaplain to his Grace the Duke of Marlborough . LONDON, PRINTED BY J. NICHOLS, FOR T. CADELL, IN THE STRAND. MDCCLXXX. TO JACOB BRYANT, ESQ. AS A PUBLIC TESTIMONY OF THE HIGHEST RESPECT FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED LITERARY ABILITIES, THE TRUEST ESTEEM FOR HIS PRIVATE VIRTUES, AND THE MOST GRATEFUL SENSE OF MANY PERSONAL
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PREFACE.
PREFACE.
The late Russian Discoveries between Asia and America have, for some time, engaged the attention of the curious; more especially since Dr. Robertson's admirable History of America has been in the hands of the public. In that valuable performance the elegant and ingenious author has communicated to the world, with an accuracy and judgement which so eminently distinguish all his writings, the most exact information at that time to be obtained, concerning those important discoveries. During my stay
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CATALOGUE OF BOOKS QUOTED IN THIS WORK
CATALOGUE OF BOOKS QUOTED IN THIS WORK
In order to prevent the frequent mention of the full title of the books referred to in the course of this performance, the following catalogue is subjoined, with the abbreviations. Müller's Samlung Russischer Geschichte, IX volumes, 8vo. printed at St. Petersburg in 1732, and the following years; it is referred to in the following manner: S. R. G. with the volume and page annexed. From this excellent collection I have made use of the following treatises: vol. II. p. 293, &c. Geschichte d
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Explanation of some Russian words made use of in the following work.
Explanation of some Russian words made use of in the following work.
Baidar , a small boat. Guba , a bay. Kamen , a rock. Kotche , a vessel. Krepost , a regular fortress. Noss , a cape. Ostrog , a fortress surrounded with palisadoes. Ostroff , an island. Ostrova , islands. Quass , a sort of fermented liquor. Reka , a river. The Russians, in their proper names of persons, make use of patronymics; these patronymics are formed in some cases by adding Vitch to the christian name of the father; in others Off or Eff : the former termination is applied only to persons o
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WEIGHT.
WEIGHT.
A pood weighs 40 Russian pounds = 36 English....
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MEASURES OF LENGTH.
MEASURES OF LENGTH.
16 vershocks = an arsheen. An arsheen = 28 inches. Three arsheens, or seven feet = a fathom [3] , or sazshen. 500 sazshens = a verst. A degree of longitude comprises 104-1/2 versts = 69-1/2 English miles. A mile is therefore 1,515 parts of a verst; two miles may then be estimated equal to three versts, omitting a small fraction....
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VALUE OF RUSSIAN MONEY.
VALUE OF RUSSIAN MONEY.
A rouble = 100 copecs. Its value varies according to the exchange from 3s. 8d. to 4s. 2d. Upon an average, however, the value of a rouble is reckoned at four shillings....
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ADVERTISEMENT.
ADVERTISEMENT.
As no astronomical observations have been taken in the voyages related in this collection, the longitude and latitude ascribed to the new-discovered islands in the journals and upon the charts cannot be absolutely depended upon. Indeed the reader will perceive, that the position [4] of the Fox Islands upon the general map of Russia is materially different from that assigned to them upon the chart of Krenitzin and Levasheff. Without endeavouring to clear up any difficulties which may arise from t
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PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING KAMTCHATKA, &c.
PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING KAMTCHATKA, &c.
The Peninsula of Kamtchatka was not discovered by the Russians before the latter end of the last century. The first expedition towards those parts was made in 1696, by sixteen Cossacs, under the command of Lucas Semænoff Morosko, who was sent against the Koriacks of the river Opooka by Volodimir Atlafsoff commander of Anadirsk. Morosko continued his march until he came within four days journey of the river Kamtchatka, and having rendered a Kamtchadal village tributary, he returned to Anadirsk [5
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ACCOUNT OF THE NEW DISCOVERIES MADE BY THE RUSSIANS IN THE EASTERN OCEAN, BETWEEN KAMTCHATKA AND AMERICA.
ACCOUNT OF THE NEW DISCOVERIES MADE BY THE RUSSIANS IN THE EASTERN OCEAN, BETWEEN KAMTCHATKA AND AMERICA.
TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN. WITH NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR. A Thirst after riches was the chief motive which excited the Spaniards to the discovery of America; and which turned the attention of other maritime nations to that quarter. The same passion for riches occasioned, about the middle of the sixteenth century, the discovery and conquest of Northern Asia, a country, before that time, as unknown to the Europeans, as Thule to the ancients. | Conquest of Siberia. | The first foundation of this co
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CHAP. I. First irruption of the Russians into Siberia—Second inroad—Yermac driven by the Tzar of Muscovy from the Volga, retires to Orel a Russian Settlement—Enters Siberia with an army of Cossacks—His progress and exploits—Defeats Kutchum Chan—conquers his dominions—cedes them to the Tzar—receives a reinforcement of Russian troops—is surprized by Kutchum Chan—his defeat and death—Veneration paid to his memory—Russian troops evacuate Siberia—re-enter and conquer the whole country—their progress stopped by the Chinese.
CHAP. I. First irruption of the Russians into Siberia—Second inroad—Yermac driven by the Tzar of Muscovy from the Volga, retires to Orel a Russian Settlement—Enters Siberia with an army of Cossacks—His progress and exploits—Defeats Kutchum Chan—conquers his dominions—cedes them to the Tzar—receives a reinforcement of Russian troops—is surprized by Kutchum Chan—his defeat and death—Veneration paid to his memory—Russian troops evacuate Siberia—re-enter and conquer the whole country—their progress stopped by the Chinese.
Siberia was scarcely known to the Russians before the middle of the sixteenth century [68] . For although an expedition was made, under the reign of Ivan Vassilievitch I. into the North Western Parts of that country, as far as the river Oby, by which several Tartar tribes were rendered tributary, and some of their chiefs brought prisoners to Moscow; yet this incursion bore a greater resemblance to the desultory inroads of barbarians, than to any permanent establishment of empire by a civilized n
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CHAP. II. Commencement of hostilities between the Russians and Chinese—Disputes concerning the limits of the two empires—Treaty of Nershinsk—- Embassies from the court of Russia to Pekin—Treaty of Kiachta—Establishment of the commerce between the two nations.
CHAP. II. Commencement of hostilities between the Russians and Chinese—Disputes concerning the limits of the two empires—Treaty of Nershinsk—- Embassies from the court of Russia to Pekin—Treaty of Kiachta—Establishment of the commerce between the two nations.
Towards the middle of the seventeenth century, the Russians were rapidly extending themselves Eastward through that important territory, which lies, on each side of the river [82] Amoor. They soon reduced several independent Tungusian hordes; and built a chain of small fortresses along the banks of the above-mentioned river, of which the principal were Albasin, and Kamarskoi Ostrog. Not long afterwards, the Chinese under [83] Camhi conceived a similar design of subduing the same hordes. | Rise o
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CHAP. III. Account of the Russian and Chinese settlements upon the confines of Siberia—description of the Russian frontier town Kiachta—of the Chinese frontier town Maimatschin—its buildings, pagodas, &c.
CHAP. III. Account of the Russian and Chinese settlements upon the confines of Siberia—description of the Russian frontier town Kiachta—of the Chinese frontier town Maimatschin—its buildings, pagodas, &c.
By the last mentioned treaty it was stipulated, that the commerce between Russia and China should be transacted at the frontiers. | Russian and Chinese Settlement upon the Brook Kiachta. | Accordingly two spots were marked out for that purpose upon the confines of Siberia, where they border upon the Mongol desert; one near the brook Kiachta, and the other at Zuruchaitu. The description of the former of these places forms the subject of this chapter. This settlement consists of a Russian and Chin
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CHAP. IV. Commerce between the Chinese and Russians—list of the principal exports and imports—duties—average amount of the Russian trade.
CHAP. IV. Commerce between the Chinese and Russians—list of the principal exports and imports—duties—average amount of the Russian trade.
The merchants of Maimatschin come from the Northern provinces of China, chiefly from Pekin, Nankin, Sandchue, and other principal towns. They are not settled at this place with their wives and families: for it is a remarkable circumstance, that there is not one woman in Maimatschin. This restriction arises from the policy of the Chinese government, which, totally prohibits the women from having the slightest intercourse with foreigners. No Chinese merchant engages in the trade to Siberia who has
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CHAP. V. Description of Zuruchaitu—and its trade—Transport of the merchandise through Siberia.
CHAP. V. Description of Zuruchaitu—and its trade—Transport of the merchandise through Siberia.
The general account of the Russian commerce to China has been given in the preceding chapter, because almost the whole traffic is confined to Kiachta. The description of Zuruchaitu, which was also fixed by the treaty of Kiachta for the purpose of carrying on the same trade, will be comprised of course in a narrow compass. Zuruchaitu is situated in 137° longitude, and 49°. 20´ N. latitude, upon the Western branch of the river Argoon, at a small distance from its source. It is provided with a smal
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APPENDIX I. Extract from the journal of a voyage made by Captain Krenitzin and Lieutenant Levasheff to the Fox Islands, in 1768, 1769, by order of the Empress of Russia—they sail from Kamtchatka—arrive at Beering's and Copper Islands—reach the Fox Islands—Krenitzin winters at Alaxa—Levasheff upon Unalashka—productions of Unalashka—description of the inhabitants of the Fox Islands—their manners and customs, &c.
APPENDIX I. Extract from the journal of a voyage made by Captain Krenitzin and Lieutenant Levasheff to the Fox Islands, in 1768, 1769, by order of the Empress of Russia—they sail from Kamtchatka—arrive at Beering's and Copper Islands—reach the Fox Islands—Krenitzin winters at Alaxa—Levasheff upon Unalashka—productions of Unalashka—description of the inhabitants of the Fox Islands—their manners and customs, &c.
On the 23d of July Captain Krenitzin sailed in the Galliot St. Catherine from the mouth of the Kamtchatka river towards America: he was accompanied by Lieutenant Levasheff, in the Hooker St. Paul. Their instructions were regulated by information derived from Beering's expedition in 1741. Shaping their course accordingly, they found themselves more to the North than they expected; and were told by the Russian traders and hunters, that a similar [121] mistake was com mitted in the chart of that ex
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No II. Concerning the longitude of Kamtchatka, and of the Eastern extremity of Asia, as laid down by the Russian Geographers.
No II. Concerning the longitude of Kamtchatka, and of the Eastern extremity of Asia, as laid down by the Russian Geographers.
The important question concerning the longitude of the extreme parts of Asia has been so differently stated by the most celebrated geographers, that it may not be amiss to refer the curious reader to the principal treatises upon that subject. | by Mr. Muller and the Russian Geographers. | The proofs by which Mr. Muller and the Russian geographers place the longitude of the Eastern extremity of Asia beyond 200 degrees from the first meridian of Fero, or 180° 6´ 15´´ from Paris, are drawn from the
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No III. Summary of the proofs tending to shew, that Beering and Tschirikoff either reached America in 1741, or came very near it.
No III. Summary of the proofs tending to shew, that Beering and Tschirikoff either reached America in 1741, or came very near it.
The coast which Beering reached, and called Cape St. Elias, lay, according to his estimation, in 58°. 28´. N. latitude, and in longitude 236°. from Fero: the coast touched at by Tschirikoff was situated in lat. 56°. long. 241° [136] . Steller, who accompanied Beering in his expedition towards America, endeavours to prove, that they discovered that continent by the following arguments [137] : The coasts were bold, presenting continued chains of high mountains, some of which were so elevated, that
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No IV. List of the principal charts representing the Russian discoveries.
No IV. List of the principal charts representing the Russian discoveries.
The following is an authentic list of the principal charts of the Russian discoveries hitherto published. It is accompanied with a few explanatory remarks. 1. Carte des nouvelles dècouvertes au nord de la mer du sud, tant à l'Est de la Siberie et du Kamtchatka, qu'à l'Ouest de la Nouvelle France dressé sur les memoires de Mr. de l'Isle, par Philippe Buache, 1750. A memoir relative to this chart was soon afterwards published, with the following title, Explication de la carte des nouvelles dècouve
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No V. Position of the Andreanoffsky Isles ascertained—Number of the Aleütian Isles.
No V. Position of the Andreanoffsky Isles ascertained—Number of the Aleütian Isles.
When the anonymous author published his account of the Russian Discoveries in 1766, the position of the Andreanoffsky Isles was not ascertained. It was generally supposed, that they formed part of that cluster of islands, which Synd [148] fell in with in his voyage towards Tschukotskoi Noss; and Buffon [149] represents them to be the same with those laid down in Stæhlin's chart, under the name of Anadirsky Isles. The anonymous author in the passage here referred to, supposes them to be N. E. of
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No VI. Conjectures concerning the proximity of the Fox Islands to the continent of America.
No VI. Conjectures concerning the proximity of the Fox Islands to the continent of America.
The anonymous author, in the course of his account of the Russian discoveries, has advanced many proofs drawn from natural history, from which he supposes the Fox Islands to be at a small distance from the continent of America: hence he grounds his conjecture, that "the time is not far distant when some of the Russian navigators will fall in with that coast." The small willows and alders which, according to Glottoff, were found growing upon Kadyak, do not appear to have been sufficient either in
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No VII. Of the Tschutski—Reports of the vicinity of America to their coast, first propagated by them, seem to be confirmed by late accounts from those parts.
No VII. Of the Tschutski—Reports of the vicinity of America to their coast, first propagated by them, seem to be confirmed by late accounts from those parts.
The Tschutski, it is well known, inhabit the North Eastern part of Siberia; their country is a small tract of land, bounded on the North by the Frozen Sea, on the East by the Eastern Ocean; on the South it borders upon river Anadyr, and on that of Kovyma to the West. The N. E. cape of this country is called Tschukotskoi-Noss, or the promontory of the Tschutski. Its inhabitants are the only people of Siberia who have not yet been subdued by the Russians. The anonymous author agrees with Mr. Mulle
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No VIII. List of the new-discovered Islands, procured from an Aleütian chief—Catalogue of islands called by different names in the Account of the Russian Discoveries.
No VIII. List of the new-discovered Islands, procured from an Aleütian chief—Catalogue of islands called by different names in the Account of the Russian Discoveries.
The subsequent list of the new-discovered islands was procured from an Aleütian chief brought to Petersburg in 1771, and examined at the desire of the Empress by Mr. Muller, who divides them into four principal groups. He regulates this division partly by a similarity of the language spoken by the inhabitants, and partly by vicinity of situation. The first group [159] , called by the islander Sasignan, comprehends, 1. Beering's Island. 2. Copper Island. 3. Otma. 4. Samya, or Shemiya. 5. Anakta.
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No IX. Voyage of Lieutenant Synd to the North East of Siberia—He discovers a cluster of islands, and a promontory, which he supposes to belong to the continent of America, lying near the coast of the Tschutski.
No IX. Voyage of Lieutenant Synd to the North East of Siberia—He discovers a cluster of islands, and a promontory, which he supposes to belong to the continent of America, lying near the coast of the Tschutski.
In 1764 lieutenant Synd sailed from Ochotsk, upon a voyage of discovery towards the continent of America. He was ordered to take a different course from that held by the late Russian vessels, which lay due East from the coast of Kamtchatka. As he steered therefore his course more to the North East than any of the preceding navigators, and as it appears from all the voyages related in the first part of this work [161] , that the vicinity of America is to be sought for in that quarter alone, any a
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No X. Specimen of the Aleütian language.
No X. Specimen of the Aleütian language.
It is very remarkable, that none of these words bear the least resemblance to those of the same signification, which are found in the different dialects spoken by the Koriaks, Kamtchadals, and the inhabitants of the Kuril Isles....
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No XI. Attempts of the Russians to discover a North East passage—Voyages from Archangel towards the Lena—From the Lena towards Kamtchatka—Extract from Muller's account of Deschneff's voyage round Tschukotskoi Noss—Narrative of a voyage made by Shalauroff from the Lena to Shelatskoi Noss.
No XI. Attempts of the Russians to discover a North East passage—Voyages from Archangel towards the Lena—From the Lena towards Kamtchatka—Extract from Muller's account of Deschneff's voyage round Tschukotskoi Noss—Narrative of a voyage made by Shalauroff from the Lena to Shelatskoi Noss.
The only communication hitherto known between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, or between Europe and the East Indies, is made either by sailing round the Cape of Good Hope, or by doubling Cape Horn. But as both these navigations are very long and dangerous, the great object of several late European voyages has been turned towards the discovery of a North East or a North West passage. As this work is entirely confined to the Russian navigations, any disquisition concerning the North West passage
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APPENDIX II. Tartarian rhubarb brought to Kiachta by the Bucharian Merchants—Method of examining and purchasing the roots—Different species of rheum which yield the finest rhubarb—Price of rhubarb in Russia—Exportation—Superiority of the Tartarian over the Indian rhubarb.
APPENDIX II. Tartarian rhubarb brought to Kiachta by the Bucharian Merchants—Method of examining and purchasing the roots—Different species of rheum which yield the finest rhubarb—Price of rhubarb in Russia—Exportation—Superiority of the Tartarian over the Indian rhubarb.
Europe is supplied with rhubarb from Russia and the East Indies. The former is generally known by the name of Turkey rhubarb, because we used to import it from the Levant in our commerce with the Turks, who procured it through Persia from the Bucharians. And it still retains its original name, although instead of being carried, as before, to Constantinople, it is now brought to Kiachta by the Bucharian merchants, and there disposed of to the Russians. This appellation is indeed the most general;
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TABLE of LONGITUDE and LATITUDE.
TABLE of LONGITUDE and LATITUDE.
For the convenience of the Reader, the following Table exhibits in one point of view the longitude and latitude of the principal places mentioned in this performance. Their longitudes are estimated from the first meridian of the Isle of Fero, and from that of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich. The longitude of Greenwich from Fero is computed at 17° 34´ 45´´. The longitude of the places marked * has been taken from astronomical observations....
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BOOKS printed for T. CADELL.
BOOKS printed for T. CADELL.
The History of England, from the invasion of Julius Cæsar to the Revolution. A new Edition, printed on a fine paper, with many Corrections and Additions; and a complete Index, 8 vols. Royal Paper, 7l. 7s. ⁂ Another Edition on small Paper, 4l. 10s. Another Edition in 8 vols. 8vo. 2l. 8s. The History of Scotland, during the Reigns of Queen Mary and of King James VI. till his accession to the Crown of England; with a Review of the Scottish History, previous to that period; and an Appendix, containi
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