Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/147

1837.] without resorting to strong measures, could effect. At the same time, as our boats would be engaged in the examination of the sound during our stay, it became necessary to preserve an amicable feeling so long as they conducted themselves quietly.

The establishment at Sitka is situated on a broad flat delta, on the outer rocky peninsula of which the fortress, which is now rebuilding, stands. It is about sixty feet above the sea-level, and completely commands all the anchorages in the immediate neighbourhood, as well as the peninsula. The inner line, which traverses the longest base of this delta, is protected by a heavy line of pickettedpicketed [sic] logs, twenty-five feet in height, surmounted en cheveux de frise, and flanked at the angles, within musket-shot of each other, by small block-house redoubts, loopholed and furnished with small guns and swivels. It extends from the sea in three fathoms, about one mile through to the river. This cuts off all connexion with the natives, but through a portcullis door, admitting into a railed yard those bringing goods to the market. This door is closely watched by two or three guards, who, upon the least noise or dispute in the market, drop the portcullis, and proceed summarily with the delinquents.

As the traffic is generally conducted by women and children, and the Russians moreover employ female spies in the camp, they are always well warned, and fully prepared for any act of treachery. They have also a party of their allies, (slaves?) the