Travels in Kamtschatka, during the years 1787 and 1788, Volume 2Lesseps, Jean-Baptiste-Barthélemy, baron de
History
Travels in Kamtschatka, during the years 1787 and 1788, Volume 2
Lesseps, Jean-Baptiste-Barthélemy, baron de
Kamchatka Peninsula (Russia) -- Description and travel
Like all the Koriacs, he is small and sallow. His head is
characteristic of his mind. An expression of frankness and benevolence,
confirmed by the whole of his figure, prejudices us in his favour;
and his short white locks, added to the regularity of his features,
give him an air of true distinction. He is lame of his right-arm, in
consequence of an obstinate contest with a bear. His companions fled
through fear, and he was left alone to oppose the monster, and though
he had no other weapon but his knife, he defeated and killed him. The
chace is his favourite amusement. Equally skilful and intrepid, he is
regarded also as a very fortunate hunter.
But it is the strength of his mind, that renders him most estimable
and interesting. The project he formed, and which he laments the not
having been permitted to execute, could only have been dictated by a
head strongly organised. It proves at least much good sense and deeper
reflection than can be ascribed to the rest of his countrymen. It
originated thus.
Indocile and jealous of its liberty, this people had for a long time
impatiently brooked the idea of being tributary to Russia. The severe
administration of the governors was accused by this savage tribe as
being a tyrannical abuse of power; and doubtless, among the numerous
subaltern officers there were many who felt no compunction in harassing
these new subjects of the empress.
Simeon Oumiavin was the first whose indignation was roused. More
enraged at the obduracy of these extortioners, than at what was taken
for them, it was impossible, he said, they could be authorised by a
sovereign whose justice and lenity were incessantly vaunted. This
judicious reflexion made the strongest impression upon his mind, and
awakened all his natural courage. Immediately assembling a few of his
countrymen, who, like himself, were victims of the iniquity of these
petty tyrants, he communicated to them his suspicions, and his design.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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