van announced to
the Cossacks his entire forgetfulness of their faults and the eternal
recognition of Russia for their important services. He affirmed that he
appointed Iermak prince of Siberia, commanding him to administer and
govern that country, as he had already done up to that time; to
establish order there, and, in fine, to consolidate there the supreme
power of the Czar. On their side, the Cossacks rendered honors to the
waywodes of Ivan as well as to all the strelitz. They made them presents
of sables and treated them with all the luxury which their position
permitted, preparing together for new enterprises. However, this
happiness of Iermak and his companions was not of long duration; we
touch upon the beginning of their reverses.

In the first place, a fearful scurvy showed itself among the troops, a
disease common to those who arrive in cold and damp climates, in savage
and almost uninhabited countries. The strelitz were attacked first. Soon
it was communicated to the Cossacks, many of whom lost their strength
and their life. Next, winter brought a great dearth of food. The
excessive cold, tempests, snow-storms, hindered the hunting and fishing
as well as the arrival of grain from the neighboring encampments, some
inhabitants of which occupied themselves with a poorly productive
agriculture. Famine began to be felt; disease made progress and
continually took off many victims, among whom was Prince Bolkovsky. They
gave him an honorable funeral at Isker. The general weakness seized the
heart of Iermak also. He feared not death, long accustomed to brave it,
but he was afflicted with the idea of losing his conquest, of betraying
the hopes of the Czar and of Russia. Happily this calamity ceased with
spring. The atmospheric heat helped the cure of the diseases, and
convoys of provisions restored plenty among the Russians. Then Iermak
made Prince Mahmetkul start for Moscow, announcing to the Czar that,
while all was going on well in Siberia, yet he asked immediately for
more considerable aids than the first, in order to preserve his
conquests and to be able to make new ones. Mahmetkul, faithful observer
of the law of Mahomet, served afterward in the Russian armies.

Iermak resolved to intimidate his enemies and to guarantee his safety
for the future. To this effect, although he had but a feeble troop left,
he undertook to pursue Karatcha, ascending the Irtysh in order to extend
the possessions of Russia toward the