Chinnikoff soon met with the punishment due to his crimes. The two
strangers were conducted to Petersburgh, where they were sent to the
academy, with proper instructors and attendants; and several young men
were, at the same time, put about them for the purpose of learning the
Japanese language.
They were thrown on the coast of Kamtschatka in 1730. The younger
survived the absence from his country five, the other six years. Their
portraits are to be seen in the cabinet of the empress at
Petersburgh.--Vid. Krascheninnikoff, vol. ii. part 4. Fr. Ed.
[91] Attempts have been made at different periods by the Russians to open
up a trade with Japan; and, indeed, one purpose of the voyage which
Captain Krusenstern undertook, was to conciliate the emperor or
government of that island. No one, who is at all acquainted with the
history of the people, will be surprised to learn that the Japanese
did not think themselves honoured by the embassy; that they even
refused the presents which had been carried out, and would not concede
the favour of an alliance which was courted. The result of the whole,
in fact, was rather a loss than a gain, as a permission which had been
previously given to visit Nangasaky was withdrawn. Thus, says K., "all
communication is now at an end between Japan and Russia, unless some
great change should take place in the ministry of Jeddo, or, indeed,
in the government itself, and this is perhaps not to be expected." We
are told, however, in a note, that some revolution is understood
actually to have taken place after this visit, and that too in
consequence of this dismissal of the Russian embassy. This is said on
the authority of a Lieutenant Chwostoff, who heard of it from the
Japanese, when he visited the northern coast of Jesso in 1806 and
1807. But as no particulars are mentioned, and as, indeed, the thing
is somewhat unlikely, one may be allowed to call in question the truth
of the report. The Russians then, like, the Spaniards, Portugueze,
English, and Americans, have utterly failed in establishing any
commercial intercourse with Japan; and the Dutch alone, of any of the
European nations, have continued, by virtue of their _bowing
propensities_, &c., to profit by a direct connection with it.--E.
SECTION VIII.
Plan of our future Proceedings.--Course to the Southw
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