of kindness and good-will; and, after remaining with them long enough to make such observations as suited his designs, withdrew from them in the night.  The Japanese, finding that their visitors did not return, knew not what course to take.  In despair they manned their boat, and were rowing along the coast in search of a habitation, when they came up with their vessel, which had been driven ashore; and found Chinnikoff and his companions pillaging her, and pulling her in pieces for the sake of the iron.  This sight determined them to continue their course, which Chinnikoff perceiving, ordered his men to pursue and massacre them.  The unfortunate Japanese, seeing a canoe in pursuit, and which they could not escape, apprehended what was to follow.  Some of them leaped into the sea; others, in vain, had recourse to prayers and entreaties.  They were all massacred but two, by the very sabres they had presented to their supposed friends a few days before.  One of the two was a boy about eleven years old, named Gowga, who had accompanied his father, the ship’s pilot, to learn navigation; the other was a middle-aged man, the supercargo, and called Sosa.

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    previously given to visit Nangasaky was withdrawn.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