Westward toward the Aleutians, where driftwood was scarce,
the Russians built their forts in one of two places: either a sandy
spit where the sea protected them on three sides, as at Captain Harbor,
Oonalaska, and St. Paul, Kadiak, or on a high, rocky eminence only
approachable by a zigzag path at the top of which stood cannon and
sentry, as at Cook's Inlet. Chapel and barracks for the hunters might
be outside the palisade; but the main house was inside, a single story
with thatch roof, a door at one end, a rough table at the other.
Sleeping berths with fur bedding were on the side walls, and every
other available piece of wall space bristled with daggers and firearms
ready {301} for use. If the house was a double-decker, as Baranof
Castle at Sitka, powder was stored in the cellar. Counting-rooms, mess
room, and fur stores occupied the first floor. Sleeping quarters were
upstairs, and, above all, a powerful light hung in the cupola, to guide
ships into port at night.
But these arrangements concerned only the Cossack officers of the early
era, or the governors like Baranof, of a later day.
Pages:
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389