number, but generally a larger number answers the insult. This may continue until they have expended their stock, when they possibly come to personal attack, assisted by their allies of the tribe.
On the 26th of September, having completed our observations, we embarked the observatory, and moved down to the outer roads, in order to proceed to sea by a more direct channel. Before parting, the Governor gave an evening party and dance, to show us the female society of Sitka. The evening passed most delightfully; and although the ladies were almost self-taught, they acquitted themselves with all the ease, and I may add elegance, communicated by European instruction. Although few could converse with their partners, they still contrived to get through the dance without the slightest difficulty. Quadrilles and waltzing were kept up with great spirit, and I was not a little surprised to learn from our good friend and host, that many of the ladies then moving before us with easy and graceful air, had not an idea of dancing twelve months previous. I believe that the society is indebted principally to the Governor's elegant and accomplished lady for much of this polish.
This lady is of one of the first Russian families, and resembles the pictures of the empress. She accompanied her husband, enduring great hardships, through Siberia to Ochotsk on horseback or mules, in a most critical moment, in order to share with him the privations of this barbarous region. The lady of
