VI. POUGATCHEFF.


Before beginning the recital of the strange events of which I was
witness, I ought to say a few words about the situation of affairs
toward the end of the year 1773. The rich and vast province of
Orenbourg was inhabited by a number of tribes, half civilized, who had
just recognized the sovereignty of the Russian Czars. Their continual
revolts, their impatience of law and civilized life, their inconstancy
and cruelty, demanded on the part of the government a constant
watchfulness to reduce them to obedience. Fortresses had been erected
in favorable places, and Cossacks, the former possessors of the shores
of the Iaik, in many places formed a part of the garrisons. But these
very Cossacks, who should have guaranteed the peace and security of
their districts, were restless and dangerous subjects of the empire.
In 1772 a riot occurred in one of their chief towns. This riot was
caused by the severity of the measures employed by General Traubenberg
to bring the army to obedience. The only result of these measures was
the barbarous murder of Traubenberg, a change of Imperial officers,
and in the end, by force of grape and canister, the suppression of
the riot.

This happened shortly before my arrival at the fortress of Belogorsk.
Then all seemed quiet. But the authorities had too easily believed in
the feigned repentance of the rebels, who nursed their hate in silence,
and only awaited a propitious moment to recommence the struggle.