No. 2, Stekin Territories

Since the despatch of my communication marked "Separate"
of the 23rd August last, there have been frequent arrivals from Stekin, but the complexion of the Mining intelligence is
not materially different from the reports then transmitted, of
the Miners who this season resorted to that Gold-field, a small
proportion have done well, but in the great majority of cases,
their efforts have not been successful.

With the exception of about eighty men who remain there for
the winter, the Miners have now all left that part of the country,
more, however, it is reported, from want of means to continue
their researches, than from despair of ultimate success, as they
propose returning thither in the Spring.

2. I have the honour of transmitting herewith, the Copy of
a letter, with specimens of the Gold, Silver, and Copper found at
Stekin, from Alexander Choquette, the discoverer of that Gold-field,
giving his opinion of the mineral resources, and describing the
character and agricultural capabilities of the Stekin Valley.
His letter is a useful communication, and not devoid of interest.

3. I have to announce the return of Her Majesty's Ships
"Hecate" and "Devastation," commanded respectively by Captain
Richards and Commander Pike, from a cruise to Stekin and other
parts of the Coast, to which they were despatched for the protection
of Her Majesty's subjects, and especially with a view to the capture
of several natives of the Chimseean and Sebassa Tribes, who were
accused of the murder and robbery of several white men, a service which was executed with much judgment and humanity by those able
Officers, who succeeded in apprehending two of the supposed murderers,
and they have been duly committed for trial.

4. Commander Pike also touched at New Archangel, (Sitka), and
was received by His Excellency Mr Furuhjelm, Governor of the
Russian Possession, with much courtesy and attention. The accompanying
is the Copy of a note from Mr Furuhjelm, in reply to my communication
of the 6th of August, which I had the honour of transmitting to
Your Grace with my Despatch of the 23rd of August.

5. I infer from the tone of that communication that no instructions
have been received from St Petersburgh touching the passing of
British Ships and property through the Russian Frontier, and that
it is not the intention of the local Authorities to interfere in any
manner with the rights now enjoyed by British Subjects, unless under
specific instructions from The Emperor's Government.