t vast territory to Muscovite occupation, and
gradually it has become known to the world as part of the Russian
empire.

[1] Translated by Chauncey C. Starkweather.

Nothing certain is known of the origin of the Cossack tribes, and no
final agreement has been reached as to the derivation of their name.
According to later supposition, their nucleus was a body of refugees
from the ancient Russian lands invaded by Tartars in the thirteenth
century. Some of those refugees settled between the embouchures of
the Ural River, others near the mouth of the Don. Driven by invasion
to form themselves into a military organization, the Cossacks of the
Don became a formidable confederacy. Since 1549 they have been under
the protection of Russia, and have rendered great service to the
empire.

Although they have always, since the time of Ivan IV, called the
"Terrible" (1547-1584), furnished valorous soldiers to Russia, the
Cossacks of the Don have often rebelled and disowned her authority.
Russian troops have frequently been ordered to exterminate them.

During the last years of Ivan IV these Cossacks entered upon that
eastern conquest which led to Russian expansion into Asia. Karamzin,
the Russian historian, is the most eminent authority on this subject.

Among the enterprising leaders of the Cossacks at this time were Iermak
Timofeif, John Koltzo--condemned to death by the Czar--James Mikhailoff,
Necetas Pan, and Matthew Meschteriak, all noted for their rare
intrepidity. The Stroganoffs, having heard of the terror inspired by
their audacity among peaceful travellers, as well as amid the nomad
tribes of the neighborhood, proposed an honorable service to these five
brave men. On April 6, 1579, they sent them presents, accompanied by a
letter in which they urged them to quit an occupation unworthy of
Christian soldiers, to leave the class of brigands, and to become
warriors of the White Czar, the monarch of Muscovy; to seek, in fine,
dangers exempt from dishonor, by making peace with God and Russia. "We
have," they added, "lands and fortresses, but few soldiers; come and
defend great Perm and the Christian countries of the North." At these
propositions Iermak and his companions shed tears of emotion. The hope
of effacing their disgrace by glorious deeds, by services rendered to
the State, the idea of exchanging the title of audacious brigands for
th