So they
offered to sell it to the United States. But nothing came of it
then, and for some years the matter dropped, for the war came and
blotted out all thoughts of Alaska.
But now peace had come, and the subject was taken up again, and at
length the matter was settled. Russia received seven million two
hundred thousand dollars, and Alaska became a territory of the
United States.
A party of American soldiers was landed at the town of Sitka. They
marched to the governor's house, and there were drawn up beside
the Russian troops. Then the Russian Commander ordered the Russian
flag to be hauled down, and made a short speech. Thereupon the
soldiers of both countries fired a salute. The American flag was
run up, and the ceremony was at an end.
Thus another huge territory was added to the United States. But at
first many people were displeased at the purchase. It was a useless
and barren country, they thought, where the winters were so long
and cold that it was quite unfit for a dwelling place for white
men. But soon it was found that the whale and seal fisheries were
very valuable, and later gold was discovered. It has also been found
to be rich in other minerals, especially coal, and in timber, and
altogether has proven a useful addition to the country.
__________
Chapter 93 - Grant - A Peaceful Victory
In l869 General Grant, who had made such a great name for himself
during the Civil War, became President.
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