Alyska. A kingdom of ice and Iron.

[Mightyboosh5]

Biggest short term winners in this and group that i'm most interested in seeing their development is for sure the tlingit. When the mongols abandonned the cities in the 1300s the tlingit probably doubled their population, gained new farming techniques, techonological advantages hundreds of years early. Probably most importantly theyve probably got a very mixed gene pool that can resist eurasian diseases far better than other amerindian nations.

Future conflicts in that area look like they will be very brutal due to the mountains and massive hinterland that insurgents could retreat into.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Biggest short term winners in this and group that i'm most interested in seeing their development is for sure the tlingit. When the mongols abandonned the cities in the 1300s the tlingit probably doubled their population, gained new farming techniques, techonological advantages hundreds of years early. Probably most importantly theyve probably got a very mixed gene pool that can resist eurasian diseases far better than other amerindian nations.

Future conflicts in that area look like they will be very brutal due to the mountains and massive hinterland that insurgents could retreat into.

Indeed the Tlinghit seem poised for future development. And yes they are far better adapted to European diseases than other native groups.
And yes the terrain will make conflicts very brutal and long lasting. Especially in a few hundred years...

 

[Count of Crisco]

Consolodation​

By the end of 1693 the settlement of Williamstad was mostly complete, homes, streets, armory and warehouses had been built inside a wooden stockade some three hundred meters in diameter. A small harvest of majubi had also been harvested during the fall which resulted in a meager return for the VOC which promised to increase with time. Much of that winter was spent by the settlers on improving their settlement. Notably expanding the area covered by the stockade significantly by some dozens of meters. Building of a battery of artillery which could cover most of the bay, now named Amerika Baai. And the construction of an improved gatehouse to serve as the entrance into the town. More land was also cleared for additional fields and future houses.

The VOC did not leave its newest outpost to its own devices and sent during the winter a series of vessels laden with further settlers and equipment that would prove helpful to the settlement. Several dozen Java and Sumatra natives were also brought along by the ships to serve as laborers and servants by the richer settlers. The ship would arrive in Amerika Baai in early March of 1644. Finding a settlement largely healthy and with few deaths despite the ravages of winter.

The new arrivals quickly meshed with those already there and soon the fields around Williamstad were filled with a second harvest of Majubi and a first harvest of Usagami was doing well. Though wheat was found to have some difficulty due to the short growing season. Necessitating the establishment of a large fishing enterprise using makeshift nets and the boats from an Indiaman in order to have food for the next winter. Even with this challenge the settlement managed to ship an impressive ten tons of spice by the end of the short Alyskan growing season. Fetching the VOC a very healthy sum which went a long way towards paying the expense of establishing a colony. Plans were also made by the governor of Williamstad, Peter van Creister, to learn what crops the Japanese grew instead of wheat to be planted the following spring.

Illustration of Williamstad about 1697.​

British Jealousy
​

The English East India Company was initially unaware of the Dutch settlement at Kabenoshima, however as new and exotic spices began to reach European markets aboard Dutch ships they quickly grew suspicious. Spies were sent out which soon found the source for the new products to be a distant land known as Alyska. And that the Dutch were trading with the Japanese, who controlled its source, for them. However the supposed distance from the Indies meant that the EIC made no effort to find the source for themselves. Contenting themselves with purchasing large quantities of the spice from the Dutch for sale in England and the American colonies.

In 1695 the English learned of the precise location of Alyska from a Dutch sailor. He agreed to guide a ship to the land. An expedition was hastily arranged and the Dutch sailor, Johanne Markweis, acting as second Lieutenant of the brig Constance which departed Portsmouth for Alyska in August of 1695. Over the next eleven months the ship would sail around the Dutch East Indies before making a final push through the Pacific for Alyska. Which they reached half starved on the third of July 1696. The area was surveyed, position taken, and some local plants and animals collected before Constance departed the area on the nineteenth of August. The ship would circumnavigate the Americas and arrive back in Portsmouth in May of 1687.

The British quickly put their plans for the establishment of a colony of their own into motion. Organizing a few hundred settlers, mostly convicts, and a number of ships during the next few months. The whole endeavor being placed under the command of Richard Harrison, a former Naval Lieutenant hailing from the American colony of New York who had for many years served as captain of a number of East Indiamen. His leadership would prove crucial in the survival of the colony in its early years.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Well I did it again. I managed to delete todays update. I am rewriting it now, but wont be able to post it tomorrow. It dealt with the troubles encountered by the British as they struggle to settle the island of Stuttland, OTL Vancouver island. Alongside Dutch plans to destroy them. I was also going to touch upon global events during the period, but that is now postponed for a few updates.

 

[Mightyboosh5]

Well I did it again. I managed to delete todays update. I am rewriting it now, but wont be able to post it tomorrow. It dealt with the troubles encountered by the British as they struggle to settle the island of Stuttland, OTL Vancouver island. Alongside Dutch plans to destroy them. I was also going to touch upon global events during the period, but that is now postponed for a few updates.

I wish i could sad react to a post on this website

good luck tho take as much time as you want on the updates

 

[Count of Crisco]

Struggles​

Settlers arrived in north America in the spring of 1697. Naming their settlement port Mary after the then Queen of England the English immediately came into trouble with the natives when a sentry fired upon a group of men approaching the settlement. Fighting then broke out between the two groups over the next few weeks, seeing a dozen English and an unknown number of native deaths and many injuries. The violence only ended with the Danish tagalong Ernst Rykers bringing the two parties together to come to an understanding. The English were allowed a small area along the coast to settle, and the native tribe (Either the Salish or Nuu-Chah-Nulth) given some firearms, blankets and the like.

Matters turned for the better soon however with the climate and soil of Stuttland (What the island initially called King Williams Land came to be known) proved much better suited to agriculture than the more northern latitudes of Williamstad. The first summers harvest produced enough grain for the year with some left over. Fishing and hunting in the surrounding area also gained a serious amount of meat and fur.
Things did not stay this way for long however, as a fire broke out in the settlement which killed twenty one people and destroyed most of the grain stores of the colony. As well as burning many houses and much of the stockade guarding the settlement to the ground right before winter set in. Things became all the worse when much of Port Mary caught dysentery. A further thirteen would be killed during the winter from both the dysentery and starvation before the spring thaw.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Short update today, next week should be a little longer and more detailed.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Reaction​

With the Dutch and British settlements growing their own spices and turning a profit for themselves the Japanese sale of spices to the Europeans began to decline noticeably. Initially the governor of Hinokoe'tochi, or Japanese Alyska, thought the sudden decline in spice sales was the result of a change in European interest towards other crops. He even approached Dutch merchants in Kabenoshima and offered them lower prices for Usagami and other spices. Only to be refused.

It was not until the early eighteenth century that the Japanese discovered the British and Dutch settlements to their south. And only then after the news had been told to them from a Dutch merchant who became drunk during a party. A party was hastily assembled to find the exact location of the settlement in June of 1703. Returning home saying that the Dutch had built a large settlement with many fields and strong walls (by this point it is likely that some of Williamstad`s walls had been rebuilt with stone) many people were seen within and without.

This enraged the governor of Umiyoshima who ordered the Dutch to abandon their settlement, as it lay in Japanese territory. A force was also assembled to attack the British settlement farther to the south consisting of a number of Samurai and conscripted infantry. The force even featured a sizable cavalry contingent and field artillery using cannon purchased from Dutch merchants.

The Dutch refused and Kabenoshima was placed under siege with many of the guns planned for the attack on Port Anne diverted to fire on the battlements of the Dutch enclave. However the fort guarding the island mounted guns of its own which were used with devastating effect against the Japanese. Similarly the lack of a Japanese naval presence allowed Dutch ships to sail at will in and out of the harbor. Allowing for resupply and reinforcement to come and go on a regular basis.

The Japanese army marched south slowly during the summer, Wintering near the current site of the city of Wintrand during the winter of 1703-04. Meanwhile the settlers in Williamstad, warned of the approaching Japanese by a ship from Kabenoshima began preparations to face the Japanese during the spring. The British were also warned, though port Anne was still in the grips of plague and unable to raise any serious defense.

A Samurai army besieging a castle. Men such as these would have comrprised the forces that attacked the Dutch and British settlements in north America.​

 

[Count of Crisco]

So next week expect a description of the Japanese attacks and a conclusion to the war. Also I am hoping that I can find time to work on some more maps and post them in the future.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Campaign​

Following the end of the winter of 1704 the Japanese army, likely numbering some two to three thousand men, under the command of Kaiygo Mutkoguma resumed its march to the south. Shadowed by VOC ships who kept both Williamstad and Kabenoshima aware of the Japanese movements. This allowed Williamstad to carefully prepare its own defenses with the walls strengthened, number of gun batteries guarding the settlement increased to four, and militia raised and trained. A warning was even issued to Port Mary of the impending Japanese invasion.

However even with these precautions and steps taken the Dutch were still at a decided disadvantage. With their forces comprised mostly of sailors and farmers with a limited stock of ammunition, especially for the ten field guns guarding the town which had at most ten rounds each. The lack of experience of the militia was also a sharp disadvantage compared to the seasoned troops which comprised the Japanese force.

Portrait of the general Kiagyo Mutkoguma circa 1690. Courtesy of the Posadka national museum.​

Once Kaiygo had come within fifty kilometers of Williamstad his forces began to be harassed by parties of Dutch militia and sailors who used ships to land troops behind his line and attack his rear. Causing significant losses to his baggage train, and a sharp decline in morale. The attackers never stayed long enough for the bulk of the Japanese force to be brought to bear and outnumber them. Retreating at the sound of shouting and horses. As the Japanese marched ever closer to Williamstad the number of attacks increased and losses mounted.
Regardless of these setbacks the Japanese reached the gates of Williamstad on the third of June 1704 and immediately encircled the town. Cutting it off from all hopes of reinforcement and burning the fields. Kaiygo sent an envoy into the town informing its inhabitants that they could live. If they agreed to leave Alyska and never come back. The Dutch responded by sending the envoy back out and letting loose a barrage of cannon fire into the massed front line of the Japanese army. Killing and wounding many. A Japanese attack on the gate was also thwarted with high losses before nightfall.

After several further days of pointless attacks and exhausting fighting the two sides settled in for a long siege. With the three thousand Dutch settlers huddled in their walls while outside the Japanese built a wall of their own around the town before constructing a fort of their own. Over the next month an additional six hundred Japanese troops reinforced Kaiygo`s army, replacing his killed and wounded. No major fighting took place during this time.

Stalemate
​

Over the next three weeks the two sides exchanged sporadic musket and cannon fire. However a lack of powder on both sides kept the fighting limited mostly to brief skirmishes beyond the walls and along the edges of the fort. Casualties remained fairly light on the whole during the period because of this. However rapidly diminishing food supplies on the Dutch side would soon force a move.
With supplies rapidly diminishing the Dutch militia attempted a bold attack through the gates on the 26th of June at two in the morning. Catching the Japanese sentries on duty by surprise and quickly overrunning the Japanese camp, sending fleeing men and animals in all directions. It would be a day before Kaiygo managed to bring his forces back together and move back into his camp, finding his supply train captures, horses slaughtered and structures burnt.

With the tables turned and the Japanese now being the side lacking food Kaiygo was forced into making a final attempt to storm the town. A huge push was made with most of his forces taking part in the front line. This left the general with very few reinforcements to back up or bolster his line, but had the advantage that he had more men in the initial attack.

Beginning on the morning of the 1st of July Kaigyo`s charge at it became known was a disaster. The by this time well seasoned Dutch troops easily fighting off the Japanese attack and then sallying out beyond the walls to hit the retreating Japanese rear. Which quickly fell into disarray and chaos. This time the Dutch did not allow the Japanese to regroup and small detachments of Japanese troops were caught and dismembered by the militia. It was during this period that it is believed that Kaiygo was killed, likely in a small skirmish in the woods some miles from Williamstad.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Well I think everyone seemed to like the update. If possible I will do more detail orientated updates in the future, if the subject is interesting enough.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Treaty of Williamstad​

By the end of July the Japanese learned of the fate of their army, immediately the Daimyo flew into a panic. Blaming eachother for the defeat, claiming their rivals had allied with the Dutch in a bid to overthrow the Tokugawa governor and declare a new Shogunate. This nearly led to a civil war in the region if not for the dual factors of the loss of their army and intervention of the Shogun Tokugawa Mitsusada who sent a contingent of troops and a letter declaring that he was personally taking charge of the Dutch problem. As a show of force some Diamyo were arrested for treason, most returned to their lands unharmed but two who had proven ties with the Dutch were killed.

Mitsusada`s appointed representative (Who`s name has been lost but was likely a cousin or other close relative) sailed down to Williamstad and approached the town gates with a small group of men. He announced in accented Dutch that he was there to ensure the resolution of the conflict in a way that both sides could agree on. Lacking the willpower to fight a second protracted siege the Dutch defenders agreed to enter negotiations and the two sides began to work with eachother. A representative from the English outpost of Port Mary was also fetched by the Japanese and brought to Williamstad.

A week later the three parties emerged with the so called 1704 treaty of Williamstad. More of an trade deal than an actual treaty the document, just five hundred words long, allocated large tracts of mostly uninhabited land to both the Dutch and English East India Companies for a rend of a few tons of trade goods, namely muskets, powder, and cannon and shot. This rent was to be paid in sums every year over a ten year period before a new rent was due.

With this agreement in place the Dutch were also allowed to keep the Kabenoshima trade outpost, with an increased rent put in place. However the VOC and EIC were both forbidden to base either men or ships of war in Alyska under penalty of the cancellation of their contract and expulsion from the region without hope of return. The Dutch also agreed to pay the families of the soldiers they had killed during the course of the fighting the rough equivalent of a years wage, due at the end of 1705 (Williamstad being unable to pay up front and the companies bank accounts half a world and several months of transit away) and finally the British and Dutch swore eternal peace and goodwill towards the emperor Higashiyama and japan as a whole.

The treaty would have dramatic ramifications for the future of Europeans, and the Japanese, in Alyska as it gave not only legitimacy to their claims. But also set borders and a diplomatic relationship with the cities to their north. In time trade would begin between the three groups and eventually Japanese farmers would move south to the growing number of foreign settlements to find work in the fields, factories and warehouses to be found there rather than live the simple peasant existence they otherwise would have if they stayed in the Japanese cities and countryside.

Both the Dutch and British settlements welcomed these newcomers and they found ready work waiting for them. Due to the overwhelming ration of men to women in the settlements many Europeans would take for themselves Japanese and native wives. Producing children which in Europe, or the more settled parts of North America, would have been seen as bastards and freaks, but in Alyska were accepted into society quickly. Finding a place for themselves as accepted members of the developing society of Alyska. Thus the Alyskan policy of racial mixing had very early roots indeed.

Japanese copy of the treaty of Williamstad existing in the archives of the King Francis I College.​

 

[Count of Crisco]

Well the Europeans now have recognition from Japan and the conflict is over with. Next week should focus on whats been happening in the rest of the world.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Working on the final parts of the weeks update and decided to update the TL as it now stands. Not many new entries but figured I would expand it to the present as things are about to get somewhat complicated as far as the TL goes...
New entries start in 1693.



1271
Kublai Khan, Grandson of Genghis Khan, is crowned head of Mongol empire.
1283
Colony city of Aguu Khan Khot (City of the great Khan) is founded in what would become Oranje bay on what was then known as Gazar Doorkh Gazar (Land across the waters)
1294
Kublai Khan dies and is replaced by his son Temür Khan as great Khan. One of his first acts is to abandon the colony of Aguu Khan Khot in an effort to curb the finances of the empire.
1299
Final merchant ship travels to the colony.A few colonists go back with the ship but most remain in the colony.
1300-1310
Poor harvest, frigid winters and disease all take their toll on the colony.
1311
The settlement is abandoned and the colonists disperse over the next few years into the native tribes where they assimilate and pass on some tech onto the natives. Such as metal working and agriculture.
1315
Rumors begin to circulate in Japanese and east Asian cities that Kublai Khan had a far away city which was the source of his vast wealth.
1345
Based on the rumors a number of expeditions were launched in an attempt to find the source of the Khans wealth. They are all unsuccessful and come back empty. However a number of the voyagers did notice that the land had massive fish stocks. Which over the following years are exploited in the establishment of a number of settlements and a large fishing fleet being established.
1364
The first settlement is established in what would become in time the city of Umiyoshima. Following quickly a large number of settlements are established along the coast and rivers and streams. These settlements grew and expanded gradually into large city states which were quite rough places with a reputation for lawlessness and elicit activity.
1375
Age of warlords begins as settlements of Alyska are taken over by bands of disgraced Samurai known as Ronin. Upheaval caused by their conquest leads to many fleeing Alyska and heading for Japan. Where they beg for help in ousting the warlords.
1430
An invasion of Alyska is launched from Japan with the intention of ousting the Ronin warlords. Largely successful many of the Ronin are deposed and their lands given to the Diamyo nobility. The new rulers of the city swear allegiance to the emperor and Alyska is officially brought into the Japanese empire by the edict of Kyoto.
1467
Many people are exiled to Alyska as the Ashikaga Shogunate attempted to bring all of Japan under its control during the Onin war. For the most part those exiled are those unlikely to threaten the stability of the regime but still those unwilling to swear allegiance to the Shogun.
1486
The Senso war begins in Alyska as a number of Diamyo exiled to Alyska revolt against the Shogun back in Japan. The Alyskan Diamyo formed a coalition and revolt. However in 1490 the shogun attacked with a large fleet in an attempt to awe the Diamyo of the region. The Shoguns fleet is sunk during the battle of Yukasabi and Alyska assumes self rule. Though still swearing fealty to the Emperor the authority of the Shogun is refused.
1492
Christopher Columbus sets foot in the new world. Many hundreds of thousands of Europeans follow. Exploring the new world, settling colonies and wiping out the natives over the next centuries.
1528
Incan empire becomes a vassal of the Spanish crown, agreeing to adopt Christianity and pay annual tribute to the Spanish in exchange for near total autonomy. Over time the empire modernizes and adopts more and more European customs and traditions. Abandoning some of their own beliefs and traditions in the process.
1547
Portuguese traders land in Japan. Ushering in a new era of European influence and trade with the broader world for the traditionally isolated Japanese empire. As trade with the empire grew Portuguese merchants began to hear heavily embellished tales of Alyska. Often telling of a land of giants, ice bears and abundant gold. Leading to the first European interest in the area.
1587
During Japans warring states period a massive invasion fleet is launched which roflstomp the alliance of Diamyo which by this point had begun to fracture. The new leadership of Alyska, now loyal to the Tokugawa shogunate assume control.
1626
The Dutch trading ship Hoogvlieger makes port in the city of Umiyoshima. She returns with tales of a large and well developed city with evident prosperity.
1663
The Tobu rebellion kicks off with the siege of Gureshima which sees most of the Tokugawa officials killed or sent back to Japan. Afterwards large armies were raised to defeat the Shogun army when it returned. Which it did in 1666, being dealt a serious blow by the forces of self declared shogun Azuma no Oji. Who then forced the reigning Tokugawa shogun Ietsuna to allow Alyska to run its own affairs.
1667
Azuma shogunate begins its rule.
1668
Dutch merchants are permitted to enter Alyska through the island trade outpost of Kabenoshima. Selling European goods in exchange for Alyskan foods, spices, teas and oil from the whaling industry.
1678
Ori dies and the Tokugawa return to Alyska. Reestablishing their rule by 1680, though they allow the Dutch to remain with some stipulations.
1681-84
Dutch ships explore the coasts to the south of Japanese settlements. Eventually finding a suitable sight for the establishment of a colony.
1692
Williamstad is established in a large natural harbor. The site will grow over the next decade to become a major sight for the production of native Alyskan crops which are then sold for a hefty profit in European cities all over the continent. Large numbers of Dutch settlers are brought in to allow the colony to have an independent population that will be able to provide its own defense in the event of a Japanese or native attack on them. A large fort is also built to guard the settlement.
1693
Williamstad is largely completed. With a large stockade surrounding the town proper. With farmland beyond that and a small port built.
1695
English East India Company learns of the location of the Dutch settlement in Alyska.
1697
Establishment of the English colony of Port Mary at the modern sight of the Stuttlander city of Elizabeth. Things do not go as well for the English as they had for the Dutch as the first several years of the colony are plagued by poor harvest, starvation, disease and conflict with the native tribes. Matter improve slightly over time however and the settlement slowly grows.
1703/04
Japanese learn of the presence of Dutch and English settlements in Alyska and launch an attack on them. Sending several thousand men south. Arriving outside Williamstad they initially demand the abandonment of the city. But after being refused they besiege the town and are routed by the defenders. Afterwards Japan recognizes both the Dutch and English colonies and agrees to not attack them again.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Пётр Вели́кий

​

Peter the Great was not a typical ruler. Ascending to the throne of the Tsardom of Russia in 1682 he traveled to western Europe in 1697 with the aim of enlisting allies in a planned war against the Ottoman empire. During this time he spent several months in Amsterdam and other Dutch cities. Learning much about the culture and ways of the "civilized" world during the period. He even spent some time in the shipyard of the Dutch East India company, then the largest in all the world, and helped in the construction of a number of Indiamen, of which the Peter and Paul was salvaged off Novoya Amsterdam in 1967 and is now a popular tourist attraction in a museum ashore.

Upon his return to Russia in 1698 Peter immediately set about a series of massive modernization and reform projects in an effort to westernize Russia. Many cities, towns, fortresses, armies, ships, universities and canals were constructed in this period and soon Russia was acknowledged as one of the most powerful nations on the continent.
It was during this period that Peter turned his attention away from the Ottomans and declaring war with Sweden. The great Northern war was nearly a disaster for Peter. With Sweden managing to fight off first Russia, then both the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and kingdom of Denmark-Norway before turning its attention back to Russia and alongside the Ottoman empire invading the Tsardom. Peter was forced to fight off the Ottomans before he could fight off the Swedes.

The battle of Poltava saw Charles XII of Sweden defeated and his army routed. Peter chased Charles all the way to the Finnish border before a counterattack by Charles drove the Russians off. Exhausted the two sides made peace. With Sweden ceding all territory under Russian occupation in exchange for a massive payment and agreement to respect the new border (surprising to many this promise was kept by Peter for the remainder of his reign) portions of Poland-Lithuania were also granted to Russia, though some territory in Ukraine was lost to the Ottomans.

Official painting of the Battle of Poltava, 1709. Despite the massive loss Sweden would remain a major power in the Baltic, and thorn in the side of Russia, for many years to come.​

Shortly after peter declared the Russian Empire, with himself as Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russians. This he did so in 1722 with a lavish ceremony in St Petersburg attended by a number of important foreign dignitaries and most of the Russian army. Which marched through the streets of the modern city for several days. More a change in title than one of any real changes, most of the serfs were still practically enslaved in the archaic fuedal system, the countryside remained essentially cut off from the cities which themselves were quite small by the standards of western nations.

Part of the reason for the change to Empire was Peters desire to repair his reputation, somewhat damaged by his lackluster leadership in the war and the poor performance of his new and untested army against both the Swedes and Turks. Various Nobles had begun to voice discontent and Peter needed to prove his control and ability to lead, though he did resort to simply executing a number of his more vocal opponents in April of 1723.

Peter would continue to reign as emperor until his death in February of 1725. Many of his policies and practices would be continued afterwards by his wife Catherine, who assumed the title of Empress after a brief coup by her bodyguard and "new men', officials who had emerged into provenance during the reign of Peter and who wished to see his policies continue. Subsequent rulers likewise continued to modernize and reform Russian government and society for much of the next century.

 

[Count of Crisco]

Next update, Russian Alyska!

 

[alltheuntold]

Excellent TL, I am really enjoying the unique storyline!

 

[Count of Crisco]

The far side of the World.​

Danish Born sailor Vitus Bering had served in Peter II`s navy for some years by 1720. Though he likely never saw combat (contrary to claims he made later in his life) during any of Peters wars with Sweden or the Ottomans. He nonetheless rose quickly through the ranks, receiving steady promotions to the point that he was a second captain in 1720. Prior to his service in the fledgling Russian Imperial Navy Bering had served on a number of Dutch Indiamen and possibly several Danish whalers. In the process he had sailed extensively throughout the known world from Copenhagen to Batavia and everywhere in between.

His travels were widely known within the Russian navy and government. Due to word of mouth, both Bering`s own and others. So much so that Peter himself summoned Bering for a personal audience as the war with Sweden was drawing to a close. In February of 1721 Bering met with the Emperor in his Monplaisir palace, still under construction at the time.

Bering left the meeting with a commission from Peter to sail aboard the fourteen gun sloop Chayka (gull) to the western shores of North America. At the time it was thought that the Americas were connected to Asia via a land bridge far to the north. And Peter wanted the bridge found and the land claimed for his growing empire. Initially it seems Peter had wanted Bering to travel most of the distance overland through Siberia. However Bering managed to talk the Emperor out of the idea citing the lack of suitable shipbuilding facilities and difficulties associated with such a long trek.

Bering left Saint Petersburg on the 22nd of April 1721 just after the final peace with Sweden had been made official. Over the next several months he stopped at Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Portsmouth, Cadiz, and Lisbon before sailing past the horn of Africa and into the Indian ocean. His visits to various European cities were meant to carry diplomats and goodwill from Russia to surrounding nations. Little mention was made of Bering`s true purpose.

By the end of the year Bering had made his final stop at Batavia before he essentially dropped off the face of the earth. Though Bering claimed to Peter that he had made the trip to the Dutch colonies early in his career aboard a Dutch ship such claims are almost certainly false as he joined the Russian navy in 1697, only five years after the establishment of Williamstad. Thus most of his course and speed towards Alyska was likely conjectural. Based mostly on educated guesses and what he had heard from Dutch sailors.

Wintering in a number of Chinese cities Bering set sail for the final leg of his journey in mid March of 1722. Finally sighting Alyska on April eleventh and making landfall on the twenty fifth. Over the month of May Bering attempted to find the land bridge to Asia, but upon being blocked by thick ice sheets he turned back for Russia on the sixth of June. He had spent less than two months sailing along the north American coast after almost a year at sea.

Bering and his ship the Chayka.​

 

[Count of Crisco]

In our Time Line Bering did in fact walk across Siberia to reach Alaska. I wanted to make full use of Berings skills as a navigator and sailor, though his first expedition may be longer than OTL.

 

[Count of Crisco]

No update this week. I have been busy with other stuff and just didn't have time. Next week is still haplening though.
In the meantime what does everyone think of the timing of the TL? Do they want faster pacing in the updates or are you happy with how its going right now?