Page 11: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (January 1889)

II barred the way to the conquest of a vast territory was removed, opening an avenue to increased Empire.

After the survey of the Aral, only rendered possible by the con- that sea, and the long-deferred conquest of that section of Asia was, to all in- tents and purposes, accomplished.

In order to still further emphasize his gratitude, the Emperor caused

Mr. Francis to be created a Knight of the Royal Order of Saint -Stanislaus, one of the richest decorations in the gift of royalty. Following is a copy of the parchment: "We, by the grace of God, Alexander the.Second, Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russians, Czar of Poland, Grand Duke of Finland, etc., etc., etc. •*' To Joseph Francis, Citizen of the United States of North America: " The Ministry of Marine having testified to your particular services, we have graciously been pleased to nominate you a Knight of our Imperial and

Royal Order of Saint Stanislaus by an Ukaz of 7th November, i860, given to our Chapter of Orders, to the end that they do sign and seal this Diploma in witness thereof, and forward to you the insignia of the Order. " ST. PETERSBURG, this 10th day of November, 1S60.

No. 5,756.

Shortly after the securing of his patents in Russia Mr. Francis disposed of a portion of his corrugated system patent to Baron Rumin, Chamber- lain to the Emperor, covering Moscow and the Rivers Volga and Don.

After the contract was drawn, a request was made on the part of the

Baron to include the Caspian Sea, and to which no objection was made, as little value was placed on the Caspian at that time, on account of its shallow water and isolated position, no one supposing that a struction of these vessels, fortifications were constructed on the shores of [SEAL.]

The Vice-President,

Lieut.-General,

Grand Master of Ceremonies,

Member,

COUNT BORCH.

L'ECESUJSECETZ.

RHITROVO.

Ku, UYEY5EYUIVEL.