Creole Privileges

Regulations and Privileges of Creoles

(Mixed Russian and Native Blood) Russian-American Company February 28, 1822

 

  1. Creoles will be encouraged not to follow savage ways
  2. Creoles who are not legitimized are citizens of the colonies and are therefore Russian subjects. They have all the rights of laws and must obey them
  3. Creoles must apply, in writing, to the Company Office in order to change residence. Transferring residences without permission will lead to a charge of vagrancy.
  4. Education:
    1. Creoles are obliged to the company for their education and must serve the company for twenty-nine years.
    2. Creoles educated to a craft at Company expense will fit into the following categories:
      1. From birth to age 16 they will be treated as apprentices.
      2. From ages 16 to 20 they will be assigned to occupations and will be provided with the necessities appropriate to the positions they occupy.
  5. Compensation:
    1. From ages 20 to 29 they are to receive salaries from $50.00 to $175.00 per year including clothing and food.
    2. Each Creole will receive 1/2 to 1 pound flour per month free.
  6. Rank:
    1. Creoles educated to an art or science will be treated as students:
      1. Each pupil will receive: one set warm gray woolen clothing, one set summer clothing made of ticking, 3 fur hats, 3 lined shirts, one cap, one set leggings.
      2. Each student will receive 10 pounds flour per month, five pounds of groats per month, and five pounds peas per month.
      3. Each student will receive necessary ink, pencils, etc.
    2. Creoles in the Company Service can become clerks or office managers.
    3. Creoles in the Company Service can, in special cases, be given privileges and titles.

      Those Creoles Who Do Not Enter Company Service
  7. Those Creoles not in Company Service may go in hunting expeditions with their relatives, but they must participate according to the rules.
  8. Those Creoles not in Company Service must not ask the company for assistance in food, clothing or other privileges.
  9. A charge of laziness or vagrancy on the part of Creoles not in the Company Service will result in one year’s service.
  10. Those Creoles not in Company Service will be granted free medical care in an emergency.