When the Russian-American Company’s charter was up for renewal a second time in 1841, it was evident that Bishop Innocent and his church were playing an important role in the continuing transition of Russian America from a commercial venture to a settled colony. Many of the provisions pertaining to Natives in the third charter seem to have come from Bishop Innocent’s influence, if not outright from his pen. Force was not to be used upon Natives except as a last resort to keep the peace. Outposts were not to be established among Natives classified as “independent” without their consent.
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