of orK^ of them are lost, and the crew of the other is to be seen
on the masft, but owing Jo the heavy sea, the Deal boats cou4d-
not go alongside to rescue them. — Eive, P.M. One of our
boatmen is just come down from the South Foreland,. and Jhe
aays that«t3 o'clock he saw some boats gt* alongside the ship*
wihere the men were seen, and bring them, off; but he could
aeenomenon board the other. i$hip, which. wrs boifI^ uniei^--.^
water. Wind N. and niuw moderate.-
^2.
my
*^
4682?
g
THE LO.'=^S OF THE
I
" List niglit and this morning it blew a very heavy ^alc*,
from S.W. to W.N.W. and day-light presented to our view a
most distressing scene ; three vessels on the Goodwin Sands,
with only their t'ore-masis standing, and a very heavy siir(
breaking over them, Vice-Admiral Campbell sent two gun-,
brigs and a cutter to anchor as near as pftssible, to render theni
tvery assistance in their power. Tin; vessels are a large brii:,
the Admiral Gardner and the Britannia, outward bound East
Indiamen, the crews of which it is feared are lost. Great credii
is due to the boatmen of this place, Broadstairs, and llamsgak
for their exertions, in endeavouring to save the lives of theii
crews; they succeeded in getting to the India~nen, and sum'.
of them are now (4, P. INI.) coming on shore with part of the
crews, both ot which are said to be saved, except seven of thi'
Britannia's, and three of the Admiral Gardner's men; some ot
the cargoes may probably be saved, but the vessels must inevi-
tably be lost.''
Much anxiety was entertained inconsequence of this imper-
fect information, which was considerably increased thenext day
by the following account :
" The Britannia and Admiral Gardner remain in the same s-
tu'dtion as yesteiday. The brig that was on the Goodwin Sand!«
is the Apollo, Captain Reddal, from London to Coracoa. She
drove on the Sand (*ar]y yesterday morning. At 10, A. INI. the
Captain and ten men took to the long-boat, which soon after
upset, and all perislied. One man refused to venture in thi
. boat, -AwA renuiitied in the rigging in that perilous situation ti!!
ten tf)is morning, when he was taken from the wreck, anc
brought on shore by sonie of the Deal boats, and is in afair wa^
of recfjvt rv."
The Admiral Gardner was not insured, the Britannia, w(
understand, for about 7,000/. They both had onboard aver
valuable cargo, particularly the latter, which, with the loss d
the vessel was estimated at 100,000/. The total losu of botl
was said to .be about 200,000/.
The following is another account which was received on tlu
27th of January, which, though in a great degree ^repetition 0:
the former, we think it necessary to give. \,
*' The effects of the gales of Tuesday night, theSl-th of Janu
ary, have been severely felt among our shipping ori the coast
Two very valuable outward bound East Indiamen have been to
tally lost on the Goodwin Sands, besides other vessels ; of whici:
we believe the following particulars will bg found to be accn
, rate.
' terta
Dow
lowii
to th
. the (
signa
Iiigh.
that
then
imm:
men,
,'Crew
•from
Brita
••three
thel
.been
ed ov
•servi(
•was \
;theE
♦•ave
and i
i)n be
" all tl
fsands
^hip!
Onore
<^n th
U 1
4
4wgge
•rende
^«^her I
imighi
I A
icalan
\ Tt
4he \\
I
iCavy ^al(»,
>iir view a
vin Sands,
heavy surf:
two gun-
OR(ler tlumi^
loiind East
jivat crt'dii
Rainsnati
.'cs of tlu'ii
J, and some
part of the
even of th«'
fi ; soine of
mist inevi-
this impei-
liencxt day
the same s-
dvvin Sands
racoa. SIk
), A.M. the
h soon after
ture in thi
iituation ti!!
wreck, anc
in a fairway
ritannia, \v(
)oard aver
the loss (1
js» of botl
ivcd on thi
repetition
Uh. of J anil
n the coast
ave been to
5 ; of whirl
to be ace 11
ADfflRAL GARDNER AND BRITANNIA. 9
rate.. On the evening mentioned, great apprehensions were en-
tertained for the fate of the Indiamen proceeding through the
Downs ; but nothing was known of their situation till the foi-
lowing morning, when a most distressing scene presented itself
to the spectators from Deal. Three large ships were seen on
the Goodwin Sands, -vithonly their foremast standing, hoisting
signals of distress, and the sea was dashing over them mountains
Iiigh. The crews were all collected on the poops, waiting for
that relief which the Deal boatmen seemed anxious to afford-
them. These men, by their indefatigable exertions, and at the
imminent hazard of their lives, reached the wrecks of the India-
men, and took out of the Admiral Gardner the whole of her
,«crew.
" The boatmen from Ramsgate and Broatl -stairs joined those
from Deal, and removed into their boats the people from the
'Britannia, previous to which this last ship had lost of her crew
••three Lascars and twenty-four seamen, and one died in. one of.
the Deal boats from fatigue.
** Of the crew of the Admiral Gardner, it is feared four have
.been lost ; for in the night one of the seamen having been wash-
ed overboard, the third mate and three seamen volunteered their
■services to endeavour to pick him up in the ship's boat,. which:
.was never after heard of. Other accounts estimate the loss of,
„the Biitannia at only seven men.
" We regret to state, that the boatmen were rot in time to
,iave a single man belonging to the third ship, (a large brig,)
-and all the hands on board perished. There were proper pilots
on board the fndiamen, but the violence of the weather baffled'
all their skill.
" The Admiral* Gardner was the first vessel driven upon, the-
fsands ; and as soon as the pilot of the Britannia foujid that that
|ship shoaled her water, he let go one anchor, and after that two.
(jmore, but such was the violence of the gale, that she was driven »
^n thesand with three anchors a-head.
, " Vice-admiral Campbell, at day-light, sent two gun-brigs, a
"Jwgger, and a cjLitter, to anchor as near as possible, in order to
•render the sufferers every assistance in their power. If the wea-
»^hei- abated soon, it was expected that pai't of their cargoet
-might be saved/'
4 A description of the sands where this much to be lamented
^calamity took place, cannot be unacceptable to our readers.
*: The floating light of Goodwin lies E. by S. by compass, from
jthe north extremity of tlie Goodwin, called the North Sand-r
A3 ' ..
10
THE LOSS OF THE
Head, at the distance of a little more than three quarters of a '
mile from the nearest part of the North 5«and-I'Iead, in about
nine fathoms the last water, and S.S.E. j E. by compass from
the North Foreland light, at the distance of about 7f miles,
and N.E. by E. | E. by compass, from the eastmost or lowest
South Foreland light, at the distance of about i3f miles. In
order to distinguish her from the two Foreland light^, three dis-
tinct lights ar. exhibited on board of her in soch a manner that
the middle light appears considerably higher than the two ex-
treme lights, forming an erect triangle, so that she can never be
mistaken for either of them ; and in addition to the three lights,
in foggy or hazy weathei, a large bell is kept constantly ringing
on board of her to warn ships who may hear it through the
fog, to apprise them that the lights which they observe arc
Bear the North Sand Head. The situation of this floating light
appears to be so well judged, that it will be impossible for any
vessel to get upon the North Sand-Head, or any part of tho
Goodwin, if those upon the look out are properly attentive.
The grand intention of the Goodwin lights being to keep ves-*
sels to the eastward of the Goodwin, all ships and vessels, there-
fore, coming from the North Sea towards the straits of Dover,
must be very careful not to bring the Goodwin light to bear
more southerly than S.S.W. of them by compass ; but on the
contrary, they should always keep the light rather to the west-
ward than the southward or eastward of that bearing, whik'
th€y are to the northward of her, and they will be sure then to
pass far enough to the eastward of her and every part of th<.'
Goodwin, by steering a S. by W. course by compass, after tlicy
pass her.
All vessels corning from the straits of Dover, toward tho
North Sea must be very careful not to shape a northerly course
until the Goodwin Light bears N. by E. by c mipass oftliem;
,jbut on the contrary, they should a ways kec p tlie light rather to
the northward of that l)earing th in to the eastward of it, while
they are to thesouihward of hyr, and they will be sure then to
pass far enough to the eastward of her, and every piut of th*
Goodwin.
Should any vessel coming from the North Sea lov/ards Dover
Straits be forcid by unavoidable necessitj, on account of tlie
wind or tide, to the hack of the (n)oilwin, or to the eastward
thereof, they have it in their power by a single bearing of ihc
Goodwin Liglit to anchor under the Norih Sand-Head in six or
Ueven fathoms water, clean ground, and ride there as saf(;]y as
Ihe light vessel doeskin order to which, they nuistkelf.
In 1727 they luiided at Kanistchatka, surveyed the coast, and
wintered ii\ that country. The ensuing year I hey discovered the
island ol St. Lawrence, and three smaller (mes not far from the
cast coast of Asia. The approach of winter, and the fear of be-
ing blocked up by the ice, obliged Beerings to think of return-
le
THE LOSS OF
1
I I
ing/and on the IStli of Septemb r he ag;iin reached the river of
Kamtschatka. They qifit-ted a second time the inhospitable
coast of that country on the 5th of June, 1729, but the wind
blew from E.N.E. with such violence that they could not get
out farther than 6S leagues from it. As they found no knd in
that space, thoy altered their course, doubled the southernmost
Cape of Kamtschatka, and cast anchor at Ochotzk. From that
place Becrings travelled over land to Irkutzk in Siberia, and
proceeded to Petersburg, where he arrived on the 1st of March^
1730.
On his return, Becrings declared, that, in the course of his
navigation, being in the latitude of between 50 aiid„GO degrees,
he had observed signs, which seemed to indicate that there was'
some c(»ast or land towards the east. This declaration was con-
firmed by the testimony of his lieutenants, Spanberg and
Tschirikoff, and they proposed a second expedition to Kamts-
chatka, to explore the regions which separated the Asiatic
continent from the north of America. The Russian govern-
ment, sensible of the importance of the project, acquiesced in
the proposal of BeeringS), who was appointed to conduct the
new enterprize with the rank of commodore, while his two lieu-
tenants were nominated captains under him.
On the first report of the voyage, John George Gmelin, and
Louis Delisle de la Croycre, both professors at Petersburg, one
of chemistry and natural history, and the other of astronomy,
had ofiered their services, which were accepted.. To these was
added the year following, professor MuUer, for the purpose of
writing a description of Siberia, and a narrative of the voyage.
Before the preparations were completed, Messrs. Gmelin and
>luller fell sick, and were left in Siberia, but their places were
supplied for the American voyage by profei>sor S teller, like* vise
a member ol the Academy of Sciences.
This second expedition to Kamtschatka embraced in its plan
two voyages, one by the east and the other by the south. Cap-
tain Spanberg was cliarged with the former, the object of v/iiich
wab Japan. Beerings reserved the other for himselt, and Captain
TsehirikolF; and their ccv.r.mifcsion was to explore the coiists of
the American continent.
At the commencement of 1733, Bcerings and Spanberg left
Petersburg, to hasten the preparations for their expedition, but
ytt these advanc(d very slowly. After tive years, however, of
anxious expectation, Spanberg set out on the voyage to Japan.
The eciuipnient of iiis vessel had exhuusted the gciierai magaaine
.'at
fstc
Una
IM
^>
;" ar
■' thl
: llJl
' tj
^ k
"T^'
THE SAINT PETER.
13
at Ochotzk, and two years passed away before a fresh supply of
1 the river of
inhospitable
but the wind
"uld not get
^ no hind in
outhenimost
■from that
Siberia, and
St of March^
ourse of his
(^0 degrees,
t there was-
'on was con-
inberg and
to Kamts-
'le Asiatic
an govern-
luiesced in
onduct the
s two lieu.
n^'Iin, and
sburg, one
istronoiny,
these was
Hirposc of
le voyage,
•nt'iin and
Lces were
, like- vise
^ its plan
'^' Cap-
"f v/hich.
Captain
^Okiata of
•*-rg Jcft
ion, but
^'ver, of
Jttpan.
agasiiif;
ipl(
Bt
ings
terval was
in constructing vessels of a greater burthen and stronger
than Spanberg's, that they might be able to resist the tempests,
and even ^he ice of those inclement latitudes. One was called
the St. Pv»tcr and the other the St. Paul.
The commodore having dispatched the pilot Jelangin, about
the middle offiutumn, 1739» to the east coast of Kamtschatka,
to visit the gulf of Awatschka, and to chuse a commodious place
for wintering and erecting a store-house and habitation; he
soon returned with an account that he had found a bay in the
river of Awatschka, very favourably situated for Beering's pur-
pose. The following spring, Messrs. Delisle de la Croycre and
bteller repaired to Ochotzk, and by Midsummer, 1740, all the
crews were complete. They resolved to take advantage of the
remainder of the season to reach Kamtschatka, but it was the
fourth of September, before they set sail. Commodore Beerings
went on board the St. Peter, and Captain Tschirikoft' took the
command of the St. Paul. Two other vessels carried the pro-
visions, and another had on board the academicians and their
baggage.
On the 27 th of September, the squadron having passed the
streight, which separates thesouthernmost point of Kamtschatka
from the first of the Kurile islands, and where the St. Peter was
several times on the point of being lost, fortunately entered the
port of Awatschka. Here they passed the winter, and the first
commodore was so well pleased with the advantages which (his
situation afforded, that he named it the Harbour of St. Peter
and St. Paul.
A few dayi previous to their departure, Beerings called a
council, in which it was resolved, first to go in quest of the land
laid down in the chart as having been seen by John de Gama.
It was likewise agreed that the two academicians should go on
board the two principal vessels, upon which M. Steller removed
into the St. Peter, and M. de la Croyerc into the St. Paul.
On the fourth of June, 1741, the two captains set sail, steeHng
in the direction which had been agreed upon, till the twelfth of
that month, when, being in the latitude of forty-six degrees, they
were convinced that Gama's land did not exist, as they had met
with none during that run. They immediately put the. sliips
about, and stood to the northward to the fiftieth degree, with-
out making any discovery. They then agreed to steer eastward
for the American continent, but on the 20th, the ships were
separated by a violent storm succeeded by a thick fog.
u
THE LOSS OF
This disaster was the first which the two ships had met with
since their leavifig port. The idea of being deprived, during
ihe whole voyage, of the assistance they might mutually have
afforded each other in an- unknown sea, rendered this separation
extremely afflicting. It was, however, only a prelude to the
misfortunes which afterwards befel them. The commodore ne-
glected no means that could be employed iiv order to rejoin
Tschirikoff: he cruised for him between the 5Gth and'5)st de-
gree, firing guiis from time to time ; he even returned southward
as far as the 45th degree. All his solicitude was in vain, for
the two captains never rejoined each other.
Nothing of consequence occurred till the 1 8th of July, when
Beerings, still hoping to meet with the St. Paul, and continuing
Id steer to the northward^ perceived the continent of America.
By comparing the narratives of the two commanders, it appears,
that three days before, Tschirikoff had made the same coast only
about two degrees more to the southward. Beerings, wJio was-
in want of water,^ endeavoured to approach this coast, whoie
lofty, snow-clad mountains presented a gloomy aspects Having,
only light variable winds^ they could not reach it till tli« 20th,.
when they came to an anchor near an island of considecable
magnitude, at no great distance from a continent. A pro-
jecting point oi land \va» denominated^ Cape St. Elias,. and'
another, which was afterwards discovered^ received the name o£
St. Hermogene. Between them was a gulf, w.herc tiiey bopedi
to find sheker, in case the St. Peter should be oWigpdi by cir*
cumstances to seek a port..
Having cask anchor, the commodore sent Chftvoff, tfce mas-
ter, with a few armedimcn to survey the gulf, while another
shallop was dispatched in quest of water;. Steller went on
board the latter, and, in an island on which they landed, he
found several empty huts, whence it was conjectured, tliat.thc
natives of the continent sometimes visited it for the purpose of
.fishing. These huts were of wood, wainscotted with planks^
well joint'd together. They here found a box of poplar wood,
6. hollow ball of earth containing a small pebble, as if to serve
for a child's play-thing, and a whetrstone, on which were visible
the marks of coppc knives that had recently been whetted,
on. it.
SlelUr made several observations in the huts. He found,
among other things, a cciUar, containing smoked salmon and a
«wooth('rb, ready dressed for eating; in the same manner as
¥o^ela]i>lcs are^repai'uditt Kamtsehaitika. Tbore were likewise
<€or|
pre
betj
Hhej
!«ai
m. hi
sput|
wrat
xap^
«re
THE
iNT PETER.
H
i met with
^ed, during
tually have
; separation
lude to the
modore nc-
er to- rejoin
nd' 3 1 st de-
southward
11 vain, for
July, when
continuing
f America,
it appears,
coast only
rs, wJio was>
last^ whose
:^ Having,
il tk« 20th,.
onsidesable
t. A pro-
Elias,. and'
he name o£
^ey bopedi
jpdi by cir^
r,^ l^e ma»-
Ic another
r went on
landed, h«
j, tliat.thc
purpose of
th planks,^
>lap wood,
if to iorvc
ere visible
n whetted,
le found,
lou and a
(Uinnor as
"c likewise
^cords, grindstones, and utensils of various kinds. liaving ap-
proached a place where the Americans had been dining, they
betook themselves to flight as soon as they perceived him. He
Ithere found a dart, and an instrument for producing fire, of tht
Hsame form as those made useof in Kamtschatka. It consists of
-m board perforated in several places ; the end of a stick being
|)ut into one of these holes, the other extremity is turned back"
^ard« and forwards, between the palms of the hands, till, by the?
Tapidity of the motion, the board takes fire, on which the sparks
mre received upon some matter that is easily inflamed.
At a considerable distance was seen a hill covered with wood,
^here a fire was observed, and thence it was conjectured, that
atie savages had retired thith'T. To this spot Stcller did not
liiink it prudent to venture, but contented himself with col-
kicting plants in the vicinity. Of these he carried on board such
ii quantity, that it took him much time to describe them. A»
toon as a sufficient quantity of water was obtained, he was
obliged, though reluctantly, to return to the ship,
i The watering party related that they had passed two pla-
ces where fires appeared to have been recently made, that they
kftd observed wood which had been cut, and the track of human
Ifeet in the grass. They had likewise seen five red foxes, which
shewed no shyness or timidity on meeting them. They carried
■othingwith them from the huts but a few smoked fish, rcsem-
Wing carp, and which proved very good eating.
i To convince the natives that they had nothing to fear from
life strangers who had landed on their coast, the commodore
sint on shore a few presents for them, consji«>ing of a piece of
green cloth, two iron pots, two knives, twtf^nly gross of glass
beads, and a pound of tobacco, which, lie presumed, would
prove extrcmely acceptable to the savages.
On the 2 1st of July, Brerings resolved to set sail, and as had
been agreed upon at Awatschka, to run northward along tht
coast as high as 60 degrees, if possiblte. This design he was,
however, prevented from accomplishing, forlhe land was found
to trend away to the south-west, and their course was continu-
ally impeded by the islands with which the shores of the coiiti-
iwnt \Vvre lined almost without interruption. The Russians
now stood out to sea, and having been several days without see-
ing land, they, on the 30th of July discovered an island, to
#hich, from the thickness of the Weather, they gave the nanve
Foggy Island. The whole trtohth of August was spent in
"Ending oflfand on; in the mean time the cnrf(r btgan to be at-
s^
I
r
I
I
16
THE LOSS &c.
tacked with llie scurvy, and the commodore himself was in u
worse situation than any other.
Fresh water beginning to run short, the Russians, on the
29th of August, stood to the north, and soon discovered the con-
tinent. The coast, in this part, is extremely steep, and lined
with a multitude of islands, among which the St. Peter came to
an anchor. On the 30th, the pilot, Andrew llasselberg; was
sent to one of the largest of these islands in quest of fresh water,
He soon returned with two specimens taken out of diftereni
lakes, which was more or less salt. But, as there was no.
time to be lost, itwas judgcrl prudent to take in a quantity of
this water rather than be left entirely without, as it would sktvo
for cooking, and thus the remaining fresh water might be made
to last till they could procure a supply. All the empty casks
were accordingly filled with it. To the use of this water Stel.
ler attributed the redoubled attacks of the scurvy, which, at
length, proved tatal to a great part of the crew.
The vessel did not appear perfectly safe in this situation,
She was exposed to all the impetuosity of the south winds, and
ic
la
n\
|n
^n(
inc
trc
wa
tb
^^
\vi
Qb
iire
to the north, there was nothing but rocks and breakers. The JjHi
commodore, therefore, resolved not to remain long in this sta-
tion; but an unexpected circumstance detained the Russians
there longer than they intended. A fire having one night been
perceived in a small island to the N.N.E. Chitroff, who was thi'
officer on duty, represented the following day.thatw hilc the larger
boat was t-mployed in watering,the other might be sent to discovci
by whom the fire had been made. The commodore was then
confined to his cabin, and the command of the ship devolved Ik
Lieutenant Waxel. That officer, in the circumstances \mdci
which the Russians then were, would not permit the boat tc
leave the vessel. He conceived that if the wind should in-
crease, the ship would be obliged to stand out to sea, and, ir
this case, it was doubtful whether she would be able to retun;
and take on board the crew of the boat, who, by a contrary 01 .
too violent wind might be prevented from regaining the ship,
Chitroff, however, insisting, VVaxel referred his proposal to Beer-
ings, who decided that the former should be at liberty to go if k(
chose, and might likewise select any of the crew to accompan)'
him.
Chitroff, who was a courageous man, was flattered, with the
permission granted him. He took with him five men, well
armed and provided with various trifling articles to distribute
among the natives, whom lie might meet with. About noon,
on the 30th of August, they landed on the island, distant, b\
Jen
aa
.Ulil
^h
<:ii
THE SAINT PETER,
17
iself
was in
issians, on the
'vcrcd the con-
'cp, and linrd
Peter came to
asselberiir was
of fresh water,
>ut of dittereni
there was no.
a quantity of
it would 9cr\\'
light be made
e empty casks
lis water Stel.
rvy, which, at
this situation,
ath winds, and
Tcakers. The
mg in this sta«
I the Russians
lone night been
\\ who was the
hilc the larger
ent to discovc!
dore was then
ip devolved Ic
nstances undci
lit the boat tc
ind should in-
o sea, and, ii
able to return
a contrary oi
ning the ship.
:)posal to Beer
erty to go if kt
to accompan)'
tered.with the
five men, well
s to distribute
About noon,
id, distant, bv
If calculation, about fourteen miles from the ship. They
there found the yet unextinguished embers of the hre wiiich
^ad been made, but not a single human creature. In tjic after-
tioon, Chitroff attempted to return to the vessel, but a contrary
wind, blowing with great violence, obliged him to -cck shelter
in another island, by the side of the former. The waves threat-
ened every moment to swallow up the boat, or to wash away the
^en who were on board of her. This must have been their fate,
tad it not been for a sail which Chitroff hoisted in the niidgt of
the danger, and with which he ran right into tlic breakers. A
^emendous sea had filled the boat, when fortunately another
wave came, and carried her on shore with ail those who were
m her.
Chitroff had no sooner gained the shore, than he. made a great
^e, not only to warm and dry himself and his companions, but
Kkcwise as a signal to the ship to come to his relief. But the
tvind in the mean time became so violent, that the crew werf.
obliged to think only of preserving the vessel. They therefore
weighed anchor, and sought shelter behind another island.
Jjight an-ivcd, and Chitroff, with his companions, who had seen
||ie ship set sail, without knowing the intention of those ou
jioard, was thrown into the utmost perplexity.
4 The storm continued till the 2nd of September, when it at
length abated. As Chitroff did not return, Waxel, the next
day, sent the shallop on shore with orders if the boat was da-
.fiaaged to leave her behind, and return on board with the men*
^he had been too much injured when cast on shore by the
jlraves, to keep the sea ; she was therefore left in the island, and
ijphitroff returned in the shallop.
/^ The Russians instantly weighed anchor, but the wind be-
jjug contrary, they could not proceed very fast, and towards
jl^ight were again obliged to return to the islands. They had
f|hc same unfavourable weather on the 4th of September, .ind
irere compelled to return to the spot where they had anchored
|he preceding day. It blew a violent storm during the whole
ruight.
M III the morning the Russians heard the cries of men on one
j^f the islands, and likewise saw a fire there. Soon afterwards,
two Americans, each in a canoe resembling those of the Green-
Jamlers, approaclied tlie ship within a certain distance. By
*^;heir words and gestures these savages invited the Russian* to
and, and the latter, by signs and presents which they threw to-
.vards them, endeavoured, but without success, to entice thcin
B
IS
THE LOSS OF
ii I
I;
Ii!
into the ship. After looking some time at the Russians, they
returned to tlie islajid.
Bcerings and his officers resolved to venture to land, and for
this purpose the great shallop was hoisted overboard. Lieu-
tenant AVaxel, accompanied by Steller and nine men well arm-
ed, went into the boat, and proceeded towards the island.
Irhey found the shore lined with a range of sliarp rocks, and
the fear of being flashed against theirl by the impetuosity of the
wind, prevented the Russians from approaching nearer than
within three fathoms of the land. The Americans to the num-
ber of nine, appeared on the shore, and were invited by signs to
come to the shallop. But, as they could neither be tempted
by the signs tliat were made, nor the presents which were offered
them, 3nd still continued to invite the Russians to land, Waxel
put on shore three men, among whom was a Tschutski of Ko-
riak interpreter. They mooret a woman
lent habita-
ws nor any
ans, and at
le boat to
he chief of
randy, but
ige to him.
y out, as if
were using
n ; needles,
he refused
and Waxel
r. At the
een put on
letain them
return, but
le cable by
he was (IS
easily managed as one of their canoes, or hoping to dash her to
^ pieces against the rocks. To prevent their design, W^ixel cu
the cable. Tlie interpreter, meanwhile, intreated not lo be loft
behind. The Americans (lisrciiardinij all the siijns that were
made them to let him go, \Vaxel ordered two muskets to be fired
with a view to frighten them only. The success answered his
expectation ; the report re-eclioed by a neighbouring mountain,
terrified th€ Americans to such a degree, that they fell down on
the ground, and the interpreter immediately made his escape.
The savugis soon recovered from their panic, and by their cries
and gestures, appeared highly irritated. Waxel did not think
pro})er ton main there any l<)M«»(r, as the night was coining on,
the sea giew very rough, and the \etiS( 1 was at the distance of a
mile and a half.
Leaving the island, the Russians steered to the south, in or-
der to get off the coast. From this time till far in the autumn,
the wind scarcely varied, excepting between VV.S.W. and
W^N.W. Tt^is was a great obstacle to the speedy return of the
ship. Besides this, the weather was almost always foggy, so
that they were sometimes two or three wec^ks without seeing
either sun or stars, and consequently ' 'thout being able to take
the altitude, or correct their reckoning. It is easy to conceive
inquietude which they must have experienced, wandering
tlie
in such uncertainty in an unknown sea. " I know not (says
one of the oflicers) if there be a situation in the world more dis-
agreeable than that of navigating in an unknown sea, I speak
from experience, and I can say with truth, that during the five
months of our voyage, I had very few hours of tranquil sleep,
being incessantly involved in dangers and anxiety in regions
J^eretofore unknown.''
The crew struggled with contrary winds and tempests till the
S^th of September, when they again came in sight ', i the land.
To one of the lofty mountans which were discovered upon it,
they gave the name of St. John the Baptist. A brisk gale from
tlie south rendered it dangerous for them to remain near the
Coast, they Resolved to keep the ship to the wind, which soon
turning to the west, increased to a violent storm, and drove the
Vi^ssel very far to the S.W. This tempc st continued seventeen
days without intermission, and was so furious, that Andrew Hes
gelberg, the pilot, acknowledged, that, during the forty years
, in which he had served at sea, in various parts of thr world, he
|ia(l never seen any thing equal to it. They shortened sail as
|iiuch as possible, that they might not be Ccvricd too far; but
• I
•>«
20
THE LOSS OF
J
■ i
#i
1
(
iv>t\vit!iPtan(lin2; this precaution, they lost much way till the
j'2lh ol Octohrr, when the tempest abated.
The diseases, which already prevailed among the crew, be-
came worse, and the scurvy increased its ravages more and
more. A day seldom passed without a death, and scarcely
men enough were left in health to navigate the vessel. In this
melancholy situation they were undecided whether to return to
Kamtschatka, or to seek some port in which they might winter
on the American coast. The hiteness of the season, the want of
Iresh water, And the great distance from Petropawlowska, ap-
peared to render the latter measure indispensable. In a coun-
cil held on board, it was however, resolved to attempt the for-
mer. A favourable wind springing up, they set sail, steerincr to
the nortli at first, and after the 15th of October, to the west.
They passed an island to which they gave the name of St. Ma-
Carius, and on the 29th and 30th of October, they came in
sight of two others, which, by their situation, size, and figure,
they took to be the two first Kurile islands. This opinion caus-
ed them to steer to the north, instead of which, if they had con-
tinued to run to the west two days longer, thfy would have ar-
rived at the port of Awatschka.
1 his step was attended with the most fatal consequences.
In vain they resumed their course to the west; they were un-
able to discover the coast of Kamtschatka, and they had no
hope of reaching any port in such an advanced season. The
trew, exposed to the most intense cold and incessant rain, con-
tinue d to labour without intermission. The scurvy had made
such ravages that the man who guided the helm was obliged
to be supported to his station by two of his comrades, who still
possesed sufficient strength to keep their legs. When he became
miable either to sit up or to steer, another, who was in a situ-
ation very little better, took his place. They durst noi carry a
press of sail, because, in case of necessity, there was no person
to lower those which might be too much. The sails themselves
were so worn out, that the first gale would have torn them to
pieces, and there were not hands sufficient to hoist the spare
»ails which they had taken out with them.
The incessant rain, which had fallen till now, was succeded
by hail and snow. The nights grew longer and darker, and
their dangers were consequently increased, because they every
moment had reason to apprehend that the ship would strike.
At the same time their iresh water was entirely consumed.
The excessive labour became insupportable to the few hands
THE SAINT PETER.
21
way till tht
e crow, bc-
s more and
mcl scarcely
scl. In this
to return to
nijiht winter
, the want of
k'lowska, ap-
In a coiin-
rnpt the for-
1, steeling to
to the west,
I of St. Ma-
ley came in
, and figure,
pinion caus-
ley had ccn-
)uld have ar-
onsequences.
ley were un-
they had no
eason. The
it rain, con-
' had made
was obliged
es, who still
n he became
as in a situ-
noi carry a
IS no person
s themselves
torn them to
the spare
as succeded
darker, and
they every
ould strike.
f consumed,
few hands
who still remained in health, and when summoned to their
duly, they declared themselves incapable of any fiirther exer-
tions. They impatiently expected death, which appeared in-
evitable, to deliver them from their inisery.
During several days the vessel remained without a steersman^
and as if motionh'ss on the water ; or if she liad any movement,
she received it only from the impulse of the winds and waves,
to which she was consigned. It would have been in vain to re-
S(irt to vigorous measures with a crew driven to despair. In
til is extremity Waxel adopted a more prudent method, spoke
with kindness to the seamen, exhorting them not to despair en-
tirely of the assistance of the Almighty, and rather to make a
last effort for their common deliverance, which was perhaps
much nearer than they expected. With this kind of language,
hv persuaded them to keep on deck, and work the ship as long
as they weiv able.
Such was the dismal situation of the crew, when on the 4lh
of November, they again began to sail westward, without know-
ing either in what latitude they were, or at whut distance from
KiimtscluUka. They knew, however, that it was only by steer-
ing west, they could hope to re ach that country. What was
the joy of the Russians, when about eight in the morning, they
discovered land !
At tliis so much wished for sight, the seamen mustered up
the little strength they had left. They endeavwured to ap-
proach it, but it was still at a great distance, for they could only
perceive the snow-covered summits of the mountains ; and when
they had come pretty near it, night arrived. The oflficers judged
It-prudent to stand off, in order not to risk the loss of the ship.
The next morning the greatest part of the rigging on the star-
board side of the vessel was found broken to pieces. Nothing
more was necessary to render their misfortunes complete.
Wax(l having made his report of this new disaster to thecom-
iJnodore, received orders to assemble all the ofTicers, and to con-
•ult with them what was best to be done. A counr il was ac-
cordingly held. 11iey considered the danger to which they
were all exposed in a crazy ship, which it was no longer pos-
sible to navigate. They knew that the cordage which yet
remained whole, was as much worn as that wiiich had
broken, as the rigging was heard snapping every moment, and
even during the time of their diliberation. T\\q water dimi-
^nished everyday, and the sickness grew worse ; they had before
"►uffcrcd from the rain, but they now felt antch grcata iucon-
jj3
22
THE LOSS OF
venlcncc from the cold, vvliich, instead of becoming more mode-
rate, grew every day more intense. They determined, in con-
sequence of all these considerations, to disembark on the land
which they had discovered, as their lives would, at least, be
safe there, and probably they might tindsome method of getting
the ship into a place of safety.
The Russians, conformably to the decision of the council,
steered for the land, but only under the small sails, on account
i)i the weak condition of their masts. At fi\e at night, they
came into 12 fathoms of water, where they cast anchor, and
vtH'red away three-fourths of the cable. At six the cable gave
way, and the waves, which were of prodigious size, drove the
.ship against a rock, on which she twice struck, and yet the lead
indicated five fathoms of water. At the same time, the sea
broke with such fury against the sides of the vessel, that she
shook to her very keel. A second anchor was thrown out, but
the cable broke even before the anchor appeared to have taken
hold. Fortunately the remaining one was not in readiness,
otherwise, in this extremity, that also would have been thrown
overboard, and thus they would have lost all their anchors. At
the moment when they were busily employed in getting readv
the third anchor, a prodigious sea took the ship, and drove her
clear of the rock.
The Russians suddenly found themselves in calm water, and
anchored in four fathoms and a half, and about 300 fathoms
from the shore. The following day they went to reconnoitro
the coast. Providence had conducted them almost miracu-
iotisly to a place, which, notwithstanding the dangers with
which it was surrounded, was the only one where they could
■have saved themselves. The shore, every where else was ren-
dered inaccessible by rocks, which projected to a^reat distance
into the sea. Twenty fathoms more to the northward or south-
ward, the vessel would have been dashed to pieces, and all the
crew must have perished.
The winter was now rapidly advancing. The first care ot
tthe crew was to survey the country round the s.pot where they
%ad landed, and to choose the most commodious -place for fixino
irhcir quarttTs. Exhausted with disease and fatigue, they restec
lill noon, and then hoisted out the boat^^butnot withoiil
^eat difficulty.
On the 6th of November, at one o'clock, Lieutenant Waxol
«ncl Stcller went on shore, and found the land sterile, and co
Ygred with snow, A stream which issued from the mouutaiiii
i
>
i
4
; more mocle-
lined, in con-
k on the land
, at least, be
[lod of getting
the council,
, on account
t night, they
anchor, and
le cable gave
ize, drove the
d yet the lead
time, the sea
cssel, that she
rown out, but
to have taken
in readiness,
: been thrown
anchors. At
getting ready
and drove her
m water, and
1 300 fathoms
reconnoitre
most miracu-
dangers with
re they could
else was ren-
sreat distance
vard or south-
2s, and all the
ic first care oi
ot where they
)lace for tixino
Lie, they rcstco
t not without
itenant Waxcl
terile, and ec-
ho mouutaiii!
THE SAIiiJT PETER.
23
end fell into the sea not far from the spot, vras not yet frozen ;
its water was limpid and very good. No trees were to bo seen,
Tuor even any brush-wood tVir fuel ; the sea had, however, thrown
some upon the beach, but being concealed beneath the snow, it
could not easily be found. This account was not calculateil to
-produce the most favourable impressions. Where vyere they to
^procure the materials necessary for constructing habitations?
-where could the sick be placed in comfort? and how could
they be preserved from the cold ? Man, however, should never
abandon himself to despair, for the more forlorn his situation,
the more ingenious he is rendered by necessity. Between the
«and-hills, bordering the stream above-mentioned, were holes of
considerable depth ; these it was proposed to clean out at the
bottom, to cover them with sails, and thus take shelter in them
till they could collect a suflficiont quantity of drift-wood to
*erect huts, fn the evening , Waxel and Stellor returned to the
»ship to make their report to the commodore.
Immediately upon their return a council was called, and it
was resolved to send on shore the next day, all those of the
crew who were still in health, to prepare some of the holes for
the reception of the sick. This being done, on the 8th of No-
"Veniber the weakest were carried on shore. Some expired as
• *iloon as they were exposed to the air, even before they reached
'fhe deck, others upon deck, or in the boat, and several after
' they had reached the land.
On the yth *>f November, the commodore, well covered
«gainst the external air, was carried on shore fey four we^ on a
•*feind of litter formed of two poles, crossed with cords. A sepa-
"-tiate hole had been prepared for his reception. I'he business of
temoving the sick continiu'd every day, and not a day passed
'"without several of them dying. None of those who had kept
their i)eds on board the ship recovered; they were principally
■ those who out of intliiFerence to life, or rather pusillanimity had
Buffered the disease to get the upper hand.
•rhe sea-scurvy begins with extreme lassitude, which seizes
the whole body, renders the man indolent, disgusts hian with
"^very thing, eniirely directs his spirits, and gradually forms a
* Icind of asthma, which manifests itself on the slightest moveroont.
it usually happens that the patient prefers lying down to
-Avalking, and inthis case he is inevitably lost. All the mem-
I^M^-s are soon afflicted with acute pains, tiie legs swell, the com-
Iplexion becomes yellow, the body is covered witli livid spots,
'the mouth und gwms Weed, oikI the t^eUi grow iogsc. The pa-
\^
^^
tf-.
24
THE LOSS OF
i
tient then feels no inclination to stit, and it is indifferent to hiis
whether ho lives or dies. These different stages of the disease
and their effects were observed on board It was likewise n*-
marked that some of the sick were seized with a panic, and
were startled at the least noise, and ut every call that was given
in the ship. Others ate with a very hearty appetite, and did
not imagine themselves in danger. The latter no sooner heard
the order given for the removal of the sick, than they (juitttul
their hammocks and dresssd themselves, not doubting but that
they should speedily recover. But coming up from below, sa-
turated with humidity, and out of a corrupted atmosphere, the
fresh air which they inhaled on deck soon put a period to their
lives.
Those only recovered who were not so far overcome by tiie
disease as to be obliged continually to keep their beds, who re-
mained as long as possible on their legs and in motion. It
was owing to their vivacity,'and their natural gai'ty that they
were not dejected like the othere. A man of this disposition
served at the same time for an -iwample, and encouraged by liis
conversation those who were in the same condition. The go(ui
cftects of exercise were particularly apparent in tiie officers, vv Ik-
were constantly employed in giving orders, and obliged to be ou
deck the greatest part of the time, to keep an eye on what passed.
They were always in action, and could not lose their spirits,
for they had Steller with them. Steller was a })bysician ol
the soul, as well as oftiie body; cheerfulness was his constant
companion, and he communicated it to all around him,
Among the officers, the commodore was the only person who
sunk beneath the disease; his age and his constitution ren-
dered him more disposed lo rest than activity. He at lengtli
became so suspicious, and was so impressed with the idea tiiat
every one was his enemy, that at last, even Steller, whom lie
had before regarded as his best friend, durst not appear in his
presence.
Waxel and Chitroff remained in tolerable health as long a-
they were at sea. They remained in the ship till the last, re
solving that all the crew should be put on shove before they re-
paired thither tliemselves. They likewise had better accommo-
dations on board. "Hiis situation, however, had nearly proved
fatal to them, lither because they no longer had so mucli exii-
cise, or were exposed to the noxious vapours which ascemlod
from the hold. In a few days they were taken so ill that tluy
\fcre obliged to be carried from tiic ship to the shore, and will
t
^
The saint peter.
S5
ffcrcnt to hiia
of the disease
as likewise re-
a panic, and
hat was given
'tite, and did
> sooner heard
I tliey (juitted
btin? but that
oni below, sa-
niosphere, the
eriod to their
Tcome hy tlje
beds, who iv-
n motion. It
Kty that they
lis disposition
>u raced by liis
n. The goiul
le officers, w lu-
ll iged to be ou
n wliat passed.
their spirits
, physician ot
s his constant
around him,
y person who
kstitution ren-
lle at length
the idea that
ler, whom lie
appear in his
Ith as long a-
II the last, re
)efore they le-
tter accommo-
nearly proved
o much exer-
liich ascendeil
L) ill that they
,orc, and witi
tropci precautions on their removal into the air, they both rc-
Dvered. , -
I Beerings died the Sth of December, IZ^-l, and the island
}as called after his name. This officer was by birth a Dane,
rom his early youth he shewed a passionate inclination for
tng voyages. He had just returned from the East and VVest
idies, when he presented himself to the czar Peter, who was
en employed in creating a navy. In 1707, he was appointed
|?utenant, and in 1710, captain-lieutenant in the fleet of that
narch. Having been from his cradle in the sea-service, and
iild in all the maritime expeditions during the war with Swe-
diln, he had acquired great experience, besides the skill neces-
ilry for a naval officer. He therefore appeared worthy of being
telected to command the two expeditions to Kamtschatka.
J^t what a wretched end for such a celebrated man ! It may
Ipnost be said he was buried alive. Having been carried on
lore with the utmost precaution, he was placed in the largest
least incommodious hole, and a covering was carefully
dfected over him in the form of a tent. The sand soon brgan
to frll down from the sides of the hole in which he lay, and
Cflffcry moment covered his feet. It was immediately removed
t^ those who attended him ; but at last, he would not suffer it
''"' be taken away, thinking he felt some warmth from it, the vi-
heat having forsaken the other parts of his body. The sand
duailly accumulated, till it covered him up to the belly ;
tapA when he had expired, his people were obliged to dig him
ection the keel a»d sides wor«
aind to be broken to pieces. The water, which entered the
p and ra^ off below, had washexl away or spoiled tho
giifatest part of the remaining provisions, consisting o( flour, oafc-
Ifteal, and salt.
Situated as the unfoi-tunate mariners were, this loss was ex-
mely afflicting : but appeared much less, when they reflected
at the vessel, though much damaged, had beciji thr«wa upou
i
m
iti'i
"in
II
\* I
26
THE LOSS OF
and
nioi
tbsti
the sand at their foet, and not carried out to sea ; they still en-
tertained hopes, that even if she could not he got afloat again,
they might, with the materials, build a bark capable of carrying
them to Kamtschatka.
The events which had occurred since their shipwreck, had di-
verted the attention of the Russians from two important objects
in their situation ; in the first place to take a survey of the
country in which they had landed, and in the second, to pro-
vide for their subsistence. As the latter was the more pressiii;?
of the two, they immediately took it into serious consideration
after the loss of the ship. They were stUl ignorant whether
they had landed on an island or a continent, whether the coun- ^t
try vas inhabited, and were unacquainted with its animal and oj&i
vegetable productions. Having deliberated on these subjects, aiic
they resolved to begin with reconnoitering the country, and to^ crc
send from the east coast on which they had disembarked and gix\
settled, a certain number, selected from among the most vigo- io^i
rous of the crew, towards the north and south. Having pro-
ceeded as far as the rocks which projected into the sea, would
permit them, these men returned, some on the third, and others
on the fourth day after his departure.
After rec(mnoitering the island, they proceeded to examine tbipi
the provisions that had been saved from the ship. Having first cuti
deducted and stowed away eighteen hundred pounds of flour thii
to serve them on their piissage from the island to Kamtschatka, to t
the remainder was divided into equal portions. Though these (
"Were very scanty, and thirty of their number died during th^ir stV,
st.ay on the island, yet they would not have been sufficient but but
for the seasonable supply which the marine animals affbrdtd. chet
The first whieh served them for food were the otters. Their
flesh was hard, but they were obliged to put up with it till they
could procure some less disagreeable in its stead. Alter thty
had ceased to use them for food, the Russians killed apreat num-
ber of these animals for the sake of their beautiful skins, nine
hundred of which they collected duriru:; their residence on the
island. In the month of March the otters disappeared, and on I
were succeeded by anothei' animal called the sea-cat, and a 1- O
terwards by seals. Their flesh was (wtreniely disgusting to the dfea
Russians, who fortunately, now and then surpri:-v'd ayocun;' theii
sea-lion. The latter are excellent eating, but they never durst "Hie
▼enture to attack them excepting when asUep.
On the melting of the snow, about the end of March, 17-1<'2,
the Russians began to think seriously of their return. Being all
ca|>j
T
gust
of w
iri»n
day;
THE SAINT PETER.
thoy still en-
afloat again,
le of carrying
rr
vrcckjhad (li«
ortant objt^cts
urvcy of the
cond, to pro-
more prossin;:;
consideration
►rant whether
:her the coun-
> animal and
hesc subjects,
untry, and to^
nibarked and
;he most vio;o-
Having pro-
ic sea, vvouUl
rd, and others
d to examine
Having first
)unds of flour
KanUschatka,
Though these
I during th<'ir
sufficient but
Is afforded,
)ttei*s. Tluir
ithittill they
A iter they
a ^ rent nun\-
ul skins, nino
idence on the
ppeared, and
■a-cat, and al-
niBtiuii to the
rl-v'd ayocun:]!
y never durbt
Vlarch, 17-A2,
:n. Being all
;spmblod, to the number of forty-five, they took into consider-
jtion the means of returning to Kamtschatka. The state of per-
ict equality in which they had lived, since their landing on the
iland, produced a variety of opinions, which were warmly sup-
ported by those with whom they originated. Waxel, to whom
|(k; command, by right, devolved, conducted himself under thebC
arcumstances with great art and prudence. Without giving of-
^nce to the authors of the different plans, he opposed them to
Lch other, and destroyed them by means of a third, which he
rain overthrew by objections, which appeared, unanswerable-
It length, he and Chitroff, who acted in concert, proposed their
linion, which was to take tlie vessel to pieces, and to construct
||other of smaller size, but sufficiently spacious to hold all the
tibw and the provisions. In discussing the busijicss, they laid
eat stress on the consideration, that all thos<^^vho had sufferwl
;ether would not be separated ; that none would be left he-
ld ; that if a new misfortune occurred, they would be together,
id tiiat none of them would be exempted from it. This opi-
nion being unanimously approved of, a paper was drawn up to
tlutt effect, and signed by .all the crevv. The favourable wea-
^r at the beginning of April pcnmitted them to put it in exe-
c|ltion. Tiic whole month was employed in breaking up the
Sp, and the officers, by their diligence, set a laudable example
the rest.
On tbe ()th of May they began to work upon their new ves-
sel^ which was forty feet in length, and thirteen wide. She had
hilt one mast and one deck, with a cabin at the stern and a kit-
chen at the head. At the same time, they likewise built a boat
Ci^blcofholdingnincor ten persons.
^he vessel being completed was launched on the 10th of Au-
gust, and named the St. Peter, after the ship, from the remains
pi which she had been constructed. The balls and superfluous
if0n-work served for ballast. A calm, which continued six