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Kamtschatka, with two little vessels which had been built ; one specially 
under his own command, the other under the command of his lieutenant, 
Chirikof. The two vessels shortly became separated, but in the end 
both captains sighted what is now known to have been the American 
continent. 
Chirikof regained Kamtschatka before winter, but Behring and his 
ship's company of 70 men or more were less fortunate. The part of 
the coast seen by Behring was near Mount St. Elias, where his people 
landed on an island, now known as Kaye Island. Little time was 
given to exploration, for, having delayed long in searching to the south- 
eastward of Kamtschatka for a mythical land existing only on the maps 
of the day, the scarcity of provisions on board his ship began to weigh 
upon the commander. After taking on board some water, and without 
even meeting any of the inhabitants, sail was again made for the Asiatic 
coast. It was already past the middle of July, fogs and storms delayed 
the navigators, and in endeavoring to make a westerly course they 
encountered the great southward-bending chain of the Aleutian Islands. 
Short stoppages were made at several of these Islands, which it is now 
difficult to identify exactly, but in (he end they passed clear of this 
archipelago and found themselves again steering westward across a 
trackless sea. The conditions were becoming desperate. Water was 
scarce and food was issued at reduced rations, while the crew were all 
more or less afflicted by scurvy. The commander himself had taken to 
his bed, and it is related that the two men necessary for the helm were 
led thither by two others scarcely in better condition than themselves. 
Land was at length sighted, and it was assumed to be some part of 
the peninsula of Kamtschatka. All the difficulties of the return appeared 
to have pissed, and for a brief period it was a time of congratulation 
and general joy. The vessel was already in a deplorable condition, and 
at a council of the officers it was decided that is would be necessary to 
land on the shores in sight whatever they might prove to be. The 
vessel was brought to an anchor, but before the landing could be 
effected in any regular way. a storm sprang up in which she was cast 
ashore, and though none of the cre>v were drowned, several of those 
already sick succumbed to the effects of the scurvy in the process of 
landing. 
