216 ON THE EFFECTING OF 



of almost every hoar's state of weather, wind and water is 

 recorded. 



Those circumstances I have laid down as a basis for 

 some observations, which I shall take an opportunity of 

 submitting on the subject ; which, from its importance, is 

 worthy of the most serious consideration, not only as it 

 regards the safety of the individuals engaged in the expedi- 

 tion, but as involving in its results matter of the weightiest 

 interest to the trade and general commerce of Great Britain. 



The importance of this subject has long since attracted 

 the attention of the autocrat of all the Russias, whose 

 government, doubtlessly envious of the preponderance of 

 the power of Great Britain upon the ocean, seeks the 

 most active and effectual means of anticipating her re- 

 search to countries hitherto unexplored by Europeans. 



It is well known that the Emperor Alexander has at 

 this moment some vessels, under the command of Lieut. 

 Kotzebue, who, having examined the islands in the northern 

 Pacific, between Kamtschatka and the North American 

 shores, is waiting in some station near Behring^s Strait, 

 for the opening of the ice in the ensuing spring, in order 

 to push his researches, if possible, across the polar seas 

 into Davis's Strait, or directly forwards, should circum- 

 stances favour an enterprize of such adventurous daring, and 

 reach by such attempt some port in the north of Russia. 



