234 FROM KAMTSCHATKA 



the boat would be seized by the breakers and over- 

 turned. The baydare in which our scientific 

 gentlemen were, had got on before us, and some 

 shots as signals of distress which proceeded from 

 them rendered our situation horible. We answered 

 them with a musket shot, but were not able to 

 go to their assistance. At last the .dawning day 

 relieved us all, we could observe the way we had 

 to take to avoid the breakers, and the baydare, also 

 contending against them, was near us. The sailors 

 exerted their last strength to push rapidly through 

 the surf, (the only means of passing without being 

 overturned,) and we were saved. The baydare, 

 which was made of leather, and consequently 

 lighter, got through with less trouble. We could 

 now see the ship distinctly, but the distance was 

 still two miles, and my exhausted sailors had 

 scarcely strength enough to row against the violent 

 contrary wind ; but at last this abated also, and 

 after inconceivable difficulties, we reached the 

 Rurick on the morning of the 13th. It is to the 

 courage of the sailors alone that we owe our escape, 

 and 1 am rejoiced in being able to declare publicly, 

 that during the whole voyage I have had reason to 

 be satisfied in the highest degree with the conduct 

 of all my crew. Their undaunted courage and 

 perseverance in the service has always rejoiced me. 

 Their behaviour was exemplary, and they evi- 

 dently strove, in known as well as in unknown 

 countries, to leave nowhere a bad impression. In 



