1 84 STELLER'S JOURNAL 



mouth of the Kamchatka River was twice as near and our ship 

 hardly in condition to withstand an autumn storm, nevertheless 

 to set a direct course for Avacha Bay. With a light wind we 

 made such progress that in the afternoon we were in the strait 

 between Bering Island and the island five versts^^^ opposite to 

 the east and parallel with it, and by evening we had reached the 

 southeastern end of our island. This day 4"*^ was enjoyed very 

 much, as in the clear and pleasant weather we coasted along the 

 island, on which we knew every mountain and valley which with 

 much toil we had climbed so often in search of food or on some 

 other reconnaissance and to which we had given names from 

 various circumstances.^^" Late in the evening we had come, God 

 be praised, so far that we were opposite the extreme point of the 

 island. 



On Sunday, the 15th, the wind was light during the forenoon, 

 and the southern side of the island was still in sight. Towards 

 evening the wind increased in force, and, after we had cut adrift 

 the large ship's yawl^^^ that had till now done us so much service 



is termed the "southern" point. Cape Manati of course is meant (see 

 PI. II). The name was given at this time (see 12 m. entry of that date 

 in the log book). 



448 The MS has more correctly five miles, i. e. German miles, 15 to a 

 degree of latitude. The shortest distance between Bering Island and 

 Copper Island is about 30 nautical miles (see, above. Fig. 15). Steller's 

 estimate of 5 miles is therefore one-third short. (J) 



449 The MS has "this afternoon." 



4M The MS has in addition: "and incidents." There then follows this 

 passage, omitted from the published version: "The grace and mercy of 

 God became evident to all, the more particularly [when considering] in 

 what miserable condition we came to this barren island on November 6, 

 how wonderfully we were fed, and how in spite of astounding toil we 

 steadily gained in health and became more and more hardened and 

 strengthened, and the more we gazed at it in parting the plainer appeared 

 to us, as in a mirror, God's wonderful and loving guidance." 



451 The published version has " Schiffs-Zoll. " The Z is a misprint for 

 J, as correctly given in the MS. 



In the log book (Vol. i, p. 245) this incident is mentioned under 4 

 p. M., August IS (astronomical date). This would be August 14, civil 

 date — the time according to which Steller reckoned. August 15, 1742, 

 is, however, correctly designated as Sunday. 



