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In the Swedish geographical journal, “Ymer,” 1884, there is an
interesting account by E. W. Dahlgren of the copies of Bering’s
chart in Sweden.
39. Gmelin: Reise durch Sibirien. Introduction.
40. Bering’s proposition was formulated as follows: (1) As the
waves, according to my observation, are smaller east of Kamchatka
[than in the open ocean], and, moreover, as I have on Karaginski
Island found large fir-trees washed ashore, which do not grow in
Kamchatka, it is my opinion that America or some intervening land
can not be very far from Kamchatka (150-200 geographical miles).
In case this is so, commercial relations with that country that would
be to the advantage of the Russian empire could be established.
This matter can be investigated, if a vessel is built of from 45 to 50
tons burden. (2) This vessel ought to be built at Kamchatka, as at
this place more available timber is found than at other places [on
the east coast]; moreover, provisions for the crew, fish and other
animals are easily obtained. Besides, greater assistance can be
obtained from the Kamchadales than from the inhabitants of
Okhotsk. (3) It would not be without advantage to find out the
sea-route from Okhotsk or Kamchatka to the mouth of the Amoor and
farther on to the Japan Islands, as we there have hopes of finding
inhabited regions. It would be well to establish commercial
relations with them, especially with the Japanese, which promises the
Russian empire no small advantage in the future. For this purpose
a ship of the same size or a little smaller than the first might be
built. (4) The expenses of this expedition in addition to the salaries
and the materials, which could not be secured there, but would have
to be taken along from here or Siberia, would, including the
transport, amount to ten or twelve thousand rubles. (5) If it is
considered advisable to chart the northern coast of Siberia, especially from
the mouth of the Obi to the Yenisei and hence to the Lena, this can
be done by sailing down these rivers or by expeditions by land, as
these regions are under Russian rule.
Vitus Bering.
April 30, 1730.
These propositions were first published by Berch in “The First
Russian Admirals,” and later reprinted by Sokoloff in Zapiski
Hydrograficheskago Departamenta (Journal of Hydr. Dept.), St.
Petersburg, IX., Appendix.
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