There is nothing that exemplifies more forcibly how little the active genius of man is deterred from the pursuit of interest by considerations of distance or of dangers; and, on the other hand, how little all the advantages of proximity conduce to enquiry, when the motives of interest are removed, than the fact that European nations were tolerably well acquainted with the intricate northwestern coast of the New World, while they still had but a very obscure and imperfect knowledge of the eastern coasts of Asia. The examination of those coasts. indeed, was chiefly to be expected from the Russians, who had not, however, as yet attained that share of nautical experience and skill which is requisite in a navigator who attempts to examine unknown shores. Yet the sovereigns of Russia were not indifferent to their interests, nor blind to the advantages that might result to their vast empire by the careful examination of its boundaries, and by obtaining a knowledge of the countries adjoining it to the south, particularly near the sea shore.

Mr. Joseph Billings, an officer who had sailed with captain Cook in his last voyage, was induced to engage in the Russian service, and was appointed by Catherine II. to descend the Kolyma, and to examine the northern coast of Siberia, from that river to East Cape. Two light vessels being built at the Kolyma, captain Billings embarked in the spring of 1787, as soon as the ice broke up.