Текст книги "Alexander I, Ivan F. Kruzenshtern, Yuri F. Lisyansky, Nikolai P. Rezanov. Polycentrism of a successful project. Essay (СИ)"

Автор книги: Vladimir Zalesski

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Zalesski Vladimir Vladimirovich
Alexander I, Ivan F. Kruzenshtern, Yuri F. Lisyansky, Nikolai P. Rezanov. Polycentrism of a successful project. Essay

Alexander I, Ivan F. Kruzenshtern, Yuri F. Lisyansky, Nikolai P. Rezanov. Polycentrism of a successful project. Essay

(Phased translation from Russian into English).

Vladimir Vladimirovich Zalesski

1.And whether there was Washington? Short preface

Almost 210 years have elapsed since the completion of the first Russian round the world navigation of Kruzenshtern (Krusenstern) and Lisyansky (Lisianski).

Many publications was written About this expedition (a bibliography is given, for example, in the books of V. M. Pasetsky and I. I. Firsov [1] [2]).

But, however, a well-known and popular theme has slippery fragments. Why do these fragments exist? The reasons are different. One of the reasons is a certain «loyalty» of the author to one of the circumnavigators.

However, even «equidistance» does not always add certainty, clarity, indisputability.

Another reason is the tendency towards «fictionality» of the first Russian round-the-world expedition. It seems that the author writes about real events, but – sometimes, perhaps against his will – the characters become characters of a legend or a fairy tale, and readers can only guess how things really were.

Like nobody would deny that Yu.F. Lisyansky met the president of USA George Washington.

But we open one of the books for children about I.F. Krusenstern and we read, that the president of USA George Washington met ... with Kruzenshtern. This book in the given episode about Yu.F. Lisyansky at all does not mention.

We read in detailed, information rich, books by E. L. Steinberg and I.I. Firsov: U.S. President Washington met Yuri F. Lisyansky. Moreover, this meeting occurred during a sufficiently long multi-episode journey. Kruzenshtern is not mentioned as a satellite Lisyansky in this journey across U.S. [3] [2].

But here's a new version. We open the book of V. M. Pasetsky. «Between the sailors, who later was to command the ships of the First Russian round-the-world expedition, established friendly relations. They visited the U.S.President George Washington. This meeting has made a lasting impression on the Russian officers» [1]. And what, with U.S. President met together both Kruzenshtern and Lisyansky?

«Having returned to hotel, Lisyansky first opened his diary: „... The president Washington was very kind to me. I am grateful to him for the rest of my life. I am convinced that he one of the greatest people. Its clarity and and favor in the course of communication are surprise“» [2].

The theme has another «turnover». The records of Heinrich Schliemann's diary about meetings with the United States Presidents. And the modern commentaries on these records.

«In December 1850, Heinrich Schliemann, taking with him $ 30,000 in cash (50,000 thalers), traveled to the United States via Amsterdam and Liverpool. (...) Schliemann's diary contains numerous descriptions. Biographers have proved that their basis was newspaper publications. The visit to the White House and communication with the U.S. President Millard Fillmore were completely fictional – Schliemann was neither known nor rich enough to be of interest to the President of the United States of America» [4].

Biographers Heinrich Schliemann more or less amicably are consolidated: a meeting with Millard Fillmore, allegedly, was invented by Schliemann. Schliemann was, it turns out, insufficiently significant person.

And the officer Yu. F. Lisyansky was not the highest military rank (at that time). But he was so considerable figure that had an opportunity to meet and talk to the U.S. President.

Suppose that U.S. presidents communicate with people of different social status.

Let's return to the descriptions of the first Russian circumnavigation. The bias of the authors, the ambiguity of the presented information: this is "bad" or "good"? More probably "good" than "bad": it means that the topic is still of interest, that the topic continues to excite new generations, that the topic is relevant and interesting.

After reading the various books about Lisyansky and Kruzenshtern, comparing the read, the author decided to present some thoughts, conclusions, generalizations in this essay.

The author did not put a task to realize some kind of «equidistance» in relation to two great circumnavigators. Though such «equidistance» – in an ideal – would be desirable. Kruzenshtern and Lisyansky come in a history as outstanding people. Kruzenshtern has made a lot of useful both for Russia, and for all world, and for a world science during round-the-world navigation 1803-1806 years and after its end. At the same time, if in the given sketch also will be shown certain «imbalance» in relation to the participants of round-the-world expedition, such «imbalance» will be, nevertheless, natural: on pharmaceutical scales (weighing machine) it isn't possible to weigh information, estimates and opinions.

2. "They project to navigation around the world", «to make more than Laperouse»

«Can you imagine not knowing how and not having the funds to build ships, they design to travel around the world. They have a shortage of everything: can't find for ocean voyage no astronomer, no scientist, no biologist, no decent doctor. With such equipment, even if the sailors and officers were good, what of all this can get good?.. In short, they undertake to make more than Lap;rouse, who met with considerable difficulties, despite the fact that he and his staff had much greater possibilities. Hope that it will ended well, and I will be very dissatisfied if we lose a dozen fairly good officers, whom at us not so that is a lot of» (From a letter of the Minister of naval forces of the Russian Empire to Ambassador in England (it is quoted on: [2]).

The world's first circumnavigation project probably was formulated and presented for consideration by Ferdinand Magellan on the frontier of 1400 x -1500 x (round the world navigation, the first in world history, organized by the Magellan, was held in period of 1519-1522 (1519-1527)).

Russia was not separated from Western European countries with an insurmountable wall. Anyway, information about the plans of the ocean voyages round the world, and on the implementation of these plans arrived to residents of Russia.

20 Oct 1696 Peter the Great made a proposal through the Boyar Duma: «Sea ships to be...». This date is now honored as the Day of Foundation of the Russian regular Navy [5].

The people, who had seaworthy knowledge of high level, and the professional fleet has appeared.

Since that time, the idea of circumnavigation clearly or latently present in the minds of the inhabitants of the Russian Empire.

According to I. I. Firsov, the first clear project of organizing a round-the-world voyage with the visits to Kamchatka arose from Vice Admiral Count Nikolai Golovin in connection with the organization of the Bering expedition (1732) [2]. At that time N. Golovin's project found no support.

Circumnavigation became real during the reign of Catherine II. The idea was supported by Alexander Andreyevich Bezborodko (1747-1799), the Secretary of the Empress. Vice President of Admiralty Board, count Ivan Grigoryevich Chernyshev began at his own expense in 1781 the preparation and equipment for circumnavigation.

Captain of the 1st. rank Grigory Ivanovich Mulovsky was appointed commander of this expedition. In September 1787 the ships of the expedition «were in full readiness to March». However, «September 7, 1787 issued a Manifesto declaring war on Turkey.» 4 Oct 1787, captain 1st rank G. I. Mulovsky asked for permission to leave the port for the start of the expedition. There was no answer. 28 Oct 1787 came the Empress's decree about the cancellation of the expedition. In 1789, during the naval battle with the Swedish Navy G. I. Mulovsky died [2].

In some literary sources the authors artistically conjecturing the thoughts and feelings of Kruzenshtern, Lisyansky, other sailors in connection with Mulovsky's (ready-to-be but unsuccessful) expedition. If you follow the path of art modeling, it can be assumed, firstly, that there «syndrome of Mulovsky» («may break at the last moment»), and, secondly, that «syndrome of Mulovsky» was one of the reasons for an independent (separate from Kruzenshtern) non-stop Lisyansky's ocean journey from Canton (China) to Portsmouth (England).

In 1796 ended the reign of Catherine II. After the failure of the expedition of Mulovsky real attempt to organize the circumnavigation was not renewed in period of the Empress.

Catherine II was replaced at the helm of state by Paul I (Pavel Petrovich). His reign was rather short and controversial. Relations with England became acute. Serious attempts to organize a circumnavigation were not undertaken in the period of his reign.

On 12 March 1801, Alexander I joined the Russian throne.

«Alexander I has put an end to the conflict in the relations with England and Spain – to the conflict, which has inflamed in recent years of the reign of Paul I. Alexander I signed at the same time confidential convention with France. This peace pause was demonstrating intention of Russia to withdraw from participation in Anglo-French military rivalry in Europe and to be engaged in the solution of problems of Russian economic life. This breather has been used for preparation and implementation of actions for strengthening of positions of Russia in the north of the Pacific Ocean and including for the organization of the First Russian round-the-world expedition» [1].

«In 1793, Kruzenshtern, Bering, Lisyansky and several other officers of the Russian Navy got a business trip to England. Mission lasted 6 years» [1].

Years of life of Ivan Fyodorovich Kruzenshtern: 1770 – 1846, Yuri Fyodorovich Lisyansky: 1773 – 1837. (We also inform you the years of life of Nikolai Petrovich Rezanov: 1764 – 1807).

During the «business trip», after the various events, Ivan F. Kruzenshtern has appeared in India, where he met with G. S. Lebedev, now recognized as one of the founders of Oriental studies in Russia.

«Having been called himself as Gerasim Stepanovich Lebedev, he began to tell story of his the extraordinary life. (...) Lebedev asked Vorontsov to seek permission to equip three three-mast vessels under the Russian flag from Calcutta to Petersburg. (...) Kruzenshtern long pondered about what was heard. His plan, initially vague and unclear, has taken on an increasingly distinct shape» [3].

«On returning home, the Kruzenshtern is going to present his note to the President of the Collegium of Commerce P. P. [P. A.] Soimonov (...) ...That Soimonov had put forward the idea about expedition of Mulovsky. Kruzenshtern was hoping to find in face of Soimonov the like-minded man... (...) However, the Soimonov went to Moscow and died shortly thereafter» [1].

Speaking about the project of Ivan. F. Kruzenshtern, V. M. Pasetsky remarks:

«Not by chance, that it was greeted by the contemporaries as pamphlet. TThe highest stately (official) figures of St. Petersburg haven't risked to report completely on I.F. Krusenstern's notes either to Paul I, or to Aleksandr I – they were so dangerous by the liberty of ideas. Moreover, they [Kruzenstern's note, Kruzenstern's proposals] have been withdrawn from documents of government agencies and for the first time were found in personal archive of the seafarer, when materials for the scientific biography of I.F. Krusenstern were gathering» [1].

Here is how V. M. Pasetsky describes the text of the project that was found in the personal archive of the seafarer: "A note to the Minister of Commerce Soymonov. Written on board the Bombay ship under the command of Hamilton, with the project of organizing a Russian expedition in the interests of trade developing and enriching the country ". The document represents a copy of the manuscript in French with the corrections Kruzenstern (...) " [1].

«The project of logistics (sourcing) of the Russian North American colonies by sea across two oceans» has been submitted to the Government by the Minister of commerce, the count Nikolai Petrovich Rumyantsev, famous the statesman of an era of Alexander I" [6].

3. Sphinx: one expedition, two circumnavigations. Plus the Embassy. Troyecentricity and energy of competition

Alaska – Aliska -Alooska...

Russian-American Company – is the creativity and is the exotica in the bureaucratic Order. A product of the unusual activity of the Emperor Paul I.

I will quote – almost completely – an article from the Great Soviet Encyclopedia (GSE) (1969-1978):

'Russian-American Company

a trading company established in Russia on July 8(19), 1799, for the purpose of developing Russian America and the Kuril and other islands.

The Russian-American Company's board of directors, initially located in Irkutsk, was moved to St. Petersburg in 1800. The company received exclusive rights to all natural resources within the lands under its authority. It also received the right to organize expeditions, settle newly discovered lands, and trade with neighboring countries. It established a number of permanent settlements in Russian America, as well as shipyards, workshops, and other enterprises. From 1804 to 1840, with the assistance of the Russian government, it organized 25 expeditions, including 15 circumnavigations (for example, by I. F. Kruzenshtern and Iu. F. Lisianskii); it explored Alaska and helped colonize the island of Sakhalin and the Amur River region.

From 1824 the Russian-American Company's board of directors was located at 72 Moika in St. Petersburg. The Northern Society of Decembrists often held its meetings here. K. F. Ryleev, the company's director in 1824 and 1825, also lived in this building.

Throughout its existence, the Russian-American Company sponsored geographic and ethnographic studies of Russian America-for example, by M. D. Teben'kov, V. S. Khromchenko, A. K. Etolin, A. F. Kashevarov, L. A. Zagoskin, and I. G. Voznesenskii. It helped introduce grain and vegetable cultivation and cattle breeding in several areas.'[7].

After reading these phrases, I want to jokingly comment:

'Some board (of directors)... What for board? And where nobility, where serfs?"

And a similar article from the GSE (1926-1947) adds:

'In 1812, near the Bay of San Francisco was founded the first Russian settlement 'Ross' (Fort Ross). In 1816-18 the Russian-American trading company did attempt to place settlements in the Hawaiian Islands.'

It is difficult to imagine the Gogol «The Government Inspector» (Ревизор, Revizor) or the poem «Dead Souls» in relation to San Francisco or the Hawaiian Islands.

I will hypothesize, that and a fast Khlestakov, and an advanced one in the task of Chichikov after a a multi-day journey of land and sea (or only by sea) would come to the destination by other people ('Whither, then, are you speeding, bird sailboat? Whither? Answer me!').

They (Khlestakov and Chichikov) and in the Ross settlement or on the Hawaiian Islands would not meet the people who appeared in the works of Gogol.

But not all at once, at first it is necessary to understand. Shares, furs, incomes ... At the beginning, it seems, has increased prestige ... First everything looked attractively.

And Alexander I began the reign with good hopes and plans.

Generally, the future was solar.

How difficult was a circle of the questions connected with the organization of the first round-the-world expedition it is possible to draw a conclusion, for example, from the following fragments.

"Alexander I created «the Committee of formation of the fleet». And the President of this Committee was appointed not Mordvinov, but – in defiance of him, – decrepit count Alexander Vorontsov, the brother of Ambassador in England.

The tsar has instructed committee – «to define any excess, to transform everything into possible brevity and clearness».

What did Vorontsov think up, who had not served even for a one day in the Navy?

"For many reasons, physical and local, Russia cannot be among the leading maritime states. Yes, in fact neither necessary nor good is not expected. The mighty and the our strength should be in the land forces... "

(...)

Winter London met seafarer with cold. Vorontsov was already aware of the purpose of Lisyansky arrival and has treated him coldly.

'Is it not too early to compete with the enlightened mariners, sir?' – skeptically said Vorontsov. – 'British sailors, as James Cook, are highly experienced and have great knowledge. Russia has no decent ships"'[2].

But the project of the first global cruise has been approved by the emperor Alexander I, and subordinate officials couldn't cancel this project. Haven't cancelled it and objective circumstances (as it has taken place at Catherine II).

Will make a few remarks, concerning the relation of the emperor Alexander I to the round-the-world expedition which has taken place during 1803-1806.

Alexander I in connection with the direction and return of the expedition behaved like a man of wide views and very worthy.

Firstly, he approved the project and facilitated the direction of the expedition.

Secondly, he agreed with the appointment the seafarers (Kruzenshtern and Lisyansky) the managers of ships; – the seafarers, who were able to cope with the task at hand – to go around the world.

Thirdly, equipping one of the ships he took on his own account.

In the fourth, has personally arrived to ships, to moment of starting of the expedition.

We will mention also the period after completion of an expedition.

Fifth, he personally arrived on «Neva», after returning the ship from the expedition. Respectfully tried the fleet food. «Having tasted corned beef, crackers, the tsar drank water, taken in tropics, and smacked his lips approvingly» [2]. At heart, probably, it was good; success was historical, world-level.

In the sixth, commanders of the ships of an expedition have received honorary and weighty rewards (awards, pensions, lump-sum premiums, assignments of the next ranks, appointments to worthy positions). Other participants of an expedition also have been awarded.

One expedition, two circumnavigations

Expedition – as the project and as an organizational action – there was one. But round-the-world floatings was two.

Initially the «Hope» and «Neva» ships have been loaded counting upon two rather independent ocean marches.

«Hope» under the leadership of Kruzenstern should reach coast of Japan and Kamchatka, but her visit wasn't planned for Alaska.

«Neva» under Lisyansky's guideline has been given a task to visit Alaska. As for Japan, swimming of «Neva» to coast of this country wasn't planned.

However after the solution the «Hope» the problems on Kamchatka and at coasts of Japan, and the tasks of «Neva» – on Alaska, they (both ships) had to meet in China, in the Canton.

After the solution of commercial tasks to continue a joint way to the European Russia, to St. Petersburg, to Kronstadt.

"The plan and a route of an expedition have been already finally defined. The government instruction assigned the following tasks to it:

To supply in the Russian colonies in America various goods, resources;

to transport from America to the Canton furs for trade operations with the Chinese merchants;

to deliver to Japan the Russian Embassy" [3].

«In floating „Neva“ was three full years, without two days. Ship have passed more than forty five thousand miles for this time. Two thirds of this way our sloop-of-war floated independently, without our co-seafarer „Hope“» [2].

"One more important circumstance the writer historian V. Nevsky in the book «First circumnavigation of the Russians» has allocated half a century back:

"References about the first Russian round-the-world travel had included a wrong tendency: to write about Yu.F. Lisyansky only as about I.F. Kruzenstern's companion.

However the provided data show that Lisyansky has fulfilled the most part of the floating independently.

Within 532 days of pure sea-floating the ships have passed more than 45 000 miles, and only 41,5% on time and 42,8% on number of miles fall on the part of a travel made by «Neva» together with «Hope», and independent floatings have taken significantly longer periods and distances: in percentage expression – according to 58,5% and 57,2%.

From 1095 days during which the historical journey continued the ships were in joint swimming only 375 days, "Neva" was in independent swimming 720 days that respectively makes 34,3% and 65,7%".

Thus, the commander of «Neva» actually made a voyage without Kruzenstern's guardianship and has made discovers and novations independently" [2].

So, an expedition as the project and as a certain organizational action, – one. And – two circumnavigations.

Plus embassy and scientific researches

The project wasn't limited to two round-the-world voyages. He also included the direction of embassy in Japan and carrying out during swimmings of scientific research.

"Also the Active State Councillor Nikolay Petrovich Rezanov has played also known role the organizations of a parcel of an expedition to the Russian North American colonies. Grigory Ivanovich Shelekhov was Rezanov's father-in-law and therefore Rezanov has been closely connected with the interests of the Russian colonies in North America. Rezanov was author of the petition for the highest name, filed in 1795, on the establishment of the Russian American Company. Rezanov was the representative of the Company in St. Petersburg for a number of years.

June 10, 1803 Rezanov was awarded the Order of St. Anne I degree, was granted the title of Chamberlain and was appointed envoy to Japan. At the same time, he received a rescript from Alexander I with detailed instructions on the exercise of his diplomatic powers in Japan. The purpose of the embassy was to obtain permission from the Japanese Emperor to trade Russian ships in the Japanese port of Nagasaki or to organize barter trade on the Island of Matsumae.

In the rescript addressed to Rezanov Alexander I wrote: «in Electing you to the feat, which promise the benefit to the Fatherland, both as the result of Future Japanese trade, and so in the discourse of formation American region, in which to you is entrusted the fates of the local inhabitants, I instructed the Chancellor to hand you a letter from me to the Japanese Emperor. I appointed Minister of Commerce to provide you with the proper instructions that are already approved me, in both subjects.»

With the Ambassador it was decided to send rich gifts to the Japanese Emperor and his chief dignitaries and also to direct a row of goods to start trade operations.

At the insistence of count Rumyantsev, Alexander I allowed to send the Russian Ambassador to Japan on the same ships that were supposed to deliver the goods in the Russian North-American colonies. With the Embassy, it was decided to send a scientific expedition to explore the coasts of the Pacific ocean" [2].

"Chamberlain Rezanov, one of the active figures of the Russian-American Company, was appointed as envoy to Japan. The first Russian round-the-world expedition turned into an important political enterprise. However, its main task, as can be seen from the «Instruction given to the real Chamberlain Rezanov», remained "the trade of the Russian-American Company ". By using financial funds of Company were purchased and supplied the ships for the expedition – «Hope» and «Neva». (In connection with the dispatch of the diplomatic mission on board of the «Hope», this ship has been accepted into the state account, including also biennial keeping of his crew.)

Were not forgotten and scientific plans. In the first government documents, in which was considered the main object of the expedition, were formulated the tasks of the scientific study of the Russian possessions in America. and other places, and countries, are required to visit the ships. To do this, was planned to include in the expedition scientist, naturalist, botanist, and several students mineralogists.

From scientists, whose circle was actually much wider, were expected: detailed descriptions of the visited lands and collecting collections of geological breeds, metals, soils, minerals, plants, seeds, animals, fishes, corals, sinks, insects, etc.

Each «thing» has to be described and numbered. Very the importance was attached to ethnographic researches, including studying of a way of life, customs, religions, crafts, art, dwellings, weapon, clothes, etc. Painters of an expedition were recommended to deliver sketches of panoramas of the Russian settlements in America and of inhabitant's suits.

The next task was allocated to production of exact meteorological observations – behind the polar lights (auroras) and others «noteworthy» natural phenomenas.

Doctors were supposed not only to study the diseases and their treatments, but also to do their utmost «to providing suffering mankind». In addition, in the case of favourable circumstances, was supposed to study North West coast of America" [2].

(...)

4. "Whether not early to be the Cook, the young man?" «We don't accord with Cook ...». In a rank of Ferdinand Magellan, Juan Sebastian del Cano, Francis Drake and other circumnavigators.

«After discovery of America (Columbus, 1492) and a sea way to India (Vasco da Gama, 1498), the most important geographical event of an era of great opening is the first global cruise made by Fernand Magellan. (...) The global cruise, the second after Magellan, has been made by the English privateer Francis Drake (1577-80). (...) During the second half of 18 century there are 8 round-the-world floatings: the English expedition of John Byron (1764-66) – the first global cruise undertaken for the scientific purposes; Wallis and Carteret's English expedition (1766-69); considerable French geographical expedition of Bougainville (1766-69); three round-the-world swimmings of James Cook; tragically terminated Laperouse's swimming; expedition of Vancouver (1790-92). In the first half of the 19th century 6 Russians of round-the-world expeditions are equipped: Kruzenstern (1803-06) ...» [12].

«We don't accord with Cook ...» [8].

«The round-the-world expedition made a lot of noise at first,» – Chichagov wrote the envoy in London to S.R. Vorontsov. – All the expeditions, ever made in the world till this moment, are presented in this one, without excluding also the Egyptian expedition of Bonaparte, which in comparison with this one is just children's game. Because that had with himself scientists, philosophers, and here one authorized Lisyansky and several pupils of one of our special schools replace with themselves all". S.R. Vorontsov answered in tone to the correspondent that visited him recently Lisyansky – no more as frivolous and excessively self-confident person. His name (certainly, as well as a name of Kruzenstern) won't be entered in one list with a name of Cook ..." [1].

«Not my fault if to me there are such wonders ... It is because I like to travel and eternally I look for adventures, and you stay at home and you see nothing, except four walls of the room» (Rudolf Erich Raspe The Adventures of Baron Munchausen).

5.Non-stop Seafarer Yu. F. Lisyansky. Between Drake and Blyth

Among the complex ocean voyages are both as circumnavigations (round-the-world voyages), and so sufficiently long-distance non-stop (without calling at ports) voyages.

Non-stop long-distance navigation is an excellent test of marine art.

Of course, the selection of non-stop floats as a separate kind (or class) is relatively arbitrary. Any swimming is in some sense non-stop. The basis for the application of such a term arises when a special goal is set: to pass a maximum, unusually long distance without calling at the port (without berthing).

To the non-stop navigators, probably, can be attributed and Francis Drake, and Yu. F. Lisyansky, and (no doubt) Chay Blyth.

Chay Blyth in 1970-1971 carried out simultaneously and round-the-world, and non-stop solo voyage on the yacht «British steel».

"The commander of "Neva" spends five days after separation from "Hope" in meditation. He remembers the story of seafaring since the time of Magellan, all round-the-world voyages of Spaniards, British, rather recent float of the Frenchman of Bougainville.

No, any of them hasn't made continuous swimming from east part of the Indian Ocean to coast of Europe. James Cook glorified Britain with two round-the-world voyages, Vancouver – a voyage across the Great Ocean, the French have made one voyage around the world. And in general, he does not remember that any of the sailors decided to float from Canton to England without stopping.

'Than worse we, Russians? – the Captain Lieutenant Lisyansky is set a question to himself. «Really we will miss the chance? And when it will falls out?»Besides, how many times did Lisyansky face court nobles and naval officers, who are treated with disdain and skepticism towards the skill and training of Russian sailors. Such as the brothers Counts Vorontsov , their friend Admiral Pavel Chichagov, which is obliged to care for the fleet. It is necessary to prove by an example to them what Russian sailors are capable of. The main thing is that Lisyansky considers it his first duty «to deliver honor and glory to the Russian flag» [2].

"Over 140 days the Neva passed without calling at any port and without anchor parking of 13923 miles. Usually, for such long voyages, seafarers prepare in advance and for more than one a month, carefully equip the ships, storing up provisions and water, and select the crew. When swimming «Neva» such training was not. The more important is the success and merit of the commander and his subordinates.

The long unprecedented transition of Russian sailors speaks of the excellent naval training of the commander and the entire crew. The voyage showed the knowledge, skill and responsibility of Lisyansky for the task entrusted. After leaving Canton, he did not anticipate such a test, but, as always, scrupulously prepared «Neva» to go to sea; «Neva» has already overcome 30,000 miles of navigation in stormy conditions and bad weather. Three and a half months the crew was in isolation from the coast – and no any complaint from the administrative board of the ship, no any discontent and complaints of subordinates.