P R E F A C E .
H E late Ruffian Dlfcoveries between Afia and
**■ America have, for fome time, engaged the attention
of the curious; more efpecially fince Dr. Robertfon’s
admirable Hiftory o f America has been in the hands of
the public. In that valuable performance the elegant
and ingenious author has communicated to the world,
with an: accuracy and judgement which fo eminently dif-
tinguifh all his writings, the moft exadt information
at that time to be obtained, concerning thofe important
difcoveries. During my ftay at Petersburg, my inquiries
were particularly directed to this intereffing fub-
jeft, in order to learn if any new light had been thrown
on an article of knowledge of fuch confequence to the
hiftory of mankind. For this purpofe I endeavoured to
col left: the refpective journals of the feveral voyages
fubfequent to the expedition of Beering and Tfchirikoff
in 174 1, with which the celebrated Muller concludes
his account of the firft Ruffian navigations.
Düring