PREFACE.
Reading edition
The flattering requisitions of those readers who found amusement in the narrative of my former voyage, independently of its scientific details, form an incentive to my present publication. All mere nautical minutiæ, which might be deemed tedious, with the exception of such as were indispensable, have been omitted. Various contingencies have delayed the appearance of these Volumes; but I still hope they will not have altogether lost the charm of novelty.
With respect to my style, I rely upon the favour formerly shewn me. Devoted from my earliest youth to the sea-service, I have had no leisure for cultivating the art of authorship.
TO HIS EXCELLENCY ADMIRAL VON KRUSENSTERN, THE FIRST RUSSIAN CIRCUMNAVIGATOR; WHOSE NAME WILL BE IMMORTALIZED BY HIS ACTIVE AND BENEFICIAL PATRONAGE OF THE NAUTICAL SCIENCE: TO MY PATERNAL FRIEND, WHOM, WHILE STILL A BOY, I ACCOMPANIED ON HIS CELEBRATED EXPEDITION, AND UNDER WHOSE AUSPICES I RECEIVED MY EARLY EDUCATION AS A SEAMAN; THESE VOLUMES ARE DEDICATED WITH THE MOST AFFECTIONATE RESPECT.