ABSTRACT
Emperor alexander pavlovich (alexander i) of glorious memory, desiring to help in extending the fields of knowledge, ordered the despatch of two expeditions, each consisting of two vessels, for the exploration of the higher latitudes of the Arctic and Antarctic Oceans. Following His Majesty’s commands, announced on the 25th of March 1819, two vessels were selected for exploration in the Antarctic Sea, viz. the sloops Vostok (East) and Mirnyi (Peaceful), under the command of Captain (2nd rank—now Vice-Admiral) Bellingshausen. The corvette Otkryitie (Discovery) and the transport Blagonamyerenny (Well-intentioned), under the command of Commander (now Rear-Admiral) Vasilev, were selected for the expedition to the northern Polar Region.
