the favour of an alliance which was courted. The result of the whole,
in fact, was rather a loss than a gain, as a permission which had been
previously given to visit Nangasaky was withdrawn. Thus, says K., "all
communication is now at an end between Japan and Russia, unless some
great change should take place in the ministry of Jeddo, or, indeed,
in the government itself, and this is perhaps not to be expected." We
are told, however, in a note, that some revolution is understood
actually to have taken place after this visit, and that too in
consequence of this dismissal of the Russian embassy. This is said on
the authority of a Lieutenant Chwostoff, who heard of it from the
Japanese, when he visited the northern coast of Jesso in 1806 and
1807. But as no particulars are mentioned, and as, indeed, the thing
is somewhat unlikely, one may be allowed to call in question the truth
of the report. The Russians then, like, the Spaniards, Portugueze,
English, and Americans, have utterly failed in establishing any
commercial intercourse with Japan; and the Dutch alone, of any of the
European nations, have continued, by virtue of their _bowing
propensities_, &c., to profit by a direct connection with it.--E.




SECTION VIII.


Plan of our future Proceedings.--Course to the Southward, alone the Coast
of Kamtschatka.--Cape Lopatka.--Pass the Islands Shoomska and Paramousir.--
Driven to the Eastward of the Kuriles.--Singular Situation with respect to
the pretended Discoveries of former Navigators.--Fruitless Attempts to
reach the Islands North of Japan.--Geographical Conclusions.--View of the