“... While Rumyantsev and Kruzenshtern were looking at the map, Shishmarev talked about sailing and maneuvering in the ice and ended with the fact that, no matter how you boast, they jumped the immortal Cook, but returned - they did not go through the North-Western route.< /p>

“Young kvass, unfermented,” Nikolai Petrovich laughed and said to Krusenstern: “It’s still not enough for young people, huh?” - And again he addressed Gleb Semenovich: - Not a single sailor can do without your map, sir. Is not it? And if so, then there is no point in angering God. Look, the English are really quick at it, and you know... However, this is a crowning subject for Ivan Fedorovich... Ivan Fedorovich, father, what does your Barrow write there? How are they doing, huh? <…>

Kruzenshtern talked about more and more English “attempts” to find the Northwest Passage. Rumyantsev nodded his gray head; Shishmarev listened, gripping the armrests of his chair, leaning forward. And as soon as Kruzenshtern fell silent, the count, blinking mysteriously at Gleb Semenovich, reached for the table on which lay a green morocco briefcase. …”

This publication is an abridged version of the book “Captains are looking for a way” (1959)