When Peter the Great returned to Russia, he resolved to attempt the solution of these problems; and with his own hand drew up a set of instructions for the proposed voyage; according to these, the vessels to be employed were to be built in Kamschatka; the unknown coasts of Asia and America were to be explored, and an accurate journal was to be kept.

It is not known whether the Emperor was induced to plan this expedition solely on the representations which were made to him in Holland, or from a belief that the close vicinity of the two continents of Asia and America had already been ascertained, or at least rendered highly probable, by some of his own subjects.  It is certain that the Russians and the Cossacks in their service had reached the great promontory of Asia opposite to America; and it is said that the islands lying in Behring Straits, and even the continent beyond them, were known to them by report.

Peter, however, did not live to accomplish his design; and, as we have already noticed, his widow Catherine fixed upon Behring to conduct the expedition.  After building a vessel in Kamschatka, he sailed in 1728:  his first object was to examine the coast of this part of Asia.  He was the first who ascertained Kamschatka to be a peninsula, and he framed an accurate chart of it, which is still regarded as one of the best extant.  After reaching a Cape in north latitude 67 deg. 18’, and being informed by the inhabitants that beyond it the coast bended to the west, he resolved to alter his course to the south.  This was accordingly done, but he did not discover the opposite coast of America; several circumstances were noticed, however, which indicated that there was land to the east, at no great distance, such as floating pine branches and other species of plants, unknown on the coast of Asia; these were always driven ashore when easterly winds prevailed.  The inhabitants also informed him, that, in very clear weather, they were able, from the top of their highest mountains, to descry land to the east.

Encouraged by these circumstances, Behring resolved to undertake a second voyage from Kamschatka:  in this voyage he was accompanied by a Russian, named Tchirikoff.  They steered east, and first sought for land, which was said to have been discovered between the latitude of 40 deg. and 50 deg.; but finding none, they separated, and steering further north, the Russian discovered the continent of America in about 56-1/2 deg., and Behring 2 deg. further north.  On his return, the latter was wrecked in the island which bears his name, where he died.