There are few subjects more interesting to the student of history, to the politician, and to the merchant, than the first opening of an intercourse between two nations. That between England and Russia dates back more than three centuries, and may almost be said to have begun with the appearance, in the sixteenth century, of Anthony Jenkinson, ambassador of Queen Elizabeth, and agent of the Russia or Muscovy Company between the years 1557-72.

Before giving a sketch of his travels and services as they have been preserved to us by Hakluyt and in State documents, let us briefly glance at the still earlier voyages of Richard Chancellor. To Chancellor undoubtedly belongs the credit of laying the foundation of that commerce which became of such vast importance to both England and Russia, and has attained in our day so great a development. The story of his discovery of the White Sea, though often told, is yet so full of romantic interest, and so worthy to rank in the annals of his country, that it will bear repeating. After being parted from Sir Hugh Willoughby in a storm off the coast of Norway, he directed his course in his ship, the Edward Bonaventure, to Vardö, the rendezvous appointed in case of a separation.