Nicholas I sends Rear Admiral Yevfimy Putyatin on the Pallada to open trade with Japan

Background. The Russian government revived Rear Admiral Yevfimy Putyatin's proposal to open Japan for foreign trade in 1852, following news of American plans to send Commodore Matthew Perry. This proposal received support from Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolayevich. The mission involved an around-the-world expedition through England, Africa, and Japan, with Goncharov invited to participate as a secretary.

Expedition. The frigate Pallada departed Kronstadt on 7 October 1852. During the long voyage, it became clear that the vessel was unsuited for the expedition. Consequently, the newer 52-gun frigate Diana was dispatched. The expedition included a continental leg through Siberia and the Urals, lasting six months, before returning to Saint Petersburg.

Literary Context. Ivan Goncharov kept a diary during the trip, sending notes home to friends. His literary studies began during the voyage, resulting in a suitcase stuffed with travelers' notes. These notes were later published in various journals, including Otechestvennye Zapiski and Sovremennik, and formed the basis for the book Frigate Pallada.