The Express.
London, England, 1853-10-24 00:00:00

THE EXPRESS, MONDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 24, 1853.

(HE SORTH-WEST PASS.IOE.

1%, continue our publication of the Arctic de-
yo( Captain M'Clure
s3l
art indication of open water occurred to-day (July i
some distanec along the shore of Prince
pia'. Laud, m atet a mile in width; the ice in every I
imam
. rapidly deesyiug, being much ateelerated
ba 'set end rain, with a thernmeter standing at 43
o, ;r1 that by the 14th that which for the last few
gels Iss-1 'ten slightly in motion, with large a aces of w ,ter
r suddenly and noise:444y opened erased the
~..emg her in a pawl of forty yards; bat pectin no
,it of getting without its limits, we were compelled
N'carrot. tle g .0 which had for ten months befriended
; and, with the whole of the pack, gradually drifted to
io; ..athwanl, towards the Princess Royal Islands, which
‘. posed on the eastern side within half a mile. Upon
1::h. or Iv a.m , being among loose ice, we cast off
pun the g.e and made sail, with the hope of getting
spa Oar wasters shore, whirr the water appeared to be
bat without dipping the rudder, in dunsequence of
;74 76 dae vitiate of eeveral large floe', mod at 2 p.m.
mg,. «cared to a floe, betel, ea the l'rincess Royal and
Awls (we passed over a shoal having nineteen
Ism 0: the 29th at Irk a.m., • light air from the
gm' , eagle 'hocking the ice, gave hopes of making progress
• N.E., is which directros I was anxious to get for the
of ertering herons Strait, that, according to eir-
wg.;sace., 1 might be enabled to carry out my original
istrationsot procadiag to the northward of Melville bland
oa li:nied in nay lens r to the Secretary of the Admiralty of
J
s.! :.0. POO or, should such nut be practicable, return
▪ Lea.and through the Strait. The ship was cast cif, and
o sue :moot, when the wind died away, and we were
beset On the mousing of the 224 open water appear.
boil the N the rudder was shipped in esprit etion of •
WA, nut, however, realised until the afternoon
of :he ;rd, whin a Nth* S.W. wind set the ice to the
E . csrrying us over a shoal upon which there was much
ie.. and we gruunikil in Id fathoms: the corner or the die, to
a,hgt, wearers- atcachs d, r miag in contact with some of them
0,4., ease way, throwing pieces of 12 feet and 14 feet
span completely out of the Water. It grazed the hard
bottom with a ssomid not unlike distant thunder, all it
maid. erisinged, and upheaved, throwing an enormous
wool up in its metre. as if under the influence of volcanic
genes. sod theu rest 'smiths', the part we were secured
firmlrounded, hile he other and lih'er
pinwit., beieg breey dg onwards with acet g elerated speed, came
dine: air our unprotected stern. To let go warps and
moor• viva bat the worn of a minute, and ao.t &runs..
were we in ateemplishing it; as, tney could be got on
hoard. it struck the stern, forcing the snip ahead tit the
per of two knots. A small space of open water, necaooned by
the grounding of the Has, allowed of our advance ; when,
by "'ulnae and towing, we speedily got beyond its in-
Aseace. Had our position been len favourable, nothing
mid Lave saved the vessel from momentary destruction,
mail at 1130 p.m., with a breeze from the S.E., nude sail
thr.o:h large leads of water toward, the eastern side of the
mai,. and by the internam of the 'lick had nearly reached
Point Arington!, upon which the ice was resting, arid Our
tuut•r checked. 'Cher., was much driftwood on the beech,
made American pine. The cutter wit, consequently
despatched for a load, and some of the pieces appeared so
fresh. that Mr. Ford, the carpenter, was of opinion that
two pate is the extreme of their quitting the forest. The
wind verging to the westward during the night, set large
bodies of ice into the water we occupied, which was filling
ripid;y. To prevent being forced on shore, we were obliged
at a.m. of the 2.5 th to run into the pack. where we drilled,
seeonlino to the tide, about a mile lad a half front the beach ;
but daring the boars made about two miles and a half
to the N.E.. from which, I am of opinion, when taken with
the quantity of drift wood that is thickly strewed along the
beech, that on this ride of the strait there is a slight current
to the northeast, while upon the opposite one it seta to the
southward, upon which there is scarcely any wood, and our
progress, while similarly situated, was in a southern direc-
tion. We continued drifting in the peek, without meeting
Ley obstruction, until 10 am. of the lit of August, when •
gadder, and most unexpected motion of the ice swept us with
mach velocity to the nOrth•eaat, towards a low point off
which were several shoals, having many heavy pieces
of groanded ice upon them, towards which we were directly
entitty. decreasing the soundings from 24 to 01 fathoms.
Deur-scion was apparently not far distant, when, most
opportuuely, the ice eased a little, and a fresh wind coming
from the land, sail was immediately made, which, assisted
by warps, enabled the ship to be forced a-head about 200
yards that shot us clear of ice into 16, fathoms,
ta which water we rounded the shoals; the ice then again
closed. and the ship became fixed until the 14th, when the
fcg,which since yesterday bad been very dense,again cleared,
sad discovered open wane about half a mile from the vessel
with the ice loose about her ; at noon commenced warping,
and at d p.m. passed into it with a light breeze from the
northeast that carried us some distance along the eastern
shore. At 11 p.m., the fog was so thick that we were com-
pelled to make fast to a flue, having, while standing in shore,
'timed up the mud while in stays, shooting from no sound-
ings:li fathom, to a quarter less 3, which convinced me
of the impracticability of remaining under weigh, as had
we been set on the beach, the ice, which came in before •
freshening north-eater out of Barrow's Straits, would moat
effectually have detained us there Previous to quitting
the floe, I was desirous of trying what effect blasting would
base upon such • mass. A jar, containing 3dlbs. of powder,
was let down 12 feet into the water near the centre, the
•

swop thickset' was 11 feet, and its diameter
effti yards. The result was most satisfactory, rend-
ing it is every direction, 00 that with the greatest
um we mild effect a passage through any part of
h. Aug. 16.—At 8 a.m, the fog cleared a little, which
showed the base of the cliffs very close, altlionah we were
in 42 fathoms. Having water to the westward, we instantly
made sail in that quarter, and at 11 a.m. being unable to
see in any direction, again made fast, having carried away
the spankerhoom in breaking through • seek of ice, which
forced the vessel from the wind, causing it to jibe. Our
soundings increased to 62 fathoms, and the ice was lacer.
Wald to be setting bodily a nails and a half an hour to the
Ws-south-west, so that upon the weather clearing, at 30
minutes cm. of the 16th, we found the vessel bad been
drifted 15 miles to the south-west. As there was, however,
water to the eastward, every 'martian was made to reach
it by warping, and at 3 a.m. succeeded, working slung
the esthete shore to 'sesames what probability existed of
being stde to round the pack, and thus get into Barrow's
knits, from which we were sot distant man than 25
miss. At nine ass. all hopes disappeared, as a clear
nee from the crow's mot hemmed the ice to beelosely
pecked, rest's' spa Pala Lady Pim, extending in owe
unbroken line to the opposite side of the *trait. This de-
termined me to give up. all Am of peasseating our search
is this direction. Having bona foiled la attempting this
paw the latter end Moth meson, and at the commenee-
mat of another, l •Iwebisted It not practicable, except
ander the favourable alesamstance of a continuance of
senth-westerly wads, alga weald drive the ice into Bar-
tow's Strait, by 1 Meg., then would be little difficulty
ia eosin hem the midmost, from which quarter we
head the winds peevail. Oar greatest advance in that
dinghies was W. 73 13 43 N. long. 115 32 30 W. Ac-
esediagly, at 9.10 sm., we bon up with the intention of
ran* to the seathweed of Nelson's Head, and cnitithe
ese meek ay.g the western side of Barieg's Wald, with
Me hap of resins the estrum of Barrow's Strait WHIM
Nets ma, frees the report of Lieutenant Ceesewell, I alt
etsvinewdthat by Basks' Land there is a from the
Pas: Sea At p.m., passed the Peas= jd lamb
with • Ilse Wiese; not • wads st its Is larsr
&izNaha, whisk only a imath pei
sesesem hoes, sad heavy Milme lying NOW
their bess and urea the MINIIIMBII them, Irbil' IN
stasidered had beta there paqasa likely is Rids,
M many MOM • man lit bhp OINMe In hem
throws aeonthe imams lbws lasi webbed • se MN=
vestige of that -_names{ bed paved away,
ler early 11 swift bad MK an be its trammels. Ups
the 17th, while sea llidges's Sod, with a Sao bra's° gni
the senth-tut, we empsineed a heavy swell from that
thetti,a, causing the yawl to pitch the hawse-helm umber,
sad send the sea as far aft as the fore-hatchww, • eir-
emanate n unusual was hailed as a favourable save,
Wag a coaviscing proof that we were in much open water ;
sad, at 11.30 pia., rounded the heed. The land, for about
3d miles to the westward, is remarkably bold and lofty,
whew Cope Lambton, jutting out and rising perpendicu-
larly 1,000 feet, presents a grand termination to it in that
direetioa, whence it gradually recedes to the north-west,
where it lose* this bold character, partaking more of that
remarked in the Prince of Wales's Strait, being range, of
hills, gradually sloping from the interior to the shores, bev-
ies has valleys and extensive plains, several small and the
comiderable river, the water from the latter discolouring
he sm two miles from its mouth, likewise many email
him and harboun, which, however, would be only of
utility for boats, as a heavy surf was breaking across their
*strum ; much driftwood stzewed the beach, and the land
was well covered with verdure, upon which were large
locks of geese feeding, while ducks were flying in great
Istabers, and have little doubt that a walk a short distance
Woad would have discovered herds of deer and musk oxen.
Nothing that was on the coast could escape observation, or
saki anything be more favourable for the object we bad
view, as, with a fair wind and flue clear weather, we ran
gong it from the to two miles distant. At 4 p.m., of the
19th, being oft • very low spit of land (Point Kellett),
which extended to the westward for about 12 miles in the
bra of • horseshoe, having its sea side thickly studded
vith grounded in, while its interior wee exempt from aay,
I seat Mr. Court (second master) to examine, who reported
10 excellent and commodious harbour, well sheltered frail
NW. to south, varying five fathoms within tea=
the beach, which was shingle and covered with
A set of sights were obtained, and a cask, essisbdsgs
attic*, was left there ; its position lat. 71.66 31.•
twig. 125.29 W. From this the land turns abrupt*/
N. by E., and a great change takes plasm is
its general aspect, gradually becoming low Mil
fiat, so that near the beach it is scarcely discernabb
resembling separate sandbanks, but, upen dosing it, a low
spit, barely above the level of the water, was remarked,
connecting them. The lead may be considered an infallible
guide along the whole of this coast, as the soundinp ate
regular from 3 to 30 fathoms, at from one to four maes elf
shore. Cpon the morning of the 19th we left this low meth,
sod passed between two small islands lying at the enema
of what appeared • deep inlet, running E.S.E., sad this
taming sharp to the N.E. It had • barrier of ice 'mead-
lag across, which prevented any examination. Wishing to
keep between the northernmost of these islands and the
mainland, la avoid the pack, which was very near it, we
nareowiy escaped getting on shore, as a reef extended from
the latter to within half • mile of the island. Fortunately,
the wind being light, we rounded to with all the
madding sails set, and let go the anchor in 2i fathoms,
having about four inches to spare under the keel, and
*loped into four, while Mr. Court was sent to find a
Channel, whichhe succeeded, carrying three fathoms,

Omagh *Lie-Jaw. ma for one mue,ensi then eontinued our
course in eight, having from Mtge to four miles between
the ice and laud. At 8 p.m. were user two other islands,
the ice resting upon the westernmost, upon which the
pressure must have been excessive, us large masses were
forced nearly over its summit, which was upwards of 40
feet. Between these and the main we ran through &channel
In front 9 to 1.5 fathoms, when en immediate and marked
Mange took place in the general Appearance and formation
of the land ; it became high, precipitous, sterile, and rugged,
intersected with deep ravines and water-courses, having 66
a quarter of a mile, and 15 fathoms ICJ yards from the cliffs,
which proved exceedingly fortouate, as the whole pack,
which had apparently only just broken from the shore, was
within half-a-mile, and in many pieces si close to it that, to
avoid getting beset, we had nearly to touch the:laud ; in-
deed, upon several vet:attune, the Goats were compelled to
he topped up, nod pelts used to amp the vessel from off the
grounded ice, which tittle:, all alon; the coast ; Der
could we round to, fearful of carrying,the jibboom awoy
against its cliff', which here run nearly east and west. The
cape forming its western extreme 1 have called Prince
Alfred, in honour of his royal highness. There wire two
apparently good harbours about 2,2 miles to the eastward
of the Cape ; the westernmost had a lireaawater half a mile
in lewgtl;, 20 feet high, facing the nor:lt, with entrance on
its east and west sides abut yards iu breadth ; the other
was circular, about three-quarters of a mi:c in diameter,
with its entrance on the west side. Our critical position
would not admit of any detention, otherwise they would
have been sounded, being very auxi nes tie had a secure re-
treat in the smut of having to winter on this coast. The
weather, which had been tine, with a S.E. wind, veered to
the W.SW., bringing tug and rain, so that on the moruing
of the 20th our further progress was impeded by finding
the ice resting upon a point, which formed a slight indents
tion of the shore, and was the only place where water cool i
be seen. To prevent being carried away with the peck,
which was filling up its space, we secured to the inshore
side of a small nut heavy piece of ice, grounded in 12
fathoms, 7i yards from the beach; the only protection
against the tremendous Polar ice (setting a knot per hour
to the eastward before a fresh westerly wind), which at
9 p.m. placed us in a very critical position, by a large floe
striking the piece we were feat to, and caused it to oscillate
so considerably, that a tongue, which kappeued to be ;miler
our bottom, lifted the vessel six fret, but, by great atten•
Lien to the anchors and warps, we succeeded in holding on
during the conflict, which was continued several minutes,
terminating by the floe Min? rent in pieces, and our being
driven nearer the beach. k min this until the 29th we lay
perfectly secure, bat at 8 a.m. of that day the ice began
suddenly to move, when a large fix, that must have
aught the piece to which we were attached nutter one of its
merhangiog ledges, rising it perpendicular 30 fees, pee-
-1 Sated to all on board a most frightful aspect. As it
amesiled above the foreyard much apprehecsien was felt
that it might be thrown completely over, when the ship
Most have been crushed beneath it. Tide suspense was but
fire s few minutes, as the floe rent, carryiug away with it a
Mess piece from the foundation of our asylum, when it gave
eseseal fearful rolls and resumed its former position ; bur,
em longer capable of resisting the preesure, it was hurried
Onward with the drifting mass; our proximity to the shore
mespelled, as our only hopes of safety, the absolute neces-
sity of holding to it ; we consequently secured with a chain
stream and hemp cable three six and two live-inch hawsers,
three of which were passed round it. In tais state we were
forced along, sinking large pieces beneath the bottom, and
sustaining a heavy strain against the stern and rudder; the
latter was much damaged, but to unship it at present was
imposeible. At 1 p.m. the pressure eased, from the ice
becoming stationary, when it was indium; and laid upon
a large floe piece, where, by 8 a.m., owing to the activity
of Mr. Ford, the carpenter, who is always ready to meet
any emergency, it was repaired, just as the ice began again
to be in motion, but as the tackles were hooked, it was run
up to the davits without further damage. We were now
setting fast upon another large piece of broken floe,
grounded in nine fathoms upon the debris formed at the
mouth of a large river: Feeling confident that should we
be aught between this and whet we were fast to the ship
must inevitably go to pieces, and yet beicg aware that to
cast off would certainly send us on the beach, from which
we were never distant 80 yards, upon which the smaller
ice was hurried as it came in con'act with these gro.inded
muses, I sent John Kerr (gunner's mate), under very diffi-
cult circumstances, to endeavour to reach it, and effect its

dastresties by bleeds.. lie maid sot, lions's; Sri a
solleiest epee dyads, to sink the charge, but remarking
a large meaty wpm the sea face of the flue, he fixed it there,
whieb MI itit needed that it slightly fractured it in three
places, whisk at the cerement was scarcely observable from
the heavy prewar. It was sustaining. By this time the
vessel was. within • few feet of it, every one was on deck
in anxious suspense, awaiting what was apparently the
crisis of our fate ; moat fortunately the stern post took it so
fairly that the pressure was fore and aft, bringing the whole
strength of the ship to beat; a heavy grind watch shook
ev.ry mast, and caused beams and decks to complain as she
trembled to the violence of the shuck, plainly indicated
that the struggle would be bat of short duration. At this
moment, the stream cable was carried away, and several
anchors drew ; thinking that we Lad new sufficiently risked
the vessel, orders were given to let go all the warps, and
with that order I had mado up my mind that iu a few
minutes she would be on the beach, but, as it was sloping.
conceived she might still prove au asylum for the winter,
and possibly be again got afloat, while, should she be
crushed between these large grounded pieces, she most
inevitably p down in 10 fathoms, which would be certain
destruction to all, but before the orders could be obeyed, •
merciful Providence interposed, causing the ice which had
been previously weakeeed, to separate into th.ree pieces, sad
it leased onward with the mass, our stern tightly jammed
' eSliel, but now protected by it. The vessel, which bad
hem Illwown over 16 degrees, and risen bodily 1 feet
Undam, now righted, and settled in the water; the only
Menge sustained was several sheets of copper ripped off
eind rolled up like • sheet of paper,. bat not a fastening had
Lesway, nor do any.leakage indicate thaislightest defect.
dnight the lee was stationary and everything quiet,
eilMliftesilnatil the 10th of September ; indeed, from
the leaspeildure having fallen to 16 degrees, with all ap-
pliances of the setting in of the winter, I considered
am further progress stopped until nest year. The crew
WWII employed collecting ballast (of which they obtained
if Saab and other arrangements making for such an event.
lit and other parties made daily excursions inland ;
is whin rambles an exceedingly old Esquimau: encamp-
ment was met with, and a most interesting discovery of a
range of hills, composed of one entire mass of wood in
every stage, from a putrefaction to • log fit for firewood ;
many largetrees were among it, but, in endeavouring to
exhume them, they were found too much decayed to stand
removal; the largest piece that we have been able to bring
away being 3 feet 10 lathes in girth, and seven in length ;
these were found by MINIM Sainsbury and Piers, at an ele-
vation of 300 feet above the beach (inlet. 74 27 N., long.
122 13 16 W.), which is strewed with chips and small bite of
wood, m are the water-courses and rarities as far as any
person has walked inland, evidently malted down by the
thaw beet thins Ligneous hills. The country has fine Tallies,
well covered with verdure, and at some period of the year
mast be frequented by large herds of animals, as the heads
of mask oxen and the well-picked carcases of deer an every-
where met with, many quite fresh. Two large wolves were
disturbed in the act of finishing a fawn which they bad just
killed, but ally two musk oxen were seen, besides a few
hares and 'ptarmigan shot by our parties. To-day the tem-
ps:stars, from a change of wind to the southward, rose to
29 degrees, accompanied by rale' which bad the effect of
so loossaing the lee that the main pack separated from the
ship, opening a lane of water, about 16 miles to the east-
ward, varying in breadth from 60 to 200 yards, which,
however, did not promise any release to theveseel, until
11.60 a.m. (while the other of the watch and quartermaster
wire examining the tide pole Med on the beach, through
a bole cut in the ioe, about 40 yards from the shore, which
puzzled them both to find that they could not keep the
guar erect, as it slipped from their hands while endea-
vouring to dose) it so l 7 opened, and drifted towards
the pack which it was impossible to avoid, and were carried
to the N.S. a Mot per hour, at the distance of half* mile
from the shore, in soundings from 107 to 134 fathoms. All
methods by warps and saws to extricate the vessel from hey
perilous position proving abortive, having masses of ice
frozen to ner bides* reeearse was had to gunpowder,
which fortueeddlediebill Mr release by the expenditure
et 1601 h" is doope of Mot Elb. to 201 b , according to the
alma item So wed, which by an other means maid
use Wutemliewsi. sod saved us from being set against
enhegmt" iq
1114.1)1, lirrtoret:thiinct uwir have
by C4.ve
lejeeist let sioutes' longer detention, laving
Medp Mum le Mein sell and shoot the vessel, without rad.
it OR pine we had been so long frozen to, babel
the water, waft the hawsers, which canted us, just as it
watered the sill mass, upon the weather edge of which we
WOO grazed as we worked into the land, when at 7 p.m. of
the 11th we again secured toe large grounded floe, seventy
yards from it, in tan fathoms. At 10 p.m. our position
was hazarded by a portion of the main pack, which had ex-
tended itself over the open water, coming in violent will-
dem with the corner of our floe, turning it partially round,
able the smaller ice pressed with so much strain upon the
ddp that the anchors began to draw and hawsers carry
away ; the stream chain luckily held until the pressure
leased by the peek giving way, and our being pushed a few
Oldies* owner the shore. At 2.60 a.m. of the 13th a lane
of win weed about 60 yards from the vessel, and towards
min a dee is the temperature of 45 deg , with heavy rain,
liewitail Imes of liberation, an object of the highest import-
amt with respect to the views with which the ex-
was fitted out, hat for the safety of the ship, at
mem in a most expelled position, being upon the eastern
side of a large bah la the whole pressure of the Polar
pack, and gib masses of ice 18 and 18 feet
thick, while tee geeesiell lees were from 30 to 67 feet in
depth. To remove these impedimenta, or at all events en-
deavour the formals of • dock, blasting was had recourse
en, with ample ahem 161 b. to 6.51 b. ; those made little
klegilike. espl OW the explosion, therefore a 26-gallon
ftraaia 2551 b., was now sunk five fathoms
mew ewe elys 11111111004, at 30 yards from the vessel. Its
ales yes met earitesive, shivering them to atoms, rending
ant to which west attached, and which was 67 feet thick
ea the outer base, mad 36 on its inshore edge, asunder,
without the coneumion being very much felt on board. All
hands were employed in floating the loose ico into the
water, having vainly attempted to force the ship through,
aided by a strong wind, and pa nine-inch hawser brought to
the patent capstan (such resistance front merely this sludge
is incivdible),which work was continued until the afternoon
of the 14th, when all was drifted away, leaving a snug har-
bour, 40 yards in width, flanked by heavy grounded floes,
forming an excellent protection. The rudder was now
hung, in anticipation of Fa start on the following morning ;
but at 11 p.m. the wind freshened from the W.N.W.,
bringing the whole pack down upon this coast, filling our
little harbour with loose and small ice, its entrance being
too narrow to admit the large pieces ; an enormous floe, how-
ever, carried away one of our flanks, but without disturbing

the vessel in the slightest. At daylight on the morning of
the Mb, thaw expectations were sadly blighted, it blowing
hard from W.N.W., with sleet and mow; nor was a drop
of water to be observed in any direction, and the ice ap-
patently was again unhung, which, with the thermometer
at 14 degrees scarcely afforded any probability of its being
reshipped this season. In the course of the forenoon,
Messrs. Court (second master) and Newton (ice mate) were
sent to examine the coast and state of the ice to the eastward
of Point Culetehoun, distant about four miles. Their report
was such as to confirm the opinion previously entertaieed,
with this consolation that the position which we occupied
was better than any they had seen, as the ice to the east-
ward was much larger and more massive than that we were
encompassed by. The soil on this coast is composed of
gravel and limestone, and M the valleys near the beach the
quantity and richness of the moss is quite surprising; but
on reaching the first range of hills, about a mile distant, a
more sterile landscape never met the eye. The whole
country appears nothing but one MALI of limestone, without
the slightest vegetation ; the traces of animals su numerous
15 mites further west, are no where in this barren ground
to be met with. On the 17th the westerly wind ceased,and
was succeeded by one from the eastward, with a rise of tem-
perature from 11 to 21, which, by daylight of the 19th, had
increased to 32, with water extending song the coast three
miles in width. We immediately cast off, and at 7 a.m. ,
rounded the point, whence the land falls back E.S.E. ; our
progress was slaw front many causes, the copper being torn
cud pr .jectiog from four to twelve inches from the bottom,.
light winds, and an ie.-encumbered sea, so that at 3 p.m.
cur further advance was arrested by the pack touching the
land, and extending with unbroken line to the northward as
far as the eye could reach. Our day's work did not exceed
15 miles, when we were compelled to make fast to the land
ice which along the whole of this coast is of the must Me-
sire and terrific dimensions I have ever witnessed; them
was little selectiJn of berth on a coast line nearly straight,
but a alight indentation, protected east and west by two
large pieces of a broken floe 30 feet above the water gave
hopes of some shelter, when at 0 p.m. the water and loose
ice, which was before perfectly still, suddenly rushed for-
ward at the rate of two knots an hour, and striking spinet
the vessel forced her from her anchors with such violence
that she wee driven astern upon a hard point of the floe,
which roan her 12 inches ; but, fmtunately, held until this
rush was over, which swept our eastern bulwarks, but did
no other damage ; we then warped to the western side of
the floe, where a small space was blasted for the bow, in
which we quietly remained during the night ; at daylight
of the 20th, finding the ice loose and drifting though • per-
fect calm a mile and a half en hour to the eastward east off,
and, laying hold of a large floe piece, was dragged along
close by the grounded ice, which with some difficulty was
avoided by shifting round the floe as it canted towards us.
At noon, having a light air from tho westward, made sail,

but soot; bad reason to regret it, as it shortly faded, and the
ice filling the land water it gradually forced the vessel into
the pack, which hitherto we have been so anxious and
careful to avoid, as the only hope of navigating this sea con-
sists in keeping close to the shore, it now became evident
that every exertion must be made by warping to regain the
land, which, under the circumstances of the ice being in
motion with much that was small and loose filling up the in-
tervals between the larger pieces, which allowed a secure
footing for the men, was difficult, laborious,and anxious in the
extreme, as with every precautien they fregueutly fell in.
After seven hours' incessant work we succeeded as the night
closed in reaching a huge and solid floe that had just been
upturned, three of its sides being 25 feet perpendicular,
grounded in 29 fathoms on the outer edge, and having ten
and a half upon the inner one, around which was scatterer;
much debris part of its original self that had crumbled from
the pressure against • cliff up wiaich it had been forced full
70 feet, and where a large mass was still remaining about •
mile to the westward of a cape (Austen) 400 feet in height,
which is stratified, and of the same description es Nelsou's
Head, where we secured for the night. At daylight of the
2lst a thick fag, with bail, permitted a very circumscribed
view ; but, as the ice appeared loose in the direction of the
Cape, at 5 a.m. started, and grazing round it within 16
yards found ourselves in a large bay, entirely steered with
ice, formed by another cape three miles S.E., compelling
us at 6 30 a.m. to make fest immediately beneath the cliff,
whose summit nearly plumbing the hatchways rendered
our position very sate, many fragments appearing so loose
from the action of frost and water that a slight concussion
would have brought them down. At 11 a.m. the ioe eased
a little from the land, when we again endeavoured to force
towards the S.E., aided by a westerly wind and warping,
but in the afternoon the fog became so dens* with an
easterly b that we made fast to the lend floe, in which
a smell dock was formed with the assistance of a little
powder about a mile from oar forenoon's position, remains
big until the morning of the 22nd, when a little progress
was made towards the S.E., our operations by warping
being brought to a termination. At 1 p.m., having reached
the Cape (Crosier) upon the south eastern side of which
the ice was resting, therefore securing to a ridge 20 feet in
height, laying at its base, I proceeded with Mr. Court to
its summit fur the purpose of examining the coast line
towards the S.E., a deep bay extending 30 miles in that
direction filled with ice, which was commencing to
move bodily to the westward, and of a much less formi-
dable a character to that we had been subjected to, while
what was laying along the shore was small and widely
detached, well repaid the toil of assent ; indeed, sines
rounded Cape Austea, it has lost much of its terrible
aspect, which led to the inference that we were fairly in
Barrow'," Strait, and that the main polar pack take a
direct line from the last-mentioned cape to the E.N.E.,
and that which fills these bays and is carried down
" B arrow's " Strait is the comparatively small ice which
drifts from its southern edge, as we have invariably re-
marked that there is a dewdedly easterly current, which
impels the enormous polar floes on that course, while the
lighter, influenced by wind, is oftentimes setting in an
opposite direction. This caps (Crosier) is 250 feet perpen-
dicular, presenting among its debris many interesting geo-
logical specimens, it is composed of lime and sandstone,
having fossilliferons shells imbedded, also pieces of coal
and petrifactioas of weed, identical with what has been
met with upon other parts of this large island, and
upon the " Princess Royal " Isles. At 3.30 a.m. of the
23d, although not daylight, open water was ascertained to
be at band, from the dark appearance of the horison to
seaword, the vessel was cast off, and standing in that direr-
' tion, found we had not been deceived, the wind during the
forenoon coming from the westward, enabled our running
close along the shore, on which still rested a line of thin
ice, rendering the entrance of what appeared three good
harbours inaccessible ; the land was mach less ragged, having
swill hills gradually sloping to the beach, and large 'allot s
well calculated for the pasture lands of animals, but no w-
ields et driftwood could be °Waved, which article has not
bssemseaapp4ng the small chips near the ligneous hills
slam! ileilaffing P "Kellett," on the western shore, At
pml. are sew MO nearly obstructed from the ice
"roffileg spa a rid about two miles distant ; the studding
mils were taken in, but almost immediately reset, as it
gutheally opened, allowing just sakient space for our per
by tipping up the lower booms ; the shore shortly
needling more to the southward increased our water, but
mow and thick weather with night coming on rendered the
land not 200 yards distant barely discernible. Most anxious,
however, at the dose of the season to embrace every oppor-
tunity of getting to some plate of security our coarse was
continued with may canvas, when, under other circum-
stances, we should have most assuredly secured for the night,
and at 7.30 'Ls., with the lead going, went from 15 fathoms,
upon a mad bank, having only six feet under the bow, and
at the distance of 10 feet from the aters, only 18 inches while
the stern was in five fathoms, the stream anchor and cable
wen laid out, which service was well performed by Messrs.
Wynniatt, Sainsbury, and Court, it requiring four boats in
consequence of the freshening N.W. gale and pieces of loose
ice with snow, which, caking as it reached the water,
formed so thick a coating over its surface, and offering sue:,
resistance, that it was scarcely possible to pull through,
which, with clearing the forehold and warrant-officer's
storerooms, and bringing all the weight abaft the Lalien-
mast at 10 p m., we were enabled to heave off, end brought
up with both bowers in six fathoms and a half. The re-
mender of the sight was occupied in stowing the holds,
weighing the stream-anchor, Ac., so that at daylight of the
24th we were in perfect readiness to move. On a view of
our position we hand that we were on the N.W. side of •
large bay, whose NUM limit bore N.B. eight miles, which
we subsequently howl "lewd the western point of
" Bank's"!4eand num* to the S.S.W. about seven,
which was liaise up with ice flowing in before •
hash gale Ma Polar Sea. Still wishing to NM if any
possibility remelted of getting down Barrow's Strait, we
wethed, and steel se ffirr as the ice would allow to the
N.Y., when, obsening hem the crow's-neat no water in that
direetioe, I del__.._sil to make this our winter quarters,
aad, Weise rerlsairla the south side of the bank on
which we had a well protected bay, Mr. Court
wen despatched to mead it ; and, shortly making the
that there wee eaficiont water, we here up, and at
signalam. we anchored in four sad a halt fathoms, and that
Wight were firmly bees* in, in what has shoe proved a
most safe and szeellent harbour, which, is gratefal remem-
brance of the many perils that we had during the passage
Mast terrible Polar sea escaped in reaching, we have named
the " Bay of Messy," thus finally terminating this short
asasm's operations, being actually only five entire days
under weigh. Prepanatieas were now made for housing so,
and everything was completed, except hauling over the
cloth, by °timber 1, which was not done, that the daylight
should be enjoyed as long as possible, and a saving in
lights effected. On that day, as • precautionary measure,
the crew were placed upon two-thirds allowance of all
species of provisions. Upon the 4th Mr. Court was sent
with a travelling party to connect our ration with
that visited by Lieutenant Cresswell in May last, from
which we were only distant 18 miles. On the 7th
he returned,lwhich service completed the search round
the entire coast line of this island ; he reported open
water a few miles from the shore, which, gradually extend-
ing, reached the cliffs of Bank's Land. Upon the 6th, as
wfeh two men he was examining • few miles to the south-
eastward of his tent, that detached the heavy grounded
had ice from their base, drifting the whole party off shore
to the N.W., fortunately being unencumbered with the
sledge, they succeeded, with difficulty and by much agility,
jumping from piece to piece in regaining the shore, and that
evening no ice could be remarked in the Strait, the whole
being set into the Polar sea. On the 10th Mr. Lsinsbury
(mate), with a travelling party, went to examine an inlet,
which appeared to run some distance te the S.W. from the
Math side of the bay, but, upon the following day returned,
lading it extended only 12 miles, the water shoaling, until
k finally terminated in • large marsh, which, from the
numenus traces of animals and wild fowl, may be con-
sidered as a favourite resort during the summer As
*ors appeared much game in the vicinity, and the wee-
eher continuing mild, shooting parties, under Lieutenant
Croswell, Messrs. Wynniatt, Court, and Piers, and the
Marines, under Sergeant Woon, were established in diffe-
rent directions between the 9th and 23rd, so that, with
what was killed from the ship, our supply of fresh provi-
de= on the commencement of the winter consisted of nine

deer, 63 here", and 44 ptarmigan, all in tine condition, the
former having from two to three inches fat.
The wea her during the winter has been much more
boisterous, but iii each month several degrees more mild than
was experienced in the Prince of Wales Strait, nearly a de-
gree and a half further south, last year, which, in conjunc-
tion with the animals remaining in numbers in this locality
the entire winter, must, I suppose, be taken as a proof of
its mildness, although laying exposed to the north-west
winds, direct from the Polar See, which, upon our first
being frczen in, led to the anticipation of having to encoun-
ter a severe season. In consequence of our favoured po-i-
-tion, the crew were enabled to ramble over the hills almost
daily in quest of game, and their exertions happily supplied
a fresh meal of venison three times a fortnight, with the
exception of about three weeks in January, when it was too
dark for shooting. The email game, such as ptarmigan and
hares, being scarce, were allowed to be retained by the
sportsmen as private property. This healthy and exhili-
rating exercise kept us all well and in excellent spire's
during another tedious winter, so that on the lit of April
we had upwards of 1,000 lb. of veneron hanging at the yard-
arms. All wearing so fair an aspect, and being desirous of
visiting Winter Harbour, Melville Island, with the hope of
meeting an officer there with whom arrangements might be
made in the event of any accident occurring which would
render it necessary to quit the ship, 1 proceeded on the 11th
with a Mr. Court (second muter) and a sledge party for that
port, but in consequence of thick weather coming on a new
hours after leaving the vessel, and continuing unintermit-
tingly for several days, we did not reach until the 28th.
Coos the 15th we observed a very lofty cape bearing
N.H. by E. 30 miles. which I have rolled Queen Victoria,
in honour of her Most Gracious Majesty (the same which
had been remarked lust autumn from the high land near
the ship), the land to the north-east forms the bottom of
Syudon Gulf, while that upon its western aide stretched to
the N.W. in one unbroken mountain line as far as the eye
could reach. A-. Winter Harbour we obtained a set of
sights for the purpose of testing our chronometers, which
were ascertained to be going exceedingly well ; and, having
deposited a notice of our visit under the same cairn that
Lieutenant M'Cliotock left one last year, upon a large frag-
ment of sandstone, bearing this inscription, viz , His
Britannic Majesty's ships Hecla and Griper, Commanders
Perry and Lyddon, wintered in the adjacent harbour during
the winter of 1519 20, A. Fisher, sculpsit," at 6 p.m. com-
menced our return, travelling upon flat ice nearly the entire
way, accomplishing in 10 days whet occupied 18 upon the
outward trip, and reached the ship upon the 9th of May,
when I had the gratification of receiving the moat satis-
factory reports concerning our sanitary condition, and like-
wise that the supply of venison continued abundant, having
20 head of deer on board. In eousequcnce, the ration of
venison was increased to 11 lb. thrice a week, as the crew
were at hard work, clearing the holds, collecting and bring-
ing off ballast ; the latter a very laborious occupation, from
the large space they had to search over in picking up a suf-
ficiency of stone to complete 100 tons, which was not ac-
complished until the 25th, after which we commenced
watering, obtaining it from a lake about a mile from the
ship, by boring through 7 feet 10 inches of ice, and
cutting a reservoir to receive it: this forming a species of
Artesian well, which gave a bountiful supply, enabling
the watering to be completed by the 13th of June, previous
to the commencement of the thaw, which was a great
advantage to the crew, as it kept them dry-
footed. About this time flocks of wild fowl, con-
sisting of swans, geese, and all descriptions of ducks,
began to arrive, bat finding no water, merely took a flight
round the north west extreme of the land and retutned to
the southward, from which it would appear that the season
is late; indeed, the land is as much covered with snow as in
the depth of winter, nor was it until the 2.5 th of the month
that any alteration took place, when small streams com-
menced trickling down the sunny slopes of the ravines, and
little ponds formed upon the ice. On the 30th we had an
entire day of heavy snow, with ens of the most severe
northerly gales I ever witnessed at so advanced a period of
the season ; and upon the Ist of July found that the ice had
increased its thickness four inches during the last month,
being seven feet two inches, a moat unusual circumstance,
as both at Port Leopold and in the Prince of Wales Strait
we found a very considerable decrease ; during the month
of June the temperature likewise was very low, showing an
average of 31f deg. The appearance of the crew at their
monthly inspection elicited a more unfavourable report from
the surgeon than I have hitherto received ; evident symp-
toms of debility among . the generality or them, and 16
having a decided scorbutic tendency, plainly the effect of
the late heavy labour in ballasting and watering ; but as all
our work is now on board, their gradual return to perfect
health may be anticipated without encumbering the sack
list. On the Bth of July, Sergeant Wool, of the marines,
while in pursuit of a wounded deer, unexpectedly met a
couple of musk bulls, which be succeeded in killing, evinc-
ing the most soldierlike coolness and intrepidity during the
entire transaction ; having expended his ammunition as one
of the wounded and infuriated menstera rushed towards
him, he fired his worm when at a few yards, hut without
much effect; as he continued his advance, evidently, how-
ever, weak from loss of blood, till he had reached within
six feet, when putting his head to the ground previous to
his final rush, the Sergeant, se his last resource, fired his
iron ramrod, which entering behind the left shoulder,
passed through the heart and out at the right flank, drop
ping him dead at his feet; they are flue animals, whose
gross weight are 1,3301b5., and yield, after deducting offal
and hunter's perquisites, 6501 b,., of excellent beef, which
providential supply is most opportune, as our reindeer were
expended last week. Two Esquimau: huts upon a small
islet in the centre of the bay, and the site of an encamp-
ment on a peaked hill on the western shore of the main-
land, are the only indications we have met with of that ex-
traordinary and hardy people, having at some period
long- past inhabited this coast ; we have now discovered
traces of them upon all sides of this island ; bat where are
they gone, for certainly there is not one upon it at present,
or why should they have quitted an island so abound-
, ing throughout the entire year with game, except
as the Esquimau: interpreter observes, there may be a
great paucity of seals, without which luscious food they
, cannot exist, and this may be the reason, as, we have seen
very few.

During the month of July, the little thaw, which a tem-
Feature falling te 31 degrees every night and rising only,to
39 and 42 degrees in the day weld effect, has not been
much, but the water draining from tho land rotted the ice
round the entire bay and detached it from 100 to 300 yards
from the shore, so that it has power to move, and only re-
quires open water in the offing to allow of its going out,
which joyful event we entertained hopes of realising, as
upon the 10th of August, some lanes of water were observed
to seaward, and along the cliffs of Bank's Land thee was •
clear space of six miles in width, extending along thee as
far as the eye could reach from the north-west hills at an
elevation of 1,000 fest ; and on the 12th, the wind which
had been for some time from the northward veered to the
south, which had the effect of separating the se Me from
that of the bay entirely IMPS the entrance ; but, shortly
shifting to the north, it closed again, and never after moved.
On the 20th, the temperature fell to 27 degrees,
when the entire bay was sempletely bones over, and
on the 27th to 19 deg., so that the whole aspect was cheer-
less in the extreme, the young ice being two-and-a-half
inches thick, so that the whole bay may be safely perambu-
lated ; indeed, the summer was fairly gone, for the uplands
are all snow covered, the wild fowl all departed, and the
flowers, which gave cheerful variety to this bleak land, are
ell withered. The very season may be considered as one
long sunless-day, as since the latter part of May that
luminary has been scarcely visible, or his influence felt,
upon those icy manse which block " Barrow's " Strait
entirely across ; nor do I imagine that the Polar Sea has
broken up this mace, as not • drop of water has been sees
in that direction. g July, and the early part of
August, the crew were daily employed gathering sere',
of which there was a great quantity, upon the hills in
this vicinity, and eaten, as • salad, with vinegar,
or boiled, when it resembled spinach, was found
• most desirable anti-scoebatie, and • great benefit
to all, being exceedingly relished ; but that hardy and
°getable herbage meld not withstand this rigorous summer
beyond the 15'h of the month. For several days the ice had
been perfectly stationazy, and no water visible in any direc-
tion, that along the Cliffs of Banks' land being from, is
that I felt ensured that the winter had fairly set in, and all
hopes of any release this totally annihilated, the
ice being five inches Having previously dot
what course I should adopt, Rader circumstances thus un-
favourable, upon the Bth of September I announced eny
tendons ro the crew of leading half of them to Baglaad
next April, with all the °Seers not in charge of stores, via
Baffin's Bay (taking the boat from Cape Spenser) and the
Mackenzie, detaining the remainder with the hope of extri-
cating the vessel during the summer of 1853, or, failing that,
to proceed with sledges in 1864, by Port Leopold, oar pro-
visions admitting of no other arrangement; although we
had already bee. 12 months upon two-thirds allowance,
it was asesseaty to make preparations foe meeting 18
months moire—• Vey seven deprivation and constitutioaal
test—but one mid* the service we are employed upon calls
for ; the vend bass es sound as the day she entered the
ice, it wadi themelbre be discreditable to dewrt the ship in
1853, when • lawiewable season would run her through the
Straits, and obit of reaching England in safety, where the
esesseMil sublimates* of the long-sought for and almost
hopeless disersery of the North West Passage would be
received with • satisfaetio• that will amply compensate for
the serial's made, and hardships endured in its most try-
ing and tedious accomplishment. This statement was wall
received, and its execution will, I hope, be carried out
without difficulty. On the 17th the wind shifted to the
5.5.8., and blew hard, which a few days earlier might
have been attended with favourable results, but now it had
no effect, the ice being eight inches thick, was too firm to
be moved, the sails were consequently unbent, and prepara-
tions commenced for housing in. September 24. This is the
anniversary of our arrival; the contrast is very remarkable;
we entered the bay with temperature at 33 secs., and not •
particle of ice in it ; to-day, the thermometer stands at 2
degs. with ice which had oved, and every indication
of a very mere winter. Upon the 25th of October, closed
the hatchways and housed the vessel over, it b
damp and cold* between decks, the vapour funnels, of
there are five, giving a sufficient ventilation, thee over the
hatchways being lased, carry off all impurities, so
we enjoy • clear wholesome atmosphere below. This has
very much contributed to the excellent preservation of our
health', and the 28th being the second anniversary of
our discovery of the postage, and the last that we should
all be together, the occasion was celebrated by • small
additional allowance of provolone and an extra
glees of grog, which had the effect of putting all
in high spirits, so that the evening was passed
most jovially in singing and dancing. On November 8
completed the banking up and other outside work, finally
terminating our winter arranfements upon the 18th, by
ri coveng the upper deck with 8 inches of snow. The deer
for the last few days have been coming from the southward
to their winter quarters among these ravines and sand hills
—3O have been met with at one time and 40 at another, but
so very wild that few have been shot. Our two seasons' ex-

; perienee show that these ululate do not migrate to the
I south as is generally supposed, but bear the extreme rigour
of the climate and exist upon the scanty herbage, chiefly
the dwarf willow, from off which they break the snow with
their feet, which tapping can be heard at a considerable
distance when the weather is calm, and frequently leads to
their discovery. The hares and ptarmigan have also des-
cended fr sin the high ground to theses ridges, so that a sup-
ply of game has been kept up during the winter, which has
enabled a fresh meal to be blued twice wejilT, and the
usual Christmas iestivities to pww off with the greatest
cheerfulness; as it was to be our tut, the crew were atter-
mined to make it memorable, and their exertions were corn.
pletely succeasful—each mess was gaily illuminated and
decorated with original paintings by our lower-deck artists,
• exhibiting the ship in her perilous positions during the
transit ut the Polar Sea and divers other subjects ; but the
grand feature of tha day were the enormous plum puddings,
some weighing 261b5., haunches of venison, hares routed,
au d soup matte of the same, with ptarmigan and sea pies.
Such dainties, in such profusion, I should imagine never
before graced a ship's lower deck. Any stranger to have
witnessed this scene could but faintly imagine that he saw
a crew which had passed upwards of two years in these
dreary ft gions,and thrown entirely upon their own resources,
enjoying such excellent heulth, so joyful, so happy, indeed
such a mirthful assemblage under uuy circumstances woul I
be moat gratifying to any officer ; but, in this lonely
simian:a, I could nut but feel cieeply impressed, as I con-
templated the guy and plenteous sight, with the many and
great mercies which a kind and beneficent Providence had
sr ended towards us.

6latch L— Ili;uTtet dreary and dark titno is now passed,
and segue and trying it ha. been. The cold of the last two
months was exceasive, January IP.owing a mean of 44 d, g.—
being 17 deg. below the corresponding period last year ; and
one day the temperature fell to &i deg., and for 44 hours
actually av,•raged lit deg. I should have doubted the cur-

rectnces of theCthermotn-eter (as no former experience shows
so low a register),bad it not beenwell tested the two preceding
wieners, when it only fell to 52 deg. ; but, independent of
the glass, the feelings gave unmicakeable evidence of the
extreme keenness of the weather, as for one entire week the
temperature never rose above 40 deg., the wind being about
8.8. W., from which quarter during both winters we have
invariably felt the greatest cold. I, therefore, imagine
that in the interior the land must be very laity, as when
the wind veers to the north, which is directly off the Paler
Sea, the glass rises, showing the highest temperature when
it is easterly. These low temperatures have cau-eat much
moisture between decks, and from not being able to allow
a sufficiency of firing to counteract the effect of this damp
atmosphere, it has bean materially felt by the crew. The
sick list at one period consequently increased to nineteen—
five being cases of scurvy, and the same of dropsy ; but,
now happily reduced to ten, and the surgeon's report upon
the scurvy of the crew to-day, as to their general state
and condi don, is as favourable as 1 couid, under all cir-
cumstances, have anticipated. During the last month we
have been employed gravelling a distance of 800 yards to-
wards the sea ice, with the hope of its weakening it, in the
event of our being able to move when the season fur navi-
gation arrives. Upon the 3rd told the men off that were to
proceed to England next month via Mackenzie and Battin's
Bay; they appeared extremely welleatistied with the arrange-
ment, as I explained to them my object was to send home
all who hall suffered the most from the severity of the cli-
mate, and to which another year might prove exceedingly
trying, as well as to retain the moat effective men in the
event of being detained another winter. On the 15th the
travellers weut upon full allowance of provisions, which I
have little doubt will, before they arc required to start, get
them in good condition. 21st.—The weather has been
beautiful during the lest week ; the temperature, wbich
until the ldth, continued almost daily to fall to—S6 degs.,
on the 17th rose to —27 dep., the following day to —l4
degs., and on the 19th '.4) plus 3 degs., which sudden and de-
lightiel change, after the excessive cold of toe last three
mouths, is most grateful. The invalids are rapidly improv-
ing, the majority taking a daily airing of from two to three
hours. The temperature at noon to-day exposed to
the sum rose to plus 40 dep., so that the extreme
severity of the wilier is over ; in fact, to the
present time, April 5, the temperature daily mounts
m the shade above zero, which, according to past
experience is exceedingly mild, and may be considered indi-
cative of an early break up of the ice. God grant such may
be the ease. On the 15th it is my intention to start the
parties destined to make their way to England, and (rum
our good sanitary condition, I feel but little doubt all will
safely arrive. A fatigue party, under the command of Mr.
Court, second master, will accompany Lieutenant Haswell
for a few days, while John Calder, captain of the fore-
castle, a trustworthy and zealous petty officer, will proceed
with Lieutenant Cresawell as far as the Princess Royal
Islands, and from the depot there return with as many cases
of potatoes and as much chocolate as can be brought on the
sledge, which extra supply will give an ample allowance of
those excellent articles in the event of being detained her,
during the ensuing winter. To this period we have not lost
an individual of our grew, either by accident or disease; the
officers particularly have enjoyed an immuaity from sick-
ness which is surpising, with the exception of Mr. Sains-
bury, mate, who, since the winter of 1850, has suffered with
a pulmonary complaint that has entirely prevented his par-
ticipating in the arduous duties of the travelling parties,
or in the more exciting but not less laborious occupation
of huating over this rugged and severe country; and Mr.
Paine, clerk in charge, who had been a great invalid from
rheumatism until this last winter, when ho has made a
most rapid and wonderful recovery, and at present is in
the enjoyment of more robust health than when he quitted
England ; I can attribute our excellent salutary state to
the causes previously alluded to in this narrative, In con-
junction with the bountiful supply of game whicl• merci-
ful Providence has aided us with, and has so materially
added to our crherwise scanty ration, as well as the excel-
knee of all species of our provisions, which are certainly of
the best description I ever met with, more particularly the
superior quality of the lime juice, which, as an antiecorbutie
has proved most inestimable, with the preserved meats sup-
plied by Messrs. Gamble, which, for weight, exemption
from bone, and excellence, rank in the very highest auk ;
and that invaluable vegetable the preserved potato, maw
factored by Edwards. Sir, I have nothing more to add to this
nerrative,except to state,that I forwarded alist of game killed,
and a monthly abstract of the meteorological journal, which
has been registered every alternate hour since leaving Eng-
land, by the respective officers of the watches, and care-
fully arranged and tabulated by Mr. Court (second master),
which complete tables, I hope, with other interesting ob-
servations, to be enabled to carry safely home in the ship.
And having particularised the officers in the various ser-
vices they have been employed upon, I cannot conclude
without expressing the extreme satisfaction that the crew
bays given me upon all occasions, when in the perilous
=W• of the Polar Sea, activity, energy, and arduous
as required, as well as during this long period of
inactivity they have been characterised by cheerfulness,
propriety, and good conduct, which fully entitle them to the
moat favourable consideration of their lordship.
ROBERT M'CLURE, Commander.
Bay of Mercy, Baring's Island, April 5, 1853.
Lat. 74 deg. dm. 34secs. N.; long. 118 deg. 15 m. 0 secs.W.

Table showing the mean height of barometer with the tem-
perature of the air on board her Majeaty's ship InTestigator
from August, 1850, to Much, 1 :