The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1841-04-24
SATURDAY, APRIL "a, 1871.


ordinary circumstances the list would be
much increased. while the men, under
present exigences, actuated 10y a laudable
desire to do their duty to the last refrain
from presenting themselves as applicants
for the list. Under these circumstances
we feel ourselves obliged to report that
in our opinion, few days more of such
exposure as they have already undergone
would reduce the number of the crew by
sickness to such an extent as to hazard
the safety of the ship and the lives of all
on board
After which, the surgeon being restored
to duty, reported to me as follows -
i respectfully report, that in my opn.
ion, the health of the crew is materially
affected by the severe fatigue, want OF
sleep, and exposure to the weather, tC
which they have lately been subjected
that continuance of these hardships, even
for very short period, will entirely dis.
qualify great number of men for THEN
duty; and that the necessary attention tC
the health of the crew and their future eff.
ficicncy and usefulness demands the i'm.
mediate return of the ship to midel
climate
Deeming it my duty, however. to per.
severe, decided to continue, and steercd
again for the land, which we had named
the Antarctic Continent.
We reached it on the 2nd of February
about 60 miles to the westward of the
point first visited, where we found the
coast lined with solid perpendicular cliffs
preventing the possibility of landing, and
the same mountains :rending to the west.
ward. Thence VIC proceeded to the west.
ward along the ice barrier, which appeared
to make from the land, until the Bird
when we again encountered severe gale
from the southeast, with thick weather
and snow until the 18th of February, when
it cleared up sufficiently to allow us tc
see our way clear, and we again approach.
cd the perpendicular barrier of ice. SINH.
lar to that which we had previously seen
as attached to the lard, the same land be.
ing III sight at great distance. We
stood along the barrier about 10 miles tc
the westward, when it suddenly trended
to the southwark, and our further progress
to the south was arrested by solid bar.
ricr of field ice. After an unsuccessful
examination for "a hours in all directions
we continued to the westward along the
barrier, as usual surrounded by ice is.
lands.
On the Sth and 18Th (bcing on the St
in long. ~ dec. min. east. lat. 50 deg
3 min. south) we had similar appearances
OF distant mountains, but the compac,
barrier extending from east to west by
south, prevented nearer approach.
On the night of the 9th of February
being the first clear night for some time
we witnessed the aurora australis.
We continued on the 10th ard 18th
westward, with southeast winds and fine
weather, close along the barrier, which
was more compact. with immense islands
OF ice enclosed within the field ice.
On the 18th we again saw the distant
mountains, but We're unable to effect q
nearer approach, beng in long. ll2 l6 f..
lat. 61 81 5. and | was again compelled
to 90 on to the westward.
The ice barrier trcnding more to the
southwark. induced me to hope | should
a-ain succeed i'm unDroachino no,rc, ,h.