Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1851-07-12
Che 4Jolpnesiiau.

LIE AMERICAN ARCTIC EXPEDITION
SHOWS Journal of the voyage of the Prince
Albert in the Arctic Seas, thus notices the
daring of the vessels of the American expe-
dition in forcing route through the ice
streams:
'sIf ever vessel and her officers were ca
pable of going through an undertaking in
which, more than ordinary difficulties had to
be encountered, 1 had no doubt it would be
the American; and this was evinced to me,
even while we were on board, by the appar-
emily reckless way in which they dashed
through the streams of heavy ice running of
Leopold Island. | happsned to 60 on deck
when they were thus engaged, and was. de-
lighted to- witness how gallantly they put
aside every impediment in their way An
officer was standing on the heel of the bow
spirit, coming the ship, and issuing his orders
to the man at the wheel in that short, deci-
sive, yet clear manner, which the helmsrflan
at once well understood and promptly obeyed
There was not rag Of canvass taken in, nor
a moments hesitation. The way was before
them; the stream of ice had to be either gone
through boldly, or long detour made; and,
despite the heaviness of the stream, they
pushed the vessel through in her proper
course. Two or three shocks, as she came
in contact with some large pieces, were un-
needed, and the moment the last block was
passed the bow officer sang Out" So steady
as she goes on her course" and came aft as
if nothing more than ordinary sailing had
been going on. | observed our own little
barky following in the Americans wake
and, as afterwards learned, she got through
it pretty well, though not without much doubt
of the propriety of keeping on in such proce-
dure after the mad Yankey,' as he was call
ed by the mate. The Advance was most ex-
traordinarily fortified to resist any pressure
Of the ice, and to enable her to force her way
against such impediments as those she en-
countered this evening. Her bow was one
solid mass of timber-I believe l am right
in saying, from the foremast Her timbers
were increased in size and number, so that
she might we'll be said to haze been doubled
inside as well as out Her deck was also
doubled, then felted, and again lined inside,
while the cabin had, in addition, sheathing
of cork. The after-pat of the vessel was
remarkably strong; and a movable bulkhead,
which ran across the forepart of the cabin,
could at any time be unshiped to afford free
communication lore anu ait Wnen neeQeQ-
The crew, if remember rightly, lived in
strongly built &C round house, on deck, amid
ships one end of which was converted into
cookhouse. called galley" and another
the "pantry." Ten men formed the number
of the working seamen; there were no ice
masters, nor regular 4" ice-men;" but most
ofthc sailors werc-long accustomed to the
ice A steward and cook completed the
full complement of the ship. The officers
lived in a truly republican manner. The
whole cabin was thrown into one spacious
room, in which captain, mates and surgeon
lived together. Their sleeping -berths were
built around it, and appeared to possess every
accommodation to make them comfortable.
But to my fancy, and according to my habits,
/ should have preferred some little crib to
myself, to which could have retired when
wished to be alone In this respect only did
think the Prince Albert superior; for on
board of her had at least, small cabin to
myself, where could quietly read, or write
and study, as / chose. BOSTON Journal.