Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1852-03-11

sea running. Through this we labored until the
next morning. When it moderated the coast O.
Greenland was IN sight.
Our course was now directed for the Whale
Fish Islands, (the place of rendezvous appointed
for our consort,) which we reached on the 10th
not however, without having some difficulty in
getting through the usual number Of bergs which
lined the coast In an encounter with one we lost
a stlddlng sail boom.
had two objects in visiting these Islands that OF
verifying chrOnometers, and TO recruit our
somewhat debilitated crews. The latter object |
learned, arriving. could be much better obtain
ed, and the former quite as well, at Lieveo-on
Dico Island-for which place bore up leaving
orders for the Rescue TO follow US. We arrived
on the 18th, and the Rescue joined the day
after.
The crews were indulging with run on shore
every day that we remained, which they enjoyed
exceedingly after their tedious winter confinement
Tins reaction together with few vegetables Of an
antlscorbutic character which were obtained. was
OF much benefit TO them. There were no fresh
provisions 10 be had here al this season ofhe year
Fortunately. one OF the Danish Company 5 yes
sells arrived from Copenhagen while we remained
and from her obtained d few articles that we
stood much in need ol The Company store was
near exhausted but what remained was kindly
placed at our disposal.
On the 22d, our crews being much invigorated
B| titlI tNciElSt Oh ttTFu fEflU- ana IQG lew sun
affected with the scurvy being a state of conva-
lesceace, we got under way, with the intention Of
prosecuting the object OF the expedition for one
season more at least.
From the statement made to US al Levelo the
last winter had been an extraordinary one. The
winds had prevailed 10 an unusual degree from
the n. W, and the ice was not at any time fixed.
The whaling fleet had passed to the northward
previous to our arrival.
On the oath we met with some distractions
from the ice of Hare Island and on the following
day our progress was completely arrested by 1t
at Stove Island. In seeking for a passage, we got
beset IN pack near the ice shore, near to which
we were carried by the drifting ice, and narrowly
escaped being driven on the rocks After getting
out OF this difficulty availed ourselves OF every
opening in the ice and worked slowly TO the north
ward the shore.
On the lst of July we were off the Danish port
and settlement OF Proven, and as the condition Of
the ice rendered further progress at present i'm
possible, went in and anchored 10 wait for
change.
Here again some scurvy grass was collected and
the men allowed to go on shore.
On the Sd we got under way, and out TO
look at the ice; but finding it still closely packed
returned 10 our anchorage
On the 9Th the account from our lookout on
the hill near US were more favorable. Again we
got under way and finding the pack somewhat
II. The following day we got into clear water and
fell in with two English whaling vessels, the Jane
and Pacific. To their gentemanly and consider
ate commanders we are much indebted for the
supplies furnished US consisting OF potatoes, tur-
nIps, and other articles most acceptable to people
in our condition Much interesting news was al
50 gained from them, respecting important events
which had occurred since we left home.
Their statements as to the condition fthe ice
to hp r1 any "a buf flat II
our prospects. They had considered It so uniavor-
able 70 abandon the attempt to pass through
Melville Bay, and were now on their way TO the
southwark.
On the Sth, we communicated with the settle
ment of Uppernavik. The next day two more
English whaling vessels passed on their way to
the southwark, At the same time the MLellan,
OF New London the only American whaler in
Batlin Bay, was deserted, also standing south
On communicating with her, we were TeloIced TO
find letters and papers from home, transmitted by
the kindness OF Mr.. Grinnell.
We remained by the MLellan several hours,
in order to close our letters and dispatch them by
her. Several articles that We stood muchm IA need
ofwere purchased from her.
On the 10th, the Battins Islands being an sight
TO the north, we met the remainder oflhe whaling
fleet returning. They confirmed the accounts
given us by the Pacific and Jane, in regard to The
untavorabe condition ofthe ice for an early pass
age through Melville bay.
The following are the names of the vessels CO IL
muuicayed with, viz Joseph Green. Of Peter
head Alexander, of Dundee; Advice, ofdo -
Princess Charlotte of do; Horn, OF do; Ann OF
Hull; Regalia of Kirkyldy; Chieitain, of --.
My notes unfortunately at fault as TO the
names Of their enterprIsing and warm-heaTtet
commanders each OF whom wed with the other
IN shOWerlng upon US such articles as they knew
we must be IN want OF, consisting of potatoes,
turnips, fresh beef, &c. My proposition to com
pensate them they would not entertain tOr a mo
nent and take this occasion of making public
&c know Iedgnent Of the valuable aid rendered US
20 which no doubt, much Of our subsequent good
health sowIng.
On the Ilth in attempting to run between BAT
fms Island, the Advance grounded on rocky
shoal. The Rescue barely escaped the same fate
by hauling by the wind on discovering our mIshap
Fortunately there was Ian ge grounded berg near
10 which our hawsers could be taken for hauling
of, which we succeeded IN doing after - hours
hard work. The vessel had not apparently re-
ceived any injury; but a few days later another
piece OF false keel came of, supposed 10 have been
Ioosened on this occasion.
The ice 10 the north Of the Islands was too close
" packed 10 be penetrated and the prevalence OF
souIherly winds afforded but little prospect OF q
speedy opening
On the l6tn, the searching yacht Prince Albert
succeeded IN reaching near to oar position, after
having been IN sight Ior several days Mr., Ken
uedy. her commander. came on board and brought
Us letters
The berth in which our vessels were made fast
in this place, was alongside of low tongue of an
immense berg, which By accurate measurement
lowered up TO the height of 245 feet above the
water level Il was aground in % fathoms water,
thus making the whole distance from top 10 bot
tom, s2I feet. We saw may bergs equally as
large as this, and some much larger; but this was
the only one We had so good an opportunity Of
measuring with accuracy.
On the 18th, the ice opend a little, and we got
under way. Hence, till the 27th, with almost
incessant work, by watching every opening, we
continued 10 make few miles each day, the Prince
Albert keeping company with US. On this day,
while running through a narrow lead, the ice clos
ed suddenly. The Advance was caught IN tight
place, and pretty severely nlpped We managed
to unship the rudder but before II could be secured
the crashing ice carried il under. We had lines
attached 70 t. however and after the action ofthe
ice ceased. II was extricated without injury. The
Rescue and Prince Albert, although near US, were
in better berths, and escaped the severe nip the
Advance received.
Ky-s ,-ars r{oSal- bass+ IN this rosftioD ami NJ