Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1853-06-02

TWEEN DECKS OF THE FROZEN SHIps.-Beford
we enter upon the subject of returning spring
and the new occupations and excitement which
it called forth, let me try to convey an idea of q
day spent in total darkness as far as the sun was
concerned. Fancy the lower deck and cabins oil
ship lighted entirely by candles and oil lamps
every aperture by which exernal air could enter
unless under control, carefully secured, and all
doors doubled to prevent draughts 1t is break
fast time, and reeking hot cocoa from every messl
table is sending up dense vapor, which, in ad
dition to the breath of 50 many souls, fills thd
space between decks with mist and fog. Should
you 60 on deck-and remember you 90 from sd
degrees above zero to 40 degrees below it, in eight
short steps-a column of smoke will be seen
rising through certain aper called ventilators
whilst others are supplying current Of pure ar|
Breakfast done-and from the jokes and merriI
ment, it has been good one-there is general
pulling on of warm clothing, and the major part
of the officers and men go on deck. few re !
MAN, to clean and clear up, arrange for the din
ner, and remove any damp or ice that may havd
formed in holes or corners during the sleeping
hours. This done, muster of all hands, called
divisions took place. Officers inspected thd
men and every part of the ship, to see both wer@
clean, and then they dispersed to their several
duties, which at this severe season were veryl
light; indeed, confined mainly to supplying thd
cook with snow to melt for water, keeping thd
fire. hole in the Hoe open and sweeping the decksl
Knots of two or three would if there was not d
strong gale blowing, be seen taking exercise at d
distance from the vessels, and others, stroline
under the lee discussed the past and prophesied,
as to the future. AT noon soups, preserved
meats, or salt-horse, formed the seamen's dinner
with the addition of preserved potatoes, a treat
which the gallant fellows duly appreciated. Tho
officers dined somewhat later-2 p. NJ. littld
afternoon exercise was then taken, and the even
ing meal, of tea, next partaken of 1t wad
school night, the voluntary pupils went to thei J.
tasks, the masters to their posts; reading-mer|
producing their books. writing. men, their desks
artists painted by candle-light; and cards, chess
or draughts, combined with conversation, and
an evenings glass of grog, and cigar or pipe
ny was our enemy, and to kill time our endeavor'
hardship, there was none; for all we underwear
IN winter quarters, in the shape of cold, hunger
or danger, was voluntary. Monotony, as agar
repeat. was the only disagreeable part of GU
wintering at Griffith Island. Some men anon
us seemed, in their temperament, to be muc
better able to endure this monotony than others
and others, who had no source of amusement
such as reading, writing, or drawng-were muc
to be ptied. Nothing struck one more than tn
strong tendency to talk of home and England
1t became quite disease. We for the most part
spoke as if all the most affectionate husbands
dutiful sons, and attached brothers, had foun(
their way into the arctic expedition Stra
Leaves from an Arctic Journal, Jy Liemena,l
Osborne.