GO THE 'M'CLELLAN' NIPPED. \July, 



tons. With even this insignificant floe, impelled by wind 

 or tide against the frail wooden structure of man, what 

 can avail? something like the Nasmyth hammer on a 

 nut ! 



If the vessels intended for the whaling trade were 

 built with a more wedge-shaped bottom, the ice in many 

 instances would merely raise them out of water, and 

 allow them to regain their floatation when it eased ; but 

 she would not then hold the cargo which gain requires. 



Strong, however, as the' Assistance' is supposed to be 

 to withstand pressure, I much doubt whether we should 

 come off so well in the event of decided "nip" as many 

 of the vessels here. We are deep, heavily laden ; they 

 are light, without cargo, would rise easily, and evade the 

 death-gripe, when we should be crushed. 



I much fear that my readers will exclaim, "This is merely 

 a book of disasters : another wreck !" But too true ; and 

 this time an unfortunate American. On the 6th of July, 

 in one of those animated moves, when every effort is 

 exerted to get ahead and obtain " the load" through mo- 

 mentary openings in the ice, the 'M'Clellan' barque, be- 

 ing in advance, endeavoured to pass a narrow opening, 

 in order to reach the next " lead." She had nearly suc- 

 ceeded, but the ice, changing its motion, caught her in 

 the narrows, "nipped" and hurt her badly. In a very 

 short time she was deserted by her crew. On this oc- 

 casion our crews aided, repaired, and left her, as we 

 deemed, all safe, and her crew were induced to return. 

 But hardly were we all secured in docks, and I was con- 

 gratulating myself in having thus saved the vessel of 

 our ally, when it was reported " that she had experienced 

 a fresh nip, was driven on to the bow of the 'North 



