1852.] THE DAY AFTEK. 193 



moment reunited in our spring travels, omitted. The 

 toast, " The rendezvous, 77 N., 105 W.," was emphati- 

 cally given and determined on, as if it was already en- 

 graven on the chart. About 1.30 each retired, to dream 

 of home. 



Many uninterested persons may doubtless be of opi- 

 nion that these are not matters for the public journal of 

 the Commander of such an expedition. I am willing to 

 risk the verdict ; it is the true index of the habits and 

 customs of the Arctic explorers in 1852-3-4-5-6, etc. 

 Many an anxious eye may be turned to these particular 

 pages, when others of dry matter, or of a controversial 

 complexion, would studiously be avoided. We have but 

 little sun at this season. Let us enjoy all the brightness 

 that warm hearts and innocent amusements can afford, 

 not forgetting those whose feelings are also gratified at 

 learning that in all our enjoyments their presence alone 

 was wanting to complete the cup. Sailors ever had, and 

 will, so long as the good old breed is not extinct, have 

 their feelings deep as the element they swim on, and no 

 disguise. 



December 26. All quiet ; great disposition to sleep, 

 in which they were allowed to indulge until the time for 

 prayers, put off today until eleven. To many a Com- 

 mander this is the most anxious day. Thankful did I 

 feel that all had gone well, not a whisper of any defect. 

 "What would I not give to wander?" however, I feel 

 assured that we were not forgotten ; so my dreams, at 

 least, assured. Where will our next winter be passed ? 

 was more than once started, a most difficult problem 

 to contemplate : time alone can tell ! 



VOL. i. f) 



