185.0.] IN ADVANCE OF LAST EXPEDITION. 71 



gliding smoothly along at the rate of 3' 5 knots. After 

 our late dreary confinement in the floe, this was indeed 

 felt as a release, we breathed freely on our own ele- 

 ment. Nothing now was wanting, to complete my satis- 

 faction, but the sight of our consorts, ahead or astern, 

 the former preferable, as our single steam-tug would soon 

 bring us up with them, at all events, long before we re- 

 quired them iu aid of our operations. At this position, 

 I notice that my friend Austin was, on the 14th of Au- 

 gust, about ten miles north-north-west of our position; 

 so that we may console ourselves, after all our tedious 

 delay, that we are at least thirteen days in advance of 

 his expedition, amounting here to nearly half a season. 



Notwithstanding much was advanced against the pro- 

 priety of our early departure from England, I now feel 

 fully satisfied that we were still as late as could be ven- 

 tured. We have gained greatly in strength, in aptitude 

 for ice-service, and generally better acclimated than if we 

 had made the most rapid progress from the mouth of the 

 Thames to Beechey Island. There are also many minor, 

 but very important considerations, to which it is unneces- 

 sary to revert, relating principally to the general health of 

 the crews, of which my mind has been but lately relieved ; 

 and this delay has considerably enhanced the value of 

 some individuals, who might otherwise have been deemed 

 fit subjects to be sent home. But we are now in full 

 vigour, ready for any service, and in good training. 



On the 2nd of August we had reached the lat. 75 5' N., 

 and long. 73 21' W., and but few spots of ice visible. 

 These steamers are certainly better than nothing, but are 

 unable to tow us more than three and a half knots, under 



