1853.] RECENT FRAGMENT OF A SHIP. 371 



she eased astern. Let no one sneer at blasting ice ; this 

 alone saved the ' Assistance. 3 We were very glad now 

 to take refuge under the lee of our big enemy, where 

 most beautiful docks were already prepared, but too in- 

 sidious for any dependence. The power which placed 

 them there could as easily move them, and the collision 

 would destroy us in a moment, even in calm, and with- 

 out one instant's warning ! We had therefore to select 

 our ground, and cut in so as to be frozen steadily, until 

 we could make another move. It was very tantalizing, 

 as well as distressing. More power, more activity, would 

 probably have placed us beyond the barrier which now 

 closed us in as if for ever ! 



Being now fast and fixed until it pleased Nature to 

 release us, I despatched Mr. Grove to take the shortest 

 course to Cape Osborn, and examine the cairn ; but I had 

 been much deceived by the distance, as well as by the 

 nature, of the intervening ground, as well as its acces- 

 sibility. He returned, after an absence of ten hours, 

 unsuccessful, but he determined that the object was a 

 natural heap, not a cairn ; no traces of travellers were 

 noticed along his route. The party reached the ship 

 about five A.M. on the 6th, much fatigued, and the fog 

 which prevailed tended much to increase their difficul- 

 ties. Mr. Grove found three pieces of wood, two very 

 old and weather-worn, but one recent, of teak, painted 

 black on one side and having a new nail through its 

 end. It had recently been cut by a fine saw, apparently 

 for firewood ; the nail had not the Government mark.* 



f This proved to be part of the ' Breadalbane,' wrecked fifty-five 

 miles to the southward. 



2 B 2 



