6 THE 'BREADALBANE' NIPPED. [September, 



would of necessity, after pressing on Beechey Island and 

 closing tins channel completely, bar entirely any exit 

 from Barrow Strait. It is also clear to niy mind that 

 the drift np this channel must have been unimpeded, 

 from the undeniable evidence afforded by the pieces of 

 the 'Breadalbane' found in this neighbourhood. 



The history of the loss of the 'Breadalbane' has al- 

 ready made its appearance in the official despatches, but 

 it may not prove uninteresting here to record the event 

 and dates. 



Early on Sunday morning, the 21st of August, a 

 little after four, the first warning of "nip" was noticed 

 on board the ' Breadalbane,' by the groaning of beams, 

 creaking of bulkheads, etc., which drove the crew on 

 the ice in rather unprepared garb. No time was afforded 

 to save anything. In about fifteen minutes the vessel 

 was destroyed, much to the astonishment even of the 

 spectators from the ' Phoenix/ who came to render as- 

 sistance. The 'Phoenix' herself had rather a severe nip, 

 and will have their tale to tell, if they reach England 

 safely. I am happy to say, that the most important of 

 her stores were saved ; but her coal, landed on such a 

 dangerous, and to us inaccessible, station as Cape Riley, 

 may never be available ! If we have such a season as 

 that experienced in August, 1852, it may be possible to 

 remove it, but that is too much to expect. 



On the 24th the ' Phoenix,' having seen more perhaps 

 than was agreeable of this "yachting climate," departed 

 for England, taking, unfortunately, but a very summary 

 account of our motions ; and I fear, from where Com- 

 mander Pullcn last saw us and our unaccountable ab- 



