144 COMMUNICATION IMPRACTICABLE. [March, 



this navigation from one horn* to the next. Between the 

 10th of September and 12th of November, twice in the 

 floe, we made a beating voyage down this Strait ; we 

 only made westing on two occasions, showing that there 

 is a permanent easterly current ; a good example of the 

 way the Great Polynia may be navigated in the winter. 



" Thus ends my spring and summer proceedings. 



" Winter had now really commenced. I was anxious 

 to communicate with you, and had a party prepared 

 for the purpose, but it was impracticable; the floe was so 

 much broken up that a boat could not have been taken 

 over it, and there was still so much water or light ice 

 that it would not have been safe without one; in addi- 

 tion, there were only seven travelling hours of light. 



" On the 14th of November, Mr. Sainsbury (Mate), 

 whose decline became rapid from the moment we lost 

 hopes of getting down, and the cold weather, died. 

 Poor fellow ! the prospect of getting home, coupled with 

 the ability and kindness of my Surgeon, was all that 

 sustained him so long. 



" It now became a matter of great consideration, the 

 victualling so large a number of men in addition to my 

 own crew, after having expended so much in travelling, 

 placing depots, and feeding increased numbers, so as 

 to sustain them in health and give me the means of 

 saving my ships. The result was, I found that, with a 

 very small decrease of the allowance, I could victual all 

 until the end of April, and have for myself, reducing my 

 crew to fifty men and officers (both vessels], provision 

 to last me until May, 1855, before which time / hope 

 to be released, or to be within the reach of succour. To 



