1854.] BLASTING GENERALLY INJUDICIOUS. 189 



the best bower cable drawing from abaft, the cathead. 

 To describe what ray feelings were I will not undertake. 

 The ship was again afloat on her own element, and my 

 cares for a time were superseded by the ordinary course 

 of service. 



Having thus far explained myself, I cannot but thank 

 officers as well as men for their exertions in their several 

 stations. True it is that, invalid as I am, I worked pos- 

 sibly beyond what a Captain ought in other cases; but I 

 had my object to fulfil, and notwithstanding some of the 

 hardiest failed, excitement compelled me to stick to my 

 post. To Commander Richards, Mr. Loney, Mr. Allard, 

 Mr. Nares, the Boatswain, Mates, and crew, I feel that 

 great praise is due. But for the entire modus operandi 

 I am responsible, and I again repeat my regret that after 

 the initial proceedings and finding water at the bow, I 

 was persuaded to have recourse to gunpowder ; but when 

 once used there is no limit. Concussion and radiating 

 cracks have been made; eventually these caused very 

 disheartening slips of the clock sides, entailing double 

 labour. 



Physicians prescribe, but not unfrequently swerve 

 from their practice by some persuasion that it may do 

 the patient no harm ; not immediate, it is true, but 

 when it eventuates he thinks not the less of the result. 



On the other hand, gunpowder has its importance. A 

 coup is to be made, an effect produced on your sub- 

 agents ; then, having satisfied yourself that it will cause 

 the desired effect, much as it may upset some of your 

 petted schemes, yield to caprice, make a noise, shiver 

 the mountain of ice, and seek for the moment of making 



