250 ARCTIC SEAS. 



the continuous attention required, extending, OB on 

 occasion, to twenty-four hours' incessant work. On the 

 21st, they gained the open sea, and, eight days later, 

 were lying in the quiet security of Godhaven, reading 

 their first letters from home, after a lapse of two yeas ; 

 and, on the 20th September, arrived in safety in the 

 Irish Channel. 



{t I will not," writes the commander, in the simple and 

 manly phrase which lends to his volume such an addi- 

 tional charm, " intrude upon the reader, who has followed 

 me through the pages of this simple narrative, any de- 

 scription of my feelings on finding the enthusiasm with 

 which we were all received on landing upon our native 

 ihores. The blessing of Providence had attended our 

 efforts, and more than a rou measure of approval from 

 our friends and countrymen has been our reward. For 

 myself, the testimonial given me by the officers and crew 

 of the Fox has touched me perhaps more than all. The 

 purchase of a gold chronometer, for presentation to me, 

 was the first use the men made of their earnings ; and as 

 long as I live, it will remind me of that perfect harmony, 

 that mutual esteem and good- will, which made our ship'i 

 company a happy little community, and contributed ma- 

 terially to the success of the expedition/ 9 



