168 RETURN OF SONNTAG. 



iarity work so much mischief as in the crowded cabin 

 of a little vessel, nor is there any place where true po- 

 liteness is so great a blessing. In short, I try to make 

 our winter abode as cheerful as possible ; and we shall 

 need all the brightness we can get within these 

 wooden walls, if we would not be overwhelmed with 

 the darkness which is outside. I want my people 

 always to feel that, whatever hardship and expo- 

 sure they may encounter, they can here find cheer- 

 ful shelter from the storms, and repose from their 

 fatigues. 



As far as possible, Sunday is observed as we would 

 observe it at home. At ten o'clock, accompanied by 

 the executive officer, I hold an inspection of every 

 part of the vessel, and examine minutely into the 

 health, habits, and comforts of the whole ship's com- 

 pany; and immediately afterward they all assemble 

 in the officers' quarters, where I read to them a por- 

 tion of the morning service ; and this is followed 

 by a chapter from the good Book, which we all love 

 alike, wherever we are. Sometimes I read one of 

 Blair's fine sermons, and when meal time comes round 

 we find it in our heart to ask a continuance of God's 

 provident care ; and if expressed in few words, it is 



perhaps not the less felt. 



November 6th. 



The travelers have returned, and, as I feared, they 

 have been unsuccessful. Sonntag has dined with me, 

 and he has just finished the recital of the adventures 

 of his party. 



The journey was a very difficult one. High hum- 

 mocks, deep snow-drifts, open cracks, severe winds 

 were their embarrassments ; and these are obstacles 

 not to be encountered without danger, fatigue, and 

 frost-bites. 



