Aug. 1858. REFLECTIONS AT BEECHEY ISLAND. 147 





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The Three Graves, and Depot House, Beechey Island. 



We are now ready to proceed upon our voyage from 

 Beechey Island, and there is no ice in sight; but having 

 worked almost unceasingly since our arrival up to the 

 present hour, the men require a night's rest. Nearly forty 

 tons of fuel have been embarked. 



The total absence of ice in Barrow Strait is astonishing. 

 No less so are the changes and chances of this singular 

 navigation. Twelve days later than this in 1850, when I 

 belonged to Her Majesty's ship ' Assistance,' with consider- 

 able difficulty we came within sight of Beechey Island : a 

 cairn on its summit attracted notice ; Captain Ommanney 

 managed to land, and discovered the first traces of the 

 missing expedition. Next day the United States schooner 

 ' Rescue ' arrived ; the day after, Captain Penny joined us, 

 and subsequently Captain Austin, Sir John Ross, and 

 Captain Forsyth — in all, ten vessels were assembled here. 



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