174 EARLIEST POLAR EXPLORATIONS 



port bow of the ship. The starboard side of the ship was also evidently broken 

 in, because water was rising rapidly in the starboard coal-bunkers. Orders were 

 now given to land one-half of the pemmican in the deck-house, and all the 

 bread which was on deck, and the sleds and dogs were likewise carried to a 

 position of safety. The ship was heeled 22° to starboard, and was raised 

 forward 4' 6", the entire port bow being visible also to a height of 4' 6" from 

 the forefoot. * * * 



"At 5 p. m. the pressure was renewed, and continued with tremendous 

 force, the ship cracking in every part. The spar-deck commenced to buckle 

 up, and the starboard side seemed again on the point of coming in. Orders 

 were now given to get out provisions, clothing, bedding, ship's books and 

 papers, and to remove all sick to a place of safety. While engaged in this work 

 another tremendous pressure was received, and at 6 p. m. it was found that the 

 vessel was beginning to fill. From that time forward every effort was devoted 

 to getting provisions, etc., on the ice, and it was not desisted from until the 

 water had risen to the spar-deck, the ship being now heeled to starboard 30°. 

 The starboard side was evidently broken in abreast of the mainmast, and the 

 ship was settling fast. Our ensign had been hoisted at the mizzen, and every 

 preparation made for abandoning the ship, and at 8 p. m. everybody was 

 ordered to leave her. Assembling on the floe, we dragged all our boats and 

 provisions clear of bad cracks, and prepared to camp down for the night." 



