PACIFIC AND BEERING'S STRAIT. 327 



have received a supply of oxen, which would have CH ^ p - 

 been most acceptable to the ship's company ; but *— v-* 

 the animals had to be driven from Bolcheresk, and, (^ y 6 \ 

 pressed as we were for time, too great a delay would 

 have been incurred in waiting for them. The co- 

 lony at this time was as much distressed for pro- 

 visions as ourselves, and was even worse off, in con- 

 sequence of the inferior quality of the articles. 



On the 1st of July we weighed and attempted to 

 put to sea, but after experiencing the difficulties 

 of which several navigators have complained, were 

 obliged to anchor again, and that at too great a dis- 

 tance from the town to have any communication. 



On the 2nd, as well as on the 3rd, we also weighed, 

 but were obliged to anchor as before ; and it was 

 not until the 5th, after weighing and anchoring 

 twice that morning, to prevent going ashore, that 

 the ship reached the outside of the harbour ; this 

 difficulty arises from counter currents which prevent 

 the steerage of the ship. After clearing the harbour 

 there was a strong wind against us, but it soon died 

 entirely away, and left us exposed to a heavy swell, 

 which rolled with great violence upon the shore ; so 

 much so, that for some time the boats were insuffi- 

 cient to prevent the ship nearing the land, and there 

 was no anchorage, in consequence of the great depth 

 of water : fortunately towards night a light air fa- 

 voured our departure, and we succeeded in getting 

 an offing. 



My object was now to make the best of my way 

 to Kotzebue Sound, as there were but fourteen days 

 left before the arrival of the appointed time of ren- 

 dezvous there, and every effort was directed towards 

 that end. As we sailed across the wide bay in which 



