430 VOYAGE TO THE 



chap, hailed me, saying that the channel after crossing the 

 v— - y^-' river looked more favourable than ever. Cheered 

 Narrative ^ ^\$ report, we worked harder ; but so quick was 

 Barge. tf\e ice in its movement, that in a few moments we 

 were enclosed on all sides. Nothing more towards 

 freeing the boat could now be done, therefore we 

 carried out her anchors to the shore and secured her, 

 contemplating a retreat by land should we not be so 

 fortunate as to get clear. On looking to the south- 

 ward, we found the ice perfectly compact, and con- 

 nected with the shore, not leaving visible a space of 

 water three yards in diameter. The crew now en- 

 joyed a little rest ; and Mr. Elson decided that we 

 should remain by the boat until the 1st of Septem- 

 ber, on which day, should no chance appear of 

 liberating her, we were to start by land for Kotze- 

 bue Sound. 



Some large ice gounding to windward partially 

 sheltered the boat ; but as her situation was on the 

 southern bank of the entrance to the river, the cur- 

 rent swept with force round, bringing occasionally 

 some heavy ice in contact with the boat, the vio- 

 lence of which hove her into a foot and a half less 

 water than she drew ; and the sand soon formed a 

 bank on the outside, leaving her quite bedded. At 

 six p. m. the current had almost subsided. A most 

 cheerless prospect presented itself, the whole sea 

 being covered with ice sufficiently compact to walk 

 upon ; and the clouds becoming heavy and flying 

 swiftly from the S. W., offered not the smallest hope 

 of our escape. The water had likewise fallen a foot 

 and a half, leaving the boat nearly dry. Our feel- 

 ings now were indescribable, as it appeared very 

 evident that we should be obliged to abandon our 



