62 RECONNOITRE THE ICE. 



derating, and we stood along the margin of the 

 ice, searching for an opening, and remarking as 

 we went what very little effect had been pro- 

 duced upon it by the gale. 



While thus occupied the breeze suddenly 

 deserted us, and the vessels being rendered un- 

 managable by the heavy swell which continu- 

 ed to roll towards the ice, they were, in spite 

 of all our efforts, driven into the pack. With 

 a view of averting this occurrence, the boats 

 had been employed in towing the vessels until 

 the latest moment, but unfortunately those of 

 the Trent were cut off from communication 

 with her by the breaking of the line. 



By the aid of a light breeze of wind off the 

 ice, both vessels succeeded in gaining the open 

 sea, but they had scarcely proceeded an hour 

 before they were again becalmed, and, in spite 

 of every exertion, they were a second time 

 driven into the packed ice. 



The turbulent scene from which we had but 

 recently escaped was but a faint prelude to that 

 which now presented itself. During the inter- 

 val the swell had materially increased, and now 

 rolled furiously in upon the ice. The pieces at 

 the edge of the pack were at one time wholly 

 immersed in the sea, and at the next raised 

 far above their natural line of flotation, while 



