714 THE VOYAGE OF THE JEANNETTE. 



There was no doubt in my mincl that it was the Island 

 of New Siberia, but at 4 p. m. I got a time sight, and 

 that settled it. Assuming a latitude of 75° 30' N., I got 

 147° 50' E., and that ran through the western portion 

 of the island. The ice has packed very heavily around 

 us, and we are drifting west very rapidly. Close to the 

 land is a lane of water, which will be all we want if we 

 can reach it. 



I called Chipp and Melville into my tent this after- 

 noon, and gave them information in regard to my plans 

 for the future and such general verbal directions as to 

 their boats, food, and other things as were advisable. 

 Ordering them in all cases to keep close to me, I think, 

 covers any other point ; for if I am always at hand to 

 refer to, they need no orders in advance, and if unfor- 

 tunately we get separated things must be left to their 

 judgment. In this latter case they will, without delay, 

 proceed to the Lena, and not wait for me or anybody 

 short of a Russian settlement large enough to feed and 

 shelter them. 



The wind is moderating, and the barometer rising 

 rapidly at six p. m., and I hope for good weather to- 

 morrow, when, with God's blessing, I expect to start on 

 our journey afloat. Kasmatka too clumsy and big, — 

 shot him. 



Being so near the end of this book I will keep the 

 remainder of my log in a second one. 



Provisions in First Cutter, August 20th. 



llh lbs. ham. 3£ lbs. coffee. 



9 lbs. tongue. 10H lbs. sugar. 



4f lbs. pigs' feet. 20| lbs. tea. 



7^ lbs. Liebig's extract. 630 lbs. pemmican. 



