OF THE POLAR SEA. 47 
day, to jump into the water, and assist in lifting 
the boat over the large stones which impeded the 
navigation. The length of our voyage to-day 
was only six miles and three quarters. 
The four boats commenced operations together 
at five o’clock the following morning; but our boat 
being overladen, we soon found that we were un- 
able to keep pace with the others ; and, therefore, 
proposed to the gentlemen in ae of the Com- 
pany’s boats, that they should relieve us of part 
of our cargo. This they declined doing, under 
the plea of not having received orders to that 
effect, notwithstanding that the circular, with 
which I was furnished by Governor Williams, 
strictly enjoined all the Company’s servants to 
afford us every assistance. In consequence of 
this refusal we dropt behind, and our steersman, 
who was inexperienced, being thus deprived of 
the advantage of observing the route followed by 
the guide, who was in the foremost boat, fre- 
quently took a wrong channel. _ The tow-line 
broke twice, and the boat was only prevented 
from’ going broadside down the stream, and 
breaking to pieces against the stones, by the 
officers and men leaping into the water, and hold- 
ing her head to the current until the line could be 
carried again to the shore.» It is but justice to 
say, that in these trying situations, we received - 
