A JOURNAL 
OF 
THE PROCEEDINGS OF HIS MAJESTY’S SHIP 
HECLA. 
Torspay, May 4th, 1819.— Many interesting par- 
ticulars connected with our expedition might be 
mentioned prior to the details of this day; but as 
they cannot, strictly speaking, be considered as 
forming a part of the occurrences of the voyage, I 
shall begin my narrative only from the time that we 
started from Deptford. We have been ready for 
sailing for some days past, but during that time the 
wind has been from the eastward, which prevented 
our departure. In order therefore to avoid farther 
delay, steam vessels were applied for to tow us down 
yesterday : but, in consequence of the great demand 
for these vessels for some time past, none could be 
procured until this morning; the delay occasioned 
was not, however, much regretted, as it afforded many 
an opportunity of passing another night amongst 
their friends whom they were on the point of leaving 
for some time. The eventful moment of departure 
at length arrived, for at a quarter before eight o’clock 
this morning, we cast off from His Majesty’s hulk 
B 
