Northern Expedition. 229. 
anchored on the 9th of June, was grounded in 52 fathoms, and 
was so firmly moored, that the levels of the dipping needle were 
not in the slightest degree affected. 
“ July 5. 
‘Since I last wrote, we have been incessantly occupied in 
attempting to get through the ice to the northward. The first 
stage we made was into North-east Bay, where we have been 
detained several days, which could only be occupied in settling 
‘the position of the several points of land, &c. and the variation 
of the compass, which, by the by, can never be done on board 
a ship with any tolerable degree of accuracy, a difference of 30 
degrees arising from a change in the ship’s head, on board the 
Isabella. On board the Alexander this difference is very appa- 
rent also, but in a much smaller degree. Ido not, however, - 
consider the experiments we have yet made to be sufficiently nu- 
merous, or sufficiently delicate, to enable us. to draw any satis- 
factory conclusion from them on this very interesting point, till 
further and better opportunities offer. 
“We had rather an interesting visit from two Esquimaux fa- 
milies the other day, .but with the details of which I shall not 
now trouble you. In truth, I have so few moments to spare 
from the immediate duties which now press upon us, that I fear 
you will think my letter but a shabby one. These last two days 
have given us a run to the northward beyond our most sanguine 
expectation, as we are at this moment within seven miles of the 
northernmost of the Womn’s Islands, and passed Sanderson’s 
Hope yesterday evening. 2 lla 
‘Our latitude, by account, to-day at noon, was 73. 10. N.; 
Isabella’s 73. 15. long. 57. 14. W. Some of the Esquimaux 
from these islands were, I understand, on board the Isabella to- 
day, and report, that the place in which we now are has been 
clear of ice during the whole winter (is this possible ?); that no 
whales have been here during the whole season ; and that they 
think there is plenty of clear water to the northward. If this 
be true, it is delightful intelligence for us. As far as we can our- 
selves see, there is no reason to question the accuracy of this 
statement ; for though the number of bergs is here, as at Riskoll, 
and at Waygatt Island, and Black Hook, almost beyond con- 
ception or belief, the field-ice appears to be by no means so close 
as to stop our progress. How long this fair prospect may con- 
tinue, it is impossible to judge; but the voyage begins to ac- 
quire extreme interest, and all are anxiously looking out to the 
north. ) 
“ P.S.—July 6.—I haye just measured the height of an ice 
berg, which is 123 feet and a half, and it is aground in 125 fa- 
thoms! This is literally a small one compared with some hun-. 
P3 . dreds 
