22 MOVE INTO BERTH AND HOUSE IN. 



On the 28tli, the ship was finally placed in her 

 intended winter's position, and the work of "stripping" 

 commenced. Warping into berth was a severe fore- 

 taste of winter's inclemency ; the temperature was 

 at + 28° ; the water froze on the hawsers as they came 

 in, nor was the boat-work necessary in laying out the 

 anchors more pleasant, as the wind blew freshly, and 

 spray drenched those engaged. 



Navigation and seamanship were now to be 

 dispensed with for awhile; we had before us a 

 long and severe winter to be passed in an ice-bound 

 ship, and we prepared accordingly to render our 

 residence as comfortable and little irksome as might 

 be. The sails were "unbent," dried, and stowed 

 away, yards and lesser spars got on deck, leaving only 

 the lower masts standing, the lower rigging being 

 secured around them to be clear of the housing, which 

 shortly enclosed the upper deck. Parties were sent on 

 shore to build a small house and cut turf. Desirous 

 of early and definitely establishing among our new 

 friends a wholesome knowledge of om' power, without 

 displaying a hostile or precautionary intention, the 

 pistols were discharged at a mark, and the 12 -pounder 

 howitzer, which was mounted on the forecastle, loaded 

 with grape, and fired at a number of seals which lay 

 on the land ice at the head of the harbour. 



