187(5 DEATH OF GEORGE PORTER. 393 



event, and is keenly felt by all. During the service 

 all were more or less affected, and many to tears. 



' 9th. — A wild thick day, with a fresh breeze from 

 the northward. Invalids in a very depressed state, 

 notwithstanding all efforts made to cheer them. All 

 eyes eagerly directed to the southward, the quarter 

 from which we are anxiously expecting succour. We 

 had advanced the heavy sledge one stage, and had just 

 returned to drag up the two smaller ones, when some- 

 thing moving between the hummocks was espied, 

 which from its rapid motion was soon made out to be 

 the dog-sledge. Hoisted colours. The men appeared 

 quite carried away by their feelings, and it was with 

 difficulty they could muster up a cheer as May and 

 Moss arrived and shook us heartily by the hands. Our 

 delight was enhanced on being informed that they 

 were only the advance of a larger party coming out to 

 our relief, headed by the Captain himself, and nearly 

 all the officers. A halt was immediately ordered, 

 cooking utensils lighted, water made, and we were 

 soon all enjoying a good draught of limejuice, with 

 mutton for supper in prospective. Our spirits rose 

 wonderfully, and, as if nature also wished to partici- 

 pate in our joy, the weather began to break, and the 

 sun shone out. Eesumed the march, May pushing on 

 with his dog-sledge, and camping about half-a-mile to 

 the southward of us, they not having rested for many 

 hours so eager was he to afford us relief. The travel- 

 ling was very good, and we got along famously, every 

 one apparently much invigorated, cheerful, and in 

 good spirits. 



< IQth. — We all, including the sick, consumed and 



