8 OLD WHALING DAYS. 



moderating, we sailed south and joined the fleet. They 

 had not killed any more whales from the time of our 

 leaving to rejoining them, on account of the gale of 

 wind breaking the land floe up. We got further south, and 

 captured two more large whales off the North Cheek of 

 Scott's Inlet. These made thirteen fish altogether, of 160 

 tons, and completed the quantity we required. With light 

 hearts, and joyous anticipations of home welcome, we filled 

 the spare water casks and secured the boats for the return 

 voyage. Being the first ship bound for home, we received 

 letters from the crews of the other vessels for their friends, 

 for although all had been fortunate in killing fish, they 

 intended staying a little longer to fill up if possible. The 

 last to leave us was Captain Dring, of the St. Andrew, 

 belonging to Aberdeen. His vessel was nearly full, and 

 was going to follow us in a few days. Within forty-eight 

 hours afterwards, however, Captain Dring met his death in 

 a shocking manner, being accidentally shot. The 

 melancholy news was received, shortly after his letters had 

 been delivered, by the lady to whom he had intended 

 being married when he returned home. So sad an accident 

 was a great shock to all who knew him, for he was a fine 

 young man, and greatly beloved. 



We experienced a favourable passage across the Atlantic, 

 but encountered adverse winds when nearing the Shetland 

 Isles. We therefore bore up for Long Hope, in the 

 Orkneys, and there came to anchor and discharged the 

 Shetland men, who went to their homes in small fishing 

 boats. We received, at Long Hope, the distressing tidings 

 that cholera had visited Hull, and committed frightful 

 ravages whilst we had been away. We were told that 

 nearly the whole of the inhabitants had been swept away by 

 this awful scourge, and that pits had been dug in which to 

 bury the dead bodies. Our hearts sank within us. We 

 had looked forward to a joyful home-coming, and here we 



