CHAPTER IV. 



ADVERSE EXPERIENCES ANOTHER DEATH IN THE ARCTIC 



SEAS SIR JOHN FRANKLIN EXPEDITION AN AWFUL 



SQUEEZE. 



ABOUT the middle of March, 1852, we commenced 

 another voyage to Davis's Straits, many of the old 

 crew being with us. The preceding winter had been spent 

 in self-improvement. My spare evenings were passed at 

 the night school, which was provided by the owners for 

 their apprentices. I have known about one hundred and 

 ten apprentices attending the school during the winter 

 evenings, and it was very beneficial to all. We left port 

 with the assistance of a tug-boat, towed down the 

 Humber, and anchored in the Sunk roads for two days, 

 as a fresh northerly wind was blowing. When it changed 

 we got under weigh, and went to the northward, duly 

 arriving at Stromness, in the Orkney islands, where the 

 winds from the westward detained us a week. We 

 were in the company of several more ships, and when the 

 wind became fair, there was a great commotion on the 

 land and amongst the ships getting their respective crews. 

 All being on board, topsails mast-headed, and the anchors 

 hove up, we sailed towards Davis's Straits. It was rather 

 late when we made the ice, in consequence of adverse 

 winds. This time the ice led us well south into 

 the land, off Sukkertoppen, and we made all progress 

 to the northward. The island of Disco was reached in 

 safety, and having got our lines coiled, we were ready for any- 

 thing which came in our way. We cruised about several days. 



