176 Our North Land. 



in the business. We enjoyed the meal very much. Lieut. Gordon 

 occupied his time at this station getting the magnetic instruments 

 into adjustment, and assisting Mr. Stupart in the magnetic work. 



The Neptune left her anchorage at five o'clock p.m , and took 

 her course toward Resolution Island. We were accompanied out of 

 the harbour by six Eskimos in their kayaks. We were steaming 

 about half speed, say at the rate of four miles an hour, but they 

 found it quite easy to keep abreast of us, which pleased them 

 greatly ; but, when sufficiently away from the shore to open out full 

 speed, they were at once left behind. This greatly surprised or 

 annoyed them, or both, and they gave up the race, returning some- 

 what disgusted. 



The voyage from Stupart's to Resolution occupied two nights 

 and a day. The second night, we laid to most of the time waiting 

 for the light to aid us in a search of the coast for a harbour. 

 During Thursday, the 25th, there was nothing to relieve the dreari- 

 ness of the sea save a good view of the Middle Savages, which 

 appeared in the distance — a pretty chain of mounds rising in 

 symmetrical beauty above the troubled waters of the Strait. 



The morning of the 26th was fine and cold, with some wind* 

 We were approaching Resolution on the south-west coast ; and a 

 little before nine o'clock what appeared to be a pretty well sheltered 

 inlet was observed. This Lieut. Gordon decided to explore in the 

 hope of finding an anchorage. Mr. Barry, the Neptune's mate, was 

 despatched with four men in one of the boats, to examine the place, 

 make soundings and report upon its condition. We followed him 

 in for some distance, going dead slow, one of the ship's crew taking 

 frequent castings of the lead over the side of the vessel as we 

 advanced. At a little before nine it became apparent, even before 

 Mr. Barry returned, that the place would not afford us the desired 

 anchorage. The Neptune came to a halt and began to swing under 

 the force of the wind. She was allowed to come about, and, when a 

 little more than half way round, her bow, or the forward portion of 

 her keel, came upon the rocks, giving her a shock which sent all on 

 board staggering to keep their feet. The captain at once gave the 

 signal " full speed astern," and ordered the helm " hard-a-starboard." 



