VOYAGE OF THE POLARIS (1872) 99 



set out with the object of reaching Cape Constitution, 

 Morton's farthest, and ascertaining its correct position. 

 The party reached within 30 miles of the cape, but had 

 then to return. 



The whole expedition were anxious to explore the 

 region to the north, but the strange conclusion was 

 arrived at that it was necessary to proceed in boats. The 

 idea of the " open sea ,1 had evidently some influence with 

 them. When a small channel formed it gave rise to 

 high hopes that a start with the boats would be made, 

 but these hopes were soon dashed when the channel closed 

 again. Instead of setting out with sledge-parties along 

 the coast, the spring and part of the summer were 

 allowed to slip away while they waited for open water. 

 Yet they were in a more favourable position for making 

 an advance towards the north of Greenland than any 

 party before or since. 



On the 8th June a start was made from Cape Lupton 

 with a boat, which had previously been taken there, but 

 it was crushed in the ice next day. 



Another start was made on the 10th with two boats, 

 and the party succeeded in reaching Newman Bay 

 without much difficulty, but found it impossible to pro- 

 ceed farther north with the boats. 



During the month of June the Polaris leaked badly, 

 and the pumps had to be kept frequently at work. On 

 the 26th of this month the ship was liberated from the 

 ice by means of saws, and Budington at once determined 

 to start for the north. On approaching Cape Sumner, 

 however, the pack was found to be impenetrable. After 

 crossing to Cape Lieber without finding an opening, the 

 Polaris returned to "Thank-God Harbour. ,1 On the 

 28th June, Budington received the news that the boat- 

 party was at Newman Bay, and he attempted to take 

 the Polaris north so as to pick up the boats, but the 



