Dec. 1857. AN AECTIC CHEISTMAS. 81 



fectly sober, and singing songs, each in his 

 turn. I expressed great satisfaction at having 

 seen them enjoying themselves so much and so 

 rationally, T could therefore the better describe 

 it to Lady Franklin, vs^ho was so deeply inte- 

 rested in everything relating to them. I drank 

 their healths, and hoped our position next year 

 would be more suitable for our purpose. We all 

 joined in drinking the healths of Lady Franklin 

 and Miss Cracroft, and amid the acclamations 

 which followed I returned to my cabin, im- 

 mensely gratified by such an exhibition of 

 genuine good feeling, such veneration for Lady 

 Franklin, and such loyalty to the cause of the 

 expedition. It was very pleasant also that they 

 had taken the most cheering view of our future 

 prospects. I verily believe I was the happiest 

 individual on board that happy evening. 



Our Christmas-box has come in the shape of 

 northerly winds, which bid fair to drift us 

 southward towards those latitudes wherein we 

 hope for liberation next spring from this icy 

 bondage. 



28^A. — We have been in expectation of a gale 

 all day. This evening there is still a doubtful 

 sort of truce amongst the elements. Barometer 

 down to 28-83 ; thermometer up to -1-5°, although 

 the wind has been strong and steady from the 



a 



