THE NARRATIVE OF CHARLES WILKES. 873 
barrier of ice. In the afternoon we spoke the Peacock. She had not 
seen us in the morning, and I should be disposed to believe that the 
cause of her image appearing so close to us in the morning was produced 
by refraction above a low fog-bank; but the usual accompaniment of 
such phenomena (a difference of temperature below and aloft) did not 
exist. 
I now desired Captain Hudson to make the best use of his time in 
exploring, as to attempt to keep company would only impede our 
progress, and, without adding to our safety, might prevent the oppor- 
tunity of examining the barrier for an opening. I was also satisfied 
that the separation would be a strong incentive to exertion, by exciting 
rivalry among the officers and crews of the different vessels. This day 
at noon we were in latitude 66° 20' S., longitude 156° 02) E. Many 
petrels, albatrosses, a few whales, and a seal were seen from the ship, 
and the water was quite green. 
18¢h.—'lhe weather this day was variable, with light westerly winds ; 
the temperature of air and water 32°. Occasional squalls of snow and 
mist occurred, but it was at times clear. The water was still olive- 
green, and the other vessels occasionally in sight, beating to windward. 
On the morning of the 19th we found ourselves in a deep bay, and 
discovered the Peacock standing to the south-west. Until 8 a.m. we 
had a moderate breeze. The water was of a darker olive-green, and 
had a muddy appearance. Land was now certainly visible from the 
Vincennes, both to the south-south-east and south-west, in the former 
direction most distinctly. Both appeared high. It was between eight 
and nine in the morning when I was fully satisfied that it was certainly 
land, and my own opinion was confirmed by that of some of the oldest 
and most experienced seamen on board. The officer of the morning 
watch, Lientenant Alden, sent twice and called my attention to it. We 
were at this time in longitude 154° 30' E., latitude 66° 20'S.; the day 
was fine and at times quite clear, with light winds. After divine 
service, I still saw the outline of the land, unchanged in form, but not so 
distinct as in the morning. By noon I found we were sagging on to the 
barrier; the boats were lowered in consequence, and the ship towed off. 
The report from aloft was, “ A continued barrier of ice around the bay, 
and no opening to be seen, having the western point of it bearing to 
the northward of west of us.” I stood to the westward to pass 
around it, fully assured that the Peacock would explore all the outline 
of the bay. 
The Peacock, at 3h. 30 m., according to Captain Hudson’s journal, 
having got into the drift-ice, with a barrier still ahead to the west, 
tacked to the south-east to work up for an immense mass, which had 
every appearance of land, and which was believed to be such by all on 
board. It was seen far beyond and towering above an icec-island that 
was from 150 to 200 feet in height. It bore from them about south- 
