144 SOUTHERN CRUISE. 
March 17th, we had light winds from the eastward, and a smooth 
sea, with delightful weather. There was, however, a heavy bank of 
cumuli to the south west ward, and after a few hours' calm, the wind 
came from that quarter, and began to blow fresh, accompanied with 
heavy squalls. We did not succeed that night in reaching New 
Island, where it was my intention to have anchored and rode out the 
gale. We in consequence found ourselves the next morning thirty 
miles to the eastward of our position on the previous evening, having 
drifted at the rate of three miles an hour. From appearances, I 
inferred that the gale had set in for several days ; I therefore deter- 
mined to make for Good Success Bay, and await the breaking up of 
the storm, being satisfied we could make little progress to the west- 
ward during its continuance. 
We anchored in the bay early in the afternoon, when we took our 
boats and went on shore for a few hours. There was but little surf 
when we landed, but it rapidly increased, and one of the boats in 
attempting to pass through it filled, and after several ineffectual 
attempts, did not succeed in getting off. A boat was sent to their 
assistance, but returned with a report that no assistance could be ren- 
dered them, and that they had determined to remain until morning. 
In the morning the surf had very much increased. The sea setting 
in the bay, rendered our situation uncomfortable, and somewhat 
dangerous, as we were exposed to the force of it and the wind, which 
had hauled to the southeast. 
At 1 p. m., being desirous of sending provisions to the party on 
shore, Lieutenant Hartstein was ordered to take charge of two boats, 
to communicate with them, and give them supplies. 
My intention was to effect this by having a line floated on shore by 
which to haul the seal-boat or yawl, having provisions lashed in her, 
through the surf, by the party on shore. Instructions to this effect 
were given to Lieutenant Hartstein, who was enjoined not to risk the 
lives of the men. We watched them attentively with our glasses. 
Shortly after they had anchored their boats outside the surf, we 
perceived Lieutenant Hartstein and three men strapping on their 
life-preservers, and preparing themselves for a landing in the boat. 
I felt under great apprehensions of accident. Placing, however, great 
confidence in that officer's judgment, I was assured he would not risk 
the lives of the men, and his own, on such an occasion. It was with 
great anxiety we watched their proceedings ; and in a few moments 
afterwards they were separated from the other boat, still apparently 
making preparations. In an instant they were borne on the crest 
