564 



ARCTIC RESEARCH EXPEDITION. 



towing, but in the afternoon made sail, though with a light, baf- 

 fling breeze. In the evening, however, a fog came up, and at 11 

 P.M. we had to make fast to a floe. The weather continued the 

 same next day until midnight; then, with a fresher breeze; we 

 made all sail, and kept working through the ice for twenty-four 

 hours, when at length we got clear, and were once more fairly at 

 sea. 



It was a strange feeling I had when again experiencing the pe- 

 culiar motion of a ship on the heaving, ever-restless bosom of the 

 ocean. After being so long imprisoned in that ice-locked region, 

 the sensation now was similar to what had come over me when 

 taking my departure from home. But a few days soon put me to 

 rights, and as the vessel made good way, my spirits rose buoyant 

 over the temporary attack of sea-sickness, and I was myself again. 



On the 17th we were all delighted by the sight of four vessels, 

 the first signs of civilization we had seen for twenty months. As 

 we neared one of them bearing the English flag, an officer, with a 

 boat's crew, was sent from our ship on board, to try to obtain 

 some provisions, as we were living on very short allowance — 

 three fifths of a pound of sea-biscuit per man per day, with a little 

 salt junk and salt pork. Unfortunately we could get none, as 

 the supercargo of the ship stated that they had no more than 

 enough for themselves. Another ship was tried. She proved to 

 be a Spanish vessel ; but a small quantity was obtained from her, 

 and this was most acceptable. 



On the 21st we neared St. John's, Newfoundland, and it was 

 considered advisable that we should visit that port to obtain sup- 

 plies, as all of us were nearly half starved. Of course, we made 

 all the preparations we could in regard to our persons and our 

 dress, for we were once more to mix with civilized beings. At 6 

 AM. on the 23d, a pilot came on board, and, as soon as he had 

 passed the gangway, I put the question, which is generally the 

 first from an American's lips on such occasions, " Who is Presi- 

 dent of the United States?" But so little did our affairs trouble 

 this Newfoundlander that he could give us no information. I put 

 the leading names to him, but still without effect. He 11 did not 

 know." This was mortifying, for I was naturally anxious to 

 learn who had the ruling power in my native land ; but, seeing I 

 could get no satisfactory reply, I turned aside, while the pilot con- 

 versed with Captain B . Presently the latter came to me and 



said, 



