506 
COMMANDER DE HAVEn's 
arriving, could be much better obtained, and the former quite as well, at Lieve- 
ly, on Disco Island, for which place I bore up, leaving orders for the Rescue to 
follow us. We arrived on the 17th, and the Rescue joined us the day after. 
The crews were indulged with a run on shore every day that we remained, 
which they enjoyed exceedingly after their tedious winter confinement. This 
recreation, together with a few vegetables of an antiscorbutic character which 
were obtained, was of much benefit to them. There were no fresh provisions 
to be had here at this season of the year. Fortunately, one of the Danish com- 
pany's vessels arrived from Copenhagen while we remained, and from her M e 
obtained a few articles that we stood much in need of The company's store 
was nearly exhausted, but what remained was kindly placed at our disposal. 
On the 22d, our crews being much invigorated by their exercise on terra 
firma, and the few still affected with the scurvy being in a state of convales- 
cence, we got under way, with the intention of prosecuting the object of the 
expedition for one season more, at least. 
From the statement made to us at Lievely, the last winter had been an ex- 
traordinary one. The winds had prevailed to an unusual degree from the north- 
west, and the ice was not at any time fixed. The whaling fleet had passed to 
the northward previous to our arrival. 
On the 24th we met with some obstruction from the ice otF Hare Island, 
and on the following day our progress was completely arrested by it at Storoe 
Island. In seeking for a passage we got beset in a pack near the lee shore, 
near to which we were carried by the drifting ice, and narrowly escaped being 
driven on the rocks. After getting out of this difficulty, we availed ourselves 
of every opening in the ice, and worked slowly to the northward, near the shore. 
On the 1st of July we were off the Danish port and settlement of Proven, 
and as the condition of the ice rendered further progress at present impossible, 
we went in and anchored to wait for a change. 
Here, again, some scurvy grass was collected, and the men allowed to run on 
shore. 
On the 3d we got under way, and ran out to look at the ice ; but finding it 
still closely packed, returned to our anchorage. 
On the 6th the accounts from our look-out on the hiU near us were more fa- 
vorable. Again we got under way, and finding the pack somewhat loose, suc- 
ceeded in making some headway through it. The following day we got into 
clear water, and fell in with two English whaling vessels, the Pacific and Jane. 
To their gentlemanly and considerate commanders we are much indebted for 
the supplies furnished us, consisting of potatoes, turnips, and other articles, 
most acceptable to people in our condition. Much interesting news was also 
gained from them respecting important events which had occurred since we 
left home. 
Their statements as to the condition of the ice to the northward was any 
tiling but flattering to our prospects. They had considered if so very unfavor- 
able as to abandon the attempt to push through Melville Bay, and were now 
on their way to the southward. 
On the 8th we communicated with the settlement of Uppernavik. The next 
day two more English whaling vessels passed on their way to the southward. 
At the same time, the M'Lellan, of New London, the only American whaler 
in Baffin's Bay, was descried, also standing south. On communicating with 
