184 
FOR Griffith’s island. 
hauled in ; the steamers steamed, and off went the 
rest of us as we might. This step was not taken a 
whit too soon, if it he ordained that we are yet in 
time ; for the stream-ice covers the entire horizon, and 
the large floe or main which we have deserted is bare- 
ly separated from the drifting masses. The Rescue is 
now the object of our search. Could she be found, 
the captain has determined to turn his steps home- 
ward. 
“11 20 A.M. We are working, i. beating our way 
in the narrow leads intervening irregularly between 
the main ice and the drift. We have gained at least 
two miles to windward of Austin’s squadron, who are 
unable, in spite of steamers, to move along these dan- 
gerous passages like ourselves. Our object is to reach 
Griffith’s Island, from which we have drifted some fif- 
teen miles with the main ice, and then look out for 
our lost consort. 
“ The lowest temperature last night was +5°, but 
the wind makes it colder to sensation. We are grind- 
ing through newly-formed ice three inches thick ; the 
perfect consolidation being prevented by its motion and 
the wind. Even in the little fireless cabin in which 
I now write, water and coffee are freezing, and the 
mercury stands at 29°. 
“ The navigation is certainly exciting. I have nev- 
er seen a description in my Arctic readings of any 
thing like this. We are literally running for our lives, 
surrounded by the imminent hazards of sudden con- 
solidation in an open sea. All minor perils, nips, 
bumps, and sunken bergs are discarded ; w^e are stag- 
gering along under all sail, forcing our way while we 
can. One thump, received since I commenced writ- 
ing, jerked the time-keeper from our binnacle down 
