192 
VOYAGE TO GREENLAND. 
possible to be described, and affords to the eyes, a 
sight most gladdening and refreshing after the con- 
tinued appearance of ice, snow, and water. 
To behold our native land, always excites the 
tenderest emotions on the mind, yet, the antici- 
pated pleasure receives a chill, from the dreaded 
apprehension of hearing of the death of some'much 
regarded friend, or, some fatality to our country, 
and it is this circumstance, which renders a voyage 
to Greenland so particularly distressing, as no pos- 
sibility presents itself of the least intelligence until 
the return. The first gleam of sun as far as the 
eye could reach, was shining over a country ; 
the mountain-tops of which were obscured in 
clouds, and extending its brilliancy over a varied 
tract covered with the charms of luxuriant vege- 
tation, and of picturesque fertility. At eleven 
o’clock in the forenoon, we took in a pilot, from 
whom we heard the particular occurrences that had 
interested the nation during our absence. On 
the ship’s private ensign being displayed at six 
o’clock in the evening, we saw the signal station 
on the Cheshire hills announcing our approach, 
and in two hours after, on account of the tide, we 
anchored off Black Rock. Our anchor had not long 
received its welcome in English soil before boats 
came conveying friends, deeply interested in our 
safety and success, to greet our return. > 
Our expedition being now at an end, I must 
add one word more to upbraid Fortune for her 
