548 
VOYAGE TO THE 
CHAPTER XIX. 
Arrive at Cliamisso Island — Find the Barge wrecked — Lieutenant Belcher’s Proceedings 
Conduct of the Natives — Approach of Winter — Final Departure from the Polar Sea 
Observations upon the Probability of the North-West Passage from the Pacific- 
Remarks upon the Tribe inhabiting the North-West Coast of America — Return to 
California — Touch at San Bias, Valparaiso, Coquimbo, Rio Janeiro — Conclusion. 
CHAP. After having so narrowly escaped shipwreck, we beat up all night 
with thick weather, and the next morning steered for Chamisso Island. 
Sept. As we approached the anchorage we were greatly disappointed at not 
seeing the barge at anchor, as her time had expired several days, and 
her provisions were too nearly expended for her to remain at sea with 
safety to her crew ; but on scrutinizing the shore with our telescopes, 
we discovered a flag flying upon the south-west point of Choris Pen- 
insula, and two men waving a piece of white cloth to attract attention. 
Amidst the sensations of hope and fear, a doubt immediately arose 
whether the people we saw were the long looked for land expedition, 
or the crew of our boat, who had been unfortunate amongst the ice, 
or upon the coast, in the late boisterous weather. The possibility 
of its being the party under Captain Franklin arrived in safety, after 
having accomplished its glorious undertaking, was the first, because 
the most ardent, wish of our sanguine minds ; but this was soon con- 
tradicted by a nearer view of the flag, which was clearly distinguished 
to be the ensign of our own boat, hoisted with the union downwards, 
emblematical of distress. The boats were immediately sent to the 
relief of the sufferers, with provisions and blankets, concluding, as we 
saw only part of the crew stirring about, and others lying down within 
