PACIFIC AND BEERING’S STRAIT. 
275 
quarter, would remain steady until we ascertained the point of con- CHAP, 
junction of the ice and the land, which, from its position when seen in 
the morning, there was much reason to suppose would be near the ex- August, 
treme point of land in view from the mast-head. Unfortunately, while 
we were doing this, the wind fell light, and gradually drew round to 
the north-westward; and apprehending it might get so far in that 
direction as to embay the ship between the land and the ice, it became 
my duty to consider the propriety of awaiting the result of such a 
change ; knowing the necessity of keeping the ship in open water, and 
at all times, as far as could be done, free from risk, in order to insure 
her return to the rendezvous in Kotzebue Sound. There was at this 
time no ice in sight from the ship except a berg that was aground 
inshore of her; and though a blink round the northern horizon indicated 
ice in that direction, yet the prospect was so flattering that a general 
regret was entertained that an attempt to effect the north-eastern 
passage did not form the object of the expedition. We all felt the 
greatest desire to advance, but considering what would be the con- 
sequences of any accident befalling the ship, which might either oblige 
her to quit these seas at once, or prevent her returning to them a 
second year, it was evident that her being kept in open water w’as para- 
mount to every other consideration ; particularly as she had been fur- 
nished with a decked launch, well adapted by her size to prosecute a 
service of this nature. It was one of those critical situations in uUich 
an officer is sometimes unavoidably placed, and had further discovery 
depended upon the Blossom alone, it is probable I should have pro- 
ceeded at all hazards. My orders, however, being positive to avoid the 
chance of being beset in the ship, I considered only how I could most 
beneficially employ both vessels, and, at the same time, comply with 
the spirit of my instructions. Thus circumstanced, I determined to 
get hold of the barge as soon as possible, and to despatch her along the 
coast, both with a view of rendering Captain Franklin’s party the 
earliest possible assistance, and of ascertaining how far it was possible 
for a boat to go. Not a moment was to be lost in putting this project 
in execution, as the middle of August was arrived, and we could not 
calculate on a continuance of the fine weather with which we had 
X N 2 
