VOYAGE TO THE 
On opening the prospect south of this point, our spirits were 
greatly enlivened at perceiving the channel clear for a long way, and 
hoping that by constant tracking we should do much towards getting 
clear of the ice, we divided the crew into two parties, gave each man a 
dram, and sent one division on board to rest, whilst the other laboured at 
the line. About eight a. m. the wind freshened so heavily against us, 
that we contemplated whether or not it would be advantageous to make 
a trial with the canvass, particularly as the main body of ice was a little 
more distant from the shore : but remembering our position at two 
V. M. on the preceding day, we agreed that the current was too strong, 
and that if we should get encircled by the ice we must inevitably be 
separated from the shore, carried back with the stream, or forced to sea. 
The difficulty of drawing the boat against so strong a wind and current 
became now very great, and we began to seek a place where she might 
be laid free of the ice. But the straight line of coast offered us no 
prospect of such an asylum : we therefore determined to prosecute our 
first intention of persevering in our endeavours as long as possible. By 
eleven a. m. we reached a village of nine tents, and trusted through 
the influence of tobacco, beads, &c. to receive some assistance from 
the inhabitants. Two of them approached us at first with some dif- 
fidence ; but Mr. Elson throwing the presents on shore, and myself 
going to meet them, after much gesticulation denoting peaceable in- 
tentions, we joined company. The ratification of rubbing noses and 
cheeks being over, a leaf of tobacco given to each soon gained their 
confidence. One of them, an old man, seemed very thankful for his 
present, offering me any part of his garment as a reimbursement, 
which I declined accepting. Seeing so friendly an interview, several 
more ventured towards us ; and learning from their companions the 
treasures I possessed, were very eager to obtain some. By a few signs 
I easily made them understand that their assistance at the track-line 
would be amply rewarded. Six or seven directly took hold of the 
rope ; and our people relaxing a little in their exertions, though con- 
tinuing at the line, we proceeded along gaily ; but I was frequently 
obhged to have recourse to the presents to keep them pulling. We 
had not passed the tents more than half a mile when a new' and a very 
