THE RECONNOISSANCE. 
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scheme of relief, based upon a communication with 
the English squadron to the south, and to-morrow I 
set out to reconnoitre. Hans will go with me. We 
will fit out our poor travel-worn dogs with canvas 
shoes, and cross the floes to the true water-edge, or at 
least be satisfied that it is impossible. ‘He sees best 
who uses his own eyes.’ After that I have my course 
resolved on. 
“July 11, Tuesday.—We got back last night: a 
sixty miles’ journey,—comfortless enough, with only 
three hours’ sleep on the ice. For thirty-five miles 
south the straits are absolutely tight. Off Eefuge Inlet 
and Esquimaux Point we found driving leads; but 
between these points and the brig, not a crack. I 
pushed the dogs over the drift-ice, and, after a fair 
number of mischances, found the North Water. It 
was flowing and free; but since McGary saw it last 
May it has not advanced more than four miles. It 
would be absurd at this season of the year to attempt 
escaping in open boats with this ice between us and 
water. All that can be done is to reinforce our 
energies as we may, and look the worst in the face. 
“In view of these contingencies, I have determined 
to attempt in person to communicate with Beechy 
Island, or at least make the effort. If I can reach 
Sir Edward Belcher's squadron, I am sure of all I 
want. I will take a light whaleboat, and pick my 
companions for a journey to the south and west. I 
may find perhaps the stores of the North Star at 
the Wostenholm Islands, or by great good luck come 
