APPENDIX NO. IV. 
325 
ridges of “jailing ice/' so heavy as to make it necessary to avoid 
them, which we successfully managed during daylight; but, after 
dark, while going under all sail six knots, we ran suddenly into one 
of them, bringing us up all standing, and caused our consort, towing 
astern, to foul us, without, however, doing any material damage. 
Pressing on, we bored through, and had but fairly relieved ourselves, 
when we encountered a heavy blow, with much sea and ice in all 
directions, requiring incessant care and manoeuvring to prevent being 
thrown against, to the inevitable destruction of the vessels. Since then, 
we have had bergs daily in sight. The numbers increased as we 
advanced north to this place, off where there are now several hundred, 
stalking quietly and majestically. 
The accouuts of the extreme severity of the present winter have in¬ 
duced me to remain here a few days to have a quantity of fur clothing 
prepared, to enable us to winter, as we shall probably be compelled to 
do, with more safety in the Arctic ice. Through the many facilities 
offered, and the obliging kindness of Mr. Olrik, the government agent, 
we have succeeded in effecting all, and are now ready and will leave 
this day for the Waigat Strait, to take as much coal as possible, and 
proceed north to Cape Alexander, touching off Upernavik for infor¬ 
mation. 
Our records and communications, at the different points touched at 
after entering the ice-barrier, will be deposited in bottles buried within 
twelve feet north by compass of cairns erected on the most con¬ 
spicuous and accessible points. 
To avoid further risk of human life in a search so extremely hazard¬ 
ous, I would suggest the impropriety of making any efforts to relieve 
us if we should not return, feeling confident that wo shall be able tc 
accomplish all necessary for our own release under the most extra¬ 
ordinary circumstances. 
In conclusion, it affords me much pleasure to state that we are all 
well and in full spirits. 
Very respectfully, &c., your obedient servant, 
H. J. Hartstene, 
Lieutenant commanding Arctic Expedition . 
Hon. J. C. Dobbin, 
Secretary of the Navy , Washington , D. G. 
