DEPARTURE FROM WOOLWICH. 
113 
comfort of the crew, on their arrival in the northern latitudes. 
Whilst on the passage down the river, part of the engine gave 
way, which doubtless presented a flattering prospect of the great 
value which it would possess, when put in action to propel the 
vessel through a floe of ice, when it broke down even on 
the smooth water of the Thames. On the arrival of the V ictory 
at Woolwich at So’clock, it being then high water, the accident 
was repaired, and the crew were paid their wages in advance 
At four o’clock, the Victory cast off from the buoy, amidst the 
cheers and acclamations of the people on shore, and the crowds 
that were assembled round the ship in boats. The weather was 
beautifully serene and clear, the silken colours of the Victory 
fluttered in the breeze, with their golden ornaments, being the 
handy-work of a lady, who presented them to Capt. Ross, as a 
token of her admiration of the noble spirit, which urged him to 
brave the perils of the icy regions, in a laudable attempt to pro¬ 
mote the interests of science and of commerce. It was a sight 
at once exhilarating and flattering to the spirit of the nation, to 
witness the enthusiasm which appeared to pervade the mind of 
all ranks of people, as they cheered the gallant vessel, which was 
destined perhaps to carry the flag of Britain, where no flag ever 
waved before, and to complete an achievement, which had occu¬ 
pied the maritime spirit of the country, from the earliest period 
of its history. 
At Woolwich, Capt. Ross obtained from his majesty's dock 
yard, a very fine launch and two boats, that were out with Capt. 
Franklin, with all their guns, equipments, and stores. At 
Gravesend, the pilot was taken on board, and having put the 
mechanics on shore, the Victory steamed down the river until 
her arrival off Margate, where Sheriff Booth, his brother, and 
Capt. Duke, R. N. were put on shore, bidding farewell to their 
gallant friends, and wishing them a safe return to their native 
land. In the Downs, the wind freshening to the eastward, the 
engine was stopped, the paddles hove up, and at 9 a.m. took in 
all sail, except the close reefed fore topsail, foresail, and fore and 
aft main sail. It may be necessary to remark, that the Victory was 
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