392 
LAST VOYAGE OF CAPT. ROSS. 
morning subsequently to the firing of the rocket, the Esquimaux 
came on board in quest of food, when Capt. Ross, pointing to a 
particular direction, told them, that if they would direct their 
course to that quarter, they would infallibly catch a seal. In 
full reliance on the truth of this statement, although it then 
blew a heavy gale, the Esquimaux departed, and by one of 
those strange coincidences, on which sometimes the very fate 
of a human being depends, a seal was in reality caught, and 
Capt. Ross ever afterwards stood in their estimation as a super¬ 
natural being. 
The stormy weather continued during the whole of the 7th, 
but unaccompanied with snow; still, however, it was by no 
means propitious for the objects of Commander Ross’ excursion, 
and personally considered it was sufficient to daunt the stoutest 
heart, and to render nugatory the most judicious plans. Com¬ 
mander Ross was not, however, one of those characters, who 
are deterred from the prosecution of any particular pursuit, by 
the first trivial obstacle that may present itself. There were 
only two points, which, Commander Ross sought to attain, 
either complete success, or the thorough conviction that it was 
altogether unattainable ; he was never satisfied with half and 
half measures, and as long as a glimpse of success was held 
forth to cheer him on his way, he never looked backwards with 
despondency.—nor forward with despair. He was a man cut 
out by nature to achieve some great work, and we will venture 
to predict, that if the North West Passage be ever discovered, 
that discovery will be accomplished by Commander Ross. 
The 7th April was a memorable day on board the Victory, as 
on it the fate of the steam engine was decided upon, irrevocably, 
and unalterably. A report had been drawn up by Capt. Ross, 
stating the manifold advantages, which he had derived from the 
use of the engine, whenever it could be made of any use at all, 
which was to be carried to the credit side of the engine, for 
the examination and approbation of all those concerned, directly 
or indirectly, in the rational project. Unfortunately, however, 
after straining and stretching the memory to bring to recollect¬ 
ion the exact time and place, when and where the enjoyment 
