LAST VOYAGE OF CAPT. ROSS. 
589 
On the 24th, the ice again made a move, as if it would leave 
the bay ; but now, if the navigation had been clear, the wind 
was directly adverse to them leaving the harbour, as it blew 
hard from the north, which, although favorable for clearing it 
of ice, was contrary to enabling the ship, if out, to clear the 
north east point of the bay. 
The clear water outside, was open until nearly the end of 
October, but in the bay, the ice was a foot in thickness, and 
every hope was now abandoned of reaching England again in 
the Victory. The ship was therefore properly secured, more as 
a place of residence for the approaching winter, than with any 
expectation of ever being able to get her to sea again. She 
was totally unrigged, and every thing, that could be taken, was 
carried on shore, with the exception of the provisions, which 
were now reduced to a very small quantity ; it being ascertained 
that there was not a sufficiency for the support of the crew, 
beyond the ensuing May or June. 
We are now arrived at that point, when it becomes necessary 
to speak of that discovery, to which the greatest importance 
is attached; namely, the discovery of the true position of the 
magnetic pole, which, in the words of Capt. Ross, is the crown 
of all his discoveries, or rather of the discoveries of Commander 
Ross; for it must be understood, that when speaking of any 
discovery, that was made during this expedition, it is always 
implied, that such discovery was made by the latter officer, for 
we are not aware of a single one having been effected by Capt. 
Ross himself, although on his return, the fable, of the fly on 
the coach wheel, was completely verified, and a privilege of 
royalty assumed, by making use of the first person plural, when 
speaking of the great achievements, which he accomplished ; in 
which particular he also resembled royalty, in another very 
striking feature, namely that both of them are decidedly ignorant 
of the subject matter, to which their authority is attached. 
Were we inclined to give credence to the different reports 
circulated, on the return of Capt. Ross, relative to the discovery 
of the magnetic pole, we should be apt to consider the greater 
part of the account as wholly fabulous, and that the true position 
