LAST VOYAGE OF CAPT. ROSS. 
651 
of the following* year, in getting on board a whaler; he, however, 
made no doubt, that if such should be their fate to be starved to 
death, they would meet it with that calmness and resignation, 
which had hitherto distinguished them, since they were under 
his command ; and he should be ashamed of himself , if the same 
fate threatened to befal him, if he did not exhibit that high for¬ 
titude and energy of character, which they had seen so strikingly 
displayed him, during the trying scenes, through which they had 
been lately destined to pass. 
He was happy to inform them, that an estimate of the ways 
and means had been laid before him, and that, provided they 
kept their appetites within proper bounds, of which he professed 
his willingness to set the example, a sufficiency of provisions was 
on hand to.support them through the winter; anticipating, at the 
same time, that the benefit of fresh meat would be frequently 
obtained from the indigenous animals, particularly the foxes, of 
which he gave them liberty to shoot as many as came within the 
range of their guns. It was also gratifying to him, to tell them 
that the stock of spirits was exhausted, with the exception of a 
small quantity, which he reserved for medicinal purposes; he 
having arrived at the conviction, from personal experience, that 
the use of spirits is attended with the most injurious effects, and 
that he is disposed to attribute the general good health, which the 
crew have lately enjoyed, to no other cause than an abstinence 
from the use of spirits. 
As illustrative of this part of the speech of Capt. Ross, we may 
be allowed a parenthetical licence, and quote the 71st, 72d, and 
72d questions, which were put to him by the committee of the 
House of Commons. 
71st. “ During how much of the latter part of the voyage were 
you (?) without spirits ?”—“ Fifteen months.” 
72d. “ Do you attribute to the absence of spirits any portion 
of the health, which you latterly enjoyed as a crew.”—“ I cer¬ 
tainly do.” 
73d. “ Had there been an abundant supply of spirits, and they 
had been taken freely, do you consider your health would havs 
been so good ? 5 ’— 1S( I do not think it would,” 
