165 
this part of the coast appearing to be surrounded 
with rocks, we did not attempt approaching it more 
closely. Our chronometers made it in about 16° 2 f 
E. We saw some beacons placed along the coast, 
each in the form of a cross, which are, no doubt, 
placed there for the guidance of the Russian hun¬ 
ters. 
‘ 4 About this time we bore away for the North 
Cape, in order to water, and procure any refresh¬ 
ments that could be got. After making the land 
to the westward of the Cape, we stood into a large 
bay to look for a place of safety to accomplish our 
purpose, hardly suspecting that any inhabitants 
were to be found. On standing in, we observed 
some boats under sail, one of which was soon brought 
along side, that contained a family of Finmarkers, 
some of whom spoke the Danish language. They 
informed us of the town of Hammerfest being close 
by, and offered to take us in. This offer was soon 
embraced, and, in a few hours, the town opened to 
our view; which, to our astonishment, contained a 
church, batteries, &c. The Captain of the Port 
soon made his appearance, and anchored us in safe¬ 
ty. I made a survey of this place, and ascertained 
its latitude and longitude as correctly as possible, 
which are as follow : 
The latitude of Hammerfest Town, 
ascertained by a good Sextant and 
False-Horizon, taken on shore, 
was found . . . .70° 38' 84" N. 
t 
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