It was soon read by every one on board, and
various opinions pronounced. The determination of our captain had at
least this good effect; it gave every one something to think and
talk about, made a break in our life, and diverted our minds from
the monotonous dreariness of the prospect before us. Having made a
fair wind of it, we were going off at a good rate, and leaving the
thickest of the ice behind us. This, at least, was something.
Having been long enough below to get my hands well warmed and
softened, the first handling of the ropes was rather tough; but a
few days hardened them, and as soon as I got my mouth open wide enough
to take in a piece of salt beef and hard bread, I was all right again.
Sunday, July 10th. Lat. 54 deg. 10', long. 79 deg. 07'. This was our
position at noon. The sun was out bright; the ice was all left behind,
and things had quite a cheering appearance. We brought our wet
pea-jackets and trowsers on deck, and hung them up in the rigging,
that the breeze and the few hours of sun might dry them a little; and,
by the permission of the cook, the galley was nearly filled with
stockings and mittens, hung round to be dried.
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