ointed
to a particular boat, provisions were got on deck, and every two men
were allowed one bag between them for spare clothes, attached to lines
which were passed through the upper deck, ready to be pulled up at any
moment. One day the vessel was raised six feet out of the water by the
pressure of the ice; and it became so probable that she would fall on
her broadside, that the men were employed with shovels and pickaxes in
smoothing a place on the ice for her to lie upon." Again, on the 6th, a
large floe came down upon them with great violence, and, pressing the
vessel against the land ice, lifted her several feet out of the water.
Everyone rushed on deck, with the exception of the carpenter, who coolly
sounded the well to ascertain the depth of water in the hold. For some
hours the ship was in danger of being driven on shore; the ice continued
to grind and pile up round her, while all the ice-anchors were laid out,
one of which was wrenched in two by the tremendous strain, and thrown
high up into the air. The wind, however, providentially changed, the
ice slackened, and they were safe. At length, while Captain Austin's
squadron were secured for the winter in a field of ice between
Cornwallis and Griffiths Islands, Mr Penny and Sir John Ross reached
Assistance Harbour, where they wintered. A variety of means were taken
to amuse the crews during the depth of winter; and, as soon as spring
began, exploring parties went out in every direction. We cannot trace
the progress of the several parties in boats and sledges. Their
persevering struggles serve to prove the existence, at all events, if
that were required, of the heroic endurance of hardships, the
indomitable courage, the invariable cheerfulness under the most
depressing trials, and the unconquerable ardour, in spite of every
obstacle, characteristic of British seamen. About 2000 miles altogether
were traversed by the different parties. Mr Penny made every effort to
ascend Wellington Channel; but his success was trifling compared to his
unwearied endeavours. When his sledge was stopped by open water, and
after incredible labours a boat was brought to the spot, thick-ribbed
ice had collected to impede its progress. All the efforts of the heroic
explorers were in vain. Lieutenant De Haven's ships returned to the
United States, after enduring many hardships; and Captain Austin, Sir
John Ross, and Mr Penny came back to England in the autumn of 1851.

Anothe