sirous of embracing the whole of these
interesting objects, it proved a continued scene of pleasure.

At the dreadful period when they were so long fast in the ice, he had
earnestly solicited, and at length obtained, the command of a four-oared
cutter, with twelve men, ingeniously constructed for the purpose of
exploring channels, and breaking the ice: yet, while in this perilous
situation, such was the irresistible force of the large bodies of
floating ice, that several acres square were often seen lifted up
between two much larger pieces, and becoming, as it were, one with them;
and, afterwards, the piece, so formed, acting in the same manner on a
second and third; which would probably have continued to be the effect,
till the whole bay had been so filled with ice that the different pieces
could have had no possible motion, had not the stream taken an
unexpected turn, and providentially set the ice out of the bay.

An anecdote is related, as a proof of that cool intrepidity which this
young mariner possessed, even among scenes of such stupendous horror,
which seems well worthy of being also exhibited as a fine picture of
filial affection. During one of the clear nights common to these high
northern latitudes, young Nelson, notwithstanding the extreme severity
of the cold, was missing from the ship. Diligent search being
immediately made after him in vain, he was given up for lost. As the
rays of the rising sun, however, began to open the horizon, the
adventurous youth was discovered, with astonishment, on the ice, at a
considerable distance, anxiously pursuing a huge polar bear. He carried
a musket in his hand; but, the lock being injured, the piece would not
go off: he was, therefore, endeavouring to weary the animal, that he
might be able to effect his purpose with the butt-end. Captain Lutwidge,
who had been extremely uneasy during his absence, reprimanded him, on
his return, for quitting the ship without leave; and asked, in a severe
tone, what motive could possibly induce him to commit so rash an action?
All the manliness of the hero now subsiding into the simplicity of the
child--"I wished, Sir," replied the ingenuous youth, "to get the skin
for my father!" An answer which, doubtless, not only obtained him the
pardon, but the praise, of Captain Lutwidge; and confirmed that ardent
friendship which ever after subsisted between them.

Captain Phipps, too, had seen enough of the young adventurer, during
this voyag