wind and a strong current, which compelled us to double the
East point of the island, and seek shelter among some small islands,
steering for _Niakungu_ point. From hence we got the first sight of
_Tikkerarsuk_, (the Esquimaux name for a low point stretching from the
continent into the sea), of the island _Aulatzevik_, and the high
promontory of _Kakkeviak_. The whole country to the west of _Niakungu_
is called _Serliarutsit_. It fell calm as we doubled the point, and we
took to our oars, and came to an anchor in an open bay, south of
Tikkerarsuk.

25th. At 6 P.M. we got under weigh with a fine S.E. wind, and made for
the island of _Aulatzevik_, which is about the same size as an island of
the same name, near Kiglapeyd. The passage between the island and the
main is too shallow for an European boat like ours. The wind rising we
sailed towards Kakkeviak at a great rate. To the right lay a chain of
small islands called by the Esquimaux Pikkiulits, (the habitation of
young eider-ducks). Having nearly doubled _Kakkeviak_ cape, we perceived
two tents on shore, which occasioned loud rejoicings on board. They
belonged to _Kumiganna_ of _Saeglek_, with his party, who being bound to
Killinek, had promised to accompany us thither. The wind was very high,
and the Cape encircled with numerous visible and invisible rocks, but
there was a clear passage to the shore, keeping outside of the breakers.
But whether from the violence of the wind, or from the eagerness with
which our trusty captain wished soon to join his countrymen, he steered
right through the midst of them, when suddenly the boat struck with
great violence upon a sunken rock. The shock was so great, that all on
board were thrown down, and every thing tumbled about. Poor Agnes,
Jonas's wife, got a severe wound in her head. We immediately took in all
our sails, and after hard labour, succeeded in pushing the boat off the
rock. On examination we found that all was safe, and thanked God, with
hearts filled with humble acknowledgments of His mercy, for preserving
us from danger and death. The boat had struck in such a manner, that the
keel, which was new and strong, being constructed of one solid piece of
timber, sustained the whole shock. Had she taken the rock with her
bottom, she would most likely have bilged, or upset, and it is a great
question, whether our lives, but particularly the lives of the little
children, could have been saved, the sea running very high. The
ski