pass them, and set sail. But it soon became
evident, that there was still plenty of ice in the neighbourhood, and
the wind setting to the N.E. with fogs, we were obliged to return.
Suspecting also that the easterly wind would again drive the ice into
our former harbour at Oppernavik, we ran into a short pass, between that
and a small island called Ammitok, where we anchored under shelter of
the island. The sequel proved, that we had for once acted with sound
judgment and foresight, for our former anchoring-ground was soon filled
with ice; and during the night large flakes entered even into our
present place of refuge.

_August_ 1st. At day break we found ourselves completely surrounded by
floating ice, a strong N.W. wind driving the large shoals from the W.
side of the little pass in which we lay, with much force towards us,
insomuch that our boat was in the greatest danger of being crushed to
pieces by them. We were all day long hard at work with poles,
boat-hooks, and hatchets, to ward off the larger shoals, but when the
tide fell, they hung upon our cables and anchors, of which we had three
out, closing in also on all sides of the boat, so that we were every
moment in fearful expectation of her being carried away, and our anchors
lost, which would have reduced us to the most distressing situation.
Indeed we all cried to the Lord to help us in this dangerous situation,
and not to suffer us to perish here, but by His almighty aid, to save us
and our boat. With great and unremitting exertions we had laboured all
day, from the morning early, till seven in the evening, when the Lord
heard our prayers, and sent relief. We now succeeded in working the boat
out of the ice, the rising of the tide having opened a passage through
it, just as we were almost exhausted with fatigue. It also became quite
calm, and we felt as if we had passed from death to life.

Having anchored again on the opposite side of the little pass or strait,
we gave thanks to God, for the deliverance we had experienced through
His mercy, in which our Esquimaux, young and old, most fervently joined.

During our stay at Oppernavik, our whole stock of fire-wood was
expended, and we were obliged to purchase of our companions, what they
had to spare. We likewise robbed some old Esquimaux graves of the wooden
utensils, which it is the superstitious practice of the heathen to lay
beside the corpses of their owners, with old tent-poles, &c. and thus
obtained fu