Journals of the First, Second and Third Voyages for the Discovery of a North-West Passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1828. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IX. Occurrences at Winter Harbour in the early part of June--Gradual Dissolution of the Ice upon the Sea and of the Snow upon the Land--Hunting Parties sent out to procure Game--Decease and Burial of William Scott--Equipment of the Ships completed--Temperate Weather during the Month of July--Breaking up of the Ice near the Ships--Move, to the lower part of the Harbour--Separation of the Ice at the EntrancePrepare to sail--Abstract of Observations made in Winter Harbour. I Had the happiness to find, on my return, that the officers and men in both ships continued to enjoy the same good health as before, with the exception of Scott, who was still the only man in the Hecla's sicklist, and whose complaint seemed such as to baffle every attempt that had been made to produce an amendment. A constant disposition to fainting and a languid sort of despondency had been, for some time past, the only symptons which had induced Mr. Edwards to continue the anti-scorbutic treatment; and this it was sometimes absolutely necessary to discontinue for a day or two together, on account of the weak state of his bowels. During my absence he had been much worse than before, notwithstanding the greatest care and attention paid to him, but he was now once more better. He had lived almost entirely on the ptarmigans and ducks, of which a sufficient quantity had been procured to serve the sick and convalescent in both ships abundantly, and none had at this time been issued to any officer or man in the expedition. The equipment of the ships had gone on satisfactorily during my absence, the Griper being nearly ready for sea, the Hecla not quite so forward, on account of the heavy work with the ballast, of which sixty-five tons had been brought on board, to supply the deficien...