As soon as it was daylight Mr. Ross and myself ascended the hill
above our sleeping-place, from whence we could perceive land
stretching round to the westward and northward, so as apparently
to leave no opening in that quarter. We were much surprised at the
low and yellowish appearance of this land, both of which
circumstances we were at a loss to reconcile with Captain
Middleton's description of the bold shore of the American
Continent, on the western side of the Welcome, about this
latitude. It was pleasing, however, to observe a large expanse of
sea, wholly unencumbered with ice, in the direction we were now
about to pursue; and we therefore hastened to the beach to
continue the survey of the strait, that no time might be lost in
taking advantage of this favourable circumstance.
After completing our observations and examination of the channel,
we reached the ship by eight A.M., the Fury having, with great
attention, been kept close off the entrance of the strait during
the night. The Hecla had at this time just hove in sight, under a
press of sail, to the eastward, having at length, with much
difficulty, succeeded in getting into clear water.
At half past nine on the 17th we got under way, and stood under
all sail to the N.
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