We
then stood in under all sail for the land, and at eleven A.M.
Captain Lyon left the Hecla, while the ships tacked off and on to
await his return. At nine P.M. Captain Lyon returned, acquainting
me that he had met with a small bay having no stream of tide, and
being at present clear of ice, he thought it might answer our
purpose, but he wished me to see it before the ships were taken
in.
A boat from each ship being prepared, Captain Lyon and myself left
the cove at three P.M. to proceed on the proposed examination. We
separated at Point Cheyne, Captain Lyon having pointed out to me
the broad eastern channel from which the tide appeared to come,
and which if was my intention to examine, while he directed his
attention to the smaller passage he had described as leading to
the northward. It was agreed that we should return to the ships
with as little delay as was consistent with the object we had in
view, namely, to ascertain through which of the two channels it
was expedient or practicable to bring the ships.
The breeze moderated soon after our landing, and a fine clear
night succeeded. At four in the morning Mr. Ross and myself
ascended the nearest hill, in the hope of being able to satisfy
ourselves respecting the existence of a passage for the ships in
at least one direction.
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