I therefore directed the tents to be
struck, and everything to be in readiness for moving on our
return. On reaching the summit of the first hill, however, we
found, as is not unfrequently the case, that our view was but
little improved, and that no prospect could be obtained to the
northward without ascending the higher hill seen the preceding
evening, which we now found still several miles beyond us. While
preparing for this, I felt so much indisposed, that, being
apprehensive of laying myself up at a time when I could least
afford to do so, I determined to intrust the proposed service to
Mr. Ross, in whose zeal and ability to accomplish it I felt the
utmost confidence. Mr. Ross and his party accordingly set out for
the hill at six A.M. On his return in the evening Mr. Ross
reported that, having reached a commanding hill, he found himself
overlooking a sea of considerable extent to the eastward, and
washing the foot of the hill on which he stood. This sea appeared
to have some islands scattered about it, and was much encumbered
with ice. To the southeastward there seemed to be several openings
between islands, of which the land we stood then upon appeared to
form one, the sea sweeping round to the northward and westward, as
if to join the strait discovered by Captain Lyon.
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