Page:Narrative of the Discoveries on the North Coast of America.djvu/156

 When we had neared it, by our reckoning, we found ourselves barred from the land by a broad stream of heavy ice, extending out to seaward, and lashed by a strong swell. The fog was so thick that we were in the danger ere we knew of it, and my boat was driven against the ice. With violent exertion she was fended off till the sails filled, and away she dashed upon the other tack. After a few hours' cruise and a thorough drenching we made the shore in the bottom of the bay, about three miles to the westward of our former position. At noon, the lat. 70° 9′ 48″ N., variation 45° E., were ascertained. The longitude, reduced from Foggy Island, was 147° 30′ W.

In the afternoon we enjoyed a distinct view of the Franklin Mountains, extending from S. E. to S.W. by S. (true), the central and highest peak bearing S. by E. about twenty miles distant. They were still partially covered with snow; and the whole range presents a precipitous front to the coast. The storm again increased during the evening, and the hardiest among us were glad to assume the warm dresses provided against a winter residence on the shores of the Polar Sea.

Sunday, 23rd.—The weather moderated as the morning advanced, and at 10 we once more set