This work proved heavier than we expected, the ice being
generally from five to eight feet, and in many places from ten to eleven
in thickness. It was continued, however, with the greatest cheerfulness
and alacrity from seven in the morning till seven in the evening daily,
the dinner being prepared on the ice, and eaten under the lee of a
studding sail erected as a tent.
On the afternoon of the 19th, a very welcome stop was put to our
operations by the separation of the floe entirely across the harbour,
and about one third from the ships to where we were at work. All hands
being instantly recalled by signal, were, on their return, set to work
to get the ships into the gravelled canal, and to saw away what still
remained in it to prevent our warping to sea. This work, with only half
an hour's intermission for the men's supper, was continued till half
past six the following morning, when we succeeded in getting clear. The
weather being calm, two hours were occupied in towing the ships to sea,
and thus the officers and men were employed at a very laborious work for
twenty-six hours, during which time there were, on one occasion, fifteen
of them overboard at once; and, indeed, several individuals met with the
same accident three times.
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