masses, tumbling in confusion, similar to ice forced in upon the beach by gales of Mind. They were doubtless detached masses from the mountains. But near Cape Suckling the inclination of the steps was very slight, and apparently had subsided perpendicularly for many miles in gradation.
The forms observed will best be illustrated by the sketch. (Vide plate and woodcut.)
By night we had a confirmed fair wind, a relief of no small moment bodily, as well as mentally, for anxiety most decidedly deadens the faculties; and I was anything but easy respecting the Starling, as from Kellett's sanguine temperament he might think our protracted absence imported accident, and starting to seek us, might miss us for some time.
On the morning of the 7th we had sighted the land near Cape Phipps, and found that we had been driven much to the westward by the current. Fortunately I was prepared for this, and hauled up until I brought Mount Fairweather over Cape Turner, which the chart showed to be a good leading mark (or N. 88° E.) for the entrance.
We were even in doubt on opening the mouth of the port, which appeared like a cluster of islands. However, I knew, if she was within, that a gun would soon bring some signal in return, and Mas not deceived, as the smoke of the Starling's reply soon curled over the points. Being sure of our mark, we bore up for the anchorage, passing from soundings at sixty fathoms suddenly into thirteen and
