Jan. 24.
as we were able, the strong protecting metal plates that had been torn away: we were, nevertheless, greatly surprised at the unimportant extent of the damage.
After many fruitless attempts, and frequent alterations of the Terror's rudder, by much perseverance, and the patient ingenuity of her commander and senior lieutenant, it was firmly secured to the stern post by the evening of this day. The wind was blowing fresh from the N.E., and as we drifted to the S.W. again, we began to feel the effects of a westerly swell, which set in undulating motion the densely close pack by which we were surrounded. Our necessary works of repair were now drawing towards completion, and both the ships being again in a state of efficiency, we made all sail on them in the evening, so as to bore our way to the southward before the fresh northerly breeze that was blowing, but without casting off from our friendly floe.
Jan. 25.The wind fell light early this morning, and a thick fog, with small rain, prevented our seeing beyond two or three miles. The pack was so close, that although we kept all sail upon both ships, they did not draw a-head more than twice their own length in an hour; but of course the whole body was drifting to the southward, and, judging from the rate at which we passed the bergs, we estimated our drift at about twelve to fourteen miles in the twenty-four hours. This mode of