was bilged, the rudder gone, and the stern-post much shook. Being well convinced that it was utterly impossible to save H.M. ship, and that the lives of the people depended on our immediately quitting her, I summoned my officers, who were of the same opinion. At 8 A.M. we left the ship, and after a most severe and hazardous walk on the ice, for nearly 8 miles, we with the utmost difficulty reached the island, and I am happy to say, without the loss of a single man; but some are much frost bitten and others very severely injured by falls. I cannot conclude without expressing my approbation of the cool and steady conduct of my officers and ship’s company on this trying occasion. I have the honor to remain, &c.
“To Rear-Admiral Sir R. G. Keats, K.B.”
Nothing could exceed the kindness and humanity with which Captain Lyford and his companions were received by the governor and inhabitants of Anholt. The former granted them permission to depart from thence, on terms alike honorable to both parties, whenever an opportunity might offer; the latter generously furnished them with all the means of subsistence in their power. The prospect of getting away, however, was very remote; and the supply of provisions so small, that it was found necessary to go upon an allowance of 8 ounces of rye bread, and one dried skate between every three men, per diem. Their whole stock of bread was soon expended; the poor Danes were almost as badly off as themselves. The frost continued with unabated severity, and nothing short of death by starvation appeared to be the ultimate destiny of all.
After remaining in this state of misery nearly six weeks, a favorable change of weather took place, and Mr. William Snuggs Gammon, senior lieutenant of the Proselyte (the first person who reached Anholt, on the 6th January), volunteered with 6 men, to proceed in a boat to Gottenburgh; an undertaking of the most hazardous nature, as the sea was still covered with floating ice; notwithstanding which, he persevered until he arrived within a few miles of the British shipping in that harbour; when finding it impossible to approach them any nearer in the boat, he set out on foot, taking with him only one man: and after experiencing much difficulty and danger, at length succeeded in getting on board the flag-ship.
