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7

to reach the shore, though it consumed nearly the whole day.

This was evidently the last trip we could make with the Wade this winter, so made immediate preparations for hauling her upon the point to winter as it was too late to get her to any more secure place.

While we were preparring purchases, a large field of ice struck her raising her entirely out of the water, and throwing her with force upon the bank about 12 feet above her former position. Her wheel was badly broken but we have the means ^[[of]] repairing it, Her hulk was also cut through in several places, Her machinery suffered no injury that we could learn, though it was thrown somewhat out of place.

The next day we saw all the boats leaving the Gate at a great risk breaking their way through the ice. When they reached the shore we learned that the Gate was full of water, having been cut through by the ice. She had about 70 days provision aboard for her crew, all of which had been secured from the water, upon the main deck. I had received supplies for 25 men only, but now there is 46 men upon the point, at the commencement of a long Arctic