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8

Winter, with only half enough supplies to carry them through.

Each man felt the necessity of saving every particle of food that could be obtained from the Gate, and in a few minutes our four boats were manned with volunteers to try and make another passage to the wreck. Each boat was provided with tacks, zinc. and canvass for repairing them in case of being cut through. It was particularly dangerous, as the ice was not strong enough to sustain them should their boats be destroyed.

It was only by constant bailing that they reached the wreck, as every boat was cut or pinched by the ice. There they repaired them and loaded up, reaching the shore safely, but some of the boats were in bad condition. We then plated the boats with copper and by taking advantage of the tide and ice, succeeded in saving almost everything. The Capt did not leave the ship until everything was saved, and he as well as his Officers and crew exerted themselves to the utmost throughout.

We expected she would be cut to pieces and carried off but the ice piled up around her making a bulwark, so I think she will be secure until the heavy spring ice strikes her in which case much can be